There will be three mamava pods at MKE

General Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee will be the first airport in the nation to unveil mamava, a free-standing pod for breastfeeding and pumping mothers. The pod provides benches, a fold down table, a USB port, power outlet, soft lighting, space for a stroller or luggage, lock and a mirror.

As with all things parenting and all things breastfeeding the reaction on the internet was swift.  Some mothers are hailing it as a long overdue accommodation for breastfeeding mothers and others are viewing it at a way to shame and seclude breastfeeding women.  So which is it?

Personally, having spent a total of 4 years (and more to go) as a breastfeeding mom I have no problem breastfeeding in public.  I’m not a fan of doing it squished up against a stranger in an airport, but a baby’s gotta eat (and preferably, not scream). My immediate reaction was “why not breastfeed where ever you already are?”  But then, I took a moment and went back to month 1, 2, and 3 of breastfeeding.  I wasn’t as confident as I am now, we didn’t have the hang of it, and breastfeeding in public was difficult because it was just such a clumsy process.  Or, when I was pumping, which I already hated and had no interest in feeling like a Holstein in front of my husband let alone an airport full of strangers.  Or when I had a baby who was easily distracted and breastfeeding in public was beyond frustrating because of all the things the baby would rather look at.

In the United States, just over 79% of women start breastfeeding, but by 3 months, only 40% of women have continued to exclusively breastfeed according to the CDC. Anyone who’s breastfed before can tell you those first three months are the hardest.  I realized, this accommodation isn’t for me, and if you’re ok breastfeeding in public then it isn’t for you either.

It’s for the nursing and pumping mothers aren’t as comfortable in public than those of us who have the hang of it.  It’s for you and me pre-confidence, and 79% of other women who are just trying to do what’s best for their baby and need all the help they can get. These are the women who need our support, and I applaud MKE for keeping these new moms in mind.

Of course, there is the flip side. If this space turns onto another way in which we isolate mothers “Excuse me lady, there’s a pod in Concourse C for that.” It’s a whole different story.

An airport has taken initiative to make this space for nursing and pumping moms. Coupled with breastfeeding laws and support from the public, this small change can help mothers quite a bit.  But, it’s up to us an our attitude to make it a positive (or negative) thing.

Starting solids is a fun rite of passage for both parents and babies… but those little packages can feel really wasteful not to mention it gets expensive quick!

Relay Foods, Chop Suey Books, Franklin Goose and Hip to be Round are hosting a free baby food demo at the Hip to be Round store in Carytown.

You’ll learn how to make your own baby food, hear tips, watch the process and taste the final product.
In addition to learning a thing or two you’ll  have a chance to meet other moms, win door prizes and get a discount on nursing apparel.

DIY Baby Food Demo
Thursday, March 26, 2015
6:30pm
Hip to be Round in Carytown
3124 W. Cary Street
Richmond, va 23221
No RSVP necessary.

Hip to be Round is a sponsor of Richmondmom

Fresh air, some sunshine, a little warmth and breastfeeding at the park in front of strangers… Well, the first parts are fun.  Clothes with easy access for nursing moms can be hard to come by. But fear not, you don’t have to turn in your style card when you have a new baby.  Here’s a few spring styles available at Hip to be Round for spring 2015 that we can’t wait to get our hands on.

 Basket Weave Nursing Maxi
Believe it or not this nursing/maternity maxi dress has a hidden nursing panel right behind the top basket weave.  Works great for maternity and falls completely flat for a no-way-that’s-maternity look postpartum.

 Zahra Applique Dress
Pleats and draped fabric hide easy nursing access just below the detailed neckline. Bonus: you can wear this one pregnant too!

Must Have Maxi Dress
Keep it simple with this solid maxi dress, seam lifts for easy nursing access.

 Ikat Nursing Dress
This dress leaves a little room for that post-belly-belly to create a flattering fit, nursing access is hidden just behind the panel.

Gemma Nursing Dress
Cute print: check.  Spring colors: check. Nursing access: check.

Enja Cap Sleeve Dress
Perfect dress for work which is great, because the word “pumps” has taken a whole new meaning.

