Back To School...

First day back to teaching... sans students. Will report tomorrow. Cannot compute. ennnneeerrrrgggyyyyyy Waaannnnniiiinnnnnnnnnnggg. stop.

Why Do Some People Radiate?

Last evening I spoke of Bacterial Vaginosis. Exciting stuff. This evening I considered researching something else that causes discomfort during pregnancy to enlighten you. Informative, yes... pleasant...no. The more I read about the "things" that can occur during pregnancy that may be exacerbating my pelvic discomfort, the more I realized the REAL problem;
I need an attitude adjustment ...a new focus. I was sinking into depression, simply by lingering over the stagnating cesspool of negativity. It's the Law of Attraction that I have spoken about so many times; what we focus on becomes our reality, right?
(Read About the Law of Attraction on Kindle... also available in book format)


A simple message from my cousin Jenifer changed my perspective today and shook me out of my doldrums. In response to a message from me (where I told her that I couldn't attend her beautiful son Nathaniel's first Birthday Party tomorrow, much to my chagrin... because I feel so lousy) she said, in so many words... kick back in the sun, relax, and FOCUS ON THE MIRACLE THAT IS TAKING PLACE INSIDE OF YOU RIGHT NOW! Thank you Jenxoxoxoxoxoxox!

So that is exactly what I am going to do, and I feel better... already.

Although I should be preparing for teaching in less than a week (shoulda coulda woulda), my affinity for music and witnessing a wonderful interview on Fox News this evening has lead me to want to escape into some reading about music from the old dead days beyond recall, instead.

Sam Cutler, a jovial, beautifully-seasoned marketing mastermind of British descent managed both The Rolling Stones and The Grateful Dead during the 60's, 70's and perhaps beyond. He was interviewing to promote his new book that swims through his experience. What a trip!

Mr. Cutler's positivity radiated during his interview, and I can safely assume that his vast success and experience has much to do with this aspect of his persona, alone. First thing tomorrow, I will go to the local bookstore (Clinton BookShop in Clinton, NJ -to be precise-) to see if I can procure a copy of his work to enjoy.

...to truly practicing what I preach -
Amanda xo


Don't Forget to check out what is happening in Ana's World at http://dearprudence-peekintoanassecretworld.blogspot.com/

(Download of the Day... appropriately "19th Nervous Breakdown" by The Rolling Stones.. available for you to purchase, top right)

Bacterial Vaginosis... yuck, yuck, double yuck...

Before I begin, I would like to thank Shannon and Nicole for their maternity clothes recommendations... awesome. Old navy... here I come! Although... it may have to wait a few days. I have been delinquent in writing for two days, for I have been contending with horrific cramping in the pelvic region, coupled with contractions. Last evening, in fact... I thought "Elizabeth... it's the big one"... the pollywog was sure to arrive... VERY early!

I started to have contractions at about 7 pm, and they patterned and didn't cease until about 2 am, coupled with unceasing pelvic cramps. The reason that my doctor didn't have me sprint (okay... waddle quickly) to the hospital is because I had been into her office on tuesday on an emergency basis because of the same (on a much smaller scale) symptoms.

After being monitored, prodded and poked (the pollywog is fine, thankfully) my OB decided that I may have Bacterial Vaginosis, which could possibly be causing the side effects. After a highly unpleasant culture (youch), she found two cells that confirmed her diagnosis, and sent me home with a prescription for Flagyl a.k.a. metronidazole, an oral antiprotozoal and antibacterial antibiotic that fights infections caused by bacteria or amoeba in your body.

Nowhere have I found evidence that Flagyl causes contractions and/or pelvic pain, and I have had none of the symptoms that are associated with Bacterial Vaginosis, but I am thinking that there must be some kind of correlation. Who knows. Perhaps you have any insight? If you do, please write and share your ideas, experiences. In the interim... here is a little ditty that will tell you all about Bacterial Vaginosis, provided by AmericanPregnancy.org. Something to file under easy listening, perhaps?

