A must read

Very informative article about infant massage at Midwifery Today.

Child Development and Creative Dance

Photo Source
I grew up in a dance studio.

Literally.

My mother ran the studio and taught classes while I toddled my way around the rooms. Every day was Mommy take daughter to work day. I can't help but believe this early exposure to movement deeply influenced the way I process information and create dance.

In college my focus was ballet based modern choreography. It has all the benefits of ballet technique, but is easier on the joints. Plus, lets be honest. I love to roll around on the floor like a 4 year old and modern dance justifies that. It feels good to move.

Now that Morris is old enough, I'm looking at a few classes here in town. I adore watching him explore the elements of movement: space, time and energy. Kids love to discover all the options that are available to them to find they have choices in how they move.

I got back last week from the camp. I fell in love all over again with teaching the fundamentals of movement. I love a lack of inhibition. There are so many life lessons to be had from simply watching such free and open bodies doing anything that comes to mind without care or thought to what it looks like and who is watching. However, over the years of teaching, I am seeing this lack of inhibition and creativity far less frequently.

Children are generally taught in a very linear system. They sit in desks arranged in grids. They walk in a row to the playground. They go through the lunch room in a straight line. These activities train the brain in very specific ways. While it is good to have structure, and it is good for a 2nd grade teacher to have order in the classroom, the brain needs to develop in circular patterns as well. This can mean several different things.

First, dance/movement provides what is called a rich sensory environment which means giving the experience that can forge more pathways between cells in the brain. The more types of movement and movement patterns a child is exposed to, the more synapses are created. On the other side of it, if children are not given the opportunity to move in certain ways (circular patterns included) the brain will not develop in those areas. This can mean that child's brain will always look to solve problems using what I'll call the straight line synapses. The options become limited.

"Clear evidence has emerged that suggests that activity, experience, attachment, and stimulation determine the structure of the brain.
Early experiences directly affect how the brain is "wired."
At birth, baby's brain is remarkably unfinished. Most of its 100 billion neurons are not yet connected in networks. Some neurons are programmed for specific functions-breathing and heartbeat, but most are not yet designated for tasks and are waiting for the experiences in the environment to determine their function. Connections are created by the sensory experiences that stimulate the growth of neural connections. Forming and reinforcing these connections are the key tasks of early brain development.
A child's brain forms twice as many synapses (connections) as the child will eventually use. If these synapses are used repeatedly in a child's day-to-day life, they are reinforced. If they are not used repeatedly, they are eliminated. In this way, experience places a crucial role in the "wiring" of a child's brain. Activity levels drop naturally during adolescence when the brain "prunes" unused connections." resource

I am a huge advocate of creative movement classes for all children--The body is our instrument. Let's Play!

Sunburn--Natural Remedy Thursday

For my dear friends living in Arizona, this is a no-brainer.
The gel inside the Aloe Vera plant is anti inflammatory, antiviral, antifungal and also antibacterial---making it the number one cure for sunburns.
There are a few very important things to remember when treating a sunburn.

#1--Do NOT apply lotion. Even if it says it contains Aloe Vera. Lotions actually trap the heat into the skin causing the skin to continue burning even when out of the sun!

#2--Take a cold shower before applying the aloe vera gel. Use no soap. This helps stop the burn process and prepares the skin for treatment.

#3(optional)--Mix white vinegar with ice water, about 40 - 60 to further take the heat out of the burn. Soak a few washcloths or hand towels in the mixture, wring them so they don't drip, then leave them on the burns until they become warm to the touch. Repeat until the ice has melted in the vinegar mixture.

#4--Apply 100% aloe vera gel. If using the actual plant, Cut a few plump leaves from an Aloe Vera plant. Take your knife and cut up the length of the sides of the leaves. Try not to waste the gel that will ooze out. Apply to skin and keep uncovered. Thanks to Kara (the Good Looking Cook) of Taste is Trump for her advice to add a few drop of lavender oil to the mix of aloe vera. It has healing properties and makes the aloe smell nice: )

Below is a video demonstrating how to best cut the plant to extract the gel. I'm just not quite sure why the latex gloves and the lab coat. It's certainly not a dangerous substance...

More about the Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera contains lignins. Lignins are a chemical compound that is an integral part of the skin’s cell walls. Lignins help the skin to heal much faster. Aloe Vera also works as an effective pain reliever. It acts as a cooling agent on the surface and contains salicylic acid, the same pain killing agent found in aspirin. Aloe Vera contains two anti-inflammatory agents, gibberellins and glycans. These are very effective at decreasing inflammation, which in turn promotes healing. Aloe Vera has the ability to prevent blistering and scarring. source

Back for Good

Our trip went well and I am excited to have an open datebook with plenty of time to be a mom and write here.

