New Arrivals

Harriet Willa Brandom – 7 lbs., 11 oz. – April 1

Savannah Emily Royal – 7 lbs., 11 oz. – April 2

Harrison James Tester – 7 lbs., 8 oz. – April 2

*Jamison River Osterhoudt – 8 lbs., 14 oz. – April 3

Alice Harriet Bertone – 8 lbs., 1 oz. – April 4

Tessa Lynn Faron – 8 lbs., 1 oz. – April 6

Jackson Bechtler Realon – 8 lbs., 2 oz. – April 9

Jonah James Pfrommer – 7 lbs., 7 oz. – April 10

Willow Grace Ash – 7 lbs., 8 oz. – April 11

Vincent James Porter – 8 lbs., 6 oz. – April 12

Abigail Grace Skinner – 8 lbs., 1 oz. – April 15

Luke Thomas Price – 5 lbs., 11 oz. – April 15

Eve Delia Lyall – 8 lbs., 4 oz. – April 16

Harrison Alexander Smirnov – 8 lbs., 8 oz. – April 16

Eliza Wynn Dennis – 7 lbs., 6 oz. – April 16

Rosemary Fern Shumaker – 8 lbs., 8 oz. – April 17

Joselyn Reese Kelly – 9 lbs., 3 oz. – April 19

Elijah Mack Kerr – 9 lbs., 8 oz. – April 19

Baby Girl Hefetz – 7 lbs., 6 oz. – April 20

Penelope Jantje Cottrell – 10 lbs., 3 oz. – April 20

Nicholas Matthew Brooks – 8 lbs., 12 oz. – April 22

Nehemiah Makhi Williamson – 6 lbs., 10 oz. – April 23

Sophie Grace Johnson – 5 lbs., 7 oz. – April 23

Ethan David Whitenack – 6 lbs., 1 oz. – April 25

Jonah Badi Sabet – 8 lbs., 9 oz. – April 25

Jones Weston Phillips – 10 lbs., 15 oz. – April 26

Denning Wells Edwards – 7 lbs., 14 oz. – April 27

Hugh Edgar Murtens – 9 lbs. – April 30

Willow Alexis Robbins – 7 lbs., 13 oz. – April 30

If you'd like your baby's birth announced in the newsletter, send an email to missy_swanson@hotmail.com. Be sure to include baby's name, weight, and birth date, and feel free to attach a picture. We'd like to hear from all WBWC moms, whether you delivered at the birth center or UNC!

 

 

The Birth of Samuel David Cudd

by Kimberly Cudd

     I woke up at 4 am, 11/5/12, knowing I was in labor, but not wanting to believe it just yet. After a false alarm at 38 weeks that resulted in 8 hours of contractions but no baby, I wanted to be certain before I made any calls. After an hour of increasingly strong contractions, I woke up my husband and told him to get ready. The contractions were about 5-7 minutes apart already and about 30-45 seconds each. At 6 am, we called my mother to come watch our 4-year-old, and then we called the Birth Center. They advised me to wait an hour and call back. I knew it was only a formality and that my baby would be born that day, so I breathed through a few more contractions and at 7 am, we called back, happy to report stronger contractions. We live an hour from the Birth Center, so they advised us to come on in.
 
  One of my very best friends had agreed to be my doula, so she was the next call we made. I knew she'd set me straight when I looked at her and said "I can't do this." She also happens to be a great photographer, and I knew she'd capture the moments of my labor and delivery through the lens of her camera! At about 7:30am, we were on the road. I was nervous about handling contractions in the car, but the changing scenery offered a welcome distraction. I had approximately 15 contractions during the hour ride.
 
   Sarah and Emily were both working that morning, and I remember feeling so relieved as I saw their faces because I knew they could handle whatever was about to happen and felt confident in their ability to guide me into my 'dream birth.' It was 8:30 am when we arrived, and Emily was happy to announce that I was 5 cm dilated. She was very reassuring and enthusiastic about how well I was doing, which was incredibly encouraging and gave me the extra confidence I needed. She suggested trying the shower to see if that helped. I sat on the birthing ball as my loving husband aimed the shower head at my belly. It was awful. The contractions were intense and close together, and I remember gripping the handrails and holding on for dear life just to keep my balance. I began to dread each contraction because I knew I had to put so much effort into holding on and couldn't relax, so I asked to get in the tub.