"Approximately 10% - 30% of pregnant women will experience Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) during their pregnancy. Bacterial Vaginosis is caused by an imbalance in the normal bacteria that exists in a woman’s vagina. It is not transmitted sexually, but is associated with having vaginal intercourse. You may or may not experience symptoms.

How do I know if I have Bacterial Vaginosis?
One of the symptoms of BV is a gray or whitish discharge that has a foul fishy odor. However some women do not experience any symptoms. Diagnosis is made through a pelvic exam. Vaginal discharge is tested through a wet mount (microscopic slide test), pH test (BV often causes a pH level of 4.5 or higher), KOH slide (microscopic slide test) or a whiff test (a mixture that causes a strong fishy odor).

What causes Bacterial Vaginosis?
Bacterial Vaginosis is an imbalance of bacteria which leads to an over growth of bacterial species. The cause has not clearly been identified. It is not transmitted sexually but it is associated with having vaginal sex and therefore may be listed under sexually transmitted diseases when you look it up.

How can Bacterial Vaginosis affect my pregnancy?
There is significant evidence that links Bacterial Vaginosis with preterm labor. There have been many recent studies that have been conducted to verify this information and find a method of prevention. Other studies have also shown a possible link to miscarriages, low birth weight and premature rupture of membranes.

If I am pregnant, will I be screened for Bacterial Vaginosis?
It is not necessary to screen non-symptomatic pregnant women for BV. When obtaining your prenatal care, Bacterial Vaginosis is not routinely screened. It is important that you discuss any concerns you may have about BV with your health care provider.

Why am I being screened for Bacterial Vaginosis?
The U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that all pregnant women with symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis be screened and treated. The CDC also supports screening women who have had a previous preterm labor. Screening for BV is left up to your healthcare provider to decide.

What treatments are available for pregnant women with Bacterial Vaginosis?
Treatment is highly recommended to avoid any chance of preterm labor. There are various treatments which include:

Oral medications – Clindamycin 300 mg or Metronidazole 500 mg twice daily for 7 days

Topical medications – Clindamycin 5 g or Metronidazole at bedtime for 5 days (this treatment may give symptomatic relief but is insufficient in preventing pregnancy complications)

Research done in 2004 by McDonald H, Brococklehurst P and Parsons J, suggests that antibiotic treatment may reduce the risk of premature rupture of membranes and low birth weight for women with a history of preterm labor, who have BV. This study did not find any significant evidence that treatment reduces premature labor."

So there you have it! Recommended Kindle Reading:


(You can also pick it up as a traditional read, too... if it floats your boat.)

Good Evening...
Amanda xo

Please don't forget to check out Ana's current mental state...
http://dearprudence-peekintoanassecretworld.blogspot.com/
and
Please download the Song of the Day, top right... in fact, check out the band "Beirut" in general... good stuff.

Clothing the Bump This Seven Month......

There is a reason that I don't own a full-length mirror, and it was confirmed this evening. With less than one week until I have to return the world of education, I took the opportunity today to go through my closet to find clothing that will fit over my seven month baby bump... to no avail. Granted, I am a creative dresser... and have alot of interesting pieces that can "work" if finnageled properly, but the majority of the baby-doll type dresses that I have lived in this summer will not, shall we say...suffice, even with the most creative accessorizing.

It is the first time that I had to actually think about venturing into the maternity section for essentials, and the prospect was, well, exciting (who doesn't like to buy a few new pieces for school?)... until I actually fingered through the racks. Oh boy. It was bleak, at best.

After a good hour of trying on some of the most god-awful fabrics, coupled with some of the most souless designs I have ever experienced, I moved into a non-maternity section of the store; I was confident that if I bought a larger size, I could simply style the clothing myself to look less... tent-like.

There was only one word to describe that 1/2 of hour of painful grimacing in the dressing room mirror: humbling. I walked out with a pile of clothing for the attendant, and one, really hideous, but comfortable bra to take with me (emphasis on 'really'). Don't they make pencil skirts for bulbous bellies? (sigh)I left the store with my tail between my ligs, and waddled aimlessly into a drugstore to buy a new mascara; one size fits all. Refreshing.

