The Bradley Method® by Marissa Lukas

How many months did you spend planning every detail of your wedding? How many consumer reports and reviews did you read the last time you made an important purchase? How many hours did you spend studying or completing on the job training to prepare for your career? While the answers may vary, I bet most people do not just wing it when it comes to such major events and choices. You seldom hear that someone just did what so-and-so said to do, and maybe they read a book or figured the less they know the better off they are. Too much information may cause anxiety right? Wrong. I know you've heard it all before. You know, preparation is the key to success. Knowledge is power. If everyone knows these things, and if they are applying them to so many areas in their lives, why is it that you wouldn't also be sure to have the same degree of dedication and preparation for the biggest and most life changing event you will likely experience? It doesn't make sense, right? So how can you become fully prepared for pregnancy, labor, childbirth, and parenthood? Well, I believe that it begins with taking a comprehensive childbirth education class. When I was contemplating motherhood, I began gathering all the experiences I have heard from those around me, and I started to realize which perspectives I most gravitated towards. I found that I enjoyed learning as much as I could about the natural process and the risks and benefits of routine procedures and interventions. My best friend was enrolled in a 12 week series of The Bradley Method® of Natural Childbirth, and each week she would tell me some of what they were learning in class. I was so interested in everything, and all of it just made so much sense! My friend and her husband went on to have an amazing birth experience, and when I became pregnant a few months later, I knew I wanted to sign up for the same class with my husband. Long story short, we loved The Bradley Method® classes so much, that I became a certified instructor! Since then, I have been able to help inform and educate so many wonderful couples who tell me that they didn't know there was so much that they needed to know! They are truly surprised at how little education they receive from their providers at their prenatal appointments. They often don't fully understand a fraction of the many choices, options, and evidence based information available to them until it is presented in our classes. It is a privilege to be able to help prepare and spread awareness and to watch these parents take ownership of their journey into parenthood. I invite you to consider taking a Bradley Method® class as you prepare for your upcoming birth. Whether you are expecting your first child or you are a seasoned parent, this class is for you. The course content and a list of instructors in your area can be found at http://www.bradleybirth.com. For more information or to register for my January - March series in Joliet, IL contact me at marissalukas@gmail.com

Is Physical Therapy Right For You?

Written by: Marissa Lukas

"Being pregnant is so uncomfortable!"

"Don't make me laugh - I'll pee!"

"Things just don't feel the same since I had kids."

Sound familiar?  While these issues may be common for many women, they do not have to be viewed as the "new normal" for you.  Pregnancy and childbirth can do a number on your pelvic floor.  It can cause urinary incontinence, a separation of the abdominal muscles, and pain, among other things.  Oh, the things we do for our beloved little ones!  The good news is, physical therapy can help.

As a mother of four children, a childbirth educator, and a doula, I have experience both personally and professionally with many of these complaints and offhand remarks.  Since receiving care for my abdominal separation (diastasis rectus abdominis) at ATI Women's Health in Joliet, I try to spread the word and help others find strength and relief through physical therapy.

A physical therapist can assess, treat, and educate their patients for various reasons pertaining to the body.  More specifically, women may benefit from physical therapy services to treat pelvic floor dysfunction, incontinence, pelvic pain, pregnancy and postpartum care, and pre- and post-surgical care.  With a range of treatment options available, there is hope for whatever ails you.

Don't settle for just dealing with the changes in your body.  Do something about it.  Ask your doctor or midwife for a referral for physical therapy, and see what it can do for you.  You'll be glad that you did!

Fun Homemade Ice Cream

Fun Homemade Ice Cream

By Caley Kolb

Shake up a summer treat that is just as fun to make as it is to eat for the little ones! With simple ingredients this ice cream tastes delicious and can be easily customized for special dietary needs.  My girls loved this! We used dairy free milk and the consistency of the ice cream still was great.

You will need:

·         1 cup whole milk (may be substituted with a dairy free alternative)

·         2 tbsp. honey

·         ½ tsp. vanilla extract

·         ¾ cup salt

·         2 cups ice

·         2 sandwich size Ziploc bag

·         1 gallon size Ziploc bag

·         Toppings (fresh fruit, chocolate syrup, whipped cream exc.)

