CranioSacral therapy information

Jeanneatte Raskin R.M.T. C.S.T.

CranioSacral Therapy can help mothers recover more quickly after childbirth.The adjustment to motherhood may not be as difficult if she receives therapy, the therapy can also remove trauma by the birthing process. CranioSacral Therapy is non-invasive in nature, and has virtually no negative side effects.It strengthens overall good health, motor coordination, sensory perception, range of motion and neuromuscular function. CranioSacral Therapy may facilitate the healing of many health-related problems because the craniosacral system influences the development and function of the brain and spinal cord.

Jeanneatte Raskin works at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness, located at 142 Erickson Drive in Red Deer, Alberta. She is a mother of 3 as well as a registered massage therapist and craniosacral therapist. www.family1stchiro.ca 403-347-3261

Labour Massage

Labour massage
Written by Michaelle de Ruiter RMY of Family First Chiropractic and Wellness at 142 Erickson drive, 403-347-3261 www.family1stchiro.ca

Most women feel great anxiety about childbirth and worry how they will cope with the challenges of labor.  Massage therapy is one of the most wonderful tools to use during labor with numerous physical and emotional benefits. Research has shown that massage techniques and strategies can relieve stress during labor, relax muscles and promote overall calm for the mother.

 Women who receive regular massages throughout  their pregnancy are also often more relaxed and experience less muscle and joint pain, thus preparing them for labor and childbirth. Enlist the help of a birth partner, certified midwife or doula to ease the strain of labor.

Massage for children

Every child, no matter the age, should be massaged at bedtime on a regular basis." So says Tiffany Field, Ph.D., of the Touch Research Institute (TRI) in Miami, Fla. Field and her associates at TRI have worked diligently over the past decade proving the benefits of massage for children. But this is not a new concept. Infant massage has long been a common practice in families of Eastern and African cultures. Many indigenous tribes use some form of bodywork to soothe, relax and heal their little ones, sometimes including scented oils and herbal remedies as part of the experience. With our modern technology and hurried lives, we frequently find ourselves lacking in quality family time and touching each other less. The ancient practice of massage can serve to reaffirm a close bond with our children, and to convey a comforting sense of security and trust.

Touch is the first sense to develop in humans. It is essential to our health and well-being. Babies have been known to fail to thrive and even die without an adequate amount of physical contact. Adults, as well, can become depressed and ill if they are isolated from this most basic of human needs. Children who learn healthy views of touch and are provided with positive tactile experience by their caregivers are more likely to grow up to be adults with healthy self-esteem, a sense of appropriate boundaries and long-lasting intimate relationships.

TRI researcher Maria Hernandez-Reif, Ph.D., says she regularly gives massage to her own daughter. When asked if other parents should do the same, she says, "Absolutely, a daily massage at least. That's what the studies show. Regardless of whether it's an infant, a child with illness, a preschooler, pregnant women or the elderly -- no matter who we studied we have found that massage benefits all age groups and individuals of different conditions."

Massage is a wonderful stress-buster for children. "Oftentimes when we think about stress," Hernandez-Reif says, "we think it's just an adult condition, only adults have stress. But if you think about it, even young infants and children are prone to stress." A young child starting school who is unfamiliar with the area or children in the class will experience stress. Family illness or financial problems, divorce and even vacations can produce emotional strain. Hernandez-Reif notes that one of the consistent findings in studies of the benefits of massage therapy is a reduction in stress and stress hormone levels: "There is a relationship between stress and the immune system. If stress hormones are chronically elevated, the [hormone] cortisol will destroy the healthy immune cells that fight viruses and tumors and keep the immune system healthy. If you can reverse that, you not only reduce stress but also reduce stress hormones, allowing the immune system to bounce back and do its job, which is to heal the body and keep it healthy."

As for children's behavioral response to massage, she says, "They are happier and in a better mood. We have observed they appear more relaxed, calm and oftentimes fall asleep during massage." If it's the child's first massage, they may squirm a bit because they are not familiar with this type of touch. Due to the discomfort and pain of medical procedures inflicted on them, infants and especially premature babies may have developed a negative association with touch. Given this new, positive experience they relax and their bodies quiet down.

With infants, a gentle gliding stroke is applied to the body, but as the child grows older, the massage may become more sophisticated to include work on the feet, fingers and toes, and use of more extensive types of strokes and techniques. "Teens are a little different," Hernandez-Reif says. "With young children we can train the mother or parent to do massage for a daily dose. Teens, however, don't seem to like their parents giving them massage. They respond better to a massage therapist." TRI's guideline of 15- to 20-minute sessions is a good rule to follow at home. Longer sessions can be overstimulating or even uncomfortable for a younger child with a short attention span.

