Nurture Welcomes Melissa Cole

Nurture warmly welcomes Melissa Cole to our Family Wellness Collective. Melissa is a lactation consultant with many years of experience supporting families with breastfeeding. She is a mother of three and a knowledgeable woman. Here is a bit about her practice:

Supporting new families is a joy and an honor!
After welcoming your precious child into the world, coping with breastfeeding
challenges can be unexpected and very emotional for new parents. Working with an experienced lactation consultant can help you identify the source of your breastfeeding issues and empower you to discover new approaches to those issues.

I view lactation as a holistic process and respect each family’s unique health care beliefs. I am committed to offering compassionate, comprehensive support for all phases of breastfeeding. I strive to provide nurturing, clinical care so that each family can define their own breastfeeding success. Learn more about me and my private practice, Luna Lactation, here.

Why see an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)?
The IBCLC credentials are the gold standard for lactation qualifications. Read more here to learn more about this credential or read more on IBLCE’s web site.

There are many situations in which families can benefit from a private, professional lactation consultation. Some reasons to seek assistance from a board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) include but are not limited to:

Mother issues: milk supply issues, sore nipples/breasts, history of hormonal issues/infertility, past breast surgery, medical issues/illness, past breastfeeding problems, planning to return to work/school, other unresolved breastfeeding concerns(prenatally or postpartum).

Baby issues: weight gain concerns, latch concerns, prematurity, multiples, traumatic birth, jaundice, unresolved fussiness, medical/anatomical issues that impact feeding, baby being supplemented or using specialized feeding tools, sleep/growth/solid food guidance, adoption, any other unresolved feeding concerns.

Hours:
Most appointment times are on the weekends and weekday evenings however I realize how critical timely and nurturing breastfeeding assistance is. I will do my best to schedule appointments ASAP. Once an established client, I will continue to provide you with care as long as the need exists and you will have access to prompt follow-up support.

Fees:
For information on consultations available both in our office space and in the comfort of your own home, please read more here.

Community:
Connection is vital as families grow and find their way. I invite you to inquire about additional community resources that may benefit your family. My resource page is a great place to start.

Melissa Cole, IBCLC, RLC
360-830-MILK (6455)
melissa@lunalactation.com
http://www.lunalactation.com/

Nurture Welcomes Deb Thornton

We are excited to welcome Deb Thornton to Nurture. Deb wears many hats and will be offering several different services at Nurture including craniosacral therapy, lactation support, Respectful Connection Parenting support groups, and doula services. The Connected Parenting Support Group starts on October 13th; come and find support from other families as you create strong coonections with your children. Deb tells us about herself and her services...

I have really just wanted to be a wife and mother since I was a child. And that is just what I became at a fairly young age. Thank goodness, because that amazing experience opened up the entire world for me. Now I want to be EVERYTHING when I grow up...

I believe that parenting is all about connection. Parenting is the BEST thing that is ever going to happen to you. This new little person, this miracle, this JOY, is going to absolutely rock your world. I am passionate about supporting new families through this dynamically chaotic, divinely delicious, supremely scary, world rockin' journey.

Here is a bit about my background:
I am a parent and family coach with a degree in social work, and I am passionate about connecting with families and helping parents find respectful ways to enjoy their parenting journey. I am a retired La Leche League Leader of 13 years and a Certified Lactation Educator who takes great joy in helping new mama's develop their own unique personal nursing relationship with their newborn babies. I have been a doula for friends and families before the word doula was coined and has never yet been to a birth where I haven't cried. I am a strong believer in preparation for birth, and an active advocate for making researched educated choices for all decisions regarding pregnancy, birth and parenting. Becoming a Certified Infant Craniosacral Therapist has been the best addition to my lactation and doula practice. I am so amazed by the gentle yet powerful healing that happens with craniosacral therapy and am so honored to be able to offer it to families.

Right now I offer:

• Birth and Doula Services
• Lactation Support
• Craniosacral Therapy
• Parent and Family Coaching
• Respectful Connection Parenting Support Group
• I am also available to speak or teach at your high school, community center, conference, workshop, or parenting group.

I am also a mama to 4 fantastic children, a neurotic chocolate lab and two kitty brothers born at home (where else?) one of whom is still alive due to my amazing lactation skills. We live in an enchanted old Ne Portland home where the birds clean the toilets and the squirrels do dishes. Somebody has to do it.

For more information about my services please visit Sacred Arrivals.

To schedule and appointment or for more information about the Connected Parenting Support Group, please call 503.250.2973 or e-mail me sacredarrivals@gmail.com.

Nurture Welcomes Joey Torgrimson

We are excited to welcome Joey Torgrimson to Nurture. Joey is a midwife and massage therapist with a heart for helping families. Here is some information from Joey about her background and services...