As I stood on line, I eyed the VOGUE Fall Fashion Issue that I love to peruse every August. A true masochist, I was well aware that I was simply setting myself up for horrific body dysmorphic nightmares, but shamelessly picked one up to go home and look through anyway. It was the perfect melted peanut butter and ice cream accompaniment.

Much to my delight... 1/3 of my way through the pages of stunning boots coupled with fantastic wool mini skirts and tailored fall jackets, there was a gorgeous image of a pregnant woman donned in noneother than a navy pencil skirt and an interesting top, tailored to fit. No tent. No Moo Moo. "A Pea In The Pod" ... www.aPeainthePod.com. Their selection fits every budget from outlandishly priced designer goodies, to clothing comparable to "The Gap" prices, and the like.

I will venture there, and report my findings.

Amanda xo

Download the song of the day... top right.
...and don't forget to check out Ana's World at http://dearprudence-peekintoanassecretworld.blogspot.com/

Shhhhh... just listen.

On this Friday evening, I leave you with some words to ponder that will most certainly apply to you whether you are a parent-to-be, someone's child or someone's parent. In my humble opinion, this excerpt from Eckhart Tolle' "A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose" is something we can all relate to, regardless. Before I quote him for you, please check out his books if you haven't already. He is a true survivor, overcame depression and found enlightenment. His words resonate goodness and sincerity!




Conscious Parenting - Page 103

"Many children harbor hidden anger and resentment toward their parents and often the cause is inauthenticity in the relationship. The child has a deep longing for the parent to be there as a human being, not as a role, no matter how conscientiously that role is being played. You may be doing all the right things and the best you can for your child, but even doing the best you can is not enough. In fact, doing is never enough if you neglect BEING. The ego knows nothing of Being but believes you will eventually be saved by doing. If you are in the grip of the ego, you believe that by doing more and more you will eventually accumulate enough 'doings' to make yourself feel complete at some point in the future. You won't. You will only lose yourself in doing. The entire civilization is losing itself in doing that is not rooted in Being and thus becomes futile.

How do you bring Being into the life of a busy family, into the relationship with your child? The key is to give your child attention. There are two kinds of attention. One we might call form-based attention. The other is formless attention. Form-based attention is always connected in some way with doing or evaluating. 'Have you done your homework? Eat your dinner. Tidy up your room. Brush your teeth. Do this. Stop doing that. Hurry up, get ready.'

What's the next thing we have to do? This question pretty much summarizes what family life is like in many homes. Form-based attention is ofcourse necessary and has its place, but if that's all there is in the relationship with your child, then the most vital dimension is missing and Being becomes completely obscured by doing, by 'the cares of the world,' as Jesus puts it. Formless attention is inseperable from the dimension of Being. How does it work?

As you look at, listen to, touch, or help your child with this or that, you are alert, still, completely present, not wanting anything other than that moment as it is. In this way, you make room for Being. In that moment, if you are present, you are not a father or mother. You are the alertness, the stillness, the Presence that is listening, looking, touching, even speaking. You are the Being behind the doing."

I think this is a universal truth that can be applied not only to parent/child relationships... but to ALL relationships.

Something to ponder...
Amanda xo

Dont forget to check out what is happening in Ana's world...
http://dearprudence-peekintoanassecretworld.blogspot.com/

BREAAATTTHHHEEEE DEEEP... and keep your eyes on the pendulum... tick..tock...tick...tock...

After all that talk about cerclage... my appointment for the procedure is not until the 27th... a week from tomorrow. Typical. Punctuality and agenda planning have never truly been my strongest suit (stop giggling at me jen).

