Bonding with your future child begins before conception! Life is in love with itself. As William Blake said, "eternity is in love with time." What we call bonding is just that, which begins with mother and her infant and expands to embody the entire universe. - M. Mendizza
Technology Allows Doctors to Peek Inside Baby's Brain. Efforts are under way to better understand the impact of brain injuries in newborns. By Anne Mcllroy, The Globe and Mail (Toronto) Aug 7, 2010.Dr. Miller, senior clinician scientist at the Child & Family Research Institute, is part of a large international effort to better understand the impact of brain injuries in newborns using the latest imaging technology. One of their goals is to find ways to protect the brains of prematurebabies so development can proceed as naturally as in the womb.
Is the U.S. obstetric system providing more safety during childbirth? Hardly. Obstetrician Marsden Wagner reports that we have a higher maternal mortality rate than twenty-eight other countries, that the rate has been increasing for over twenty years, and even worse, that over half of maternal deathsca be prevented. In addition, studies show that between 33 and 64 percentof mothers are traumatized by giving birth. The reason is clear to med- ical researchers and many midwives, but is not well known or readily accepted by the gen- eral public or obstetrical medicine...." I honor all mothers and wish the very best for women who give birth." William R. Emerson, PhD. APPPAH President. www.emersonbirthrx.com Spring 2011. Many people thought the (fetal immune)cells were immature and nonfunctional, instead they have a robust immune response against things that are foreign. According to Dr. Joseph McCune, UCSF division of experimental medicine, the fetal immune system is designed to tolerate "foreign" bodies to prevent it from attacking its own devel- oping cells or its mother's. For more info..Email Erin Allday at callday@sfchronicle.com.
There is evidence that the problem of obesity starts in the womb. In the late1980s David Barker, a British doctor, suggested that what a woman eats when she is pregnant shapes her child's physiology for life. He called the idea fetal programming. Such programming would allow an individual to make optimum use of available nutrients, on the assumption that his own diet will be similar to his mother's. If it is not similar, though, there could be problems. Dr Barker speculated that fetal programming--in misalliance with the spread of fatty, sugary foods over recent decades --might explain the epidemic of obesity, heart disease and late-onset diabetes that plagues many rich countries. Read more...The Economist Nov13/10.
The Prematurity Puzzle: Research on early births could hold clues to disorders like autism and cerebral palsy. In the U.S. alone, premature births are up 40 percent since 1980.Meanwhile, as modern medicine helps more and more of those babies survive, doctors and scientists have found themselves confronted with a new dilemma: how to prevent the string of neurological problems and developmental disabilities that plague many premature babies as they grow into children and adults. By Jeneen Interlandi, Nwk,11/1/10
Odds of survival can be forecast in embryo's 1st 5 days. By Erin Allday, S F Chronicle. Oct 4,2010. Stanford researchers who studied and photographed human embryos for the first five days after fertilization say they have found a way to accurately predict which embryos will reach an important developmental milestone--and may be the most likely to lead to healthy pregnancies. E-mail Erin Allday at eallday@sfchronicle.com
Slow Death by Rubber Duck, How the Toxic Chemistry of Everyday Life Affects Our Health. by Rick Smith and Bruce Lourie. Americans come into contact with roughly 80,000 industrial chemicals. The authors' list exposes the secret danger of everyday things which may agravate, if not cause, asthma, autism, ADD, ADHD, obesity, and reproductive disorders. They cover phthalates, PCBs, mercury, anitbacterial products, pesticides and everything right down to teflon on your cooking pans. Written to make consumers enlightened, not "chemophobic."
Trouble with Toddlers?
Behavioral Problems Related to Maternal Smoking During Pregnancy Manifest Early, Researchers have found probable precursors of adolescent conduct disorders in the behavior of toddlers and schoolchildren. Children of mothers who smoke during pregnancy had rates almost twice as high of disruptive behavior such as (ODD) oppositional defiance disorder combined with (ADHD) Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder than the children from the non-smoking moms' group. Toddlers were evaluated for disruptive behavior, first grade boys for ODD, and young teenage boys for serious delinquency. NIDA Notes, Publication No. 08-6454, June, 2008.
