Checking for Diastasis Recti After the Birth of Your Baby

Hello Friends of CNY!  I teach Prenatal, Postnatal (Parent and Baby) Hatha and Restorative yoga classes at CNY Healing Arts in Rochester.  I have one 19 month old and another one on the way (due next month).  I’ve been teaching prenatal and postnatal yoga for many years and just wanted to offer some information regarding one of the common questions I hear regarding abdominal muscles and the postpartum body!  Enjoy-

One frequent request I hear from Mom’s in the “Baby and Me” yoga class on Saturday’s from 9-10:00am is:
“Abs, my stomach, Abbbbbbsssssss please, make the pregnancy pillow go away!“  Before you start any abdominal work at home it is wise to chat with your health care provider or come to a “Baby and Me” Yoga class with me (Baby and Me yoga is on Saturday’s from 9-10am!) so you can check for Diastasis recti. It is important to learn safe and effective exercises that are specific to your postnatal body!  It is equally important to take Prenatal Yoga during your pregnancy to learn safe exercise methods for activating your core muscles! After the birth, you will want and need to take it easy if you have a large separation between the two recti abdominal muscles.  If you do, there may have been a tearing of the muscles away from the linea alba so specific exercises are needed.  Tearing is more likely to occur in women with very tight abdominal muscles.

How to check for Diastasis recti:

-To check for diastisis recti following birth, lay in a supine position with your feet on the floor and your knees bent.  Exhale and start to curl your chin to your chest and lift your shoulders about 1 inch off the ground.  Palpate your linea alba (about an inch above your belly button at midline).  The width and depth of the space between the two recti muscles indicates whether there has been a tearing of them muscles away from the linea alba.  This can be caused from the rapid growing and stretching of your body during pregnancy.  If the width is two or more finger-widths wide than you will need special exercises to help the area heal.  I highly recommend you come to my class to learn safe and effective exercises to help this area heal.

It is recommended that you wait about 6 weeks postpartum before attending yoga.  Knowing and understanding the state of your body can help make your path to recovery appropriate and safe.  “Baby and Me” yoga is every Saturday from 9:00-10:00am at CNY Rochester.

by

Christa Tyson, Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga Instructor and Birth Doula
CNY Healing Arts- Rochester NY

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Yoga classes at CNY Healing Arts in Rochester:

Prenatal Yoga: Mon 6:15-7:30pm, Wed 5-6:15pm, Sat 10:15-11:30am

All Levels Yoga: Mon 5:00-6:00pm, Wed 6:30-7:45pm

Baby and Parent Yoga: Sat 9:00-10:00am

Yoga for Fertility: Thursday 6-8:00pm

Studio Location:
CNY Healing Arts: Indoor and Outdoor Yoga Studios
2244 East Ave, Rochester NY 14610
585-244-1280

Dr. Rob Kiltz Interviewed for Acupuncture Today Article

Jennifer Waters recently interviewed Dr. Rob Kiltz, Director of CNY Fertility and CNY Healing Arts Centers. Below is her article that will appear in the Acupuncture Today August Issue. Jennifer’s questions are noted by JW preceding them and Dr. Kiltz’s answers are noted by RK preceding them.

Prominent Fertility Doctor combines East and West
Robert J. Kiltz MD, is the Founder and Director of Central New York’s first successful IVF center – CNY Fertility Center. He is also the Owner / Director of CNY Healing Arts Center, an accomplished artist, and a motivational speaker. His practice embraces both the newest Western technologies and the oldest Eastern philosophies. It is a formula that has been successful for both his clients and himself. His passion in life is to help others reach their spiritual goals, achieve happiness and success, and live a spectacular life by creating balance and wellness within oneself.

1. JW: Now that you have established three healing art centers, can you share with us what sort of results you’ve seen with integrated practices promoting fertility?

RK: Well, I can’t tell you that we’ve done any prospective randomized controlled studies but what I’ve seen with the integrative approach of adding the eastern medicine; acupuncture, yoga, massage, herbs, even spirituality, is that I believe it helps people continue and to be persistent in their journey and feel more relaxed and at ease about themselves in the process.  There are plenty of studies out there that have shown the value of these complementary modalities in improving reproductive function and fertility and I would say, we are seeing the same thing, but my biggest view is on the ability to continue to move forward in the path with a lighter heart.

