The Art of Neti

The Art of the Neti Pot came into existence in India about 5,000 years ago, created as one of the ways that the body is cleansed in preparation for practicing Yoga. In India and other parts of Asia, the Neti Pot is as commonplace as the toothbrush, and is understood to be just as beneficial to health and cleanliness. "Neti" is a Sanskrit word that means "nasal cleansing," and the actual practice of nasal irrigation is known as "jala neti."

Today, it is used to keep the nasal passage clean and clear, and is even used 3 or 4 times a day by those who live or work in heavily polluted areas! The practice helps to keep the nasal passage clear of allergens, excess mucus, and germs that may enter the body through the nose. Use of the Neti Pot is not only a preventive measure; it also helps to soothe the swollen membranes of the nose and clears the nasal cavity of disease and irritants (see post on "How to Beat the Flu...Naturally") According to Ayurvedic medicine, there are three elements of the body (or "dosha") that need to be kept in balance: "vata" (air), "pitta" (fire/heat) and "kapha" (water). Cleansing with the neti pot was established in order to correct "kapha" imbalances by providing needed lubrication to a problem area in the body.

A Neti Pot is very inexpensive (about $10.00 - $15.00). I use 1/4 tsp Salt & 1/4 tsp Baking Soda to 1 cup warm water in the Neti Pot. This solution does not burn or sting the nose, in fact, I think it feels very soothing. I have found the best way to use the Neti Pot is in the shower, after washing up. That gives the nasal passages time to start to open up with the warm steam of the shower. I try to use the Neti Pot eveny night before going to bed to clean out the dust and pollutants of the day. This PREVENTS colds, allergies and infections.

However, sometimes you still end up with a stuffy nose. In that case, just increase the use of the Neti Pot to 2-3 times a day. One of the other tips I have found helpful is hold one nostril closed while gently blowing out the other about 10X and then switching sides.
A great way to get rid of chest congestion is taking in deep breaths and exhaling hard with the mouth wide open and making a "haaaaa" sound. This might make you cough, but it helps to expel the mucus out of the chest.

Just throw it all together

Some nights I find myself just staring into the refrigerator wondering what to make. It is usually when I don't have a plan (which is most of the time!) that I come up with really good stuff and surprise myself.

I hear from mothers all the time that they do not have time to cook a healthy meal, or they don't know what to make. If you always keep the house stocked full of healthy fruits and veggies, beans, lentils, nuts and seeds, herbs and spices, you can't go wrong - just throw it all together!

The other night, I just pulled out a bunch of stuff and started cooking! I usually always start by sauteing garlic and onions in EVCO. Once you get that going just keep adding. I then added in quinoa, red bell peppers, sweet potato, broccoli, tomatoes, and chick peas, adding in S&P, curry, cayenne and cinnamon as it cooked. (Tip - Quinoa was cooked separately and then added in. Also, I boiled the sweet potato separately and then added when it was mostly cooked through) The broccoli and pepper were only in for a minute - still crunchy when they went onto the plate! You don't want to cook for too long as the nutrients are lost the longer they cook.  I then topped the plate with fresh cilantro. It was actually very good, and easy.

So, next time you are not sure what to make, just start pulling stuff out and "just throw it all together!"

Butternut Squash Soup - Recipe

I love soups for two reasons - they are easy and you can make them ahead of time and usually taste better after a day for all the spices to soak in.

This one is super easy:

(1) Butternut Squash, peeled, seeded and chopped into cubes.
(2) medium onions, roughly chopped.
(2) Green apples, peeled, cored and chopped.
(2) Tbs EVOO
(3) Cups vegetable stock
sea salt, pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg.

Preheat oven to 400*. Toss squash, apples and onions with EVOO and place on a cookie sheet. Roast for approx. 45 min. While roasting, bring vegetable stock to a simmer. When veggies are done, add them to the stock, adding in a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg and bring to a boil. Take off the heat and add to blender. Blend until smooth and add salt and pepper to taste.

I always like to use the seeds, so while cooking the soup, clean the seeds and let dry. Toss with EVOO, cinnamon, cayenne, salt or whatever combo of spices. Toast in toaster oven until crunchy.

YUMMM!

Top bowl of soup with seeds and raisins and ENJOY!