I began my career in natural health care in the late 1990’s at Oregon
School of Massage. I have been practicing massage therapy for 9 years.
In 2008 I became a homebirth midwife in addition to my massage practice,
through a combination of formal study at Birthingway College and
apprenticeship. The two modalities complement each other well.

My massage specialties include deep tissue and pregnancy. I have a
midwifery practice, Portland Natural Childbirth, and my specialty is
waterbirth. I believe in meeting people where they are, and supporting
them in creating the picture of health they chose for themselves based on
their own values, belief systems, and bodies.

As an Oregon native, I enjoy living in Portland with my 8 year old
daughter Emma, travel, the outdoors, music, dancing, and surfing (in a very
thick wetsuit).

For more information about my midwifery practice, please visit my website
at Portland Natural Childbirth, call (503)875-6257 or e-mail me at midwife@portlandnaturalchildbirth.com

Full Moon's Daughter

Courtney Jarecki, a Nurture Family Wellness Collective doula and women's health advocate, has launched her new practice: Full Moon's Daughter. Congratulations, Courtney!

Courtney Jarecki, Doula and Health Advocate
503.737.8834
courtney@fullmoonsdaughter.com

Support. Compassion. Energy. Birth. Dance. Movement. Ceremony. Freedom. Life. Joy. Love.

There is nothing on earth more amazing and humbling than witnessing a mama give birth. I strongly believe in the beauty and power of a woman’s body to birth and am honored to be a part of this experience.

For a lot of people, the concept of a Doula is a very new thing. Often, women don't have built-in family support and a Doula can fill the gap for the new family by providing knowledge, compassion and practical support during this very important childbearing year.

I am director of Full Moon’s Daughter and trained to provide Doula support during three different times of your childbearing year; pregnancy, labor and postpartum. My ongoing academic and professional experiences include training at Birthingway College of Midwifery, working as a Postpartum Doula at an established birthing center and research and training as I attend Ancient Art Midwifery Institute to become a Midwife. Throughout my work and responsibilities, I maintain a flexible schedule to ensure you will never be without Doula support.
Outside of the birthing world, I love spending time with my amazing husband Dave and puppies Satchel and Maji. Dancing, cooking, meeting friends for tea and hiking are favorite activities of mine.

I look forward to speaking with you about your baby and birth. Please feel free to call or email to ask questions.

Antepartum Doula
As an Antepartum Doula, I will support you later in your pregnancy. Antepartum services can be especially helpful if you are a single or teen mom, have multiple children, are on bed rest, have severe morning sickness or have emotional trauma. I will provide informational, emotional, physical and practical support during your pregnancy with pregnancy massage, meal planning, education labor preparation.

Labor Doula
My work as a Labor Doula means I will provide you with continuous physical, emotional and informational support before, during and just after birth. I will be there for you, your partner and baby after delivery to help in whatever way best serves you.

I can assist with birth plans, birth art, pain coping techniques (massage and touch, positioning, breathing, meditation and visualization, vocalization, aromatherapy and healing energy techniques), pregnancy and postpartum diet and fitness designed to ease labor and recovery, Reiki healing, and creative expression and relationship / birth coaching. This time is all about you and what works best for your family.

If time allows, we will meet two-to-three times prenatally where we will get to know each other. We can incorporate any modalities that you and your family need.
Postpartum, we will meet once, during which we will share your birth story and discuss all the challenges and joys that lay ahead. You will also receive any needed breastfeeding support during this time.

Postpartum Doula
Postpartum is a special and sometimes trying time for a new family. I can help ease this transition by providing lactation consulting, infant care techniques, meal planning and cooking, gentle yoga and exercise options, natural healing, light housekeeping, dog walking, nanny care and companionship.

Fees
I believe that all families should be able to afford Doula services and all Doulas should be able to pay their mortgages. Therefore I offer my services on a sliding scale, based on what each family can pay. I am happy to discuss pricing options and payment plans with each family and am open to barter and trade.

Antepartum & Postpartum Doula Services: $25 - $35 per hour with a 4 hour minimum.

Labor Doula: During certification process I only ask for reimbursement of transportation and food expenses, usually between $50 - $75.

After certification: $400 - $700. Includes 3 prenatal visits (if time allows), full labor and delivery support, 1 postpartum visit. Additional prenatal visits are available, based on a sliding scale.

Gift certificates are available.

Summer Parenting Workshop Series

Moving Beyond a Difficult Birth:
Embracing Healing and Connecting with Your Baby
Two-part workshop: June 6 & 13, 2-4pm $45
Part One: Healing through Birth Story and Art
Part Two: Connecting Deeply with Your Baby
The experience of birth doesn’t always happen the way we imagine. Intense emotions from a challenging pregnancy or birth can make it feel difficult to be fully present with your baby. These emotions need and deserve to be expressed and acknowledged, before we can allow ourselves to release them and begin true emotional healing. Then we can relax more deeply into a heartfelt, intuitive connection with our children.

