by Dr. Christiane Northrup

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The menstrual cycle is the most basic, earthy cycle we have. Our blood is our connection to the archetypal feminine. The macrocosmic cycles of nature, the waxing and waning, the ebb and flow of the tides and the changes of the seasons, are reflected on a smaller scale in the menstrual cycle of the individual female body. The monthly ripening of an egg and subsequent pregnancy or release of menstrual blood mirror the process of creation as it occurs not only in nature, unconsciously, but in human endeavor. In many cultures, the menstrual cycle has been viewed as sacred.

Even in modern society, where we are cut off from the rhythms of nature, the cycle of ovulation is influenced by the moon. Studies have shown that peak rates of conception and probably ovulation appear to occur at the full moon or the day before. During the new moon, ovulation and conception rates are decreased overall, and an increased number of women start their menstrual bleeding. Scientific research has documented that the moon rules the flow of fluids (ocean tides as well as individual body fluids) and affects the unconscious mind and dreams.¹  The timing of the menstrual cycle, the fertility cycle, and labor also follows the moon-dominated tides of the ocean. Environmental cues such as light, the moon, and the tides play a documented role in regulating women’s menstrual cycles and fertility. In one study of nearly two thousand women with irregular menstrual cycles, more than half of the subjects achieved regular menstrual cycles of twenty-nine days’ length by sleeping with a light on near their beds during the three days around ovulation.²

The menstrual cycle governs the flow not only of fluids but of information and creativity. We receive and process information differently at different times in our cycles. I like to describe menstrual cycle wisdom this way: from the onset of menstruation until ovulation, we’re ripening an egg and—symbolically, at least—preparing to give birth to someone (or something) else, a role that society honors. Many women find that they are at their peak of expression in the outer world from the onset of their menstrual cycle until ovulation. Their energy is outgoing and upbeat. They are filled with enthusiasm and new ideas as well as being quite willing to fold the towels and fulfill their perceived role of helping others. At midcycle, we are naturally more receptive to others and to new ideas—more “fertile.” Sexual desire also peaks for many women at midcycle, and our bodies secrete into the air pheromones that increase our sexual attractiveness to others.³ (Our male-dominated society values this very highly, and we internalize it as a “good” stage of our cycle.) One woman, a waitress who works in a diner where many truckers stop to eat, has reported to me that her tips are highest at midcycle, around ovulation. Another man described his wife as “very vital and electric” during this time of her cycle.

The menstrual cycle itself mirrors how consciousness becomes matter and how thought creates reality. On the strictly physical level, during the time between menses and ovulation (known as the follicular phase) an egg grows and develops, while deep within the wall of the uterus circular collections of immune system cells, known as lymphoid aggregates, also begin to develop.⁴ On the expanded level of ideas and creativity, this first half of the cycle is a very good time to initiate new projects. A researcher friend of mine tells me that she has the most energy to act on ideas for new experiments during this part of her cycle. Ovulation, which occurs at midcycle, is accompanied by an abrupt rise in the neuropeptides FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone). The rise in estrogen levels that accompanies this has been associated with a rise in left-hemisphere activity (verbal fluency) and a decline in right-hemisphere activity (visual-spatial ability, such as the ability to draw a cube or read a map).⁵  But this may be offset by the simultaneous peak in testosterone production, which enhances visual-spatial ability while also increasing libido. Ovulation represents mental and emotional creativity at its peak; FSH-LH surge and subsequent rise in hormone production that accompanies ovulation may be the biological basis for this. The weeks following ovulation lead up to the menses; this is evaluative and reflective time, looking back upon what is created and on the negative or difficult aspects of our lives that need to be changed or adjusted. My researcher friend notes that during this part of her cycle, she prefers to do routine tasks that do not require much input from others or expansive thought on her part.

