February is the month of love. Making a belly cast is a great way to spend time together celebrating the wonderful miracle of your baby growing inside you.

I am about to have my 3rd baby and we made a belly cast last week it was really special and fun to do together. Read all about it here

We used it for all our guests to sign at our baby celebration.

Enter our competition to win a belly cast

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Random draw will take place on 28 February.

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Get your hot-off-the-press, limited edition of Spirit in Pregnancy and Birth: Practical and spiritual care, ceremonies and celebrations – available on pre-order!

After many months of hard work, the birth of my new ‘baby’ is finally happening – I am expecting delivery of my first print run of books within the next 7 to 10 days. If you would like to order a copy of Spirit in Pregnancy and Birth from this very special, first run, simply complete the order form attached or purchase on-line, and we will post your copy off to you.

About the book:
“This book was written for all the incoming souls who are still to join us, assisting Humanity in bringing Heaven onto Earth; and for all the parents who are open to increasing their own awareness and consciousness.
Blessed Awakening within all of us!”

Do you know how to ignite your intuitive flame for powerful parenting? Would you like to have angels present at the birth of your baby? Do you wish to know how to make this grand entrance into the big, wide world a much more gentle, harmonious and loving experience?

This book takes you from conception to well after birth in a manner that teaches spiritual awakening through five ceremonies designed to assist you in understanding the power and purpose within you, your body, your baby, and the process of pregnancy and birth.

The book incorporates many positive tools including which archangels and goddesses to call upon to protect and support you whilst in labour; which crystals to use to soften the bombardment of new tactile experiences your baby is having; how to create a positive, supportive environment for your baby; understanding and honouring the development of your baby from a spiritual perspective.

Spirit in Pregnancy and Birth aims to empower mothers-to-be with more spiritually enriched information with regard to pregnancy, birth and babies’ needs so as to awaken and enliven the inner voice and wisdom that they have already been gifted with.

Published by: Quickfox Publishing
ISBN: 978-0-620-48970-6
No of pages: 160
Format: Softcover

Copies of the book can be ordered by:
• completing the order form attached, emailing it back to colette@star-channel.net along with proof of payment
• purchasing it on-line via www.star-channel.net or www.nurtured-babies.com using either credit card or Paypal.

Colette Van Heerden
Open. Accepting. Serving.
+27 82 354 8873
colette@star-channel.net
www.star-channel.net
www.nurtured-babies.com

Red signifies the highest level of threat.

Sally recently wrote a trio of articles related to this subject for Parent 24

Bleeding in Pregnancy

Bleeding in Late Pregnancy

When the bleeding does not stop

The basic principle is that you need to be in the right frame of mind to cope with any overwhelming situation – the better prepared you are and the more positive you feel mentally, the better you cope with the unpredictable and unknown (both of which are part of birth).

affirmation tree mind map

So with the 1st contraction instead of panicking and thinking “#!*/ this is painful, I cannot do this!!!” you would instead think in terms of an action you can take
eg “Breathing deep into the abdomen relaxes both of us (into peace and tranquility)” **
or simply something that changes the perception of the sensation “Positive pressure”.

Many of us carry negative self-scripts* which you need to recognize and release – your baggage or change them to positives.
* Negative beliefs you have about yourself and of which you remind yourself daily.
* Negative statements about yourself which you think and speak aloud

Creating your affirmations:
• Keep them positive (avoid reverse positives – do not use no, never, don’t wont).
• They must be in the here and now (not in the future) I am not I will
• **Create affirmations that are YOU – make it as short and sweet or as effusive as what you need for it to connect with you. (eg. I am coping or Everything flows perfectly like a beautiful dream.)
• Make it personal – those thoughts that connect with you on an emotional level give power to the affirmation.
• When referring to your baby replace the generic eg. ‘you’ with your petname for baby or the chosen name or an endearment that you use.
• Write / say / think what you want to happen not what you do not want to happen (reverse positives – such as using no, never, wont or dont) .
• You can have many or just one that deeply motivates you.

“Logic does not change emotion, but if perceptions change then emotions change”.

I personally liked my affirmations to be short , simple and powerful. With my second birth as a gift Sally made me lovely affirmation posters on bold positive coloured paper to put up in my birthing space as reminders.
They were:
(the ones in bold are those I used the most through labour)

♥ I can birth my baby
♥ Positive pressure (I used this a lot making a point of not thinking negative words – eg pressure replaced pain)
♥ Open (simple yet powerful)
♥ I am a strong woman
♥ My body knows what to do (important you need to remember this and trust your body and release control to the process)
♥ Work with the surges
♥ Peace
♥ Deeper relaxed (a trigger phrase used in the hypnobirthing course I had done)
♥ Let go
♥ Smile (smile and you will calm and relax)

The concept of affirmations is so simple most people brush the idea off, but test it in day to day life – the more you say it, the more you start to believe it, the better you cope.