Cleaning the house...naturally

Have you ever cleaned the house with a cleaner that made your eyes water, burned your nose, gave you a cough or dried out and cracked your hands? Now imagine how that feels to a baby or little child, who is a hundred times more sensitive. Or a cat or dog, whose nose is always to the ground and licking everything. Every year, five to ten million household poisonings are reported. Many are fatal and most of the victims are children - Debra Lynn Dadd "Home Safe Home", 2004. These poisonings are the result of accidental ingestion or contact with common household substances found in just about every home. Unfortunately, most people do not realize that the typical cleaners that line an entire isle at the supermarket are extremely dangerous to children, adults and pets. Not only are conventional cleaners dangerous to our family's health, they are killing our environment.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, "Of chemicals commonly found in the home, 150 have been linked to allergies, birth defects, cancer and physiological abnormalities".

Such an overwhelming, expensive, dangerous decision...

Now most parents keep the cleaning supplies locked up somewhere, so they do not worry about accidental ingestion. True, but think about this -  what happens when you open up the dishwasher? Hot steam comes out, and the person opening it inhales the chemical-laden steam. What if your child is standing right next to you? What about when you bleach your tub, and then your kids sit in there and play? Or my favorite commercial that recommends using a part of Clorox Bleach to clean kids toys (which they eventually put in their mouth) and put in the dog bowl to disinfect it? Really? Who would put bleach, even in the smallest amount, near their kids and pets? Children breathe at a faster rate, so they take in more chemicals if present, then adults. They also have higher metabolic rates in which the chemicals are processed through their body faster. It is also about accumulation. The amount of solution used at one time might not seem so bad, but add up the floor cleaner, countertop cleaner, dish soap, dishwasher detergent, laundry detergent, air freshener, stain remover, bathroom cleaner....yes, that is alot of exposure!

There is absolutely no need to bleach everything. Natural cleaners not only do the job just as well, but you can be assured that you, your family, your pets and the planet are safe. Another bonus is that homemade cleaners are so inexpensive! If you are looking to save some money - and who isn't! - homemade cleaners are the way to go. Using products that you probably have already makes this change easy. You might spend a little on the essential oils at first, but they last forever. I started doing this about 3 years ago and I am still using the same small bottles of the oils.


Our vet, who is very holistic, told us once that the number one reason cats and dogs are brought in are for poisoning, due to the SwifferWet wipes. They lick the floor after a cleaning, and when enough of the product is swallowed, it causes sickness or even death! The Swiffer people came up with a great idea - but you can easily change it up to be safer! You can buy the Swiffer "mop" but make your own wet pads by wetting a thick paper towel or cloth with water. Spray the "Disinfectant Thyme" solution (listed below) on the floor and "swiffer" away! I have recently bought a wet mop by O-Cedar, and I love it! What I like most is: (1) It was only $22.00, (2) you can wash and reuse the pad and (3) you can put your own solution in the bottle!

STARTER SHOPPING LIST:
Spray bottles - $2.00/16 oz. bottle
Vinegar - $1.00/Gallon jug
Baking soda - $.72/16 oz. box
Lemon juice - $1.75/15 oz. bottle
Washing soda/Borax - $2.99/4 lb. box
Castile Soap (liquid)  - $13.00 /32oz. bottle
Essential Oils: TeaTree, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Thyme, Citrus (orange or lemon) - Range between $6.00 - $8.00/1 oz. bottle.


RECIPES: (These costs are estimates based on the quantity/prices listed above)

Herbal Degreaser:
(1) 16 oz. Spray bottle = $2.00
(1) Cup (8 oz) water = FREE
(1/8) cup Castile Soap = $.40
(5) drops Lavender Essential Oil = $.10
TOTAL COST = $2.50, and only .50 to replace the solution!
**This can be used on any surface (except real wood and electronics). It is especially good at cutting grease and dried-on food**

 Disinfectant Thyme:
(1) 16 oz. Spray bottle = $2.00
(1) Cup (8 oz) water = FREE
(1) Cup (8 oz) vinegar = $.06
(5) drops Tea Tree Essential Oil = $.10
(3) drops Thyme Essential Oil = $.06
TOTAL COST = $2.22, and only $.22 to replace the solution!
** This solution is awesome! I literally use it to clean everything. I keep a bottle in the bathroom and kitchen, and use it daily or as needed to wipe down the sink, counters, mirror, appliances, cabinets. No need to buy numerous cleaners - this one does it all!**