Britney Bubble Top
Dresses not your style? We’re loving the watercolor print.  Front pleating covers nursing panel and provides a flattering not-too-snug fit.

Express Nursing Tank
Can’t go wrong with a nautical stripe. This nursing tank is super cute on it’s own or paired with a light cardigan for spring.

Shop all the new arrivals and try them on in person.

Carytown
3124 W. Cary St
Richmond, VA 23221

Mosaic District
2905 District Ave, #125
Fairfax, VA 22031

This article was sponsored by Hip to be Round.
Hip to be Round carries new and consigned maternity and nursing apparel and accessories.

We hear it time and again: “Pain during pregnancy is normal… The baby must be sitting on the nerve…”  We are told so by our friends, our sisters, our mothers and even uninvited strangers.  But the truth is that pain during pregnancy is not normal. It is not expected because the baby is small and cushioned well, so he or she cannot be sitting on a nerve.  However, pain during pregnancy is common. Statistics show 50-80% of women experience back pain while pregnant.  This can range from significant to completely disabling pain– 80% will be unable to go through their daily routine because of their intense pain.

So the term “Pain is normal” is not a good enough answer for me.  I’m a Physical Therapist, trained to help you with your “mechanical pain”.  Mechanical pain means the pain that is coming from muscles, joints, lose ligaments, discs, and pre-existing asymmetries.  A trained Physical Therapist can evaluate each of these structures for you, determine what is causing your specific pain, and help create a plan to help relieve that pain.  Our evaluation results in a treatment plan that can implement in the office, and teach you an exercise program that you can take home to manage your pain.

Instability in the muscles and ligaments is the most common cause of the pain, resulting in other muscles working too hard to stabilize the tissues, resulting in spasms and shooting pain, that may even travel down the leg.  Learning how to safely do a pelvic floor muscle contraction is the start of that stability.

Let’s try it:  lie down, or sitting a chair, with your legs and back at rest. Then, squeeze up and in, imagine that you are trying to hold in urine.  Try your best not to squeeze your gluteals, your knees, or your feet together, really isolate those pelvic floor muscles. Hold for a count of five, and repeat the exercise ten times.  You can be make it harder by holding longer, or steadily increasing the intensity of the squeeze.

Another strong stabilizer is your abdominals! Again, sitting or lying, sink your belly button in to your spine, hold for a count of five, repeat ten times.  Another nice way to help reset unstable joints is rhythmic motions, sit close to the edge of your chair and rock your hips backward and forward. You will be making your pelvis tilt forward and back, repeat ten times.  All theses exercises can be done several times a day for the best results.

Here are some tips that will come in handy to help with your pain as well. Think about your posture. Imagine the string pulling your head up as you stand and walk. Keep your abdominal and pelvic floor muscles engaged when you change positions, like when you are going up and down stairs, or when lifting heavy objects or children.  Wear sensible shoes, not heels and flip flops, throw the Uggs back in the closet, and instead, chose a strong heel, and good arch support.

We have touched on some important exercises and tips to help you with your back pain, but there so much more to learn.  Be sure to tell your ObGyn about your pain, no matter how small, even if you are in your first trimester! Ask if a Physical Therapist would be safe and appropriate for you. Remember, back pain is not “normal” and something you need to live with, but it is common. So don’t settle for dealing with unnecessary pain.

Mona Saeed DPT, Certified MDT, CHT earned her Bachelor of Science degree fromBarnard College, Columbia University, New York, NY, and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY.

In addition to general orthopedics, Mona is experienced and certified in McKenzie’s method to treat cervical and lumbar spine dysfunction. She also has the unique experience of treating patients with pain related to pregnancy as early as 6 weeks to full term, in both high risk and “normal” pregnancies.

Many of the physical therapists at Tidewater Physical Therapy Inc. hold Direct Access Certification through the Virginia Board of Physical Therapy allowing them to evaluate and treat patients without a prescription. As part of your healthcare team, a physical therapist will make an assessment of your condition and create a plan to start you on the road to wellness. Our team will communicate with your physician of record and obtain a referral, if necessary, for your continued treatment. We will also work with your insurance carrier to make sure services are covered by your plan. To make your own appointment, find a clinic near you.