So This is What it’s Like to Be a Parent?
Integrating Emotional Wellness with the Realities of Day-to-Day Parenting
July 11, 2-5pm $35
The reality of parenting a child can be frustrating, chaotic, and overwhelming. We may be surprised by the intensity of feelings such as rage, grief, or resentment. Without learning to truly take care of ourselves, it is difficult to move beyond these feelings toward emotional wellness as parents.

Parents are People Too:
Reclaiming Our Personal Expression as Parents
August 22, 2-4pm $30
As a parent, it is so easy to get caught up in the flow of daily obligations, leaving little time or energy for expressing who we are and what captures our imagination. Yet this creative exploration is essential to feeling fulfilled in our lives, which in turn translates into feeling more relaxed and happy in our role as parents.

Join us for all three workshops for $100, sliding scale available.
For more information, visit www.nurturepdx.com/workshops.html
To register, contact Mychelle at 971.344.7527, or Mychelle@nurturepdx.com

About the presenters
Sarah Nuxoll: After several years of feeling frustrated as a parent, I began working toward deeper body-mind clarity and emotional and spiritual healing. Now I feel excited about engaging life, moving with my creativity, and allowing myself to feel happy as a parent. In these workshops, I share insights from my experience as a mother of two, as a spiritual practitioner, and as an apprentice homebirth midwife. I look forward to meeting you!

Mychelle Moritz: Having experienced the beautiful yet challenging transition to parenthood, I have developed a passion for helping women and their growing families. I am an artist, an art therapist, and a licensed professional counselor, as well as the co-founder of Nurture. My two active young children keep me very busy and I enjoy watching their creative antics.

Confident Birthing Classes next series

The next series of Angi Gunther's Confident Birthing Classes will be starting on June 20th and will meet each Saturday from 10am-12pm for five Saturdays (no class on July 4th).

What is Confident Birthing?

Just as a woman’s body is designed to grow and nourish her baby during 40+ weeks of pregnancy, her body is perfectly designed for birth. A woman who is confident will trust her baby to come when he or she is ready. She will rely not only on science, but also on her inner knowledge and trust of the process to make decisions during labor. Confidence in the birth process and in her ability to cope with labor decreases the amount of pain she will feel and increases her satisfaction with her birth experience. This is important because the way a woman feels about her birth will have an impact on other areas of her life. A positive experience will have positive affects on her self-image as a woman and as a mother. Confident Birthing leads to confident parenting! Confident Birthing is based on the principles of Lamaze International and supports Lamaze’s Six Care Practices for Normal Birth. For more information on Lamaze, please visit http://www.lamaze.org/

Confident Birthing is a 5-week childbirth education series. We will meet once a week on Saturday mornings at Nurture.

We will discuss:

• pregnancy & birth as a normal yet significant experience in a woman’s life
• the role of pain in labor ·the emotional and physical needs of the birthing mother
• the role of her partner and ·birth from the newborn’s perspective.

The fee for this class is $125 per couple. This includes class materials and yummy snacks each week!

Email Angi at confidentbirth@gmail.com to sign up.

Nurture Welcomes (with love) Sarah Nuxoll

Nurture welcomes Sarah Nuxoll to our Family Wellness Collective. Sarah offers many services for the postpartum period. She will soon be hosting a new mama group at Nurture as well as a down-to-earth postpartum workshop series. This is what Sarah says about the services she offers:

I believe that what babies need from us most of all, is heartfelt connection with us. It is to be acknowledged and related to as the unique and conscious beings they are, to be welcomed fully and lovingly into our community.

Yet, having a child doesn't always happen the way we imagine. Sometimes intense emotions about our pregnancy, birth, or just the realities of parenting a newborn, can make it feel difficult to be fully present with our baby.

If we can ask for and allow ourselves to receive help from others during this intense time of transitioning into parenthood, we can then relax more deeply into this intuitive emotional connection with our baby.

I would like to help nurture you and your family, by offering:

• Ideas for welcoming your baby. I can help model ways of deeply relating to your child and welcoming them with love and consciousness.
• Tools for healing to help you identify and unwind difficult emotions from your pregnancy or birth that may block this natural connection with your baby
• Postpartum doula care, including breastfeeding assistance and help with your physical needs, to help you transition into parenting and allow you the time to bond with your baby
• Parenting workshops to help you embrace emotional healing and take responsibility for your own happiness as a parent

About me
After several years of feeling frustrated as a parent, I began working toward deeper body-mind clarity and emotional and spiritual healing. Now I feel excited about engaging life, moving with my creativity, and allowing myself to feel happy as a parent.

Welcome with Love family care was born from the interweaving of my desire to assist others with emotional healing, and my passion for helping birthing families. What I share with you comes from insights from my experience as a mother of two, as a spiritual practitioner, and as an apprentice homebirth midwife. I look forward to meeting you!

Scheduling information
Location: I am happy to serve families in their homes in the Portland metro area. I am also available for phone consultation for those who live further away.