Mold/Mildew Prevention:
(1) 16 oz. Spray bottle = $2.00
(2) Cups (16 oz) water = FREE
(10) drops Citrus Essential Oil = $.20
(4) drops Juniper Essential Oil = $.08
(2) tsp Tea Tree Essential Oil = $2.40
TOTAL COST = $4.68, and only $2.68 to replace the solution!
**This is great for the bathroom shower and toilet. I will spray in the morning and let it sit, then come back later in the afternoon to clean. Wherever mold tends to build up, spray this solution in that area often to keep the mold away!**



Other things you can do....

• Sprinkle baking soda on the carpet, let sit for a few hours and then vacuum up to deodorize the carpet. Adding a few drops of essential oil of your choice to the baking soda will leave behind a light scent (I like Lavender).
• Combine baking soda and castile soap and a few drop of essential oil of your choice to create a paste. Use this as a soap scrub on sinks, shower tiles and glass doors.
• Baking soda, washing soda, borax and vinegar all help laundry detergent work better.
• Sprinkle baking soda on shower tile that is discolored due to mold/mildew. Wait a few hours to clean off, and it will be white again! Lemon juice works well too!
• Sprinkle a little baking soda or borax in the bottom of laundry pail or garbage pail to deodorize.
• Diluted castile soap with a few drop of essential oil can be used as a dish soap. Pure castile soap is gentle enough to use to wash baby, or delicate hand-wash only garments. 
• Equal parts vinegar and water is a simple fruit & veggie wash to keep by the sink.

Now, I do have to say that some natural cleaners I have not tried, or not been very successful with. However, I always insist on purchasing products that do NOT contain phosphates. For laundry, I LOVE "Planet" laundry detergent, which is also one the the "safe" detergents for cloth diapers. (Most all cloth diaper companies recommend that you use very specific detergent or the diapers could be ruined. No phosphates, whiteners, brighteners, etc.) "Planet" is gentle but effective for baby clothes, too! For the dishwasher, I use either Method tablets, 7th Generation powdered and/or liquid detergent or Mrs. Meyers.  All work great!

This stuff never goes bad, although essential oils can loose their power if exposed to light. Buy the kind that are in dark bottles and keep in a cool, dry, dark place.
The Naturally Clean Home: 100 Safe and Easy Herbal Formulas for Non-Toxic Cleansers

Green This! Volume 1: Greening Your Cleaning

Green Clean: The Environmentally Sound Guide to Cleaning Your Home

Amazing Breastmilk!

I just had to share this! Especially here in Florida with all the pollen out and the weather changing every day, it is no wonder we are not feeling well. Fortunately, mothers that breastfeed their babies and toddlers have an advantage. Breastmilk keeps them supplied with nutrients when they don't feel like eating (with the perfect amounts of fats, proteins and carbs), contains immune-boosting properties to help the fight off colds, viruses, etc. and comforts them when they are just not feeling good.

Nolan had the sniffles last week, and like most kids, when their nose runs, they wipe that snot all over their face, and eventually it gets into their eyes. This sometimes leads to an eye infection or pink eye. Well, sure enough, I started seeing some puss in the corner of his eyes, although they never got red or puffy. Instead of running to the ped (all they do is prescribe antibiotics!), I dropped expressed breastmilk into his eyes with a dropper a few times a day. I did this for about 2-3 days and sure enough, it went away! I dropped breastmilk in his nose and swabbed his nostrils often with breastmilk on a q-tip, and the runny nose cleared up too!

Isn't it amazing what a mother's body can do for her baby? And without intervention, drugs, or expenses? How quick and painless that was.

Co-Sleeping...our experience

I know many parents do not agree with co-sleeping. They think that it prevents the child from grasping independence and self-soothing. They think that the child will continue to sleep in their bed until they are 12. And, most adults really do not want a baby in their bed.

