The Nurturing News - Yahoolib.store.yahoo.net/lib/nurturecenter/winter2006.pdf · lonely, fearful, or angry. These uncomfortable emotions can trigger a tendancy to grasp for things

Winter 2006 Volume 7, Issue 1

Inside This Issue...

What We Offer:Services:

♦ Classes & Support Groups♦ Breast Pump, Scale, and

Waterbirth Tub Rentals♦ Breastfeeding Education

and Counseling♦ Baby Gift Registry♦ Lending Library

Products:♦ Maternity and Nursing

Clothing and Bras♦ Layette and Baby Gifts ♦ Organic Baby Clothing♦ Pregnancy, Breastfeeding,

Birth, and Parenting Books

♦ Baby Carriers & Slings♦ Breast Pumps and

Breastfeeding Supplies♦ Dutailier Gliders &

Replacement Cushions♦ Arm’s Reach Co-Sleepers♦ Britax Car Safety Seats

The Nurture Center is located at 3399 Mt. Diablo Blvd. near Brown Avenue in Lafayette, accessible from the Oak Hill Road or Pleasant Hill Road exits off Highway 24. The Center’s hours are Monday thru Friday, 9:30 am – 5:30 pm, Saturdays, 10am to 5pm. There is parking available in the front and rear. Classroom is in the rear of the building.

Winter Classes and Groups

♦ Drop-in New Parent Support Group

♦ HypnoBirthing® Class♦ Childbirth Preparation

Refresher♦ Breastfeeding Prepara-

tion♦ Newborn Care Classes♦ Free Baby Carrier Class♦ Baby Signs Workshop♦ Doula Information Night♦ La Leche League

And More...

The Nurturing NewsThe Nurture Center, LLC

The Indispensable Source for New Parents3399 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Lafayette, CA 94549

925-283-1346 [email protected]

Making Family Holidays SpecialArticle Page

Mom & Dad-Speak 3

Meditating Moms 5

Choosing Child Care 7

Classes & Groups 9

HypnoBirthing 15

Continued on page 2

During this time of year, I often wonder how many families really experience joy during the holiday season. Everyone seems so stressed out! The malls are crazy, and parking is terrible everywhere. No wonder so many people do their holiday shop-ping online!

Your first holiday season with a baby or toddler has the added stress of coordinating holiday traditions and get-togethers between you and your partner’s extended family, often for the first time.

Holidays pre-baby were easy in comparison -- you could split up and do your own thing, or share each other’s traditions in a somewhat democratic fashion. But everything changes once a baby enters the picture. Often new parents want to create their own family traditions. If you and your partner have different traditions in your family of origin, this may be the first time you’ve re-ally thought about how that is going to work.

Even if you and your partner are from the same ethnic or religious background, holidays may take on greater importance now that your family has grown.

Talk to your partner. What do each of you enjoy about your own

Best wishes for a peaceful

and joyous holiday season

from all of us at The Nurture Center

The Nurturing News Winter 2006/2007Page 2

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holiday traditions? Find out how other families you know celebrate the holidays. Take what you find meaningful from your and your partner’s childhood, and add elements that give your holidays more meaning. Many parents find that their cultural and religious traditions take on greater significance now that they have a family of their own, or that they have the drive to create new traditions. Keep it simple this year -- your own family traditions will develop over time, and the last thing you need is a lot of pressure to make the holidays perfect.

Try not to get caught up in too much consumerism around the holidays -- spending lots of money does not add to the joy of the holidays, and your baby will not ap-preciate the value of expensive gifts for quite a while (the wrapping paper will be more exciting than the toy inside, most likely). Save your money for the day that Junior is begging for an XBox! Simple, timeless toys are best, and more is definitely not better when it comes to toys at this age. Loved ones will also understand if you don’t go overboard with gifts this year. For those that won’t, sim-plify your life and get gift cards: protecting your sanity is important for you and your family, so it should take high-est priority.

For many people, holiday rituals recognize and honor the blessings in our lives. Finding ways to share special time with loved ones, and sharing with those less fortu-

nate can be part of those rituals. Start a family tradition of contributing food to a food bank, donating to a favorite charity, or giving gifts to those in need. As your children get older, volunteering during this time of year can be a wonderful tradition.

In this issue of The Nurturing News, Rick and Jan Hanson, authors of “Mother Nurture,” offer tips for couples to communicate with each other on page 3. Often the ability to communicate (or lack thereof!) can mean the difference between cooperation and resentment for new parents.

