How acupuncture got me pregnant

I have to be honest... my husband chuckles every time I say, "an acupuncturist got me pregnant!" 
Of course my daughter would not be here without his crucial contribution, but I truly believe acupuncture not only helped me get pregnant the first time we really "tried," but as I continued treatment throughout pregnancy, I was amazed that I didn't have any of the common pregnancy side effects including morning sickness, swollen ankles or extreme fatigue. 

Trust me, I don't have Wonder Woman genes. I thought pregnancy automatically came with those issues. As a former TV investigative reporter--I'm naturally skeptical--but curious enough to give acupuncture a try.


There are no longterm, large scale, double blind scientific studies that show acupuncture can improve fertility, only small studies that suggest it can increase the odds of couples trying (IVF) in-vitro fertilization.
Western researchers speculate acupuncture increases blood flow to the uterus, relaxes muscle tissue, balances hormones and reduces stress.
However, what caught my interest, is the fact that acupuncture has stood the test of time. It is one of the oldest healing practices in the world. It has been used for thousands of years. 


The moment I turned 35 years old, it seemed as if every doctor suggested Clomid or other medications to increase my chances of becoming pregnant.
I've never relied on medications to help me.
Acupuncture seemed to be a more natural option without the risk of serious side effects.


My life dramatically changed 10 years ago when I switched to a simple, whole foods diet, cut down on my exposure to harsh chemicals in everyday products and added natural things that help--not hurt--my body.
I figured I'd give acupuncture a try and either end up pregnant, more relaxed or disappointed that I blew $50-70 dollars a session.

I started seeing licensed acupuncturist, Carolyn Huffman in Tampa, twice a week for 2 weeks and charting my basal body temperature every morning. She suspected I was a late ovulator (instead of ovulating around day 14, I apparently do around day 16--I had no idea!).


She took my pulse, took a look at the color of my tongue and talked about how according to Chinese medicine, certain foods can support while others hinder my chances of conceiving.
She said my slower pulse and light colored tongue suggested I was kidney yang deficient and that I needed to eat more warming foods including soups, spices like cinnamon and turmeric and cooked vegetables.
As a member of Sweetwater Organic Community Farm in Town 'n Country, eating more fresh, cooked organic vegetables is a piece of cake, however, actually eating cake and other processed foods were to be avoided along with caffeine, alcohol and chemical sweeteners. 


She tapped thin, disposable needles (almost as thin as a human hair) into my ankles, legs, abdomen, wrists and head. Most of the needles did not hurt, but I did feel a pinch when she placed needles near my ovaries.

She was able to use this temperature chart to help me pinpoint the exact day my husband and I should have our "date night." 
Two weeks later, Mike and I were speechless! The pregnancy test was positive!

Yes, it could have been a coincidence, pure luck or divine intervention, but I had been told by my gynecologist that most people don't get pregnant the first month they try and we might need some medical assistance because of a minor thyroid and previous autoimmune issue. 


I liked the way I felt after my acupuncture session so I decided to stick with it throughout my pregnancy. 
I work 3:00 p.m. to midnight. I anchor 5:00-6:30 p.m. newscasts and stay up late to anchor the 11:00 p.m. newscast on CBS 10 News. I needed any help I could get to stay up late, not look exhausted or a light shade of green from morning sickness! 
I was crossing my fingers that it would work.


Surprisingly, my insurance company paid a portion of it for morning sickness--make sure you check with yours too. Acupuncture is not a one time treatment. Carolyn usually recommends one session, once a week, for three months.

This is where I was blown away... throughout my entire pregnancy, I didn't have morning sickness, swollen ankles, or any complications. I eat a clean, fresh diet and occasionally took prenatal yoga classes (with Lorraine at Yogani in Tampa) which I am sure contributed to a lot of that, but I know on some level, acupuncture helped me. 


I also had the added stress of working all week until midnight and flying home each weekend to see my parents because my dad had been diagnosed with late stage cancer. Somehow I had the energy to keep going without experiencing all of those pregnancy hormonal meltdowns. At this point, I was sold!


