Episode 78 (Epilogue): Nap-tacular!

 

Tonight’s episode focused on napping. Laura and Carmela discussed not only our children’s naps, but also the naps we as parents need to be taking. Our first guest tonight was Elizabeth Pantley. Elizabeth is a mother of four and author of 12 books for parents - including the best-selling No-Cry Solution series, and the world-famous No-Cry Sleep Solution.  Elizabeth shared with us some wonderful information about the importance of naps for babies and young children, and provided tips for parents to learn when their child needs to nap, how long they need to nap for, and when it is time to change their schedule. She also shared advice for breastfeeding mothers, how to avoid “convenience napping” (for example a quick snooze in the car), and creating comfortable spaces for children to facilitate better napping habits. Elizabeth provided a wide range of information that is usefully to any parent, but especially those who may be having some difficultly in the nap department.

Our next guest was Karen Brody. Karen is a creative entrepreneur, crazy about taking naps, writing, and supporting women visionaries to live BOLDly. She mentors women ready to take a leap in their lives who want to make a difference in the world. Karen is also the playwright of the critically acclaimed play BIRTH, which raises money and awareness to change the culture of birth. Since 2006 performances have raised well over $100,000. Karen discussed the importance of napping for parents, particularly mothers, who face extra pressure to “do it all.” Karen highlighted the importance of stepping back from never ending “to-do” lists, and prioritizing the needs of one’s self over tasks which can be done at a later time.  Karen noted the importance of being well-rested and practicing good self-care for preventing burn out, and allowing oneself to function to their best ability. Karen also discussed avoiding guilty feelings about putting one’s health first, and reminded women to frequently tell themselves that they are, in fact,  doing enough.

Elizabeth Pantley

Karen Brody Blogspot  

Tonight’s Right: Every woman has the right to information about the professional identity and qualifications of those involved with her care, and to know when those involved are trainees. To learn more about your rights, please visit ChildbirthConnection.org.

 

Birth in the News:

Maternal Request C-sections and Multiple Births

 

North Dakota Personhood

 

AAP Same-Gender Marriage and Parenting Support

 

CDC Study on Feeding Solids Too Soon

Episode 78: Nap-tacular!

Join The Conversation Tuesday night, March 26th at 6pm ET as Laura and Carmela talk about the power of napping, both for our little ones and ourselves! Elizabeth Pantley will share her No-Cry Nap Solution and answer some of the most common questions when dealing with frustrating nap and sleep schedules. Then the always bold Karen Brody will join us to talk about how napping for mothers, and how sleep can help women create new paradigms both in our personal lives as in our communities. Have questions for our experts? Email us or post to our facebook wall. Have questions on the topic? Email us or post to our facebook wall.

Tune into WSLR 96.5 LPFM or online at www.wslr.org Tuesday, March 26th at 6:00pm ET. The program will also available later in the evening via podcast at maternallyyoursradio.com.

For more information, please contact the hostesses of Maternally Yours at MaternallyYoursRadio@gmail.com, or on our facebook page at facebook.com/maternallyyours.

Maternally Yours,

Cheryl, Carmela, Ryan and Laura
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Report from Rwanda, Vol. 4

Hi Friends and Family,

Hi, it has actually been 2 months already.

Here is where I work.

It is a referral and teaching hospital. We get everything! The entrance can get real busy with taxis, people, trucks, motos (a dangerous motorcycle taxi), vendors etc.

All is well here in Kigali, Rwanda. Some maternal deaths still of course happening. Time to visit some of the many District hospitals.  Postpartum hemorrhage is the big problem. Cases are challenging. Bad heart disease delivered today. So far doing well. Work is rewarding. Lots of teaching on ward rounds and AM report.  Learning and teaching a lot.

Check out the HRH Program website.

Been here two months. Change comes slow whether here or at home. The people are friendly.  We had a debate about how long a dressing needs to be on after C/S. we got it down from 10 to 4 days.  I told you change comes slowly.

The rainy season is here and it rains frequently and can get can get real hot! Then the power goes out like today. Traveling to Burundi in a couple of weeks to see another country. It is safe. No jewelry please as you may loose it. Someone had it yanked off their neck.

We were invited to the President's Prayer Breakfast yesterday but he was in the states visiting some people in DC.   Rwanda has many hills so we all stay in shape.  Also has a lot of children.  "Need info on family planning before you send her home."

The books we sent from the States arrived and after clearing customs and a donation from the Hills and others the students will have them. Skanska helped us a lot.

We had a big party last week for babies, birthdays, arrivals, departures etc. organized by Pauline and all had fun from ages 2-75. She and a midwife are doing wonders at a very BUSY district hospital where by noon they have done about 12 C/S.  They do 700 deliveries a month.

We get stuff by people coming bringing it so I will let you know when and where to send items like peanut butter crackers, apple sauce and energy bars etc. Miss a good old fashion stand up American shower.

Take care. Hope you are all fine. We are. Regards to all.

The pace is slower and the high risk pregnancies more!  A wise man once said recently, "if it does not effect tomorrow, let it go." He was right!