On page 5, local counselor Sherry Berman discusses the benefits of meditating for moms. On page 7, Rhonda Garcia of the Contra Costa Child Care Council gives some tips for choosing high-quality child care, and on page 15, HypnoBirthing instructor Deanna Jesus tells us about the benefits of HypnoBirthing classes. Our winter class listings appear on page 9. Hope to see you at the Center!

Happy & healthy parenting,

Meri LevyExecutive Director

Page 3The Nurturing NewsWinter 2006/2007

Sometimes it seems like Eric and I are speaking different languages. For example, when I think we’re just talking about how we’re each feeling about something, he thinks we’re trying to identify some problem and solve it. I end up feeling like he’s not really listening to me, and he ends up feeling frustrated that we’re not getting anywhere.

In relationships, women generally tend to focus on feeling connected, while men are sensitive to status and dominance. For instance, a mother could think her husband will welcome her knowledge because he wants to come together with her in raising their children. Yet he could in-terpret her parenting tips as condescending or controlling.

Similarly, in conversation, women emphasize the pro-cess of being together, concrete consequences for specific people, and feelings, while men tend to emphasize tasks and outcomes, impersonal perspectives, and information.

Each gender style is valid, like it’s valid to be Italian or Swedish. Skill with the other gender’s style lets you shift gears effectively, depending on what’s needed. It’s com-pletely alright – and often necessary! – to ask your partner

to communicate with you in a way that’s closer to what you need as a woman.

For example, a man who is skill-ful at “mom-speak” can:

• Accept your feelings instead of trying to talk you out of them; hear you out instead of trying to solve the problem

• Ask questions about your thoughts and feelings; ask three or more questions in a row (and not “How am I doing?”!)

• Nod, smile, make eye contact, say “yeah” frequently, etc. to let you know he’s with you; encourage you to say

Translating Mom-Speak and Dad-SpeakBy Rick Hanson, Ph.D. and Jan Hanson, L.Ac., authors of Mother Nurture


more; focus on the conversation going well more than any practical outcome

• Let himself be moved emotionally; express an empathic understanding; offer relevant self-disclosure

• Understand that your (often greater) expertise about the children is not a threat but an asset for him and the family; be confident enough in his own parenting to ask for suggestions or help

• Realize that you need to ask him questions about his schedule, whereabouts, or plans in order to coordinate with him, not to be bossy; recognize that you are not trying to control him

• Be willing to talk about problems instead of thinking they might reveal an embarrassing flaw; realize that raising a family means one trouble after another

• Recognize that you need to be able to talk about your children or marriage with close friends

• Above all, communicate that he cares about you and wants to stay connected

And a woman who is skillful “dad-speak” can:

• Pay attention to her husband’s reactions to issues of power, dominance, and status; be careful about orders, put-downs, or ultimatums

• “Knock before entering” by asking him if this is a good time to talk (he should name another one if it isn’t)

• Explain the principles, values, or goals that guide her thinking; be direct about what she wants

• Consider sometimes listening as one man would to

another, with less of the chiming in and personal state-ments she might use with another woman

• Understand that he may not feel his passing thoughts are worth sharing, so his quiet does not necessarily mean that he is not listening; understand that he may regard personal questions as potentially intrusive, so his lack of inquiry into her world could be respectful rather than uncaring

• Realize that his detached verbal style does not mean he wants to distance himself from his wife

• Recognize that his debate-style challenges are to him fair play in an ongoing interaction, not a personal at-tack: more like a strong move to the hoop than walking off the court

• Be judicious in what she says about him or her family to others

• Above all, communicate respect for his autonomy; make it clear that she is simply trying to work together as equal partners in the best interests of the children

Rick Hanson, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist, Jan Hanson, M.S., L.Ac., is an acupuncturist/nutritionist, and they are raising a daughter and son, ages 13 and 16. With Ricki Pollycove, M.D., they are the first and second authors of Mother Nurture: A Mother’s Guide to Health in Body, Mind, and Intimate Relationships, published by Penguin. You can see their website at www.nurturemom.com or email them with questions or comments at [email protected]; unfortunately, a personal reply may not always be possible.


Meditating MomsBy Sherry Berman

Welcome to parenthood. This is going to be quite a ride. Especially during the very beginning stages, where your once-solid life is fading and your new life hasn’t quite emerged. Being fully present to the needs of your child, partner and yourself can feel overwhelming, especially when you are sleep deprived and hormonal.

In all the whirlwind of activity and newness, you may find yourself feeling spiritually depleted, discouraged, lonely, fearful, or angry. These uncomfortable emotions can trigger a tendancy to grasp for things that make you feel “right” or better, like food, anger or excessive planning. But the more you reach, the more depleted you can feel.