Acupuncture even helped me during the final weeks of pregnancy. My daughter was 8 days past her estimated delivery date!
Instead of trying all of the medical interventions my OB/GYN suggested, I turned to
Dr. Xiao Zhang, M.D. and licensed acupuncturist, along with Dr. Yongjian Chen. They gave me several intense acupuncture sessions to stimulate labor. Yes, I'm smiling in this photo, but trust me, they were stimulating something!

They placed needles in my ear, back and even toes! I wrapped up the sessions on Saturday, October 30 and two days later, I gave birth to a healthy, 7 pound, 9 ounce, baby girl, Kingsley Grace.
I interviewed Dr. Zhang about the benefits of acupuncture during pregnancy. She says it can help restore the natural balance of hormones and improve blood flow throughout the body. The theory is based on the fact that the body contains energy.
Licensed acupuncturists manipulate that energy by stimulating different points on the body. For example, in the case of morning sickness, she says it takes energy to have morning sickness. It's an imbalance of energy flow in the GI tract. The GI tract usually flows downward while nausea flows upward. Acupuncture restores normal flow. 


Popular integrative health expert, Dr. Andrew Weil, suggests acupuncture for much more than just fertility. He suggests trying it to help these conditions:


-Emotional disorders (anxiety, depression)
-Digestive complaints (nausea, vomiting, irritable bowl syndrome). 
-Pain problems from injury or chronic degenerative disease (rheumatoid arthritis)
 -Neurological problems (migraines, Parkinson's, stroke)
-Respiratory conditions (sinusitis, asthma)
-Gynecologic disorders 
-Fatigue


You can search an online database through the Florida Department of Health to find a licensed acupuncturist. You can also check credentials with the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture. The website is: medicalacupuncture.org.


I wanted to share my story with you because I am convinced of the benefits of acupuncture.
Had I not explored this option, I would've been funneled through the same system as so many women, and given medications to assist pregnancy and medical interventions to induce labor.


Acupuncture sessions over the course of 9 months are not cheap, but they're the gift I gave myself... an investment in my health as well as my daughter's health. 

Heather Van Nest is a TV News Anchor at 10 News, CBS in Tampa Bay.
She created a webpage called "Heather's Natural Health" where she researches the latest nutrition studies, safer products worth your money, and shares quick and easy, whole food recipes.

Watch CBS 10 News at 11 for the latest natural health news.
Get a fresh perspective on health: Check out Heathersnaturalhealth.com

HEATHER'S BABY BLOG: Top 10 favorite finds

Ok, I am finally just weeks away from having my first baby (she's due in October). Let's hope she doesn't come early, because momma's NOT ready!

This has been a really good pregnancy and she's been a good baby--I can only hope this is a reflection of how she will be as a teenager. ;)

I do have to say, over the past couple of months as I have been dealing with an ever expanding belly, occasional acne breakouts and trying my best to keep those hormones in check, I have found some favorite finds I REALLY love and other items that left me wondering, "Why did I fall for that?"

I want to share a few of my favorite finds for those of you with expanding bellies. I'd love to hear what has helped you through your pregnancy too!

As some of you know, I try to eat and use a lot of simple foods and products with common ingredients that are easy to pronounce. I write a lot of natural health related stories (including pregnancy tips) on Heather's Natural Health.

#1.) Acupuncture

Yes, I was skeptical at first, but I have to say acupuncture has stood the test of time (some 3,000 years) and had to contribute to the fact that I felt really great throughout this pregnancy. No morning sickness, swollen ankles or severe fatigue even though I work until midnight. Check to see if your insurance will cover a portion of it. Medical doctor, Dr. Xiao Zhang says it can also help to get a few treatments at the end of your pregnancy for a smoother labor and delivery. Click here to find a licensed acupuncturist.

Click here to watch my interview with her

#2.) Good quality prenatal

I spent years as an investigative/consumer reporter and learned that vitamins and supplements are not regulated. I try to pick brands that have gone through independent testing at Consumer Labs. My stomach can't tolerate a lot of vitamins/supplements so when I first learned I was pregnant, I took a whole foods based prenatal vitamin.

I liked Vitamin Code raw because it was easy on my stomach and had 1,4000 IU of vitamin D (something emerging research shows we need. Click here to learn more about why you should have your vitamin D levels checked. It's an interview with holistic pediatrician, Dr. David Berger).