I am just in awe of the magnificence of a woman's ability to nurture a child both in the womb and out. Cliche, but it is simply miraculous. Regarding pregnancy and birth, I feel that each woman must make the choices that are right for her, and those choices are not the same for every woman. Women need to feel safe wherever they birth, whether that be in a hospital, birthing center or in the home.

What is your birth story?

Right now I am working on a project and I would love your input on any or all of the following:

Where did you choose to birth and why?

What was your experience?

What was your partner's role and feelings during the birth?

What did you learn from your birth; before, during and after?

If you birthed naturally, what helped you most to do this?

Did your mother tell you your own birth story?

Did you have plans/hopes prior to the birth? If so, what were they?

If you've had more than one pregnancy/birth, how were they different?

Would you do anything different in future births?

If you are an adoptive mother, what helped you to bond with baby?

And anything else you would like to share regarding birth or motherhood...

Also, please let me know if you prefer your thoughts not be shared with others. If you don't mind sharing, tell me if you would like to do so anonymously or named.

Comment here or Email me at yournaturalbabyandmore@gmail.com

THANK YOU! I look forward to hearing your stories: )

My (other) day job

Normally, my day job is that of wife and mother (and the thousands of other jobs that fall under the scope of nurturer). I love my job.

For the last two weeks however, I've revisited my formerly full time job of choreographer and teacher. I love that job too and next will post on the many benefits of creative movement for children. You might be amazed that it promotes everything from brain development to motor skills, self awareness and coordination.

Good Stuff.

Friday is our final day of the two week camp and I've got stories!

Thank you everyone who entered

the Earth Mama Angel Baby Giveaway!

Random.org chose the comment number. The winner
is.....

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:9
Timestamp: 2009-05-30 07:30:06 UTC

Megan McGary who said,

" I think the Happy Mama spray sounds so fun to have around the house but especially when you're pregnant and need a delightful boost!"

Congratulations Megan!

email me your address and I will send you your goodies: )
yournaturalbabyandmore@gmail.com

Morning Sickness

I just read another article by Julia Wilson. She is the author of Blissful Birth and is a fresh voice in the natural parenting community in Australia. I am drawn to her work.
In this particular article she talks about Morning sickness and several things you can do to treat or prevent having severe sickness. Very cool stuff for anyone who has dealt with it.
Here are some highlights:
"Nutritional needs increase in pregnancy, not in terms of calories but rather vitamins, protein and essential nutrients. Water volume and blood volume in the body increase substantially in early pregnancy, necessitating increased fluids and nutrition"...

..."Nausea is greatly exacerbated when the blood sugar level drops. To avoid this, it is essential to eat throughout the day. The nausea cycle can get out of control when you say, 'I feel so sick, even the thought of food makes me feel worse. There’s no way I can eat.' I hear you, believe me, I’ve been there but you don’t want to go down that road. If you don’t eat when the first signs of nausea arise, you’ll feel worse as time goes on. A few sips of juice or a small something to eat, even a bite of an apple will help the nausea to subside. Be sure, though that the foods you choose aren’t oily. Nibble something light and don’t overeat. Just start with a few bites and a mouthful of non-acidic juice. Sit down while you eat and chew slowly. Picture the food nourishing you and your baby."

Thinking about it in this way when I'm pregnant really seems to help. I hope it's helpful to you as well. More of Julia Wilson to come...

Julia Wilson is the author of Blissful Birth - The Handbook. A mother of five, she is an international advocate for natural childbirth and has been supporting families in pregnancy, birth and the post-natal period for well over a decade. Julia is passionate about natural childbirth and works from a holistic perspective. She also writes on topics regarding pregnancy and birth for magazines and websites such as Conscious Living, Natural Parenting, Natural Family and Kindred (previously Byron Child.) Julia was Australian country contact for America's Midwifery Today International Programme and former treasurer of the mid-North Coast Homebirth Group. She has been instrumental in popularizing the role of the doula in Australia through her work in the media and by offering doula training and support. Julia runs workshops, classes and seminars, based on the philosophy outlined in her book whilst also offering private holistic pre-natal, birth and post-natal support, both in hospital and at home.

Earth Mama Angel Baby Giveaway--Ends Friday 5/29

Safe, pure and natural products that work.

Mama created the only complete line of 100% natural, herbal and toxin-free skin body care products and teas to help ease the common discomforts of the entire process of birth — from pregnancy through labor, postpartum and c-section recovery, breastfeeding, and baby care. The website even has resources for creating your own birthplan , a reading room all about pregnancy and babies, as well as support in grieving the loss of a pregnancy or child. This company is stellar.

These are my favorite products. Definite MUST-HAVES for anyone expecting. Keep them for yourself, or give them to a friend!

Organic borage oil and neroli pure essential oil help nourish and encourage skin's natural elasticity for natural stretch mark care. Natural Stretch Oil is light and readily absorbable. It's vegan, cruelty-free and toxin-free (no artificial preservatives!), and contains no nut oils. It's lovely as a bath oil and perfect for perineal massage to help avoid tears and episiotomies during natural childbirth.

