Week at a Glance - May 29- June 4th

Each week we look ahead to see what events are happening at TMC or that Team TMC is participating in:
Monday, May 30th Memorial Day. Honoring and remembering those who sacrificed all to defend our nation. 


Wednesday, June 1st, 6:30pm-9:00pm  Breastfeeding Basics Fee: $25
Taught by Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC)RNs the class is for those who want more information about breastfeeding and need the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful. Covered are basic breastfeeding positions, helping baby latch on, how to tell if feedings are going well, and how to balance working and breastfeeding. This class is taken before the birth of your baby. Registration is here

Thursday, June 2nd, 10am-11:30am Breastfeeding Support Group FREE
Are you a breastfeeding mom with questions? Are you looking for support?
Join an informal gathering of mothers and babies. No registration necessary and completely free. The Breastfeeding Support Group is hosted weekly by a certified lactation consultant.
Location: Fireplace Room in the Patio Bldg. Enter the TMC campus on Beverly off of Grant Road. The Patio Bldg is immediately to the right. Parking is available in the lot in front of the Emergency Department. For more information (520) 324-5730


Saturday, June 4th, 9am-12pm Preparation for Childbirth Fee: $60
New and improved! A three classes spread across a three week period that cover everything! This series is designed to provide expectant parents with an overview of what to expect during childbirth, and options regarding labor, birth and postpartum. You'll gain the knowledge you need to be an active participant in your baby's birth and allow practice of the skills that can help make this experience the wonderful memory it is meant to be. Included in the course is a tour of Tucson Medical Center's Labor & Delivery area. Attendance during the seventh month of pregnancy is recommended. Please bring two pillows and a blanket to class. Note that June 4th is the first of three classes. The remaining two classes are the following Saturdays. Registration is here

Saturday, June 4th 5:00pm on TMC Meet Me Downtown Night Run/Walk  $25 for Run/Walk portion
The first in the three events that make up the Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown, this event has something for everyone from 0-99. You don't have to enroll in the Triple Crown, just come on town and check out events. Registration for the Run/Walk starts at 5pm, but check website for more information. 

During the month of June there are several ongoing events:

May 1 – June 30^th Golden Corral Fundraiser 

Local Golden Corrals raised $3,231 in 2010 for the local Children's Miracle Network Hospital TMC

June 1st -July 31st Children's Miracle Network Change Bandit 

Help CHANGE a child’s life! Become a Change Bandit and wrangle up donations to benefit TMC, our local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. Sign up to receive your very own fundraising page:www.helpmakemiracles.org/event/joinspike

TucsonMama Birth Stories - There is Pressure and it's a Privilege

We met Anita, the Director of Social Media and Blogging for MomsRising.org, and shared her experience giving birth to her beautiful daughter P. with TucsonMama last birth story. This time she recounts the birth of her daughter S with TucsonMama and so with us. Here is a little excerpt. Find the rest over at Tucson Mama.

"But I couldn’t sleep. After about 3 contractions, I woke him up and told him that we were going to have to stay awake. I sat at the edge of the bed and labored there, breathing through the contractions. Early in the evening, I was thinking “The ute is doing what it needs to do. I’m just going to observe it.” That worked for awhile. Then I kept asking myself, “Can I relax the rest of my body while my uterus works?” That worked for awhile. As the night wore on, the little mantra turned into something less intelligible like “There is pressure and it’s a privilege,” reminding myself that it was a special thing to experience this.
The TucsonMama Birth Story series is sponsored by Tucson Medical Center as part of our commitment to maternal and family health, and in an effort to build and maintain a strong and supportive community. Not all the births featured in this series take place at TMC, or even in a hospital.
Birth stories! We love ‘em! If you want to share your birth story with the TucsonMama community, email julie at tucsonmama dot com. We’re interested in all stories, not just those at TMC. Thanks for sharing!"

Week at a Glance - May 23th-May 29th

Each week we look ahead to see what events are happening at TMC or that Team TMC is participating in:

Please note that the following wonderful businesses are currently participating in fundraisers for the Children's Miracle Network (Tucson Medical Center is a Children's hospital). Please support them. 