Our creative biological and psychological cycle parallels the phases of the moon; recent research has found that the immune system of the reproductive tract is cyclic as well, reaching its peak at ovulation, and then beginning to wane. From ancient times, some cultures have referred to women having their menstrual periods as being “on their moon.” When women live together in natural settings, their ovulations tend to occur at the time of the full moon, with menses and self-reflection at the dark of the moon. Scientific evidence suggests that biological cycles as well as dreams and emotional rhythms are keyed into the moon and tides as well as the planets. Specifically, the moon and tides interact with the electromagnetic fields of our bodies, subsequently affecting our internal physiological processes. The moon itself has a period when it is covered with darkness, and then slowly, beginning at the time of the new moon, it becomes visible to us again, gradually waxing to fullness. Women, too, go through a period of darkness each month, when the life-force may seem to disappear for a while (premenstrual and menstrual phases).⁶  We need not be afraid or think we are sick if our energies and moods naturally ebb for a few days each month. In many parts of India, it’s perfectly acceptable for women to slow down during their periods and rest more. I have come to see that all kinds of stress-related disease, ranging from PMS to osteoporosis, could be lessened a great deal if we simply followed our body’s wisdom once per month.

Many women, including me, have noticed that on the first day or two of our periods, we feel an urge to organize our homes or work spaces, cleaning out our closets—and our lives. Our natural biological cleansing is accompanied by a psychological cleansing as well.

If we do not become biologically pregnant at ovulation, we move into the second half of the cycle, the luteal phase—ovulation through the onset of menstruation. During this phase, we quite naturally retreat from outward activity to a more reflective mode. During the luteal phase we turn more inward, preparing to develop or give birth to something that comes from deep within ourselves. Society is not nearly as keen on this as it is on the follicular phase. Thus we judge our premenstrual energy, emotions, and inward mood as “bad” and “unproductive.”

Since our culture generally appreciates only what we can understand rationally, many women tend to block at every opportunity the flow of unconscious “lunar” information that comes to them premenstrually or during their menstrual cycle. Lunar information is reflective and intuitive. It comes to us in our dreams, our emotions, and our hungers. It comes under cover of darkness. When we routinely block the information that is coming to us in the second half of our menstrual cycles, it has no choice but to come back as PMS or menopausal madness, in the same way that our other feelings and bodily symptoms, if ignored, often result in illness.⁷

The luteal phase, from ovulation until the onset of menstruation, is when women are most in tune with their inner knowing and with what isn’t working in their lives. Studies have shown that women’s dreams are more frequent and often more vivid during the premenstrual and menstrual phases of their cycles.⁸  Premenstrually, the “veil” between the worlds of the seen and unseen, the conscious and the unconscious, is much thinner. We have access to parts of our often unconscious selves that are less available to us at all other times of the month. In fact, it has been shown experimentally that the right hemisphere of the brain—the part associated with intuitive knowing—becomes more active premenstrually, while the left hemisphere becomes less active. Interestingly enough, communication between the two hemispheres may be increased as well.⁹  The premenstrual phase is therefore a time when we have greater access to our magic—our ability to recognize and transform the more difficult and painful areas of our lives. Premenstrually, we are quite naturally more in tune with what is most meaningful in our lives. We’re more apt to cry—but our tears are always related to something that holds meaning for us. Years of personal and clinical experience have taught me that the painful or uncomfortable issues that arise premenstrually are always real and must be addressed.

Source: http://www.drnorthrup.com/womenshealth/healthcenter/topic_details.php?topic_id=138

by Maitefa Angaza

Heads up, women! The organizers of “Reproductive Awakening: Narratives of Agency in Black America” have conceived eight enlightening weekends of programming devoted to you. An art exhibition, film screenings, discussions and workshops, cervical selfies (whoa!) and a dance party, are all on the roster. Opening October 3^rd and running through November 23^rd at the Museum of Women’s Resistance located in Crown Heights, “Reproductive Awakening” aims to inform and uplift while bringing women together to share and have fun. There are also two afternoons dedicated to teen students and your daughter, niece or grandchild.

Designed around an exhibition featuring women artists, the project explores the historical, social and political significance of Black women’s struggle in the U.S. for reproductive autonomy and the impact of Black midwives in their communities. It focuses on birthing traditions and abortion rights through the 20th century to the present and celebrates an evolving advocacy that sustains the network of midwives serving African-American women.

