BirthKuwait Inagural Gala

BirthKuwait Inagural Gala
celebrating 4 years of giving (note: it's by invite only)

Thursday, February 23, 2012

1KD per "Like" from Destination Maternity thru National/Liberation Day Weekend

Destination Maternity has pledged to give BirthKuwait 1KD for every new "Like" on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/birthkuwait) until the end of Kuwait's National/Liberation Day weekend. This is a great way for us to raise awareness and funds for our new non-profit- so PLEASE share this with your friends, family members, and co-workers. You don't have to be pregnant or nursing to care about the future of Kuwait!

Destination Maternity is a great place to find clothes, books, and accessories for your pregnancy. They have four locations in Kuwait: 360 Mall, The Avenues, Bairaq Mall, and Discovery Center.
For the entire month of February, Destination Maternity will give you a pair of their Patented Secret Fit Belly Jeans FREE with every purchase of 40 KD. With so many ways to wear the waist band (folded down, pulled up over the belly) and designed to last through six months of belly growth- your jeans are sure to become an indispensable piece of your maternity wardrobe and a great gift for anyone pregnant in your life.

How Does NFP Work? Iva Explains...

Iva explains how NFP works to remove possible barriers to conception.

This is the third article in a series about Fertility Expert Iva Keene. Iva is coming to Kuwait March 24-29 to meet with couples and to give a public lecture. To book your private consultation, please call: +965 2263 6613.

BIRTHKUWAIT:
How does your program work, Iva?

IVA KEENE:
My program works by holistically boosting your egg and sperm quality, resulting in dramatically increased fertility.

It’s a little complicated to explain because maturing an egg and generating sperm requires chemistry and timing as complex as launching a space shuttle, but let me try.

You see, healthy spermatogenisis and oocyte (sperm and egg) formation and maturation requires very specific vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids and trace elements for a precise period of time while being protected from certain kinds of toxins in your environment such as heavy metals, foreign hormones and chemicals.

For example, during menstruation, iron and vitamin C should be favored, but when the follicular phase begins, vitamin E, zinc and specific antioxidants need to be taken in precise quantities.

During ovulation, your nutrient requirements change again as B group vitamins and essential fatty acids become vitally important.

Finally, during the luteal phase, specific spices can help your fertilized egg implant properly.

Similarly sperm need different nutrients during each stage of spermatogenesis. For example, vitamin A is important during sperm development in the Sertolli cells. What your body is exposed to during this period of time greatly impacts the quality and shape of the sperm. Vitamin E is needed for immature sperm to mature into strong swimmers and B6 is crucial for testosterone production.

But, thankfully, you don’t need to understand any of this. That’s because I’ll give you easy-to follow steps to improve the cellular health of your reproductive system and, in turn, boost your odds of conception and healthy pregnancy.

For starters, I’ll bring to your attention things you probably never realized are harmful to your fertility. Then I’ll help you pinpoint which of these factors may be impacting your fertility. Finally, I’ll show you how to make simple changes that gives your body exactly what it needs in the right order and at the right time to gently overcome what is preventing you from conceiving and having a healthy pregnancy.

Don’t be surprised when I focus on a range of holistic factors including: foods, nutrition and supplementation, personal care products, household utilities, environmental exposure, lifestyle, sleep, emotions and stress factors.

Over the years, I’ve found that the synergistic combination of these elements at the optimal time is where dramatic results are regularly achieved. It’s not as simple as changing your shampoo or adjusting your diet, but it’s not super difficult, and I’ll make the changes so enjoyable that you’ll love the process and will feel like you’re really taking charge of your pregnancy.

As an added benefit, most couples report never having felt better after following my program for just a few weeks.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Kuwait Mom Pregnancy Success with Iva Keene!


Besma Baby ~ after working with Iva Keene in 2010
The second article in a series of articles about Fertility Expert Iva Keenes, coming to Kuwait March 24-29, 2012. 

 Recently, BirthKuwait spoke with one of the mothers who met with Iva in 2010, and is now celebrating life with her new baby girl born last summer.

