Tina on thu 3 oct 96
Congratulations on your pregnancy.
I have some lower back problems and have learned to throw with my wheel on
standard cinder blocks with a low stool. It ends up that I sit lower than
the way that I learned to throw. I also use a wedging table that is about
waist high. The only other advise is to review your MSDS sheets on your
glaze materials and be careful about cuts and scratches on your hands when
you are glazing.
Best wishes for a wonderful pregnancy.
Tina (Clayart fan, potter, and L&D RN)
Lyla Kaplan on tue 22 jun 99
I don't know if people in clay encounter solvents, but painters certainly
do...
Women's exposure to organic solvents should be minimized during pregnancy
CHICAGO - Women exposed at work to organic solvents during
pregnancy have an increased risk of major fetal malformations, according to
an article in the March 24/31 issue of The Journal of the American Medical
Association (JAMA).
Sohail Khattak, M.D., F.R.C.P.C., of The Hospital for Sick
Children and the University of Toronto in Canada, and colleagues studied
the occurrence of fetal malformations in 125 pregnant women who were
exposed to organic solvents at work during the first trimester of
pregnancy. There were also 125 women in a control group. According to the
authors, this study is the first to prospectively evaluate pregnancy and
fetal outcome following maternal occupational exposure to organic solvents.
The researchers found that there were 13 major
malformations in the fetuses of women exposed to organic solvents and one
in the control group. of the fetal malformations occurred among the 75
women who had symptoms associated with their exposure to organic solvents -
irritation of the eyes or respiratory system, breathing difficulty and
headaches - while none occurred among the 43 women exposed to the organic
solvents who did not have symptoms. The information on exposure symptoms
was not available for one of the mothers of the malformed fetuses.
The authors write that many women of childbearing age are
occupationally exposed to organic solvents. The most important
women-dominated occupations with potential chemical exposures are health
care professionals and work tasks in the clothing and textile industries,
all of which involve exposure to organic solvents.
In this study, the women were employed as factory workers,
laboratory technicians, professional artists or graphic designers, printing
industry workers, chemists, painters, office workers working in the
presence of chemicals, car cleaners, veterinary technicians, orthotic
manufacturers, funeral home employees, carpenters and social workers who
were exposed to organic solvents.
The authors report that the organic solvents the women
were most commonly exposed to include aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons,
phenols, trichloroethylene, xylene, vinyl chloride, acetone and related
compounds. According to the authors, fat-soluble organic solvents can pass
through biological membranes, including the placenta.
According to the authors, previous reports of the effects
of organic solvents on the fetuses of pregnant women have been
controversial. Reports have included increased rates of miscarriage,
central nervous system and cardiovascular malformations and perinatal
mortality. Reduced fertility also has been reported in women exposed to
organic solvents.
The major malformations varied but included deafness,
clubfoot requiring correction, spina bifida and heart abnormalities.
"It is prudent to minimize women's exposure to organic
solvents during pregnancy," conclude the authors. "Moreover, symptomatic
exposure appears to confer an unacceptable level of fetal exposure and
should be avoided by appropriate protection and ventilation. Health care
professionals who counsel families of reproductive age should inform their
patients that some types of employment may influence reproductive outcomes."
(JAMA. 1999;281:1106-1109)
Note: This study was supported by a grant from Physician
Services Inc., Toronto.
Organic solvents are used for extracting, dissolving, or suspending
materials such as fats, waxes, and resins that are not soluble in
water. The removal of the solvent from a solution permits the recovery of
the solute intact with its original properties (Considine
1976). Solvents are used in paints, adhesives, glues, coatings, and
degreasing/cleaning agents, and in the production of dyes,
polymers, plastics, textiles, printing inks, agricultural products, and
pharmaceuticals (WHO 1985; Parrish 1983). In 1984,
approximately 49 million tons of industrial solvents were produced in the
United States (USITC 1985).
Approximately 9.8 million workers are potentially exposed to organic
solvents. This estimate is based on data collected during the
National Occupational Hazard Survey conducted by the National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) during
1972-1974 (NIOSH 1977d).
Jennifer Rehkopf on fri 22 oct 04
Hi, all. I recently found out I am pregnant ;-), and am wondering if any mothers (or fathers) out there might have some advice for me about things I should possibly avoid during pregnancy. My husband has already agreed to mix my glazes, so that is taken care of. The one thing I do notice is that after throwing, even for a short period of time, my back is killing me (something that has always happened on occassion anyway, no matter how much I try to maintain good posture). Anyone have suggestions about my back, as well as other things to be aware of? Oh, I also do have a nice air filter system set up, which should be a help. Much appreciated!
