From the category archives:

NYC Local Resources

Guest Post & Fantastic Video | Acupuncture & Acupressure for Labor and Birth, by Laurel Axen Carroll M.S., L.Ac.

by Andrea Crossman, RN, BS, BA on September 6, 2010

in Holistic Health,NYC Local Resources,Yoga, Acupuncture, and Other Healing Traditions

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Laurel Axen Carroll, board certified acupuncturist and herbalist, shows you things you can do yourself, with a partner, or with a friend, to help invite your body to move smoothly into labor when the time is right. I’ve seen so many pictures illustrating these points, but seeing them in a video is infinitely more helpful. Thank you Laurel for demystifying labor support acupressure! {2 bonus videos from Laurel with more points are at the end of the post}

by Lauren Axen Carroll, M.S., L.Ac., Ancient Current Acupuncture and Herbs

I have had really great success treating pregnant women and helping them to get into labor prior to being pressured into a medical induction of labor by their ob-gyn. A fear of which has many a pregnant woman anxiously thinking about pitocin, cervadil or a scheduled section date. Stressed out moms make for tight muscles and a tense cervix, which is less than optimal if you are trying to go into labor.

I have had the fortune of working with a lot of pregnant women and have had great success with a pre-labor protocol that was created by Debra Betts, a renowned midwife and acupuncturist from New Zealand. First time mothers may go past 40 weeks [HDNYC: As is perfectly normal], but in my practice have never (save one who elected to do so) been induced medically.

The treatment commences at about 36-37 weeks gestation, and ends at the onset of labor. Treatment consists of a core group of acu-points that help facilitate muscle relaxation, a softening of the cervix, and relaxation for the mind. During treatment I also addresses acute and constitutional issues that may be affecting the woman. This could be reflux, insomnia, back pain etc…

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The Midwifery Modernization Act Has Been Signed Into Law By Governor Patterson!

by Andrea Crossman, RN, BS, BA on August 2, 2010

in Latest News,Midwifery,NYC Local Resources

Remember reading this post back on July 1 detailing the passage of the Midwifery Modernization Act (MMA) by both the NY state senate and house? And how the only step left was for the MMA to be signed into law by Governor Patterson? Well it was! This is wonderful, amazing, important news–confetti all around!

Click the pic to go to the original post about the MMA.

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Bethenny Getting Married Birth Episode: My Thoughts As A Doula, Including Why Rachel Dratch Should Definitely Take Childbirth Education Classes

by Andrea Crossman, RN, BS, BA on July 27, 2010

in Best of the Blog,Birth Stories,HDNYC,Labor & Birth,Must Know Info,NYC Local Resources,Preparing for Baby

Comedian and actor Rachel Dratch said she's going to use Bethenny Frankel's reality TV birth episode as her childbirth education class. Read below for why I hope she's just being funny. Photo from Bravotv.com.

Guilty pleasure admission: I am a big Bethenny Frankel fan. I fell for her sass on the Real Housewives of New York, and am falling for her vulnerability and cuteness in her new show, Bethenny Getting Married. So last week when the Bethenny Getting Married birth episode was about to air, I wanted the best for her and new hubby Jason Hoppy, of course, but also for the vast and impressionable viewing public. In addition to working as a birth support doula, I teach private childbirth education classes, and hear week after week from parents saying that what they know about birth has come mostly from TV and movies. Unfortunately it’s also mostly wrong. If you are a regular reader of this blog you probably remember last spring when Pam and Jim on The Office had their baby, that I “live blogged” the fictional event offering my 2 cents as a former labor and delivery nurse here in New York City about what the writers got right, and what could have been better (my full analysis is here). All in all, The Office did a pretty good job, and I was hopeful for Bethenny’s birth as Bethenny is a natural foods chef, a yogini, and someone who I thought might very well have a great holistically minded birth team on board.

I have to say that from what I saw on TV, Bethenny could have benefitted from a little more help, particularly in the form of a quality childbirth education class and a skilled labor support doula. There were so many things I watched in that episode that just looked so much harder than they needed to be. I wanted to crawl through the screen and offer my services, but alas, it doesn’t work that way. I was going to keep my commentary to myself because unlike the birth on The Office, Bethenny is a real person and this is her real story–albeit packaged and edited for television entertainment. My decision to stay mum on the matter changed tonight when Bethenny and Rachel Dratch (who is expecting baby #1) were on Bravo TV’s Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, and Rachel said that she was just going to use the Bethenny Getting Married birth episode in lieu of a childbirth education class.

Oh, nooooooooooo. No, no, no, no, no Rachel.

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NYC Tip! | Free Prenatal Massage

by Andrea Crossman, RN, BS, BA on July 26, 2010

in HDNYC,Holistic Health,NYC Local Resources,Yoga, Acupuncture, and Other Healing Traditions

Prenatal massage is a wonderful way to take care of yourself

The Swedish Institute, New York’s premiere massage therapy school is hosting a continuing education program in prenatal massage and is looking for mothers-to-be to participate in a massage practicum.

Women will receive massage therapy from a practicing massage therapist learning this specialty, under the supervision of a recognized specialist in prenatal massage, Linda Hickey.