Highlights include the keynote address by feminist activist, author and attorney Carol Downer on Saturday, October 4^th. She’ll address ways in which European “witch” burning beginning in the 12^th century, correlate with the demonizing of women healers and the economic and political monopoly that is modern U. S. healthcare. There will be screenings of Bringin’in Da Spirit, We Always Resist: Trust Black Women, A Period Piece and other films. Panels and workshops include those on midwifery, menses, menopause, “Placenta Medicine” “Choices, Rights, Autonomy,” and more.

Other exhibition-related programming includes The Red-Tent experience, (with one for preteens and teens as well), workshops on female sexual anatomy and holistic healing and wellness. Some events are free of charge, while others carry an admission fee. See reproductiveawakening.com for the full October schedule and a forecasting of November’s events.

A team of women and one man were brought together by Kinyofu Mlimwengu to develop and produce “Reproductive Awakening” for the community.

“This project was conceived as I developed my own awareness of the illusions surrounding women’s choices in reproductive health,” said Mlimwengu.  “It appears most women lack basic knowledge about their bodies. We become subject to medical and political opinion and judgment, none of which is affirming to women. It’s time to relearn what we lost through patriarchy, capitalism, and racism and effect change from within.”

The compact Museum of Women’s Resistance is located at 279 Empire Blvd between Nostrand and Rogers Avenues in Brooklyn. It’s housed at the headquarters of Black Women’s Blueprint, a civil and human rights organization that is co-sponsoring the “Reproductive Awakening” project.

by Kinyofu Mlimwengu

After having my children naturally, I really got how marvelous the woman’s body is. My experience of giving birth was one of enjoyment and empowerment – unlike all the stories I had been told in my lifetime. It was life changing for me because it confirmed my ability to give birth with ease. I was also inspired by the act of breastfeeding and took it upon myself to spread the wonderful benefits with any pregnant woman I encountered and queried every new mother. When I realized how much misinformation was out there and how many women refused to consider doing what I thought was the basic best, I decided to put myself in the position of teaching. I became a breastfeeding educator and a postpartum doula where I was able to provide hands on support.

Further enlightenment had me realize that the woman’s birth experience was a potential factor in whether or not she decided to breastfeed. As a result, I became a childbirth educator and a doula and developed a passion for encouraging normal birth. Ten years later I saw a pattern depicting varying levels of belief and conviction during a woman’s birth experiences. Even after taking childbirth classes, some women were unable to fully implement the birth plans they created. I began to wonder where the disconnect was and became charged with the desire to make a difference. I also realized that the time to learn about childbirth was not in the last trimester as most childbirth classes were designed. In fact, the first trimester was still too late. Because women had received negative impressions of birth all their lives, a certain level of reprogramming combined with actual practice would be necessary to establish trust and confidence in their bodies. The women who were already thinking outside of the box regarding her body, was the woman who was able to live into her birth plan. This realization moved me to the next segment of my journey.

Enrolling myself in school provided an outlet for me to research areas around womens health and autonomy. Feeling empowered as I learned about feminism, I became both curious and disturbed as to why literature on natural childbirth was so limited. On my way to researching the historical beginnings of childbirth activism, I was sidetracked by the protests of women wanting to suppress the pain of childbirth as experienced by their recent entry into the hospital. Previous to this, women birthed at home and utilized many home grown techniques which deemphasized pain. As normal childbirth was becoming a thing of the past, the women’s health movement of the 1970’s began to focus on other reproductive injustices dealing with the consequences of illegal abortion, lack of safe birth control, biased medical perspectives of women, lack of knowledge of one’s body, and degrading doctor/patient interactions.

The situation of illegal abortion forced women to identify alternative means. Most women resorted to a process that could potentially result in botched abortions, damaged wombs or loss of life. In response, others utilized self-help techniques to safely end their pregnancies. It was my discovery of these self-help techniques that made me realize how much power we had – and lost. The power gained, lay in our ability to handle our own business, given our knowledge of our bodies. The power lost, was revealed after abortion was legalized and women were no longer compelled to continue to utilize self-help techniques.  Instead, they gave management of their bodies over to doctors. The woman, in her perceived victory, walked unquestioning to the doctors office for her every bodily concern. It was at this juncture that I began to see a fissure in our autonomy as women and the growth of paternalistic disempowering gynecological and obstetric care. The fissure was subtly padded in the assimilation of women’s internal power.

