July 22nd, 11am – 6pm at the Holiday Inn Atlanta Perimeter
(discounted hotel room rates for attendees)
With celebrity and special guest speakers such as actress Mayim Bialik, PhD from “The Big Bang Theory”, world renowned midwife Ina May Gaskin, PhD(Hon.), Henci Goer, award-winning medical writer and internationally known speaker, presenting ” Preventing the Preventable Cesarean,” and the finest local specialists, this is going to be the pregnancy and parenting event of the year!
With over $30,000 in donated prizes such as strollers, baby carriers, breast pumps, books, prenatal and children supplements and more, you do not want to miss out on this event.
Buy your tickets today and pay less!
Offering the most in pregnancy, birth and newborn care with special demos, products, giveaways, free education and more.
This spectacular event provides expectant and new parents with the following:
-
Reducing toxins in your home, learn how to make your own baby wipes, shampoo, cleaners.
-
Optimal baby positioning tips, tools and exercises to help avoid c-sections and back labor.
-
Rare opportunities to meet and hear special guest speaker’s keynote presentations, providing unique childbirth and parenting education.
-
Diaper Free Baby – Elimination Communication, natural approach to responding to babies’ elimination needs
-
Positive Discipline Methods
-
Tips, tools and tricks for dads and birth partners to assist with labor, birth and recovery.
-
Different parenting methods and presentations on positive discipline for all ages.
-
Pelvic floor health and safety during pregnancy, delivery and postpartum recovery.
-
Nursing wear, the best fit!
-
Try before you buy demos and product trials such as baby carriers, cloth diapers, breast feeding essentials and more!
-
Door prizes, coupons, silent auction, and raffles to take home baby gear, products and services.
-
Essential education, keynote presentations by world renowned specialists and resources.
-
Entertainment for the entire family including face painting and special “kids room” with childcare optional for just $5 a child up to 4 hours per child.
-
Preventing abdominal separation and splitting in pregnancy and postpartum.
-
Book signing and photo opportunities with our special guests.
-
Aromatherapy uses for pregnancy, birth and parenting (relaxation, comfort, diaper rash, tummy aches, compresses for engorgement…)
-
Breastfeeding successfully, getting started with ease.
-
Newborn care demos on baby wearing, swaddling and soothing your fussy baby.
Head stands are not just for kids. Practicing Yoga is a great form of exercise for pregnant moms. It allows for the body to stretch and strengthen while holding poses that challenge your balance and core strength. Yes, your core, just because you are pregnant does not mean you do away with all abdominal exercises. Actually, by performing specific abdominal exercises, you are not only giving your baby a nice hug…but you are also allowing the muscles that are carrying your baby to hold tight and make for a stronger core.
The picture above is a true Yogi, my cousin Mary, she has been practicing yoga now for a few years and has over time built up the ability to do amazing poses like the one above. Which is completely safe, she is 29 weeks here. She did state that it is getting more difficult to do as her baby is growing. ;) Visit Mary’s blog @ A Yogi with A Cause
Your core not just involves your abs, but also your back. Keeping your center balanced during pregnancy is challenging. Every month you are growing and the center of gravity changes. Which means that you may experience lower back aches, difficulty standing or walking, and not to mention trying to bend at the waist. Therefore, why not try to do all you can to prepare yourself during all trimesters to strengthen your body for carrying the baby and during labor.
Good rule of thumb for exercise is if you were doing it prior to pregnancy it is more than likely safe to do while pregnant. As always consult with your primary OB and chiropractor to insure safety to you and the baby.
Below are some pics of those who are continuing their exercise while pregnant.
Thank you, for more information contact Dr. April at www.harmonyatlanta.com
]]>
Chiropractic care benefits all aspects of your body’s ability to be healthy. This is accomplished by working with the nervous system–the communication system between your brain and body. Doctors of Chiropractic work to correct spinal, pelvic and cranial misalignments (subluxations). When misaligned, these structures create an imbalance in surrounding muscles and ligaments. Additionally, the resulting nerve system stress may affect the body’s ability to function optimally.
The Webster protocol is a specific chiropractic sacral analysis and diversified adjustment. The goal of the adjustment is to reduce the effects of sacral subluxation/ SI joint dysfunction. In so doing neuro-biomechanical function in the pelvis is facilitated.
Dr. Larry Webster, founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association discovered this adjustment as a safe means to restore proper pelvic balance and function. This specific sacral analysis can be used on all weight bearing individuals to determine S/I joint dysfunction/ sacral subluxation and is therefore applicable for the entire population. The assessment includes heel flexion to buttocks, with restricted flexion indicating the affected SI joint. Correction is made with a diversified, sacral adjustment. It is used on all weight bearing individuals presenting with this biomechanical restriction. Common symptoms include (but are not limited to) low back pain, sciatic neuralgia, and symptoms associated with S/I joint dysfunction.
