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Sweet Pea ​Births
Sweet Pea ​Births
...celebrating every swee​t pea their birth
...celebrating every swee​t pea their birth
Blog
Upcoming Event: Club MomMe Spring Fest
| Posted on April 15, 2015 at 8:07 AM |
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It's that time of year again! If you haven't experienced a Club MomMe Fest, then you won't have any excuses left...they have provided all SPB readers with a $10.00 off discount off *any* ticket option for the April 19, 2015 event (link provided at the bottom of this post). I was able to attend last year's Spring Family Fest - what a tremendous opportunity! The keynot address was by Dr. Harvey Karp (life changing!!), and there were several panels geared towards families who are in their childbearing years. Add to that: amazing vendors, great gear, and lots of pampering opportunities scattered throughout the event (not that I took advantage of the pampering...I was too busy looking+touching great products, and meeting amazing people!)  When you attend an Club MomMe Family Fest, you will get a tour of the latest and greatest in gear, the opportunity to touch and feel the newest products on the market, and meet amazing small business owners who are committed to providing quality products to families in their childbearing year. Links to this year's event:
Ready to buy your ticket? For that special offer of $10 off your ticket, click HERE. Disclaimer: It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation. Krystyna and Bruss Bowman and Bowman House, LLC accept no liability for the content of this site, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided. This blog contains information about our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained on this blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method® or the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®. |
Rally to Improve Birth 2013
| Posted on July 16, 2013 at 6:59 PM |
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 Did you know that there is a national organization advocating
evidence-based care and humanity in childbirth?
I first became aware of ImprovingBirth.org when they held their first rally last year. In order to bring awareness to the maternity health care crisis in our country, the organizers chose the date of Labor Day for the national event. This year, they are truly nation-wide – there is at least one rally planned in all 50 states, and as of today, it looks like they are up to eight international locations. What maternity health care crisis in the United States, you ask? Here is a look at the numbers. In the world:
So do you know why I find this so infuriating?
Are you motivated to stand with women, children and coaches to rally for
change? On September 2, 2013, from 10 a.m. – 12 noon local time, cities across the states are going to host a Rally to Improve Birth. The rally is not to promote one kind of birth over other kinds of births. It is not about bashing care providers and birthing facilities.
What is the message that Improving Birth is striving for? Here are some of the messages they hope to get across that day (hint...ideas for rally signs):
You can click HERE to find
your local rally (readers in the Phoenix, AZ area - local info at the bottom of this post): http://rallytoimprovebirth.com/find-a-rally-near-you/ If you can’t stand side-by-side with the families attending the rally, you can still participate. All the rallies are 100% volunteer organized – even a donation of $10.00 can help buy water to hydrate all the mamas, babies, coaches and care providers standing under the hot sun on Labor Day to bring awareness and change to the maternal healthcare system.
HERE is a story from an "eye-roller" at last year’s rally, to a supporter at this year’s rally. I would like to think that these stories are few and far between. Unfortunately, I know they are not. Due to my involvement in the birth community at large, I have personally heard stories from several women who felt completely violated by their care providers and the current standard of care. We can make a difference. We can stand together and insist that it is time to humanize birth again, to use evidence-based care, and to involve the birthing family as partners in their birth story. For more information, please visit their main website: Readers in the Phoenix, AZ area Here is the info on our local event: September 2, 2013 10:00 am to 12:00 pm Tempe Beach Park 54 West Rio Salado Parkway Tempe, Arizona 85281 To stay up-to-date on the local event, visit the Facebook Page.  Disclaimer: The material included on this site is for informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation. Krystyna and Bruss Bowman and Bowman House, LLC accept no liability for the content of this site, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided. This blog contains information about our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained on this blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method® or the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®. |
An Inside Look: Total Momma + Family Care
| Posted on June 28, 2013 at 7:48 AM |
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Welcome to today's guest blogger, Koren Michelle. She is the founder of Total Momma + Family Care, providing postpartum care, family fitness and nutrition classes, and support for mamas at all stages of their parenting journey. When
I had my son in 2010, I didn’t know anyone with kids. All of our family is back in Ohio. I was on my own. However, I knew I wanted a homebirth. I was determined to succeed with
breastfeeding, cloth diapering, and babywearing.
While I did succeed with all of these things, that first year was TOUGH.