Best-selling New Mama Bottom Spray is a cooling, soothing perineal mist that helps ease discomfort of postpartum soreness and swelling, episiotomies and hemorrhoids.

To Enter:

For one entry, browse through the fabulous products . In a comment tell us (here) your name and one thing on the website you loved.

-

Example: Emily Childers- The hot spot labor sock would definitely help in pregnancy and labor!

For a second entry, follow or subscribe to Your Natural Baby and More. (If you already do, this counts). In a comment tell your name & whether you followed or subscribed.

Example: Emily Childers-Follow

Giveaway ends Friday, May 29th at midnight.

Come back on the 30th to see if you won! Winner will email me with your mailing address. If I don't hear from you, a new winner will be chosen. Good luck!

Apple Cider Vinegar. The Mother of Natural Remedies.

When I was 18, I was introduced to the benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar in cleansing and nourishing the internal organs. Never since then have I needed any drug or pain medication for stomach pains and cramps.

Apple Cider Vinegar. Who knew?

For centuries, people have been using Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) for everything from encouraging weight loss and healing aches and pains, to improving hair/skin condition and treating dandruff. ACV contains all of the nutritional value of apples, as well as additional enzymes and acids produced in the fermentation process.
Not all Apple Cider Vinegars are created equal. Make sure yours is unpasteurized and unfiltered. This extra processing negates many of the benefits and enzymes that were in the product in the first place.

A few of my favorite uses for

Apple Cider Vinegar:

http://www.apple-cider-vinegar-benefits.com/ shares so many benefits of ACV. Go bookmark their page right now!

For overall health: kill germs, aid in vitamin deficiency and cleanse the internal organs, drink a tonic of ACV 2 times a day before or during meals.
Apple Cider Vinegar Tonic-- Mix 2-3 tablespoons in 8 oz. of water. Note: If you take ACV between meals or before going to bed, always rinse your mouth or brush your teeth to avoid any prolonged vinegar contact with the enamel on your teeth.
ACNE BLEMISHES: Apply ACV tonic with a cotton ball several times a day. This will help reduce infection and dry out inflammation.
ATHLETE'S FOOT: Athlete's foot is a fungal infection which is quite difficult to get rid of. One of the best home remedies involves soaking the feet twice a day in a 50/50 mixture of apple cider vinegar and water. Or, you can apply pure apple cider vinegar to the affected areas several times a day and before bedtime.
BODY ODOR: Drinking the ACV tonic helps reduce body odor as does applying with a cotton ball directly to underarms and feet.
BRUISES: Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in ½ cup (125 ml) of warm apple cider vinegar and apply it to the bruise as a compress.
COLDS: At the first sign of a cold, take 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in half a cup of water several times a day. The body becomes more alkaline during a cold and the vinegar will help to rebalance the body's acid level. If you have a chest cold, a long-standing home remedy calls for soaking a piece of brown paper in vinegar then sprinkling one side of it with black pepper. Place the peppered side of the paper on the chest, cover with a towel, and relax for 20 minutes.
DANDRUFF: Apply pure apple cider vinegar to the scalp and work it into the roots of the hair; allow the vinegar to stand for a half hour or a full hour before washing your hair. This will help to destroy the bacteria and fungus that cause dandruff and itchy scalp. Click here for information on how apple cider vinegar can be combined with certain herbs to make an extra strength natural hair care product for combating dandruff and soothing itchy scalp.
DIAPER RASH: Use a 50/50 mixture of apple cider vinegar and water to eliminate the bacteria and fungus that cause diaper rash.
DIARRHEA: Pectin, the water soluble fiber in apple cider vinegar, will help to absorb water in the intestines and provide more bulk for the stool. Also, intestinal bacteria transforms pectin into a protective coating which soothes the irritated lining. The well known over the counter diarrhea preparation, Kaopectate contains pectin. So take the natural healing apple cider vinegar tonic (2 or 3 teaspoons to 8 ounces of water) to help eliminate diarrhea.
DIGESTION: Due to aging and bad diet, it is common for people to produce less stomach acid (hydrochloric acid) which can lead to digestive problems. Taking the apple cider vinegar tonic home remedy (2 or 3 teaspoons to 8 ounces of water) before a meal will enhance the action of your stomach's acid and digestive enzymes.
EAR INFECTIONS: Use an ear syringe (found at drug stores) to squirt a vinegar solution into the ear and let it sit for a minute or so, then turn your head and let the liquid drain out.The vinegar solution can be a 50/50 mixture of ACV and pure water, a 50/50 mixture of ACV and rubbing alcohol or a solution consisting of one-third vinegar, one-third pure water, and one-third rubbing alcohol.
HEADACHES: Research has shown that people have slightly more alkaline urine when they have a headache. An apple cider vinegar tonic will help restore your body's acid/alkaline balance. According to one home remedy, inhaling the vapors from a small bottle of apple cider vinegar can also help or if you have a vaporizer, add about 2 tablespoons cider vinegar to the water and inhale the vapors for five minutes.
HEARTBURN (ACID REFLUX): To relieve occasional heartburn, try drinking the general apple cider vinegar tonic (2 or 3 teaspoons to 8 ounces of water) before each meal.
HEMORRHOIDS: Apply the natural healing abilities of pure apple cider vinegar directly to hemorrhoids to help reduce stinging and promote shrinking. Use a cotton ball to apply the vinegar every few hours until symptoms are relieved.
LEG CRAMPS: Take the ACV tonic regularly to help the body's absorption of calcium and magnesium and thus protect against painful leg cramps.
MENSTRUAL PROBLEMS: A glass of apple cider tonic in the morning has been reported to help reduce the flow of a heavy period.
MORNING SICKNESS: Many women experience nausea and vomiting, often in the morning, during the first three months of pregnancy. A home remedy reported to help keep morning sickness at bay involves simply drinking, as soon as you get up, a glass of water containing a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar.
NIGHT SWEATS & HOT FLASHES: ACV tonic has helped reduce hot flashes and night sweats for some menopausal women who for various reasons can't take hormones.
SORE THROAT: One of many natural healing home remedies for a sore throat involves gargling with a mixture of 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to half a cup of water, using 3 mouthfuls of mixture each hour. As P. Bragg warns in her book "Apple Cider Vinegar-Miracle Health System", don't swallow the gargled mixture, because ACV acts like a sponge drawing out throat and mouth germs and toxins.
SUN BURNS: If the sunburn is localized, apply full strength apple cider vinegar on the affected skin to obtain relief. Do this by soaking a thin towel in apple cider vinegar and placing it over the burn. Leave it on to help prevent peeling and itching.If the sunburn covers a large part of the body then try this home remedy recommended by Patricia Bragg in her book called Apple Cider Vinegar-Miracle Health System:Take a cool bath in which one cup of ACV has been added. After soaking in the bath, gently dry the body and pat ACV directly onto the needed areas. Wait 5 minutes, then pat on aloe vera gel.
WEIGHT LOSS: The use of apple cider vinegar as a home remedy for weight loss is centuries old. Naturalists maintain that an overweight person can lose weight gradually by taking 2 teaspoons of ACV in a glass of water at each meal. No change in the daily food intake is required except to avoid high fat containing foods.
This is by no means a complete list of natural healing home remedies that use apple cider vinegar. For more, visit http://www.apple-cider-vinegar-benefits.com/