When Nolan was born, we chose not to have a crib, and we are so glad! Nolan's first "bed" was a Pack-and-Play and that was one of our best investments. He slept in the top part at first, and then eventually moved down to the bottom. I liked that it did not have hard rails, but was soft if he rolled against the edge. It had a changing table attached and a little basket for diapers. It was small enough to fit right next to our bed and was easy to get him out in the middle of the night to nurse. It was much less expensive and bulky then a crib and I did not need a separate changing table. It came with a canopy, music box, sheets - all the extras that most people would buy for a traditional crib set-up.

I never had to get up in the middle of the night and go to another room to nurse or comfort him. Eventually, we learned to just let him lay in bed with us. When ever he needs to nurse, I just roll over. Most times I don't really ever wake up.

When Nolan turned 1, he was strong enough to climb out of the Pak'n'Play. I contemplated getting him something to lay on next to our bed. We moved our bed down to the floor without the frame and I thought if I put something next to our mattress, I could just roll him off our bed and onto his after he fell asleep. I tried a big pile of blankets, an air mattress, a little play tent....but he was always in our bed no matter what. Instead of trying to beat 'em, join 'em. Life is so much easier without a crying baby. He will eventually want to have his own bed, his own room one day. And when he does, he (and I) will appreciate it so much more.

I am just so glad that we did not buy a crib and all the frills that go with it. We saved so much money, time and space! I highly recommend getting a Pak'n'Play or Co-sleeper bed to start with and then only progressing to a crib/bed when your baby is ready for they own room.

Don't be afraid to co-sleep with your baby. I know many independent, smart, little kids that co-sleep and some that have already graduated to their own room. They will NOT still be in your bed when they are 12!

The Baby Sleep Book: The Complete Guide to a Good Night's Rest for the Whole Family (Sears Parenting Library)

Sleeping with Your Baby: A Parent's Guide to Cosleeping

Nursing and the Workin' Mama

This guest blog post is by a very good friend of mine, Stacy Remington. I just had to share her wonderful success story! I have no real experience with pumping and storing milk, as I only work very part-time. I have pumped only a few times for Nolan, but not on a regular basis. Stacy has successfully mastered this and her detailed accounts below are truly inspiring! A "must-read" for any mother-to-be who plans to return to work - you CAN still breastfeed you child! Thank you, Stacy!

Stacy and Landon

My Story:
I gave birth to my 10-month old baby boy Landon back in April, 2010. I knew from the beginning that I wanted to breastfeed because I wanted to give my son the best nutrition possible, right from the start of his life. I thought it would be easy since it is a natural thing, which I guess is a common misconception of new mothers. I definitely had my share of trouble starting off. My little boy had latching issues, which caused me so much pain it brought me to tears frequently that I wanted to just give up. He would latch, but would not open wide enough, so the issue was severe pain and cracking nipples for me. He was still able to get the milk he needed, which was the important part. It lasted about the first 4.5 months, but I stuck with it despite the pain and frustration because I did not feel that giving up was an option. I told myself that as he grew, so would his mouth and it would get better, and gradually it did. To me, this was the only way; the way it is meant to be. I saw it as a sacrifice for my child. The first of many I am sure.


I work full-time and unfortunately only got 7 weeks off before I had to go back. I was able to go back part-time for 3 months, but after that I was full-time again. I was still determined not to supplement with formula or give up completely. I knew I had to do what was necessary to continue to produce the amount of milk I would need to nourish Landon while I was at work. I was fortunate that I did not have much trouble producing milk. At the start I was producing about 4 ounces per side at one pump session, which worked perfectly! After a couple months though my supply started to go down since I was no longer around Landon all the time and I was only getting on average 2 ounces for each side, which is where I am at now. Landon still only eats 4 ounces in a sitting, which surprises me, but I guess the milk is potent because he’s a big boy! I have a Fenugreek supplement on hand in case my supply ever goes lower, which it has here and there for short periods of time, but for the most part is has remained the same. Fenugreek is an herbal supplement that has been known to stimulate milk production and increase milk supply and can be purchased at most health food stores in capsule form.