♥x

Other articles that might interest you:
How painful is childbirth?
Doula FAQ’s
Aromatherapy in labour
Positions in labour

To the last question – YES you are, there is no deep explanation other than love has no limits there is always enough to go around … now time is another matter

Preparing for a new baby:

♥ Start preparing them months before baby arrives – you have time so use it.
♥ Talk about baby as our baby or even your baby but try avoid using ‘my baby’ as this can make him feel excluded.
♥ Involve him in choosing items for baby such as clothes, toiletries, decorations for the room.
♥ Let him experience the pregnancy with you – touching your tummy, feeling baby move, talking to her etc.
♥ Talk about how baby is growing, answer any questions he has (dont brush away question as too difficult to answer if you are unsure of what to tell him ask what he thinks, listen and either accept that is being right or give him basic info to set him right)
♥ When you bring baby home let big brother love his baby too by holding her, sitting with you while feeding, touching her (dont stop him from touching her just encourage gentleness), helping with bathing, choosing the outfits, lying next to her when she goes to sleep.
♥ For toddlers buy a baby doll and pram and let them share the mothering experience.
♥ An older sibling is more aware of rejection than a baby so if they ask to be picked up or held and it is possible, give baby to someone else or put her down so you can give attention to him. If you cannot put her down then sit down, make a little space on your lap for him too and spend a few moments focussing on him so he knows he is also important and sometimes still comes first.

Tips to avoid sibling rivalry:

There is always going to be a degree of rivalry between sibling this is natural but you can take measures to ensure it is not blown out of proportion or negative rivalry.

- Create a warm home environment – a place where your children feel loved and accepted.
- Listen to what your child is saying, acknowledge their words and feelings. Encourage them to express how they feel.
- Treat children uniquely and not equally.
- Try make special time to spend with each child – this does not mean outings but just time listening and being with them. It can be as formal as time set aside just for them or as simple as building a puzzle together, cuddling when they wake or fall asleep, reading a story or having them help cook. Bathing them or with them. Even if the sibling is in the area at the time it is about your focus and not about their absence.
In many homes there are 2 parents so take turns in keeping a child busy to allow the other child alone time with each parent.
- Never compare them – accept and love that they are individuals.
- Never automatically assume (irrespective of a perceived pattern) that one is the instigator and the other the victim.
- Avoid labelling children according to age or ability. Try avoid labelling children in general.
- Try not to intervene when they are fighting, allow them to sort it out themselves. Intervention often means taking sides and this can aggravate the problem.

(adapted from Raising emotionally intelligent children – Leonie Henig)

This makes a lovely baby shower gift.

♥ this one from www.creative-baby-nursery-rooms.com

What is a belly cast?

A belly cast is a plaster of paris moulding of your pregnant belly. A 3d memory of how it was.

What comes in the kit:

Plaster of paris bandages, tub of Vaseline, Disposable gloves, Tealight candles and relaxing organic Tea (for the ambience) and instructions

How is it made:

It is made using POP bandages (you cut the bandage into strips, dip them in water and layer them over your body to create the mould). You need to first put a layer of Vaseline over your skin so that the plaster of paris releases from you and does not get stuck to your skin. The bandage is quite fast drying depending on how thick you layer it. It is very easy to do though it is advised to have someone help you.

Tips on making a cast:

♦ Use warm water to wet the bandages (from experience cold water makes for a chilly experience )
♦ Do not lie down to do the cast as this widens and flattens the belly.
♦ Make the cast when standing (or sitting)
♦ Lifting your arms above your head lifts your belly and breasts making them appear rounder. (you need to be comfortable to hold this position for 20 or so minutes)
♦ Wear underwear (skimpier the better) or place a triangle of plastic over the pubic area.
♦ You can always do the cast using 2 rolls of the bandages and then strengthen the cast later with the 3rd roll from the inside – this way the drying time on the body is shorter)

Who makes the cast for you?
It is sold as a fun ‘do at home kit’, it is not complicated so requires no qualification to get it done .

♥ It is a lot of fun to do as a couple.
♥ You could do it with a friend or a sister.
♥ Some woman have one made with their doula as this gives them some bonding time and also is a step closer to getting past the self conscious feelings you may be having about having a doula at the birth.

What do you do with it after?

That is totally up to you. There is no reason or need for it to be functional it is after all a memory – like a life size 3d photo.

Things people do with it.

Photograph your newborn inside of it. Decorate it and hang it in babies room, your house, room, as a garden sculpture, turn it into a fruit bowl

How to decorate it:

♦ You could leave it as is, paint it a colour or with black board paint or a picture on it (cute or classy), mosaic,
♦ You could write all the important birth info on it: Name, Birth date, Time of birth, Weight, Height, Place
♦ Allow other children free reign in decorating it for their new baby

Where to buy:

SHOP LINK: an Earth Babies product

Here is a google gallery of decorated belly casts

Acidicice’s … Do Dream catchers really work? and
Louisa – 123blogmyself’s … Week 21 – She’s a Carrot

They got me wondering and reading as to why we have such vivid dreams when pg – there must be a reason as every pregnant woman I know has spoken of the dreams – happy, sad, nightmares, disturbing, erotic does not matter what it is they are generally very detailed and you do remember them when you wake.

This stunning picture is from Lauri’s blog where she also discusses/interprets common pregnancy dreams.