In this event, may I enlighten you with some interesting reading that
I have done as of late... now that I am officially in my 7th month of pregnancy. The clock is ticking, and apparently many women actually have a birthing "plan." A plan... a novel concept for me as previously mentioned, but something I must do. Vaginal birth? C-Section? Epidural? Drug Free? The options are MANY. My favorite option is to get the little pollywog to this realm, unscathed, regardless of the method. But I must say, having read up on the many options that we women have, the most attractive to me right now is a natural childbirth, using self-hypnosis as the predominant tool to assuage labor pains. Undoubtedly this could very well change ... hence the pendulum. But today, this is what I have researched, and it sounds...well... "alright alright alright" (to quote Matthew McConaughey in "Dazed and Confused").

Great Read on the subject matter:


Here is information about hypnobirthing that I feel is very well-versed, provided by
http://www.pregnancy-info.net/birthplan_hypnobirthing.html

I hope this will inspire comments, questions, and your experiences with childbirth -

"Imagine - you are in labor. You are feeling calm, serene, attuned to the contractions that gently open your body. Your labor is peaceful and pain free and you are feeling overjoyed, knowing that you will soon be holding your newborn child. This type of birth can be yours. The use of hypnosis is quickly becoming popular because it is so effective. Once thought to be a type of bizarre ritual, hypnosis has increasingly become accepted as a legitimate form of therapy by the public and also within the medical community.

Hypnotherapy has been found to be very successful in helping people deal with a variety of emotional and personal problems. Using self-hypnosis techniques, many women have managed to experience a pain free labor without medication or drugs. Hypnosis has also been successful in turning posterior and breech babies.

What Is Hypnosis?

Simply put, hypnosis is a deep state of relaxation. But it is not a state of unconsciousness. In fact, you’ve probably been hypnotized a few times without realizing it. If you’ve ever been so deeply engrossed in a book that you weren’t aware someone was talking to you, then you’ve been under hypnosis.

Hypnosis allows you to shut off the active, conscious part of your brain and tune into your subconscious for a little while. The subconscious is the area of your brain that makes a lot of decisions that you don’t realize. As a result, hypnosis allows you to gain more control over your life since you are dealing directly with the subconscious mind. In a way, you are reprogramming your mind to act in a way that you find more beneficial.

What Is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy employs hypnosis to help people deal with a variety of problems and issues. Hypnosis has been used to treat everything from low self-esteem and confidence to smoking and over eating, as well as bed wetting in children. Hypnosis has even been used as an alternative to anesthesia for people who are undergoing surgery.

Aided by a guide or instructor, hypnotherapy helps you relax and enter your subconscious. However, all hypnosis is considered to be self-hypnosis. Even though you have a guide giving you instructions, you are the one doing all the work.

Worried that you’ll end up squawking like a chicken? Contrary to what most people have been led to believe, you cannot do anything in a hypnotic state that you have a serious moral or ethical objection to. You actually do have control over your actions and what you say while under hypnosis. There is also no reason why you cannot remember what you have said or done unless your mind has decided to "forget" about it. While your subconscious mind will always be aware of what happened, your conscious mind may not.

Hypnosis and Childbirth

More and more, pregnant women are deciding to use hypnosis to deal with labor pain rather than using conventional medications. Through hypnotherapy classes, you learn self hypnosis techniques that will help you better deal with the pain. Hypnosis allows you to provide yourself with a natural anesthesia that won’t cause any harm to you or your baby. Plus, you’re completely in control of your pain management.

How Is the Pain Eliminated?

Many women are terrified by the prospect of labor pain. Hypnotherapy will help you dismiss any of your negative preconceptions about pain. Pain is usually produced by a combination of fear and tension. When we are afraid, we react by closing up. This tightness causes our uterine muscles to contract and we feel acute pain. And the more pain we feel, the tenser we become. Hypnotherapy teaches women to relax. As a result, their bodies open easier. The hypnobirth is often faster than regular births, it is less exhausting and the labor can actually be pain free! Women who use this technique report feeling little or no pain – just a tightening sensation and a feeling of pressure.