One of the best ways to give your baby safe, positive messages about touch is to give her massage on a regular basis. Early infant massage may stimulate the developing nervous system and brain, and memory of that positive touch may then be permanently registered in the body cells. By improving circulation, respiration, digestion and elimination, massage promotes a sense of comfort in your baby and makes her less prone to colic. As the baby grows, the stroking of massage prepares the body for sitting, standing and walking by promoting strength, motor coordination and self-confidence. Infant massage is becoming very popular with new parents and a number of resources are now available to get you started. In addition to books and videos, you can find certified infant massage therapy instructors in local private practice and at hospitals and clinics specializing in holistic medicine.

Once massage is established as a family routine, it can benefit your child throughout his growing years. Preschoolers have shown better performance on tests of their intellectual and manual skills after a 15-minute massage. They also slept better during naps, were less likely to be overactive and had better behavior ratings. For teens struggling with the growing pains of adolescence, massage helps to balance unstable hormones and can relieve anxiety by producing a state of relaxation. A supportive relationship with a massage therapist who gives them safe, unconditional touch can also increase their feelings of self-acceptance and self-confidence during those trying years. Originally published in Body Sense magazine, Spring 2003.
Copyright 2003. Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals. All rights reserved.
www.family1stchiro.ca

Children with special needs

Jeannette,Chelsea and Michaelle RMT's at Family First Chiropractic

Children with Special Needs

The studies at TRI have ranged from massage for pre-term infants to parent-administered massage for children with chronic illness. This research is having a profound impact on pediatric healthcare, providing a noninvasive treatment within a positive, nurturing experience. Pre-term infants and cocaine-exposed and HIV-positive newborns have responded to massage with increased weight gain, decreased stress behavior and improved motor skills tests. Pre-term babies also slept better and were more alert and active.

Stress has been identified as a major contributor to exacerbated symptoms in children with chronic illness, if not the root of the disease itself. Coping with frequent hospitalizations, painful or uncomfortable treatments and restrictions on diet and daily activities can take its toll on parents and siblings as well as the patient. Massage reduces stress hormone levels and provides an ideal opportunity for positive interaction between parent and child in the midst of the negatives of treatment. In TRI's studies on chronic illnesses, parents were instructed in administering nightly massage sessions. Across the board, not only did the child's symptoms improve, but both the child and parents experienced a decrease in anxiety.

Controlling stress is crucial for children with diabetes, asthma, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) and skin problems. As stress hormone levels rise, symptoms increase -- in the case of diabetes and asthma, sometimes putting the child's life at risk. In TRI's research, massage has been shown to improve blood sugar levels in diabetics, improve pulmonary function in asthmatics, decrease JRA pain and improve skin condition in children with eczema. Massage for children with cancer is currently being studied by TRI with the expectation that it will decrease the stress of medical procedures and boost the immune system. "From my perspective, one of the most important research findings from our studies is that massage therapy increases natural killer cells," Hernandez-Reif says. "These cells are constantly traveling through our body looking for foreign objects and tumors to destroy. Massage therapy naturally boosts these cells. This has tremendous implication about the benefits of massage for keeping people healthy."

Massage has proven equally effective for psychological and behavioral problems. Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) exhibited less hyperactivity and more on-task behavior, and generally were happier with regular massage treatments. For autistic children, there was a decrease in touch sensitivity and disruptive behavior, and increased ability to relate to their teachers. Adolescents suffering from bulemia had improved body image and decreased depression and anxiety, while teen psychiatric patients experienced improved sleep and clinical progress as well as decreased depression, anxiety and stress.

"What we would like to see is for massage therapy to be added to standard care -- not to take the place of medical care, but to go hand-in-hand with the doctor's care to help the child recover more quickly," Hernandez-Reif says. "I think it's a great tool."

Touch is essential to a child's development, sense of well-being and good health. Children reach out for touch as naturally as they do for food and water. A nightly massage can ensure that touch is a positive, nurturing part of their human experience. And, as Field says, "They love it."
Forwarded by Chelsea Brausen at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness, 142 Erickson Dr., Red Deer, 403-347-3261
www.family1stchiro.ca

Symphysis Pubic Dysfunction (SPD)- There is relief!

Dr. Joelle Johnson B Sc., D.C.