Thanks,
Jennifer Rehkopf
---------------------------------
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Mail Address AutoComplete - You start. We finish.
Cynthia Bracker on fri 22 oct 04
CONGRATULATIONS!!! I'm in the last trimester of my second pregnancy, so
let me just tell you that you're in for the ride of your life! (Not just
the pregnancy part, but also what comes after)
Back pain and throwing: One trick that helps is getting a 2X4 and
putting it under the back 2 legs of your stool. This will tilt the
stool slightly forward and put your back in better alignment. Alternate
X min with X min without during your throwing sessions. There are also
some good bath additives that are made to soothe aching muscles. I'm
not much on baths, (At 6 feet tall, I don't really fit comfortably in a
standard bath tub) however, I've enjoyed a nice warm bath with some
soothing muscle bath salts added from time to time. (although now I'm
getting big enough that it's difficult to get out of the tub safely!)
My husband's ex-wife actually gave me a 3 pack of some brand I can't
remember that is excellent! I don't like the smell of it, but what it
does for the muscles more than makes up for it (and I hide the smell
with a fun-scented bubble-bath) If you're interested, contact me
off-list. I still have the box at home and I can check to see what
brand it is.
For pregnancy in general, 2 books come to mind that are excellent:
"What to expect when you're expecting" and "The Everything Pregnancy
Book" And the best advice I got came from my mom: Keep a pen and a
notepad with you. As things come up (non-emergency things, of course)
write them down. Then take your list to your doctors appointment.
Don't rely on your memory. In fact, that last sentence bears
repeating... DON'T RELY ON YOUR MEMORY I'd love to tell you all the
things I forgot during my pregnancies, but I don't remember them right
now. (ha ha) Again, congratulations. Motherhood is both the most
demanding and also the most rewarding job I've ever had!
Cindy Bracker Sturm
Stepmother to Kelli, (7 years), Mother to Sophie (18 months), and a baby
to be named later (due Dec 30th)
Oh yeah, and VP of Bracker's Good Earth Clays
PS Do you plan to find out whether it's a boy or girl in advance?
Jennifer Rehkopf wrote:
>Hi, all. I recently found out I am pregnant ;-), and am wondering if any mothers (or fathers) out there might have some advice for me about things I should possibly avoid during pregnancy. My husband has already agreed to mix my glazes, so that is taken care of. The one thing I do notice is that after throwing, even for a short period of time, my back is killing me (something that has always happened on occassion anyway, no matter how much I try to maintain good posture). Anyone have suggestions about my back, as well as other things to be aware of? Oh, I also do have a nice air filter system set up, which should be a help. Much appreciated!
>
>Thanks,
>
>Jennifer Rehkopf
>
>
>---------------------------------
>Do you Yahoo!?
>Yahoo! Mail Address AutoComplete - You start. We finish.
>
>______________________________________________________________________________
>Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
>You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
>settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
>Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots@pclink.com.
>
>
>
>
william schran on fri 22 oct 04
Jennifer wrote:>Hi, all. I recently found out I am pregnant ;-), and
am wondering if any mothers (or fathers) out there might have some
advice for me about things I should possibly avoid during pregnancy.<
When I start each semester, I always ask if there are any women that
are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy. I advise them to speak with
their doctor about the processes they might encounter. I advise them
to refrain from participating in mixing glazes and avoid contacting
any material containing heavy metal colorants (wear non-latex gloves
when glazing).
I also let them borrow my copy of Monona Rossol's book.
A quick search online resulted in the following links. The first is
Rossol's; "Pregnancy and the Craft Professional"
http://www.trueart.info/pregnancy.htm
http://ianrpubs.unl.edu/consumered/nf126.htm
http://www.caseweb.com/acts/publicat.html
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/english/iyh/products/arts.html
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/english/iyh/products/arts.html
As far as throwing and back pain - simple, do hand building for a while.
Hope this helps, Bill
Beth Bachuss on fri 22 oct 04
Congratulations! I threw until my tummy rubbed the bat on the
wheel... my solution for back pain was yoga - I got a pregnancy yoga
video and it was the only thing that helped my back. I could do it
after a long day and not only would my back quit hurting, but I felt
like I had more energy. Just make sure it's yoga for pregnancy and
not any old yoga because there are things that need to be modified for
mommies-to-be.
Do what Cynthia said and take frequent breaks and DON'T RELY ON YOUR
MEMORY! I still can't remember anything and the baby's 15 months old!
Good luck,
Astabeth (re-lurking)
On Fri, 22 Oct 2004 06:30:48 -0700, Jennifer Rehkopf
wrote:
> Hi, all. I recently found out I am pregnant ;-), and am wondering if any mothers (or fathers) out there might have some advice for me about things I should possibly avoid during pregnancy.