·         Winter gloves (optional but helpful!)

Step 1-

Combine milk, honey, and vanilla into sandwich bag. Place the second sandwich bag over the first to prevent salt from leaking in.

Step 2-

Combine salt and ice in the gallon size bag. Then add your sandwich bags in and remove air before zipping up the bag. You can use a pair of winter gloves to help protect little hands for the next step as it gets very cold.

Step 3-

SHAKE, SHAKE, AND SHAKE! It takes about 10 minutes of shaking the bag to get a nice consistency.

Step 4-

Pour contents of sandwich bag into a bowl and add your desired toppings.  Enjoy!

Don't Call Us an Agency

By Cathy Smith

Everyone has a pet peeve. I think it's safe to say that at A Joyful Journey, ours is when people assume we are an agency. Websters definition of an agency is "the capacity, condition, or state of acting or of exerting power :  a person or thing through which power is exerted or an end is achieved". If there is one thing the ladies of A Joyful Journey believe in, it's supporting women.

We support each other. We don't exude power over each other. We are on the same level. Yes I am the founding member of A Joyful Journey. I value the women who are a part of our organization. Without them, our business would not flourish. Our roles sometimes vary but important business decisions we come together on.

We split shifts, raise each other up, fund raise together, create community events together, blog together, expect professionalism out of each other, and yes, make the same amount of money. We bounce ideas off each other, offer to babysit for each other, and enjoy the occasional glass of wine together.

These women are my support group, my tribe, my friends. We are so much more than an agency or an organization. We are a sisterhood.

You Cannot Pour From an Empty Cup

By Marissa Lukas

Imagine you are lying on a soft bed, listening to the gentle sounds of music and nature, while someone attends to your every ache, pain, and area of tension, as you melt into a puddle of relaxation.  Wipe that drool off your chin and listen up!  This sounds heavenly, right?  Trust me, it is!  This is exactly what I did last Saturday, while my four children were home with my husband.  I had an hour to myself, in a mother’s paradise!

Why is it that one of the most important, yet most difficult things for mothers to commit to is making their physical, mental, and emotional wellness a priority?  I, for one, am guilty of this more often than not.  Massage therapy is a great way to practice self-care, and I encourage everyone to reap the benefits of massage!  

Beginning in pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes many changes that affect the neck, shoulders, and back.  According to Erika of Eleight Massage Therapy in Joliet, regular massage can help and even prevent the neck pain, back pain, and sciatica that women often experience into the second and third trimester.  Massage can also help with a more peaceful sleep, as this becomes more challenging as pregnancy progresses.  

Now ladies, this doesn’t mean you have to wait until you are in the advanced stages of pregnancy to benefit from massage therapy.  In fact, contrary to the former belief that women in their first trimester cannot receive a massage, massage therapy is a safe and effective form of stress relief and self-care from the day of conception until the day of birth.

As you mothers of small children know, after the baby is born, the aches and pains of pregnancy give way to the tightness and tension from the hours of feeding, carrying, wearing, bending, and lifting to care for your babies and toddlers.  It is quite a physically taxing job to care for young children!  In addition, as much as the stress is physical, it can be emotionally and mentally taxing as well.  All that mothering is hard work!  How are you balancing your role of caring for others while also caring for yourself?

If you are pregnant and your body is miraculously growing, straining, and changing before your eyes . . . if you have been known to lug multiple children and a car seat across a parking lot like Cross Fit is your job . . . if the last time you felt pampered was when school was in session and you got to go grocery shopping sans kids, then consider treating yourself to the gift of self-care with massage therapy.  You know you’ve heard it before.  You cannot pour from an empty cup.  Make self-care a priority in your busy life.  You, Mama, are worth it!

Changes at A Joyful Journey

Warmly written by: Cathy Smith

Part of the journey through life is growing, changing, and figuring out the best path for you. Spring is the season for new things to grow so it's only natural that we at A Joyful Journey have recently made a few changes.  Some aren't what we expected but we always support one another, just as we support our clients.

Andrea is stepping down as Co-Owner of A Joyful Journey to focus on her family and her IBCLC training. She will still be working as a doula for A Joyful Journey

 Caley has officially started her maternity leave.  We are so excited for her to welcome her new bundle of joy!