I have since made friends with lots of parents, and learned so much!  In my
heart of hearts I believe that women are not meant to parent alone. We are not designed to live in isolation. Especially when you have this tiny little
creature that you love so dearly and yet requires so much of your body, time
and patience you occasionally find yourself feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. Understandably so. We all need help, hugs, a soft place to land
when we hit the floor. Someone to hold
the baby so we can shower in peace…So I have been inspired… to provide a support system for all those moms in the valley that need it. I created Total Momma + Family Care. My service is mobile and I specialize in Postpartum/Momma Care, Placenta Crafting, Family Fitness & Nutrition. I’m a yoga professional trained in the art of placenta crafting, obsessed with healthy cooking and homesteading ventures. I know from experience and association what mommas struggle with, postpartum and beyond. I take care of moms, kids, families. I am here to motivate, educate, mentor, conversate. Postpartum/Momma care is the core of my business. This is what I’m passionate about. I come to the home at any time of need. This can be immediately postpartum or months later. It all depends on the mom and the situation. I take an assessment of mom: How is mom feeling? What does mom need help with today? I base my work around each mother’s individual needs. I provide meals, clean house, do laundry, attend to children so mom can rest or address other needs, run errands, provide groceries… Sometimes moms just need company. In short, moms do A LOT, and I come in to assist and cover for her so she can recharge and keep going. This makes for a happier, more confident mom and thus, a happier family. I was trained by Lindsay Williams of Sonoran Desert Placenta Encapsulation Services to prepare and encapsulate placentas for consumption. I pick up your placenta, handle it safely and with reverence as I prepare, cook, and dehydrate it, then I deliver it back to you in whatever form you request. With all placenta services I include 2 hours of postpartum care. The
last piece of taking care of mommas is making sure mommas have the knowledge,
resources, and motivation to get back on track.
We all want to look good to feel good.
Juggling your needs with the needs of the family can make this goal seem
impossible at times. I can assist you
with your goals by coming to you and designing a customized, comprehensive
fitness plan OR you may opt to join in on some of the classes I regularly host
from my home studio in South Tempe. Classes I currently offer are:
My home is set up as a sanctuary for moms. I want all moms to have a place they enjoy coming to, where kids can play and interact together safely and naturally. You may follow me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TotalMomma You may
reach me at [email protected] or
call 480.466.2004 Here is a link to Koren's class schedule for July 2013:
Please leave us a comment - although it doesn't show up immediately, it will be moderated and
posted. *I think* that the amount of traffic you so generously
generate has led to a lot of spam posting. In an effort to keep the spam
to a minimum, I am taking the time to moderate comments now. Disclaimer: The material included on this site is for informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation. Krystyna and Bruss Bowman and Bowman House, LLC accept no liability for the content of this site, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided. This blog contains information about our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained on this blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method® or the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®. |
An Inside Look: Blue Russ Holistic Health Coaching
| Posted on June 2, 2013 at 12:22 AM |
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How did you get started in
the field of nutrition? 
I've been fascinated by food
since I was first allowed to cook as a child. The endless flavor combinations!
As a teenager, I was without dairy for a year when my family lived in Africa.
When we returned, I went straight for a glass of milk and immediately my
stomach cramped up. I had considered this sensation normal as a child and it
was then I made the connection between food and health. I went on to experiment
with different foods and learn more about the connection between what I ate and
how I felt. When I was pregnant the first time, I learned even more, reading
every book on pregnancy health I could get my hands on. Equally strong passions
for me are health and social justice. It is a clear calling for me to be a
healer and my aspirations are to change the world one mother at a time.What is your favorite part of what you do?
I have so many favorite
parts! The spark in a client's eye as they articulate exactly what their next
step is, the one they are ready for, the one that will change everything. The
relief in a mother's voice when her children or husband actually enjoy their
green veggies. Helping women connect with each other, sparking lively,
life-changing conversation. The learning and growing I experience with every
single session and class. I could go on and on… How does a family participate in your services? 
My specialty is moms: Fertility,
pregnancy, motherhood and grandmotherhood. I have also worked with couples,
which is wonderful, but I primarily work with moms. Moms tend to be the leaders
of the family and over time everyone follows their healthy example.
My philosophy is that guilt, blame, shame,
calorie counting and strict dieting all lead to needless suffering. It is
through understanding and honoring ourselves that we make quality choices. I
see my role as facilitating and strengthening the connection a mother has with
her inner wisdom.
In practical terms, I offer one-on-one health
coaching, cooking classes, workshops and online programs. All are designed to
help moms reach a higher level of health and joy in their lives. The
transformations I witness are beyond belief - I've supported women through
ending their sugar addiction, taking control of their children's health, losing
weight, changing careers, finally finding true love and much more.