Morning sickness' in pregnancy loses psychogenic stigma. New evidence refutes old beliefs and supports organic causes and psychological sequelae for this plague which often accompanies the early stages of pregnancy. Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) is a misunderstood disorder associated with stress, anxiety and depression. Prejudice toward women is thought to have guided the old psychoanalytic concept of NVP as psychogenis, but this old theory is being thrown out. Although more severe cases can lead to hospitalization, correcting dehydration + making dietary and lifestyle changes can bring about relief. Talk to your physician before ruling out other reasons for NVP such as thyroid disease, urinary tract infection, etc.Current Psychiatry. July, 2008.
Current Research into Prenatal Causes of Schizophrenia, summarized by Thomas T. Thomas. "For years psychiatrists accused parents and their child-raising of being the probable cause of schizophrenia." Findings, compiled by Catherine Schaefer, Ph.D., an epidemiologist with Kaiser Permanente's Division of Research in Oakland, reviewed a unique set of records from one of the largest populations which covers prenatal care through delivery and pediatrics. You can visit Kaiser's website and review her research at: Kaiser Foundation Research Institute or contact her at cathy.schaefer@dor.kaiser.org
Nurturing The Unborn Child by Thomas Verny, M.D. and Pamela Weintraub. Dozens of university and hospital studies show that un- born children can see, hear, feel and perhaps even form rudimentary level of awareness in the womb. What's more, psychologists now con- tend, prenatal life and the birth experience are so profound determinant of human personality and aptitude.
SmartBaby Series ...Prenatal Music for Life Created with the guidelines and endorsement of Dr. F. Rene Van de Carr, world renowned in the field of prenatal stimulation and founder of Prenatal University in Hayward, California. Endorsed by the March of Dimes.
Teaching baby during pregnancy...... Increase your baby's attention span.... Getting dad's and siblings actively involved.... Teaching baby during infancy.......
While You Are Expecting...Your Own Prenatal Classroom, by F. Rene Van de Carr, M.D. & Marc Lehrer, Ph.D. A complete, comprehensive source, specially designed guide for parents, grandparents and other family members, helps create an environment that's ideal for baby. You've heard about this on the Today Show, ABC Evening News, etc. and read about it in Harper's, Newsweek, Baby Talk, Reader's Digest,etc.Check out: www.prenatalmusic4life.com
Mom's Diabetes May Affect Child's Brain: Blood sugar may influence a critical period in the development of the hippocampus. The many pregnant women wo have diabetes or develop it during pregnancy have another reason to control their blood sugar. Abnormal glucose levels could affect their child's memory and damage might not be reversible. Children of diabetic mothers from day one through age 8 (and counting) found consistent problems with their memoryh; specifically, their ability to recognize their mother's voice (at birth), face (at 6 months), and sequences of actions (ages 3 and up). Researchers suspect that the impairment is caused by damage to the hippocampus, which rapidly develops during the third trimester of pregnancy. Nicky Penttila is a senior writer and editor for Dana Press. She can be reached at npenttila@dana.org.
Depresssion Screening in New Moms Could Boost Parenting Skills. Mothers play with and talk and read to their babies less often if they record higher scores on depression assessment instruments. Screening mothers of newborns could identify women with depressive symptoms and allow pediatricians to counsel them in good parenting practices and refer them to mental health professionals to treat their symptoms, wrote Kathryn T Mc- Learn, Ph.D. and colleagues in the March Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine. "Maternal Depressive Symptoms at 2 to 4 Months Post Partum and Early Parenting Practices."
Prenatal Parenting by Frederick Wirth, M.D. (Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, Tufts University School of Medicine) "Please read this book. It just may be the greatest gift you ever give your child. I only wish it were required reading for every parent," says Steven W. Vannoy, author ofThe 10 Greatest Gifts We Give Our Children.