It is in these moments of grasping that meditation can be a gift you give yourself and ultimately those around you. I know, the thought of taking on something new probably feels overwhelming. But this is exactly the right time to begin a meditation practice that will help you relax and deal with all the changes in your life. Just start small and simple.

Meditation is all about breathing and really can be done anywhere, anytime. Yes, it helps to have a meditation space. Yes, it helps to sit in the right position. Sure, burn-

ing incense can enhance the experience, but let’s get real. Depending on where you are in your parenting career, the only way you’re going to begin a meditation practice is to start where you are. Just breathe.

Different medi-tation traditions will have different breathing methods, but almost all use the breath as a way to focus. For starters, I recommend an 18 breath count. But if your time is limited, go with 10 breaths. Know that the more breaths you take, the better you will feel, and your brain will thank you for the oxygen. Simply begin by breathing in slowly and deeply through your nose, filling your belly with air. Then breathe out just as slowly, again through the nose. If it feels good, let yourself moan when you breathe out.

Greet your thoughts and any distractions with com-passion. Jewish Meditation teacher Avram Davis suggests

Sherry Berman, MALife Transitions CounselorReiki Touch TherapistMeditating Mom.

Providing guidance and support to women

experiencing major life changes such as motherhood, divorce, menopause, career

change or empty nest.

925 212-7805 [email protected]


blessing the thoughts as they arise. Buddhist nun Pema Chodren recommends labeling the thoughts “thinking,” and then letting the thoughts go. Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh repeats the mantra “breathing in I breathe in” and then on the exhalation “breathing out I breathe out.”

Personally, I often imagine putting my thoughts gen-tly on a shelf, knowing I can retrieve them later if they’re really important. So after compassionately greeting your thoughts in whatever method you choose, remember to always return to the breath.

At the end of your meditation, set an intention of how you would like to experience the rest of your day. Promise yourself that you will breathe while changing dia-pers, washing dishes, breastfeeding, showering or anytime you feel tension rising. Soon you’ll notice a greater ability to enjoy this new life and all that it brings, no matter how unpredictable or challanging.

Sherry Berman received her MA from the University of San Francisco, is a Reiki Touch Therapist and has over 15 years experience as a Career and Life Transitions counselor. Sherry has been meditating for five years and runs the East Bay Meditating Moms group. Her private practice is in Walnut Creek. You can reach Sherry at [email protected] or 925 212-7805.

Lisa Broughton, BS, IBCLC

Breastfeeding Education Problem solving

Home visits

Phone: 925-323-2627 [email protected]

International Board Certified Lactation Consultant

PerinatalPsychotherapyServices

Individuals • Couples • InservicesGroups: Pregnancy, Postpartum Stress & Pregnancy Loss(510)594-4006 www.perinatalpsychotherapy.comGina Hassan PhD (PSY 13473) • Lee Safran, MFT (MFC 35387)

Donna Rothert PhD (PSY 15356)


Finding Quality Child CareBy Rhonda Garcia, Contra Costa Child Care Council

“I just called to say I love you”, I whispered into the telephone knowing that my child care provider was holding the phone up to my baby’s ear.

Choosing the right child care for a very young child is one of the hardest decisions parents make. At its best, good child care can be a tremendous support for families. Ideally both parent and caregiver work together in partner-ship to insure that a child’s early experiences set the foun-dation for later growth and learning.

A serious approach to researching and comparing the different types of care available is the first step. Other important steps include getting referrals from a variety of sources, and finally visiting several programs before making a final choice.

Types of Care:In California the State’s Department of Social Ser-

vices regulates child care programs by issuing a “license” to the facility. A fingerprint background check is also com-pleted on all adults over eighteen years old who work in the programs.

A. Family Child Care Home:A family child care home is a child care where the

caregiver lives in the home and provides care to the chil-dren from more than one family. The number of children allowed in the facility is closely regulated, and includes the caregivers’ own children under the age of thirteen.

Licensed family child care homes are located in neighborhoods throughout our communities. Often the caregivers are moms who love kids and enjoy being at home. Other caregivers have some college level early education training, and may have worked with children in larger child care settings.

Because the size of the groups are small, and because they are neighborhood based, many families choose li-censed family child care for their infants and toddlers. The home settings lend to more individualized and personalized care for the babies. These smaller settings also have the ability to be more flexible and responsive to the needs of working families.

B. Licensed Child Care Centers:The State also regulates child care in larger facili-

ties which are not the residence of the caregiver. Special licenses are required for Infants (0-2 years), Preschool (2-5 years) and school-age children. The license regulates both the facility (toys, equipment, playgrounds, etc.) and the staffing required for the number of children served.