- Golden Corral 

- Southern Arizona Walmarts

Sunday, May 22nd 9-11am Children Are Priceless Passengers $25

Is your family in need of a car seat? For just $25 you can receive an age and weight appropriate car seat along with instructions on how to properly install a car seat (Did you know between 80-85% of car seats are improperly installed?) Limited to one car seat per family. English speakers the class will be in the Fireplace Room in the Patio Building.  Spanish speakers will be in the Sedona Room of the Patio building. Registration is here.
Wednesday, May 25th, 6:30pm-9:00pm Babycare ABC $25

Join other soon-to-be parents for a one-evening class and learn the basics of newborn care. Topics include feeding, bathing, diapering, umbilical cord care, when to call your health care provider and general safety. This class is taken before the birth of your baby.  Registration is here
Thursday, May 26th, 10am-11:30am Breastfeeding Support Group Free
Are you a breastfeeding mom with questions? Are you looking for support? Join an informal gathering of mothers and babies. No registration needed. The Breastfeeding Support Group is hosted weekly by a certified lactation consultant. 
Location: Fireplace Room in the Patio Building. Enter the TMC Campus on Beverly off of Grant Road. The Patio Building is immediately to the right.

Best for Baby & Best for Business- Breastfeeding & Pumping when You Return to Work

You work.

You’re about to have a baby.

You plan to breastfeed.

You plan to continue breastfeed when you go back to work.

Now, just how is that going to work?

The International Breastfeeding Symbol makes for a great door sign on your office or lactation room while pumping. It is an image designed for the public domain. Mothering.com allows you to download in a variety of forms here.

Despite all the know benefits of breastfeeding for the health and well being of our children, many of us face barriers and challenges when we return to work that derail our efforts to continue to breastfeed.  Susan Dennis, one of our wonderful TMC Lactation Consultants, shares her tips for making the return to work and still continuing to breastfeed:

1. Set the Stage-Before Your Due Date

Before your due date talk to your employer or supervisor about your plans to breastfeed and the positive implications for your workplace if you’re able to continue to breastfeed and to express milk when you return to work:

-lower healthcare costs for both mother and child. Breastfed babies have lower rates of infection and illness and breastfeeding has positive implications for mothers too, ex. lower rates of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, diabetes and osteoporosis.

-lower absentee rates

-higher employee morale (and so productivity)and positive view of a "family friendly" employer.

-retention of experienced employee

If you work at a site with a human resources office you may wish to check in with them first as there may be a site based program to support you. The Federal Government has a wonderful document including compelling data on their WomensHealth.gov page that you might want to share: Business Case for Breastfeeding. Among other items this document includes a list of myths and facts that you may wish to arm yourself with in case your employer or supervisor has concerns.  

My personal preference is to lead with the above, all the reasons an employer should be supportive of  breastfeeding. However, it is also useful to know the legislative requirement of employers to be supportive. The recent Healthcare Reform Act (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) made clear the responsibility of all employers to provide suitable (private, not a bathroom) space and reasonable time for mothers to express their milk multiple times a day without interruption. You can find more information about the federal law here. 

Before your due date, come up with a plan with your employer or supervisor to make pumping successful.

Your plan should include:

-location of a private, non-bathroom space, where you will not be disturbed or viewed while you express milk.

-how your work schedule will allow you two to three approximately 15 minute (plus travel time) breaks every work day.

-where you will be able to store your breast milk. Susan suggests a cooler that you can take to and from work.

-where you will be able to store and clean your breast pumping equipment

-how you might modify your schedule at the beginning to ease into being away from your baby. 

For this last point Susan suggests returning to work for reduced hours the first few weeks or starting in the middle of your work week so that you have less time away from baby the first week back. 

Once you have agreed upon a plan, write it down and share a copy with your employer and supervisor. I'd also suggest tapping into a powerful resource, your colleagues. Is there someone in your workplace who breastfed their children? Or whose partner breastfed? Can they be a champion for you? Until we have a child and start to breastfeed we may be oblivious to those in our work place who were forging the way with regard to breastfeeding and working. These colleagues may be able to offer support and practical solutions for your specific work place.

2. Breastfeeding- The Early Days Before the Return to Work 

-Once your milk supply is established, between days three and five postpartum, choose two times a day to pump and store the pumped milk in the freezer. You will use this milk when you introduce pumped milk in a few weeks time. The La Leche League provides guides for storage on their site, but frozen milk can be stored for up to a year. La Leche League also has guides for what to store the milk in.

-Breastfeed as much as possible in the early weeks before introducing your baby to pumped milk.

-Once breastfeeding is going well and the baby is three to four weeks old, you can introduce a bottle two to three times per week to get your baby use to bottle feeding.

-Consider renting a hospital grade pump or quality double electric pump for use at work. It is more efficient. For more information on pumps including rental pumps contact TMC's Desert Cradle (324 2180). At the Desert Cradle you can buy and rent equipment, AND also get help in understanding how it works. The staff at the Desert Cradle are a superb resource. 