After a month or so, I switched to Pregnancy Plus multivitamin created by natural health minded OBGYN/Dr. Amos Grunebaum. Consumer Labs rated it as one of its best brands, plus it has 222mcg of iodine which I needed.

#3.) Fish oil

Talk to your doctor about adding this to your vitamins. Pregnant or not, I always take fish oil for anti-inflammatory properties and my little girl's brain development.

#4) Fruitastic!



Being pregnant during the wonderful summer heat in Florida can be tough, but at least we get to enjoy a bunch of perfectly ripe fruit! Every week, I always made sure we were stocked up because if I didn't, this former junk food junkie might stuff her face with a cupcake!

#5) Acne breakout blaster



Yes, it is wonderful to live out my entire pregnancy on HD TV, especially those hormonal moments when momma has a good looking growth on her chin! I don't like to put harsh chemicals on my face but I did find that the Clarisonic cleanser made a DRAMATIC difference! I like to use Eminence products because they are organic and really work to balance my skin so I can keep breakouts at bay.

#6) Lube it all up

My skin is tight after I use the Clarisonic, I need to moisturize. I really like Kae, a simple oil made from Argon oil. It doesn't cause me to breakout. Don't forget to lube up that belly! Kae makes a body oil which is also nice. I put it on at night because it was too hard to wear it at work... greasy clothing during the day just doesn't make a pregnant gal feel good!

#7.) Smell naturally good

As much as I would like to go o' naturale, you can't fault a girl for wanting to smell fresh and fruity. Many perfumes are loaded with chemicals. I like a more natural option made with essential oils. I really love Pacifica Hawaiian Ruby Guava. I buy it at Whole Foods.

#8. ) Comfortable heels

I ditched the designer shoes and opted for whatever made my piggies feel comfortable. The reality is I can only wear flip-flops to certain places. Now, before you get mad at me, (pregnant women are NOT supposed to wear heels) there are a few occasions where I have to dress up. I was surprised to see that Ann Taylor has the MOST COMFORTABLE shoes I've ever worn! (They have a foam cushion bottom and a wider fit--promise you'll feel like you are wearing flats or flip-flops!).

#9) Stylish professional clothing

If only I could wear moo-moos everyday... ;) I was surprised how quickly I could NOT squeeze into ANYTHING in my closet! It's hard to think you have to buy a whole new wardrobe (but HD forced me to make some smart buys. Yes, people really will email me if I wear the same outfit over and over).

I wish I had discovered Isabella Oliver Maternity Clothing at the start of my pregnancy! You buy your pre-pregnancy size so you can wear it again! The stretchy jersey is so comfortable and comes in many stylish designs. i love the wrap tops and fitted dresses. Yes, you can also find a sexy dress for a special occasion even at 8 months prego!

I also found some great dresses from Annee Matthews maternity. I love the fitted Vanna dress! I know I can wear it after baby too. I bought a few more casual dresses too because the colors are bright and easy to wear (like sliding into a stylish moo-moo-shhhhhh!)

#10) Fast workouts

I wish I had time to exercise everyday! (I would probably come up with an excuse anyway... you know, I have to clean out the garage first). Winsor Pilates 20 minute workout tape is always my back-up just so I can feel like I am doing SOMETHING! It's not specifically designed for pregnant women so I avoided the stomach exercise portion.

Ok moms, now I want to hear about some of your favorite finds pre-baby and after baby.

You can read all of my natural health related BABY WEEK stories on Heather's Natural Health.

Shoot me an email: heather@10connects.com

HEATHER'S BABY BLOG: Taking your own maternity photos

Maternity photos can be lifelong keepsakes. We asked one of the Tampa Bay area's best photographers, Carmen Wilson, to share some of her top tips to help you take your own photos at home.

Photo Gallery: Click here to see maternity photos

Camera and Lighting tips:

Do not use a flash. Flash will take away the natural glow. Shoot in a low light situation; such as sunset or sunrise. Experiment with your camera by turning off the flash and setting your ISO to a higher setting such as 400.

Location:

Pregnancy does not need anything to take away the simplicity of the belly. Avoid background items such as blinds, a couch, kitchen cabinets, etc....Take the images outside under a tree or a plain background.

Clothing:

Focus on the belly and don't distract with busy patterns of clothing. Keep it simple to allow the story to be captured beautifully.