My favorite is working with women one-on-one in
my 6-month program. This gives her the chance to take it step by step, avoid
overwhelm and we have time to explore all areas of her life. I consider primary
foods to be what's going on her life, not what she eats. Primary foods include
relationships, physical activity, career and spirituality. If these areas of
life are not simultaneously addressed, even the most perfect diet will do
nothing to improve her health. How can you help a family when they are
expecting? 
I love working with pregnant
women! They are motivated to be healthy and their choices truly do effect the
next generation. When she feels her best, and her primary foods are in order,
baby gets the best start. I offer a variety of programs from a one week whole
foods cleanse that is safe for pregnancy and nursing to a 6 week group program
to a 6 month one-on-one program.Do you offer any classes for postpartum
health?
Yes! In addition to my other
program options, I have a new offering just for the postpartum period! I call
it "Eat Well for Two" and it involves a day of food prep, recipes,
pantry make-over and health strategy session, all in the comfort of the new
mother’s home. How do you coach a family through first foods
and starting solids?
There are a variety of ways
to introduce solids into a baby’s diet. Each family is different and I work
with their unique situation to discover what is best. In general, breastfeeding
for as long as possible and introducing foods at about 6 months is best. Most
babies experiment with food long before they are ready to eat it. I say let
them at it! I see my role as assisting parents in listening to their intuition
and baby’s cues in order to confidently introduce foods. I offer information
and recommendations but ultimately it has to feel right within the family! How can we get our family to eat healthy
greens that we know we are supposed to eat - the variety and the scope can be
so intimidating! 
So glad you asked about
greens! I am passionately in love with greens. This was not always the case,
but experimenting with recipes to find the ones I enjoy has been the key. I
love to spread the green joy. In fact, I offer an entire week of recipes and
support through my online program, “A Week of Greens.” I worked with a mom who
used to choke down spinach because she knew it was good for her. Now she
actually looks forward to delicious salads and cooked greens every day! The
next Week of Greens will be offered in November.Is there anything else our families
should know about your services, and the classes you offer?
I am passionate about helping moms live a
vibrant life. Being a mother may be the most challenging job in the world, but
it is also the most enjoyable when mom is at her best - not to mention the
ripple effect into the next generation and the planet! It's not about guilt, it's
about power. We have the power to make the world better than we found it!
I encourage all moms to go to my website, check
me out and sign up for my e-newsletter to get tips, recipes and event
invitations. Right now I am offering a
free menu planner to all new subscribers, available immediately when you sign
up!  When a mom feels ready to take steps to improve
her life, I am ready to support her with a free health strategy session that
can be done by phone, Skype or in person at my Phoenix and Chandler offices. Do you have on-line options for clients who
are not able to join a class in person? I offer four different programs online
throughout the year. The next one starts on June 10 and is called “Vegan for a
Week.” Having a menu plan, recipes, shopping list and group support will go a
long way to increase participants’ vegetable intake. I’m not 100% vegan myself
nor am I interested in pushing any single diet, but I do think that there are
several dietary theories that are worth exploring, including the vegan diet.