This article is sponsored by Tidewater Physical Therapy.

Hip to be Round in Carytown is celebrating the new year with items just $20.15!

Brand new items have been marked down throughout the store with an entire rack of clothing for 20.15 or less. If you’re due in the summer you’ll find a few summer items marked down to $20.15 or under too!
Hip to be Round’s newly expanded consignment section has everything from high-end designer maternity wear to well-known maternity brands at a fraction of the original cost.

If something full price strikes your fancy, take $15 off a $75 purchase when you present your Savvy Saver app or mention Richmondmom.

Past season items have been marked down to just $5  and all of the money from these items will be donated to Safe Harbor.   There is currently no end date to this promotion, but you’ll have to hurry in for the best selection.

If you’re interested in consigning with Hip to be Round, call for an appointment.

Hip to be Round
New and Consigned Maternity Wear

3124 W. Cary Street
Richmond, Va 23221
(804) 340-1700

Hip to be Round is a sponsor of Richmondmom

BACK PAIN: DURING AND AFTER PREGNACY

It’s estimated that 50-70 percent of women will suffer back or pelvic pain during pregnancy.  Loosening of the ligaments due to hormonal changes, additional weight, and stretching of the abdominal muscles increases stress to the lumbar spine.  If you’re lucky enough to sail through pregnancy without back pain, you’re not necessarily out of the woods.  New moms need core strength to support their spines while they tote around that precious bundle of joy – a bundle that is getting heavier every day.  We habitually carry our children on one side of our body due to upper body strength differences and hand preference.  This asymmetrical force through the spine can also lead to back pain in the months after childbirth.

WHAT IS THE CORE AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

The spine is supported by several groups of muscles called the core.  These muscles working together act like a corset.  Your core muscles include the diaphragm, paraspinals (or back muscles), gluteals, the abdominals and the pelvic floor.  Towards the end of pregnancy, the growing baby is placing outward pressure on your diaphragm, pelvic floor and abdominal muscles limiting their ability to help protect the spine.  This places increased stress on the paraspinals, forcing this muscle group to work harder to compensate for the other muscles which have become too stretched to function properly.   It’s important to tone these muscles after baby arrives to protect your spine from injury.

Remember to consult your physician before beginning any exercise routine after childbirth.  If you’ve had a C-section, your doctor will likely limit your activity until your incision heals. 

THE PELVIS AND DIAPHRAM

In most cases, Kegels and breathing exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor and diaphragm can begin almost immediately after childbirth.  Kegels are performed by tightening the pelvic floor muscles as in stopping the flow of urine.  This exercise has the added bonus of preventing incontinence in women who’ve had a vaginal delivery. 

THE ABDOMINALS

You can also begin deep breathing exercises by sitting or lying in a comfortable position, then taking a very deep breath, imagining you are filling in every nook and cranny in your lungs.  Next, fully exhale, pushing out every bit of air you just pulled in.  Isometric abdominal exercises are also safe to perform early after childbirth.  These are performed while lying on your back and pulling in your abdominal muscles – think about pulling your belly button in towards your spine. 

Now that you’ve strengthened the top and bottom of the “corset,” you’ll need to work on the front, back and sides.  It’s hard to find time for exercise in the first weeks following the birth of a child, so why not exercise while enjoying some time with your baby?

Prone Plank –For the beginner this can be performed on your knees but for the more advanced, try lifting one foot off the floor.

Side Plank – Beginners can perform this exercise on the elbow and knees.  Progress the exercise by moving to the feet and hands.  You can even try lifting the top leg.

Floor Marching– For the beginner, keep your back on the floor and the abdominal muscles tightened while marching your feet up and down.  This should be done slowly and the trunk should remain stable. As you advance, lift your back off the floor for the Marching Bridge.

Squats – this is great for the gluteals!  Make sure you don’t let your knees come over your toes and keep your spine straight.  You can start with a shallow squat and try going deeper into the squat as your strength improves.