Vicki Hardin on sun 24 oct 04
Hi Jennifer. Congratulations!
>The one thing I do notice is that after throwing, even for a short period of time, my back is killing me. Anyone have suggestions about my back, as well as other things to be aware of? >
Through my experience with child birth I learned that back problems are very common for pregnant women because the sciatic nerve runs under the uterus which is thought to put pressure on this nerve. A remedy is to lie on ones side opposite the pain. Also, if your back is hurting while standing, try standing on one foot while resting the other on something. I don't believe that they can give you anything for back pain other than tylenol. You will need lots of rest!
Best Regards,
Vicki Hardin
http://ClayArtWebGuide.com
Anne Webb on sun 24 oct 04
hi jennifer...
congratulations on your news!
i have a 2 yr old and a 6 month old so this is all really fresh in my mind.
Being pregnant is a pretty amazing feeling. I hope you have a smooth
pregnancy :) Everybody's experience is slightly different. Enjoy every bit
of it.
Working in the studio, i had to do it for much shorter periods than i
normally would. Needed more sleep and rest. Couldnt sit for long periods,
couldnt stand for long periods, etc. I got tired more easily and had more
aches and pains (hormone related) as my pregnancy went on. ..joints get
looser, balance (center of gravity) gets affected, etc..
Thinking/remembering things also becomes more of a challenge and your vision
can be affected (again hormone related). oh yeah and dont forget you'll have
heightened sense of smell from all the extra estrogen.
throwing.. i know you are still early on, but you might like to consider
getting one of those maternity tummy slings. i finally broke down and got
one for my second pregnancy and for walking, throwing, standing, etc and it
provided some relief and rest for my back and stomach muscles for short
periods that i knew i was going to be exerting myself. If you arent prone
to edema, another thing you may also like to try is throwing standing up..
less leaning over your wheel than conventional throwing.. but then you will
be on your feet more. need to see what works best for you.
lifting... you are going to feel more strain lifting things than you ever
did before, even from early on in your pregnancy. Your doctor, your reading,
and you stomach muscles will tell you.
**if you feel ANY strain whatsoever when lifting, STOP and put whatever you
are trying to lift DOWN. You definitely dont need to be lifting boxes or
even bags of clay. Some women are even instructed by their doctors to not
lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk!! Get your husband to move your
clay, buckets, etc., around your studio for you.
protection... take extra precautions when it comes to protection. always
wear your noish mask when you're supposed to. i stopped rakuing while i was
pregnant cuz even with the mask i couldnt handle it.. the smoke, the
fumes... and not to mention with my lack balance or peripheral vision (i was
a clutz) i was worried i was going to fall over or burn myself. vision...
use your goggles for staring into the kiln my eyes always. seemed my eyes
were more sensitive to light as well but i dont know if thats pregnancy
related.
walking etc and massages may help with some of the aches in your back. be
careful with some linaments you may like to use for your massages as not are
all safe for pregnant or nursing women. baths too, they can be
awesome..though i needed help getting in and out of the tub.. that or a
block and tackle lol. dont stay on your feet for long periods and let
yourself be pampered by a foot massage when you can. :) Check with your OB
or midwife as to what you can safely use for pain relief as well.
Make lists so you dont forget stuff. Listen to your body. Take the time to
put your feet up. Pace yourself and dont beat yourself up if you cant get
something done in the same time frame as before or if you just physically
cant do something. Let people help.
Best of luck! anne
>Jennifer Rehkopf wrote:
>
>>Hi, all. I recently found out I am pregnant ;-), and am wondering if any
>>mothers (or fathers) out there might have some advice for me about things
>>I should possibly avoid during pregnancy. My husband has already agreed
>>to mix my glazes, so that is taken care of. The one thing I do notice is
>>that after throwing, even for a short period of time, my back is killing
>>me (something that has always happened on occassion anyway, no matter how
>>much I try to maintain good posture). Anyone have suggestions about my
>>back, as well as other things to be aware of? Oh, I also do have a nice
>>air filter system set up, which should be a help. Much appreciated!
>>
>>Thanks,
>>
>>Jennifer Rehkopf
>>
_________________________________________________________________
Don’t just search. Find. Check out the new MSN Search!
http://search.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200636ave/direct/01/
Lois Ruben Aronow on mon 25 oct 04
I ditto what Vicki says. I continued to make pots thru 2 pregnancies.
During the first, I began handbuilding in the 3rd trimester because I was
uncomfortable at the wheel. It was a technique I never would have tried
otherwise, and a great creative breakthrough for me.