Many women suffer from symphysis pubic dysfunction (SPD), especially during and after pregnancy, many women even suffer with it for years! These bones as located in  the front and below the abdomen where your underwear sits. Many women describe it as a  pressure or shearing type discomfort that may cause pain when walking, sitting, squatting, lunging(like when vacuuming) or standing. One or all of these movements may cause severe pain that even causes many to  feel like their leg is going to 'give out'. Many women describe it as an intense pressure over their pubic area and describe 'like baby is going to fall out' and many complain of groin pain as well. Many women are told that this is a side effect of pregnancy and it will go away after birth, but there is relief! A very gentle chiropractic adjustment will quickly relieve the pain and pressure. By doing  a full assessment of the spine and pelvis we can do some specific muscle testing to see where there is weakness and misalignment of the spine and pelvic ( and pubic) bones.  After the assessment we can adjust the affected bones into the correct position ( very carefully and gently as this is a very sensitive area in many) alleviating the pain and weakness. Many women can even walk normally directly after this area has been treated. You do not have to live through the pregnancy and beyond with this issue!
Dr. Joelle Johnson has treated many, many people with this issue with great success. Dr. Johnson  has practised in Red Deer since 1999 and is located at 142 Erickson drive, Red Deer. www.family1stchiro.ca or call 403-347-3261

Pregnancy Massage-Touch for the Mom-to-be

Touch for the Mom-To-Be By Shirley Vanderbilt Originally published in Body Sense magazine, Fall 2002.Forwarded by Chelsea Brausen of Family First Chiropractic and Wellness, 142 Erickson Drive, 403-347-3261 www.family1stchiro.ca 

Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals. All rights reserved.

Pregnancy is a beautiful and natural condition -- nine transformative months full of excitement, planning and peering at the awesome unfolding of life. But this transformation also brings inevitable side effects, sometimes making a woman feel like her body has been taken over by an alien force. In the early months, there are mood swings from ecstasy to unpredictable crying, in later months, there are aches and pains more common to the domain of the elderly. Physical changes, such as nausea, back pain, heartburn, raging hormones, breast pain, and swollen legs and ankles affect many women during this time. But you don't have to suffer in silence. The gentle, noninvasive approach of pregnancy massage can ease your discomfort, help you prepare for labor and give you the emotional support of a caring practitioner. Massage sessions can also bring back a sense of body-mind integration, putting you into a state of relaxation and calm acceptance of your continually evolving physical form.

According to Lynne Daize, with the National Association of Pregnancy Massage Therapy, training for this specialty includes learning specific techniques for each trimester, as well as those required for labor and postpartum massage. A certified pregnancy massage therapist is well-acquainted with the physical and hormonal effects of pregnancy and has the skills to counterbalance these changes. You'll find the therapist uses a lighter touch and concentrates on those areas most vulnerable to changes in your body. She will also give you deep breathing exercises and tips on how to improve your posture to adjust to the added weight and shifting center of gravity.

Massage has many scientifically proven health benefits such as stimulating the blood and lymph systems, thereby increasing immunity and removal of toxins, stabilizing hormonal levels, and adding tone and flexibility to muscles -- all of which enhance the health of both you and your baby. As pregnancy progresses, your body adjusts to a changing alignment caused by the baby's increasing weight. This puts strain on your back and legs and increases stress on weight-bearing joints. Massage increases flexibility, enhancing the ability to carry this extra weight while also relieving aches and pains, leg cramps and muscle spasms. The effects of relaxation and tension release add to improvement in the physical state of muscles and joints, and assist in balancing emotions.

Recent studies from the Touch Research Institute (TRI) in Miami, Fla., indicates that pregnancy massage provides more than just symptom relief for the mother. A group of 26 pregnant women were given either massage or relaxation therapy during a five-week study. In addition to experiencing a reduction in symptoms of anxiety, stress, sleep problems and back pain, the massage group had fewer complications in their delivery. Their newborns also had fewer postnatal complications. Another TRI study reported massage during labor resulted in shorter labor times for the mothers, shorter hospital stays and less postpartum depression.

Obstetrician Bonita Kolrud of Westside Women's Care in Wheat Ridge, Colo., is an avid proponent of bodywork, although she cautions women to make sure their therapist is experienced with pregnancy massage. Kolrud praises the physical benefits of massage, noting it relieves tension and pain caused by changes in body alignment. "The biggest thing is so many women still look at massage as a luxury. But it has so many physical health benefits and is more of a necessity for some patients. Emotionally, it's really beneficial for women to be touched when they're pregnant. I think a lot of pregnant women don't necessarily get as much physical touching as they would like. It's a very nurturing thing having someone taking care of you, and it's a great bonding experience with the baby when you're both receiving massage."