Prenatal Parenting: The Complete Psychological and Spiritual Guide to Loving Your Unborn Child. "Read this book! Learn how to improve your birthing experience and the health and happiness of your unborn child." Parenting From The Inside Out.by Daniel J. Siegel, M.D. and Mary Hartzell, M.Ed. "This is an excellent, with a positive, humaneand compassionate message. I applaud the emphasis on emotional connection and communication between parent and child and the thesis that as you understand and connect with yourself, you can better connect with your child. This book will be deeply interesting to parents, as well as useful for them."- L. Alan Sroufe, Ph.D., professor, Institute of Child Development Univ.of Minnesota, and author of EmotionalDevelopment :The Organization of Emotional Life in the Early Years.
BabyBabyOhBaby -- Bonding with your Brilliant and Beautiful Baby Through Infant Massage, by David Stark. (DVD). Thoughtful, respectful and inclusive it shows parents interacting with their babies as they learn how to dance with and improvise on the clear instructions.This is a beautifully rendered instructional DVDf or bonding with your baby through appropriate touch--the best I've seen of what's on the market. Visit:babybabyohbaby.com.
The Joy of Fatherhood,by Marcus Jacob Goldman, M. D. "This book is designed to help you explore and better understand your new role as father. Child-care books sometimes inadvertently shy away from the emotional realities ofraising a baby. I've tried toaddress not only the basics--what to expect each month, how to interact with your baby--but also the conflicting emotions you, as a man, might be experiencing and the complexities of maintaining a healthy relationship with your partner."
“We rarely consider the father’s health, the psychological health of the parents and their relationship, and the whole health-body-mind and soul of the unborn child. Your own pre-birth holistic health care plan, however, can include all of these aspects in preparing to conceive your child.” Carista Luminare-Rosen, Ph.D.Parenting Begins Before Conception.
The Father's Style Advantage offers a much needed corrective to the idea that mothers and fathers are interchangeable. The authors make convincing case that fathers as mothers - should read this book. Ross D. Parke, Ph.D. Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Director,Center for Family Studies, U.C. Riverside. "Know your negative expectations, fears, and stereotyped ideas about babies. Then try to talk about them frankly with your spouse, a trusted friend, or a professional counselor. Airing these preconceived notions will greatly help dissipate their holdon you and your child." Tomorrow's Babyby Thomas Verny, M.D., and Pamela Weintraub.
"Parenting begins the moment you make any conscious effort to care for your own health in preparation for enhancing your child's conception. Your preparation for parenthood will support the overall health of the soul who has chosen you to nurture its life on earth.....It is every child's birthright to have a family and culture that support his essential nature." Parenting Begins Before Conception by Carista Luminare-Rosen, Ph.D.
"When you were only a twinkle in your parents' eyes." A phrase that conjures up the happiness of loving parents who truly want to conceive a child. It turns out it is also a phrase that sums up the latest genetic research suggesting that parents should cultivate that twinkle in the months before they conceive a child. That growth-promoting awareness and intention can produce a smarter, healthier and happier baby. The Biology of Belief by Bruce Lipton, Ph.D.
"The fundamental action is love. The biological baseline is that life loves itself. I'm in love with life. As William Blake said, 'eternity is in love with time.' What we call bonding is just that, which begins with mother and her infant and expands to embody the entire universe," fromMagical Parent, Magical Childby Michael Mendizza with Joseph Chilton Pearce.
Life in the Womb by Peter W. Nathanielsz, M.D., PhD. "Opens a wonderfulwindow on how the environment of the mother's womb can influence the developing embryo, and how this can profoundly affect later life." Lewis Wolpert, author of The Triumph of the Embryo.
The Expectant Father - A Child Is Bornby Nilsson & Hamberger. "The union of scientific accuracy and artistry...a book which can be enthusiastically recommended for young parents and parents to be as well as adolescents."