For infants under twenty-four months, the law re-quires one adult for every four babies (a ratio of 1:4). The law also requires that adults working in a licensed child care center have completed, or are in the process of taking their educational requirements.

The ratio of adults to children over twenty-four months (2-5 years) is 1:12. In Contra Costa County there are enough spaces for preschoolers, however very few child care centers can afford the expense of hiring one qualified adult for every four infants.

Thus, although parents often prefer the idea of plac-ing their infants/toddlers in a center setting, they often find their choices are limited. Priority for available spaces (or “slots”) in centers sometimes goes to new siblings of children enrolled at the center. Parents with more than one child recognize the value of having all their children at the same facility.

Jane Fowler Ph.D., R.D.Nutrition and Parenting Consultant

*Infant & Child Specialist*Solutions for Feeding Problems

*Picky Eating, Eating Too Little/Much*Adult Eating

*Individual C*Individual Consultation, Workshops, Speaker

Helping people to eat well (925) 938-8174


A child care center license is issued to all full day or part day child care programs, including nursery schools, pre-schools, co-ops, and before and after school programs. These terms are often used interchangeably however the requirements for teachers and safety are the same across the board.

Looking for Care:The Contra Costa Child Care Council (925-676-

KIDS) is funded by the State to help parents find child care. Trained telephone counselors are available to help parents figure out which type of care would work best for a family. They are skilled at understanding the pros and cons of each type of care. In Lamorinda there are 17 family child care homes and 25 child care centers. Walnut Creek has 55 family child care homes and 32 child care centers. Alamo, Danville, San Ramon combined have 116 fam-ily child care homes and 44 child care centers. The Child Care Council’s staff can offer parents the names and phone numbers of programs which currently have openings or visit the Child Care Council on-line at www.cocokids.org.

Other good sources for child care referrals include “word of mouth” information from friends, co-workers, support groups and faith communities. Once you have visited several programs and are ready to make a deci-sion you can call the State’s Licensing office in Oakland (510)622-2602 to check if the program has any “substan-tiated” complaints or “personal rights violations”. Child Care providers are required to have these records available for review as well.

Expect to visit at least three or four programs. Most parents use an initial phone screening to determine whether a program (home or center) might be a good fit. Child care providers may be hesitant to discuss their rates over the phone. They would prefer having an opportunity to talk to you about their experience and show you their program.

In Central Contra Costa infant care costs approxi-mately $1,000 per month! Very few working parents can afford to spend that much ($50.00 per day) for care. Many parents are looking at alternative or “telecommute” sched-ules. The child care and licensing community is trying to adapt to parents needs for more flexible scheduling. It is not uncommon for two families to “share” a full time slot.

Research is beginning to show that children’s early learning experiences profoundly influence the ways chil-dren grow and develop. A stable and consistent child care setting which nurtures and supports the child in the con-tent of their family, allows parents to work and feel positive about their parenting. Thus taking the time at the begin-ning to learn as much as possible about child care services us a good investment. Remember- the final choice is up to you. Trust your instincts, visit often (even after your child is enrolled), and find creative ways to tell your child care worker how much they are appreciated.

To learn more about choosing child care visit www.cocokids.org or phone 925-676-KIDS for free information.


Winter Classes and GroupsClasses for Expectant Parents

HypnoBirthing® (The Mongan Method) HypnoBirthing® is a unique method of relaxed,

natural childbirth education. Enhanced by self-hypnosis techniques, HpnoBirthing® providing the missing link that allows women to use their natural instincts to bring about a safer, easier, more comfortable birth in a way that most mirrors nature. Emphasis is placed on both pregnancy and childbirth education, as well as on HypnoBirthing® methods. You will use deep relaxation and visualization which will help you learn to ‘let go’ and ease the “Fear-Ten-sion-Pain” cycle of birth. HypnoBirthing® is as new as to-morrow and as old as ancient times. The birthing mother should be accompanied by her partner, doula and/or birth attendant. Each couple is encouraged to have all other birth attendees come to the class with them at no addition-al charge. Learn more about HypnoBirthing® at www.HypnoBirthing.com.

Instructor: Deanna Jesus, Certified Labor Doula, Lactation Educator, and HypnoBirthing® Childbirth Educator – Deanna has been attending births for over four years. Her passion is working with couples who have become pregnant using Assisted Reproductive Technology. Learn more about Deanna at www.BirthingBabies.com.

Dates/Times: Five Tuesday Nights from 7:00pm to 9:30pm at The Nurture Center, January 9 through Febru-

ary 6, or February 27 through March 27. Advance registra-tion required.

