Belly Imaging

Do you want a lasting image of your pregnancy? Then consider having a Belly Image done by a "Hearts and Hands" Doula. A belly image is a plaster of paris sculpter that is done in the comfort and privacy of your own home. An appointment is set up through the doula service and a list of necessary supplies is discussed. The doula will arrive at your home with all of the casting materials and about 2-3 hours later, you will have a personalized belly sculptor. Instructions to finish the belly image are left for the mother/family to do 24 hours after it dries and sets up completely.

Some women leave their Belly Image white while others paint it and some decorate in personally meaningful ways. It can be hung or simply displayed. This is a unique opportunity to create an artful expression of the special connection between mother and child, and have fun while participating!! For further information or to schedule an appointment can Jan Mallak at 724-327-6063.

Reunion and Photo Scheduled

Our office will again have its yearly photo shoot and reunion for all of our patients during Midwifery Week in October. This special event is scheduled for Thursday, October 9th at 6:00 There will be a brief time to mix and mingle prior to the actual photo which is scheduled to promptly be taken at 6:30 PM Following the picture taking, all of those who are interested may bring a healthy snack or covered dish to share with the others and spend time catching up with each other. Those who attended last year had fun dressing up their little ones and socializing with other patients within the practice.

Due to the high demand for our evening appointments, we are asking our patients to please be considerate. If you can not make your evening appointment, call early enough in the day so that we can make your time available to another patient

Coming Out of the Fog

I can hardly believe it has been nearly eight months since Sam was born. Every time I look at this miracle, we feel so blessed that our dream of having a family had finally been fulfilled.

The first few months following Sam's birth, however, were far from dreamy. My hormones went berserk, resulting in a serious case of postpartum depression. Combine that with severe sleep deprivation and you have got a woman completely unable to cope physically or mentally. Here I was with a beautiful, healthy baby that I had waited so long for, and I was completely ambivalent about him. I just wanted him to go away. What was supposed to be a joyful time was instead a nightmare. I was exhausted and overwhelmed. I was not myself. I was numb, but at the same time, I was very anxious and suffered panic attacks. It was the most frightening experience of my life.

My husband, family and friends were very concerned about me. Thankfully, I had a good support system. My husband was home with Sam and me and my mother lived nearby. Since I had suffered from anxiety and depression in the past, I knew the signs and immediately got help. I was already taking a low dose of antidepressant mediation, and he adjusted the dosage. After a few weeks on the higher dose, I started to come out of the fog that was enveloping me.

I am happy to report that I am doing very well now. Sam is the joy of my life. During my darkest days, everyone kept telling me it would get better. It was hard to believe it at that time, but was really true. When I see that smile at the end of a long day, it makes it all worthwhile.

I am sharing my story because I strongly feel that we need to raise an awareness of post partum depression. It saddens me to think of all the mothers out there who do not seek help and suffer needlessly. When I started talking to other mothers about what I was experiencing, I was surprised at the number of women nodding their heads and telling me a similar story. We are not alone!! I urge any woman who thinks that she is experiencing PDD to seek treatment. Your experiences are valid and real. Reaching out for the proper help is an important step toward recovery. Although treatment varies depending on the type and severity of the symptoms, all of the symptoms from the mild to the most severe are temporary and treatable with professional help and support. Trust me, it will get better. I know, I have been there.

Suzanne Taleff , North Huntingdon

Benefits of the Midwifery Model of Care

Women in the United States are learning that pregnancy and birth is a natural life process, not a disease and are finding out that they and their families may benefit from the care of a midwife. The Midwife Model of Care includes prenatal visits and "hands on" care throughout birth and right after. This "hands on" care results in less chance of complications, fewer interventions and a better birth for you and your baby.

Pregnancy and birth involves every part of you. Your feelings, hopes, psychic, practical needs and spiritual or religious beliefs can all affect your pregnancy and birth. Care provided using the Midwifery Model of Care addresses all of these aspects to help you give birth naturally, safely and confidently. In addition, women who experience the Midwifery Model of Care report feelings of greater satisfaction and empowerment.

When you choose a midwife, you can expect from her many things. The first being Respectful Treatment. Care that respects you, your family and your beliefs. You will have the right to make informed decisions about medical tests, recommendations and interventions. Midwives are willing to support your birth plan, including any family members and friends that you may want at your birth. There will be freedom to move and do what helps you during labor and birth. You are not prohibited or allowed, but are patiently supported and guided. There is much respect for the birth process as it unfolds uniquely each time. Amazingly being pregnant and giving birth are actually normal life processes for which women are well designed. Each woman will have her own unique experience.

Midwives also provide Personal Attention. Prenatal visits are scheduled in such a way as to allow plenty of time for questions and answers. Most visits are scheduled in 30 minute increments. There are many meaningful discussions to explore and help resolve fears you or your family may have. This caring attention helps develop a trusting and nurturing relationship with you and your family and can help you to labor and give birth naturally and safely.

Information a Plenty is always available. Information on pregnancy, birth and the newborn, and about breastfeeding is available. Many suggestions are given to help you take good care of yourself and your baby. You will be encouraged to obtain good nutrition and maintain a healthy lifestyle. You will be educated about recommended tests, procedures and treatments so you can make informed choices about your care.

Close Monitoring of your pregnancy is done by regular and thorough checkups for you and your baby throughout your pregnancy, labor and after the birth to make sure both of you are healthy and doing well. You will be recommended on what diagnostic tests are needed when appropriate. You will also be part of the planning process for the unexpected and rare emergency and you will be referred to other health care specialists if needed. Midwives are experts in normal natural childbirth. Because they are experts in normal pregnancy, midwives are experienced in the variations of normal birth and recognize signs or conditions that are not "normal".