I had back and pelvic pain during both of my pregnancies that resolved soon after birth.  As a physical therapist and new mom, I can attest that taking just a modest amount of time to work on your core can really make a difference.  Your spinal stability will gradually improve as your ligaments return to their pre-pregnancy state and your core muscle strength improves.  If you have back or pelvic issues that persist, discuss these with your physician or physical therapist.  You may have an alignment issue that needs to be addressed.

Diana Brooks, PT, DPT is a Physical Therapist with Tidewater Physical Therapy in their Iron Bridge clinic where she also serves as Clinical Director.  Diana is Direct Access certified through the Virginia Board of Physical Therapy and can see patients without a referral from a physician. 

This article is sponsored by Tidewater Physical Therapy

Sale includes already marked down items (not consignment or the 19.99 clearance items) as well as best sellers like Michael Stars dresses & tees and Maternal America brand dresses.

Hot and humid season in Richmond has really just started, so grab some basics to look and feel great during those dog days of summer!

Absolutely in love with something that’s not red, white or blue? You always get an additional $15 off a $75 purchase with the Richmondmom.com Savvy Saver app!

3124 W. Cary Street
Richmond, Va 23235
(804) 340-1700
www.HiptobeRound.com
Hip to be Round Will be closed July 4

Worrying how a new baby will affect your first-born is very common. Including your child in the excitement and preparations will help set the stage for sibling harmony. 

1. Celebrate the news with your child.  Congratulate them on becoming a big sibling.  Show them pictures of you and your siblings when you were their age.  

2. If rooms need to be rearranged to accommodate the new baby, make the room switch as soon as possible.  The further from the birth they make the move, the less they connect the change to the baby and feel displaced. 

3. Read “new baby” books repetitively to your child that will help him prepare for a new sibling.  Some classic ones are: Arthur’s Baby and The Bernstein Bears’ New Baby.  

4. Help your child make a gift for their sibling.  Decorating a receiving blanket with fabric markers, making a picture book, or painting a stool are some ideas.  Your child will feel a sense of pride sharing the book they made or covering the baby with their special blanket.

5. Prepare a gift from the baby to your child.  It can be something little like Pokémon cards or something big like a sand box.  Any gift will make your child feel special.

6. Make a birthday cake with your child ahead of time and then freeze it.  When they receive the news that their sibling is born, they can frost, decorate, and eat it.  What kid doesn’t love a birthday party?

7. Share the exciting news of the birth with your child first before any other family.  

8. Make a big deal about your child coming to the hospital to meet his sibling. Keep the visit short and sweet.

9. Think twice before offering to let your child name the baby.  Whereas it may seem like a great idea, if we had done this in my house, our kids would be named “Striker” and “Baby Sweet Tree.”

10. Most importantly, make sure to acknowledge your child’s needs.  When tired and frazzled and your child asks for something, it is tempting to respond with something like “You are a big kid now and can do that yourself.” Simply acknowledging your child’s needs, by saying “Sure.  I’ll help you as soon as I am finished,” will prevent tantrums and set the stage for sibling harmony.  When my two-year-old son complained that his baby sister pinched him, instead of saying “she is just a baby, she doesn’t know any better,” I said, “No thank you, it is not nice to pinch” to the baby and was amazed by Drew’s reaction.  He seamed appeased and moved on quickly.  Today at ages 7 and 8, they are great friends.

Refer to Dr. Liz Vantre’s new book, Ready, Set, Parent: Dr. Moms’ Guide to Parenting, for more detailed information about creating sibling harmony.  Chapter 5 covers how to prevent sibling conflicts with children from infancy to older elementary age.

Ready, Set, Parent is available locally at Hip to Be Round in Carytown as well as online at Amazon.com and Barnes&Noble.com

Dr. Elizabeth M. Vantre studied psychology at Wake Forest University and earned her doctorate in School Psychology from Temple University.  She is the mother of four children (ages 7, 8, 10 and 12) and is currently employed as a psychologist at The Steward School in Richmond, Virginia.  Dr. Vantre has been helping parents find success at home for over fifteen years. She has been employed in a variety of settings including public and private schools, health care facilities, and juvenile detention centers.