During pg #2, I threw up until the day I delivered. I had an extremely
comfortable stool and, although I was movin' slow, I was fine.
For what it's worth, I have found acupuncture to be a terrific help with
back pain, both during and after pregnancy. I also know several women who
delivered using no pain relief drugs whatsoever - only acupuncture.
That said, stay out of the studio while the kiln in burning off wax, or when
you are firing a lustre.
Have a happy and healthy pregnancy and baby!!
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Clayart [mailto:CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG] On Behalf Of
> Vicki Hardin
> Sent: Sunday, October 24, 2004 10:19 PM
> To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
> Subject: Re: Pregnancy
>
> Hi Jennifer. Congratulations!
> >The one thing I do notice is that after throwing, even for a short
> >period of time, my back is killing me. Anyone have
> suggestions about my
> >back, as well as other things to be aware of? >
>
> Through my experience with child birth I learned that back
> problems are very common for pregnant women because the
> sciatic nerve runs under the uterus which is thought to put
> pressure on this nerve. A remedy is to lie on ones side
> opposite the pain. Also, if your back is hurting while
> standing, try standing on one foot while resting the other on
> something. I don't believe that they can give you anything
> for back pain other than tylenol. You will need lots of rest!
>
> Best Regards,
> Vicki Hardin
> http://ClayArtWebGuide.com
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> ________________
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your
> subscription settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
> melpots@pclink.com.
>
Jennifer Boyer on mon 25 oct 04
It's been 20 years since I had my last baby(he's a scruffy beer drinkin
college guy now....) but I worked full time through 2 pregnancies in my
production studio. I stock piled bisk during the last few months and
then only needed to glaze and fire during the first months of each
baby.
I recently watched as my studio assistant dealt with her pregnancy
while working for me. I kicked her out when she had 4 weeks left even
though she was proclaiming she could keep working! Ah youth..... I told
her to go home and enjoy her last days of peace and quiet. She went
into labor a week early!
Anyway: her discomfort issues started with achiness in certain places
that then led her to move differently to compensate. This led to other
achy places: a chain reaction. Yoga stretches and relaxation techniques
helped her a lot. I think it's best to find a yoga teacher who teaches
a class just for pregnant women.
For all you pregnant ones: remember to get a picture of yourself in
your last weeks! Year later you won't believe how big you were.....
Jennifer
On Oct 24, 2004, at 11:19 PM, Vicki Hardin wrote:
> Hi Jennifer. Congratulations!
>> The one thing I do notice is that after throwing, even for a short
>> period of time, my back is killing me. Anyone have suggestions about
>> my back, as well as other things to be aware of? >
>
> Through my experience with child birth I learned that back problems
> are very common for pregnant women because the sciatic nerve runs
> under the uterus which is thought to put pressure on this nerve. A
> remedy is to lie on ones side opposite the pain. Also, if your back is
> hurting while standing, try standing on one foot while resting the
> other on something. I don't believe that they can give you anything
> for back pain other than tylenol. You will need lots of rest!
>
> Best Regards,
> Vicki Hardin
> http://ClayArtWebGuide.com
>
> _______________________________________________________________________
> _______
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
> melpots@pclink.com.
>
>
************************
Jennifer Boyer
Thistle Hill Pottery
Montpelier, VT
http://thistlehillpottery.com
Ivor and Olive Lewis on mon 25 oct 04
Jennifer,
I will contact my Daughter. She gave me a demonstration of a wonderful
device which relieves back strain by anchoring the small of your back
to your knees via a series of straps. Unfortunately I have lost the
web reference.
Congratulations,
Ivor Lewis.
Redhill,
S. Australia.
Ivor and Olive Lewis on wed 27 oct 04
Dear Jennifer,
April suggest you search for the Nada Chair and suggests
www.nadachair.com
It is like a padded back rest that rests against your lumbar region
with rigging to secure that in place with your knees. She warns
against making the stay lines over tight around your knees.
Be comfortable.
Best regards,
Ivor Lewis.
Redhill,
S. Australia.
Jennifer Rehkopf on mon 1 nov 04
Thank you so much for the advice, it's greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Jennifer
Ivor and Olive Lewis wrote:
Dear Jennifer,
April suggest you search for the Nada Chair and suggests
www.nadachair.com
It is like a padded back rest that rests against your lumbar region
with rigging to secure that in place with your knees. She warns
against making the stay lines over tight around your knees.
Be comfortable.
Best regards,
Ivor Lewis.
Redhill,
S. Australia.
______________________________________________________________________________
Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots@pclink.com.
---------------------------------
Do you Yahoo!?
Check out the new Yahoo! Front Page. - www.yahoo.com/a
| |
|