Marissa is now teaching the Bradley Method at two chiropractic offices and she will be teaching for A Joyful Journey in the Fall!

Cathy has finished phase 1 of midwifery school and is officially taking clients as a student midwife with a CPM always in attendance.  How exciting!!

Lastly, we are in the process of setting up an office at our location to allow for consults and prenatal visits to occur if you desire.

Plus Size Pregnancy Resources

By Cathy Smith

As a plus size gal, I find that my clients feel pretty comfortable talking about weight issues with me. I've met some amazing women of all sizes and I've come across some great resources on everything from VBAC scare tactics to snarky blogs for plus size ladies.  Here are a few of my favorite blogs, books, and other resources for the beautiful women I serve:

Books:

Birthing From Within by Pam England and Rob Horowitz

Born in the USA: How a Broken Maternity System Must Be Fixed to Put Women and Children First by Marsden Wagner

Journey into Motherhood: Inspirational Stories of Natural Birth by Sherri Maneli

Blogs:

Health at Every Size - blogs about various health topics.

The Fat Nutritionist: Eating Normal is the New Black - blog from a registered dietitian who helps spread positive light on our bodies and food choices.

Evidence Based Birth - non biased source for current evidence based research and information on pregnancy and childbirth.

Midwife Thinking - Blog from a midwife on resources and news articles and to share knowledge and her opinion.

International Cesarean Awareness Network - blog and website with great resources about VBAC and support networks.

Well Rounded Mama - birth activist and size activist covering a span of birth related topics.

So You Want to Hire a Birth Photographer?

As our doula business has grown and doulas have gained in popularity, so has birth photography.  Labor is a beautiful, primal experience and for so much of it, the laboring mother is focused on the physical sensations in her body and not on her surroundings. Birth photography is a beautiful remembrance of the highlight of your life.

I got the wonderful opportunity to speak with Leslie Campins, the owner of Tiny Bubbles Photography. She is a local photographer who also happens to be in my local MOPS group. Leslie is a very warm person with 5 beautiful children.  Her business has been opened since 2012 and she has excellent reviews.  Here's what she wants you to know before you hire a birth photographer:

How far out should I book services?

I suggest at least 2 months. I like to meet the mother face to face over coffee or tea before I photograph her birth. It is a very intimate experience and I want to make sure that she is comfortable having me there for the birth experience. I also go over what to expect and what type of photos the mother is looking to have. Some moms want ALL the details, some moms want a more "over the shoulder" viewpoint.

Who is my back-up?

I do not have one. As I mentioned above, it is such a personal experience. I would not feel comfortable sending in a replacement. When I know that a birth is approaching, I tell all my families on my calendar that the birth has the priority and their session may get rescheduled due to that. I have an amazing support system in place. I have sitters on call and a flexible husband to take care of my kid's needs. If I have an event on my calendar that might get in the way of photographing a birth (i.e., a vacation), the mother knows that up front.

My radius?

I am comfortable within 45 minutes to an hour of Homer Glen.

When to call me?

Usually around 5 to 6 centimeters dilated is a good time for me to head to the birth. That usually gives me enough time to capture labor photos as well as the birth. I leave earlier if the birth is farther from me. I always touch base with mom when labor starts and we know baby is coming that day.

What if birth is long?

That is okay. I will hang around as birth is probably one of the most unpredictable experiences on this Earth! I stay through birth and for another hour or two postpartum. I love to capture skin-to-skin photos and babies trying to latch for the first time if that is the mom's preference.

Editing images?

I do edit every image. You can get anywhere from 50 to 200 depending on the length of your labor and birth. I usually provide only B & W images but will happily give the color images as well if the mother wants them. You can expect to receive them within 2 weeks of the birth both digitally and on a USB drive.

Anything else clients should know?

I joke that I am a ninja during the birth. I stay out of the way and most forget I am there. The only thing you will hear is the clicking of my camera.

A lot of moms ask about low light. What if the room is dim and I birth in the middle of the night? I need as much light as the doctor or midwife needs. I never show up with a flash!

The most common question is "what if go into labor in the middle of the night?" I think 75% of the births I photograph do. That is okay, I will be there. I leave my cell phone on and am "on call."

