iRestAssured

Mom-to-be's mental state may affect child's development

2011-11-19T09:08:00.000-06:00

Experts found differences in the brain structures of older children whose mothers were anxious during pregnancy. University of California, Irvine, researchers recruited pregnant women and tested them for depression before and after they gave birth. The women's babies were tested after birth to assess how well they were developing. Consistency in the mother's mental state appeared to be important to a baby's well-being. Development was best in babies with mothers who were either depression-free or had depression before and after giving birth.

Development was slower in babies born to mothers who went from depressed before birth to non-depressed after birth or from non-depressed before birth to depressed after birth, the investigators found. The researchers said they were surprised by the strength of the finding, which will be published in an upcoming issue of the journal Psychological Science.

Some might incorrectly interpret the results to mean that a mother who is depressed before birth should be left that way after birth for the well-being of her baby, the study authors noted in a journal news release. "A more reasonable approach would be to treat women who present with prenatal depression," researcher Curt A. Sandman said in the news release. "We know how to deal with depression." In another study, Sandman and colleagues found differences in the brain structures of older children whose mothers were anxious during pregnancy. Anxiety often occurs together with depression." We believe that the human fetus is an active participant in its own development and is collecting information for life after birth," Sandman said. "It's preparing for life based on messages the mom is providing."

Photo, Ron, www.juniperimages.com

A Quick Postpartum Depression Tool

2011-03-31T10:55:00.000-05:00

How do you respond to these three statements?

1. I have blamed myself unnecessarily when things went wrong
2. I have been anxious or worried for no good reason
3. I have felt scared or panicky for no very good reason

If you agree with any of these statements, you are at risk for depression. These same statements should also be considered a week after your birth to check for postpartum depression, which is experienced by 10-15% of all women after childbirth. This is an abbreviated version of The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), which has received credit for more clearly identifying women who are suffering from postpartum depression. If you feel that you may be suffering from any depressive symptoms, please contact the iRestAssured team so that we can help. To take the full survey, follow this link.

http://www.womensmentalhealth.org/quiz-are-you-suffering-from-postpartum-depression/

Stretch Activity #2 - Neck Rolls

2011-03-07T08:36:00.000-06:00

Neck Rolls are another effective stretch aimed to improve circulation and relaxation. To complete this exercise, roll your head VERY SLOWLY in one direction. Focus on your breathing during this exercise. Slow, deep breathing will relax your muscles more effectively. Switch directions once you have rotated your head in one direction several times. This exercise will relax you neck, but should also lead to relaxed shoulders and result in a clearer mind.

Managing Mood: Before, During, and After

2011-02-19T16:45:00.002-06:00

Disclaimer: Always consult your doctor concerning issues of medication. The following information is simply informative based on the American Psychiatric Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

As you may well know by now, managing one’s mood becomes increasingly more difficult when pregnant. In fact, 52% percent of women reported increased anxiety or depression while pregnant. For those that were on antidepressants before their pregnancy and are concerned about continuing medications while pregnant, let us review the opinions of The American Psychiatric Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. They recommend the following:

Women who plan to start a family and have mild depressive symptoms for six months or longer may be able to taper off medication. This may not be appropriate for women with a history of severe anxiety or depression, or who have bipolar disorder or a history of suicide attempts.
Women who are pregnant, psychiatrically stable, and prefer to continue taking their medication may be able to do so after consulting with their therapist and OB-GYN.
Women who are pregnant and have severe depression or anxiety should remain on medication, as they are at high risk for relapse.

Abruptly stopping medication after hearing that you are pregnant should be avoided. Instead, alert your doctor immediately so that you may find a solution together.

Link to Article

Stretch Activity #1 - Leg Stretches

2011-02-12T09:51:00.000-06:00

Leg stretches are an important exercise for women who are restricted to bed rest. Leg movement will increase circulation while also avoiding bed sores and varicose veins. If you are on bed rest, lie on your side with your legs extended. Slowly lift one leg as high as you are comfortable, then slowly release it back down. Repeat this around 10-15 times, and then switch sides. Always stop if you feel uncomfortable, or that you are overexerting yourself. Take your time and use deep breathing to guide your practice.