Wear a shirt such as a tight tank top that exposes the natural curves of the belly or wear a tie in the front shirt to totally expose the belly.

Pose tips:

A pregnant mother looks beautiful embracing her bare belly with her hands. Have dad or her children place their hands on the belly too.

Experiment with different angles such as standing, sitting on the edge of a seat, or laying down on a blanket.

Angles:

Fill your frame! Oh, this is the biggest mistake I see in candid shots. They are too far. Get close to pregnant mama.

When is the best time to take maternity photos? How many weeks?

When taking maternity photos your goal is to have a belly close to the size of a basketball. Typically, between your 7-8 months of pregnancy. You want to look pregnant....there shouldn't be any questions whether you are or not. So, in other words if you are feeling "big" you might not be as big as you think. ;)

What seems to look best in photos?

It all depends on what look you would like. There are several looks that my clients request. Here are a few:

A long, soft, flowy dress for a timeless image with simple accessories. Accessories are of utmost importance because while mommy is embracing her belly her ring or bracelet can be a main focus.

For a casual look, simply jeans and a tank top. Maybe a personal item that is really special to you such as those special booties that your mom made for the baby or a bracelet for mom with the baby's name engraved.

Bringing sexy back is one of my favorite looks...I believe that lots of women have that " I am fat " thinking going on during pregnancy, but the reality is they are glowing and absolutely beautiful. A gorgeous laced pushup bra accompanied by cute boy shorts or panties make mama feel sexy and beautiful again. For the grand finale daddy is a great prop to bring emotion into the images. His job is to love on her and embrace that sweet belly.

Some women are self conscious of their pregnant bodies, but why do you think they should still have maternity photos taken as a keepsake?

Pregnant women are glowing, and they have great beauty within their new shapes. They just don't often see it.....If we take the time to hire a photographer to capture our wedding day so we don't miss anything because life will brush those memories away....wouldn't you want to remember the next greatest moment in your life? Wouldn't you want to remember how your eyes twinkled when you felt that little person in your tummy ? Or the way your husband/partner looked at you as he touched your belly? Sometimes, it's not even about how we look but how we capture an emotion between two people that love each other. A maternity shoot preserves those moments, that beauty, and that time. I would do anything to go back in time to capture any of my pregnancies. It is often that I tear up during a presentation because I remember that I did not capture those moments in my life.

Share three of your favorite maternity photos and tell us why you like them.

I would have to say that the shoots that I favor are the ones where clients allow me full artistic freedom. It is often we talk on the phone and share a vision together. We discuss a plan of what they will be wearing and bringing to the studio. Location is also discussed and that makes it even more fun for me. Planning allows for a perfect shoot.

Now, if I must choose some favorites... (LOL)

The mommy by the Window in the long, flowy, ivory dress with her pup. I'll never forget this shoot. She rolled in with bags full of clothing, literally every shoe in her closet and almost all of her jewelry. I had so many options. It was fabulous. I choose the long dress because I knew it would capture her gorgeous shape and length. Then we had Jack; the cutest dog ever peeking out of the window. It really was a breathless moment for me...I knew I had to complete the story when the baby arrived.

Belly in the water: This shoot was literally a few days before the baby was born. What I love about this image is the confidence mommy had at FULL term. She embraced that pregnancy shape I was talking about previously. This was a round perfect basketball at it's best. I had my camera in a ziploc bag and was completely in the water from waste up. It allowed me to capture the roundness of the belly while capturing the water drops on her body. I love this image.

Sexy back! Mommy in her bra and panties. I just adore these photos. When a client relaxes in front of the camera it is evident. She was able to just let go of any insecurities and allow me to capture her smile and gorgeous body. Look at her belly; it is a full size belly which makes perfect pregnancy images.

Any tips to hire someone to take maternity photos?

• A photographer that specializes in motherhood photography. Choosing the right angles and lighting is so important during a pregnancy shoot. We want mom to be photographed from her best angles and that only comes with years of experience. Look at their portfolio on line and in person.
• Interview any potential photographers. Making sure you feel comfortable in their presence; you will be building a long term relationship with them.

• The Quality of their Work: Are prints printed at a professional lab with archival quality? Is there a 100% customer satisfaction guaranteed?