I also offer webinars from time to time. The
best way to be up to date on my online offerings is to sign up for my
newsletter at
Have you ever considered a health coach? What would you get help with? Please leave us a comment - it will be moderated and
posted. *I think* that the amount of traffic you so generously
generate has led to a lot of spam posting. In an effort to keep the spam
to a minimum, I am taking the time to moderate comments now. Disclaimer: The material included on this site is for informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation. Krystyna and Bruss Bowman and Bowman House, LLC accept no liability for the content of this site, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided. This blog contains information about our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained on this blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method® or the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®. |
10 Wishes For Your Birth and Beyond
| Posted on May 10, 2013 at 11:29 AM |
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 It’s hard to believe…and I know, I say this every three months – Time Flies! We are almost finished with another class series. As we get ready to send another set of Papas and Pods off into the world to prepare for the arrival of their Sweet Peas, I wanted to write our “Wish List” for their Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby outcome. What we hope you will remember: 1. You are a team. As a couple, you lovingly conceived your child. You have attended a trimester of Bradley Method® classes together to learn about the normal, low-risk process of pregnancy, labor and birth. Trust in the information you learned together; use the communication skills you learned and practiced in class. Fill your toolbox full of comfort measures and relaxation techniques with daily practice. All that information will be available when you need it. 2. You hired a care provider you trust.  As long as mom and baby are doing well in labor, and as long as your care provider supports you, then mamas are free to eat, drink, move, sleep, and use a shower or tub as needed. Both of you have an inner voice, an instinct that will tell you what your body/ your partner needs and what needs to happen to stay the course you planned and prepared for. 4. You need to sleep! Mamas: If you want to allow your labor to stay healthy and low risk, you need to rest. Along with that, you need to eat when you are hungry, and drink *before* you are thirsty. Dr. Bradley called the woman in labor an, “obstetrical athlete”. In order to perform with peak strength and stamina, a mother has the best opportunity for the outcome she wants if she has rested, is full of bioavailable fuel, and is hydrated to the point of efficiency for all the hormones that are at work during the process of labor. She has set herself up for an intervention-free outcome. If the mother gets too tired and too weak, then she and her partner will be making different choices. Coaches: You need to sleep because you will not have the surge of endorphins that mama gets for her “second wind”. You will be laboring just as long as mama is – so take care of yourself so you can support her. Remember to take a few phone numbers of assistant coaches that you can call in for back up, if and when you need reinforcements to run errands or energize your labor. 5. You can do this!  Coaches: Your words, your touch, and your love are “the something” she needs. Always have three options available in the back of your mind when you offer a comfort measure – one of them will resonate with your partner. Know which relaxation exercises your partner likes, and have few more in your toolbox to use if/when those stop working. Remember the core of her that attracted you to your partner in the first place? Remind her of that when she needs encouragement. You are about to see raw female energy – embrace it and help her find the courage to surrender to the energy of labor that needs no intervention or help from the conscious mind.7. You are the consumer with three magic questions.  Whether you are at home, a birth center, or the hospital, you will come to decision points in your labor. There are two separate pages in the workbook where we outline questions for informed consent and provide a study help for families to evaluate which path they would want to take if and when they face those decision points in their labor. If you forget your workbook and/or memorizing the list of questions is not “in the cards”, we wish you will remember these three “magic questions”:Is Mom okay? (“YES”) Is Baby okay? (“YES”) Since they are both okay, may we just have some more time? (Usually, “NEGOTIATE”) If there is no medical reason for an intervention, patience is often the choice that our students make in the interest of avoiding a cascade of interventions: agreeing to one intervention may lead to another, to another, etc. All the couples that complete our Bradley™ series attend with the intention of having an intervention-free birth. Very rarely, you get a “NO” answer to one of the, “Are they okay,” questions. In your case, it may become apparent that you need to go down a different path for a Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby outcome. Please take it – there are no medals for having a natural birth at all costs. You will not regret the choices that are made out of love for the mother and child in order to ensure that they are both well after labor and birth. You may need time to process your birth story, however, having a Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby is the outcome we wish for all of our families. 8. You have a support system.  A normal, low-risk labor and birth is followed by a period of euphoria before reality sets in. If you have some interventions and/or a cesarean, there may be a mix of euphoria and grieving for the birth you did not have. Then, reality sets in: you have a new life that is completely dependent on you. I have written in more detail about the postpartum period HERE. Please seek out resources and a community to help you through the first six months to a year – you are not alone! Your Bradley™ classmates are one source of community. Beyond that, there are support groups for breastfeeding, postpartum depression, cesarean recovery, and more. 9. You need to sleep! Sleep is essential for Mama so that she can heal, make milk, and have the emotional reserves to make the transition to being a mother of one, two, three+ children. Coaches, you need to sleep so that can put your happy face on and be helpful when she wakes up for the night feedings, the extra stops at the store on the way home from work, and anything else that mama may ask of you as you both transition to life as parents. 10. Your baby is counting on you.  Your child will not have words to express themselves for several months. You are your child’s best advocate. Consumerism continues beyond your pregnancy and birth. Newborn procedures, infant standards of care, parenting choices: these are all part of your “new normal”. Which choices work for your family? There is no book that is a manual for raising your child. Your child is your best teacher. Look to the books for ideas; use the ones that work for your family and toss out the rest of them. You two are the best resource – your baby carries your genetic code – trust the process and the genes. You will know how to best parent your child when you honor and respect them as human beings first. We invite you to parent from a place of love now and forever.What tips would you share with a couple preparing for labor and birth? Please leave us a comment - it will be moderated and posted. *I think* that the amount of traffic you so generously generate has led to a lot of spam posting. In an effort to keep the spam to a minimum, I am taking the time to moderate comments now. Disclaimer: The material included on this site is for informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation. Krystyna and Bruss Bowman and Bowman House, LLC accept no liability for the content of this site, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided. This blog contains information about our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained on this blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method® or the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®. |