3. Back to Work - Making it Work

-When you're away from your baby, pump every 2-3 hours or as much as possible.

-Breastfeed just before you leave for work and as soon as you get home again.

-Help your milk expression by having pictures of your baby with you (I had them on my pump case); record the sounds of your baby on your cell phone or voice mail and listen to them while pumping. 

-Try to create a relaxing atmosphere in which to pump. Closing your eyes, breathing deeply and relaxing will help with expression of milk. 

-Massage your breasts before and during the middle of the pumping session.

-End your pump session with hand expression to aide breast drainage.

-When home, feed your baby on demand to help maintain your supply.
-Keep talking with your employer/supervisor about what is working and what isn't. Breastfeeding and pumping is an organic thing, be flexible.  

Dr. Jack Newman provides many fabulous resources for breastfeeding moms. This link includes techniques for expressing milk successfully when you're away from your baby.

As a working mom, you have many responsibilities and it may be challenging to keep up your milk supply. Food, drink, and lots of cuddling with your baby in addition to frequent breastfeeding on your days off will help maintain your supply. Remember, you are doing a great job. Call our Breastfeeding Support Program ( 324-5730) if you have any questions.

We'd love to hear your input. If you've already breastfed and made the transition back to the work place can you share a little of your experience? How did you make it work? What challenges did you face? Did you have a particularly positive experience with an employer? Give kudos to them. 


Useful Resources We Particularly Like:
At TMC
TMC's Breastfeeding Support Program - Call 324-5730
TMC's Breastfeeding Support Group - Every Thursday from 10-11:30am in the Fireplace Room of the Patio Building (NW Corner of Beverly and Grant)
TMC has lactation rooms for its staff on the postpartum unit. Contact the Breastfeeding Support Program for more information
Online:
La Leche League's Work and Breastfeeding provides lots of great articles on the topic
Womenshealth.gov provides a host of information for both employers and employees
In the Literature:
The Milk Memos - At times hilarious, sometimes poignant and always insightful resource that started as a plea from one new mom sitting in a lactation room at IBM to whoever might be also using the lactation room.

TucsonMama Birth Stories -Exploring and Challenging Limits

Anita is the Director of Social Media and Blogging for MomsRising.org and shared her experience giving birth to her beautiful daughter P. with TucsonMama and so with us. Here is a little excerpt. Find the rest over at Tucson Mama.


"There were several times when I was thinking “ETHER!!! Didn’t they use ETHER in the 50′s? Why don’t they give me ETHER!!!” But I couldn’t speak, and it was too late anyway.). Pretty soon I felt like I *really* had  to push. My legs were wobbly and D was really holding me up."

The TucsonMama Birth Story series is sponsored by Tucson Medical Center as part of our commitment to maternal and family health, and in an effort to build and maintain a strong and supportive community. Not all the births featured in this series take place at TMC, or even in a hospital.

Birth stories! We love ‘em! If you want to share your birth story with the TucsonMama community, email julie at tucsonmama dot com. We’re interested in all stories, not just those at TMC. Thanks for sharing!

Week At A Glance - May 15th to May 22nd

Each week we look ahead to see what events are happening at TMC or that Team TMC is participating in:


Sunday, May 15th, 4pm-6:30pm Healthy Pregnancy Class - FREE!
For first time parents-guidance on the healthiest pregnancy possible. Learn about nutrition, exercise and fetal development, physical and emotional changes. Explore how to have a more comfortable and safe pregnancy. This class is perfect for those in their first trimester. Registration is required


Sunday, May 15th, 4pm-4:45pm Hospital Tours - FREE!
A tour designed to familiarize you with the hospital and reduce prenatal jitters. Small group tours are lead through the Labor & Delivery area and the Mother/Baby units.  Photo identification is required for all adults. Please arrive early and check in at the Southeast Entrance information desk. No pre-registration necessary.  


Monday, May 16th, 4pm-5:15pm Hospital Tours en Español - FREE! 
Ofrecemos recorridos por el hospital para que usted se familiarice con el entorno donde nacerá su bebé y le brinda la oportunidad de hacer preguntas sobre su estancia en el hospital. Este recorrido está pensado para apaciguar el nerviosismo prenatal y se llevan a cabo en grupos pequeños que visitan las áreas de parto y de maternidad. No es necesario registrarse con anticipación. Se requiere una identificación con fotografía a todos los adultos. Por favor llegue temprano y anótese en la recepción de la entrada Sureste.