There has been many magical moments in my life, but I remember two in particular. Late at night a sweet man whispering into my belly " I love you little girl" and then

the day when a nurse handed me my sweet baby girl and I looked at my husband and whispered in his ear "when are we going to have another baby".

Now, fourteen years later I remember that on those days I fell in love with him all over again. A pregnancy brings us closer together, babies complete us, babies make mommy and daddy fall in love again. Why wouldn't we want to capture one of the greatest days in our lives?

Read more Baby Week stories on Heather's Natural Health

t's not easy finding time or the energy to exercise when you're pregnant.

So we asked Amy Burton to show us 5 easy exercises you can do at home throughout your pregnancy. Amy is an (ACE) certified Personal Trainer with additional training in pre and post-natal fitness. Watch the 5 stretches and exercises she recommends and read her interview below.

How can exercise help a woman throughout her pregnancy?

Exercise throughout pregnancy has many benefits:

- Helps keep weight gain within the recommended limits

- Relieves stress

- Lowers incidence of pregnancy induced hypertension(high blood pressure)& gestational diabetes

- Prepares your body to handle the physical demands of labor

So many pregnant women don't have a lot of time to devote to exercise. What are some easy things we can do every day or 3 times a week?

Many people think they need at least an hour or more to exercise (get ready, travel to the gym etc...) but they don't have that much time so instead they skip it. Best overall thing pregnant women can do is to change their mindset to shorter exercise sessions a few times a day. It all adds up to helping Mom-To-Be stay fit. Example: Wake up and do 10 minutes of slow stretching. Take a 15 minute brisk walk during lunch or right when you get home from work. When you are relaxing watching TV in evening, mix in another 15 minutes of exercises like the cat stretch, wall squats, and stretches that help ease back pain. This adds up to a 40 minute workout!

Sometimes pregnant women are too tired to exercise. Help motivate us!

When you are pregnant, tired, and uncomfortable carrying around extra weight, exercise can seem overwhelming. Enlist your spouse and friends to help keep you active when you are tired by going for a walk together, dancing around the house, or playing in a swimming pool. Getting in a pool(especially with the Florida heat) is one of the best places to feel lighter and reduce stress of carrying a baby on the body. Not only does a pregnant woman feel more comfortable but exercising in the water provides 12x the resistance of air so simple walking back and forth or standard aerobic moves gives you a great workout. Hand weights are another easy way to get a quick and effective workout. Keep 3-5-8 lb weights by the TV and stand up at commercials to do a set of bicep curls!

What are some simple exercises we can do in the weeks before birth?

The simplest and most universal exercise anyone can do is walk but this is a time when stretching andcore(primarily the stomach/back)strengthening exercises are key. Many of the exercises shown in the news story are great for women getting closer to giving birth. Sitting in a chair and leaning forward, head down between your legs helps stretch lower back. Knees on the floor, arms crossed on the edge of the chair stretch tight chest and arm muscles. On your hands and knees, round your back up like a cat by tightening your abdominal muscles and hold(helps strengthen your stomach muscles like a sit up!) Leaning up against a wall with your feet about 1 ½ feet away from the wall, slide down into a squat position then try to flatten the small of your back into the wall by tightening your abdominal muscles. These are simple exercises although they may be confusing for a woman unfamiliar with them to understand just by reading these short descriptions.

Can you share some simple ideas to help us get back into shape after baby?

Start kegel exercises right away and plan on walking a lot. Get your baby used to being outdoors in a stroller and walk. One of my favorite things a new Mom can do with their baby to help get back in shape is march around your house carrying your baby! Turn on some music and keep moving by marching, doing side steps, slight squats, and other low impact movements. By holding your baby in different positions, you are working your arm muscles and the added weight of your baby makes these simple movements harder. Moms will be amazed at how much simple marching works abdominal muscles, legs, and provides a good aerobic workout. Marching around your house to 3-4 songs typically ads up to about 15 minutes of exercise and your baby will enjoy the time with you and the excitement of seeing different things around the house!

Why was it important for you to create a video for moms?

I wanted to give Moms a way to enjoy spending quality time with their children and fit a workout into their busy day. New Moms have a hard time trying to juggle everything and operate on little sleep. The exercise series I created offers 3 short workouts for Moms to choose from and No equipment needed. The DVD, Back in Shape with Baby, uses graphic animation and other techniques to keep babies stimulated throughout each workout. The Exercise With Mommy video series was created to make exercising convenient, affordable, and include children so they can begin learning good fitness habits at an early age.

