The Fruitful Body

The Fruitful Body
Nourishing Herbs and Foods for Fertility

Come learn about the many simple and powerful ways you can prepare your body for conception and pregnancy! In this class I will cover a number of medicinal herbs and healing foods that can help bring your body into balance and increase your vitality and fertility. We will be focusing on readily available and local herbs and foods that are easy to prepare and use on your own. You will come away with recipes for simple teas, tinctures, foods and other tools for a fertile lifestyle. Queer families welcome.

Thursday, November 13, 2008
6-8 PM
Nurture 1614 NE Alberta
$20 per person/couple

To register or for more information, contact:
Silke Akerson, CPM
Midwife, Herbalist
(503)705-5060

silkeakerson@yahoo.com

Nurture Welcomes Silke Akerson

Please join us in welcoming Silke Akerson to Nurture. Silke is an herbalist and a midwife who will be offering herbal consultation, fertility consultation, well woman care, and midwifery care (http://www.tworiversmidwifery.com/). Silke has a warm and down-to-earth approach, and we are excited to welcome her to Nurture. Here is some information from Silke about her background and services...

I am an herbalist and midwife with a special passion for helping women and families connect with their own self-knowledge and power for healing. I believe that each person is the primary authority on their own health and well-being and I work as a guide and consultant rather than an authority during the healing process. I am well-suited to work with people who are ready to delve deeper into understanding their bodies and the many medicinal plants and foods that can help us come into balance.

I work with my clients to create a plan for optimum health and vitality through the use of herbs, nutrition, movement, tarot and much more. I specialize in women's health issues, digestion problems, and chronic imbalances that have yet to become recognizable diseases.

Preconception work and fertility consulting are a focus of mine. I work with women and families who are planning a pregnancy to: enhance fertility and vitality with herbs and nutrition; track ovulation to improve the chance of conception; and resolve any irregularities in the menstrual cycle. I am excited to work with Lesbian and Queer families and can help with understanding donor issues and insemination methods.

I am also available for in-home consultations about herbal self-sufficiency. This consists of helping with herbal garden planning, pharmacy development, and connection with local resources for gathering medicinal and food plants, all tailored to meet the specific health needs of the individual, household, or family.

I come to this work from a family tradition of herbal self-care, homebirth and midwifery and started attending births and actively studying herbs as a teenager. Since then, I’ve finished a BA in women’s health, completed midwifery school in Texas, taught childbirth education classes to pregnant teens and Latina women, apprenticed as an herbalist, and practiced midwifery and herbalism in Costa Rica and Oregon. I am the mother of a fantastic (almost) two year old who keeps me on my toes. Being a mom has set me on a new and exciting path towards understanding children’s health which I am gradually incorporating into my practice.

My fee is $50 for herbal or fertility consultations. I am committed to working with low-income folks, I am open to trade and barter, and I speak Spanish. For more information about my midwifery practice please see http://www.tworiversmidwifery.com/

Silke Akerson, CPM
503-705-5060
silkeakerson@yahoo.com
http://www.tworiversmidwifery.com/

October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month

I have not missed the fact that October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is just that this year breast cancer has once again personally touched my life, and I wanted to write a worthy post. It seems that I am running out of time with October coming to a close soon, so here it goes...

A friend of mine was diagnosed with breast cancer this summer. She is in her early 30's. Hearing her news was difficult, to say the least, and watching her go through the surgery and treatments has been heart wrenching despite her inherent integrity and optimistic outlook. I know it sounds cliche, but she is a superhero. She is enduring the miserable treatments, side effects, and emotional adjustments with grace, strength, humor, and honesty. I have always admired this friend, my admiration for her continues to grow with step of this experience.

There has recently been some debate about self-breast exams and whether or not they are cause for unneeded stress or even helpful. I am, personally, all for knowing and being aware of one's body as much as possible. I have found that the more in-tune I am with my body, the better I am able to take care of myself physically and emotionally. It has been challenging to pay attention to my body since I had children. With my friend's breast cancer diagnosis, I am reminded that it is time to reconnect. Self-breast exams, fertility awareness, yoga, massage, meditation, and just being mindful are some ways to learn more about your body and become more aware of your own physical and emotional rhythms.

My friend was not doing regular self-breast exams. In fact, she had just had a clinical breast exam at her last annual appointment six months before she discovered the lump. She found the lump because she was aware of her body and noticed something.

Here is a reminder to be aware, not just about breast cancer, but also of your own body. The Susan G. Komen for the Cure recommends that you, "Know how your breasts look and feel and report changes to your health care provider right away". For tips on how to be breast self-aware, look for the Breast Self-Awareness (BSA) Interactive Tool on the left side bar under "interactive tools".