Stretching with Purpose

2011-02-02T23:23:00.000-06:00

Although you should always consult such issues with your doctor, researchers from the University of North Carolina recently found that stretching exercises may be more effective at reducing preeclampsia than more conventional approaches of walking and rigorous exercise. Preeclampsia, which is pregnancy-induced hypertension, presents risks to the mother and child. To confront risks, the study asserts that it is important to stretch the body so that pressure in the body may be reduced. The study headed by SeonAe Yeo asked women to stretch for 40 minutes five times a week. Those that followed the stretching regiment greatly reduced their chances of developing preeclampsia. If you are worried about not being able to exercise while on bed rest, just remember that new evidence finds that exercises while lying down might be more effective anyway. Please consult with your doctor so that you can develop appropriate stretching techniques.

http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/541207/?sc=rsmn

Baby Blues vs. Postpartum Depression

2011-01-25T22:16:00.000-06:00

It is common for mothers to feel a little down after the birth of their child. Emotions and hormones are swirling. You may experience mood swings, have crying spells, lose your appetite, or have trouble sleeping. This is normal for many mothers a week or two after the birth. However, it is important that you are able to differentiate between baby blues and postpartum depression. Postpartum depression can occur anytime within the first year of the birth and has many more serious symptoms. If you have thoughts of hurting the baby or yourself, assume guilt for complications of the pregnancy or birth, and lose interest in the child, you may be suffering from postpartum depression. Please remain aware of this distinction as after you enjoy the birth of your new child and contact your doctor or iRestAssured if you experience any of these symptoms.

Online Counseling

2010-09-29T08:16:00.000-05:00

With ease in scheduling and the ability to conduct sessions from home, people who might not ordinarily seek out counseling can now benefit. For women with high risk pregnancies on bed-rest, online counseling offers support for you and your family. The restricted movement and confinement from bed-rest each day can create anxiety, stress or even depression. Online counseling offers an alternative. Meet with a licensed counselor to improve your mental health and well-being from the comfort of your home. Call it convenient...the bottom line is that at this time in your life with your current circumstances, online counseling is easier to access than traditional face-to-face counseling with the same benefits. Now technology can provide you with access and choice. It is easy to begin these sessions with a webcam and internet access. If you are interested in learning about this process, please give us a call at 713-621-2490.

Tips for Relaxation

2010-09-27T20:46:00.000-05:00

Physical tension and emotional anxiety are common with stress. Long term bed rest can cause the release of stress hormones including cortisol, adrenaline and nor-adrenaline. It is really important to learn techniques to counteract these stress effects with relaxation techniques. Learning to physically relax, let go and "self-soothe" when you are coping with a high risk pregnancy is essential on a daily basis. So, take time during each day to calm yourself through relaxation exercises which may make it easier to sleep, concentrate, and have energy for coping with your situation. These techniques include progressive muscular relaxation exercises, breathing exercises, meditation, swimming, stretching, yoga, prayer, mild exercise, listening to quiet music, spending time in nature (or fantasizing about nature), and so on. Here is a basic breathing exercise that may help:

1. Inhale slowly (one-thousand one; one-thousand two; one-thousand three) through your nose and comfortably fill your lungs all the way down to your belly.
2. Silently and gently say to yourself, "My body is filled with calmness." Exhale slowly (one-thousand one, one-thousand two, one-thousand three) through your mouth and comfortably empty your lungs all the way down to your abdomen.
3. Silently and gently say to yourself, "My body is releasing the tension."
4. Repeat five times slowly and comfortably.
5. Do this as many times a day as needed.

Your baby will appreciate it and relax when you do.

