BirthKuwait event: Workshop Breastfeeding situation in Kuwait

BirthKuwait event : Workshop "Breastfeeeding situation in Kuwait" took place 29th May 2012 at the Women`s Cultural Society. The programme consisted of five presentations:

1. Dr. Mona Alsumaie : Breastfeeding situation in Kuwait
We learned that 82% of women in Kuwait initiate breastfeeding ( even if only once ) , but only 12% of them continue exclusive brestfeeding up to 6th month of baby age. The most common reasons why women stop breastfeeding are lack of proper information, motivation and help.

2. Dr. Alia Abdeen : Kuwait Lactation Consultants Society: mission and activities
Kuwait Lactation Consultant Society currently has 37 members who took certification exam and qualified, they are distributed in govermental hospitals all over Kuwait and available to help mothers whenever needed.

3. Zuzana Nadova, Midwife : BirthKuwait - mission, vision and activities
BirthKuwait is a local nonprofit birth network— a collection of birth-related professionals—networking together and working towards providing better support for mothers and improving maternity services in Kuwait by making resources available for mothers and advocating for evidence-based maternity care.

4. Heba Al Ali, BSF founder: BFS breastfeeding support club 
The most important message of this presentation was to start preparing for breastfeeding during the pregnancy , setting the priorities right and having support system.

5. Carolyne Presber, LLL leader-Kuwait: La Leche League in Kuwait
We learned about history  and activities of La Leche League, which is international non profit organization providing Mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information and education for women who breastfeed their children.

Programme was followed by interesting discussion.

Photos from the event:

Invitation for the lecture

Dr. Alia Abdeen ( left) , Zuzana Nadova, Dr. Mona Alsumaie

Carolyne Presber ( left ), Dr. Alia Abdeen, Dr. Mona Alsumaie, Heba Al Ali

Carolyne Presber ( left) , Heba Al Ali

Zuzana Nadova

BirthKuwait event: Food revolution Day at the Women`s cultural Society

BirthKuwait event took place 19th May 2012 at the Women`s Cultural Society as a part of Food Revolution Day. It was day full of fun, learning and pleasant encouters with amazing people. We were talking about Breastfeeding and its benefits.

BirthKuwait Booth:




BirthKuwait team:





Anwer sheet of winner of the kid`s competition about breastfeeding


We loved this poster about breastfeeding from TheAlfaParent.com

You can read more about this event on BirthKuwait web site.

BirthKuwait event at Sadu House 14th may 2012

BirthKuwait event: Coping with labor took place at Sadu House on 14th May 2012. We talked about labor and comfort measures during labor. The lecture was presented by Midwife Jane Ayers and Doula Sarah Paksima of BirthKuwait .

We learned that it is preferred to eat and drink during early stage of labor in order to maintain high energy levels  all the way to the delivery. It is also adviced to practice relaxation techniques and correct breathing to faciliate release of hormones which easen labor and decreases pain. We were also presented with demonstration of many labor positions and comfort measures, like applying hot compresses, massages, accupuncture and use of fit ball.

Photos from the event: My daughter learning about the use of fit ball during labor and me

By providing moms with counter pressure (in response to the pressure of the baby's internal rotations in the pelvis and against the sacrum) by doing the double hip squeeze, using a scarf to accomplish the same thing, or pressing or massaging the sacrum, you can help relieve some of the discomfort of labor.

Check for more info on our Facebook group BirthKuwait.

My doula training

Having a doula with me during my two labors were had been alway a dream of mine, which stayed unfuftilled , cos there were no doulas available in Kuwait then. A doula is birth companion who provides you with emotional and physical support. Imagine a person who calms you down, reminds you of proper breathing, relaxation techniques, keeps you hydrated by offering sips of water, keeps you energized by offering small portions of food ( like dates), relieves pain by massaging and accupunture or applying hot compresses,.. and much more. I took doula training course ( DONA)  sponsored by BirthKuwait and Royal Hayatt so I will be able to attend labors of my family & friends and I also think about getting licensed soon.

Here are some photos from the training course:

                   My trainer Kristi Ridd-Young (left)  and me (right)

                              Kristi speaking about emotional support

            My friend Sarah Paksima of BirthKuwait providing me with shoulder   
             massage while I am sitting on the fit ball

                                 Me practising relaxation

            Model of bony pelvis with baby descending to the birth canal

                                Pain relieve technique

                                Certificate of attendence

The effect of body posture during pregnancy on the baby and labor

What is midwifery?

May : International Doulas Month

Congratulations to all friends and colleagues !

Invitation to a free lecture about childbirth 9th May 2012

INVITATION


Come to a free class at Destination Maternity 360 Mall on May 9th at 4pm to learn how your doula or support person can help you through your labor with tools and techniques to use from your head to your toes!
Find more on: Birth Kuwait Facebook page

Words of wisdom

I can live with doubt and uncertainty and not knowing. I think it's much more interesting to live not knowing than to have answers that might be wrong. [...] I don't feel frightened by not knowing things, by being lost in the mysterious universe without having any purpose."
Richard Feynman

1st DONA Doula Training course 26-28/4/2012

DONA is International organization of Doulas of North America

Doula is a person who provides non-medical care for mothers during and immediately after birth.

• Recognizes birth as a significant life experience.
• Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a laboring woman.
• Provides continuous support, practrical comfort measures, and an objective viewpoint to aid in decision-making.
• Complements the care provided by the woman's partner and birth attendants.
• Protects and nurtures the memory of the birth experience.

Recent studies indicate the use of a doula:

• Decreases labor length by 25 percent.
• Decreases oxytocin use by 25 percent.
• Decreases mother's request for pain medication by 30 percent.
• Decreases cesareans by 50 percent.
• Increases father's participation level.

The course took place during  from 26th April to 28th April 2012 in Royale Hayat Hospital. This course was designed and was presented by Kristi Ridd-Young, an experienced midwife, doula, and childbirth educator. She is currently the President of the Midwives College of Utah and former DONA Administrative Director and board member. During her 19 years of teaching, Kristi has facilitated many doula trainings throughout the USA. She has been invaluable in helping many expectant mothers and their partners develop skills and the inner strength neeed to experience a positive birth. As a caring, compassionate doula, she has atteneded over 250 women. Kristi has been mentored by many of the leading experts in the field of childbirth, but most of all, she credits her six children and seven stepchildren for much of the wisdom and knowledge she shares.