Days/Times: At present, my preferred availability is from 9am-3pm Monday thru Friday, though other times or days may be possible by prior arrangement.

Rates: I offer the first half-hour of our initial meeting for free, to be able to relax and spend some time simply getting to know you and your baby. After that, I request $25 per hour for my services, with a two-hour minimum per visit. If I need to travel more than 20 minutes to reach your home, I may request a small additional donation to help cover my childcare expenses during that time. Please contact me so we can talk together and feel if what I can offer is a good match for your family's needs.

Sarah Nuxoll 503-285-4906 http://www.welcomewithlovefamilycare.com/

Tiffany's Massage Annviersary Special

Congratulations to Tiffany, on her 3 year massage anniversary! To celebrate she has a special treat for all of you...

This April I will have been a Licensed Massage Therapist for 3 years! To celebrate I am offering 60 min massages for $35 (regularly $60) to all of my clients as well as new clients. All massages must take place in my space at Nurture.

Please feel free to forward and tell anyone that needs a massage. I am available on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sundays. To schedule you can either call my cell at 360-600-5869 or email me at tiffany@nurturepdx.com. I look forward to seeing everyone!

Nurture Welcomes Angi Gunther

We are excited to welcome Angi Gunther, LCCE to Nurture. Angi will be teaching childbirth education and doing an early pregnancy class at Nurture. Angi tells us about herself and her services...

I am a mom to three children born in 2001, 2004 & 2008. I received a lot of information and support during my first pregnancy and birth. My husband, childbirth instructor, Doula and midwives were very supportive and confident in my ability to birth my son. Inspired by my experience, I decided to change careers and become a Birth Doula and a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator.

I LOVE teaching Childbirth. I chose Lamaze because it aligns with my own philosophies about birth. Lamaze is not a method for giving birth. It is a philosophy that women have the innate ability to give birth and have the right to labor without unnecessary intervention. The classes that I teach focus on the normalcy of pregnancy and birth, trust in a woman’s body, and informed consent. I believe that parents need access to complete information regarding their options surrounding pregnancy and birth so that they can make truly informed decisions. It is a pleasure to support families during this special time and I am excited to offer Confident Birthing Childbirth and Early Pregnancy classes at Nurture!

Childbirth Education

What is Confident Birthing?

Just as a woman’s body is designed to grow and nourish her baby during 40+ weeks of pregnancy, her body is perfectly designed for birth. A woman who is confident will trust her baby to come when he or she is ready. She will rely not only on science, but also on her inner knowledge and trust of the process to make decisions during labor. Confidence in the birth process and in her ability to cope with labor decreases the amount of pain she will feel and increases her satisfaction with her birth experience. This is important because the way a woman feels about her birth will have an impact on other areas of her life. A positive experience will have positive affects on her self-image as a woman and as a mother. Confident Birthing leads to confident parenting!

Confident Birthing is a 5-week childbirth education series. We will meet once a week on Saturday mornings at Nurture. Our first series begins May 2nd!

We will discuss ·pregnancy & birth as a normal yet significant experience in a woman’s life ·the role of pain in labor ·the emotional and physical needs of the birthing mother ·the role of her partner and ·birth from the newborn’s perspective.

The fee for this class is $125 per couple. This includes class materials and yummy snacks each week! Email me at confidentbirth@gmail.com to sign up.

Confident Birthing is based on the principles of Lamaze International and supports Lamaze’s Six Care Practices for Normal Birth.

For more information on Lamaze, please visit http://www.lamaze.org/

Early Pregnancy Class

Why do you need an Early Pregnancy Class?

Birth Planning begins when the birthing family chooses a care provider and birthplace. Your care provider and place of birth should share or at least respect your own philosophies about labor, birth & the care of your newborn.

The Early Pregnancy Class will cover everything you need to know to plan for the birth of your baby, including:

Prenatal Classes and Services, Care Providers, Choice of Birth Place, Doulas, Birth Planning, & More!

Dates for the Early Pregnancy Class to be announced!

For more info or to register for classes, please email me at confidentbirth@gmail.com

Infant Massage Class Series

Infant massage is a gentle and loving way to bond with your baby. Massage teaches your baby relaxation at a young age, which is an important tool that your baby can use throughout his or her life. By spending this special one-on-one time with your baby, you will be more in-tune with your baby and begin to recognize your baby’s cues more quickly. Massage has the benefit of increasing circulation, which enhances the absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream, in turn, strengthening the immune system. Massage can also relieve your baby's discomforts caused by teething, gas, colic, and constipation.

Join us for one focused class or attend all three classes to learn techniques for a more in-depth, full body massage. All supplies will be provided. Ages: Birth to 3 years, older siblings are always welcome to join us and learn.