2. JW: What about fertility drugs; do you think patient should be concerned about the amount of drugs that they are using in any long-term effects?

RK: Well, there’s been conflicting data about the adverse effects of these medications.  There is some data that says that cancer has increased and I know definitely that there are some short-term side-effects such as: mood swings, headaches, enlarged ovaries, hyper-stimulation, even strokes can occur from these medications.  So, you have to be very careful about them and  really define whether it’s the first route you take or do you combine it with an integrative approach?  In general, there is nothing we have in life that isn’t of risk.  It’s a balance that I think we have to look at, help create and share with people. These other possibilities such as acupuncture, herbs, and massage can help them develop a “happy uterus” and minimize the use of drugs and surgeries.

3. JW: What about the ovaries, egg retrievals, and stimulation; how many egg retrievals are too many?

RK: That’s the other million dollar question because we don’t really know that answer.  Most people who experience fertility issues never need IVF.  Most people never even seek fertility care on the western side and I think that any of these procedures, obviously, because of the anesthesia, because of the needle stick and risk of bleeding or infection offers any risk. I think overall it’s a small risk.  It all gets back to the emotional challenges that people go through and to obtain anything, you have to keep at it.  So there this is really no doubt to say that one time, five times, ten times or twenty times is too many, but if it is not happening after six to twelve times, maybe rethinking what you are doing and thinking of some other modality is the best way to approach all of this.  Success happens to those that keep at it in life, but if you keep on doing the same thing and expecting something different, that’s when we’re most challenged.   I still don’t think it’s the actual procedure that’s the risk, but it’s the emotional challenges that create the biggest risk to people.

4. JW: I know many couples that come to see you already have children and want more  for a variety of motivations.  How do you stay neutral in this situation?  We know the planet is suffering greatly, overpopulation has been a big concern for decades.  Do you ever encourage adoption?

RK: Well, absolutely adoption is something that everyone should consider.  I believe it should be part of the options and we have just recently connected with a group from Rochester that we are partnering with to help with adoption and make it easier for people to begin that path earlier.  I think in abundance in this world and I think everything is happening exactly as the creator has created it for us. All of this tweaking and the challenges in life are just part of the growth of the universe.  It’s exactly why some people want to have no children, and other people want to have ten, it’s just all part of the nature of the universe and our own individuality.  I respect each and everyone’s decision in life.

5. JW: We see that you have a number of websites including www.mindbodysmile.com and you have trademarked The Fertile Secret,   What do you want to be most remembered for when you die?

RK: I love Eckhart Tolle and he kind of laughs at all of this and says, “None of this really matters very much, because where are we in 100 or 1000 years?” For me,  I think it’s mostly about sharing love. I think it’s simply for sharing the words of love.  I think that’s where Mind Body Smile and the Fertile Secret and what I do at CNY Fertility and CNY Healing Arts and all the things I am working to share every day, is sharing love.

6. JW: We know that integrated medicine is becoming quite popular by consumer demand, but what we don’t know is how many doctors believe that these therapies do more than just relax the patient.

RK: It’s interesting that most people believe in God, 98% of people believe in a higher power, we call that God. I go to medical conferences all the time and most doctors say, “Well we want the facts, the prospective randomized double-blinded, controlled studies and then we’ll believe it.”  So I think most western doctors don’t believe it, but what’s interesting is that when I ask the question, who believes in God? 98% of them raise their hands.  Then I ask them where are the facts for that?  It’s only a belief and belief is  the most powerful thing in the universe.  Placebo has outperformed many drugs, western drugs, which many of them are created through eastern herbs.  So, if placebo may outpace our western drugs, it’s only a belief that is a powerful thing in the universe.

7. JW: It is purported that  autism begins in-utero and that one of the elements is antibiotic use during pregnancy.  What do you think about that?

RK: I have recently read a book called The Biology of Belief by Bruce Lipton.
Things are exactly what we believe them to be and nothing else.  The possibilities of all of this are there and if we are out there sharing and helping with words, thoughts and ideas, there is tremendous value and growth in the universe.  I don’t know the cause of autism.   It absolutely starts in the womb and sharing words and music and thoughts of kindness will help all of us live a better life.  Antibiotics in and of themselves help many people and there are likely alternatives that we need to be pursuing more and more because yes, we overuse antibiotics like we overuse many things in life.

