All posts by Hanako

What is Skinship?

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What do you know about the combined words of Skin + Kinship= SKINSHIP? 

As Americans, we rarelyobserve Japanese couples displaying intimacy or even affectionin public. It is there, but considered highly private and therfore restrained.

Remember the “blue people” in that James Cameron movie? There’s a greeting these folks give; “I see you.” Hand over heart, head slightly bowed. In that moment, ther is complete acknowledgement of who you are, how you showed up, and why you are present. SKINSHIP begins in that moment often evolves into hand-holding, hugging, kissing, deep emotional bonding, and perhaps even sexual intimacy (if agreed to by the participants).

Skinship is experience-based. Each person has their own “love language” and their unique, personal experience with touch needs to be reassessed while experiencing a pregnancy. The expectant parent will have thoughts around their body image, primal drive urges, and other issues that the partner may or may not understand. By taking the time to learn how to touch each other, in ways that are appreciated, your pregnancy is able to become more intimate, creating opportunities for deeper understanding and communication.

Are you having a Super Bowl Baby?

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The NFL actually made an ad for “Super Bowl 50” to remind us that celebrating can lead to pregnancy. There was a lot of reactionto the commercial and the supposed “study” which flashed on the screen that cited how nine months after the previous Super Bowl, each of the winning cities had a birth-boom… just like the proverbial “Blizzard Baby Boom.” Although there’s little data to support these claims, Boston did have a bit of a baby boom after winning the world series in 2004.

Yes, I am pregnant

Concern 1:  My partner and I drank a lot that night. Because of that drinking will I have complications during the pregnancy? It depends. What your behaviors were before you got pregnant do influence fetal development and postpartum growth of your baby. Do you regularly drink more than 10 glasses of alcohol, containing 5% alcohol (or more) per week? Do you drink excessively when you ovulate? If so, you may have a baby that is born with low birth weight and may have trouble gaining weight during their first six months. Be sure you are talking to your health care professional if this is a concern.

Concern 2: My partner and I got high that night. What will happen to my baby? It depends. Have you continued to “use” well into your first trimester? One study shows that a marijuana user is more likely to have a child with anencephaly if this behavior continues beyond conception into the first three months of pregnancy.

Medical definition and research citation.

Be aware too that, if you are a cocaine user, your baby is more likely to have a cleft palate.  Always be sure to share your concerns with your health care provider.

Concern 3: This pregnancy wasn’t planned and my partner and I are not ready; we’re reluctantly continuing on with the pregnancy. The key here to feel supported. Each person must acknowledge all of your concerns about becoming parents. If you live in the immediate Denver area, I suggest you contact THE CATALYST CENTER, LLC (300 South Jackson St, suite 520, Denver 80209 720-675-7123 www.CatalystcenterLLC.com). They offer a free initial consultation. For the Boulder area, click here.  Your primary healthcare provider can also refer you to a therapist as well. Next, strive to establish a support system (not only for your prenatal months) but for four months postpartum as well.

Be sure to establish a support system during your prenatal months, as well as postpartum, for you, your partner, and your baby.

It’s nice to have a non-judgmental person by your side as you journey into parenthood, as well as someone who is able to answer all your questions about pregnancy, labor, and beyond. Most importantly, someone capable of guiding you in creating deeper bonding with yourself, your partner, and your baby as you navigate this new terrain.

Click here to learn more about The Birth Year Experience to make it a smooth and graceful transition for the entire family!

Getting Pets Ready for Baby

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Many families start out as pet parents who are already focused on the care of their four-legged friend(s). So, how do you make the transition in order for both pets and humans to welcome the newborn baby? Here are a few articles and references that may help you craft a solution that will work for your family:

  • Be mindful of your emotions as well as those of your pets. If you’re stressed, the pet will react to that stress. Massage therapy is a great way for both you and your partner to relax.
  • It is important to take the time to train your pet. Err on the side of caution; your grumpy cat may pee on everything baby-related. Ask friends how they made the transition and inquire if they got outside help from a company like Bark Busters.
  • Know that having a pet is a great thing for your baby! A great benefit resulting from having a pet is that it can help build a child’s immune system.

Not sure how to navigate the transition from Pet-Parent to baby?

The journey from pregnancy into parenthood is a unique and individual experience. The Birth Year Experience strives to make a smooth and graceful transition for the entire family. At each stage of your journey, you’ll know (not wonder or worry) that you’re getting your ideal level of food intake, exercise, sex, communication, touch, safety, and support. When you do go into labor, you’ll know you’ve done everything in your power to have a positive experience and that you’re fully supported in all the ways you need. Additionally, your partner will be confident in their ability to do everything they can, going above and beyond your expectations, as they support you while becoming a new parent themselves.

Click here to learn more now!

Doe la? Doo-la? Dau-la? What is that?

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What is a doula?

The term “doula” comes from the ancient Greek meaning “a woman who serves.”  There are three types of doulas: An antenatal doula, a labor (or birth) doula, and a postpartum doula. Each serves a different and important purpose. The antenatal doula helps you before labor and delivery by answering your questions concerning expectations, easing your fears, supporting you as you develop a birth plan, and generally getting you ready for the arrival of your baby. The labor doula is a trained labor coach who assists you during labor and delivery. They provide you with continuous emotional support, as well as assistance with other non-medical aspects of your care. They also answer any questions that you and your partner have about what’s happening, as well as support your partner as they support you during labor. Lastly, the postpartum doula will come to your home after the birth in order to help you settle in with your new baby while also assisting with breastfeeding and easing the transition into parenthood for both parents.

Why have a Birth Coach/Doula?

Studies have shown that having a doula as a member of the birth team decreases the overall cesarean rate by 50%, the length of labor by 25%, the use of medical oxytocin by 40%, and requests for an epidural by 60%.

The role of the doula never takes the place of one’s partner during labor but complements and enhances everyone’s experience. Some partners prefer to enjoy delivery without being the labor coach. With a doula as a part of the birth team, the partner is free to participate as much or as little as desired. Doulas can encourage the partner to offer the use of comfort measures that are appropriate for the birthing parent at each step of the birthing/labor journey. The Doula can step in if a break is needed. Having a doula allows the partner to emotionally support the laboring parent during labor and birth without the added pressure of trying to remember everything learned in childbirth class! This allows everyone the ability to enjoy the birth experience.

Interested in learning about the BIRTH YEAR EXPERIENCE?  CONTACT HANAKO AT 720-838-8037 TO BOOK A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION TO SEE IF WORKING TOGETHER IS A GOOD FIT.