Are you sick and tired of stress? Learning relaxation techniques to elicit the relaxation response is one of the most important things you can do for your health and your life!

Set aside 20 minutes that is just for you. Let others know not to disturb you.

• Choose a quiet, private place.


• Loosen or remove belts and restrictive clothing. Take off your shoes.


• Use a sitting position with your back straight and both feet flat on the floor or sit “yoga” style. It’s OK to lay down if sitting is hard for you, but notice if you have problems falling asleep and adjust accordingly.


• Turn on your favorite music or relaxation CD, or have a friend read one of the relaxation techniques script. (you can get that from my office!)


• You can decide to speak with Hashem, to let him hold your thoughts and wishes.


• Interruptions happen, even with the best preparation. The phone may ring; you may hear noises you didn’t notice before. Let the phone ring, let the noise be noise and focus on your relaxation. Passively, let the disturbing or intrusive sounds or thoughts go.

• When finishing the exercise take a deep breath and say an anchoring word or phrase to yourself like: “breathe,” “be well,” “relax,” or “OK.”

Anchoring words or phrases are like touch stones. Over time, you will be able to elicit the relaxation response by simply recalling the anchoring word or phrase.

Learning relaxation techniques may seem like learning to drive within the speed limit when you’re used to passing every car on the road. The important thing is to begin a regular practice.

Protect your relaxation time. Treat it at least as important as a required meeting. Many find the early morning a good time. It’s worth getting up 20 minutes earlier if need be.

Best of health,
Doc Shoshana

Here is a post by another midwife and it's a real eye opener. I fall in line with her thinking on this one...

"When I meet a doula, whether she has been one for a long time or just beginning, invariably, I hear the phrase, “I really want to see a home birth.” The next thing that comes out of her mouth is often, “Can I go to a birth with you? I’ll be quiet.” Or something to that effect. Having been a doula for many years before ever attending a homebirth, I totally understand the desire. Especially when the births she sees, one after another, are the typical, energy-suck, lack of empowerment type.

While some homebirth clients will hire a doula, in my experience, they are few and far between. If she brings a doula along on the birth trip, I really enjoy it. I’ve often said there’s enough work to go around for how many hands... read it here

There have been new twists and startling accusations in the case of Kyron Horman, the 7-year-old Portland boy who has been missing for more than a month. While his family clings to hope that he's still alive, they are raising new questions about his stepmother.

Could postpartum depression have played a role in the boys disappearance?

Kyron's parents, Kaine Horman and Desiree Young, have revealed one of the reasons they say they fear Kyron's stepmother, Terri Horman, is hiding something -- that she changed after the birth of her baby, Kiara, 19 months ago.

Read the rest here.

I am not an alarmist, but there is a reason for early diagnosis and treatment. Not every woman demonstrates extreme symptoms- but they can still damage a family. So do something:

Contacct a postpartum doula- she'll refer you to an expert in your area.
In Israel, go tothe nurse at Tipat Chalav, if she is a support for you.
Speak with your GYN.
Call Nitza.

Just do something.

When I tell men what I do for a living, I get to hear their stories.

Men perceive birth differently from the way women do. They are observers, no matter how perceptive, loving, understanding. They watch the love of their lives in pain. Productive pain- sure. But it’s so very hard for them to see.

I spoke with a business advisor about what I am working towards. I explained in full what the role of a labor assistant is and what the postpartum doula does. We spoke about the costs, the benefits and the risks. He decided that the next time his wife was expecting, he was going t bring a Doula into the picture! He was astounded by the work, the devotion…

We spoke about the cost as well. He felt that for the unknown amount of work a doula commits herself to, the costs were not bad at all. It is well worth the cost. The physical and mental effort is great, and to relieve a husband so he can catch his breath- well most men think that’s a pretty great deal.

Menashe D. (Names have been changed to preserve privacy) told me that when his wife (Elisheva) was having contractions he’d retreat to the fetal position. He couldn’t take it. Fortunately, they took a doula. She comforted Elisheva and Menashe. He said that it was well worth every agurah.

Stacy and David A. made Aliyah in 2007. Soon after, they found they were expecting their first child, after years of trying. They hired a doula because they were not familiar with the language, the process in Israeli hospitals and they worried about all the horror stories they heard about giving birth in Israel. Well, here’s what he wrote:

“Dear Shoshana, Thank you for helping Stacy through birth. I was so scared and worried. I kept watching for what was going on, and you were telling me that what I was seeing was normal. You supported my wife so she could make it through each contraction. I can’t get over the way you calmed me down- I was so sure the nurses were ignoring Stacy, but you warned us- they have a job to do. I can’t thank you enough for letting me get some rest. I think Stacy was glad to have all your attention! I freaked out, and knowing that you were fine, got me back on track. Anyways- you were great. Sincerely, David A.”

Then there is the postpartum father… he needs support. Sometimes there are fathers who are strongly affected by the new responsibilities of fatherhood. They might have dealt with their own past concerns and new fatherhood brings those unresolved things to the forefront. I have met men who suffered from their own form of postpartum depression. In fact, new studies reveal a true incidence of fathers suffering from postpartum depression- which often is left unresolved. When this occurs, the father is often absent emotionally, physically and spiritually to his wife and family. Fathers matter. Men suffering, need support, therapy and maybe even medication to get past the crisis and recover fully. There is no shame in this. There is only need- and a doula- though not a psychological expert, can identify that a referral might be needed. Further, she can help with the bonding a father can do with the new baby. It can be a time filled with growth and wonder.

Dads are special people, too. They need support. They need reassurance and sometimes they need to stay home to take care of the children. Olim have a more intense need for support. Often, they don’t have parents or relatives to support them through birth here in Israel. (To add to the mix, there may be a difficult economy... I have parents calling me and giving gifts of doula care to their children, it’s cheaper than plane tickets they can’t afford). Husbands need doulas as much as Wives do. Husbands appreciate the extra help. Just ask one- it’s one birth opinion not to be ignored.