Fees: $35 per class or Take all 3 classes for $100Dates/Times:April 8th 3:00pm-4:00pm ~ Getting Started, Legs & TummyApril 15th 3:00pm-4:00pm ~ Chest, Arms & FaceApril 22nd 3:00pm-4:00pm ~ Back, Stretching , & Putting it All Together

Introduction to Healing with Flower Essences Class

Introduction to Healing with Flower Essences Class

with Molly Fitzpatrick, L.Ac

Come learn about how you can use the healing qualities of flowers to enhance your life and access your full potential. Flower essences are one of Mother Earth's gifts that engage our self-awareness to assist in personal evolution. By examining the feelings and sources of emotional stress, one can utilize the energetic healing abilities of flower essences to shift from states of fear, loneliness, hopelessness, etc. to love, joy, acceptance, forgiveness, etc.

This class will cover
· a brief history of flower essences
· the seven categories of emotions created by Dr. Bach
· an overview of the indications for the 38 Bach Remedies
· a guided meditation/visualization.
· a question & answer time at the end

For those interested, personalized flower essence formulas are available for purchase after the class. $5 for a 1 oz. dropper bottle with a custom formula created by you from what you learn during the class. I am happy to help you select essences that are most appropriate for you. Bring your own bottle and save $1.

The cost of the class is 1.5 timedollars for PDXTimebank members. For non-members the class is offered on a sliding scale of $5 - $15.

To register please contact Molly at:
503-341-1372 or molly@nurture.com.

Sunday, March 8th, 2009
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
At Nurture
1614 NE Alberta St.
Portland, OR 97211

Nurture Welcomes Molly Fitzpatrick

Nurture also warmly welcomes, Molly Fitzpatrick, L.Ac. to our group. Molly brings pediatric wellness services to Nurture including acupuncture, herbal consultation, Reiki, flower essence, and shiatsu bodywork.

As a 2008 graduate of Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM), Molly Fitzpatrick is pleased to bring her knowledge and understanding of the body's capacity to heal to the Nurture community. Her path along the healing arts started in 2002, after receiving her first Reiki attunement. Recognizing Reiki's ability to promote relaxation and wellbeing, Molly began facilitating monthly Reiki healing circles in her community. She received additional training in Western herbalism, flower essence therapy, aromatherapy, homeopathy and nutrition while working and studying at a natural pharmacy. In addition, she also began practicing various forms of meditation including Zen, Sahaja Yoga and mindfulness meditation.

While at OCOM, Molly's coursework included acupuncture, moxibustion, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Japanese Meridian Therapy, Zen Shiatsu, Reflexology, Pediatric Tuina, Pediatric TCM, Qigong, and Chinese Herbalism. She also studied Five Element Acupuncture, Quantum Shiatsu, the use of essential oils with acupuncture, the use of flower essences with acupuncture, and plant spirit medicine.

Molly incorporates the sum of these experiences in promoting physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health and healing for her clients. She uses a number of modalities, including acupuncture, bodywork, Reiki, flower essences, meditation, herbalism, aromatherapy, and more to help uncover and correct the underlying cause of disease.
In addition to practicing medicine, Molly teaches classes in Reiki, flower essences, nutrition and meditation, offers Shiatsu tutoring sessions, and is a teaching assistant in Shiatsu at OCOM.

More about Molly Fitzpatrick

· Working with children and families:
Molly brings her love for and experience working with children into her healing practice. Since her teens, she has cared for children in a variety of capacities, including babysitter, nanny, daycare worker, camp counselor, youth counselor and as a step-mother. She focuses a large part of her practice on pediatrics and family wellness.

· Healing circles with Molly:
Molly facilitates a monthly Reiki healing circle at Nurture. Join her and other members of the community the first Sunday of each month from 7:00pm to 8:30pm. All are welcome to come and receive Reiki energy to support personal intentions of healing. Reiki practitioners from the community are encouraged to share their abilities with the public. Donations will go towards non-profit organizations in the community that support the well-being of families.

· Portland’s very own Timebank:
Molly believes in providing access to healing regardless of financial means. Through PDXTimebank, Molly engages in the local alternative economy. Timebanking is a world wide system of exchanging services based on time to promote social justice. Molly offers are limited number of timedollar treatments per month. You may find out more by visiting http://www.pdxtimebank.org/ and http://www.timebanks.org/.

Visit Molly's website at http://www.transformedicine.com/ to learn more about Transformational Medicine. (Please be patient as some of the information is not current, and will be updated and expanded soon.)

To schedule an appointment with Molly or to inquire about her upcoming classes, please call 503-341-1372 or email her at molly@transformedicine.com or molly@nurturepdx.com.

Molly’s rates are on a sliding scale from $35 to $65 per session. Healing sessions typically last 45 minutes to 1½ hours.

“I am grateful for opportunities to support the health and well-being of you, your family and our community! ~ Molly

Nurture Welcomes Courtney Jarecki

Nurture warmly welcomes Courtney Jarecki to our group. Courtney is a doula offering services throughout pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. Support. Compassion. Energy. Birth. Dance. Movement. Ceremony. Freedom. Life. Joy. Love.