BIRTHKUWAIT: Why did you originally seek out Iva Keenes services? 

Um Besma: I had been trying to get pregnant for several years, and tried everything conventional medicine had to offer. Nothing was working. My doctor advised I work on improving the health of my eggs to increase my chances - that's when I started researching natural methods. 

BIRTHKUWAIT:  Why did you choose to work with Iva Keene instead of more traditional, medical approaches to fertility (IVF, Clomid and other prescriptions...etc.)?

Um Besma: As explained above, conventional medicine was not working - I did IUI three time, IVF three times. I had 1 miscarriage after IVF, and 2 miscarriages after Clomid.  

BIRTHKUWAIT:  What was the process like, from the first time that you contacted Iva Keene until you conceived? 

Um Besma: It was very much as her program suggests. You must fill in a comprehensive questionnaire that Iva uses to provide you with the fertility analysis. Her book also had so much information - I had an 'AHA' moment and finally was able to understand why I wasn't getting pregnant. The personalized fertility analysis from Iva gives us a clear picture of what changes we need to make in our life style and eating habits to increase our chances of pregnancy. There is also a prescription for high quality supplements. We then followed her advice as well as we could (not 100% but tried our best) for 120 days.  We got pregnant from our first try after the 120 days. During the 120 days and until I delivered Iva was always there to answer any questions and provide her support.

BIRTHKUWAIT: What did your husband think about working with Iva Keene? What does he think now?

Um Besma: He was skeptical, but was willing to try. He won't admit that's why it worked....but he's very happy we've been blessed with a healthy baby girl :) 

BIRTHKUWAIT:  What do you think made the biggest impact on your fertility and eventual success with conception?

Um Besma: It's difficult to say - God only knows really. I guess it’s trying your best at making the necessary changes that will not only improve your chances of getting pregnant, but also your overall health and the health of your baby. I also believe the supplements had a significant impact.  

BIRTHKUWAIT:  What would you want to tell other women in Kuwait struggling with infertility?

Um Besma: Whatever the reason for your infertility problems, Iva's method can help. I understand 120 days seems like an eternity when trying to get pregnant, but it's better than having a miscarriage, or having another failed IVF! Even if you need to do IVF, following the program will increase your chances. And you have nothing to lose!

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Bringing Baby Home...

Bringing Baby Home...was the topic of the La Leche League meeting today. Approximately 20 mothers, some with bumps and some with babies, gathered together today at the Soor Center to talk, laugh, and share about what mums need to know about life at home with a newborn.

Some mums were still pregnant, some had newborns, and some toddlers. We went around the circle and talked about the good and bad of everything from cots and cribs and slings and snugglies to pillows and pacifiers and breastfeeding apps and bottles.

Throughout the meeting mothers brought up other topics that they were struggling with: going back to work with a breastfeeding baby, transitioning a toddler from mum's bed to a separate bed, essential items in a newborn's diaper bag, nursing successfully with a tongue-tied baby, and what kind of bras are best for a nursing mum.

Mums went away energized, supported, and smiling. That's what I call a success! I hope to see the same and many more mums at the next LLL meeting. Caroline Presber, the LLLKuwait group leader, is trying to start either a second meeting time for working mums or a time that suits all mums together. If you are interested or have questions, please email Caroline at LLLKuwait@gmail.com for more information.
New mum brings three week old baby to LLLK meeting, receives gift from JellyBeanz/BirthKuwait. "I couldn't have done it without you!" says mum in reference to the home breastfeeding support she received when baby was four days old.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Fertility: Iva Keenes Journey to Natural Fertility Prescription

(Note: This is the first in a series about Iva Keene (MRepMed, BHSc, BBA, MANPA, MRN, NVS) and the Natural Fertility Prescription. Iva Keene is coming to Kuwait March 24-29, 2012 and will be speaking at a public lecture at the Soor Center on Saturday March 24.)

Question: 
Iva, how did you develop your approach to fertility, the Natural Fertility Prescription?