 

Dr. Vantre has recently published the book Ready, Set, Parent: Dr. Moms’ Guide to Parenting with her co-author, fellow psychologist, and good friend, Dr. Samantha Dawson.  With a combined 20 years of providing parenting advice both professionally and informally, raising 6 children (Liz has 4, Sam has 2), surviving 14 years of motherhood and enjoying 12 years of friendship, Liz and Sam have enough experience, insight, empathy, practical and proven strategies, real life case examples, and humorous anecdotes to fill a bookshelf. 

 In addition to speaking engagements regarding her book Ready, Set, Parent, she is also a contributor to the website Soccerparenting.com. 

 

RVA Parents of Preemies (RVAPOP) is a Richmond-based group that provides community, advice, support, and friendship to the parents and family members of infants born prematurely.

RVAPOPs mission is to lessen the isolation of the NICU experience by uniting new preemie parents with experienced NICU families for local support as well as providing a safe space to celebrate successes and share concerns.

The RVA Parents of Preemies support group meets every fourth Wednesday of the month at 6:30pm. Franklin Goose-Carytown, 3401 West Cary Street, Richmond, VA  23221.

For more information visit their Facebook Page, check out their website, or contact Leslie Forrest at rvapreemie@gmail.com. To donate to the RVAPOPs March for Babies team click here.

The Birth Story of RVAPOP:

When Leslie Forrest went into premature labor at 31 weeks gestation, she spent ten days in the antepartum unit while doctors prepared her daughter, Lucia, for an early arrival and also tried their best to keep her inside for as long as possible. During the quiet lulls not spent with her husband—who was also sharing time at home with their other three children 11, 5, and 2—Leslie worried, cried, and tried to find information or support online. She had so many questions and wondered what it would be like to give birth to a preterm baby, and what Lucia would look like when she was born. She knew that the Neonatal Intensive Care team would care for her daughter at birth and she wondered what to expect.

Leslie scoured the internet but eventually turned to Facebook and a local mothering group in hopes of finding someone to talk to. She posted a thread to share that she would be giving birth to a premature baby soon and asking for advice, but no one responded. Leslie was left feeling even more alone and scared.

The next day someone replied that they knew of a woman who had recently given birth at 32 weeks, and she offered to connect the two moms. “It was a relief to express worry to someone who truly understood. While friends and family were well meaning, they couldn’t empathize the way that another preemie mama could,” says Leslie. “Marissa really understood what I was going through. While everyone around me was saying ‘Oh the baby is going to be fine, everything is going to be OK,’ Marissa was able to be there for me and say, ‘This is NOT OK, and I’ve been through this. This is really hard.’”

As it turned out, Marissa had given birth at Henrico Doctor’s Hospital too, and so she was able to offer specific encouragement and reassurance. “She shared what I could expect from our NICU stay and even told me who her favorite nurses were.” When Leslie’s fears about giving birth surfaced, “Marissa’s listening ear and friendship were a godsend.”

Leslie and Marissa quickly realized how important and helpful this kind of one-on-one support could be for both new and experienced mamas of preemies. “It’s healing to be able to give back to another family if you’ve been there before and know the struggles of the NICU,” says Marissa.

The need for emotional support doesn’t often end after discharge from the NICU. For many families, leaving the NICU is only the beginning of their journey as babies born prematurely are at higher risk for a host of health challenges and special needs as they grow and develop throughout their first year and beyond.

Newly postpartum and home with her new daughter after a 30 day NICU stay, Leslie discussed with Marissa Richmond’s need for a community group to serve mother’s and families of babies born prematurely.

They organized a monthly meet-up for themselves and a few other NICU moms who they had recently met, Luci and Kasey, also founding board members. When the Christmas Season came they put together gift bags for mothers who were caring for their babies in the NICU over the Holiday. “We knew they would appreciate a little pick-me up,” says Leslie, “Something to say, ‘Hey, we know you’re in there, and we’re thinking of you.’”

They also started a Facebook group for local moms to connect, ask questions, and celebrate the big and little milestones. “Having a place to post questions as we navigate the medical challenges that our babies face, or just to encourage each other in the small victories, it’s been invaluable to bridging that gap of feeling isolated,” says Leslie. “We finally have community!”