There is nothing on earth more amazing and humbling than witnessing a mama give birth. I strongly believe in the beauty and power of a woman’s body to birth and am honored to be a part of this experience.

For a lot of people, the concept of a Doula is a very new thing. Often, women don't have built‐in family support and a Doula can fill the gap for the new family by providing knowledge, compassion and practical support during this very important childbearing year. I am trained to provide Doula support during three different times of your childbearing year; pregnancy, labor and postpartum. My ongoing academic and professional experiences include training at Birthingway College of Midwifery, working as a Postpartum Doula at an established birthing center and research and training as I move towards becoming a Midwife. Throughout my work and responsibilities, I maintain a flexible schedule to ensure you will never be without Doula support.

Outside of the birthing world, I love spending time with my amazing husband Dave and puppies Satchel and Maji. Dancing, cooking, meeting friends for tea and hiking are favorite activities and most recently learning to crochet has occupied much of my time as well. I look forward to speaking with you about your baby and birth. Please feel free to call or email to ask questions.

Antepartum Doula
As an Antepartum Doula, I will support you later in your pregnancy. Antepartum services can be especially helpful if you are a single or teen mom, have multiple children, are on bed rest, have severe morning sickness or have emotional trauma. I will provide informational, emotional, physical and practical support during your pregnancy with pregnancy massage, meal planning, educational labor preparation.

Labor Doula
My work as a Labor Doula means I will provide you with continuous physical, emotional and informational support before, during and just after birth. I will be there for you, your partner and baby after delivery to help in whatever way best serves you. I can assist with birth plans, birth art, pain coping techniques (massage and touch, positioning, breathing, meditation and visualization, vocalization, aromatherapy and healing energy techniques), pregnancy and postpartum diet and fitness designed to ease labor and recovery, Reiki healing, and creative expression and relationship / birth coaching. This time is all about you and what works best for your family. If time allows, we will meet two‐to‐three times prenatally where we will get to know each other. We can incorporate any modalities that you and your family need.

Postpartum, we will meet once, during which we will share your birth story and discuss all the challenges and joys that lay ahead. You will also receive any needed breastfeeding support during this time.

Postpartum Doula
Postpartum is a special and sometimes trying time for a new family. I can help ease this transition by providing lactation consulting, infant care techniques, meal planning and cooking, gentle yoga and exercise options, natural healing, light housekeeping, dog walking, nanny care and companionship.

Fees
I believe that all families should be able to afford Doula services and all Doulas should be able to pay their mortgages. Therefore I offer my services on a sliding scale, based on what each family can pay. I am happy to discuss pricing options and payment plans with each family and am open to barter and trade.

Antepartum & Postpartum Doula Services: $25 ‐ $35 per hour with a 4 hour minimum.
Labor Doula: During certification process I only ask for reimbursement of transportation and
food expenses, usually between $50 ‐ $75.
After certification: $400 ‐ $700. Includes 3 prenatal visits (if time allows), full labor and delivery support, 1 postpartum visit. Additional prenatal visits are available, based on a sliding scale.

Gift certificates are available.

Courtney Jarecki,

Doula and Health Advocate

503.737.8834

courtney.jarecki@gmail.com

February Massage Special: Couples Massage

Give the gift of relaxation to that special someone for Valentine's Day and receive a massage yourself! Show that special person how much you appreciate them and all they do for you.

Receive a 60min couple's massage for $100 during the month of February.

Modalities Include: Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Pre-Natal Massages

Sarah Dykes, LMT (OR#: 10758) and Tiffany Ueltschi, LMT (OR#: 12737)

To Book a Massage Please Call:

Sarah at (503) 803-8752 or Tiffany at (360) 600-5869

Winter Wellness Package

Lori Petras is offering a Winter Wellness Package

3 Acupuncture Treatments + Immune Support Tincture for $100

Preventative medicine is the best medicine.
Acupuncture can stimulate your immune system
by increasing the amount of disease-fighting white blood cells in your body and decreasing your chances of catching a cold or the dreaded flu. If you are already feeling under the weather GET ACUPUNCTURE NOW to stop the progression. Call me today to schedule your appointments and BE WELL NOW.

Lori Petras MAcOM, LAc
Call 503-753-4402 or email
synergyacupuncture@gmail.com

Please spread the good news!

Nurture Welcomes Lori Petras

We are excited to welcome Lori Petras of Synergy Acupuncture NW, LLC as the newest addition to our family here at Nurture.

Lori is a nationally licensed and a board certified Diplomat in both Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine by the NCCAOM. She graduated from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, receiving her Master’s in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. After completing her studies at O.C.O.M., she chose to deepen her knowledge by completing an Advanced Clinical Internship at the Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Nanjing, China. While there, she had the privilege of working with world renowned Doctors of Chinese medicine, expanding her knowledge of acupuncture techniques, gynecology, and infertility.