Iva: 
"Coming from a family of doctors I trusted the safety of medicine. But a severe hormonal reaction to medication when I was 19 sparked my early interest in alternative healing. Discovering Dr Deepak Chopra’s work (Time magazine’s “poet-prophet of alternative medicine”). I learned how eastern and holistic practitioners view disease as a temporary imbalance and not something to fear.

And so a long journey began. In my twenties I studied natural health sciences in Australia for four years. Taught by world-renowned experts in natural medicine, I learned to treat chronic conditions such as infertility holistically through diet, herbs, supplements and mind/body medicine. Once I saw these techniques work with my own eyes I became obsessed. Devouring knowledge from every authoritative source I could lay my hands on. I attended dozens of seminars by some of the world’s top health researchers. I read over 300 books on natural health, fertility and womens health. I learned about food as medicine, biochemistry, herbal medicine, drug-herb interactions and more. And to put into practice what I’d learned, I opened a clinic in Melbourne soon after graduating.

As you might imagine, In my early clinical days, couples came to me with fertility problems looking for natural therapies. Some were post-IVF and I witnesed the shocking side-effects of injectible fertility drugs. I also saw more and more children with ADHD, asthma, allergies and cognitive developmental problems. While I had early success addressing these problems with what I already knew, I was hungry to hone my approach.

But it was still early days! Over the following years I was fortunate to learn from early world-wide pioneers in preconception care. But I knew pieces of the puzzle were missing. So I devoured every significant book on natural fertility methods from the last 50 years. I tracked down countless research journals and unearthed obscure scientific literature. I discovered little-known clinical studies showing extraordinary results treating fertility naturally.

But the information was fragmented and inaccessible for a busy couple. The studies were written for scientists. The books were were written for practitioners and did not incorporate recent findings. Few were condition specific, or holistic. In short, every approach fell short in some way.

And that’s what led me to develop my all-natural pregnancy program. I designed it to enable couples to solve their fertility issues easily and naturally. You see, I believe pregnancy should be healthy, affordable and natural.

I’ve seen again and again how this empowers couples to get pregnant where before there was only despair. At first I couldn’t understand why there wasn’t more focus on natural infertility treatment alternatives. Then I realized it threatens powerful industries who profit from the enormous cost of conventional fertility treatments. In short the industries who provide the drugs and procedures profit from your disempowerment and your vulnerability. It doesn’t have to be this way… there IS an alternative.

So there you have it. My story in a nutshell. Developed over a 7 year period… NFP brings together (for the first time) cutting-edge knowledge from around the world. It includes my own findings into virtually unknown ways to use sleep to boost your fertility and little-known Ayurvedic and Chinese fertility secrets. And fuses it with the most advanced naturopathic fertility science from around the world. All packaged in a simple system to solve your individual fertility condition. There’s nothing like it."

(Taken from Iva Keene's website: The Natural Fertility Prescription )

To book an appointment with Iva Keene please call: +965 2263 6613 or email iva@Natural-Fertility-Prescription.com

Slots fill up fast, so book your appointment today!

La Leche League Thursday 10-12


 


La Leche League Meeting Tomorrow: Thursday, February 16, 10-noon.

The basic philosophy of La Leche League is summarized in the following statements:


  • Mothering through breastfeeding is the most natural and effective way of understanding and satisfying the needs of the baby.
  • Mother and baby need to be together early and often to establish a satisfying relationship and an adequate milk supply.
  • In the early years the baby has an intense need to be with his mother which is as basic as his need for food.
  • Breast milk is the superior infant food.
  • For the healthy, full-term baby, breast milk is the only food necessary until the baby shows signs of needing solids, about the middle of the first year after birth.
  • Ideally the breastfeeding relationship will continue until the baby outgrows the need.
  • Alert and active participation by the mother in childbirth is a help in getting breastfeeding off to a good start.
  • Breastfeeding is enhanced and the nursing couple sustained by the loving support, help, and companionship of the baby's father. A father's unique relationship with his baby is an important element in the child's development from early infancy.
  • Good nutrition means eating a well-balanced and varied diet of foods in as close to their natural state as possible.
  • From infancy on, children need loving guidance which reflects acceptance of their capabilities and sensitivity to their feelings. 
    If you are pregnant, come learn about breastfeeding and meet other moms. If you are breastfeeding, come meet other moms to share experiences, offer support, and build lasting friendships.
    Meeting are held at the Soor Center, 10th Floor, Munther Tower, Soor St., Kuwait City.
    There is a large open area with couches and a beautiful view of the city, with one smaller room attached that is available for mothers who might want extra privacy for nursing while still being engaged in the general conversation. Consider bringing a few toys for your Toddler (the Soor Center will provide a limited number of toys for small children).
    Light refreshments will be provided.