 

    It was a few minutes before the tub was ready, but as soon as I slipped into the water, I knew my baby would be born there. Before going into labor, I wasn't sure how I would feel about a water birth, but once I got comfortable in the tub, there was no way I was going to move. The warmth of the water was so comforting that I was able to relax and just let the contractions work. Although I never made a sound, my husband was vigilantly aware of each contraction and at one point confessed to the nurse his fear that I would break his hand. She smiled and suggested only offering two fingers for me to squeeze.
 
    Sarah came into the room to see how I was doing, and I told her I was feeling slight pressure like I had to go to the bathroom with each contraction. She checked me and began getting things ready. Pretty soon, I had a contraction and just found myself pushing. There was nothing I could do to stop, so I quietly whispered to Sarah, "I'm pushing." I kept waiting for her to give me some instructions on what I should be doing, but instead she encouraged me to simply do whatever felt right and to listen to my body. It was exactly what I needed to hear because it gave me confidence that my body knew what to do and that I was capable of birthing my baby.

 

    My water broke as the baby was crowning and Sarah exclaimed, "I can see his hair floating in the water." Then I knew all the old wives tales about hair and heartburn were true. And though I never would have guessed I'd be having my baby within 1 hour of arriving at the Birth Center and only 15 minutes of pushing, Samuel David Cudd was born at 9:20am, 8lbs 2oz. I will never forget the feeling of elation at holding that little miracle in my arms, warm water surrounding us, and knowing that my body accomplished what it was created to do.

 

photo credit: Jessica Cole at Mirrors of Life Photography 
 

 

 

News from the Board

by Kaaren Haldeman

The board met in April and May to continue our work in strengthening the future of WBWC. As the next phase begins, we would like to thank Jane Brown and Yesenia Polanco Galdamez for their service to the board over the last year. Both Jane and Yesenia have resigned from board work, and we wish them both the best in their respective personal and professional lives. Additionally, Annie Lyerly will be stepping down as a board member but will continue to serve as a special advisor to the board and WBWC. We thank all of our members, past and present, for working passionately and diligently to ensure a strong future for our organization and our important work in serving women and their families in birth and beyond.

Hearty Meat-Free Soup

 By Brianna Honea

 Black beans and sweet potatoes are healthy and low in cost -- great for families on a tight budget. Legumes and beans are low in fat, contain no cholesterol and are high in folate, potassium, iron and magnesium. They also contain beneficial fats and soluble and insoluble fiber. A good source of protein, legumes are a healthy substitute for meat, which has more fat and cholesterol.

It can be challenging to serve healthy meals on a budget, but with planning you can eat better for less. You can save money by adding meatless meals to your weekly menus. Meatless meals are built around vegetables, beans and grains — instead of meat, which is more expensive. Meatless meals also offer health benefits. A plant-based diet emphasizes vegetables and fruits, grains, beans and legumes, and nuts, is rich in fiber, vitamins and other nutrients. People who eat only plant-based foods — aka vegetarians — generally eat fewer calories and less fat, weigh less and have a lower risk of heart disease than meat-eaters. I have adopted a plant-based diet (I am vegan) and feel healthier than ever.  I think a plant-based diet has helped me to have more energy, clarity and a great immune system.   I encourage everyone to consider the advantages of plant-based diet for their family.  

 I love this hearty soup -- this recipe brings a lot of flavor.

Black Bean & Sweet Potato Soup

Recipe adapted from Plant-Powered 15 written by Dreena Burton
Serves 4-5

Ingredients

1-2 tablespoon(s) water

1½ – 1¾ cups chopped onions (one large onion)

1½ cups combination of chopped red peppers and green peppers

1¼ teaspoon sea salt

freshly ground black pepper to taste (generous is good)

2 teaspoons cumin seeds (if substituting cumin powder, use a little less; fennel seeds can also be a substitute)

2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves

¼ teaspoon allspice (rounded)

¼ teaspoon (or less/more, to taste) red pepper flakes

4 medium-large cloves garlic, minced or grated

4½ – 5 cups black beans (reserve 1 cup; this is three 14-15 oz cans)

3 cups water

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

½ – 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup

1 bay leaf

1½ cups cubed (in small chunks, about ½”) yellow sweet potato

Optional: Chopped cilantro, lime wedges or chopped avocado with a dash of lime and salt  for serving

 

Instructions:

In a large pot over medium-high heat, add water, onions, red and green peppers, salt and pepper, cumin seeds, oregano, allspice, and red pepper flakes. Let cook for 5-7 minutes until onions and peppers start to soften. Add garlic. Cover, reduce heat to medium, and let cook another few minutes to soften garlic – if sticking/burning, add another splash of water. After a few minutes of cooking, add 3½ cups beans (reserving one cup of beans), water, tomato paste, vinegar, lime juice, and maple syrup (start with ½ teaspoon). Using an immersion blender, puree soup until fairly smooth. Increase heat to bring to boil, add bay leaf and diced sweet potatoes, then once at boil reduce and let simmer for 20-30 minutes. Add remaining cup of black beans and extra maple syrup if desired (taste test). Stir through, let simmer for another few minutes, then serve, topping with cilantro if desired and with lime wedges. Also delicious to top soup with some chopped avocado or guacamole.