Below are Lori's answers to a few of our favorite questions:

How did you discover this path?:
My answer is very simple: I was fascinated by my personal acupuncture experiences and I needed to know more. My acupuncture treatments not only relieved my chronic pain, they changed my destiny. I’ve always been a personal advocate for natural, holistic medicine and I was ready to answer the question “How can I help?”

Tell us a bit about the wonderful work you do:
Acupuncture is more than a medicine, it’s a beautiful art form that heals people’s lives on so many levels. I love that one of the main side effects of acupuncture is a more peaceful, balanced state of being. My special areas of interests are women’s health, infertility, and IVF support. Supporting women through transitional periods and helping families conceive are truly magical experiences. I also love treating pain using trigger point releasing techniques because of the rapid results that can be achieved and the life-changing effect it has on one’s life.

Family tip:
Be proactive with your health! It’s the season for colds and upper respiratory infections. Acupuncture and herbs can address these problems before they manifest by boosting your immune system and strengthening your Qi or life-force. If you are experiencing a cough, sore throat, or runny nose get acupuncture immediately because it can really prevent pathogens from penetrating deeper. Something you can do right now is wear a scarf and protect your neck. The neck is a very vulnerable place for evil wind, cold, and rain attacks so wrap it up family!

What do you like to do when you’re not practicing acupuncture?:
I love camping at the coast in yurts in the middle of winter, growing organically in my garden, dogs and bunny’s, and Italian-everything! My yoga practice stretches my body and mind and I am thankful for my inspiring teachers. I am an advocate for environmental consciousness and I support my community in any way I can.

Lori is now serving NE and NW Portland.
In NE she can be found at:

Nurture 1614 NE Alberta Street Portland, OR 97211
Mondays and Thursdays 8:30am – 12:30pm
web: www.nurturepdx.com
email: synergyacupuncture@gmail.com
phone: 503-753-4402

In NW she can be found at:

Equilibria Wellness

1536 NW 23rd Ave Portland, OR 97210
Mondays and Thursdays 1:30pm– 8:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am – 3pm
Saturdays 8:30am – 3pm
web: http://www.equilibriawellness.com/ (under construction)
phone: 503-221-2155

Lori is currently taking appointments at both locations.

Infant Massage Winter Classes

Infant massage is a gentle and loving way to bond with your baby. Massage teaches your baby relaxation at a young age, which is an important tool that your baby can use throughout his or her life. By spending this special one-on-one time with your baby, you will be more in-tune with your baby and begin to recognize your baby’s cues more quickly. Massage has the benefit of increasing circulation, which enhances the absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream, in turn, strengthening the immune system. Massage can also relieve your baby's discomforts caused by teething, gas, colic, and constipation.

Join us for one focused class or attend all three classes to learn techniques for a more in-depth, full body massage. All supplies will be provided. Ages: Birth to 3 years, older siblings are always welcome to join us and learn.

January 17th 5:00pm-6:00pm ~ Getting Started, Legs, Tummy, & Chest
January 24th 5:00pm-6:00pm ~ Chest, Arms, & Face
January 31st 5:00pm-6:00pm ~ Back, Stretching , & Putting it all together

January special: Take all three classes for $80

(regularly $35 per class or take all 3 classes for $100)
Instructor: Tiffany Ueltschi, LMT, Doula (OR LMT#12737)
To register contact Tiffany at: (360) 600-5869 or Tiffany@nurturepdx.com

Pregnancy, Birth, and Parenting After Abuse

When I was pregnant with my first child in 1999, I was a part of an online support group for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. It gave me so much strength at a very vulnerable time. My abuser was trying to reestablish contact with me after a few years of estrangement, since I had just moved closer to where he lived. I was not handling that well! The support group helped me recognize and establish boundaries. Seeing what other women did to make those boundaries effective, and having the support of my counselor, helped me have safe and sane results in that distressing situation.

Since about one out of three women are abused by the time they are eighteen, and a number of them have children later on in life, there are many survivors potentially dealing with the effects of abuse while they are childbearing. As a survivor mom, doula and childbirth educator, I am in a well-suited position to support these remarkable mothers. Not all women who experience trauma in their lives will struggle during the childbearing season, but for many, the experiences of pregnancy, birth and parenthood can precipitate intense reactions.

There are as many reasons for this as there are women who experience it. In regards to birth, I think that the intimate and sexual nature of childbirth can create a sense of vulnerability for a woman and when it is combined with the mainstream variety of obstetric care most women in the US receive, it can easily generate an atmosphere conducive to a traumatic response from a laboring mother.

The sensations, smells and sounds of birth alone can cause a survivor to be pulled back or triggered into an abusive memory and even forget that she is giving birth. Some women space out or leave their bodies. It is imperative that a survivor mother be treated with gentleness, respect and sensitivity. She needs to be given a sense of control during prenatal care, birth and postpartum. Every mother deserves this, but a survivor mother may be even more negatively affected without this quality of care.