More Business of Being born, a great success

Thanks for the successful event More Business of Being Born

On Behalf of Dr Joelle Johnson and the staff at Family First Chiropractic we would like to say a huge thank you for all of your support before and during the event.  Without wonderful local vendors we would not have been able to make More Business of Being Born such a huge success.  We had a wonderful turn out and it was because of all the fabulous people that helped to promote our event.  Thanks for all of the generous donations that flooded in for the door prizes and swag bags. 

Sincere Regards,

Dr Joelle Johnson and the Family First Chiropractic Staff.

Hosted by Family First Chiropractic and Wellness 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer 403-347-3261.This follow up movie to the Business of Being born is a must see for anyone thinking of having a baby.

The movie Explore Your Options: Doulas, Birth Centers & C-Sections is a follow up to the first movie.... The most comprehensive and educational DVD in the series, Explore Your Options offers birth-planning guidance around key topics such as the role of doulas (labor support specialists,) the advantages of birth centers and the alarming escalation of cesarean sections in the United States and Brazil. Epstein and Lake talk to doulas about why their profession is currently booming and uncover why having a good doula can make-or-break the entire birth experience. They look at the ever-growing rates of inductions and c-sections, which have reached 50% in many US hospitals and more than 99% in some private hospitals in Brazil. How “safe” are these cesarean surgeries, and what are the health implications for the mothers and babies? Explore Your Options examines the pros and cons of birth centers, described as a perfect middle ground between home and hospital. Special features include Alanis Morissette and Alyson Hannigan on the advantages of doulas, Christy Turlington Burns on her unexpected complications at a birth center, Molly Ringwald on how she avoided a cesarean birth with her twins and Gisele Bundchen and Michelle Alves on the cesarean epidemic in their native Brazil. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJTN88Zv0_M
In order to keep noise to a minimum, we have requested that parents attending the event find alternate child care for thier older children. This way we can assure noise levels will be kept to a minimum.
NEWBORN NURSING INFANTS ARE WELCOME

Booths that will be at this great event are:
Family First Chirippractic and Wellness, Uppy Mama, Jo Dumont Fitness, Itty Bitty Baby Company, The Bra Lounge, Green Bottoms, Pure & Simple, Mom's Town, The Green Clinic, Ask 4 Acupuncture, Essential Oils, Comfort Keepers, Happy Hypnobabies, The Breathing Room, Billings Method, Pure Earth Organics, Sweet Bliss Creations, Birth Without Fear, Teensy Tooth, Beautiful Birth, Avena Originals, La Leche League, Deanna Hall Photograghy, Red Deer Doula Association, VBAC society, Vaccination services, Mommy Connections, Knowledge First Finacial, Pregnancy

A Fathers Homebirth story #6

Home Births Part 6 – In late January, 2008 our third son was born on a cold winter night in the warmth of a small kiddie pool in our basement. Our midwives braved the cold and snow that day and Marshall was born without incident with their assistance. We were completely comfortable with a home birth by the third child. The care given by our midwives was superb and professional and we thank them for making those experiences memorable.
 I have not had the experience of having a child born in the hospital so I really cannot comment on a hospital birth. What I can say is that having our sons born at home in a pool with the assistance of our midwives were experiences that I will never forget and that we will cherish for the rest of our lives. I would recommend a home birth to anyone is pondering that option. Other options include a midwife assisted birth at the hospital and/or the support of a doula.
I am proud to say that our sons were born at home.
Written by Lyle Johnson B. Comm and father if 3 boys
Family First Chiropractic and Wellness 142 Erickson, Dr, Red Deer, Alberta T4R 2X3
403.347.3261
www.family1stchiro.ca

A Dad's birth perspective, part 5

Home Births Part 5 – Two years after our first son was born, we had moved from our small, cozy home to a home large enough for our second child due one month later in June, 2005. There was no doubt that we wanted to use a midwife and have this baby born in our new home.  I felt completely comfortable with a natural midwife assisted home birth and now I could not imagine going to a hospital for this birth. However, I did learn that each pregnancy is different for which the baby and his mother received plenty of professional pre-natal care. Food cravings and aversions to certain smells by the mother are different for each pregnancy. Each baby carries differently causing their mother discomfort at different times during the pregnancy. Regular chiropractic treatments definitely help to alleviate the discomfort as well as position the baby well for an optimal birth.