My pump sessions:
So how do I do it? Well, before I went back to work, my lactation consultant recommended that while I am at work I pump whenever Landon is eating at home, which is what I intended to do, but since he was not really on a regular schedule, and with my busy work life, I decided that was too much to try to keep up with. I figured every 4 hours was good because on average he was eating every three and that would be close enough. On days that Landon is home with Grandma, I try to pump in the morning before I leave for work, unless Landon wakes up early and has been nursed within that hour before I have to leave because then I know I will not get much from pumping. I have the luxury of being able to go home for lunch 3 days a week when Grandma is watching Landon, and that is what I have done since the beginning so that I can nurse him halfway through the day. It helps keep the supply up and eliminates the need for a pump session. I usually pump around 11am or 11:30am so that I’ve built up enough for a bottle, and then go home for lunch around 12:30pm. I work until 5pm-5:30pm and I am usually okay through the end of the day, so I really only have to pump once a day if I get to go home for lunch. Although I have found it beneficial to pump once more before I leave work for the day or right when I get home before Landon sees me so that I have one less bottle to pump at night. Lastly, I will pump again before bed. It has become more difficult to pump at home since Landon nurses about every 3 hours still and stays up until at least 10pm. That really makes things difficult on the days that he goes to day care since I do not get to nurse him at lunch on those days and requires an extra pumped bottle. It always works out though. Worst case I have dropped off the bottle I pumped at work to the daycare.

Tips:

• Pump while you have the supply at the beginning after birth. As long as the baby eats on a regular schedule, it should not interfere with your normal milk production.
• Looking back, I wish I had taken advantage of the extra milk I produced in the first 8 weeks after he was born. I would have pumped and stored more milk for when I had to go back to work. I was so worried about over producing by pumping that I suffered through some painful engorgements (mainly due to not letting Landon nurse on a certain side because of pain from cracking). Had I done that I could be way ahead on milk storage. These days it is difficult to get far ahead. Generally I only have about 6-8 bags in the freezer when I have a good supply, which can be depleted easily in a week if I have missed pumping opportunities at home. 
•  Also, I think it is important for all mothers, but especially new mothers, to talk to a lactation consultant or a LaLeche League member if you are having any issues. They can help resolve those issues and provide the support and encouragement a frustrated and concerned new mother might have, eliminating the temptation or desire to quit before you would really want to. There are ways to increase milk supply, heal cracking, and deal with bad latching. You just need to know where to ask.

Here are a few things I learned along the way:

• Nipple Butter, available at Target stores is really good for keeping the nipple lubricated so it does not dry out and crack. It also helps with soreness and any cracking you may get. It is safe for baby and does not contain any animal oils like lanolin. Just apply after nursing and showering.
•  If you are engorged, apply a warm wash cloth over your breast about 20 minutes before nursing to soften the tissue and ease the pain. You can also massage the breast toward the nipple under warm water while in the shower, or while nursing or pumping. In my experience, nursing works the best for relieving engorgement because the baby is the most efficient at removing the most amount of milk in a short period of time.
• Sore or Cracked Nipples can be soothed by applying a frozen wash cloth over them after nursing for about 10 minutes. Also see Nipple butter above.
• The biggest culprit of bad latching is the method used in getting them to latch. It is really important to assist the baby while latching to ensure they get the best latch. In rare cases like mine, it is the baby’s inability or stubbornness to open wide enough so that they get enough in their mouth. The key is to rub the nipple across the baby’s lips and as soon as he/she opens, quickly push their face up and into the breast so that they get a large amount of flesh into their mouth (the Cross Cradle hold is best for newborns because you can control their head with your free hand). This will ensure that they have more than just the nipple in their mouth. As my lactation consultant told me, “It’s breastfeeding, not nipple feeding.”

I strongly encourage all nursing mothers to stay with it as long as possible because it truly is liquid gold and the best food your baby will have in their entire life. It is the best way to start them off on a path of healthy nutrition and strong immunity.

Stacy holds a Bachelor's in Clinical Psychology and is currently working towards her Master's in Human Nutrition Degree. You can contact her directly with any other questions at Stacy@R-Health.com or visit her website www.R-Health.com.

Through the eyes of an ARNP...

This is a guest blog by my sister, Sarah Mayer. As an ARNP (Advanced Registered Nurse Practioner) with extensive clinical work, she has a unique and inspiring perspective to pregnancy and birth that I wish to share with you. Enjoy!