What about nursing mamas? How do you do a BSE when you are lactating? Breastfeeding 123 has a post with recommendations to wait until seven days after your menstrual period has ended, if you are having menstrual cycles, and doing the exam after nursing when your breasts are less full of milk.

Reminder: Fertility Awareness Workshop this Sunday

Have you ever wondered if there was a natural alternative to hormonal birth control? Are you trying to become pregnant? Do you want to become more familiar with the intricacies of your cycle? This workshop will cover these topics and more. The goal of this workshop is to empower you to be your own reproductive health advocate and expert through cycle awareness and charting.

This 3-hour workshop will cover reproductive anatomy and physiology, observing, charting and interpreting fertility signs, and special conditions such as anovulatory cycles and charting during breastfeeding or after coming off hormonal birth control.

The follow-up workshop will provide a space for us to assist in analyzing your charts and review any areas that need clarification. Participants at the first workshop will decided on the follow-up date.

Registration is limited, to sign up contact Katherine at murky81@hotmail.com

October 19, 2008
2-5 pm

This workshop will be facilitated by Reproductive Health Educators:
Katherine Murphy and Christy Hall

Katherine has an extensive background in community education and women’s health issues. At The Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA she organized a campus group on sexual and reproductive health, organizing over 40 workshops on related topics. She has been studying Fertility Awareness for three years.

Christy Hall, owner of Lily Toad children's store in St. Johns, is a seasoned community educator. She specializes in childbirth education, doula services, reproductive health counseling, and psycho-social health issues.

Eight Amazing Stories from Eight Amazing Women

This past weekend, eight amazing women (and several beautiful children) gathered to tell their birthing stories at Nurture's BOLD Red Tent...stories of strength, beauty, fear, empowerment, confusion, and healing. Each woman created a collage of their birthing story on strips of paper. After everyone had an opportunity to tell their story, the strips were woven together in a loom. The metaphor of the interconnectedness of women's stories and the strength of women supporting and honoring each other is inherent in the process of weaving. The birth story tapestry will become a part of the BOLD Library of Truths. (I will post a picture of the tapestry soon!)

I felt honored to hear each story and witness the power of silent supportive listening. Thank you to everyone who came and shared. I look forward to hosting the next BOLD Red Tent early next year.

Baby Blues Connection Fall Workshop Series

Fall Workshop Series

Baby Blues Connection is excited to announce a new component to their
existing services!

A variety of topics will covered each quarter.

Please RSVP as a limited number of spaces are available for each event.
All of the workshops are facilitated by professionals.
http://www.babybluesconnection.org/events/workshops.html

Nutritional Support and Safe Herbal Remedies for
Mothers with Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
This workshop will address the nutritional deficiencies and naturopathic treatments of postpartum depression (PPD) and anxiety.
-Physiological causes of PPD and Anxiety
-Food allergies
-Nutrient deficiencies and supplementation
-Neurotransmitters
-Safe herbal Remedies during breastfeeding

October 30th, 10 a.m.– 12 p.m. at Sellwood Community Center: 1436 SE Spokane St.
$10

Presented by Dr. Adriana Azcarate-Ferbel N.D.
RSVP: 503-230-0458 or e-mail la_botanica_now@yahoo.com
Dr. Adriana Azcarate-Ferbel studied Naturopathic Medicine and graduated from the National College of Natural Medicine, Portland, Oregon in 2004. She is a survivor of Postpartum Depression and became interested in PPD treatments, focusing on the physiological changes mothers go through and how to address those changes in a non-invasive, natural way as a supplement to counseling

Balance
So much changes when we become mothers. Finding our balance in a whirlwind of changes and emotions, especially when we are faced with postpartum depression and/or anxiety, is a challenging process. Creatively explore areas in your life that need to be tended to, let go of, or set aside. Nurture yourself and find a center from which you can withstand the force of continual change. In this workshop, you and other new mothers who have experienced postpartum depression and/or anxiety will use creative expression to find areas in need of support and ways to feel calm in chaos. All materials will be provided

November 8, 2008-10 a.m.-12 p.m. at Nurture: 1614 NE Alberta St.
$10
With Mychelle Moritz, ATR-BC, LPC

http://www.nurturepdx.com/MychelleMoritz.html
To register, please contact Mychelle at 971-344-7527 or mychelle@nurturepdx.com

Picking Up the Pieces
The experience of postpartum depression and/or anxiety can leave us feeling shattered. As we heal, we begin to pick up the pieces and create a new whole. In this workshop, those have experienced postpartum depression and/or anxiety will explore and nurture your process of reconnecting the pieces as you create a sculpture. As you work with the materials, the sculpture emerges, becoming a meaningful symbol of survival and inner self and becomes a tangible reminder of your innermost strengths. You will begin the process of integration and acceptance of your new identity in a safe and supportive environment. All materials will be provided.