Healthy Eating

Are you aching to finally get a spot in the class of the year?

You should be.

Kara Bagley, the author of Taste is Trump, is offering a session on June 6th at noon. The topic of the class is still up for the choosing. Tell me in the comments section or email what you most would like to learn about. Choose from the following, or peruse her blog and make a request!

bread baking

pizza making

using whole grains

salad making

healthy summer meals

yummy meals for kids

sweet treats or

breakfast

The cost of the class is only $30 and is due by May 30th to ensure your enrollment. You can pay Kara either with a check by mail or through paypal. You can contact her at karabagley@gmail.com

Start salivating, and please help me choose a topic, cause I want to do them all!

Mutsy review and Discount code (Grow Up! seat and Rider stroller)

I'm extremely picky about products I buy. I want them to perform well and be durable to withstand the test of time. I know that part of my job in saving money for the family is to be an informed consumer. I also want products to be easy to use, and for heaven sakes, is it too much to ask that they be stylish?!?!

For these reasons, I was salivating over THIS booster seat made in Holland. I'm telling ya, they know what they're doing over there in Holland. This seat is Fabulous! I wrote to inquire about the GrowUp booster seat and get more info---They were generous enough to send me a sample. Let me tell you, this seat is awesome!

Here's the deal with my child. He is high energy, and mealtime is no exception. He decided early on he was not a fan of the high chair, but when I tried the various booster seats available at your big box stores, he shimmied right out of their measly little straps. I needed a 5 point harness to keep this kid safe. The Mutsy Grow Up! Booster seat does the job, and I love that it looks good while doing it (Modern design in 6 chic colors). It easily straps to a dining chair and the soft foam-like seat allows for greater comfort than most boosters offer.

If you are in the market for a stroller you must check out Mutsy's Rider line (4Rider and 4Rider Light).

They offer total flexibility for parents, you can take seat out, put in bassinet, take seat out put it into the babysitter frame and you have a rocker, take seat out and put in the Fun Seat. Goore’s for Babies to Teens is the best place I've found to purchase, www.goores.com . I've already spoken with their people, and because they know you readers are the best, you get a discount on all Mutsy orders from http://www.goores.com/ ! Give the code ynbmu at checkout to receive a 10% discount on any Mutsy order from www.goores.com.