Planning a VBAC – Dad’s Count, Too
| Posted on April 24, 2013 at 11:50 AM |
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 When it comes to pregnancy, labor and birth, the vast majority of the writing
and expectation for preparation is geared at the mother. One of the reason’s we chose The Bradley
Method® is because it recognizes that the father may also want to play a role
in the birth of the child and Bradley™ prepares the couple for labor to welcome
their child, not just the mother.The same holds true when planning a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC). If the partner was present for the first birth, they also experienced varying degrees of stress: watching their loved one undergo major surgery, the physical recovery period, and the emotional recovery period, which might have been longer than the physical recovery. They may have watched their partner struggle with breastfeeding, if that was the choice for their family. In any case, it may be a good idea for a mother to consider her partner’s feelings if she wants complete support in her choice for a VBAC. Jenni Froment, ICAN Phoenix co-leader, shared some insights at last month’s ICAN “For Dads” meeting. I have added to them from our experience with VBAC couples and from the knowledge I have learned from attending ICAN meetings. These points are meant to initiate a conversation with your partner if you have not already covered them. You may have talked through some of these after your cesarean birth, and they may bear revisiting as you move forward with future pregnancies. What is going on in your partner’s head? Partners have concerns, feelings about your birth(s), and they can get anxious, too.
How do you involve your partner in the decision of whether or not to VBAC?
Wouldn’t just be easier to have a repeat cesarean? It is not generally a life-threatening since it is a surgery with a specific procedure and protocol after years of execution. It is, however, a major abdominal surgery. As Dr. Victor Berman explained to us at our Bradley Method® training, if your body underwent this kind of trauma outside of the operating room, very few people would survive. Beyond the physical trauma to the human body, there is a risk for infections, an emergency hysterectomy, an admission to the ICU. There is the introduction of narcotic drugs to the mother and baby, and the incredible physical ordeal of recovery. There is nothing “easy” about a cesarean. Isn’t the VBAC going to be a lot of work? Yes, it might be. Most mothers experience a sense of loss when they have a cesarean. Planning can take the power back. The analogy was shared that you spend months planning for the single event of your wedding day. The day of your child’s birth merits at least that kind of attention, if not more. Planning can alleviate stress in the labor and delivery space if the couple already knows their options and how they want to use them for their labor. In a healthy, low-risk mother, a vaginal birth is best for both mom and baby. Even if you should have a repeat cesarean, the prepared approach can empower a couple who can know in their heart of hearts that they did everything possible to prepare for a different outcome and their best choice for a Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby outcome was a repeat cesarean. What is the benefit of letting the baby choose their birthday instead of just scheduling their birthday so we can plan? A healthy baby is the best-informed individual when it come to choosing the day of their birth. A baby that is ready for life outside of the womb will have lungs that are fully developed and ready to breathe without the help of a machine. The breastfeeding relationship has a better chance if the baby is healthy and can have skin-to-skin contact immediately after their birth (yes, even if it is another CESAREAN). What are the risks of a VBAC? Is it a safe choice? Uterine rupture is “the” drop word when it comes to VBAC. You can refer to last Friday’s post to see what the numbers really look like (find it HERE). The bottom line is that there are several other complications that can happen, whether or not you have had a previous cesarean. Pregnancy is generally a healthy time in a woman’s life, and with a comprehensive childbirth preparation course, a family can prepare for a VBAC by keeping the pregnancy as healthy and low-risk as possible. Bradley Method® students also get 12 weeks of nutrition education to help them build a strong, healthy mama and baby. The other thing to note in regards to uterine rupture is that there are two known factors that increase the stats: the induction and the augmentation of labor. If you want to lower your risk of uterine rupture, find a care provider who is willing to do “watchful waiting” as long as there is a Healthy Mom and a Healthy Baby. Lastly, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology just posted a position in support of vaginal deliveries. You can read the position statement here: Vaginal Delivery Recommended over Maternal-Request Cesarean ...and this one in case you are bring pressured to induce for suspected large-baby (macrosomia) or anything else that is not a medically necessary: Early Deliveries Without Medical Indications Communication Exercises In the interest of moving forward together, you will need to communicate your needs to each other. Let your partner know if any of these are important to you:
So you and your partner have talked. Are you both open to the idea of exploring a VBAC? HERE is a guideline to planning a VBAC from ICAN Phoenix leader Jesse Franks, and HERE is the advice from midwives in our area. Here’s the checklist from Jenni's meeting:
Do you have any ideas to share and add to the conversation? Please leave us a comment - it will be moderated and posted. *I think* that the amount of traffic you so generously generate has led to a lot of spam posting. In an effort to keep the spam to a minimum, I am taking the time to moderate comments now. Disclaimer: The material included on this site is for informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation. Krystyna and Bruss Bowman and Bowman House, LLC accept no liability for the content of this site, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided. This blog contains information about our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained on this blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method® or the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®. |
Mommy-Con Ticket Giveaway Take 2
| Posted on April 3, 2013 at 8:34 AM |
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Have you heard of Mommy-Con? A group of rocking mamashas joined together to bring a boutique-style convention to seven cities across the country this year. We are excited to be giving away tickets to three lucky winners!! Read on... From their website: "Our focus is on natural parenting methods and timeless tidbits as we journey through parenthood together."