Cost: Group classes $350.00 per family. For more information contact Deanna Jesus at (925) 216-7264 or email [email protected].

Newborn & Infant Care ClassThis class will prepare expectant parents for the first

weeks of parenthood and includes discussion about the appearance and behavior of newborns, sleep and feeding issues, as well as diapering and bathing.

Instructor: Kay Goodyear, MSN, RNC, IBCLC. Kay is a perinatal nurse and has been a lactation consultant in private practice for 10 years.

Dates/Times: Tuesday, February 27. from 7:00pm to 9:00pm

Cost: $35.00 per couple. To register for this class, please contact Kay Goodyear at [email protected] or call (925) 313-8986. Advance registration required.

Prenatal Breastfeeding PreparationMost of us know that “breast is best” when it comes

to optimal nutrition for your baby. Give yourself the best chance of success by preparing yourself for the ups and downs of breastfeeding your new baby. This class will in-

Classes for parents of infants to toddlersClass for baby signing

Drop-in PlayschoolCome to our new Drop-in Playschool on

Fridays from 10 to 11:30 AM.Jan 12-March 30 (no class Feb. 16)

Want a place that your toddler or preschooler canplay and be with other children while you meet

other parents? This open plan program is for you!

Fee: $5.00 per Friday.Register when you come.

Acalanes Adult Center1963 Tice Valley Blvd.

Walnut Creek, CA 94595925-280-3980 ext 8001

Acalanes Adult Center Parenting Classes


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CA Licenses M27462 & 759620

Breastfeeding Support Home Visits

Bilingual Classes

4085 Legion Court Lafayette, CA 94549

Phone: 925-284-5298 Cell: 925-788-4872 Email: [email protected]

Betsy Hansen, IBCLC

troduce expectant parents to basic breastfeeding techniques, the physiology of the breast, appropriate feeding positions, attaining a comfortable latch, establishing an adequate milk supply, handling common breastfeeding problems, and knowing when to get help. It will also cover the advantages of breastfeeding, and ways partners and family can support the breastfeeding mom.

Facilitator: Kay Goodyear, MSN, RNC, IBCLC. Kay is a perinatal nurse and has been a lactation consultant in private practice for 10 years.

Dates/Times: Thursday, January 25, from 7:00pm to 9:00pm or Thursday, March 29, from 7:00pm to 9:00pm

Cost: $25.00 per couple. To register for this class please contact Kay Goodyear at (925) 313-8986 Advance registration required.

Pregnant Again Childbirth Education Review

Congratulations, you are expecting again! In this per-sonalized refresher course you and your support team will review many aspects of labor and birth including: relaxation and breathing techniques, positioning and comfort mea-sures, anesthesia options, and breastfeeding techniques.

Facilitator: Deanna Jesus, Certified Labor Doula, Lactation Educator, and HypnoBirthing Childbirth

Educator – Deanna has been attending births for over four years. Her passion is working with couples who have become pregnant using Assisted Reproductive Technology. Learn more about Deanna at www.BirthingBabies.com

Dates/Times: Saturday, January 13, from 10:30a.m. to 12:30p.m., Tuesday, February 13, from 7:00p.m. to 9:00p.m., or Tuesday, April 3, from 7:00p.m. to 9:00p.m.

Cost: $80.00 per family. For more informa-tion contact Deanna Jesus at (925) 216-7264 or email [email protected].

Meet the Mt. Diablo Doula Community - Free!

The Mt. Diablo Doula Community is a group of Labor and Postpartum Doulas serving the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Join us for a fun evening of education, discussion and information about this valuable resource for expectant parents. The Doulas will share their knowledge, give an overview of their field and follow with questions and answers. With a Doula you will be more empowered during your pregnancy and birth. Bring your partners, family and questions to this informative gathering.

Facilitators: Holly Wiersma, CD, CLE and Deanna Jesus, CD, CLE.

Date/Time: Meets the first Wednesday of every month from 7pm to 9pm - December 6, January 3, Febru-ary 7, and March 7.


Cost: This meeting is free of charge. Advance reg-istration is required as seating is limited, please RSVP to Deanna Jesus at [email protected] or call (925) 216-7264.

An Introduction to Baby Carriers and SlingsThis class will help you get comfortable using a ring

sling, pouch, wrap, or mei tai (a westernized Asian baby carrier) with your baby/toddler. We have lots of carriers available for practice or bring yours in and learn how to use it more effectively. Another option is to come try the different carriers, and then buy the one you like best at our store.

Facilitator: Dawn Holtan and/or Liz Fierro - experi-enced sling mamas.