  • Friday, February 10, 2012

    Opening Day of Ajyalona Success!

    The opening day of Ajyalona was a grand success! We had a steady flow of women stopping by the BirthKuwait booth during the first day of the expo to inquire about fertility, prenatal health, and breastfeeding. This is a historic event in Kuwait and the Gulf- the first BirthNetwork of it's kind; women and health professionals joining together to support mothers and improve maternity services. This is what it's all about!

    Come to the BirthKuwait booth and enter your name in a raffle for a chance to win great products and services donated by Oleana Boutique, JellyBeanz, Medela, EngagingBirth, LaLecheLeague, MellowBumps and more.

    The Ajyalona Expo is filled with booths and activities for kids, face painting, circus and magic performers, entertainers and more. In addition, BirthKuwait has a comfortable nursing room for any breastfeeding mothers and their babies. There's something for everyone at the Ajyalona Expo!

    Sunday, February 5, 2012

    Free! Fun! For Everyone! AJYALONA!


    On Feb 9-10-11, 2012 BirthKuwait will be participating in the annual family event of the year- AJYALONA!

    This FREE event is for everyone! Highlights will include performances by magicians, circus performers, celebrities (including Nancy Ajram, Bashar Al-Shatti, Bader Al Mutawaa, Toyor Al Jannah, and Hala Al-Turk), treasure hunts, and free give aways.

    In addition, parents will have the opportunity to learn about important new developments in parenting trends, child safety, health, education, and play from a variety of vendors- including children’s retailers, educational services, charitable organizations, and health service providers.

    Come join us for some Free Fun For Everyone!!

    Mishref Fairgrounds, Exhibit Hall 8. For more info, visit: www.Ajyalona.info

    Look for the BirthKuwait Booth and enter your name in a drawing for services and products, including FREE prenatal yoga, mums-n-baby yoga, infant massage, and pilates classes, Medela Breastfeeding Products, Pregnancy and Birth Books and DVDs, and other discounted pregnancy and new-mother related services.  Show your support for the first ever birth network in Kuwait- BirthKuwait. We’re Here For You!

    Thursday, February 2, 2012

    Welcome to BirthKuwait!


    On May 5th, a group of 40+ women met together in Salmiya to discuss the creation of an umbrella organization called BirthKuwait. We wanted mothers and babies in Kuwait to have access to the best information, resources and services available today. By working together, we have created a website that we hope will become the central-hub in Kuwait for information and resources related to conception, pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding. 

    Founders Meeting in May 2011
    BirthKuwait in partnership with our affiliates will host monthly workshops to help mothers become more familiar with resources that are available here in Kuwait and provide opportunities for mothers to learn about what current research tells us about optimal birth, breastfeeding, and mothering practices.

    In addition to making resources accessible, we hope to help facilitate future training workshops for doulas, childbirth educators, peer-breastfeeding counselors, and prenatal and postnatal fitness instructors so that women will have access to more resources in Kuwait.


     As a MotherBaby Network (MBNet) organization for the International MotherBaby Childbirth Initiative (the IMBCI), BirthKuwait is dedicated to the 10 Steps to Optimal MotherBaby Maternity Practices.  We will do all we can to work towards implementing these steps by advocating for midwifery care and mother baby friendly maternity practices here in Kuwait!

    Written By Sarah M Paksima

    Co-Founder BirthKuwait