8. JW: We know that in the medical field, it’s often the nurses who are in the worst health.  Do you ever think that you will require your staff to go through the Fertile Secret program?

RK: Well, I have required my staff to say “my pleasure” and they said,  “No, we’re not going to do that; you can’t make us to that”.  They pushed me, they shoved me and I said, “Yes, you are right.  Okay, what do I need to do to be better?”  And so, I share the thoughts and ideas; at the same time, I say to them, you’re perfect, you are awesome and amazing and what can I do to be better?   We have offered yoga to all our staff. I used to walk in and say “why aren’t you doing this and why aren’t you doing that”? And I learned that  they’ll push me right back.  I say, ‘Well, thank you for teaching me that, what can I you do to be better?’  Then I say, “You know, you guys are awesome and amazing and here are some thoughts and ideas that”.

9. JW: When you say diagnose a patient with fibroids, for example, do you give them a choice of doing western or integrated medicine as possible treatment options?

RK: I look at the integrated medicine as the East and the West.
Absolutely, I share the East and the western approaches in all of this and the risk and benefits and options for all of them and allow them to make the decision that is right for them.  I absolutely believe that at the same time people should be using the eastern approach, but not neglect the values of the western approach also. Yet I am still learning and amazed in the things that we thought couldn’t be done with the mind, are being done every day.  I really think it comes back to what is in our comfort zone.  It may be customary that a traditional eastern doctor’s office pulls out some weeds for us and people are healed or when we pull out a shot and people are healed from that.  So, the healing happens within. Everyday, people come into my office sometimes and they say, “Dr. Rob shared some of this kind of Voodoo stuff.  Can I have that shot now??

Caffeine and Fertility

Studies have shown a decrease in fertility when more than 300mg of caffeine is consumed daily.  This means that a cup or two of strongly brewed dark roast coffee each day should not hurt your chances of becoming pregnant. But, there are other factors to consider and having the knowledge of how caffeine affects your body’s systems can help you decide whether a daily pick-me-up of coffee or tea is right for you or whether it should be avoided when trying to conceive.

Caffeine affects levels of certain adrenal hormones and neurotransmitters. This allows for the spike in energy after consumption but it can also trigger a dip in energy as the caffeine leaves your system, making one feel even more tired or sluggish than before having the cup of coffee or tea. Because these hormones have an effect on moods, those suffering from anxiety and depression might want to skip the associated highs and lows.

Caffeine affects the absorption of certain nutrients. The absorption of iron, vitamin A and certain B vitamins has been shown to be inhibited when caffeine is present in the system. All of these nutrients are essential for fertility and for maintaining a healthy pregnancy. The half-life of caffeine in the body is between four and six hours. Thus, caffeine should be avoided before and after taking vitamins or supplements. And, those who have a tendency toward anemia should very much consider avoiding an excess of caffeine.

Caffeine functions as a diuretic. Coffee and tea cause more frequent urination. This loss of fluid can lead to an electrolyte imbalance. It is essential when consuming caffeine to increase water intake to maintain proper fluid and electrolyte levels in the cells so that they can function properly.

Caffeine can maintain high blood sugar levels in those with diabetes or those who have insulin resistance. Clinical studies have shown an increase in the amount of time it takes for blood sugar levels to stabilize when caffeine is consumed in those who already have difficulty maintaining healthy blood sugar balance. So, those that do have this difficulty should not pair coffee with dessert.

The following table shows the approximate amount of caffeine found in different beverages and in chocolate.  Caffeine amounts can depend of several factors. With coffee, lighter roasts have more caffeine than darker roasts. Herbal teas do not generally have caffeine. There are many teas available now that are blends of herbal teas and green or white teas. These will have less caffeine per serving than a straight green or white tea. And, medicinal teas are generally just herbal and do not have caffeine.