You will obtain a Greater Confidence in your body. You will discover your own body's ability to give birth, in its own way and in its own time. There are no routine treatments or arbitrary timetables that can interfere with your body's process of laboring and giving birth. You are provided with truly individualized care. Support is provided for the work of giving birth. Rather than having someone else "deliver your baby" you are empowered to give birth to your own baby yourself.

Midwives are there to help you cope with the discomfort of labor. Midwives have found that encouragement, massage, relaxation, laboring in water, changing positions and other approaches are very effective.

Last by not least, you will have a care provider that will Stay With You. She will be there to provide attentive, sensitive care and emotional support in tune with your own needs throughout the birth process. Research has shown that having a "sympathetic female companion" with you during labor and delivery reduces the chance of complications and likeliness of an unnecessary cesarean delivery. The Midwife Model of Care means that she will be with you and mothers the mother. After birth, the midwife will provide you with post partum care and assist with breastfeeding. The midwife will remain by your side until breastfeeding is established and both you are your baby are resting comfortably. She will be available to you after birth to check on you and your baby and to address any questions you may have.

The Midwife Model of Care is based on the fact that pregnancy and birth are normal processes. Their care includes monitoring the physical, psychological and social well being of the mother throughout her childbearing cycle. You will be provided with individualized education, counseling, and prenatal care with continuous hands on assistance during labor and delivery, and post partum support.

Post Partum Depression

PPD depression is the most common complication of childbirth and it occurs in 13 percent of all women who give birth. PPD affects half a million women each year in the US. Women who have given birth within the last 3 months who have five of the following symptoms of major depression, at least one of which must be either depressed mood or decreased interest in pleasure or activities probably are suffering from PPD

1. Depressed mood, often accompanied by severe anxiety.
2. Markedly decreased interest or pleasure in activities.
3. Disturbed appetite, usually loss of appetite and weight loss
4. Disturbed sleep, usually insomnia and disturbed sleep
5. Physical agitation, or less commonly, physical slowing down
6. Fatique,decreased energy
7. Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt
8. Decreased concentration or difficulty making decisions
9. Repeated thoughts of death or suicide

PPD is believed to be related to the rapid decline in the levels of reproductive hormones that occurs after delivery. Characteristic symptoms included crying jags, sadness, emotional liability, guilt, loss of appetite or anorexia, profound sleep disturbances, poor concentration and memory, irritability, feelings of inadequacy, and feelings of inability to care for the newborn or other children. There is no consistent association between PPD and age, number of children, the sex of the baby, socioeconomic status, whether the pregnancy was planned, or any biologic factors.

Risk for PPD is increased by personal or family history of depression, unmarried status at the time of birth, lack of social support, occurrence of negative life events during the pregnancy and or delivery and personal history of PMS.

Treatment must be medical and psychological. Physical conditions such as pituitary or thyroid disorders must be considered and ruled out before the diagnosis of PPD can be given. The most important but most difficult condition to rule is simple sleep deprivation. Test whether the symptoms persist ever after mom has had a good opportunity to rest. Once the diagnosis of PPD is made, group or individual psychotherapy may helpful. Education about newborn care, increased social support and non-pressured lactation counseling are often helpful.

Drug therapy is highly effective and does not necessarily require a woman to stop nursing. Even though anti-depressant medications all get into the breast milk, it is unclear that this has any affects on the baby. This should be discussed with your physician or midwife along with any other use of medications during lactating. There are several choices of antidepressant medication, such as different side effects profiles and length of usage experience with PPD. If medication is given, it is usually continued for at least six months. Occasionally women have been prescribed estrogen as part of their treatment regimen for severe PPD once their periods have resumed.

Any woman who has thoughts of suicide, harming herself, harming her baby or harming others need to be seen for immediate consultation. This must always be taken seriously.This information was sent to us by Suzanne Taleff to aid in providing more information regarding the causes and treatment of PPD
Save The Trees-If you wish you can always return your prenatal packets postpartum to be used by another patient.

Childbirth Education "Crash Course"

A more natural, non-medical birth seems to be the goal of most midwifery clients. So, why not consider attending one of the "Crash Courses" scheduled here at our office which focuses entirely on labor progress enhancement and pain management skills?

The classes include viewing the "Stages of Labor" video, discussing several handouts, practicing various hands-on techniques (including massage and birthing ball use) and learning how to develop a written birth vision. What makes this course unique is that doula tips, tools and techniques will be shared with the class members The instructor, Jan Mallak (2LAS,ICCE,CD(DONA)ICD) who has over 23 years of experience in the birth field. She is an internationally certified childbirth educator and doula (professional labor coach), trainer, author, speaker and consultant who also is the founder/coordinator of "Hearts and Hands Doula Service". The doula service has been providing birth and pospartum support for Pittsburgh area families since 1995 and has over a dozen doulas currently available.

The cost of the 2 night course is 65.00 which is reimbursed by most insurance companies. The classes are held at Mercy Jeannette Hospital on Wednesdays from 6-9PM. Dates for the next two classes are August 6th and August 13th (September/October/early November due dates) and October 15th and October 22 (late November/December. January due dates)

For more information about classes and the "Hearts and Hands" doula service or to register, call Jan Mallak at 724-327-6063 or Sue Klosky at the midwife office 724-527-9159.