Meet: Mr. Morris and Green Cleaning

Yesterday I expounded on cleaning green to help asthma and allergies. It also helps skin irritations as I learned with my son Morris.

Morris, age 6 months

My little man has sensitive skin. I learned this when he began crawling around on our wood floor. I quickly realized that I could no longer use traditional cleaners. If I did, he would get road rash on his belly. Not cute. As I ran out of my toxic cleaners, I replaced them with healthier, environmentally friendly products or made homemade recipe cleaners. I must admit, at first I was bummed. I liked my Lysol and Comet. I can't remember exactly why, now--but change is always hard for me.

Then I realized something. One day I smelled some Pledge, promptly got a HEADACHE the size of Alaska and just about tossed my cookies.

I also learned that it doesn't have to be more expensive to go green when you clean. Homemade recipes are extremely affordable--or if you'd rather buy, when you shop at your health food store, check out the cleaning aisle and shop the sales.

Links: Biokleen, Seventh Generation

Homemade recipes
THIS website has many fantastic recipes for healthy cleaning.

Some of the basics-

BAKING SODA (sodium bicarbonate): An all-purpose, non-toxic cleaner. Cleans, deodorizes, removes stains and softens fabrics.

BORAX (sodium borate): A natural mineral that kills mold and bacteria. An alternative to bleach, it deodorizes, removes stains and boosts the cleaning power of soap. Please note safety precautions on the box.

CASTILE and VEGETABLE OIL BASED SOAPS: Cleans everything.

CORNSTARCH: Starches clothes, absorbs oil and grease.

HERBS and ESSENTIAL OILS: For disinfecting and fragrance.

LEMON JUICE: Cuts through grease and removes perspiration and other stains from clothing.A bleach alternative.

SALT (sodium chloride): An abrasive.

VINEGAR (acetic acid): Cuts grease, removes stains and is an excellent water softener.

-My Favorites-

All Purpose Cleaner:

For a general, all-purpose cleaner, make a paste from baking soda and water or mix salt and water with a little vinegar.

Disinfectant :

2 cups water and 20 drops thyme oil. Mix in a 16 oz. spray bottle, shake well before each use.

Plain soap and water kills many bacteria

Mix a half-cup of borax with 1 gallon hot water. Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme, rosemary or lavender. Steep for 10 minutes, strain and cool. Or add essential fragrant oils instead of fresh herbs. Store in a plastic spray bottle.

Glass Cleaner:

1/4 cup white vinegar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 quart warm water

Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Liquid castile soap and baking soda or Borax, scrub with a toilet brush.

Tub And Tile Cleaners: Cream of Tartar. To clean porcelain surfaces, rub with cream of tartar sprinkled on a damp cloth. Vinegar and Baking Soda. To remove film buildup on bathtubs, apply vinegar full-strength to a sponge and wipe. Next, use baking soda as you would scouring powder. Rub with a damp sponge and rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Rust Stain and Hard Water Deposit Remover:Apply full-strength vinegar or lemon juice and let stand until spot disappears, rinse. Repeat if necessary.

Carpets/Upholstery: A great non-toxic carpet stain remover is club soda. Soak spot immediately with soda and blot until the stain is gone.

Sprinkle cornstarch onto carpet, vacuum.

To remove grease spots from carpets, first sop up the liquid with a sponge, then rub a liberal amount of baking soda into the spot. Let it absorb overnight. Next day, remove the excess and vacuum the area.

Miscellaneous Cleaners:

Candles/Wax:Sponge with a piece of cotton dipped in rubbing alcohol.

Decals/Gummed Labels/Price Tag Remover: Use vinegar. To remove non-slip appliques and strips from bathtubs, saturate a cloth or sponge and squeeze hot vinegar over decals. Vinegar also removes stick-on hooks from painted walls. Saturate a cloth or sponge with vinegar and squeeze the liquid behind the hook so that the vinegar comes in contact with the adhesive. In addition, vinegar can be used to remove price labels and other decals from glass, wood, and china. Paint the label or decal with several coats of white vinegar. Give the vinegar time to soak in and after several minutes the decal can be rubbed off. (NOTE: Use these methods only on washable surfaces and washable paint)

Grease Cutters:1) Use lemon juice, vinegar, or sprinkle with borax and scrub with scrub brush.2) 1/2 tsp. washing soda, 1/2 tsp. vegetable oil-based liquid soap, 3 tbsp. vinegar, and 2 cups hot water. Mix in spray bottle, spray and scrub, wipe clean.

Paint Brushes:Soften hard paintbrushes in hot vinegar for a few minutes. Then wash paintbrush in soap and warm water and let dry.

Rust Remover:1) To remove rust from tin-ware, rub with a peeled potato dipped in a mild abrasive such as baking soda or salt. 2) Aluminum Foil. Briskly scrub rust spots on car bumpers with a piece of crumpled aluminum foil, shiny side up.