Product and Approximate Amount of Caffeine per serving
(8oz, unless otherwise noted)

• Coffee = 115 mg
• Espresso = 100 mg per 2 ounce serving
• Black Tea = 40 mg
• Green Tea = 20 mg
• White Tea = 15 mg
• Cola = 30 mg
• Commercial Energy Drink = 80 mg per can
• Dark Chocolate = >5 mg per ounce
• Milk Chocolate = <5 mg per ounce

Lastly, coffee, tea and chocolate all have healthful properties as well. As with anything, balance and moderation is the key. You can easily glean the antioxidant benefits of a cup of green tea without overdoing the caffeine. If you enjoy coffee for coffee’s sake but do not want the effects of the caffeine, you can choose a decaffeinated brew that uses the Swiss water method versus a chemical decaffeination process. And, it is best to pick organic when choosing coffees and teas to avoid chemicals used in growth and processing and allow for a healthier you and a healthier planet.

Kari Gardner, L.Ac. MSAOM, HHP
Acupuncturist and Herbalist at CNY Healing Arts, Syracuse
315.671.5755
kgardner@cnyhealingarts.com

Using the Heat and Cold as a Comfort Measure for Labor

Hello Friends!
I teach Prenatal Yoga at CNY Healing Arts in Rochester, NY.  The girls are always asking me for advice on achieving a more comfortable labor and childbirth experience.  My answer is always…come to as much prenatal yoga as you can!!!  Another piece of advice I give to the girls is something so simple and easily accessible, whether your at a hospital or home for the birth of the baby you can use heat and cold to ease labor sensations!

Both Heat and Cold can be used to reduce pain and increase comfort during labor and childbirth. Very often the laboring woman will have a strong preference for one or the other.

When I was in labor for the birth of my son, the mantra that surged through my body was “more cold packs!”.   I kept my husband, sister, mother, doula and midwife very busy.  They had a chain of hands going from the ice bucket, which contained wet icy-cool rags, straight to my back.  I was Hot and my body seemed to heat those cold rags in a flash.  The cold rags seemed to make a huge difference in my comfort.  I was able to have a completely natural childbirth without any medications or interventions with the help of natural positioning options and the use of Heat and Cold! My advice to you is to follow your instincts.  Your body will tell you what to do and what you need.  My body screamed “more cold packs” and my family still jokes about how their hands went numb trying to keep me cool and comfortable during labor.

Caution: A laboring woman’s sense of temperature is altered by labor.  Never place a hot pack on any area of the body affected by an epidural or anesthesia!

COLD-
* Decreases local blood flow
* Decreases local skin and muscle temperature
* Decreases tissue metabolism
* Decreases muscle spasms
* Slows the transmission of impulses over afferent neurons, leading to decreases sensation

• A cold washcloth for the face, neck and upper chest helps to refresh and invigorate the laboring woman.  Placed across the back of the neck can reduce nausea.  Placed on the lower back can help with back labor.
• A cold or ice pack can reduce back pain.  Wrap-around packs with a Velcro belt allow the laboring woman to move around
• Ice packs to the perineum immediately after the birth are highly recommended to reduce swelling.

HEAT-
* Increases local blood flow
* Increases local skin and muscle temperature
* Increases tissue metabolism
* Decreases muscle spasms
* Relaxes tiny muscles in skin (hair follicles, capillaries)
* Raises pain threshold

• Warm,wet towels, wrung dry, rolled and placed below the pregnant abdomen provides comfort in late active labor.
• Warm wet washcloths reduce perineal discomfort and encourage softening and stretching of the perineal tissue in preparation for birth. (*my midwife held a warm compress on my perineum for about 45min before I started to push.  It can’t begin to tell you how much this will help.  I recommend that you request this in your birth plan*)
• A hot water bottle or hot pack can be applied to the back for back pain during labor.
• After birth, during breastfeeding it helps to have a warm pack on the belly to help alleviate the cramping sensation when the uterus is shrinking back to its original size.

Using HEAT and COLD together!

• Place a cold pack on the laboring woman’s back and cover her with warm blankets
• Place a cold washcloth on her brow or neck while she sits in a warm bath.