Some hospitals do not allow photography or some doctors so not like it. I always ask the mom to be sure that is something that is okay with her doctor and hospital.

Lastly, what if the birth ends in a c-section? Well, few hospitals will let me be in the operating room but some will. I will stay until mom is out of recovery and with her baby to photograph them together.

If you are interested in more about who we recommend go to our Businesses We Support page!

Peace and Comfort,

Cathy

Keep warm with our favorite drink!

I know that we’re “officially” only a few weeks into winter, but this freezing weather that we’ve been having this week has had me and my daughters wishing for spring.  Unfortunately, living in Chicagoland means we’re going to have to endure a few more cold days before our beloved sunshine and warmth returns.

Hot cocoa is a favorite cold weather drink in our family, however my 2nd youngest daughter is dairy free, so we’ve had to compromise and come up with different recipes for our favorite foods.  Here is one of our most recent favorite recipes:

Ingredients

• 2 cups almond milk (or preferred milk alternative)
• 3 cups chocolate chips (oz. or ⅓ semi-sweet dairy free)
• 1 tablespoon chocolate (oz. or 2 dark dairy free, chopped)
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Directions

• Combine all ingredients in a medium-sized saucepan.
• Barely bring to a boil and remove from heat.
• Whisk until smooth.
• Pour into coffee mugs and serve with marshmallows.

Enjoy!

Warmly,

Andrea

Top 10 Registry Items

Top 10 Registry Items

By: Cathy Smith

I recently went with my sister to help her register for her baby shower.  I keep pretty up to date with hot ticket items since many of our clients are first time parents. We are always happy to help with registry's.  We are available for an hourly rate if you would like help.  It is overwhelming, to say the least, how many products are in a baby store.  Side note: I barely slept the night before in anticipation for this.  You see, this baby will make me an Auntie.  Excited doesn't even begin to cover my feelings.  I was like a kid the night before Christmas.  So after 5 hours, 1 lunch break, and countless bathroom breaks, here are my recommendations:

1. Britax Car Seat.  This brand gets highest safety crash rating and moms love them too.  They are sleek, sporty, and nicely cushioned.
2. Books- There are so many to choose from.  I try to stick to Caldecott winners for toddlers and up or touch and feel books for babies.  Giving the gift of loving reading is priceless.
3. Breastmilk storage bags.  For the mom who will pump while out and about or at work.  I always seemed to run out of storage bags.
4. A Baby carrier.  My favorites are Tula and Ergo.  They have wonderful inserts for very small babies and can be worn for years.
5. Cloth diapers.  Don't even get me started on all the benefits of these babies.  Cloth diapers are my thing.  They are adorable, save thousands of dollars, are great for the environment, and are super easy to wash.
6. Umbrella stroller.  I know I'm going to catch flack for this.  Everyone loves their $1000 stroller.  But 3 kids and a lot of trips.  I have used my umbrella stroller more than the heavy, awkward expensive one.  You can throw them in the car, set them up/take them down in seconds, and bonus: if it gets a bodily fluid on it and you don't want to clean it, you can recycle it and buy another one for $20.
7. Glider or rocking chair.  You will use this the many times in your day whether you are breastfeeding or bottle feeding.  This chair is what I use for all those middle of the night wake-ups for years.  Story time, middle of the night nightmares, and holding your feverish angel.  A comfy chair makes all the difference.
8. Tub sponge.  Not the kind you wash baby with.  The kind that baby lays on in the tub or sink.  There are endless possibilities for baby tubs and they all outgrow them.  The sponges keep them warm because it absorbs the warm water, its very cushy, and only $5.  It's great for travel and dries quickly.
9. Outlet covers.  I know, it's not glamorous.  Before you know it, that adorable newborn with become a fun, crawling infant.  Outlet covers are a great safety item and cheap.  You can get a pack of 36 for $3.
10. Last but not least, a travel swing. I'm not a big fan of having every gadget to keep baby entertained and love having a baby in my arms.  But a travel swing can be brought into any room of the house.  Need to cook, take a shower, give your attention to another child who has a boo boo. Just bring the swing into the same room you are going to.  The travel swing is a great way to place baby in a safe spot for a short period of time. 