In regards to pregnant mothers, Dr. Webster reported that when a mother sought care and her baby was in a breech position, the restoration of pelvic neuro-biomechanics with this adjustment also frequently facilitated optimal fetal positioning. There are cases published in the chiropractic literature that support his theory. More research is needed and is currently underway by the ICPA.
In this clinical and theoretical framework, it is proposed that sacral misalignment may cause the tightening and torsion of specific pelvic muscles and ligaments. It is these tense muscles and ligaments and their aberrant effect on the uterus which may prevent the baby from comfortably assuming the best possible position for birth.
The obstetric literature has determined that correct positioning of the baby in-utero affects birth outcome and decreases the potential for undue stress to the baby’s developing spine and nerve system. Obstetric literature has also determined the importance of pelvic neuro-biomechanics for the prevention of dystocia (difficult birth). Chiropractic literature has determined the significance of sacral adjusting in normalizing pelvic neuro-biomenchanics.
It is therefore considered prudent that this specific sacral analysis and adjustment be used throughout pregnancy to detect and alleviate sacral imbalance and optimize pelvic neuro-biomechanics in the mother. Because of the particular female adaptations from the increase of hormones, weight gain and postural adaptations, pregnant mothers have a greater chance of sacral subluxation and neuro-biomechanical imbalance than the general population. Additionally, because of the effect the chiropractic adjustment has on all body functions by reducing nerve system stress, pregnant mothers may have significant benefit by having their spines checked regularly throughout pregnancy, optimizing health benefits for both the mother and baby.
Testimonial from mother with Transverse baby click here
Testimonial of the benefits of Chiropractic and Webster\’s Technique
Webster Technique to Avoid C-section
please click link below for more information on research and this technique
http://icpa4kids.org/Chiropractic-Research/Webster-Technique/
Harmony Chiropractic Center
Dr. April Roberson
Taking A Natural Systemic Approach To Healing
Chiropractic is an overall way of looking at the human body. It’s based on the idea that the body is self-sustaining and self-healing. The body is in essence completely controlled by the brain through its connection via the spinal cord and the vast networks of nerves that make up the body. When this system is not functioning at its peak, the overall performance of the human body is lacking.
In the chiropractic world, drugs and medicine are not utilized as a form of treating a patient. While supplementation and nutrition are almost always a part of the bigger picture, drugs and prescriptions can be viewed as band-aids to treat symptoms rather than going to the source and treating the real problem.
While it’s often perceived that the chiropractor is solely here to treat back and neck pain, this is simply a small piece of what the profession really is capable of handling. Chiropractors not only treat soft and hard tissue problems such as sciatica and joint pain, but are largely called on to deal with more significant issues. Some of these issues include fibromyalgia, allergies, insomnia, headaches, pregnancy, pediatric care and many more.
To find more information about chiropractic check out www.harmonyatlanta.com 
Pregnancy is a time of great joy for women. They bask in the idea of bringing a new life into the world. While this is an exciting time, women’s bodies undergo tremendous stress and change during pregnancy. Hormonal changes, pressure on the spine, joints, and ligaments and swelling cause pregnant women increasing discomfort as the pregnancy progresses. To reduce discomfort, pregnant women can get therapeutic massages and chiropractic adjustments to temporarily restore their bodies to a natural state. Chiropractors offer modified approaches to treatment for pregnant moms-to-be that are safe and comfortable. Chiropractic treatment offers pregnant women many benefits.
Aside from relieving the run of the mill aches and pains, chiropractic has been shown to reduce the time a woman is in labor and ease the discomfort she experiences. Many patients report a shorter delivery time and more comfort than previous deliveries where they had not received chiropractic care. The reason is because pregnancy tends to misalign the spine due to the shift in weight and center of gravity. Chiropractic treatment restores the mother to as natural of a state as possible prior to labor. This gives her an advantage before she enters the delivery room.
As the center of gravity changes, so does the stress to the spine. The shift in weight, coupled with the laxity of connective ligaments, causes low back pain. In addition to relieving the discomfort pregnant women experience, chiropractic care restores normal nervous system functionality, which is critical for health and wellness.
Is chiropractic treatment safe during pregnancy?
The answer is a resounding YES! Chiropractors make modifications to the table and adjusting techniques during each stage of pregnancy. Doctors of chiropractic are experts in locating and stabilizing the vertebral subluxation complex, which causes most of the physical symptoms pregnant women experience. Doctors of chiropractic are skilled in making the adjustments necessary to alleviate the discomfort without risk to the mother or baby.
If you are pregnant, do not overlook chiropractic treatment in your pregnancy regimen. In fact, chiropractic treatment will relax and align you, as well as enable you to have a better experience with other treatments such as massages and pedicures! Finally, chiropractic treatment creates a healthy environment for your baby. It restores normal nervous system functionality and therefore is an essential part of a healthy approach to pregnancy. It is never too late or too early in the pregnancy to seek chiropractic treatment. Chiropractic treatment offers varying benefits during each stage in the pregnancy. Give your chiropractor a call today to discuss the treatment options that are right for your stage of pregnancy and the benefits of chiropractic treatment.
