Why We Care About Kim Kardashian's Birth (And You Should Too)

On December 5th, Kim Kardashian gave birth to her son, Saint West. It's her second child with singer Kanye West. This may or may not be of significance to you. When you hear either name, you might have a connection to them or you might roll your eyes. 

But this birth matters.

Here's why: 

In our HypnoBirthing class, we talk about the history of birth. In the mid-1800s, Queen Victoria requested chloroform for the birth of her eighth and ninth children. This was a very new technique administered by physicians in a time when most women were still having their babies at home. When the social elite in London heard about this augmentation, they all started requesting chloroform for their births. 

They wanted to give birth like the Queen.

So here we are, centuries later. As we prepare for our own births in the modern age, we turn to trusted sources for information about where, how and with whom to give birth. We ask our families and friends. We seek trusted doctors and midwives. We listen to podcasts and read bestsellers. We see the headlines and read about our modern kings and queens. Like it or not, people like Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are the royalty of our times. We may not emulate them or their lifestyle, but when they are having a baby, the world pays attention. We learn about the latest "fad" around how to give birth. We note if it was "natural". We hear about expensive suites and exclusive doulas. We may not want to care, but our subconscious is listening.

From everything In the news, it seems that Kim was clear on her preferences for birth: 

She had clearly thought through her options. She expressed her fears and knew the risks associated with her particular pregnancy. She secured a doctor and facility who supported her choice to have a Version and attempt a vaginal delivery. She exhibited a level of sophistication around her preparation.  

By all accounts, she had the birth she was hoping for. We'll see how it plays out if the cameras caught any of the action, but all reports say that she had a vaginal birth and is in total bliss with her newborn baby.

The more positive stories we hear around birth, the more normal it will become. Care that focuses on the individual experience rather than the pathological potential of pregnancy will become more standard. Kim Kardashian, and the royalty of our times, can change the face of birth. Big task! Let's hope they do it justice.

For our thoughts on a true royal's birth, check out our post on The Duchess Kate's birth back in May!

6 Things to Do in Portland, Maine With Littles This Holiday Season

The days are getting shorter. The air is growing cooler. The holidays are upon us. It's time to put on your cutest boots, put the toddler in a marshmallow-man style coat, and head out to enjoy the season! 

1. Nutcracker:

The music and imagery of The Nutcracker has become synonymous with the holiday season. This year there are a few options if The Nutcracker is on your "must see" list.The Children's Museum is presenting a reindeer version suitable for the youngest viewer, the Portland Ballet is offering a Victorian Nutcracker, and the Maine State Ballet brings the traditional performance.

2. Polar Express:

Every December for the past 8 years, the narrow gauge railway has transformed into a magical adventure to the North Pole. Stories, hot cocoa, cozy pjs, carol singing, santa - What could be better? Tickets are limited, so visit Port Tix for more info on dates, times and prices. They've just added the last of the first class tickets tonight!

At the LL Bean musical light show

3. Trees, trees and more lighted trees!:

Some of the Christmas trees had lighting ceremonies last month, but there are more happening this weekend and lots of opportunities to admired the lights through the season. This weekend there will be lightings in Biddeford, Cape Elizabeth, and North Yarmouth, among others. If you are dazzled by the bright lights, you don't want to miss the big tree in Monument Square or the display at LL Bean. The trees in front of the home store on the LL Bean campus feature an impressive musical light show from 5-9pm until the end of the month. 

4. Trains at the Maine Mall:  

Do you have a train fanatic? Make sure you stop at Starbucks if you are heading to the Baby Gap because you will be delayed at the train display there, assembled by the Maine Garden Railway Society! There are more than 10 trains on multiple tracks with buttons for interactive fun. The volunteers from the society are very friendly and happy to explain any part of the set up. The trains will be there until the mall closes on December 24th. Good for a rainy day! 

5. Holiday at Hadlock:

This annual event is happening on December 5th from 10-2. The Sea Dogs are decking out Hadlock Field in a scene of Winter Wonderland. The fun seems limitless here: horse-drawn wagon rides, face painting, live music, petting zoo, and more! Of course, Santa will be in attendance. 