Wednesday, May 18th, 6:30pm-9pm Breastfeeding Basics $25
This class is taught by Tucson Medical Center RN's who are International Board Certified Lactation Consultants. Expectant mothers receive advice regarding effective techniques for successful and continuous breastfeeding, basic breastfeeding positions, helping baby latch on, how to tell if feedings are going well, and balancing work and breastfeeding. This class is taken prior to the birth of the baby. Registration is required. 


Thursday, May 19th, 10-11:30am Breastfeeding Support Group - FREE!
An informal group of mothers and babies meet to provide support for breastfeeding. This is hosted weekly by one of TMC's lactation consultants. In the Fireplace Room of the Patio Building. Enter TMC on Beverly and Grant. The Patio Building is immediately on your right. Parking is available in the lot in front of the Emergency Department. 


Saturday, May 21st & Sunday 22nd 1-5pm Weekender Preparation for Childbirth $60
A weekend class designed for busy expectant parents. The same curriculum as the traditional three week series, this weekend class presents the material in an accelerated format. The class provides information encouraging you to be an active participant in your child's birth as well as helpful coping skills and comfort measures. A tour of TMC's Labor & Delivery area is included in this course. Registration is required. 


Sunday, May 22nd 9-11am Children Are Priceless Passengers $25
Is your family in need of a car seat? For just $25 you can receive an age and weight appropriate car seat along with instructions on how to properly install a car seat (Did you know between 80-85% of car seats are improperly installed?) Limited to one car seat per family. English speakers the class will be in the Fireplace Room in the Patio Building.  Spanish speakers will be in the Sedona Room of the Patio building. Registration is here. 

Focus on Breastfeeding – Meet Our Lactation Consultants

Breastfeeding my daughter was one of the toughest, but then most rewarding experiences of my life to date. Making it through the difficult patches to a positive breastfeeding relationship with my daughter that lasted more than a year would not have been possible without the support of my partner, my friends, AND the lactation consultants of TMC. I’m thrilled to introduce you to Susan Dennis, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, who was the leader of TMC’s Breastfeeding Support Group when I attended in 2007. Today Susan is one of the co-leaders of the Breastfeeding Support Group, teaches breastfeeding classes at Central Arizona College and is a guest speaker for Arizona State University’s Certified Lactation Consultant Program.

Susan, you and the Breastfeeding Support Group were recommended to me back in 2006 when I was first pregnant. I know you’ve been at Tucson Medical Center before that time. How long have you been a lactation consultant?
I was drawn into lactation by one of our senior staff members, Betty Anderson. While working on the Mother Baby Unit, I learned tricks and techniques to help mothers be successful in breastfeeding and was mentored into the Lactation Department in 1997 when I became International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).

What did you do prior to being a lactation consultant?
I have background in neonatal intensive care, pediatrics, and postpartum care.

What is it about being a lactation consultant that you enjoy most?
I love helping mothers achieve their goals on their terms. I learned early that you must meet a mom where she is and help her on the journey to her goals.

I know you love your work, but what about outside of work? What do you like to do for fun?
I sew parachutes for my friends who fly model rockets. A family hobby is model rocketry, but we are talking 20-foot rockets with huge parachutes! I love to take pictures of animals and landscapes. I love the outdoors and the ocean.

Are you from Tucson, or elsewhere?
I am originally from Indiana, moved out here with my husband (Susan has been married for 28 years and has two sons) for his work, after graduating from Indiana University in 1983. I love the climate and mountains of Tucson, the wildlife, and the lack of sub zero temps.

Next time on TMC for Children Focus we’ll share some of Susan’s tips for carrying on breastfeeding once you go back to work. For more information about Tucson Medical Center's Breastfeeding Support program go here. 

Incredibly Powerful

Week at a Glance May 8th- May 14th

Each week we look ahead to see what events are happening at TMC or that Team TMC is participating in:

Sunday, May 8th  Happy Mother's Day

Wednesday, May 11th, 6:30pm-9:00pm Extended Breathing & Relaxation Technique
A one-night class for couples who have completed Preparation for Childbirth. This class explores extensive coping, breathing and relaxation techniques for labor, including breathing patterns, massage, visualization, labor aids and coaching skills. Registration is required. Fee $25:00

Thursday, May 12th, 10am-11:30am Breastfeeding Support Group
Join an informal gathering of mothers and babies. The Breastfeeding Support Group is hosted weekly by a certified lactation consultant. No registration necessary!  Location: Fireplace Room in the Patio Bldg. Located in the southwest corner of the Patio Building. Enter the TMC campus on Beverly off of Grant Road. The Patio Building is immediately to the right. Parking is available in the lot in front of the Emergency Department. For more information (520) 324-5730

Thursday, May 12th, 6:30pm-9:00pm Just for Dads
This class teaches new dads how to welcome and take care of the new baby. Join other fathers-to-be in this great hands-on class that utilizes a man-to-man approach. Men only! Registration here. $25 fee.