There are many hypnosis classes that aim to teach future parents that childbirth is nothing to be afraid of. Parents end up losing their fear and thoughts over the immense pain they have been led to believe comes with childbirth. In place of the negative thoughts are positive ones that evaluate childbirth as a wonderful and natural process that a woman’s body is able to do with ease and comfort.

Mind Over Matter

While it certainly sounds easy to give birth if you’re self-hypnotized, it is important to learn hypnosis properly in order for it to work. Parents need to be realistic with the expectations they have about hypnotherapy. Be aware that it does take some work to be effective at self-hypnosis.

The type of hypnosis class you take can greatly affect the outcome and success rate of your therapy. Attending a childbirth hypnosis class is different from learning self-hypnosis techniques from a privately practicing hypnotherapist. Childbirth hypnosis classes are geared specifically around teaching coping methods for childbirth and can be a lot more involved.

Choosing A Hypnotherapist

Make sure you find someone who is experienced in dealing with childbirth. A regular hypnotherapist may have experience with pain management skills in general, but she may not have experience with childbirth coping methods. There are women who are trained in both hypnotherapy and childbirth education.

It is important to do some research on all your options before you finally decide on one. If it is at all possible, then interview a potential hypnotherapist or instructor first. A good hypnotherapist will do at least four sessions with you, although six to seven sessions are the ideal. The last session should take place a week before your expected due date. You should also receive some self hypnosis tapes or CDs that you can use at home to keep practicing your techniques.

Taking Hypnotherapy Classes

If childbirth hypnosis classes are available in your area, then look for one that offers at least 15 hours of instructions. Again, you should receive some tapes or CDs that you can use at home to practice. Before you sign up, inquire about how much experience your instructor has with childbirth hypnosis. Obviously, the more experienced the instructor, the more confident you can feel about your classes.

You and your partner will attend classes together so that you can both learn the technique. Classes can be taken in a group or privately. Four to seven sessions are recommended, including that last important visit one week before your due date. If there are no classes available nearby, you can also take a home-study course.

Empower Yourself

Giving birth is one of life’s most incredible moments. When you feel calm and confident during your labor, you will enjoy it and will remember it as a joyous and positive experience. In fact, hypnotherapy will also give you a sense of peace throughout your pregnancy. And once you master self-hypnosis, you can continue to use the technique to help you through many of life’s stressful moments."

So... what do you think? Please write and let me know! I'm very curious!

Breathe Deep.
Amanda xo

Don't forget to check out what is on Ana's mind today...
http://dearprudence-peekintoanassecretworld.blogspot.com/

Please download the ethereal sounds of "Grizzly Bear"...upper right -

... a stitch in time...

Ten years ago, I was diagnosed with cervical dysplasia, a.k.a precancerous cells inundating the cervix caused, in my case, by the HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)... a very common (be careful!!!) sexually transmitted disease that can wreak havoc on the female reproductive organs. According to a July 7, 2010 report by http://www.cdc.gov/hpv/ (The Center for Disease Control), "Human Papillomavirus (pap-ah-LO-mah-VYE-rus) (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted virus in the United States. At least 50% of sexually active people will have genital HPV at some time in their lives." As a result, I had two invasive, but successful surgeries that left my cervix markedly smaller, but functional... until now.

In order to return to teaching on August 31st... as previously mentioned... I will have a procedure that will, essentially, keep the pollywog from falling out through the compromised cervix. This is a common procedure, and can be a lifesaver, literally, for many pregnant women. Read about it below: http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications/cervicalcerclage.html

"When a woman’s cervix is weak (sometimes called an incompetent cervix) she is more likely to have a baby born prematurely because the cervix shortens or opens too early. In order to prevent premature labor, a woman’s doctor may recommend a cervical cerclage. A cerclage is used to prevent these early changes in a woman’s cervix, thus preventing premature labor. A closed cervix helps a developing baby stay inside the uterus until the mother reaches 37-38 weeks of pregnancy.

What is cervical cerclage?