Concrete Grease Spot Remover: To remove grease from concrete flooring sprinkle dry cement over grease. Allow it to absorb the grease, then sweep up.

Tar Remover:Food grade linseed oil. Wet rag with linseed oil and rub hard

Vinyl Cleaner: 1 tsp. to 1/4 cup washing soda, and 1 cup boiling water. Dissolve the washing soda in the boiling water. Apply with sponge, wipe off with a damp cloth.

Asthma--Natural Remedy Thursday

Image from HERE

When I was 18 years old, my doctor thought (for about 5 minutes) that I had asthma.

I didn't.

It turned out to be something else completely and was taken care of.

However, that does not change the fact that on my medical report it contains the word ASTHMA. If you are not aware, asthma is a scary word when it comes to insurance companies because it's costly --

"the estimated total cost for asthma care in the United States is $6.21 billion ... An estimated $2.5 billion is spent per year on medications"

10 years later, I'm married to an entrepreneur, I'm a mom, (feeling GREAT I might add) and have been nearly uninsurable for much of these last 10 years--all thanks to the word asthma. I was finally accepted last month by a company that has their heads on straight. But seriously---denied 4 times over the years because they all thought I had asthma.

I'm not bitter or anything...

So, if you think you have asthma, but haven't visited a doctor yet---Please! Try something else first! Down the road you may find yourself off group insurance and will suddenly become obsessed with your medical history.

Natural Remedies for Asthma

THIS website has proven quite useful. I retrieved much of my information from it.

Asthma is divided into two categories: intrinsic (meaning inside or within), for which there is no identifiable cause for the attacks and extrinsic, which is caused by something (external factors usually inhaled) that triggers an attack.

To keep this concise, minimize your intake of coffee and dairy as well as exposure to dust and chemicals. Now would be a great time to switch to all natural cleaning products, which I will talk about in depth tomorrow.

Nettle Tincture-If you live in the Phoenix area, my favorite place to purchase herbs, tinctures and such is Chakra 4.

For centuries, cultures around the world have used this herb to treat nasal and respiratory troubles: coughs, runny nose, chest congestion, asthma, whooping cough and even tuberculosis.

Nettle is a potent antihistamine. The leaves of the young plant, best harvested from May to June and before flowering begins, can be used fresh or dried, as a tea. They can even be eaten as a vegetable, lightly steamed they have a similar texture to spinach.

Cayenne Pepper- Also know as Capsicum, the botanical name being Capsicum frutescens.
Cayenne is the species of capsicum that is used for its stimulant and antiseptic actions, as well as its antispasmodic properties, which makes it perfect in treating constricted lungs. It will get the blood pumped around your body, strengthen your heart as well as clear your arteries.

Liquorice herb- Liquorice is another expectorant and anti-inflammatory herb making it excellent for lung infections. Also very soothing on the throat. As a syrup or tincture it could reduce the incidence of asthma attacks.
A few cautions on liquorice - do not use large doses and/or long term use as it can cause sodium and water retention, headaches, lethargy and high blood pressure. Avoid in pregnancy.

DoYouDoula? (Video)

I've talked about Doulas HERE .
There are many studies that show the benefits of having a Doula support you in your birth. The key really is about having someone who can give you accurate information about all your options and then will support you fully in whatever decisions you make---Period. Whether you choose a medicalized birth, or to have your baby naturally. Doulas give this service.
When I first began my research, I was surprised to learn that many women who have the support of a Doula, do so not only in a hospital setting, but have also chosen a medicated birth. This speaks to the fact that Doulas, really are there to serve the woman--not to judge her birth choices, or talk her out of something she feels is right for her.
I know I've talked a lot about natural birth and the benefits of doing so---but I also want to bring attention to the fact that none of us can fully understand well enough to judge what another woman is experiencing or feeling in her given situation. Some women feel that the natural birth community ignores their particular circumstances if a cesarean or other intervention was needed. It is of course a tragedy for any woman to feel this---especially if they were originally seeking an unmedicated birth. Once again, having a Doula in this situation can help a mother to have a sense of involvement in her birth as opposed to simply being an observer or feeling like a victim of a procedure or intervention. Doulas have training to help the mother process her birthstory.
Having said this, I have a lot of trust in women.
Trust that we have the intuition to know what is right for our bodies.
Trust that we can handle our birth outcomes.
For some, it is about knowing and understanding the process. Once they have the information and are really tuned into their bodies--- They feel good about making decisions. Having a Doula as another resource for further education in the moment, is invaluable for them.
For some women, knowing all the physiology does nothing. For some, all the info and facts are distracting. These women choose to simply follow their gut (no pun intended). For them, a Doula is extremely helpful and can focus on comfort techniques and guiding the birth partner.
And still, for most women it is a combination of knowing and feeling.
The following video was brought to my attention by my midwife Marinah. It gives a great overview of several different reasons women loved having a Doula present at their birth.
Enjoy!