Friday, May 13th , 6:00pm-9:00pm Date Night Friday Dinner & Class 
A "refresher" class that includes a specially prepared dinner for two! A one-night class is perfect for active couples who need a break at the end of their busy week.. We'll provide updates on issues that may have changed since you last gave birth and refresh the knowledge and skills that you've previously learned. A tour of TMC's Labor & Delivery area is included. Registration here Fee: $30

Saturday, May 14th, 10am-2:00pm Community Festival 4 Youth 
Join TMC's Desert Kids Safety Program at the Community Festival 4 Youth, Health, Fitness & Wellness Global Day of Service. Location Golf n' Stuff. 

 

The Community Festival For Youth is  in conjunction with Stanford University’s Global Day of Service. This event is for children of all ages.

Tucson has experienced many tragedies over this past year including the shootings in January, the subsequent death of a nine year old child and the recent suicide deaths of two local high school students.  The youth and children in this community need to know we are listening and are dedicated to their positive growth and wellness.

This Festival is presented by Councilman Paul Cunningham, Bear Essential News, Golf N’ Stuff, Tucson Toros, Providence of Arizona and Tucson Medical Center to honor our youth and children.  

There will be booths with arts & crafts, games, stress reduction activities, yoga for children, storytelling and much more.  Free to the public. Desert Kids Safety will be on site offering FREE booster seats for children age five years old plus. 

TucsonMama Birth Stories - Will it be a VBAC?

"The L&D nurse was fabulous–we could tell right off the bat–funny, bright, warm, and totally respectful of me. In triage, I’d put on a long tank top dress instead of the gown, and no one blinked an eye (at Linc’s birth they told me I should put the gown on, and I just did it rather than argue–this was something I felt strongly that I wanted to be different this time). We chit chatted, settled in the room, put our music on the boom box we had brought, and the vibe in the room was so good. The contractions were getting really painful by then, and I was having a hard time managing them, as they were much longer and about 2-3 minutes apart."

You have to read the first two posts, but they're so worth it in this birth story from TucsonMama Julie about her second child. Was she able to have a vaginal birth after a cesarean (VBAC) with her first child? Go and read.

 

The TucsonMama Birth Story series is sponsored by Tucson Medical Center as part of their commitment to maternal and family health, and in an effort to build and maintain a strong and supportive community. Not all the births featured in this series take place at TMC, or even in a hospital.

Birth stories! We love ‘em! If you want to share your birth story with the TucsonMama community, email julie at tucsonmama dot com. We’re interested in all stories, not just those at TMC. Thanks for sharing!

Week at A Glance

Each week we look ahead to see what events are happening at TMC or that Team TMC is participating in:

This week and every week THINK WATER SAFETY ABCs - Adult, Barrier, Classes

Sunday, May 1st , 9am-5:30pm. One Day Blast!
A special one-day Preparation for Childbirth Class designed for busy parents. This fast-paced class will prepare soon-to-be parents for labor, birth and delivery, as well as other helpful coping skills and comfort measures. A tour of Tucson Medical Center's Labor & Delivery area is included. Pre-registration is required. Fee: $60.00


Wednesday, May 4th, 6:30pm-9:00pm Breastfeeding Basics
Taught by Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC)RNs the class is for those who want more information about breastfeeding and need the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful. Covered are basic breastfeeding positions, helping baby latch on, how to tell if feedings are going well, and how to balance working and breastfeeding. This class is taken before the birth of your baby. $25 Registration is here


Thursday, May 5th 10am-11:30am Breastfeeding Support Group
Are you a breastfeeding mom with questions? Are you looking for support?
Join an informal gathering of mothers and babies. No registration necessary and completely free. The Breastfeeding Support Group is hosted weekly by a certified lactation consultant.
Location: Fireplace Room in the Patio Bldg. Enter the TMC campus on Beverly off of Grant Road. The Patio Bldg is immediately to the right.


Saturday, May 7th. Big Brother Big Sister
This is a special 90-minute class for children expecting a new baby brother or sister. Hands-on play introduces siblings to their new role as big brother or big sister. The class also includes safety, holding and diapering, and helps introduce a new baby into the family. When conditions permit, a tour of the area where Mommy will be having the baby is also included. Please bring a stuffed animal or doll for diapering. Children must be between the ages of 3 and 11.
Pre-registration is required. Fee: $15.00 per child