WCH
Washington C. Hill, M.D., FACOG
Maternal-Fetal Medicine
HRH Rwanda
Kigali, Rwanda

Episode 77 (Epilogue): Doula Care

 

Tonight we discussed the Ins, Outs, Whys, and Hows of doula care!  Cheryl and Ryan, both doulas themselves, discussed the importance of doula care for expectant and new mothers, and explained a doula as this: a doula is a woman (or less often a man) who supports another woman through the labor and delivery of her baby or during the immediate and extended postpartum period. A doula can help provide the support necessary to have a safe, healthy and satisfying birth experience, and a healthy and happy recovery in the postpartum weeks.  Doulas a NOT midwives, and are entirely focused on the physical and emotional support of the woman- not providing medical assistance. Cheryl and Ryan also explained the differences between birth doulas and postpartum doulas, and detailed some of the specialized attention and help that each of these professionals can give.

Our guest tonight was Christian Axness, owner of Everyday Baby in Sarasota, shared her own birth story, and the ways in which doula care ultimately helped her to achieve an empowering birth. Christian pointed out that one of the ways in which doulas are particularly necessary is that they alleviated some of the pressure put on loved ones, particularly partners, during labor. While the role of childbirth coach often falls on Dad’s shoulders, he too could be having a difficult time dealing with labor and not feeling like he is adequately supporting his partner. Doulas allow partners to still provide emotional support, but also provide knowledge and knowhow that Dads may not have.

Finally, Cheryl and Ryan shared some tips for looking for a doula. Suggestions include hiring a doula earlier rather than later, interviewing multiple doulas, and assessing specific needs in order to make sure the doula you hire is best suited to help you.  Cheryl and Ryan also shared their respective advice for questions to ask birth doulas and postpartum doulas. Ryan stressed the importance of simply asking for individuals who felt that they could not afford a doula, noting many doulas ability to work with individuals who need assistance.

We closed the show with a special announcement from previous guest Nyssa Retter. We celebrate Nyssas’ two year anniversary breastfeeding her youngest, and the extra work she has done to make this possible.

For information about doula and child support professionals in our area, please visit www.facebook.com/sarasotachildbirth

Tonight’s Right: Tonight we remind you that: Every woman has the right to receive all or most of her maternity care from a single caregiver or a small group of caregivers, with whom she can establish a relationship. Every woman has the right to leave her maternity caregiver and select another if she becomes dissatisfied with her care.*
*(Only second sentence is a legal right.)

To learn more about your rights, please visit ChildbirthConnection.org.

Birth in the News:

Postpartum Depression Study

Potential Economic Impact of Doula Support

As a warning, our next two news stories deal with sexual assault, rape culture, and victim blaming, and could be triggering.

We are not going to post any link to news coverage which presents victim blaming, but do want to state that we actively stand against any statements against the survivor in the Steubenville case, and are truly outraged about media discussion which make excuses for these convicted and violent criminals.

 Action to Clear Rape Kit Backlog in Detroit

Episode 77: Hiring a Doula

Join The Conversation Tuesday night, March 19 at 6pm ET as Cheryl and Ryan, our two resident doulas, celebrate World Doula Week by going over the ins, the outs, the whys and the hows of hiring a doula. Have questions on the topic? Email us or post to our facebook wall.

Tune into WSLR 96.5 LPFM or online at www.wslr.org tonight, Tuesday, March 19th at 6:00pm ET. The program will also available later in the evening via podcast at maternallyyoursradio.com.

For more information, please contact the hostesses of Maternally Yours at MaternallyYoursRadio@gmail.com, or on our facebook page at facebook.com/maternallyyours.

Maternally Yours,
Cheryl, Carmela, Ryan and Laura

Episode 76 (Epilogue): Staycation

 

Why head far away for spring break when there are so many places to go and so many things to do right in our own backyard? Our episode tonight focused on “staycations.” Ryan and Carmela joined guest Kelly Defebo. She has been a member of Visit Florida’s Meetings & Travel Trade Committee for the last 4 years and is also a member of seven other industry associations throughout the country. Kelly has lived on the Gulf Coast of Florida nearly her entire life and has lived in Sarasota County for the last 12 years.
 
Kelly explained staycations became popular during the economic crisis, as a way for individuals to avoid the high cost of vacations while still enjoying time off. Staycations are a great way for people to avoid the cost and stress of travel.

The best way to plan a staycation is to prepare for it as though you would be going on a vacation far away. Make sure ahead of time that all responsibilities around the house are done beforehand, and that you make it clear to those around you that you will be on vacation. The next step is to figure out what kind of staycation will best suit your family. Are you most interested in outdoor activities? Do you most like activities involving the water? Are you and your family most focused on local shopping and dining?