Pregnancy the First 9 Months

2010-09-25T08:57:00.000-05:00

In this weeks Time Magazine Article, Annie Murphy Paul writes, "the kind, and quantity of nutrition you received in the womb; the pollutants, drugs and infections you were exposed to during gestation; your's mother's health, stress level and state of mind while she was pregnant with you--all these factors shaped you s a baby and a child and continue to affect you to this day." With Healthy Connections medical, nursing and psychological care, you can make the prenatal experience one that shapes a healthier baby.

Temperament of the baby has been found to be linked to the mother's mood. The article basically states that the healthier the mother, the healthier the baby. Take care of yourself, watch your nutrition, exercise and mood for a healthy experience for your baby. Depression, stress, and anxiety affect your babies development. Take care of your emotional health to help your babies development.

What Are the Symptoms of Depression?

2010-09-22T18:13:00.000-05:00

A woman who is depressed feels sad or “blue” and has other symptoms that last for two weeks or longer. This may be difficult to differentiate from the mood swings associated with pregnancy. If symptoms of depression persist for a considerable amount of time, it is time to seek help.

The other symptoms include the following:

• Trouble sleeping
• Sleeping too much
• Lack of interest
• Feelings of guilt
• Loss of energy
• Difficulty concentrating
• Changes in appetite
• Restlessness, agitation or slowed movement
• Thoughts or ideas about suicide

If you are experiencing a combination of these feelings, consult with your nurse or doctor. Depression is treatable.

What is Biofeedback?

2010-09-20T09:23:00.000-05:00

Biofeedback is a self-training, mind-over-body technique developed to improve health and learn relaxation by using signals from their own bodies. Biofeedback is an effective therapy for many conditions, but it can be particularly effective for women suffering from preeclampsia or premature contractions. You will teach yourself to relax your body by becoming more attuned to your own body. Biofeedback machines monitor your change in pulse, muscle tension, and body temperature to provide instant feedback. The biofeedback machine will make you aware of your body responses, and teach you to release tension and lower your pulse, ultimately leading to a more relaxed state of mind and body. Upon request of a biofeedback device, we will teach you to utilize the power of your own mind to relax your body and baby.

9 Tips for 9 Months

2010-09-19T08:11:00.000-05:00

Pregnancy causes major hormone changes which wreak havoc on your emotions. If you have a high risk pregnancy, these swings can be even greater and more difficult to manage. The mind/body link is ever present. We want to help you understand how you can affect change from within during a time of extended bed rest. Here are 9 tips to use to help you cope with these swings.

1. Stay positive (with thoughts, affirmations, and attitude)
2. Take control (of what you can control)
3. Practice relaxation techniques
4. Meditate to calm yourself
5. Allow pampering
6. Ask for help
7. Stock up on activities for fun
8. Stay connected to good friends
9. Make the experience of bed rest work for you, don't fight it.

If you need more help and see your mood slipping, talk to your nurse or doctor to get some help. Dr. Mike Klaybor

The Mindfulness Perspective

2010-09-18T10:25:00.000-05:00

“Mindfulness provides a simple but powerful route for getting ourselves unstuck, back into touch with our own wisdom and vitality. It is a way to take charge of the direction and quality of our own lives, including our relationships within the family, to work and to the world, and most fundamentally, my relationship with myself as a person.” Jon Kabat-Zinn

You now have the opportunity to focus on yourself. Consider this the calm before the storm. You will undoubtedly be busy as soon as your leave your bed. Take this time to prioritize your own values and goals. What is most important to you, and how can you prioritize this in your life? Put everything in perspective so that you will be ready to attack a busy schedule once your new loved one arrives.

Connecting With Family and Friends

2010-09-16T18:21:00.000-05:00

Research shows that a major component of happiness is staying connected to loved ones. Take advantage of bed-rest and catch up with old friends and family. Don’t be shy; they will love to hear from you! Call high-school friends and extended family members. The emotional support will be very helpful and even healing. You may be able to find their contact information through Facebook, MySpace, or Twitter. Schedule get-togethers in your home and make it fun! Take the time you have to organize and plan activities. Play games (except for twister), watch movies, and tell stories. Your efforts will be rewarded!