Sarah and Scott Mayer


My views on pregnancy, childbirth, and child rearing have dramatically changed, especially during the last five years or so. During this time, I have gone through my clinical training in gynecology, obstetrics, and pediatrics first as a registered nurse, and then as a family nurse practitioner. During R.N. school, I actually had a great teacher for learning about childbearing who emphasized the idea that pregnancy and birth is a natural part of life with usually no intervention needed, instead of the idea that it is some sort of illness that requires a long panel of tests.

However, my brief six weeks (yes, just once a week for six weeks!) of time in Labor and Delivery at the hospital showed a different idea. I did not see one woman walking the halls, encouraging the natural descent of her baby, or in a tub, or using any other sort of labor assistant device. No, my first day there, my patient was on her back, with a Pitocin drip (a drug to supposedly speed up labor), and a fetal monitor strapped across her belly. I felt so awkward, and the only thing I could think to offer was a back rub, which I wasn’t even sure what I was doing there. All the things we learned in class, such as position changes, could not even be applied in this situation. I did not get to see the birth of this baby, as a more critical situation arose with another patient. At only about 20 weeks, her cervix was opening and there was nothing the doctors could do. She had no one with her, and I just could not leave her. I held her hand and talked to her as she delivered a stillborn little boy. I still remember the details of that day like it was yesterday, and it still makes me ache and cry when I think of it. That was my first and only birth I have ever seen.
Fast forward about two years, and I was in obstetrics clinical again, this time as a nurse practitioner student. I studied at a community health center. Prenatal visits had a routine sequence. Weight, urine check, lots of blood work, offers for amniocentesis and genetic testing, pelvic exams and ultrasounds, and brief teaching on taking vitamins, doing birth preparation classes, and warning signs to look out for. Nothing about encouraging breastfeeding, nutrition and exercise advice, or what to expect after the baby was born. Breastfeeding was basically approached as a question if the mother wanted to do it. Whether she said yes or no was just documented in the chart. And I sadly remember all this as thinking at the time that this was the normal way to experience pregnancy. This lack of encouragement for breastfeeding continued into my pediatric clinical, as the doctor just asked whether the mother was breastfeeding or not and left it at that.
The semester after all this happened, I started clinical work with Drs. Denise Punger and John Coquelet, with whom I am currently employed. And my view on pregnancy and birth and breastfeeding was turned upside down. After reading Dr. Punger's book, "Permission to Mother", as well as other recommended books by her, I was brought back to that original idea planted by my wonderful teacher in R.N. school. A woman’s body is meant to carry a child and birth it! And those two things on our chest actually have a purpose, a wonderful purpose that every woman who has a baby should be able to do! After assisting in several lactation consultations with Dr. Punger, I saw how truly wonderful it was to breastfeed, that there is lots of help out there if a woman is struggling. I knew that when the day came for me to have a baby, I would want it to be different than what I experienced in school.
All this change came none too soon as shortly after starting that semester, my sister, the writer of this blog, shared the amazing news that she was pregnant. And she wanted me to be present and assist her in the birth. I was definitely impressed and inspired as she shared her preparations for birth and child raising, and her dedication to a healthy diet and exercise during all this time. In preparation, I read her birth plan and learned about her methods of coping with the labor. I also read a great book on being a labor assistant or doula, the many different position changes, and massage, focus, and relaxation techniques. As her readers know, the birth did not go exactly as planned, but she did as best as the situation allowed, and Nolan got off to a great breastfeeding start. I am so grateful that I had the experience with the breastfeeding consults, as I was able to help out Jenn those first few days after delivery when she was getting frustrated with engorgement, latching, and Nolan spitting up. Even though our mom was there too, it had been over 25 years since she breastfed, and did not even do that but a few weeks. I see Jenn and Nolan frequently first hand, and he is an adorable, healthy, intelligent little boy (and I’m not just saying that because I am his aunt!), and the bond they share especially during breastfeeding is beautiful. Also, Jenn has taught me a lot about a more natural, healthy, and “green” way of caring for a child, such a making homemade baby food, reusable diapers, and really the unnecessary accumulation of so many “necessary” child care products out there. She has certainly been an inspiration to me and will be a great resource for questions.
I do not do the consults with Dr. Punger anymore as I am busy with my own patients, but whenever I do see a patient who is pregnant, or a patient who has a family member or friend who is pregnant, I always discuss her birth plan and plans for breastfeeding. If she is not sure, I reinforce the benefits of breastfeeding, and encourage her to meet with Dr. Punger or another lactation consultant both before and after the birth, attend La Leche League meetings, and read lots of books so things get off to a great start. And to all the women out there who are pregnant or plan to be someday: do not count on your doctor to provide you with all the information you need! More than likely he or she had minimal training in breastfeeding and other “normal” parts of being a mother. We are taught mostly what to check for and the illness side of things. Read books, talk with other mothers whom you admire, and seek out specialists like doulas and lactation consultants.