Other common dreams that reflect the first time mom’s impatience are:
*Dreaming the baby is born with teeth
*Dreaming the baby can talk
*Dreaming of giving birth to a toddler or child
*Dreaming you can see inside your belly

Pregnancy-info.net had an interesting read on the whats, why’s hows and how not to’s of pregnancy dreams

Are Pregnancy Dreams Normal?

Though these vivid dreams can often be confusing and even frightening, it is entirely normal to experience a large number of dreams during pregnancy. There are a variety of reasons that can help explain this dramatic increase in dreams:

* Pregnancy Hormones:
Throughout your pregnancy, your body pumps out a variety of different hormones, including progesterone and estrogen. It is thought that these hormones affect the way we sleep at night, causing us to experience longer periods of REM sleep. It is during REM sleep that our minds begin to dream.

*Increased Waking:
Pregnant women are much more likely to wake up during the night than women who aren’t pregnant. Whether you have a leg cramp or a backache, you may find that you wake up several times every night. When your body wakes up from a deep sleep, it has better dream recall than it would had you slept through the night. This means that you may be experiencing more vivid dreams simply because your body is better at recalling them.

* Pregnancy Anxiety:
Pregnancy is a time of distinct changes, many of which are scary and overwhelming. You probably have a number of anxieties over becoming a parent: for instance, you may worry how you will handle having a baby and if you will be a capable mother. Our subconscious mind often works through these anxieties while we are sleeping, in the form of dreams.

The cause of autism has been pinned on everything from “emotionally remote” mothers (since discredited) to vaccines, genetics, immunological disorders, environmental toxins and maternal infections. Today most researchers theorize that autism is caused by a complex interplay of genetics and environmental triggers. A far simpler possibility worthy of investigation is the pervasive use of prenatal ultrasound, which can cause potentially dangerous thermal effects.

Health practitioners involved in prenatal care have reason to be concerned about the use of ultrasound. Although proponents point out that ultrasound has been used in obstetrics for 50 years and early studies indicated it was safe for both mother and child, enough research has implicated it in neurodevelopmental disorders to warrant serious attention.

At a 1982 World Health Organization (WHO) meeting sponsored by the International Radiation Protection Association (IRPA) and other organizations, an international group of experts reported that “[t]here are several frequently quoted studies that claim to show that exposure to ultrasound in utero does not cause any significant abnormalities in the offspring. … However, these studies can be criticized on several grounds, including the lack of a control population and/or inadequate sample size, and exposure after the period of major organogenesis; this invalidates their conclusions….”

Early studies showed that subtle effects of neurological damage linked to ultrasound were implicated by an increased incidence in left-handedness in boys (a marker for brain problems when not hereditary) and speech delays. Then in August 2006, Pasko Rakic, chair of Yale School of Medicine’s Department of Neurobiology, announced the results of a study in which pregnant mice underwent various durations of ultrasound. The brains of the offspring showed damage consistent with that found in the brains of people with autism. The research, funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, also implicated ultrasound in neurodevelopmental problems in children, such as dyslexia, epilepsy, mental retardation and schizophrenia, and showed that damage to brain cells increased with longer exposures.

Dr. Rakic’s study, which expanded on prior research with similar results in 2004, is just one of many animal experiments and human studies conducted over the years indicating that prenatal ultrasound can be harmful to babies. While some questions remain unanswered, based on available information, health practitioners must seriously consider the possible consequences of both routine and diagnostic use of ultrasound, as well as electronic fetal heart monitors, which may be neither non-invasive nor safe. If pregnant women knew all the facts, would they choose to expose their unborn children to a technology that—despite its increasingly entrenched position in modern obstetrics—has little or no proven benefit?

— Caroline Rodgers
Excerpted from “Questions about Prenatal Ultrasound and the Alarming Increase in Autism,” Midwifery Today, Issue 80
View table of contents / Order the back issue
Read the full article on our Web site at: Midwifery Today

What are your thoughts – is it something you have heard of or thought about, does it make you reconsider scans or at least how many scans you have? Have we in true human fashion started using to our detriment a medical tool which was created to be used in emergencies or only when necessary and made it the norm for their convenience and our ‘fun’? Why do we have scans every visit here in SA and do we have a choice in how the obstetricians examine us (not should we but DO we)?

I had 2-3 scans both pregnancies (the visits I was at the gynae) – it was what he did and I did not question it. It was nice I suppose in some superficial ways but I never really got a thrill from seeing that little blur on the screen – now the first time i heard their heart beat at the midwife it all became real — there is no better sound than that amazing gallop of your babies heart beat.

I don’t see scans as necessary on a routine basis, in general the scan could tell me no more about my baby than what my midwife could through more hands on examination. (I never wanted to find out my babies gender pre-birth. That was their special secret and surprise to keep till they arrived).

I never really thought of the dangers of the scans to our babies at the time and I did appreciate the last scans before the birth which in the one indicated a few minor complications and the second set my mind at ease that all was perfect for going weeks longer -but I did feel it made the examination rather impersonal and rushed in comparison to those I had with our midwife. Not sure what I would have done had I known of these concerns prior to my pregnancies – maybe I would have still gone the same route … I dont know.