The Phoenix Mommy-Con Mini is going to be held on April 14, 2013 at the Mesa Convention Center from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. As of right now, SPB is going to be offering a breakout session at the Phoenix(Mesa) event on Healthy Pregnancy 101 (yeah!). The Celebrity Bloggers you get to see with your tickets: Our Muddy Boots - Jennifer Andersen will speak on finding balance as mothers Birth Without Fear - January Harsche will speak about how a mother treats herself and how she is treated Sound interesting? Do you want to go? We are giving away two tickets per week, every Wednesday (3/27, 4/3, 4/10). We want you to be a Winning Wednesday Winner. HOW TO ENTER: If you want to be elegible to win a pair of tickets today only, please leave a comment and tell us which topic(s) you are interested in. It can be one that is on the list, or you can add a topic. This week, one winner will be chosen using the Random.Org number generator on Wednesday, April 3rd at 7:00 pm Arizona time. Look for the announcement here, on our Facebook page, our Google+ page, and/or Twitter feed. The winner will receive instructions via email on how to claim their tickets...it is a "required" field when you leave a comment - you will know you won even if you don't participate in social media :) GOOD LUCK! Can't wait to see what you are interested in learning about at the First-Ever Phoenix Mommy-Con. Winner - 3/27 tickets - Congratulations to Sydni Stout! LINK LIST: Mommy-Con Main Page www.mommy-con.com The Mommy Dialogues Blog http://themommydialogues.com Mommy-Con on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mommyconusa?fref=ts Random.Org http://www.random.org/  Disclaimer: The material included on this site is for informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation. Krystyna and Bruss Bowman and Bowman House, LLC accept no liability for the content of this site, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided. This blog contains information about our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained on this blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method® or the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®. |
Top Ten Reasons To Take A Bradley Method® Class
| Posted on September 11, 2012 at 6:46 AM |
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Top Ten List: Reasons To Take A Bradley Method® Class We had the privilege of starting two new Bradley Method® Class Series last week. We are teaching a Friday night series with First-time parents, and on Sunday we are teaching our Bradley Method® "Next Class" with alumni families who are expecting baby number two. Some of the thoughts shared when we asked our students "why are you here today" inspired today's post. The first time moms who have been hearing that they are "crazy" because they want to "go natural" were so relieved to see a roomful of people who were making the choice to prepare for a natural birth, just like them.  Date Night – Spend one night (or afternoon) a week with your
beloved and do something together to honor the birth of your child. Whether you spend a little time visiting in
the car or breaking down the class on the way home, it’s class time +
conversation that the two of you are dedicating to prepare for the birth of
your baby. Snack – I remember being hungry when I was pregnant and
looking in the refrigerator, the freezer AND the pantry and finding that there
was nothing in there that I wanted to eat.