Cod Liver Oil

You may have heard about it. I certainly had, and decided long ago I didn't want anything to do with it. The liver part--didn't sound like something I'd want to get involved with. Gradually, over the years, my mother in law tutored me in the benefits of cod liver oil---And you know what? It isn't nearly as unappealing as I thought.

Cod liver oil (I'll call It CLO from here on out) truly is the number one superfood. CLO has been shown to lower blood pressure and prevent heart disease. It amazingly improves the condition of the heart even after an attack--the Omega 3 fatty acids promote healing of the arteries and the vitamin A,D and E all improve the elasticity of the arteries.

In studies, the Omega 3's in CLO have shown to improve brain function, memory, stress response, skin conditions, digestive tract lining, joints, immune response, allergies, asthma, learning and behavioral disorders, including bipolar syndrome and manic-depression.

CLO is especially perfect for women during and after pregnancy because it lowers the risk of her developing baby having juvenile diabetes as well as aiding mother to improve bone density while nursing. Children in their bone formative years really benefit from these properties.

The dose for cod liver oil should be about 2 teaspoons per day for adults, and 1 teaspoon for children. Buy cod liver oil in small dark bottles and keep them in a cool dark place. It need not be refrigerated after opening if it is used up quickly--within two months.

To learn more about the benefits of Cod liver oil, click HERE

POST EDIT: You can administer CLO either mixed into food, or off the spoon. When Morris was eating baby food, I mixed it in easily (1/2 teaspoon, twice a day) with turkey and veggis. Now I give it to him straight and follow with a chaser of applesauce for him and spicy tomato juice for me. It does have an intense taste at first, but you really do get used to it, and the benefits far outweigh the moment of "ew".

I'm back... NRT

We are finally moved and unpacked---I can almost hear choirs of angels singing.
In celebration of having one on one time with my computer again, I am returning to Natural Remedy Thursday.
I thought it appropriate to address back pain, seeing as how we have become reacquainted this past week.

I found this page interesting, as I have probably been doing some of my lifting incorrectly.

In my days as a dancer, I often sought the advice of my muscle therapist. He is an encyclopedia of curing just about any ache and pain. The obvious (and most important) ones are listed first. In the words of Ed...

-deep massage followed by drinking LOTS of water

-Include foods that have rich Vitamin C content, such as citrus fruit, tomatoes, blueberries and strawberries, in your diet.

-Eat two to three cloves of garlic in a day. Garlic oil can also be effective in curing backache. To prepare garlic oil, fry ten cloves of garlic in 60 ml of oil (mustard oil, sesame oil or coconut oil). Strain the oil, let it cool down a bit and massage the back with it.

-Apply potato, in the poultice form. Peel a potato and cut into cubes. Boil the cubes and mash them. After they cool down a bit, apply on the back and hold it there with a bandage, for an hour.

Drum Roll Please...

Thank you everyone who entered. I appreciate every comment!

And the Winner of a 2 year digital subscription to Mothering Magazine, a goody basket with my favorite nontoxic cleaning products, and the book "Labor of Love" by Cara Muhlhahn is... Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:22
Timestamp: 2009-05-01 08:08:44 UTC

Comment 22 is

Stacie Aho said...
Stacie Aho- facebook fan

Stacie, email me at yournaturalbabyandmore@gmail.com with your mailing address to claim your prize!

Happy Earth Day Giveaway!

Thank you for reading, despite the sporadic posts.
I will be more consistent after our family move to California.

Stick around because I've got posts in the works about great products I've recently discovered as well as an interview with Cara Muhlhahn-- the midwife on the documentary film "The Business of Being Born", and author, "Labor of Love".

She is just Oh-so-cool.

----

Today is Earth Day, and I want to do something really special to celebrate the beautiful world we live in, a Midwife who is bettering the earth with her service and one of my favorite magazines for natural parenting info.The Giveaway is for a 2 year digital subscription to Mothering Magazine, a goody basket with my favorite nontoxic cleaning products,

and the book "Labor of Love" by Cara Muhlhahn.

----

You can enter to win the Mothering subscription, Labor of Love book and cleaning products TWICE.

For your first entry, subscribe to Your Natural Baby and More by email or Google reader (found on the right side bar). Then comment on this post with your first and last name--subscribe.

Example: Emily Childers-subscribe

For a second entry, you have the option to do one of the following.

A) Become a Facebook fan of Your Natural Baby and More HERE and leave a comment HERE.

Example: Emily Childers: Facebook fan

or

B) Call, send a text or email at least one friend letting them know about the Giveaway and leave a comment with their names.

Example: Emily Childers: Reachel, Susie, Beth

All comments are to be left on this blog, (not Facebook)

Winner determined by Random.org

Contest ends May 1st at midnight. Check back when I post the winner (May 2nd) and then email me. If I don't receive your email by May 4th, a new winner will be chosen.