Treatment for cervical incompetence is a surgical procedure called cervical cerclage, in which the cervix is sewn closed during pregnancy. The cervix is the lowest part of the uterus and extends into the vagina.

Why is cervical cerclage used?

A cervical cerclage procedure may be used if a woman’s cervix is at risk of opening under the pressure of the growing pregnancy. A weak cervix may be the result of:
History of second-trimester micarriages

A previous “cone biospy” or a “LEEP” procedure

Damaged cervix by pregnancy termination

When is a cervical cerclage used?

The best time for the cervical cerclage procedure is in the third month (12-14 weeks) of pregnancy. However, some women may need a cerclage placed later in pregnancy; this is known as an emergent cerclage and is necessary after changes such as opening or shortening of the cervix have already begun. If an emergent cerclage is required, future pregnancies will probably also require a cervical cerclage.

What are alternatives to the cervical cerclage procedure?

If changes in the cervix are found very late in pregnancy, or if the cervix has already opened up significantly, bed rest may be the best alternative.

What are the benefits of a cerclage?

Cervical cerclage helps prevent miscarriage or premature labor caused by cervical incompetence. The procedure is successful in 85% to 90% of cases. Cervical cerclage appears to be effective when true cervical incompetence exists, but unfortunately the diagnosis of cervical incompetence is very difficult and can be inaccurate.

Why doesn’t every woman who has had a preterm baby need a cerclage?

Only women with an abnormal or “incompetent” cervix can be helped by a cerclage. However, even with the help of a cerclage, other problems can cause labor to begin too early. Women who have a cerclage placed will need to be checked routinely for other complications such as infection and preterm labor.

What should I expect before my cervical cerclage is placed?

Your medical history will be reviewed and a thorough exam of your cervix including a transvaginal ultrasound performed by a doctor who specializes in high risk pregnancies

Your doctor will discuss pain control options for the procedure

Write down any questions or concerns you may want to discuss with your health care provider

What happens during the cervical cerclage procedure?

Most women have general, spinal, or epidural anesthesia for pain control during the procedure. A doctor will stitch a band of strong thread around the cervix, and the thread will be tightened to hold the cervix firmly closed.

What can I expect after the procedure?

You may stay in the hospital for a few hours or overnight to be monitored for premature contractions or labor.

Immediately after the procedure you may experience light bleeding and mild cramping, which should stop after a few days. This may be followed by an increased thick vaginal discharge, which may continue for the remainder of the pregnancy.

You may receive medication to prevent infection or preterm labor.

For 2-3 days after the procedure, plan to relax at home; avoid any unnecessary physical activity.

Your doctor will discuss with you when would be the appropriate time to resume regular activites.

Abstinence from sexual intercourse is often recommended for one week before and at least one week after the procedure.

How long is the cerclage stitch left in?

Generally the thread is removed at the 37th week of pregnancy, but it can be removed before if a woman’s water breaks or contractions start. Most stitches are removed in the doctor’s office without any problems. The procedure is similar to having a pap smear and may cause some light bleeding.

What are the risks of having a cerclage placed?

The likelihood of risks occuring is very minimal, and most health professionals feel a cerclage is a life saving procedure that outweighs the possible risks involved. Possible risks could include:

Premature contractions
Cervical dystocia (inability of the cervix to dilate normally in the course of labor)
Rupture of membranes
Cervical infection
Cervical laceration if labor happens before the cerclage is removed
Some risks associated with general anesthesia include vomiting and nausea

Are there signs I should look for after the cerclage is placed that indicate a problem?

It is important to contact your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms after your cerclage is placed:

Contractions or cramping
Lower abdominal or back pain that comes and goes like labor pain
Vaginal bleeding
A fever over 100 F or 37.8 C, or chills
Nausea and vomiting
Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Your water breaking or leaking

So... there you have it! For more information... check out the website above.
Album of the Day -


...love this album!
don't forget to check out Ana's World at http://dearprudence-peekintoanassecretworld.blogspot.com/
Download the Song of the Day(top right) -

Amanda xo