The workshop, Pre- and Perinatal Massage Therapy, is holding this practicum on the afternoon of August 25, 2010.

Participation is free of charge and is open to women who are beyond twelve weeks and whose pregnancies are low risk and without complications.

Interested women should call Karen at Body Therapy Associates (800) 586-8322 or email karen@bodytherapyassociates.com for more information and to reserve a session time. Session times are 12:00 and 2:00.

The Swedish Institute is located at 26 West 26th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues.

Click the pic for directions to The Swedish Institute

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NYC Tip! | Prenatal Yoga Series With Latham Thomas At Yoga Sole In Brooklyn

by Andrea Crossman, RN, BS, BA on July 21, 2010

in HDNYC,Holistic Health,NYC Local Resources,Yoga, Acupuncture, and Other Healing Traditions

Want to learn more about Latham's holistic offerings? Check out her site, Tender Shoots Wellness, but clicking the pic!

The ever lovely and oh-so holistic Latham Thomas of Tender Shoots Wellness will be teaching a special Prenatal Yoga Series at Yoga Soul in Brooklyn on from 12:30 – 2:00 on Saturdays, September 11th thru October 30th. The series will be 6 weeks long, but you will have 8 weeks to complete it. Want all the details? Find them here.

Latham says that beginners to yoga are “most welcome”–you gotta love that–and here is a little more info on why prenatal yoga is so wonderful:

The BENEFITS of regularly attending a prenatal yoga class during pregnancy are truly inspiring. In our classes we teach yoga poses specific to making you more comfortable in your pregnancy—strengthening muscles for better posture, flexibility and a stronger body, as well as stretching muscles to relieve aches, and release tension.

These classes will also help to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles to facilitate labor, improve circulation, aid in digestion, and exercise the spine. The resulting body awareness will help you feel more connected and in tune with you ever-changing body.

Through the poses, breath-work, discussion of alternative birthing positions and relaxation techniques you will feel more confident in your body and mind to handle the challenges of labor and delivery. Regular attendance assures that you will consistently practice these exercises for greater benefits, as well as build a community of support through meeting and connecting with other mothers-to-be. Give yourself and your baby the gift of relaxation, calm and confidence in the body and mind….

If you’re pregnant and Yoga Sole is in your neck of the woods, I hope you’ll treat yourself to some yoga!

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NYC Tip! | Gorgeous Children’s Photography And Free Photo Workshops At Stale*Bread

by Andrea Crossman, RN, BS, BA on July 21, 2010

in HDNYC,NYC Local Resources,Pics & Vids

Photo by Stale*Bread Photography, a great source for children's photography and free photography workshops! Click to the pic to go to their site!

Stale*Bread reached out to Holistic Doula NYC via our Meetup Group–Holistic Mamas NYC–thinking that we may have some synergy. After checking out their site I totally agree that we do! First of all, their pictures are glorious. And second of all, this company seems really amazing. Here is their mission statement:

Stale*Bread is a community-oriented and socially-conscious photography collective. We value creativity and believe in social impact. We offer services for children’s and wedding photography, pro bono work, and free photography workshops open to the general public. A portion of all proceeds go to New York City nonprofit and charitable organizations.

A few years ago my sister Angela and I launched our own social entrepreneurship venture, Lovemore, a love-infused green clothing and gear line. So I know first hand how challenging it is to commit to being a socially-conscious business, and I am always happy to throw my support behind a venture on the same path. Another thing that I really like about Stale*Bread is that in addition to taking amazing photos, they want to help you do the same. To that end they offer free workshops to help you find your inner Ansel Adams. Here is what they have coming up:

*Natural Light Workshop: August 04, 6:00 PM*

This is a hands-on workshop on shooting in natural light. It will cover several aspects of working outdoors, including how light affects both nature and people. Emphasis will be placed on found light and how to work with what is there, though there will be limited discussions of light modifiers and working with flash.

*Composition and Timing: August 11, 6:30 PM*

Composition and timing are the essential of photography. We will review different ways to use composition to communicate, and how timing affects the dyamics of the picture.

*The Point and Shoot Workshop: August 16, 6:30 PM*

Think you need and SLR for good pictures? Think again. See how much you can do with simple tools, and the advantages of working with the basics.

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NYC Tip! | $50 Prenatal Massage At Neighborhood Holistic In Harlem {for the entire month of July!}

by Andrea Crossman, RN, BS, BA on July 1, 2010

in HDNYC,Holistic Health,NYC Local Resources,Yoga, Acupuncture, and Other Healing Traditions

From Neighborhood Holistic's website. NH is located at 115 W 128th Street in Harlem and their phone number is 646.330.4769. Click to pic to go there and get more info!

Neighborhood Holistic in Harlem reached out to Holistic Doula NYC with this cool offer:

Neighborhood Holistic, located in Harlem and easily accessible from the Upper West Side is offering $50 prenatal massage session for the month of July by Lyn-Genet Recitas, Director. Lyn-Genet has 20 yrs experience as a massage therapist and has supervised several physical therapy clinics that specialized in pre and post natal care. This limited time offer is to help compile data regarding wellness and stress levels in the prenatal population. Neighborhood Holistic, a non-profit, is writing grants to receive funding so that low income mothers-to-be can receive holistic care at little to no cost.