Thirty years later, theoretical skeletons and rampant misconceptions of womens reproductive capabilities are voiced by prominent yet ignorant individuals.

Thirty years later, the choice to have a safe abortion is more a question of access for poor women, women of color, women who live in rural areas and women who live in pro-life states

Thirty years later, normal birth is almost a thing of the past as one third of women undergo major surgery to have their babies.

Thirty years later, 75% of babies receive breastmilk at birth and less than 50% still receive it by 6th month birthday.

Is this what triumph looks like?

Have we really come a long way?

by Kinyofu Mlimwengu

Excerpted from Free To Breastfeed: Voices of Black Mothers by Jeanine Valrie Logan & Anayah Sangodele-Ayoka

Located near the heart of all mothers, is a quaint, yet attractive set of fine dining experiences for all babies.  Easily accessible and conveniently located, The Breastaurant provides 24 hour meal preparation and effortless delivery. Whether the mother is at home or on the street, the internationally acclaimed Breastaurant is there to produce exactly what the child needs, in the exact quantity needed.

The Breastaurant is always prepared to offer the appropriate servings. Offering the contents of two breasts, eight to twelve times a day for the newborn; and later on ten to twelve times a day for the older baby, the Breastaurant is always super fresh and ready to serve. A mutual exchange is the norm, as the Breastaurant’s main course keeps the baby hydrated; and the baby, as a regular consumer, keeps the Breastaurant well supplied. The Breastaurant makes sure the baby gets what it needs and even takes into account growth spurts, by creating more food as the child grows.

The frequency of feedings establishes a special closeness between mother and baby and becomes a true bonding experience. Furthermore, this sanctuary provides an intimate family experience as part of its ambiance. Daddy’s joy is leaning on mommy’s shoulder while marveling at the expression as his little one receives Natures best. The Breastaurant brings forth an age-old, time-proven reinforcement of love, reassurance and verbal pleasantries, with an overall feeling of satiation and self-assurance between the family triad, and also leads to a good night’s sleep.

More than a social tradition, the Breastaurant is sure to include just the right combination of protein and carbohydrates to support the baby’s developing brain. The special, homemade preparation provides a unique cocktail of hormones, vitamins and minerals – all originating from the best and most natural source of organic, chemical-free, and intuitively tailored ingredients to build on the baby’s overall health.

One very distinctive element of the Breastaurant is its defense against disease due to the live antibacterial and antiviral cells included in the Breastaurant’s cuisine. Also notable are the many discovered and undiscovered bonuses that not only improve the health of the baby, but also that of the mother.

Babies welcome the Breastaurant as a clear preference above all other alternatives as they do not offer the same special nuances. These highly publicized so-called alternatives are only weak imitations.

…

For the rest of the article, you can buy the book herpes home remedies href=”http://freetobreastfeed.com/order-the-book/” target=”_blank”>here.

Jacob Sartorius can be past due. He had backed up during the studio, where he will give two writers here at split rooms churning out songs here musically fans hack at music here at music. this on top of the potential auditions (he more recently licensed to UTA, as one of the more efficient talent firms here at Hollywood), a built-in getting close to realm tour and then the fact that hes expected to come down his wash bubble-gum single, All My friends.

When i actually return to my hotel difference every night, i actually take into account exactly how delighted i’ve been of being conducting what Ive most importantly dreamed of, says Sartorius. Chewing gum and then tending to his gravity-defying teen-idol coiffure, hes very much here at ease losing this early oct day within a Los Angeles photo studio. The potential 13-year-old is a pop star during the making: His debut ode to PG courtship, Sweatshirt, hit no. 90 on their Billboard scorching a hundred, and then All My Friends wound up debuting here at no. 25 on their Pop digital music chart. And then he owes everything that to an item virtually all young adults have got nonetheless under no circumstances came to of: Musical. Ly, a built-in video-based ethnic pressure golf course from which tens of an incredible number of boys and girls international consider, most importantly to broadcast 15-second clips of themselves lip-syncing to hit music. Sartorius has advancements here at bringing in an international celebrity, says Jbeau Lewis, the potential music agent here at UTA who is compatible him, with his core Musical. Ly lovers delivering the origin.