We discussed some of the local attractions in the area which may be good options for staycationers with children, including The Sarasota Children’s Garden, The Gwiz Science Museum, Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. We then discussed local restaurants such as the Hob Nob,  the Shake Pit , Salute!,  and Ophelia’s on the Bay, and area “hidden gems” such as the Warm Mineral Springs  in North Port and the Hermitage Art Retreat  in Englewood.  For individuals who are looking for bargain staycations, we suggested Siesta Key beach, Dakin Dairy Farm, Honeyside Farm, Eden Farms, Orioles Spring Training games, strolling on St. Armand’s Circle,  and our state parks, Mayakka and Oscar Scherer. Carmela mentioned the Sarasota Folk Festival  as a music filled event that families might enjoy. Kelly also spoke about some upcoming summer events, including  Savor Sarasota  (June 1^st-14^th), World Ocean Day at Mote (June 2^nd), Sarasota Music Festival  (June 6^th- 22^nd), The  Sarasota Improv Festival (For Adults, July 12^th and 13^th), and the Suncoast Super Boat Grand Prix  (June 29^th- July 7^th). For those looking for even more options, Kelly informed us of the Sarasota Visitor’s Guide, a comprehensive guide to the area. The guide can be picked up at the Sarasota Visitor Center and order or downloaded from the Visit Sarasota website.

We also talked about some educational programs for children, such as the Sarasota Opera Performance Program  for children, the Sarasota Ballet School  , the Creative Kid’s Saturday art class at The Art Center of Sarasota, the Van Wezel  school time performances (make sure to tell your children’s teachers!), and programs from The Arts and Cultural Alliance.

The Look Up 941

Coachsurfing International

 Music Festival Junkies

Visit Sarasota

Stop in at the Sarasota Visitor Center!
701 N. Tamiami Trail
941-955-0991
Tonight’s right

Tonight’s Right: Every woman has the right to choose her birth setting from the full range of safe options available in her community, on the basis of complete, objective information about benefits, risks and costs of these options. To learn more about your rights, please visit ChildbirthConnection.org.

Birth in the News:

Doctor Threatens to Call Police on Pregnant Woman so She'll Have C-section

The Importance of Trial of Labor for Potential VBAC

Rosemary Birthing Home to Help Federal Study of Preterm Birth Prevention

Episode 76: Planning a Staycation

Join The Conversation Tuesday night, March 12 at 6pm ET as Ryan and Carmela give you the secrets to a fabulous Staycation! They’ll be joined by Kelly M. Defebo, CMP of Visit Sarasota to explore the ways your family can enjoy your spring and summer vacation time right here in your own backyard.

Tune into WSLR 96.5 LPFM or online at www.wslr.org tonight, Tuesday, March 12th at 6:00pm ET. The program will also available later in the evening via podcast at maternallyyoursradio.com.

For more information, please contact the hostesses of Maternally Yours at MaternallyYoursRadio@gmail.com, or on our facebook page at facebook.com/maternallyyours.

Maternally Yours,
Cheryl, Carmela, Ryan and Laura

Episode 75 (Epilogue): WSLR Fund Drive Show

 

 

Tonight we had our very special fund drive episode. In continuining with our tradition of sharing birth stories during these shows, we brought you the truly amazing story of Mallie Shirk, who gave birth to her breech twins in the water! Tune in to hear Mallie's stories, as well as more details about how to donate to Maternally Yours and WSLR.

We encourage listenrs who want to donate before tomorrow at 7:00 pm to do so through the 36 Hour Giving Challenge. All donations between $25 and $1000 have the opportunity to be DOUBLED. We are participating in this Challenge during our regular Spring Membership Drive so that we don't have to ask you again for money this Spring to keep our station going! SO CLICK HERE! You can also call (941) 894-6469 any time this week in order to donate, just make sure to mention Maternally Yours!

To all those who have already given, we just want to state how supported we feel, and how grateful to you. You keep community radio alive, and we truly wouldn't be able to produce this show without YOU.

Episode 75: DOUBLE YOUR PLEASURE!

Just LOOK at Phoebe and Scarlett here, reminding us that if there is anything better than one precious gift--it's TWO!!

On Tuesday March 5, at 7:00am ET on the nose, the 36 Hour Giving Challenge kicks off. We will be waiting at our computers with our coffee in hand, ready to put our money where our mouths are and support WSLR. Can we ask you to do the same?

All donations between $25 and $1000 have the opportunity to be DOUBLED. We are participating in this Challenge during our regular Spring Membership Drive so that we don't have to ask you again for money this Spring to keep our station going! SO CLICK HERE as close to 7am as you can and help us keep The Conversation going and create real maternity care reform in our own community! We'd love to hear from you tonight on the air as well--to THANK YOU for supporting independent media, WSLR, and Maternally Yours! Call us at (941) 894-6469 tonight at 6pm!

Then tune in TONIGHT at 6pm ET as the entire Collective welcomes Wonder Woman Mallie Shirk, to tell us the birth stories of these two insanely adorable babies, Phoebe and Scarlett. Where else will you hear a birth story that includes four states, two older brothers, and a double breech twin waterbirth?

It is our HONOR and PRIVILEGE to donate our time each week to bringing you inspiring stories, groundbreaking maternity care news, inspiring discussions, and change-making guests. We, like every other program on WSLR, are driven not by money or advertising, but by people and passion.

For more information, please contact the hostesses of Maternally Yours at MaternallyYoursRadio@gmail.com, or on our facebook page at facebook.com/maternallyyours.

Maternally Yours, 

Cheryl, Carmela, Ryan and Laura