Conscious Conception by Jeannine Parvati Baker, Frederick Baker, and Tamara Slaytor. A rich and heady mixture of myth, metaphor, fantasy, art, poetry, and fact, this book reminds us of our roots in nature.
The Birth Partner's Handbook by Carl Jones with Jan Jones. This step-by-step guide shows the father, relative, or friend how to help a woman give birth, minimize her pain and maximize her joy.
The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth by Sheila Kitzinger. Fully revised and expanded, this book describes the development of the baby inside the uterus as well as the physical and psychological changes that occur throughout pregnancy. Includes a complete illustrated guide to labor, including the different forms of pain relief and the methods of delivery.
Your Baby Your Way by Sheila Kitzinger. Where should you have your baby? Through what method? Under whose care? What foods should you eat? What drugs should you avoid? These are some of the questions this refreshingly down-to-earth book answers.
A Child Is Born by Lennart Nilsson, new edition. Nilsson, a pioneer in the field of scientific medical photography, literally illuminates the mystery of human development from conception to birth. Enthusiastically recommended by Sylvia Klein Olkin.
A catalogue of ideas for coping with the common discomforts of pregnancy. The author draws heavily on her knowledge of yoga, exercise, massage, shiatsu, nutrition, visualization, and other alternatives to mainstream medical care. Her love and respect for the unborn child permeate this excellent book. Positive Pregnancy Fitness
Before You Conceive: The Complete Pregnancy Guide Before You Conceive: The Complete Pregnancy Guide by John R. Sussman, B. Blake Levitt. "Our children are our accountability, our links to the waves of generations before us and those to come after us. They simultaneously connect us to the earth and the sky, rescaling to us both our reality and our dreams focusing on life's energy. To say that having a baby is one of life's richest, most rewarding experiences is a cliche that is nevertheless true. There is nothing else quite like bringing new life into the world-- the waiting, the wonder, the magic of creating enduring bonds of intimacy, love and sharing."
The Earliest Relationship The Earliest Relationship by T. Berry Brazelton, M.D., Bertrand G. Cramer, M.D. "A woman's desire for a baby is fueled by many different motives and drives. In any individual woman, it would be impossible to tease all these apart. However, to give a sense of the power and complexity of this desire, and to help in understanding the turmoil of pregnancy, we will attempt to identify some of the most important of these ingredients. They include identification, the fulfillment of various narcissistic needs, and attempts to recreate old ties in the new relationship to the child."
Birthing From Within: An Extra-Ordinary Guide to Childbirth Preparation by Pam England.
"Life in the Womb, describes how our home in the womb is the major factor that determines our health throughout life...Life in the womb programs our susceptibility to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity and many other conditions in later life." Life In The Womb by Peter W. Nathanielsz, MD.PhD.
Women's Bodies, Women's WisdomWomen's Bodies, Women's Wisdom: Creating Physical and Emotional Health and Healing. Christiane Northrup.
The Whole Person Fertility Program The Whole Person Fertility Program: A Revolutionary Mind-Body Process to Help You Concieve by Niravi B. Payne and Brenda Lee Richardson.
An Easier Childbirth An Easier Childbirth: A Mother's Guide for Birthing Normally.
Life Before Birth Life Before Birth by Peter W. Nathanielsz, M.D., Ph. D. The challenges of fetal development.
Life in the Womb Life in The Womb:The Origin of Disease by Peter W. Nathanielsz, M.D., Ph. D.
Birth Without Violence Birth Without Violence by French pediatrician, Frederick LeBoyer. One of the first to focus international attention on what birth was like from the baby's point of view.
When Pregnancy Isn't Perfect When Pregnancy Isn't Perfect: A Layperson's Guide to Complications in Pregnancy by Laurie A. Rich.
The World of the Unborn The World of The Unborn:Nurturing Your Unborn Child Before Birth by Leni Schwartz.
Before You Conceive Before You Conceive: by John R. Sussman and B. Blake Levitt.