Good luck and have a blissful labor and childbirth experience!
Namaste or “mamaste”,
Christa Tyson, Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga Instructor and Birth Doula
CNY Healing Arts- Rochester NY

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Yoga classes at CNY Healing Arts in Rochester:
Prenatal Yoga:
Mon 6:15-7:30pm, Wed 5-6:15pm, Sat 10:15-11:30am
All Levels Yoga: Mon 5:00-6:00pm, Wed 6:30-7:45pm
Baby and Parent Yoga: Sat 9:00-10:00am
Yoga for Fertility: Thursday 6-8:00pm

Studio Location:
CNY Healing Arts: Indoor and Outdoor Yoga Studios
2244 East Ave, Rochester NY 14610
585-244-1280

Omega-3 Fatty Acids for your Baby’s Health

If you are considering becoming pregnant, are pregnant or nursing, are you getting enough omega-3 fatty acids?  This essential fat is necessary for optimal growth and development of your baby.  Omega-3’s also improve the health of you and your baby’s heart, eyes and brain. At CNY Healing Arts Center in Syracuse we can provide you with a consultation with our Registered Dietitian to help you to ensure that you are getting the right nutrients for you and your baby.

There are two types of omega-3 fatty acids:  DHA and ARA.  You may notice that many prenatal vitamins now include DHA.  Research has shown that getting enough DHA is extremely important for your developing fetus.  This fat is the primary structural component of brain tissue.  The brain grows more rapidly in the womb than at any other stage in a child’s development. By getting adequate DHA in the womb, you can help to increase your child’s brain development, IQ scores later in life and visual acuity. The importance of DHA continues while your child is an infant, as their brains triple in size by their first birthday.

Despite our knowledge on the importance of DHA and ARA, the typical American diet only provides about one-third of the recommended levels.  Eating right prior to pregnancy is necessary so that you can build up your DHA stores. So, what foods are good sources of omega-3’s?  We all know that fish are an excellent source, and the fattier the fish, the higher the concentration of omega-3’s.  Try, salmon, tuna, mackerel, trout, herring and whitefish.  Even when pregnant, it is safe to have 4 ounces of fish 3 times a week.  Vegetables oils such as flaxseed, soy and canola are also good sources of the omega-3 fatty acids.  However, the number one thing you can feed your baby:  breastmilk!  Hence, the reason for you to consume adequate amounts of the nutrient.
To ensure that you are getting enough omega-3 fatty acids, try some of the supplemented foods available.  Everything from milk, cereal, cheese and juice has added DHA.  If your prenatal does not contain DHA, you can take a DHA supplement such as Expecta.  If you are not pregnant or nursing, you can also try a fish-oil supplement.

To ensure that you are getting the right nutrients for you and your baby, it is best to meet with a Registered Dietitian.  Call CNY Healing Arts Center in Syracuse to make your appointment today!

Heather Neely, RD, CDN
CNY Healing Arts Center
hneely@cnyhealingarts.com
(315) 671-5755

Maya Abdominal Massage at CNY Healing Arts Centers

We are pleased to announce that all of our CNY Healing Arts Center locations are now offering Maya Abdominal Massage.  Kristen Crumb of CNY Healing Arts (Latham office) has completed her Maya Abdominal Massage professional training, and has started working on her own case studies. Please call the Latham Office if you are interested in participating in the case studies there 518.724.5750.

Congratulation’s to Erika Lutwin and John Capozzi of CNY Healing Arts (Syracuse office) on the completion of their Maya Abdominal Massage Certification. They would like to thank everyone who participated in all of the case studies to help reach their goal.

Erin McCollough, at our CNY Healing Arts (Rochester office), also recently completed advanced training in Maya Addominal Massage for fertility, prenatal and postnatal care. Maya Abdominal Massage can be safely applied to all stages of pregnancy (from pre-conception and beyond) when received by an ATMAT practitioner that has completed this advanced training.

Read more about Maya Abdominal Massage here.

Relaxation and Meditation in June

This month at CNY Healing Arts Centers – all locations – we will make time to focus on relaxation, meditation and being more centered and mindful. We have several workshops and classes that will help you to do just this. Please contact the center nearest you to inquire about our services or events. Click here for contact information.

Yoga Class Schedules – click here
Yoga is a wonderful way to create better balance in your life. Experience Yoga, join us for a class today.

Syracuse CNY Healing Arts Center:

Secrets of Aromatherapy Workshop – Saturday, June 12th, 1-2:30pm
Join Bonita Shear to learn the ancient secrets of Egypt: longevity, beauty, and inner peace. Please dress in comfortable clothing, bring a blanket and an open mind toward learning new tools for your well-being. No cost to attend. *RSVP to CNY Healing Arts Center at 315.671.5755.