You can find more information about the Exercise With Mommy videos at www.exercisewithmommy.comor arrange personal training with Amy Burton at www.exercisewithamy.com

Read more natural health stories on Heather's Natural Health.

HEATHER'S BABY BLOG: My favorite holistic pediatrician offers advice on flexible vaccination schedules and more...

Holistic Pediatrician Dr. David Berger offers nutritional advice for pregnant and breastfeeding moms as well as recommendations for Vitamin D and vaccines.

He says pregnant women should meet with pediatricians BEFORE they give birth to make the transition much easier.

Click on the video above to hear what he has to say about newborn screening, vaccinations during the first year and advice for new parents.

We also asked Dr. Berger a few additional questions:

What nutritional advice do you have for pregnant or breastfeeding moms?

To keep blood sugar levels even, protein should be eaten each time carbohydrates are eaten. There's an increased need for calcium. They should be consuming 120% of the recommended daily allowance on the packaged labels since they are feeding for two.

Avoiding high fructose corn syrup and additives. Try eating as organic as possible.

Tell us why pregnant women should have their Vitamin D level checked?

Almost 90% of pregnant moms and babies are Vitamin D deficient if they are not taking Vitamin D supplements. It really can not be obtained from diet in adequate amounts. It can be obtained through the sun but there are skin cancer risks. I recommend all pregnant and breastfeeding moms get their 25 hydroxy Vitamin D level checked and make sure it is between 50 and 100 ng per ml. It usually takes 1000 units of Vitamin D3 to increase the level by 10 points. Then repeat the test three months later. Vitamin D3 supplements are available over the counter. Do not be confused with Vitamin D2.

What vaccination advice do you have for new parents?

I would recommend learn both the vaccine preventable diseases so they have a better understanding of why vaccines are given. They should look at multiple sources of information so they can make an educated decision on how to proceed. There is no mandate. Vaccines do not have to be given at checkups. Although some pediatricians are more willing to be flexible than others. Parents should also consider what types of exposure that their child could potentially have. For instance, a child in daycare, at two months of age, may have different exposure than a child who stays at home with mom. Ultimately, a family should do what they feel is right for them.

You can contact Dr. David Berger at http://www.wholisticpeds.com/

You can find more Baby Week related stories and discussion on MomsLikeMe.com.

HEATHER'S BABY BLOG: What the heck is a doula?

Some women in the Tampa Bay area are bringing a doula into the delivery room to help ease labor and delivery fears, and increase their chances of having a vaginal birth.

Studies show having a doula's support can lower c-section rates, the length of labor and the need for an epidural.

C-sections are the most common surgery in the United States. In fact, one out of every three women has one. A new study suggests women whose labor is induced are twice as likely to have one.

The c-section rate in the United States has shot up from five percent in the 1970's to 32 percent today, which is higher than most industrialized countries. Here in the Tampa Bay area, the c-section rate is even higher, around 38 percent.

There are many reasons that contribute to the high rate, including bigger babies, multiple births, older mothers, medical malpractice concerns and the convenience of scheduling a due date. It can also be a life-saving necessity.

Three and a half years ago, St. Petersburg mother Beth Abernethy had a c-section to deliver her daughter, Ella. The second time around with her son, Colton, she wanted to have a more natural birth. With the support of her doctor and doula, Jane Parker, she had a dramatically different experience.

Beth says, "It made all the difference in the world, to be honest with you. From soothing voices, to rubbing my back, to position changes. My birth with Colton, I was present the entire time. It was a quick birth. I was very fortunate. It was about three and a half hours. It gave me the opportunity that I was really seeking. I wanted to be present at his birth."

Women have been comforting and coaching other women through childbirth for centuries. Doula is a Greek word that dates back some 3,000 years and basically means "mothering the mother."

Beth's husband, David, says having that constant companion eased their anxiety. "The nurses are in and out of the room. It's not like they're standing at your bed the entire time, but the doula is always there. You have that constant attention and you're able to ask questions for yourself and your wife and she's asking a lot of things. So, it's absolutely an invaluable resource."