November 15, 2008-10 a.m.-12 p.m. at Nurture: 1614 NE Alberta St.
$10

With Mychelle Moritz, ATR-BC, LPC

http://www.nurturepdx.com/MychelleMoritz.html
To register, please contact Mychelle at 971-344-7527 or mychelle@nurturepdx.com
Mychelle has been a Baby Blues Connection volunteer since February 2008 providing phone support and generally helping out when she can. Recently, she has taken over the Workshop Coordinator duties. She is a co-founder of Nurture which offers a range of services to growing families. Mychelle is an art therapist and a licensed professional counselor with a special interest in helping mothers and families. She is the mama to two active young children and enjoys watching their creative antics.

Second Annual Nutrition in the Womb Course

Join OHSU, March of Dimes, and The Barker Foundation for

the Second Annual

Nutrition in the Womb Course

Oct. 30-31, 2008
at the Residence Inn, by Marriott, David Evans Conference Center,
2115 SW River Parkway, Portland, OR 97201.

“The diets of mothers today are determining the health of future generations.”


Nutrition in the Womb is a course that will bring together current knowledge in the exciting new field of developmental origins of health and disease, integrating epidemiology with clinical and basic science. We will discuss the biological mechanisms, critical windows and trade-offs that occur during fetal development. Gender and ethnic specific aspects of development will also be described. We will emphasize the importance of the diets of girls and young women, and examine the current barriers to good food choices. The long-term effects of infant feeding and child growth will be reviewed. Round table discussions with invited experts and course participants will begin to explore the strategies by which the epidemic of chronic disease in the US can be brought to an end.


Please take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn how improving the diets of girls and young women will reduce the burden of chronic disease in the next generation.

The course schedule, registration form and other details can be found at http://www.nutritioninthewomb.org/.

Invited speakers from OHSU include Liz Adams, Maternal and Child Nutritionist; Susan Bagby, Nephrologist; David Barker, Physician and Epidemiologist; Dan Marks, Pediatrician; Robert Mckelvey, Psychiatrist; Sally Segel, Obstetrician; and Kent Thornburg, Physiologist and Director of the Heart Research Center.

Invited speakers will include Sarah Hampson, Psychologist, Oregon Institute; Mel Kohn, State Epidemiologist, Public Health Division, Oregon Department of Human Services; Dan Lackland, Public Health Physician, Medical University of South Carolina; Michelle Lampl, Anthropologist, Emory University, Atlanta; and Barrie Margetts, Professor of Public Health Nutrition, University of Southampton, UK.

If you have any questions about this conference, please call Justin Reeves Burke at 503.473.4794 or visit http://www.barker.org/

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

This month is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

I was reminded of the importance of increasing awareness about domestic violence after reading this post by Molly at Citizens for Midwifery (CFM). Like Molly, domestic violence was the first social justice cause to which I was, and continue to be, deeply committed. The work I did with women and children who had experienced domestic violence has changed my life in many profound and meaningful ways. Molly's post reminds us that violence against women is found not only within intimate partner relationships, but also within many aspects of women's lives such as medical care, pregnancy care, and birth care.

Domestic violence during pregnancy is a grave concern. For example, did you know...

• According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), in Oregon, 1 in 10 women reported experiencing intimate partner violence in a 2001-2002 survey.
• An estimated 8% of women are abused during their pregnancies.
• Physical abuse often escalates when an abuser finds out about the pregnancy.
• Homicide is the leading cause of death among pregnant women.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, there is help. No one deserves to be abused.

• Portland Women's Crisis Line (PWCL) 503-235-5333 or toll free 888-235-5333
• for more local resources, visit PWCL's resource list page

Share Your Birth Story

Calling all Mothers

Gather…tell your birth stories…gain support inside

the BOLD Red Tent

Hosted by Nurture

October 11, 2008 12pm-3pm

FREE

Pre-registration is required, space is limited

For more information, please visit Nurture's webstite

To register, please e-mail

or call Mychelle at 971-344-7527

You are invited to join us for the powerful experience of sharing your birthing story in a safe, intimate and nurturing space surrounded by mothers. We will share, honor, and preserve our stories by creating a collaborative birth experience sculpture. We welcome mothers to be part of this opportunity to speak, create, listen, heal, and celebrate themselves as birthing women.

Through the gathering of birth stories in the form of visual art, film, or written word from world-wide BOLD Red events, BOLD will create a traveling exhibit to educate, tell the truth and inspire people around the world to take action to make maternity care mother-friendly. The BOLD Library of Birth Truths will also be available for researchers to access.

Your story can be a part of the collaborative sculpture to be included in this library and help inspire change for mothers.

We are creating a special birthing stories book on our website. If you cannot make it to the BOLD Red Tent, you can share your birthing story by writing it out and sending it to info@nurturepdx.com