Laboring prior to the birth of our second child was not as intense as the first birth but still a lot of work for mum. When Adam was delivered in a water birth on June 25^th, 2005, he came out so fast that his mother did not realize that she had just delivered our second son. The midwives were fantastic throughout the pregnancy labor and delivery. I really can’t imagine any better care than what we received.
Lyle JohnsonB. Comm  is a father of 3 and husband to Dr. Joelle Johnson of Family First Chiropractic and Wellness, 142 erickson Dr. 403.347.3261 www.family1stchiro.ca

MORE BUSINESS OF BEING BORN SCREENING Jan 7, 2012 FREE!

Hosted by Family First Chiropractic and Wellness 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer 403-347-3261.This follow up movie to the Business of Being born is a must see for anyone thinking of having a baby.

The movie Explore Your Options: Doulas, Birth Centers & C-Sections is a follow up to the first movie.... The most comprehensive and educational DVD in the series, Explore Your Options offers birth-planning guidance around key topics such as the role of doulas (labor support specialists,) the advantages of birth centers and the alarming escalation of cesarean sections in the United States and Brazil. Epstein and Lake talk to doulas about why their profession is currently booming and uncover why having a good doula can make-or-break the entire birth experience. They look at the ever-growing rates of inductions and c-sections, which have reached 50% in many US hospitals and more than 99% in some private hospitals in Brazil. How “safe” are these cesarean surgeries, and what are the health implications for the mothers and babies? Explore Your Options examines the pros and cons of birth centers, described as a perfect middle ground between home and hospital. Special features include Alanis Morissette and Alyson Hannigan on the advantages of doulas, Christy Turlington Burns on her unexpected complications at a birth center, Molly Ringwald on how she avoided a cesarean birth with her twins and Gisele Bundchen and Michelle Alves on the cesarean epidemic in their native Brazil. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJTN88Zv0_M
In order to keep noise to a minimum, we have requested that parents attending the event find alternate child care for thier older children. This way we can assure noise levels will be kept to a minimum.
NEWBORN NURSING INFANTS ARE WELCOME

Booths that will be at this great event are:
Family First Chirippractic and Wellness, Uppy Mama, Jo Dumont Fitness, Itty Bitty Baby Company, The Bra Lounge, Green Bottoms, Pure & Simple, Mom's Town, The Green Clinic, Ask 4 Acupuncture, Essential Oils, Comfort Keepers, Happy Hypnobabies, The Breathing Room, Billings Method, Pure Earth Organics, Sweet Bliss Creations, Birth Without Fear, Teensy Tooth, Beautiful Birth, Avena Originals, La Leche League, Deanna Hall Photograghy, Red Deer Doula Association, VBAC society, Vaccination services, Mommy Connections, Knowledge First Finacial, Pregnancy Care Center, and Bessingway Midwifery.

A Dad's Perspective Part 4

Home Births Part 4 – I was awakened in the early morning hours on a hot summer night in late July by my wife who was experiencing some labor pains. “We are going to have this baby” was her resolve. We got dressed and went outside for a brisk walk at 4:30 a.m. just in time to watch the sun rise and the birds to start singing. I was timing how far apart the contractions to make me feel like I was contributing. We called our midwife later that morning as the contractions became closer. The midwife came over to see how far along things were with the delivery. Things were progressing slowly and I learned quickly that every pregnancy is different – this baby would come when he’s ready. Being at home was comfortable for both my wife and I – we did not feel any pressure to deliver the baby because it was the end of somebody’s shift or that it was just taking too long. We were allowed to follow the birth plan that we chose and we were respected by our midwives for the choices that we made. Regular monitoring of my wife and our unborn child was done.

Later that evening, the contractions were not far apart and my wife was dilated to the point where it would be soon to start pushing. The birthing tub had been prepared earlier in the day and it was time to put some warm water into it. When my wife started to push, my wife was not put on a bed with her feet in stirrups with somebody in a mask peering over a veil at her. Instead, she was allowed to kneel, squat, lay down, go in the shower or whatever in order to continue the birthing process. Due to an injury sustained due a skiing accident when she was a young adult, the pushing process took over 2 ½ hours and the midwives were able to keep her concentration on what she needed to do. When the baby started to crown, my wife entered the kiddie pool set up in the basement of our first home. Late on the evening of July 24th, 2003 we were blessed with the birth of our first son, Logan Lyle Johnson. What an experience! What a courageous, amazing delivery by his mum in a water birth assisted by midwives in our home!  
Lyle Johnson B Comm, is husband to Dr. Joelle Johnson of Family First Chiropractic and Wellness, 142 Erickson Dr, Red Deer, 403-304-7980 www.family1stchiro.ca