With a lending library of books available as a community resource and a March for Babies Team that has already raised over $1,000 for the cause, these mamas are filling a previously unmet need in the mothering community and championing the cause of prematurity.

Vaginal bleeding: For the first three days after delivery, you may experience a bloody discharge of leftover blood, mucus and tissue from your uterus. This discharge, called lochia, is generally as heavy or heavier than a menstrual period and may contain several clots. The discharge will turn pink, then brown and finally a yellowish-white as it decreases in quantity. The bright red flow may resume when you are breastfeeding or during periods of increased activity. Normally, this will stop completely within four to six weeks.

Things to help: Sanitary pads

What to watch for: Saturating more than one pad an hour for more than a few hours or discharge that has a bad odor

Abdominal cramps (afterbirth pains): Abdominal cramps, or “afterbirth pains,” are caused by contractions of the uterus as it returns to normal. They may be more obvious while you are nursing and will gradually subside within a week.

Things to help: Change positions, empty your bladder, take Tylenol® or Motrin® (Ibuprofen)

What to watch for: Severe abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting

Perineal discomfort: The stretching and bruising of the perineum during delivery can cause discomfort, pain and numbness. If your perineum was torn or if you had an episiotomy, you will have stitches. In most cases, this area will be very tender and sore for three to four days following delivery. Your stitches will dissolve in about 15 days, but tenderness may last several weeks.

Things to help: Warm sitz baths, witch hazel soaked in gauze pads or Tucks®, local anesthetic spray, Tylenol®

What to watch for: Increasing pain, swelling or discharge

Cesarean incisional pain: If you delivered by cesarean birth, your wound will be painful and you may experience numbness or a tingling sensation when the anesthesia wears off. Medication to relieve your pain will generally be ordered by your physician. Avoid lifting anything other than your baby, and try to keep stair climbing to a minimum.

What to watch for: Fever, increasing pain or drainage from your incision site

Constipation: Your first bowel movement after childbirth may be difficult.

Things to help: Fiber (whole grains, fresh and dried fruit), drinking water, Colace®, Milk of Magnesia® or Dulcolax® tablets

Hemorrhoids: If you have hemorrhoids, they can become swollen and painful and protrude after delivery.

Things to help: Laxatives, Anusol® or Preparation H®

Infant feeding: If you are bottle-feeding, remember to wear a well-fitting bra and avoid breast stimulation. Breast engorgement will generally improve two to four days following delivery.

If you are breastfeeding, you may not produce milk for three to four days after delivery. When your baby nurses, he or she will receive a clear liquid, called colostrum. This fluid contains important antibodies. When your milk finally begins to come in, your breasts may become enlarged, tender or unusually firm.

Things to help: Nurse your baby more frequently, apply warm compresses to your breasts or take a warm shower.

What to watch for: Body aches, chills and a fever of 101⁰ or 102⁰ as these can be signs of a breast infection called mastitis. With mastitis, one breast may become extremely firm, red hot and tender.

As always, you are welcome to call our office at 804.288.4084 with any questions or concerns you may have. If you experience any of the following symptoms, please call us immediately.

• Elevated fever over 100.4
• Nausea and vomiting
• Painful urination, burning and urgency
• Heavy vaginal bleeding
• Pain, swelling and tenderness in the legs
• Chest pain or cough
• Hot, tender breasts
• Persistent pain in the perineum with increasing tenderness
• Vaginal discharge with a bad odor
• Feelings of hopelessness that last more than 10 days after the delivery

Additional Resources:

• Postpartum mental health
• Safe medications while breastfeeding
• Returning to normal activities

About Virginia Women’s Center
Our care team – comprised of OB-GYNs, high-risk pregnancy specialists, nurse practitioners, ultrasound technologists, psychologists and a genetic counselor – are experienced in all aspects of pregnancy and welcome the opportunity to provide care that revolves around you. We have added all of these services and specialists to our practice not only for your convenience, but also because we believe that you will benefit from a coordinated and comprehensive approach to your pregnancy care. For more information, visit www.VirginiaWomensCenter.com, or find us on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.