Just Like the Astronauts

2010-09-14T09:44:00.000-05:00

NASA is currently conducting an in-depth study to better understand the effects of space on the body. Imagine this: people are actually volunteering to participate in an experiment where they are restricted to bed-rest. Volunteers described their 87 day commitment as a small, but important contribution to the space program to help develop our knowledge of the effects of weightlessness on the body. Participants adhere to very strict guidelines in which they are forbidden to leave their beds except for brief diagnostics to test physical and psychological health. Measurements are taken before and after the experiment to test each volunteer's bone, muscle, heart and circulatory systems, nervous systems, as well as their nutritional condition and their ability to fight off infections. Psychologists are also on-site to chat with them and test their cognitive ability. NASA hopes that this study will lead to more effective accommodations for extended missions in space. While still gathering data, evidence suggests that most volunteers adjusted quite naturally to their bed-rest condition after an initial acclimation period, much like astronauts in space. Therefore, you might be experiencing the same effects of an astronaut in space! Stay tuned to learn how you may apply this study to your own personal experience.

Happiness: Recognize Your Choice

2010-09-12T09:28:00.000-05:00

“Happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of one principle: some things are within our control and some things are not. It is only after you have accepted this fundamental rule and learned to distinguish between what you can and cannot control, that inner tranquility and outer effectiveness become possible.” Epictetus (50-183 AD)

In order to help you find happiness during bed-rest, remember that you are still in control of your life. Be grateful for your ability to bear a child, your current family, and the love in your life. Understand the purpose of your commitment and find meaning devoting yourself to a higher cause. Accept bed-rest as a chance to take control of the details in your life. Stay active, stay connected, be productive, and remain confident that you are doing the right thing, and that you can be happy in any setting.

Positive Emotions (Pleasure) + Engagement (Gratification) + Meaning (Sense of Value) = Happiness

Lightening the Load

2010-09-10T19:55:00.000-05:00

While you didn't volunteer to be confined to bed-rest, you are still in control of your reaction to the situation. Rather than seeing the limitations of bed-rest, accept an optimistic and positive attitude that will be most productive and helpful for you. Use this time to focus on yourself and your baby; as a time to emotionally and psychologically nurture your child. During the volunteers' time, NASA officials encourage participants to talk on the phone, use the internet, play games, learn a new language, and try new hobbies as a productive and fun way to pass the time. One researcher stated "If you walk though our unit, you will not see people lying around bored, they're very busy. Their phones are ringing. They're usually enjoying themselves. Sometimes they'll bring musical instruments... After a few days it feels very normal to them." Take advice from NASA officials and participants and accept the first stage of bed-rest as an acclimation period in which you will need to discover the best way for you to get the most of out your experience. From that point on, you will be prepared to move forward with your pregnancy and your life. Just remember, the sky is the limit! To learn more about this research, visit www.bedreststudy.com

Mood Swings....what to do

2010-09-09T15:55:00.000-05:00

Most women experience mood swings during pregnancy, more often in the first and third trimesters. The emotional changes can result from fatigue, physical stresses and shifting hormonal levels. When you are confined to bed rest, these swings can be even greater and require special attention and perhaps treatment. To bring more emotional balance, try some of the following:

 Journal about your feelings
 Create a gratitude list
 Call a supportive friend
 Challenge yourself intellectually
 Get a massage
 Meditation
 Talk with your doctor or nurse about your feelings
 Give yourself a break