Dates/Times: Meets the fourth Wednesday of every month from 12:30pm to 2:30pm - December 27, January 24, February 28 and March 28.

Cost: Free! There is no fee to attend. Advance registration required. Please RSVP by sending an email to [email protected] or call (925) 283-1346 to reserve your seat as class can get filled.

Wee Signs 101: A Baby Signs Parent Workshop - Signing Fun for You and Baby!

Would you like to stop wondering what your infant wants, needs and feels? Learn how you and your family can benefit by using the beautiful language of sign. We invite you to join the thousands of families who have already discovered the magic of this revolutionary new way to talk with babies before they can talk.

This workshop is specially designed for parents of hearing children from birth to 24 months and will provide knowledge and strategies needed to begin using the Baby Signs® Program at home. Early childhood educators, parent educators, social workers and health specialists are welcome. Breastfeeding children are also welcome, but this class is targeted at parents.

Facilitator: Andra Lekich, Baby Signs® Independent Certified Facilitator.

Dates/Times: Saturday, January 20, from 10:30am to 12:00pm, Saturday, February 24, from 10:30am to 12:00pm or Saturday, March 24. from 10:30am to 12:00pm

Cost: $85 per couple (includes all materials, includ-ing the “Baby Signs Parent Kit”). To register, please contact

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Andra Lekich at [email protected] or call (925) 935-5415. Advance registration required.

New Parent/Baby Support Group

This is an ongoing, drop-in support group where parents can discuss topics of interest and interact with other parents. The focus is on making connections with other new parents, and sharing issues and insights about parenting a baby. If you would like to be contacted regarding upcoming topics, sign up at the Center. Advance registration is NOT required. Come on Tuesdays with your baby, and get connected! Send an email to [email protected] to be placed on an email list for upcoming topics.

Facilitator: Meri Levy, a certified lactation educator, mother of three, and Executive Director of The Nurture Center.

Dates/Times: Meets every Tuesday - 12:45pm to 2:15pm (newborn – one year). No group December 19 or 26, group resumes January 2.

Cost: First session free, then $8.00/session (mem-bers $7.00) or four sessions prepaid for $28.00 (members $24.00). No reservation required.

La Leche League - Lamorinda Group

This La Leche League Group meets on the second Thursday of each month. Leaders are eager to help you find solutions to any breastfeeding prob-lems you may be facing. Join us to dis-cuss any issues or concerns you may be experiencing as a breastfeeding mother or just to be with other lactating moms.

Meeting space is donated by The Nurture Center.

Facilitator: La Leche League Leader – Diana Torp (925) 247-0481.

Dates/Times: Usually meets the second Thursday of each month from 12:00pm to 1:30pm -December 14, Janu-ary 11, February 15 (3rd Thursday), and March 8.

Cost: All La Leche League meetings are free of charge. La Leche League memberships are encouraged for $40 a year as a way to support the group. No reservation required.

Cesarean Support Group – ICAN of Mt. Diablo

The best way to avoid a surgical birth is to educate yourself. This is a local chapter of The International Ce-sarean Awareness Network, Inc. (ICAN). ICAN’s mission


is to improve maternal-child health by preventing unneces-sary cesareans through educa-tion, providing support for ce-sarean recovery, and promoting Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC). For more information visit www.ican-online.org or join our Yahoo Group! Online at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ICANMtDiablo/

Meeting space donated by The Nurture Center.

Facilitator: Holly Wi-ersma, CD, CLE and Deanna Jesus, CD, CLE.

Dates/Times: Meets the second Wednesday of each month from 11:30am to 1:30pm - December 13, January 10, February 14, and March 14.

Cost: This event is free of charge.



What Is HypnoBirthing®?By Deanna Jesus, CD (DONA), CLE, HBCE

Meeting space donated by The Nurture Center

Have you heard about HypnoBirthing®? Hypnosis is now being used in collaboration with many medical procedures and treatments to relieve pre-surgery anxiety, post-surgery pain and discomfort, and to lessen the effects of chemotherapy. It also pro-vides some relief for those troubled by irritable bowel syndrome, trichilomania and infertility. Dispel the age-old images of people on a stage clucking like a chicken or barking like a dog. Those days are GONE! Hypnosis is not theatrics.