Dr. April Roberson-Webster CertifiedHarmony Chiropractic Center, Sandy Springs GA
“Making love is a powerful connecting force with your partner. Pregnancy and the new life to come is an extension of that creative force. We need to respect the connection between procreation and sex, as the two forces are intertwined, yet distinct. We make love to share a deep, intimate way with someone we love. A new life – a child - can be a result of that union. During pregnancy, that baby is connected with the exchange of energy that occurs during lovemaking. Very possibly, the baby likes the loving energy and all the rocking and moving about.” (Singingtree 1999)
You will never find two pregnant women, their pregnancies, or their babies identical. With each individual person and pregnancy, there will always be some differences. One of the many concerns for many pregnant women is their sexuality during pregnancy, and often a concern for their companions as well. “How long can I have sex, can sex hurt the baby, will sex make me go into labor, is it suppose to hurt, is it normal to not feel like it, is it normal to want it all the time, why do I have contractions during or after sex?”
The answers to these questions are also going to be different for every individual, and every couple should feel confident when communicating their concerns to their health care provider. Listed below are just some of the possible changes in sexuality during pregnancy, which may help a couple better comprehend the normalities of sexuality and help prevent the frustration that often comes otherwise.
Why am I?
- more easily aroused – hormonal changes, a new kind of intimacy with your companion, no longer concerned about birth control, it may be easier for you to achieve orgasm while pregnant, mind of matter-if you have been told it is good for your body to prepare for birth, for some it becomes more enjoyable.
- not in the mood or uncomfortable- hormonal changes, harder to reach orgasm, babies position, overall pregnancy discomforts, fear of hurting the baby, fear of infection, fear of premature labor, “Braxton-Hicks” contractions during and/or after sex.
Clear communication is essential between couples so there are no misunderstandings or unneccessary feelings of rejection. Father’s will have a variety of different feelings throughout the pregnancy about love making which could cause problems in the relationship if not clearly communicated.
Today, unlike the past, midwives are often encouraging the parents they are working with, to make love, and lots of it! If there are no current risks, history of premature births and an intact mucous plug and membranes – not only is it safe, it may be extremely helpful. First time parents especially, love making while in the rear entry position allows for a great deal of stretching, preparing the perineum and vaginal walls for birth. This position is often more comfortable for both a mother and her baby rather than her being on her back. Continue to do your research and talk to your health care provider, because sex may not be beneficial for you depending on your personal circumstances. “My clients without sexual partners have many more vaginal lacerations than those with sexual partners.” (Singingtree 1999)
More benefits of sex during pregnancy:
- orgasm stimulates the production of oxytocin- oxytocin is a hormone-like substance with many for both mother and baby. It is known as the “love” hormone, because it is released during orgasm and nipple stimulation. It is also released during breastfeeding, and during skin-to-skin contact. Oxytocin promotes bonding of the individuals inciting its release and they desire more contact with one another. Near the end of pregnancy, the release of oxytocin can help get labor started and can also help protect the baby if a cesarean birth is necessary. After labor begins, the release of oxytocin helps ensure a final burst of antibodies for the baby through the placenta. (Palmer)
- Reducing the chances of needing to be induced- more sex may increase chances of spontaneous labor which can also help decrease the chances of surgical birth by avoiding induction. ”The women with an uncomplicated term pregnancy and intact membranes may be advised that lovemaking and breast stimulation are not contraindicated and could physiologically be associated with earlier onset of labor.” (Varney)
Effect of Coitus at Term on Length of Gestation, Induction of Labor, and Mode of Delivery
Peng Chiong Tan, Anggeriana Andi, Noor Azmi, M. N. Noraihan
Obstet. Gynecol., Jul 2006; 108: 134 – 140
When do I avoid sex/orgasm? – Talk to your health care provider!
Below are just some of the reasons your health care provider may advise you not to have sex:
- Bleeding- if you are experiencing spotting or bleeding
- Ruptured Membranes
- High Blood Pressure
- High Risk Pregnancy
- Edema
- Placenta Previa
- Sexually Transmitted Disease- you or your partner
Videos
Frequently Asked Questions
Positions, Pleasure and Discovery
Online Resources
Mayo Clinic – Sex during pregnancy — If your doctor agrees, follow your sex drive where it leads.
References
Singingtree, Daphne. Midwifery Workbook, 3rd ed. Oregon: Eagle Tree Press, 1999.
Varney, Helen. Varney’s Midwifery, 4th ed. Ontario: Jones and Bartlett, 2004.
disclaimer
Atlanta Birth Coalition created by Corrinna Edwards and Kelly Hightower – Website created by Corrinna Edwards
]]>Our mission is to provide accurate informational support for parent’s and parent’s to be. Birth is natural part of the human experience and should be treated as such. Join ABC today and allow us to be a part of your parenting journey. Trust yourself, trust your provider, trust birth!