6. Choose your own tree:

Whether or not you are a celebrator of Christmas, going to a tree farm can be a magical experience. At Old Farm Christmas Place, you can take a tractor-drawn wagon ride up the farm hill to rows and rows of perfect evergreens. There's hot cocoa and a place to sit by the fire. So bundle everyone up and go before the sun sets! You may leave with a tree, but you'll definitely leave with a memory.

What are your favorite memories of traditions your family had when you were young? We'd love to hear them!

What's at Play with Those After-Meal Naps? Your Thanksgiving Experience ByTrimester

Sounding strangely like the substance which drains Superman's powers, tryptophan has long been the scapegoat for a long post-dinner nap on Thanksgiving. But are there other things at play?

According to the New York Times, the amino acid tryptophan "is a precursor for the brain chemical serotonin, which is associated with healthy sleep". Unfortunately, for your uncle dead asleep in front of the Bears/Packers game, turkey doesn't contain any greater amount of tryptophan than other meats like beef or chicken. And while tryptophan on its own could make you sleepy, turkey contains many other amino acids which limit the effect.

So what's going on? Why are your family members spread upon the soft furniture like the sandman got carried away?

Consider the feast of the day. On a day when loading up your plate three or four times before the dessert course even makes it to the table is not only acceptable, but encouraged, it makes sense that everyone feels a bit sluggish. Add to that a glass of wine or a seasonal brew. Oh, not for you? You're pregnant, you say? Well, have I got a story for you!

• 1st Trimester: If you're just starting this great adventure, your body is busy creating the entire life support system for your baby. This includes growing the placenta. As your metabolism increases, your blood sugar and pressure lower. Then add to that whatever excess you can manage around the meal+hormones+emotions = Hello naptime!

• 2nd Trimester: This trimester you may feel a renewed sense of energy. You might have adjusted to your new hormones, and be in a sweet spot with the size and shape of your new belly. You might feel like you can fit just one more piece of pie and shuffle around for that family football game, but don't be surprised if they find you in a bed of leaves by the third quarter.

• 3rd Trimester: As baby grows, there are more demands on your body. Your sleep at night may be disrupted by practice labor or frequent bathroom trips. In general, you are just feeling a bit slower and sleepier. So the indulgences of the day are a perfect excuse for a well-deserved nap!

Wherever you are in your pregnancy (or parenting!), you deserve a rest! So take advantage of the extra hands, leave the dishes to your dad, and put your feet up. Just let them know,  "My doula said I should probably take a nap today"

Your body will thank you.

Happy Thanksgiving!

3 Things: what are you thankful for?

I had to sit for a few minutes to remember my first Thanksgiving as a new parent. Once I did, oh boy, the memories really flooded me. I have always longed for the formal gathering of extended family; the long table decorated with an overflowing cornucopia, sparkling cider in champagne flutes, steaming platters and bowls being passed between distant cousins. Our family holidays are usually more scarcely attended but not any less warm and loving.

My son was born in the beginning of November 2011. The birth wasn't what we were anticipating (is it ever?) and we ended up with a longer than expected hospital stay. The afternoon we returned home with our five day old baby, my partner had to return to work in another state for two weeks. So having him home for Thanksgiving made the occasion seem more special. We were many things in those first few months; tired, full of joy, scared of doing it all wrong, starry-eyed, and thankful - completely thankful for this little baby. As I look back on the two of us, still learning about our new son, and ourselves as completely transformed humans, I am sending a little note of "thanks". 

Here are three things I am grateful to those new parents for, these four years later:

1. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR:

It has come and gone and come again over these past few years, but the laughter over burnt lobster stuffing and adventures in infant potty learning have certainly made it more interesting. 

2. THANK YOU FOR CONSTANTLY SEEKING:

There was a lot of advice given and many stories shared. Thank you for always searching for your own path and learning what worked for you as a family. Your children are stronger and brighter for it.

3. THANK YOU FOR FINDING COMMUNITY:

It was out of your comfort zone, but you took that newborn class when your son was two months old. You met others who were in the storm with you. They helped you see the calmer waters on the other side. You pulled each other into the life boat and sailed on. You formed a community; mothers, fathers and friends.

Wishing all you Maine families a warm and joyful Thanksgiving!