Marie Mongan’s HypnoBirthing® is a Childbirth Education class, taught in five two-hour sessions. HypnoBirthing® seeks to break the “Fear-Tension-Pain” cycle, and to take advantage of the body’s natural endocrinology during the birth process. Birthing Mothers are taught how to relax. Birth Partners are taught how to observe, connect and help their partner relax deeply. Through the use of positive visualization, repetition, and practice, babies can be born in a calm and serene manner. You will learn all the basic physiol-ogy behind the birth process, as well as what to expect during each stage of labor. What you will not learn is how to “Deal”

with the pain, as that concept means you are already anticipating and expecting to be miserable. However, you will learn comfort measures and ways to ease your mind, thereby easing your birth-ing body.

“The brain operates in four general states determined by the frequency of the electricity generated by the exchange of chemicals in the neural pathways. The four states include Full Conscious Awareness, the Hypnotic State, the Dream State, and the Sleep State. Full Conscious Awareness is where which we spend most of our waking hours. In this state, our mind is attentive and uses logic to reason, evaluate, assess, judge, and make decisions. Unfortunately, when making life changes, the conscious mind often gets in the way.

In the Hypnotic State, the doorway between the conscious and the subconscious is opened, memories become easily accessible, and new information is stored. In the Hypnotic State, you are not really ‘thinking’ in the traditional sense. You are ‘experiencing’ without questioning, without critical judgment or analysis, like when you watch a movie, and (suggestions are more) likely to ‘stick’ - precisely

Wednesdays from 7:00pm to 9:00pmJanuary 3, 2007, February 7, 2007

and March 7, 2007


because your conscious mind is not getting in the way. You are not ‘judging’ or being ‘critica’ of the suggestions.” (from www.therapistfi nder.net/Hypnosis-Hypnotherapy/).

HypnoTherapy seeks to change and edit our subconscious mind, thereby allowing us to move past or eliminate fear.

“HypnoBirthing® - The Mongan Method is as much a philosophy as it is a technique. The concept behind HypnoBirthing® is not new, but rather a ‘rebirth’ of the philosophy of birthing as it existed thousands of years ago and as it was recaptured in the work of Dr. Grantly Dick-Read, an English obstetrician, who fi rst forwarded the concept of natural birthing in the 1920s.

HypnoBirthing® teaches you that in the absence of fear and tension, severe pain does not have to be an accompaniment of labor. You will gain an understanding of how the birthing muscles work in perfect harmony--as they were designed to--when your body is suffi ciently relaxed. You will learn how to achieve this kind of relaxation, free of the resistance that fear creates, and you will learn to use your natural birthing instincts for a calm, serene and comfortable birthing.

When you have your baby with HypnoBirthing®, you will not be in a trance or asleep. What you will experience is similar to the daydreaming or focusing that occurs when you are engrossed in a book or a movie or staring into a fi re. You will be conversant and in good spirits--totally relaxed, but fully in control. Awake throughout your birth, you will be aware of your body’s surges. But, because you

will have trained yourself to reach complete relaxation, you will be able to determine the degree to which you will feel the surges. You will experience birthing in an atmosphere of calm relaxation, free of the fear and tension that prevents the muscles of your body from functioning as nature intended them to. In this calm state your body’s natural relaxant, endorphins, replaces the stress hormones that constrict and cause pain.” (www.HypnoBirthing.com).

Human beings are animals. Biologically we are designed to birth our babies easily. Think back to an animal birth you may have witnessed; was the animal screaming and grunting in fear and agony? Odds are, no.

We’ve been taught from the beginning of our lives that we should fear birth…that pain is a foregone conclusion of Labor. Some women will share their birth stories not to share their joy, but rather to recount their survival story. With HypnoBirthing® we seek to de-hypnotize your concept of a fearful and painful birth that you have learned from friends, movies, stories, and pictures. Pain is a message from our body that something is wrong…not that it is work-ing correctly. Here is an example; raise your arms up over your head. Did it hurt? No! Because your muscles were designed to move your arms and you were not EXPECTING the actions to hurt. Why should the uterine muscles work any differently?

When you take a HypnoBirthing® class, you and your partner will walk away with greater confi dence and


How to contact instructors for classes no longer offered:

Infant Massage and Yoga - Veera Sanjana 925-258-9753 [email protected]

Infant Massage and Yoga - Kim Lyons, M.Ed., CMT 510-798-3089 www.movingfromwithin.com

Feeding & Nutrition Education - Jane Fowler 925-938-8174 [email protected]

Childproofing - Rachel Murray 510-832-0222 www.safeandsoundchildren.com

East Bay Music Together - Julie Tanenbaum 510-843-8641 www.eastbaymusictogether.com

Happiest Baby on the Block - Holly Wiersma 925-947-5874 [email protected]

Natural Remedies - Dr. Anja Lindblad 925-939-0300 www.dranja.com

CPR - CPRescue 888-313-2444 www.cprescue.com

Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning - Richard Collari 925-648-2043 www.collarilaw.com

trust in the birth process and you will be able to birth your baby in the way that most mirrors nature.