Brianna has worked as the WBWC’s Business Director since 2005.  In her spare time she enjoys studying nutrition, cooking, running, teaching yoga and spending time with her family, including 8 younger siblings. 

 

 

 

 

What All New Parents Need (and What They Don't Need!)

by Holly Lindsay-Miller

When I first got pregnant, I was on my way to becoming ever more conscientious in the way I lived. Truth be told, we were getting ready to go down to one income, and our home was not going to be spatially accommodating. We had to be thoughtful, and let’s face it, that’s hard to do in our modern, materialistic, consumerist world! We are told we need so many things as parents, and that has the subconscious effect of making us think that what we already have, who we are, isn’t good enough. We’re told we need THINGS to make us good parents. Just walk into a Babies R Us or Buy Buy Baby! We might need 5-7% of what is sold in these retail superstores.

Well,  first-time parents, we may not know that. We’ve never done it before. Yes, we know we have to follow the safety laws and get a car seat, and yes, we know our sweet babies need clothes and diapers. Everyone we know wants to buy toys galore, but what are those things we truly need and what are those things we absolutely do not? As they say in La Leche League meetings, treat this information as a buffet. Take what you want; leave what you don’t. We’re all in this together, after all!

Top 10 Must-Haves:

1.  Breastfeeding support - We’ve all read or been told babies were born to breastfeed and that’s basically true, but often the beginning is tough. We now have nursing pillows, nipple creams, nursing bras and tanks, absorbent nursing pads, hydro-gel pads, nursing books, IBCLC’s, and what I deem most important, OTHER NURSING WOMEN! In our culture, we rarely grow up watching our mothers, aunts, sisters, cousins, friends and neighbors nursing. We don’t necessarily know what normal looks like and how it feels.

2.    A baby resource book – When our children get ill it’s unsettling, particularly in the first weeks of a baby’s. Children tend to have issues at night or weekends when we feel alone already. A good baby reference book, such as Dr. Sears's The Portable Pediatrician, is such a nice go-to when you don’t know if what your wee-one is doing is normal, requires an after-hours nurse call, or a helicopter lift to your local emergency room. (Things feel so much bigger when the sun is down!)

3.    A good baby carrier – Babies want to be carried. A lot. Finding a carrier before your baby is born can be hard. Deciding what brand to get can be anxiety-inducing. It doesn’t need to be!  Remember, people have been wearing their babies since the beginning of time, and I doubt they had to research which brand or type. Choose a carrier based on what you’re drawn to. Borrowing or buying a used one is ideal before investing in a new one (they’re not cheap!), but even if you do buy a carrier and you hate it, it’s NO big deal. The resale value of carriers is quite good and you can try another one that catches your eye.

4.    Thermometer – Not much else to say. It’s a good thing to have around the house if you don’t already.

5.   Colic/Gripe Water – Babies get gassy; it’s a fact. Our diets have changed significantly since our hunting and gathering days and babies are still dealing with that on top of an immature digestive system. Food intolerances are not that uncommon, either. Having a homeopathic remedy for gas, irritability, and pain is just a good idea. Homeopathics have no side effects and are perfectly safe for our little ones. Some products have more inactive ingredients than others. Read the label and choose one with which you feel comfortable.

6.    A safe place for baby to sleep – Ask yourself what will work best for YOUR family. No one knows you or your home life like you do. If that means sharing a bed, using a co-sleeper or a crib, so be it.

7.    A Breastpump – (This will also show up in the 10 Items You Don’t Need! I like to keep you on your toes.) If you are a mama who will be going to work outside of the home, then this is essential. Get a double electric pump if you need to be efficient and quick while at work. Otherwise, a manual pump may be fine and more affordable. Do your research and stick with a reputable company. Do not buy used unless you know it’s a brand that is made safely for multiple users. Many health insurance companies are now providing pumps or reimbursing families the cost of the breastpump.

8.    Healthy food – No matter how you get this done, whether it’s cooking a ton when you’re pregnant and freezing, having friends and family supply meals after the birth, creating a meal calendar, it’s a must. Cooking and meal prep tends to fall on our partners when they are already doing so much else taking care of mama and baby, cleaning, laundry, and sometimes hosting a vast numbers of visitors. A good supply of energy bars, easy-to-eat fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, and the like are great to grab and eat while nursing or anytime.