Doula Jane Parker is a former labor and delivery nurse. She has coached hundreds of parents through the process.

"We can breathe through contractions, use different positioning. If you don't know any better, you would stay in the hospital bed. I use massage, aromatherapy, music, things that can distract. I try to create an environment that is like a cocoon."

You can learn about doulas, midwives and more by checking out the Tampa Bay Birth Network.

Doula Jane Parker answers additional questions:

Why did you become a doula?

Throughout my career as a labor and delivery nurse, I enjoyed and highly valued being able to provide continuous emotional and social support to women as I cared for them in labor. As a doula, I am able to provide this holistic approach to women and their families to help them have a safe and satisfying birth experience.

How can a doula help before, during and even after birth?

A doula meets with the mother and her partner before birth to assist them in formulating and refining a vision for their birth. During birth, the doula is a quiet, continuous, knowledgeable presence who supports them in implementing and further refining their wishes. After birth, the doula may assist in the bonding process, help with breast feeding and review the narrative of this key life experience.

Is a doula recommended along with an OBGYN? What about with a midwife?

Yes! The doula can be a valued member of the birth "team", providing non-medical assistance through comfort measures, emotional support advocacy, continued information about choices and what is happening.

What can a family expect during birth?

A doula is a consistent presence during labor, birth and the immediate postpartum period. She assists with breathing and relaxation techniques, position changes for comfort and to facilitate labor and birth. The doula also supports the family in supporting mom. She will assist in implementing the vision of this family's birth.

What are some of the choices a doula can help parents decide?

One of the most important roles of the doula is to help parents understand their choices within the scope of sound medical and nursing care. Parents, not the doula, are always the decision makers. The "when" and "what" of pain medication, other choices for pain management, positions for laboring/birth, Kangaroo care, breast or bottle feeding are just a few of the choices parents may want to consider.

How do you find a qualified doula? What are the best credentials to look for?

Look for a doula who has received training and certification through a professional organization. Two organizations which train/educate/certify doulas, and with which I am most familiar, are the International Childbirth Education Association (www.icea.org) and Doulas of North America (www.dona.org ). Ask your perspective doula about the number of births she has attended, her availability to you, back-up coverage for emergencies, and if you can speak to families for whom she has provided care. Meet with her in person to determine if you are compatible!

What is the typical cost?

Fees for services range from $200 - $1,000.

Anything else you want to add?

Share some special moments you've experienced with families. The overwhelming delight of a mom exclaiming, "I did it! I birthed my son, my way!" Moments after he was born. A dad, who was unsure he could be at the birth, joyful tears streaming down his face, cutting the umbilical cord of his newborn daughter. Every family deserves a doula to help them have the most satisfying birth experience possible.

Jane Parker, BAN, RN, ICD

HEATHER'S BABY BLOG: Natural way to relieve pregnancy side effects

It has stood the test of time for some 3,000 years. Some Bay Area pregnant women are turning to acupuncture to ease morning sickness, fatigue and other side effects associated with pregnancy.

As part of Baby Week on 10 News, anchor Heather Van Nest (who is weeks away from giving birth) talked about the benefits of acupuncture with Tampa medical doctor and licensed acupuncturist, Dr. Xio Zhang with Tampa Bay Acupuncture Clinic.

You can watch the interview on the top right side of the page.

Dr. Zhang explained how acupuncture helps improve circulation, balance hormones and ease nausea. Dr. Zhang says it can help women get pregnant, stay pregnant (avoid miscarriage) and treat pregnancy related complications including morning sickness, back pain and headaches.

Dr. Zhang says:

-Acupuncture helps restore the natural balance of hormones and improve blood flow to the ovaries and uterus. This helps with fertility and pregnancy.

-Acupuncture theory is based on the fact that the body contains energy (bioenergy). Licensed acupuncturists can manipulate that energy by stimulating various points on the body.

-It takes energy to have morning sickness. Nausea is a symptom of imbalance of energy flow in the GI tract. The GI tract usually flows downward while nausea flows upward. Acupuncture restores normal flow.

-Acupuncture can be helpful managing labor pain and can encourage labor if a baby is past due.

Click here to see how acupuncture has helped Heather's pregnancy and also learn more about how to find a qualified, licensed acupuncturist.