HypnoBirthing’s® motto… “Women of the Earth, Reclaiming Birth.”

Deanna Jesus is a certified HypnoBirthing childbirth educator, birth doula, and lactation educator. Visit her website at : www.BirthingBabies.com.


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Newsletter InformationThis issue of The Nurture Center newsletter

is being provided free of charge to current members and parents and professionals in our community. To subscribe or unsubscribe, or to switch to receiving an electronic copy, call us at 925-283-1346 or email [email protected].

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DisclaimerThe views expressed in this newsletter are those of

the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of The Nurture Center, LLC, its members, owners, or employees. Information in this newsletter should never substitute for the advice and care of your health professional.

Advertisers and professional members of the Nurture Center pay a fee to advertise their services and to support our parent education work. Listing their services in this newsletter does not constitute an endorsement of these service providers or their services.

All parents should check references and background carefully before hiring any service provider, or work with a reputable agency who does this work for them.

Membership InformationThe Nurture Center offers memberships to parents

and professionals who wish to support our parent education and support work.

Membership costs $50/year ($25 for doulas), and includes discounts on all products in our store, classes, and newsletter advertising, lending library privileges, and professional listings in our listings directory, in our newsletter and on our website.

You may become a member by mailing a check to The Nurture Center, 3399 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, CA 94549, or by visiting

http://shop.nurturecenter.com/anmem.html. For a limited time, we are offering a free Nurture

Center membership when you place a custom stationery order for birth announcements, or when you purchase a Dutailier glider for local pick-up.

Organizational InformationThe Nurture Center, LLC is a store and resource

center for new parents located in Lafayette, California. Our parent education and support programs are funded by proceeds from our retail store and by membership contributions. You may reach us by phone at 925-283-1346 or by email at [email protected]. You can shop our store online at http://shop.nurturecenter.com.

Meri Levy, Executive DirectorSherry Henderson, Associate DirectorDeanna Jesus, Program DirectorChristin O’Leary, Internet Sales Manager

Nurture Center Staffmembers:Stephanie PearceRamona Lappier

Jeannine OtterbeckClaire Stevenson Aurora DrysdaleKarma David

The Nurture Center, LLC3399 Mt. Diablo BoulevardLafayette, CA 94549

Laura Aguiar, Jade AcupunctureJudy Ballinger, RN Doula Plus AcupressureElon Bartlett, D.C. Bartlett Chiropractic Family Wellness CenterSamsarah Becknell Birth Professionals of the Bay AreaShoshana Bennett, Ph.D. Postpartum Assistance for MothersJacques Bernou, L.Ac. Acupuncture & HerbologyNiccole Blalock, CD, CBE, Birth Dreams Childbirth ServicesLisa Broughton, IBCLC Lactation ConsultantPenny Christie & Associates Massage TherapyMason Cornelius, LM Nova Midwifery

Christie Elwood, CMT.Mary Ellen Escalante Full Flower Doula ServicesAnna Maria Fenton, Labor Doula/Childbirth EducatorJane Fowler, Nutrition MattersKay Goodyear, RNC, IBCLC, NurtureJenny Goyne, DoulaJill Hager, Photography by JillBeth Hammond, CD (DONA) Birth and Postpartum DoulaBetsy Hansen, IBCLC Lactation ConsultantDeanna Jesus, CD, Birthing Babies ~ A Celebration of LifeNiele Maimone, D.C. Align Healing CenterGeraldine Mulhall, CD, Mulhall Family Chiropractic

Thank You to Our Professional Members!

PRESORTEDSTANDARD

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

LAFAYETTE, CAPERMIT NO. 89

Adina Meastas PhotographyRachel Murray Safe and Sound ChildrenRosalina Navarrete, Postpartum Doula and Baby NurseLisa Norman, LM, East Bay Midwifery and Doula ServicesMarcie Parisi, MA Marriage and Family TherapistMary Perez, LM Gentle Swan Birth ServicesPrenatal Peek Bay Area, Elective 3D/4D UltraSoundDebi Raya, CMT, Birth Doula, Former MidwifeLee Safran, MFTKristy Vicari, Living WellHolly Wiersma, CD, Loving Hands Doula Service

Visit us online atwww.NurtureCenter.com

Documents

The Nurturing News - Yahoolib.store.yahoo.net/lib/nurturecenter/winter2006.pdf · lonely, fearful, or angry. These uncomfortable emotions can trigger a tendancy to grasp for things