9.    Blankets/burp cloths – I put these two together because I find that any kind of fabric is helpful for absorbing or covering. Babies are messy, and really let’s keep it real, so are we. Blankets are helpful for swaddling, lying on the floor to change a diaper, cover a nursing mother who wishes to be covered, cover a baby in the car, and on and on. Burp cloths are great for the various fluids that our babies insist on getting all over the place. The best kind is prefold cotton diapers (think old school and affordable.) Not only can they be used for baby-type spillage, but for a number of other cleaning/absorbing needs throughout the home and car.

10.  A high-chair – Having a chair or some seating with a tray is really important, not only for your sanity (again, babies are messy beings!) but for safety. No matter whether you begin introducing solids at 6 months or 1 year, you need a place to keep your baby in one place where they are upright, stable and safe. They are free to experiment with texture and taste without us worrying they’ll get the mashed banana all over the dog.

Top 10 Things You Don’t Need

1.    Travel system – I know, they are everywhere. They are also short-lived, bulky, cumbersome, and expensive. You may have noted that there is not a stroller on my must-have list. I don’t think they are must-haves. I realize wearing babies is a hot heavy business at times and strollers are awesome for older kids at, say, zoos or museums. But the travel systems are made for your baby’s car seat to hook into the base. Car seats are for cars, however. It is unlikely you will find yourself in a head-on collision with another strolling mama. (I hope not!) So get a good car seat, get a good carrier, and then down the road get a perfectly adequate, not-over-priced, nothing fancy-schmancy stroller. Think simple, think quality; think, “do I have to buy a minivan or Mack truck to get this thing to fit and still leave room for groceries?”

2.    “Exersaucers”, bouncy seats, swings, etc. – I’m feeling preachy so I’m just going to come out and say, they aren’t necessary. Your baby is fine to lie on the floor while you take a shower or cook dinner. There are enough things to look at in your home, I’m certain. When you have a mover, pick up the dangerous, gross items and let them explore while you enjoy your 10 minutes (okay, 2 minutes) of “alone” shower time. A basket of toys or board books that only get pulled out during shower time should be enough of a distraction.

3.    A bottle sterilizer – If you’re not using bottles, then definitely don’t get suckered into buying one. If you are using bottles, you don’t need to sterilize unless you have an immune-compromised child. Warm water and an environmentally-safe detergent should be sufficient.

4.   Wipes warmer – Babies fuss during diaper changes, yes. We want to do everything we can to make their life comfortable. But this is something they will get over. I bet they don’t even remember the discomfort of cold wipes when they are grown. Warmers take up a lot of room on your counter and they tend to burn and dry out the wipes on the bottom.

5.    Nursery set – A safe place to sleep is important, as I’ve already mentioned, but you need not get all HGTV for your new baby. They won’t notice whether they have a rainforest or hot air balloon theme. If it makes you feel good to paint and get all kinds of new furniture, it is okay, but it’s not a must.

6.    Bath tub – Another short-lived thing. If you shop consignment stores, you see over and over again this item. It’s just easier to take a bath with your baby. The skin-to-skin is good for bonding and milk supply, and bathing is so fabulous when you’re new mama.

7.  Baby monitor – Unless you live in a mansion, you most likely can hear if your baby begins to cry. I had one for my firstborn and I never once used it. However, if you will feel better with it, get one!  But you’re still a diligent and magnificent parent if you don’t use one.

8.    Breastpump – (Ha! I told ya!) Breastpumps can be great, but they are not needed in most circumstances. Unless you know you’re going to be going back to work, you can wait on this purchase until you figure out life (and nursing) with your new family member. Breastfeeding requires a lot of trust, since you cannot see exactly how much your baby is getting. This can be really hard! But if you have a growing, happy, peeing and pooping baby, and nursing feels good not painful, then your breasts are doing just what they are supposed to be doing without a pump. Things are good.

9.    Baby shoes – They are cute, no doubt about it. They are also an unnecessary expense. Let those piggies be free! Before you know it the wee-one will be a running-one then you can go to town.

10. Fancy toys that tell you your baby will be smarter after playing with them – The market for raising a smart child is vast these days. Have you seen the infomercial where 18-month-olds are reading words on a TV?  Kids don’t need battery-operated, noisy, plastic, headache-inducing toys and TV. Babies have few needs, but adults have lots of wants. Our children will be just fine with simplicity. I promise.

 

 

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