Thank you,
Sarah Mayer, ARNP, FNP-BC

You can contact Sarah with any questions at: 772-466-8884
Coquelet & Punger Family Medicine
4640 S. 25th Street
Ft. Pierce, Fl. 34981

Golden Milk Recipe

Found this on YogaMint and just had to share! This is a such a yummy drink. I expected it to be "spicier", so next time I think I will increase the turmeric paste amount in the milk. 

When your joints are stiff and sore, it’s time to turn to turmeric—the Indian goddess of health and beauty—for some Ayurvedic support. This golden-yellow powder provides the active ingredient curcumin, traditionally used to reduce inflammation and relieve joint pain. Turmeric has many therapeutic properties, including aiding digestion, healing wounds and treating skin conditions, to mention just a few of its benefits. One way to enjoy this lovely spice is blended up in a foamy, hot yogic drink called Golden Milk.

To cook up a batch of golden milk, first prepare a turmeric paste.* For each serving of golden milk, heat 1 cup of dairy or non-dairy milk (I used almond milk) and 1 tsp. almond oil (I used coconut oil) and bring the milk just to the boiling point. Blend hot milk mixture with 1/4 tsp. turmeric paste and honey to taste (may be whizzed up in a blender to make a sensational foamy drink). Serve with a little cinnamon sprinkled on top and enjoy daily for a “golden” glow inside and out.

*Take 1/4 cup of turmeric powder to 1/2 cup of water and boil in a saucepan until a thick paste is formed or sizzle in a little ghee or olive oil for 20-30 seconds. This takes out the bitter taste and also releases the essences of the turmeric into the oil or water. This paste should be stored in the refrigerator.

What they don't tell you...post-partum changes, intimacy and more

OK, I'm really stepping out there and talking about some very personal stuff, but these were things that I questioned and no one told me about it. It took me being courageous enough to ask my midwife and finally got the answers I was looking for. This was not outlined out in any book I read or post-partum pamphlet from the hospital. As with anything new happening to your body, you wonder, "Is this normal?" I will share with you my experience and what I have learned. This may not be exactly the same as your experiences, as every woman is different. Please consult with your OBGYN or midwife with any further questions or concerns.

After you give birth, you will bleed, like having a heavy period. This is called lochia. In the hours following the birth be prepared for "gushes" of blood. You may bleed more or even pass small blood clots when breastfeeding. Breastfeeding encourages your uterus to contract and will increase blood flow. Use pads only, no tampons, and maybe even an incontinence pad or baby diaper for the first day or two. Have a variety of supplies ready at your house. This may last anywhere from 2-6 weeks, slowly decreasing over time. This is your body's way of cleansing the uterus out, eliminating unused tissues and blood to prepare for the next baby. Mine went on for about 4 weeks.

After about 6 weeks, your doctor or midwife will give you the "OK" to have sex again. Although they say it's OK, and your husband is excited about it, you may not be. That is perfectly normal! I remember a friend telling me that her and husband couldn't wait until the 6 weeks were up, and I'm thinking, "Really? Sex is the last thing on my mind. What is wrong with me - it's been over 6 weeks!?" I love my husband now more then ever. He has been incredibly understanding and helpful. I still find him sexy and attractive. I love when he rubs my back and feet, but I don't want my breasts touched, and my mind is always on Nolan, even when he is asleep and in the other room. When I brought this up to my midwife, she laughed. She told me that so few people bring this up to her because they don't want to admit something is wrong with them. She reassured me that this was normal and this my body's way of bonding with our new baby, focusing on him and actually preventing a new pregnancy from happening too soon. Unfortunately, when women have back-to-back pregnancies, the body does not have time to properly regenerate all the cells and nutrients for the second baby. It can also slow down milk production, which the first baby is dependant on. Lack of sex drive in the first 3-6 months post-partum is not only normal, is is instinctual.

