Learning Birth Comforts and Joy

Can women enjoy their birth experience? Can a man really help a woman in labor? Can birth be drug free? As a Childbirth Educator, Doula and Comfort Therapist, I have had the privilege of being at over 200 births. I started to teach couples the power of birthing comfort techniques over 30 years ago. I was a young mommy myself and my own experience had taught me the miraculous power of my own body.

I believed, grabbed on to, and leaned into the truth that this is my body, my baby, my birth – six times. To my advantage I had an awesome coach/hubby that took his training and position of comforter very serious. He even ended up delivering our second baby all by himself (Ok, I was there too and helped some) because our son came early and in 11.5 minutes! Yes, 11.5 minutes, with a previous labor of 33 hours, and a third birth that was 12 hours, oh wow, barn burner labor. The wonder of it all! Every baby has their own miracle birth story.

It is magical to watch a couple work together in labor. Most people never get to see this or experience it because the majority of couples have no idea how to work together during birth. Even if they attend birth preparation classes most couples do not learn techniques that empower them to efficiently work through the birth process. Yet, these moments, working together towards the birth of their baby, can be the most rewarding, memorable, and create deep ties of love.

I tell couples that out of their intimacy and love this baby was created and out of their intimacy and love they can birth their baby. I share with them empowering comfort techniques: deep comfort relaxation, comfort breathing, comfort imagery, comfort words, comfort touch, and the comfort of understanding the birth process.

I teach Moms how to trust their bodies. I teach Dads information and techniques that the male brain can use. Once men have the “tools” they need to be compassionate and comforting, they do an amazing job. It is so rewarding to watch the Dads transform from uncertain, underpowered, and unknowing to equipped, powerful, loving, comforting partners. His love and compassion has been clinically proven to be as powerful as a narotic for pain relief.

When you teach a couple how to really work together during one of the most demanding physical and emotional times in their life they learn skills they will use forever. Birth is about having a baby, but much more is going on. This is a time when couples can be taught the dance of love, support and comfort. This is the birth of a family.

It is a gift and a treasure to empower and educate couples at this truly precious time in their life. “Babies … what a nice way to start people.”

For more information about doula services and classes please email info@jeanelletroncone.com or visit http://www.birthandbabycomforts.com/

Times are a Changing

I am a comfort therapist and every one of the techniques I share I have needed in my own life.  I have a love/hate relationship with change. I just get nestled in, enjoying the season and then it is over before I am ready. I am excited about what is up ahead but, oh dear . . . wait a minute; life is rushing by too fast. Feel the same? Ok then, breathe with me ... deep comfort breathe in through the nose, breathe in slow and deep, breathing in the relaxation and comfort. Slowly release, tension and anxiety with outward breathe through the mouth, release tension in the shoulders, again slowly breathe in comfort and strength, and breathe out stress. Can you feel your body resetting and responding to the rhythm and gentle rocking of the breathing?

Ok, where were we?

Here on the Southern California coast we have had very cool summer weather. I counted about six really sunny days. Maybe I am low on vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, because I am just not ready, mentally or emotionally, for summer to be over. How about you? More breathing? Wrap up in your Comfort Silkie blanket. I already grabbed mine. Take a comfort moment. Close your eyes and think of the your favorite  summer moment. Let it soak into your soul and fill you with thankfulness.

AND also . . .
I can't believe the kids are starting back to school. Bedtimes, lunches, school work … it can all be stressful but hang in there, simple comfort skills ease the way. Check back for the next blog for powerful comfort tips for school stress. Learn how to lower anxiety and boast brain power for preschool to college.

A few fun highlights:

Head to Toes Women's Expo in Del Mar – I spoke at their Baby Shower each day and shared Doula tips for pregnancy, labor, and new baby comforts. It was a girls' time out. Women just wanna have fun - even when they're very pregnant. Comfort Silkie donated Mama labor products and of course our original Security Blanket and Swaddler for baby comforts.

University of California, San Diego Medical Center – Comfort for Mama

Two special nights at UCSD were Meet the Midwives and Meet the Physicians. Comfort Silkie raffled Mama products and I shared about comfort techniques. What a great group of people and wonderful professionals.

The joy of being a Doula! Empowering woman with comfort and strength to birth their baby is a true joy. The miracle of birth has so many layers of wonderfulness. It is a joy to watch couples work together, dads-to-be who have developed into amazing coaches, and moms-to-be who have learned the wisdom to trust their bodies and their own strength. It is a privilege to teach them and doula for them.

Comfort Seminar - Babies by the Sea Boutique in Cardiff.

We had a great group for "Keys to Comfort for Mama and Baby".  My favorite part was sharing about the ministry and comfort of song. Yes, we sang.You should have been there. It was a beautiful rendition of “Row, row, row, your boat gently down the stream, life is but a dream” - in round! I have to say, we are not ready to take it on road, but we did release some serious endorphins and comfort joy.

TELL ME -  In an upcoming blog I’ll share about special people who have brought the power of comfort into their life and others. Tell us how you are using the power of comfort in your own life and how you are bringing comfort to others.  Email: info@comfortsilkie.com

Hope to hear from you soon,

Jeanelle at Babies by the Sea Boutique

Don't Miss July 25th.
Key Comforts for Pregnancy, Birth and Baby
Join Jeanelle Troncone at Babies by the Sea Boutique in Cardiff by the Sea, CA.
Sunday, July 25th, 2:00-3:00pm

Get away for an hour of soothing comfort tips that will unlock your inner strengths.
Something for everyone who wants to learn essential comfort keys to celebrating life.