Good Luck!

Cooking With Whole Grains Class

Saturday I enjoyed being tutored by the Good Looking Cook.

Oh, my friends--it was just so fabulous.

I am so excited to incorporate more whole grains in my cooking.

For anyone who missed it, comment or email me at yournaturalbabyandmore@gmail.com

We'll put together another class when we have enough enrollment.

Thanks for all who made it! It was so fun seeing/meeting you ladies: )

Pregnancy diet & "big baby vs. small baby"

I've had a few emails with questions regarding diet during pregnancy.

The diet I followed is well known in the natural birth community, but it is great for all birthing situations keeping mother and baby thriving.

The Brewer's Pregnancy Diet

(click above to read more about it)

(click HERE for a spreadsheet checklist)

Milk products & substitutes--4 servings

1 serving = 8 grams protein

Total = 32 grams protein
Calcium replacements--2 per soy (above)
Eggs--2 servings

1 serving = 6 grams protein

Total = 12 grams protein
Other proteins--6 to 8 servings

1 serving = 1 oz = 7 grams protein

Total = 6 to 8 oz. (approx. 42-56 grams protein)
Total proteins = 86-100 grams
Green vegetables--3+ servings
Vitamin A foods--1 serving
Whole grains--5 servings
Vitamin C foods--2 servings
Fats and oils--3 to 5 servings
Salt--unlimited
Total calories = 2600-3000
Recommended weight gain--unlimited (average 35-45 pounds)
Average size baby--7 lbs 2 oz to 8 lb 8 oz ?
*The Basic Brewer Pregnancy Diet Plan

However you plan to get the protein, it is important to remember that the Brewer Diet is not just about protein. For this diet to work as it's intended to work, it needs to include extra protein, PLUS extra calories, PLUS extra salt and lots of greens and whole grains. The goal is to increase the mother's blood volume by 60%, by increasing the osmotic pressure in her bloodstream, and those three components in the diet are what helps to do that. The reason that the blood volume needs to increase is to service the growing placenta. When that level of blood volume increase does not happen on the schedule that it wants to, that is when we see the cascade of effects that can include problems with the placenta, and premature contractions.

I would also like to issue a caution concerning the philosophy that a smaller baby is easier to push out than a larger baby is. That idea started in 1800, and I think that we now have good reasons for why that doesn't work as well as might seem obvious. One reason that that plan might not work so well is that the uterus needs to grow so much new muscle tissue during the pregnancy. Before pregnancy, the uterus weighs only 2 oz. At the end of pregnancy, the uterus alone should weigh about 2 lbs, which means that the uterus has to grow 1 lb 14 oz of new muscle cells. If the baby is on the smaller size because the mother has been restricting her nutrition for the purpose of having a smaller baby, the uterus has also been getting less nutrition, and may have less muscle tissue as a result. According to Brewer, this results in a less-strong uterus that may be more prone to dysfunction during labor, and more likely to need medical help such as pitocin. Another reason why this plan might not work so well is that the pelvic bone needs to stretch during the pushing stage of the labor. The pelvis appears to be one solid bone, but it is actually composed of three bones held together by ligaments. In the non-pregnant body, the pelvis functions as one solid bone because these ligaments are so tight. During pregnancy, the placenta secretes the equivalent of 100 birth control pills a day. One of these placental hormones has the function of loosening these ligaments that hold the pelvic bone together. If a baby is on the "larger" side due to the mother's eating a better diet, the placenta will also be better nourished and more capable of making a good amount of this hormone that loosens these ligaments, resulting in a stretchier pelvis. So if a baby is on the "larger" side because the mother has been eating better, it is possible that that baby could be easier to push out through a more-stretchy pelvis than a baby who is on the "smaller" side and is being pushed through a less-stretchy pelvis from the mother restricting her food intake for the purpose of having a smaller baby. I recognize that one thing that is problematic with a discussion like this is the lack of standard definition of what "larger" and "smaller" mean. In mainstream medical obstetric practice, 5 lbs is the standard dividing line between "normal" and "low birth weight", and from what I've heard in responses from mainstream professionals, they seem to regard any birth weight over 8 lbs to be "too big". On the other hand, Dr. Brewer used to quote a researcher who considered any birth weight less than 7 lbs 2 oz to be less than optimal. And in the natural-birth and homebirth circles that I've been involved with, it seems that the average birth weight is about 7.5 lbs. to 8.5 lbs, with many babies reaching 9 - 9.5 lbs without anyone being concerned. So the idea of what an ideal birth weight is can be rather relative, at least where the above-seven-pounds range goes. But I do think that the bottom line is that it can be risky for the mother to try to have a smaller baby by eating less food.

Here is more on that question from Dr. Brewer.... http://home.mindspring.com/~djsnjones/id68.html