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Midwifery Modernization Act PASSES in New York, Homebirth is Back in Business

by Andrea Crossman, RN, BS, BA on July 1, 2010

in Latest News,Midwifery,Must Know Info,NYC Local Resources

I have an exciting update to last week’s post about the Midwifery Modernization Act. The Act was indeed put to a vote, and it passed! Below are all of the details from freeourmidwives.org, a coalition that was instrumental in making this happen. Thank you to all who worked together to ensure women’s access to midwives and homebirth!

Across the state last night, the champagne flowed as women and their families celebrated the passage of the Midwifery Modernization Act!

Why did this bill pass during such a difficult time in New York State politics?  Because women – and those who love and support them – stood shoulder-to-shoulder with midwives despite formidable opponents, limited resources, and little time to get organized.

Together, women strategized, fundraised, spread the word, and gathered supporters.  The result was a truly grassroots effort that was able to stand up to established and powerful opponents.  Thanks to your time on the phone, writing e-mails, and sending faxes, legislators were able to learn the truth about the importance of birth choices for women.

Thanks to your efforts, women will continue to have access to midwives in New York.   Before this law was passed, many currently practicing midwives were in jeopardy – now they can continue to care for women.  In other areas of the state, midwives will now be able to practice, thanks to your hard work.   There are women pregnant today who will now receive the high quality prenatal care a midwive can provide, thanks to you.

Time to give thanks!

Please take a moment to thank your Senator and Assemblyperson for supporting the bill.   The Senate vote was unanimous, so please thank yours ASAP!  Check here for your Assemblyperson’s vote to see if they supported the bill.  Find your Assemblyperson here and your Senator here and thank them for supporting the Midwifery Modernization Act.

Watch for any last steps

This bill has now been passed by the Assembly and Senate and must go to the Governor’s desk to be signed.  If we need to contact the Governor’s office to encourage him to take action, we’ll let you know!

Keep this victory going

We’ve all learned so much about how to make an impact on the legislative process and the lives of women.  Keep up the good work!  Join your local BirthNet, tell the story of your amazing midwife-supported birth, and stay connected – there is still much to be done to ensure all women have a full range of birth options in New York State.

On a personal note – we cannot even begin to express our gratitude to each and every person who made a call, wrote a letter, or sent in faxes, all while juggling children, jobs, and day-to-day life.   Those of us at Free Our Midwives are filled with awe at the power of women and their families working together.  Thank you.

from freeourmidwives.org

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Do This Now | Call Your Representatives And Voice Your Support For the Midwife Modernization Act {MMA}

by Andrea Crossman, RN, BS, BA on June 25, 2010

in HDNYC,Midwifery,NYC Local Resources

Learn a little, do a little. Easy peasy and you will help change the world for the better!

#1) Learn more about the Midwifery Modernization Act.

Midwifery Modernization Act Information From www.freeourmidwives.org

Currently, the New York State midwifery law requires all midwives to have a collaborative written practice agreement (WPA) with a physician in order to practice legally in the state.

This requirement represents a significant barrier to practice for many midwives in the state as few physicians are willing to sign WPAs. It also tremendously hinders access to midwifery care for many women in New York.

The New York State Association of Licensed Midwives (NYSALM) has begun to advocate for the removal of the WPA requirement that midwives now must have with a physician to practice in NYS. The Midwifery Modernization Act, Senate Bill S5007/Assembly Bill A8117, would accomplish this goal.

While the spirit of the WPA requirement may seem like it inspires collaboration between midwives and physicians, in fact, this is not the case. Although many doctors are willing to collaborate with midwives, they are unwilling or unable to sign these agreements. Therefore, although midwives are trained as independent health care professionals, this requirement in the law prohibits them from being able to practice independently. The WPA represents an enormous barrier to practice for midwives all over NYS.

Midwives collaborate, as necessary, with many different types of physicians (e.g., obstetricians, endocrinologists, pediatricians) with whom they have collegial relations. They very rarely have written collaborative agreements with these physicians – they simply refer their clients to see the doctors and the doctors agree to see them. This system works quite well without the requirement of a written agreement.

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NYC Tip! | Kristina Hill Photography Is AMAZING With LIttle Ones

by Andrea Crossman, RN, BS, BA on June 9, 2010

in HDNYC,NYC Local Resources

Amazing photo of mama Marci and baby Will by Kristina Hill, www.kristinahill.com

You may remember this rockstar mama from the blog post Marci’s Holistic Mama Birth Story. Well 6 months have passed and as you can see Marci and her son Will are still glowing! This amazing photo was taken by Kristina Hill, photog extraordinaire, as part of the Grow With Me package where a family gets 3 two-hour photo shoots over the first year of their baby’s life. When I saw these photos on Marci’s facebook page I knew I wanted to share this great NYC  tip with you. You can see the whole set of Will and his family here.

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