Bah! Then I got cranky. Most Bradley™ classes take a snack
break. Whether it’s provided by your
instructor or your peers, its one time that day that you will get a yummy snack
without putting time or thought into it.  Camaraderie – Think you are alone experiencing the creaks,
groans and squeaks of pregnancy? Spend a
little time talking to the couples on either side of you and you will find out
that there are other people making sounds they never knew they would make,
having heartburn that could fry an egg, and the concerns that have plagued
pregnant women since time immemorial. Community – Those people you see in class for twelve
weeks? It’s likely that they are going
to be people you keep in touch with after class is over and you are holding
your babies on the outside. Even though they
are complete strangers the first class session, like you, they are choosing to
prepare for a birth with little to no interventions or anesthesia. Maybe your friends and family are telling
you, “Take the drugs – that’s what they are there for,” or, “You don’t get a
medal for natural birth.” The folks in
class with you are a sign that you are not alone in your choice. Together you will learn to say, “This is the
choice that works for our family.” You
can gain confidence in your choice when you see how many other like-minded
families are around you that understand and support your choice because that is
a choice they are making for their families, too. Communication – The foundation of any win-win relationship
is the ability to communicate effectively.
Each week of class there is a different communication exercise to build
skills between the couple, to help you clarify what you want and your
priorities for your birth experience, and how to express that and evaluate what
you are hearing from your care provider.Healthy, whole food nutrition is a foundation for a healthy, low-risk pregnancyNutrition – Although it is seemingly basic, it is one of the
easiest things that a couple can control in their efforts to have the birth
that they want. More and more studies
are confirming what Dr. Bradley and Dr. Brewer knew – good nutrition is one
of the foundations for a Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby outcome. By making good, whole food choices that yield
a daily protein count between 75-100g of protein, a family can lay a good
foundation to have more options during a normal, low-risk birth.  Exercise – The next building block towards having lots of
choices in labor is a mom that has the strength and stamina for her particular
athletic event. Some mamas have a
“sprint”, some mamas have “marathons”, and most fall somewhere in between. The Bradley Method® exercise program is
designed so that a mama does some form of cardio to build her stamina and it
incorporates exercises to strengthen her back, belly and bottom. The mom who does these things increases the
likelihood that she will be able to comfortably move through her labor to ease
baby into position and still have the energy for her pushing phase. Comprehensive Education – Yes, we are definitely the
“longest” childbirth class among the list of recognized “brands”. By choosing our class series that is 12-weeks
long, you are choosing a method that covers many different aspects of
pregnancy, the process of labor, natural labor coping techniques, birth plans,
variations and complications of labor (and knowing the difference between the
two), postpartum care, breastfeeding and newborn care on top of the weekly
focus on communication, exercise and nutrition.
While there are other “brands” that teach shorter sessions, we are
confident that our approach allows couples the greatest opportunity to prepare
for the birth that they want and life together as a new family.  Relaxation – Relaxation is the key to The Bradley
Method®. Dr. Bradley believed that a
woman who could relax her body by focusing on abdominal breathing and nesting
like other perspiring mammals was a woman that could labor and birth without
drugs. His theory proved out: his natural birth rate was 94-96%, depending
on the year. Our classes not only remind
mothers how to do their abdominal breathing, we also instruct couples on eleven
different relaxation techniques that address physical, mental and emotional
relaxation. A couple that takes a
Bradley™ series theoretically has a toolbox full of techniques to use during
labor. Practice Makes Prepared – Every couple has the opportunity
to take the material home and make it their own. By spending a minimum of five minutes a day
practicing the weekly relaxation technique and practicing one of the many
laboring positions we teach throughout the series, a Mom and her Coach are
ready for a normal, low-risk labor. If
they take the communication lessons to heart, they have spent time outside of
class preparing a birth plan that works for their family, and they have an idea
of how they will choose to handle any variations of labor they may face so that
if their labor follows a curvy path, they can handle the twists and turns with
confidence. Above all, a well-trained
Bradley Method® couple trusts in the process of birth and they know to follow
the Mom’s instincts + communication with the coach and the birth team towards a
Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby outcome.Would you add anything to this list? Disclaimer: It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation. Krystyna and Bruss Bowman and Bowman House, LLC accept no liability for the content of this site, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided. This blog contains information about our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained on this blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method® or the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®. |
One More Thing
| Posted on February 28, 2012 at 3:34 PM |
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 The night arrived again – when we say farewell to our
students and wish them the best for their birth and the journey of family upon
which they are about to embark. Bruss
always tells the first-time parents that he is jealous of them because there is
nothing else like the experience of welcoming your first child and discovering
parenthood for the first time.I reflect and wonder if we have told them everything, showed
them everything, practiced everything – which is of course, realistically,
impossible. I take heart in the fact
that in some classes, some babies arrive a few weeks earlier than the estimated
due dates. Even though the parents do not complete the series, the births have all gone pretty well.
We are covering enough material to allow these families to have Healthy
Mom, Healthy Baby outcomes, and at the end of the day, that is the most
important aspect of the classes we teach. Before we complete the last class, the phrase “one more
thing” is said a lot in that final session.