Musical. Ly can be virtually all things: a built-in hit cellular app from which topped the potential iOS App wall socket free of charge chart here at July 2015 and then hasnt low in of them more efficient 40 seeing that; a built-in scorching-hot startup via a $500 million valuation (seeing that approximated all by TechCrunch in-may) and then during the period of 133 million Musers international; as well as a promotional golf course embraced linked to the music sector for its ability to translate song clips down into rivers and then product sales. And then and at half of most european young people (based on the companys quotation) linked to the app, Musical. Ly has become a bona fide ethnic sophistication, subtle inspiring pearl-clutching in between olds, away from parents fretting during the period of sexualized years as a child and then over the internet predators to traditionalists wanting to know the potential artistic validity of lip-syncing. It may not be Elvis thrusting his hips or computed Enemy speaking reality to consultant but then again, would anyone whos not really a teenager admit it regardless of whether Musical. Ly carry out are a symbol of a fresh frontier here at pop?

Want any youthquake, numerous savvy young adults placed out the first tremors. It was normal sophistication word-of-mouth, can be exactly how Alex Hofmann, Musical. Lys 35-year-old mind of north america, explains the potential apps leap away from 10 million end population twelve months ago to today, as soon as 13 million are added monthly. Teens here at any other platforms would see someone talk about a built-in Musical. Ly video, want it, download the potential app and then ask their friends to try it.

Hofmann, who grew up here at Germany and then alleviate his the teeth here at Teutonic golf course giant SAP, can be soft-spoken and at a slight accent and then will give more than enough true passion covering the Musers (seeing that Musical. Lys population are influenced), who he says are want our boys and girls. a couple of days after the Sartorius was snapping his gum during the photo studio, Hofmann sits during the companys as-yet-unfurnished wash Santa Monica digs. The potential Shanghai-based startup, which in turn employs a hundred population international, only just shifted its european outpost away from a built-in WeWork difference here at san francisco bay area to listed here the potential hangar-like core difference have always been painted Musical. Ly crimson ahead of the day has gone out. Over the past fourteen days he has been to China, the potential Philippines (in between its fastest-growing will give) and then back again in between. Musical. Ly debuted here at August 2014, shortly after co-founder/co-CEO Alex Zhu, 37, who had been expected to run out of buck to gain his educational video suppliers, documented young people on their Silicon Valley commuter home windows bobbing their heads to music within their earbuds seeing that taking selfies and then movies. Zhu today oversees points away from Shanghai and at Luyu Yang, 35, and something co-founder/co-CEO. (Yang, want Zhu, was born here at China. )

As soon as he was brought onboard here at 2015 and then tasked and at altering the potential apps reader, Hofmann placed about what he phone calls community function, consulting 50 to a hundred Musers on a daily basis. It was necessary to get to know them more efficient, he says, to highlight what excites them, and then then: Lets only just carry out more of this.

Hofmann launched works just like a leaderboard, raised friend-finding, video Q&As, duets and at any other Musers and then privilege-granting Best enthusiast Forever badges. In addition to the apps ease crucial Musers are likely to sluggish arrive to gain more efficient mouth-to-music very similar, and then you will discover earnings galore boys and girls could use to seamlessly polish their reveals Musical. Ly had taken out this in turn effortlessly and then all together that many parents were being utilized all by surprise, and then occasionally being utilized aback, all by their childrens wash obsession. (according to remarks, the business enterprise, which in turn is all about sophistication and still bringing in answers to make money, will give regrettably to earn far money in or adjust a built-in money in. )

In a way, Musical. Ly marks the potential pop-culture in certain field: Justin Bieber came to fame here at YouTube all by singing and then strumming guitar along to pop music. Productive Musers want charisma, however they dont want musical chops (or old fashioned video-editing proficiency, for your stage). Before Musical. Ly, i actually wasnt the most outgoing, says Sartorius, who started conducting here at musicals here at 7 and then was bullied consequently. The app helped me goof out. Its want no one can be critiquing aside from the camera.