Key Topics:

• How we are wired for comfort response
• How to tap into the energizing power of comfort
• Easy everyday tips to loving your body, calming your mind, soothing your soul, and quieting your emotions
• Learn techniques you need for pregnancy, birth, and baby

2007 San Elijo Ave, Cardiff, CA 92007

http://www.babiesbytheseaboutique.com/

Complimentary Class
Please call 760-230-4272 to reserve your space.
Please share this event with friends: http://bit.ly/bbscomfortkeys

Instructor: Jeanelle Troncone is a mother of six who began her comfort research in 1987 by creating soothing products for babies. She is a Comfort Therapist, Doula, Childbirth and Early Parenthood Educator. She is know as the "Mother of Comfort" because she patented the first Security Blanket and first Swaddler designed for baby comfort response. Jeanelle co-entrepreneurs the Comfort Silkie Company with her husband Greg. Their products have been featured on Good Morning America and in the New York Times.

Endorsed by Donna Holloran/BabyGroup

Donna Holloran, MSW is a nationally recognized child development specialist, parenting consultant, and the founder of BABYGROUP. She is a sought after parent educator for Hollywood celebrities. BabyGroup exclusively recommends the Comfort Silkie Security Blanket. Donna told us, "I keep a sample next to me to show every parent group. I think it is the safest one on the market, most durable in the wash and certainly the softest! We ONLY recommend your Comfort Silkie blankets."

For information about Donna's Parenting DVD visit: BabyGroupVideo.com

The BabyGroup is a program in Santa Monica, CA that provides invaluable strategies, resources and perspectives to parents of young children in a supportive group setting. Holloran is currently filming a new parenting video series that features Comfort Silkie. Her DVD, Surviving and Thriving During Your Baby's First Year, has been featured as Pregnancy Magazine's A-List of must have products & in the New York Times, "A Celebrity Baby Guru."

Jeanelle Speaking at Mom2B Show

Retailers: Don't miss this at the MOM2B Tradeshow!

Saturday, March 21-12:30pm
The Comfort Factor - The Key to Psychosocial Sales
Presented by Jeanelle Troncone, Comfort Expert/Therapist

Jeanelle Troncone, Comfort Expert/Therapist shares the unique customer needs of mom-to-be and new babies. Increase sales by learning how to connect with the psychosocial needs of expectant moms during pregnancy, birth and new parenting. Learn the benefits of providing a Comfort Corner that has products, information, and tips for mom-to-be. Provide mom and baby comforts that will make moms-to-be tell their friends, blog and twitter about your store. A Comfort Corner is the perfect avenue to show moms you care and the key to lasting customers.

Click to See Full Bio and Seminar Information

Oohh, aahhh, experience comfort, one lucky seminar participant will receive a Comfort Silkie Fur and Satin Throw (retail $150).

RSVP necessary to attend-
Click Here to RSVP for the Saturday March 21st Session.

For Show Information: MOM2BTradeshow.com

Online Friends

Become an online friend of Comfort Silkie! We are now on Facebook and Twitter! Our blog is new but subscribe by rss or email because we'll be doing giveaways and updates.
Also look for recipes, tips, and educational insights from Jeanelle, "The Mother of Comfort."

Email us any great comfort, family or mommy tips for our Comfort Connection Blog. Thanks!

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The Labor Comfort Factor

Published in The Bump Magazine.
From the moment of conception your body begins to quietly change. Two tiny cells carry the unique design that in nine amazing months becomes your child.

Creating tiny bones, teeth buds, little organs and over 4,000 little brain neurons is a lot of work! By the time you give birth, your heart will be pumping one-fourth more blood. You body will have made, and then completely refreshed, the silkie fluid that surrounds your baby every two hours, every day.

Ask questions, read and take care of yourself. Think comfort, drink a lot, rest more, moisturize your skin, eat healthy, because now... you are the mom.

Comfort yourself, preparing physically, by learning breathing and relaxation techniques; emotionally, by confronting your fears; spiritually, by opening your heart, and mentally, by learning about birth and parenting.

When your baby is due, your womb, the uterus, is the largest, strongest muscle in your body. The muscle fibers of your womb have grown two inches in thickness just to house your baby and prepare for birth. During birth, these muscles that surround your baby “labor” rhythmically, contracting and releasing as they shorten and openthe cervix for your baby to be born. Your baby was designed with this miracle in mind. Don’t be afraid of your labor. Your bones, muscles, and hormones, all work together in a symphony of birth. Learn how to embrace each contraction by breathing deeply and slowly. Relaxing every other muscle in your body reserves your energy, lowers your pain perception and helps the uterus to work more effectively.

Simple comfort techniques can bring amazing relief. Use an Effleurage Labor Massage Blanket to stroke over your tummy for rhythmic distraction and soothing comfort. Bring reheatable packs to soothe muscle cramps and cold packs for cool refreshment. Pack lip and skin balm for massage and moisture.

Your baby emerges from the quiet, soothing environment of the womb to our noisy, bright world. Don’t rush the first minutes after birth. Ask to hold your Baby skin-to-skin as soon as it is born, warming Baby with the Bonding Blanket and creating the soothing scent connection. Bring the Infant Swaddler Blanket to the hospital so you can wrap baby in a womb-like, soft cocoon. Swaddling has a calming effect on baby, and the wrapping style helps position baby for holding and feeding.

Be comforted in the fact that you are everything your baby needs.

Comforting words from Jeanelle Troncone, a Childbirth/Early Parenthood Educator, mother of six and owner of Comfort Silkie. She can be reached at jtcomforts@gmail.com or www.comfortsilkie.com.

©Jeanelle Troncone 2009. No part of this article may be reproduced in any form without written permission.