Fetal Programming Hypothesis

2010-09-09T15:03:00.000-05:00

Recent research suggests that maternal anxiety that is not managed during pregnancy increases your child's susceptibility to developmental disorders. According the article "Child Programming May Be Programmed During Pregnancy," you are shaping the neurobehavioral development of your child from early stages in pregnancy. There is increasing evidence that scientists may soon locate “programming windows” during gestation that correlate to developmental processes. They now have strong evidence that anxiety during the first 12-22 weeks of gestation enhances the possibility that the child will have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). We don't want this to add pressure to the situation. Instead, use this information as an excuse to relax. We understand that it is only natural to worry about the state of your child, especially when complications arise. Since you and your baby are at a higher risk due to you being on bed rest and all of the stresses this entails, it is essential that you use your time to manage your anxiety and fears in positive way. You must remember that any stress you feel will manifest throughout your body. Use techniques such as meditation, relaxation, hypnosis and biofeedback to help you “reduce anxiety and neuroendocrine reactions to stress from early gestation on." This will help your body remain comfortable during your time on bed-rest and will also help your child enter the world in a stress-free and focused form.

Maybe It's Not So Bad After All...

2010-09-07T20:02:00.000-05:00

Researchers in Toronto, Canada recently found that morning sickness and nausea are correlated to a child’s neurocognitive development. They discovered that such reactions to pregnancy induce the secretion of hormones that are believed to protect the placenta (and your baby’s developing brain). Intelligence tests show that children whose mothers either experienced morning sickness or nausea had higher scores on cognitive tests. What seems like an unfortunate consequence of pregnancy actually has positive physiological implications for your newborn. It is important to remember that present complications can prosper into benefits in the future. Your body adapts in the best way to protect mother and child. Keep this in mind during your personal obstacles and realize that your sacrifices are well worth it.

Personal Resiliency

2010-09-05T20:30:00.000-05:00

A key element in building your personal resilience lies in your thinking! Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps you adjust your thinking to change your emotional reaction to create a more positive and affirming attitude. Give it a try! Learn five ways to become more resilient and some perspectives that can strengthen your mind in these frustrating times. This podcast will teach you the importance of personal resiliency and how you can implement this in your daily life...

Twitter

2010-09-03T11:06:00.000-05:00

It’s time to start tweeting! Twitter has quickly become a connection tool to communicate and inform people of each other’s daily lives. We want you to stay connected with friends from your iRest Assured support group to see how they are doing and offer your own updates. While it may be challenging to think of tweets without leaving your bed, there are plenty of activities, updates, and feelings that you can share. Use twitter as motivation to try new things during the day. What new activity can you post? What have you accomplished that day? Do you have any quick tips to share about enduring bed-rest? What are you excited about?

To start, just log-on to http://twitter.com/irestassured. Create an account and ask to follow iRest Assured. We will connect you with other women enduring bed-rest quickly and easily!

We are here to help!

2010-09-01T20:47:00.000-05:00

If you have a high risk pregnancy, it can take a toll on your mental health as well as your physical health. We specialize in antepartum emotional well-being using Positive Psychology, Mindfulness Training, Biofeedback, Hypnosis, and stress management.Here are some of the types of emotions you may be experiencing:
• Guilt: You may be wondering if you are somehow responsible for the fact that you and your baby are at risk. Did you overdo things at work? Did you fail to follow your doctor's orders to the letter? It's easy to beat yourself up after the fact.
• Anger and sadness: If your pregnancy necessitates bed rest, you may feel angry about your lack of control over your life and sad and lonely at being cut off from the rest of the world.
• Resentment: You may find yourself feeling resentment toward those women who seem to sail through pregnancy with nothing more significant to worry about than whether they're getting stretch marks.
• Helplessness: If your pregnancy becomes complicated and you are put on bed rest or hospitalized, you may feel helpless because you have to rely on other people to make your meals, take care of your other children, and so on. You may actually find it difficult to ask friends and family members for favors, assuming that you'll never in a million years be able to repay them for all the help you need right now.
• Fear: You may be afraid that despite everything you're doing to increase your odds of having a healthy baby, something could still go wrong.
You can learn tools to manage the emotions described above. Contact us at: 713-621-2490.

Adapted from "The Unofficial Guide to Having a Baby" - Ann Douglas and John Sussman