Calling in a soul: conscious conception

Calling in a soul: conscious conception

by Good Life Fertility

“[T]here is a tribe in Africa where the birthdate of a child is counted not from when they were born, nor from when they are conceived, but from the day that the child was a thought in its mother’s mind. And when a woman decides that she will have a child, she goes off and sits under a tree, by herself, and she listens until she can hear the song of the child that wants to come. And after she’s heard the song of this child, she comes back to the man who will be the child’s father, and teaches it to him. And then, when they make love to physically conceive the child, some of that time they sing the song of the child, as a way to invite it.” —Attributed to the Himba of Namibia

Since I first heard of this birth story, I loved the intention behind it. Calling in a soul, inviting a child into your life, actively creating a family with your partner – these ideas intrigued me and ignited a question in my soul.

My own parents talked of how they “planned” for me and I loved growing up with the thought that not only was I wanted – but planned for. In today’s world, intentional conception is common and usually is centered on what to eat, how much to exercise, and how to best take care of the physical body. Most of this focuses on the mother-to-be; only recently has it begun to include the role of the father or partner.

However, as the story above illustrates, conscious conception is more than just the physical body. It includes the emotional, mental, spiritual, career, financial, and relationship components of family life as well. I find many couples are completely comfortable addressing the physical demands of getting pregnant and supporting the pregnancy and starting a family. Some discuss the emotional, financial, and career aspects of family life; very few discuss all. These discussions are vital for a new, young family. In my opinion, bringing a child into the world is the most transformational event in a human’s life. Nothing prepares you for the love, responsibility, and frequently overwhelming change to life as becoming a parent. From my perspective and experience, typical American culture focuses on the getting pregnant and tends to ignore the new family once the baby is here. Americans tend to parent in isolation – whether by choice or by default. And many feel shocked at what parenting and family life are actually like.

Many parents are angry, sad, and overwhelmed. And while there are many contributions to these feelings, I believe one is that we as a culture do not discuss the actual soul work required in parenting. A well-known adage about parenting sums it up: The quickest way to enlightenment is to have a child. Why? Because no one will push your buttons or make you ask the hard questions like your child. Knowing this going into parenthood can make some of those hard times a little easier. Beginning the conversation before conception with your partner makes it easier to continue the conversation once the family has begun. It’s one of my favorite topics and one that I find a lot of my parent friends enjoy as well. Who is this little soul? How can we best support it? What lessons do we have to teach each other? Why do they push my buttons so effectively? The creation of family is a dance. One improvised second by second by all members of the family. It’s a dance that warrants discussion and thought before pregnancy – as it will be continually fine-tuned and tweaked for the rest of your life.

For more discussion on this topic:

Stacey Donelson will moderate and share her personal experiences from a holistic medical perspective and offer hands-on, applicable strategies for making your current/future family an expression of relationship and spiritual growth. Considering that she was in acupuncture school when she conceived her first child, you may assume that her pregnancy progressed without judgement, doubt, or challenge, but that wasn’t the case. She looks forward to beginning a conversation and helping you on your path to Holistic Parenting. She looks forward to sharing her experiences in a way that may make you laugh and cry at the same time. If you intend to be the best parent possible for your children, then come learn about how to call in a soul with intent, how to make an agreement with awareness, and how to lay a foundation for family with joy.

Come from 2-3:30pm March 12th at the Family Garden (600 Airport Rd, Longmont CO, 303-678-1144).
Reserve your spot today, space is limited.

Prenatal Acupuncture: Should I Encapsulate My Placenta?

Prenatal Acupuncture: Should I Encapsulate My Placenta?

by Good Life Fertility Herbal Medicine Natural Placenta

she-ate-her-placenta

Humans are one of the very few mammals on the planet who do not regularly consume their own placentas after giving birth. Here in the surrounding areas of Boulder, it is not uncommon to hear of women encapsulating and ingesting their own placentas postpartum. In fact, my client list appears to be expanding. But….why?

 

For one thing, the benefits are significant. Women who have encapsulated and ingested their placenta postpartum discovered that it:

Curbs the infamous ‘baby blues’ Although these feelings are perfectly normal in new mothers, especially first time mothers, they can lead to a more serious condition called Postpartum Depression. With a staggering eighty percent of women experiencing varying degrees of postnatal mood disorders, encapsulating the placenta offers one easy additional step to wellness.

Increases milk supply and enriches breast milk Calling all breastfeeding moms! Your placenta contains nutrients that help to not only increase the amount of milk you make, but make it even healthier for baby.

-Decreases postpartum fatigue: Who knew it was even possible for one person to be so tired! But giving birth is a truly exhausting, natural process of being a woman. Ease the tiredness by consuming your placenta.

Decreases lochia (postpartum bleeding) While nothing will stop the bleeding entirely (it’s necessary and normal!) the encapsulated placenta will help to make the bleeding less intense and shorter in duration.

Decreases anemia (iron deficiencies) Ever crave a non-food item during your pregnancy like soap, dirt, or ice? Most likely, your health care provider reminded you to take your prenatal vitamins and perhaps even an additional iron supplement, depending how low your levels were. Iron deficiency does not stop after you have your baby, especially if you choose to breastfeed. This is where your placenta comes in. It will help you avoid taking any additional supplements postpartum.

Increases energy New moms need every ounce of energy they can get. By adding your placenta to a healthy postpartum diet, you can increase your overall energy level by a considerable level!

Decreases insomnia and other sleep problems Its common for a new mom to watch her baby sleep, who isn’t enchanted by that adorable sleeping face?! But let’s be honest, how on earth is your new family going to find a sleep pattern when you can’t seem to fall into proper rest?

Decreases postpartum night sweats Night sweats happen during postpartum as your body disposes of the extra water you carried during your pregnancy. While the process cannot be stopped completely, it can be lessened to make you more comfortable.

 

In my practice I have a passion for spreading the word about the benefits of placenta encapsulation to my patients. It is a service I offer for all of my expectant mothers. Before they can be convinced, most of them like to know a little bit about the process. The placenta must be cut into strips dehydrated for about 24 hours. Then, they are ground up in a processor. At the request of the mother I also add a few additional herbs before encapsulation. The types of herbs depend on her individual needs as a patient, as does the amount added. With the majority of my patients, I find that even the smallest amount of herbs added will go a long way in helping them achieve their postpartum health goals.

And here is your result.

encapsulatedplacenta

Bottom Line: There are no herbs, prescriptions, or vitamins that can do for you what your placenta can. It is customized to YOU, and that’s what is so great. It contains the necessary hormones your body needs to keep you feeling balanced after giving birth, as well as essential nutrients like iron and vitamin B-12. Researchers at the University of Las Vegas in Nevada conducted a study of 200 postpartum moms who had encapsulated their placenta. Any guesses what percentage reported feeling at least one of the listed benefits? Go ahead, guess…if you estimated somewhere in the 95% ballpark, congratulations. With such astonishing feedback, what do you new mommies have to lose?

And finally, welcome to the journey of motherhood, one of the most amazing and dynamic roles you will ever have. Until next time, my friends, let us work in harmony to achieve the Good Life.