Chicken Soup for the Expectant Mother's Soul Chicken Soup For The Expectant Mother's Soul by J. Canfield, M. V. Hansen, Patty Aubrey, Nancy Mitchell. "Whether you're pregnant or awaiting adoption, Chicken Soup will be a steadfast companion for the expectant woman, and indeed the whole family--including the parents-to-be, as well as any siblings of the new baby who are bursting with unbridled enthusiasm to greet the new addition."
From Birth to Age Three - Baby Hearts,A Guide to Giving Our Child an Emotional Head Start, by Linda Acredolo, Ph.D. & Susan Goodwyn,Ph.D. "Whether your child is as easy to raise as a sunflower, as difficult as the prickly holly bush, requires the patience of the delicate orchid, or is active as the exuberant dandelion. Baby Hearts helps you provide the emotional support that may be the most important gift a parent can give."
Heart & Hands Heart & Hands: A Midwife's Guide to Pregnancy & Birth by Elizabeth Davis.
“The single most gratifying aspect of our new knowledge is what it reveals about the pregnantwoman and her role in shaping and guiding her unborn child’s personality.” Thomas Verny, M.D., with John Kelly fromThe Secret Life Of The Unborn Child.
“Everyone knows now that I have no doubt that a fetus listens…In fact, listening is a high level ability thatopens directly onto consciousness." Dr. Alfred A. Tomatis,The Conscious Ear.
DADs & DADs-TO-BE:
Did you know......male pipefish get pregnant and carry the female eggs to term in a brood pouch. Texas A & M researchers report. April, 2010.
When Men Are Pregnant-Needs and Concerns of Expectant Fathers, by Jerrold Lee Shapiro, Ph. D. "Beautifully explores the father's role throughout the childbearing drama." Carl Jones, author of Mind over Labor.
The Father's Almanac from Pregnancy to Pre-school...by S. Adams Sullivan. "Timely and delightful reinforcement for the 'newbreed' of fathers who want to participate in their children's lives." - T. Berry Brazelton, M. D. Chief Child Development Unit, Children's Hospital Medical Center, Harvard University.
She's Having a Baby---and I'm Having a Breakdown, by James Douglas Barron. A funny and informative book for expectant fathers. A true story with helpful insights into the ancient art of fathering.
She Wants a Ring---I Don't Wanna Change a Thing, also by James Douglas Barron. Another funny read for all ages.
For the first-time father, pregnancy can be puzzling, tiring and sometimes hurtful, and a frequent strain on the patience and digestion. The most unsettling fact to face is that your dear, familiar wife will change. She will not only change shape, but also in disposition. She will be subject to uncharacteristic moods and fancies, often following one another with confusing speed...This book is based on the assumption that you actually want to join in. And the best time to do that is at the very beginning. Peter Mayle writes,How To Be A Pregnant Father A Pregnant Father.
The Expectant Father The Expectant Father- Facts, Tips and Advice for Dads-to-Be by Armice A. Brott & Jennifer Ash. "When my wifegot pregnant with our first child, I was the happiest I'd ever been. That pregnancy, labor and the baby's birth was a time of incredible closeness, tenderness, and passion. Long before we'd married, my wife and I had made a committment to participate equally in raising our children. And it seemed only natural that the process of sharing and parenting should begin during pregnancy. Don't get pregnant without it! A first rate guide for dads-to-be." Vicki Lansky, author of Feed Me, I'm Yours. Feed Me, I'm Yours.
So You Are Going to Be a Dad, by Peter Downey and Nick Scott. A guide written for unsspecting males who know little or nothing about parenting. A funny book filled with practical advice from pregnancy through childbirth and baby care that help's dads cope.
Becoming a Dad, A Spiritual, Emotional and Practical Guide, by Stephen James and David Thomas. A difinitive guide to the scariest and most rewarding journey men will ever take. The authors are both qualified dad's, David Thomas is therapist and Director of Counseling for men and boys at Daystar Counseling in Nashville, Tenn. and a father of three. Stephen James ia a psychotherapist and a father of four. A fun read!
