New book release: Women's Bodies Women's Wisdom

Christiane Northrup, MD notified me of the release of the newest version of her book, Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom. I own the previous editions of this book and I ordered the newest version today. For years, I have referred to Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom for comprehensive guidance regarding my patients' health AND my own health. Links to order can be found at the end of this post.

I am especially excited about the latest release of Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom because in this edition, the comprehensive guide is entirely rewritten and updated and is designed to teach everything that can go RIGHT with the female body. This approach can help a woman thrive in her body by correcting negative beliefs that undermine her, and by imprinting the health giving joy and confidence that comes with the discovery of the amazing abilities of her body.

It is my belief that when we focus on what can go RIGHT, we actively recruit our bodies' strengths and healing abilities, and are in a much better place to problem-solve when discomforts and problems arise. It is the same approach that has made Breastfeeding with Comfort and Joy so helpful to countless women struggling with significant breastfeeding problems before finding this breastfeeding book.

Inside the new Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom you will discover:

• New material on sexuality—and how to have a more fulfilling sex life.
• The spiritual and scientific principles behind healing from terminal illnesses, and how you can utilize these principles for your own health and the health of others.
• Vital information about how to truly dissolve PMS and ease menstrual cramps.
  
• Extraordinary facts on Vitamin D—and why it is crucial for breast, cardiovascular, and immune system health.
• The importance of the preconception diet and how to greatly decrease your risk of birth defects.
• How to birth naturally, despite the current induction and C-section epidemic.
• All you need to know about thyroid function, including proper blood tests.
• Life-saving facts about cellular inflammation—the root cause of all chronic degenerative diseases—and how to prevent this condition.
• The essentials on the “fountain of youth molecule”—and how to enhance your levels of it for vibrant health.

You can purchase Dr. Northrup’s beloved classic everywhere books are sold. Purchase at your favorite local bookseller or online in paperback from Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and Borders and in hardcover from Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and Borders. To read an excerpt, go to www.drnorthrup.com

Pregnant Teens-A Model of Care and Hope

A Doula Story is a moving hour-long documentary about a doula who works with pregnant teenagers in Chicago. The doula, Loretha Weisinger, shows and explains how she nurtures the pregnant girls so they can nurture their babies. She also exposes the challenges these girls face as she follows them through their pregnancies, births and their lives afterward.

There is a call to action that begins with the opening words printed on the screen.

"One out of nine births in this country is to a teenager."

"Many face their pregnancy and parenthood alone."

This call to action intensifies as the viewer witnesses Loretha Weisenger's understanding and compassion for each girl. By her actions, she clearly shows us what is needed to provide hope for a better life for these families.

From the film's description at Black Public Media's website:

"A Doula Story documents one African American woman’s fierce commitment to empower pregnant teenagers with the skills and knowledge they need to become confident, nurturing mothers. Produced by The Kindling Group, a Chicago-based nonprofit organization, this powerful film follows Loretha Weisinger back to the same disadvantaged Chicago neighborhood where she once struggled as a teen mom. Loretha uses patience, compassion and humor to teach “her girls” about everything from the importance of breastfeeding and reading to their babies, to communicating effectively with health care professionals."

We see the significant barriers to breastfeeding these girls face. At the same time, it is clear that when these girls do breastfeed, the health and emotional benefits can be crucial and satisfying for the mom who can take pride in her unique gift that only she can give to her baby. Watching Ms. Weisinger help these girls to breastfeed, reminded me of a story a WIC breastfeeding counselor shared with me.

The WIC counselor was working with an African American woman whose baby was thriving on breast milk. The woman weaned her baby when she returned to work because she was overwhelmed by a lack of support and the increased demands of returning to work when her baby was quite young. Subsequently, her baby ended up in the emergency room many times for illnesses and intolerance to the different formulas. In frustration, the mother said to the WIC counselor, "Why didn't you chain me to a chair and make me breastfeed?" The WIC counselor's response was that she had to respect the mother's right to choose. What choices did this mother really have? She wanted to breastfeed but the barriers overwhelmed her.

If you wish to learn more about the services and mission of Marillac House, where Ms. Weisinger works, click here

Click here to view the hour-long film.