Farm Sanctuary Field Trip – Saturday, June 26th
Meet at Farm Sanctuary (Watkins Glen) at 10:45am. Tour starts at 11am. *RSVP to CNY Healing Arts at 315.671.5755

• Fee for Tour – $3/adults, $1 for children under 12 – This event is open to everyone.
• Lunch will be provided (vegetarian)
• Yoga, outside, after the tour (all level class)
• Hang out afterwards, or enjoy the surrounding towns, parks or wineries, etc.

Mindfulness Meditation Classes – Wednesdays, 5:45-7pm
Join Kim Fischer for mindfulness meditation classes on Wednesday evenings where you will learn ancient yogic techniques to help quiet the mind. Through the practice of guided meditation, you will gain greater clarity, calmness and insight in facing your everyday experiences – even life’s challenges can be transformed into occasions for self-exploration, deepening your personal strength and wisdom. Stress melts away when we quite the mind and meditate. *RSVP by calling CNY Healing Arts Center at 315.671.5755

Rochester CNY Healing Arts Center:

Aromatherapy Workshop: Cleaning with Essential Oils – Thursday, June 17th, 6-8pm
Learn which essential oils are good for cleaning and how to incorporate Aromatherapy into your household cleaning routine.  *Fee is $20 which includes recipes and an antimicrobial cleaner we will make in class.  *Class size limited to 8 students; please RSVP by June 15th to rochregister@cnyhealingarts.com

Meditation Workshop -  Tuesday, June 22nd, 6-8pm
Come join Julie Cramer, Life Mastery Coach, Intuitive and Energetic Healer in a healing vortex where your extraneous cares and worries and the stimulations and demands of modern daily life will melt away through a combination of guided meditation, hands on energy work and a ceremonial letting go of what is no longer serving you in your life. From this place, your natural state of wholeness and inner wisdom can step forward and guide you in your life.  *Fee is $15.  RSVP to rochregister@cnyhealingarts.com

Latham CNY Healing Arts Center:

Introduction to Meditation Workshop – Thursday June 24th, 7:45pm-8:45
Join Samantha Rossi  for this free workshop.  Anyone can learn to meditate as a way to relax and relieve stress.  In this workshop you will learn the benefits of mindful meditation, techniques for successful meditation, and the importance of breathing. The workshop will finish with a guided meditation with imagery. Couples are welcome.  Please dress comfortably.  Workshop is offered at no cost. Samantha Rossi is a Reiki Master Teacher in the Usui system of Reiki. *RSVP by calling CNY Healing Arts at 518-724-5750

Benefits of Hula Hooping

The staff at CNY Healing Arts Center on East Avenue in Rochester, NY, anticipated the echoing laughter that was about to ensue at Girls Night Out on May 22nd, as women of all ages filed onto the large deck, extending off the back of the building. Jen Moore, CNY’s certified Hoopdance Instructor, kept her intro speech short, as the ladies anxiously waited to get their hands on the vibrant, shiny hula hoops, hand crafted and custom-made by none other than Moore’s husband.

The recent explosion of hula hooping across the nation has baffled many who still think of it as a 50’s pastime. However, after the first five minutes of Moore’s Hoopdance class, any doubt about the benefits of Hoopdance that previously lingered in these women’s minds was completely erased. Not only did the ladies begin to sweat a little from the full-body cardio workout that they experienced, but laughter rang through the air as they giggled together, and at themselves.

The benefits of Hoopdance are far-reaching. Moore taught the ladies different methods of dancing, so that they could work on toning specific areas of their bodies, including the waistline, glutes, arms and thighs. She explained that Hoopdance not only strengthens your core and other muscles, but it increases flexibility. The different positions used in Hoopdance challenge your standard range of motion, expanding it with each session. Hoopdance also enhances cardiovascular health, keeping your heart pumping with constant motion, whether fast-paced or steady and slow. Last but not least, all of the flexing during Hoopdance releases toxins from your body in the same way that yoga does, leaving you feeling refreshed and energized.

On Moore’s personal journey to health and happiness, she has lost over 100 pounds through a combination of Hoopdance and leading a healthy lifestyle. She now teaches Hoopdance classes every Tuesday night from 6PM to 7PM at CNY Healing Arts Center at 2244 East Avenue in Rochester, New York.

Jessie Briel
CNY Healing Arts Center, Rochester, NY
585.244.1280