It can be very perplexing for a care provider who is unaware of these issues to assist a mother who is experiencing a traumatic reaction. They might think that she is too demanding, controlling or emotional to deal with and in some cases too sensitive or unstable. Sometimes, like when I was in labor, the mother doesn’t even know why she is experiencing the sensations she is. I knew I was abused, but had no idea that it would affect my birth journeys, or my life as a mother of three girls for that matter!

At each stage of parenthood, I have revisited my abuse from a wider and different lens. When my children reached the age of my first remembered abuse, I asked myself how anyone could even imagine mistreating an innocent, defenseless child the way I was treated. There are so many layers and complexities to this and so much support is needed as we try our best to not allow our pasts to pollute our futures.

There is still so much to learn about the effects of childhood trauma on childbearing women, but current research shows that the stress often takes its toll on the mother and baby. Through the support group I belonged to, I heard of a book that was emerging as a result of the work of Mickey Sperlich CPM, MA and Julia Seng CNM, PhD. Survivor Mom’s: Women’s Stories of Birthing, Mothering and Healing after Sexual Abuse. It contains the most recent research on the subject and includes narratives that provide an earnest voice to the work. I was able to add my own experiences to the stories and research after I gave birth to my daughter in 2000, and the book launched in May of 2008.

More than anything, I want to share resources and be an advocate for survivor moms. I want us to have the best outcomes possible. It is good to know we are not alone and there is a greater awareness and openness about sexual abuse than in the past. It is good to know that there are more effective and safe healing modalities and therapies than ever before. It is good to know that our children can be a part of our own restoration. My daughters have helped me heal and become more grounded. They have also drawn me to my life’s work.

There are numerous books relating to the recovery of sexual abuse, but very few on mothers specifically. I hope that more resources become available to us since we have so much potential to reverse this course. We know what we are protecting our children from and the damage that abuse can cause. Many of us can use our talents to help heal and bring understanding to others and set a positive example for our kids. May we harness the pain and passion inside us, and respond in a curative way to the benefit of our children and the children yet to come.

General Recovery:
Outgrowing the Pain

by Eliana Gil

Outgrowing the Pain Together

by Eliana Gil (for partners)

The Courage to Heal

by Ellen Bass and Laura Davis

Allies in Healing

by Laura Davis (for partners)

Survivor Mothers:
Survivor Mom’s: Women’s Stories of Birthing, Mothering and Healing after Sexual Abuse

by Mickey Sperlich CPM, MA and Julia Seng CNM, PhD
http://www.squidoo.com/survivormoms

We Can Break the Cycle: A Mother’s Handbook for Sexual Abuse Survivors

by Marge Grevatt (this is a publication from the Center for Cooperative Action 216.651.1266)

When Survivors Give Birth: Understanding and Healing the Effects of Early Sexual Abuse on Childbearing Women

by Penny Simkin and Phyllis Klaus

**
Margret Crawford, CD (DONA), CCCE lives in Brooklyn, NY with her husband Jimmy, and their three exceptional daughters. She is an aspiring writer, Certified Childbirth Educator, Birth and Postpartum Doula. Visit http://thejoyofbirth.com/. This essay was posted with permission from the author.

**

Mychelle Moritz, ATR-BC, LPC at Nurture provides counseling, emotional birth preparation, and support in processing a difficult birth experience for mothers and mothers-to-be who have a history of abuse. You can reach Mychelle at (971) 344-7527 or mychelle@nurturepdx.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/

Compassionate Communication Group Wait List

Our monthly compassionate communication group is currently full. If you would like to be on the wait list, contact Mychelle at 971-344-7527 or mychelle@nurturepdx.com. We are considering starting a second group if the waitlist fills-up.

This is a self-led group to practice compassionate communication, with an emphasis on parenting/family. The compassionate communication practiced in the group is a communication approach using techniques and ideas inspired by Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life by Marshall Rosenberg.

It is a way to communicate peacefully while addressing the needs of everyone involved and models gentle, empathetic, and assertive communication to our children. For more information and other local resources on Compassionate Communication visit the Oregon Network of Compassionate Communication and Wise Heart.

Facilitator: The group will be self-led, but coordinated by Mychelle Moritz and Rebecca Andersson

Description: Focus on families who want to support each other with compassion and in giving our children tools in unconditional love and freedom.

Prerequisites: none, all levels of experience welcome.

Format and Structure: To be determined by the group. Children are welcome.

Meeting Day/Time: *note change of day* 2nd Sunday of each month from 2-4pm, future meeting times negotiable by group.

Location: Nurture, 1614 NE Alberta St., Portland, OR 97211

Starting Date: August 31, 2008

Fees: Suggested donation $5/ group meeting

Group Maximum: 15 Members

Contact: Mychelle at 971-344-7527 or mychelle@nurturepdx.com