Here are the impressions we want to leave our students with… On teamwork:
On managing labor:
(To read in more detail about evaluating your labor, click here.) On Motherhood:
On Fatherhood:
Our parting wish is for them to have a very Happy Birth-Day;
and to come back to share their beautiful babies and their birth stories with
future classes. The most fun of all is
to meet again at their Bradley® Class Reunion – it is always fun to see all the
Bradley® babies “earthside,” and hear all the new families exchanging stories and
experiences. Which parting thoughts resonate with you? Please add your own words of wisdom in the
comments section. Disclaimer: The
material included on this site is for informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation. This blog contains information about our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained on this blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method® or the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®. |
Coping After A Miscarriage
| Posted on January 7, 2012 at 9:40 PM |
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I want to share a topic that is rarely discussed. No one announces their
miscarriages when they happen – it is a personal, private event that few people
ever know about outside of the couple that lost their pregnancy.
We had a miscarriage between our first and second
child. Our story starts with our first
pregnancy. I had been so uptight and
concerned when I was pregnant with Ysabella.
With her pregnancy we had spotting right from the beginning, and it
lasted the whole pregnancy. Very few people knew we were pregnant the
first time until we were in our second trimester. We did not buy any clothing for the baby
until after she was born. We were so
grateful to hold her in our arms on her birthday – it was a joy and a relief.
We started trying for another baby after she turned a year
old. I suspected I was pregnant because
I gained five pounds overnight with no obvious reason – this had happened when
I was pregnant with Ysabella, and with each subsequent pregnancy, by the
way. Another sign was that Ysabella
started refusing the breast. She would
nurse and pull away making a funny face – I have read that the “flavor” of the
milk changes in response to the hormonal changes of pregnancy. On top of those signs, I took two pregnancy
tests that confirmed I was pregnant. So now that we had positive pregnancy tests, we were ready
to tell the world. Our reason prevailed though, and we only told my immediate family we
were expecting again. We were so excited, and I was determined to relax and enjoy
this pregnancy since our first one had turned out well. We went on a family trip to Hawaii. We enjoyed the sights and sounds on our
vacation instead of worrying about every little thing. I told the waiters I was pregnant so to
please be sure to cook my food well. I
bought a matching outfit for Ysabella and her expected sibling. I sent postcards to my family and signed all of our names, including "Baby Bowman". We were on top of the world!
It was early in the pregnancy – I was probably 7-8 weeks
along when it happened. Since we were
still on vacation, I called my doctor’s office to see if there was anything I
could do to stop the bleeding, to which they said no. We tried to take comfort in the fact that Mother
Nature’s wisdom prevailed – miscarriages are a natural way of terminating
pregnancies when there are gestational abnormalities. We were heartbroken, nonetheless. We called my mom and sister to tell them the news. After I miscarried, we were back to our
regular nursing schedule. Ysabella no
longer cringed at the taste of my milk. Going back to nursing Ysabella helped me heal from the loss and sorrow. Focusing on what I had versus what I had just lost helped to comfort me. I prayed like crazy the next time we got pregnant for God to take away my fear so that the new life inside me would feel our love and not my worry. We have carried every pregnancy since then to term. However, in that time I have talked to many
other mothers who had miscarriages between live births one and two. For some of us
a miscarraige gets to be a private grieving, for others, it’s much more public. In hindsight, I am grateful we miscarried early before
we got to feel our baby move, and there are other stories like mine. Other families we know of lost their babies
in their second trimester when mom was already showing and they had felt their
children’s movements inside of them. Are we ever totally over it? I don't think so; I don't know how we can be since the difference between carrying to term and the loss of a life is so personal and intimate for us. So, if by some turn of events you suffer a miscarriage,
please know you are not alone. It may
help to talk to someone about it, or maybe find comfort and solace in a support
group, a faith community or an on-line community. You do not
have to grieve alone.
Also know that it is possible to carry to term with subsequent
pregnancies. Talk to your care provider,
they may have specific recommendations for your situation.
These posts have some resources listed in them if you would like to reach out for support: Do you know anyone who had a miscarriage? How did they cope?
Disclaimer: The
material included on this site is for informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation. This blog contains information about our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained on this blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method® or the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®.  We are now enrolling for our Spring Series March 5, 2012 to May 21, 2012
For more information or to register, please call us at 602-684-6567 or email us at |