TheCaveman's Pregnancy Companion- A Survival Guide for Expectant Fathers by David Port and John Ralston "So have no fear, hominid! With this infomative, entertaining volume about the trials and triumphs of pending fatherhood, you'll have no trouble making the evolutionary leap from head scratcher to fully evolved dad."
BREASTFEEDING:
Did you know....breastfeeding for six months can save lives, and money? A report published in The Journal of Pediatrics estimates that "900 babies could be saved each year, along with billions of dollars if 90 percent of the mothers in the U.S. breastfed their babies fo at least six months." Breastmilk provides antibodies that help babies fight infections. Speculation runs that breastfeeding may help prevent the monset of diabetes and obesity later in life. April, 2010.
The Nursing Mother's Companion: Revised 20th edition by Kathleen Huggins. "Since the beginning of humankind, women have put their infants to their breast. Extending the physical bond that begins at conception..."
Nursing Mother, Working Mother, by Gayle Pryor & Kathleen Huggins. The essential guide to breastfeeding your baby before and after you return to work.
Bestfeeding: Getting Breastfeeding Right for You, by Mary Renfrew. Written by two midwives and the author in English and Spanish. Helps both moms and their support people with birthing and focuses on prevention of problems when breastfeeding.
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, by La Leche League International. First published in 1958, it was most recently revised in 1991.
Visit:
htp://www.lalecheleaguescnv.org or lalecheleagueyourstate.org
BIRTH:
"Only in the mid-sixties was it demonstrated that the eardrum, ossicles and inner ear reach adult size and become fully operational midway through pregnancy. The ear completes its development well before all other sensory organs. The last missing piece to the puzzle came in 1966 when it was found that the acoustic nerve starts to myelenize -- that is, it becomes able to carry a neural impulse -- in the sixth month after conception. It was also discovered that most of the temporal lobe of the brain, which receives the nervous influx from the auditory nerve, is largely functional before birth. In other words, not only can the ear pelong before the child is born, but thenerve can at least partially carry the information to the brain to be processed." When Listening Comes Alive WHEN LISTENING COMES ALIVE by Paul Madaule.
Is it right to show emotion at what a child has done? If you feel upset, should you show it right away? What if everyday brings a new crisis? At what age do you think limit setting should be introduced so that it is effective? You can find answers to these questions and more in What Every Baby KnowsWHAT EVERY BABY KNOWS by T. Berry Brazelton, M.D. Other books by Dr. Brazelton: Infants and Mothers, Working and CaringInfants and Mothers, Working and Caring, andTo Listen to a Child.
THE MIND OF YOUR NEWBORN BABY by David Chamberlain. "An impressive book which challenges the assumptions we makeabout babies and impels thereader to look at the newborn child with fresh eyes." Sheila Kitzinger, Author of The Complete Book of Preganancy and ChildbirthTheCompleteBook of Pregnancy andChildbirth.
A CHILD IS BORN."The dramatic intrauterine photography of Lennart Nilsson undoubtedly helped the public to accept Leboyer'smessage that newborns were aware and sensitive beings." The Incarnating Child by Joan Salter.
Nurturing Your Child with Music- How Sound Awareness Creates Happy, Smart and Confident Children by John M. Ortiz, Ph.D. "In this creative, exciting book, psychologist, musician and composer, John M. Ortiz blends music, sound, and psychology, presenting a variety of opportunities for parents to bond with their children and introduce them to thelifelong joys of music." William Glasser, M.D. author of the best-sellers,The Quality SchoolThe Quality Schooland Choice Theory.
Natural Baby and Childcare by Lauren Feder, M.D. Practical Medical Advice and Holistic Wisdom for Raising Healthy Children from Birth to Adolescence.
And the Skylark Sings With Meby David H. Albert. Foreword by Joseph Chilton Pearce, author of Magical Child"Magical Child"."This articulate and moving description of care and lovein education is of the greatest value to all parentsandeducators."