Cloth Diapering Basics

Cloth Diapering Basics

By Cathy Smith

Cloth diapering has come a long way from flat diapers and pins with rubber pants.  Today’s cloth diapers are easy to use, come in a variety of playful colors, are simple to wash, and are a great option for busy families.  So where to start?  Your first step if you are contemplating using cloth is to find a great resource to help you.  Cloth diapering stores are located around Chicagoland.

  Here at A Joyful Journey, all our doulas have cloth diapered and are happy to help.  We are actually hosting a Swap & Sell this Sunday at our home office in New Lenox. This event will feature demonstrations and Q &A time.  Anyone is welcome to come.  Admission is free, but donations are graciously appreciated.  Sellers can “buy” a table for $10 and sell their gently used cloth.  Think of it as an indoor yard sale just for cloth diapers.

So let’s start with the basics.  Besides the different varieties and styles, there are also different fabric materials such as natural and organic. So…  what types of cloth diapers are available?

Pocket Diapers: pocket diapers have an opening between the waterproof shell and the soft interior. This allows an insert to be placed inside.  This is the most popular style.  They are easy and don’t require an outer cover.  I usually stuff the insert in all my pocket diapers right out of the dryer to save time later on.

All-in-One Diapers:  These diapers explain themselves.  There is no separate insert.  The absorbable insert is a apart of the diaper and outer cover.  I can get an all-in-one diaper on just as quick as a disposable.

One Size Diapers:  These come in pocket and all-in-one variety.  The name says it all.  These little beauties will fit a baby from birth all the way through potty training.  There are various snaps to adjust for height and weight changes.

Prefold or Flat Diapers:  This is what many generations were diapered with;  A flat absorbable material that is the most economical.   You still can use pins or a lovely Snappi fastener.  The Snappi fastener is T-shaped and its ends are similar to Ace bandage clips.  You need an outer waterproof shell with these diapers.

Fitted Diapers: look like a disposable diaper and have snaps to fasten onto baby.   They are soft and absorbable and very popular.  They are known as the most leak proof and absorbent.   They require an outer shell or cover. 

Let’s look at covers!

One Size covers: Easy to use and has multiple snaps for changes in height/weight. They have a  soft lining on the inside so it won’t irritate babies’ skin and they come in hundreds of colors.

Wool Covers: A lot of people shy away from these but they are truly remarkable.  They are a little pricier but worth it.  They are ridiculously soft.  They keep babies cool in the summer and warm in the winter.  Stylish and come in different lengths.  Some are as short as underpants and can be as long as leggings.  People love these for their absorbency.  Wool covers need to be washed separate with a special lanolin soap but because they are only washed once a month or longer, it doesn’t add a significant amount of time in the long run.

Rinse and Wipe Covers:  look a lot like one size covers but the difference is in the lining.  There is none.  If baby has an extreme amount of urine or poop, you can wipe them down until you are ready to wash them.  These are great for people who want to do a bit less laundry.

In addition to these types of cloth and covers there are also hybrid diapers, swim diapers, and training diapers.  Ask us if you want more information. 

Now let’s get into washing.  Wool covers have a slightly different way to be washed but all the other covers and diapers are fairly simple.  If your baby is exclusively breastfed, there is no reason to scrape poop off before you wash or do an extra wash.  For babies/toddlers that are formula fed or have started solids you will want to wipe, scrape, or do an extra wash first to get off any bm residue.

To Launder Diapers:

1.       Wash on cool on a short setting without detergent.

2.       Wash on hot on a heavy duty setting with detergent.

3.       1 extra rinse cycle.

4.       Throw them in the dryer or hang them in the sun to remove stains.

If you have hard water you may need to use a water softener or detergent specific to hard water washings.  I also use ¼ cup of bleach once per month but please know that it can deteriorate natural fabrics. I live in a place that has very hard water so the bleach helps to remove mineral and urine buildup.  Make sure to do an extra rinse cycle if using bleach.

So now that you know the basics, we hope you come visit us at one of our Swap & Sell events.We are always happy to help you and answer any questions you may have. This is an economical way to start cloth diapering and get to learn some tips and tricks from other families who have crossed over to the fluffy side.