Remember, sex can be painful at first, your breasts might leak milk and breastfeeding is NOT birth control.

My period did not resume until almost 1 year post-partum. It might have been coincidental, but that was around the time when Nolan started eating more solids and breastfed less for food and more for comfort. I felt comfortable with the fact that if I did become pregnant at this time, my body was ready for it. Everything happens for a reason, even if we are not aware of the reasons.

It is important for women to explain these changes to their husbands. Many men do not know and when new mothers don't know either they succumb to a self-diagnosis of "port-partum depression", etc. Explain to your man this is normal, and try to find other ways to be alone and intimate.

Other changes:

• Right after birth for a for months, I sweated alot, and had hot flashes! And, not just because of the Florida summer! Some nights I woke up drenched in sweat. This is related to hormonal changes and the bodies way of eliminating excess fluids.
• Don't be concerned if your hair is falling out. Again, this is due to hormonal changes. Because your body is sending all the essential nutrients to the breastmilk for baby, and your hair is not that important, it can fall out. Because I have long hair, it seemed more obvious to me! Be sure to increase your intake of essential fatty acids (EFA's) and nutrient-dense foods (fruits and veggies).
• Breastfeeding makes you incredibly thirsty - drink alot of water!

Family Yoga Video

"Busting the Yoga Myth" article in Treasure Coast Parenting

www.tcparenting.com/0311%20-%20March%20Webzine/index.html?pageNumber=42

Attached Parenting

"Attached Parenting" is the new buzz word, but many people wonder what it really means. It can mean different things to different people, but the main concept, or at least my interpretation of it, is parenting by meeting your baby's needs. Not just by meeting their physical needs for food and warmth, diaper changes and baths, but their emotional needs as well.

How many times have you heard, "If you pick that baby up every time he cries, your gonna spoil him", or "Let him just cry it out"? Probably alot! And, when you do, just ignore it! When you meet your baby's needs, you are not spoiling them.

Babies are completely helpless, and their only way of communicating with you is by crying. I know you know this already, but society has ingrained in our minds that if we hold the baby too much, they will always expect it and will grow up without leaving mama's side. Not true! By holding your baby, loving them and comforting them, you are teaching them to trust you. When we give babies what they need, they learn to have confidence in you, that you will be there for them, no matter what. This leads to confident, self-assured, independent toddlers and older children.

According to Dr. Jenn Berman, author of Superbaby, "You can not spoil a child with too much love or affection. You can, however, spoil a child by  giving them too many things in place of affection."

They other thing I often hear is, "If you carry that baby all the time, they are going to expect it. You don't want to be carrying around a 5-year-old". Most 5-year-old's I know don't want to be held. Even as a baby begins to walk, they have independence and enjoy doing things on their own. Maybe that 5-year-old they were talking about was starved for mama's attention and their only way of getting it was by insisting they she carry him....

My approach to "attached parenting" is being with my baby as much as possible, to learn his cues and body language, and to give him reassurance that his needs would be met. That was accomplished by co-sleeping from day one, carrying him in my arms or a sling as much as possible, co-bathing and breastfeeding exclusively and for as long as he wants.

And here are the typical questions I get:

1) "How can you sleep with a baby in your bed?" Very easy. Nolan slept right next to me so I could breastfeed him as often as he needed. Babies have their own schedule, and you need to adapt to them. Many time he would sleep in his bed, which was a "Pak'n'play" (best thing to get - loved it!), which was right next to out bed, so all I had to do was pick him up and roll right back into bed. After awhile, we learned it was just best to keep in bed with us. He slept in his bed for naps, and when he got older and slept for longer stretches of time, but he always found his way back into our bed. He has always slept in our room. And, when he learned to climb out of his Pak'n'play, we put it away and he has been in our bed ever since. It gives him comfort and security. And, it is so much easier on me to breastfeed when he is in our bed. I can not imagine getting up to go to another room in the middle of the night! Yuck!

2) "You carried him all the time?" No, but alot. Again it depends on his needs. Sometimes he is fine and enjoys being in the stroller, so I take advantage of that. Other times, he wants to be held, so I do. It is no fun to push around a screaming baby in the mall. Pull out your sling, and carry your baby!

3) "Co-bathing?" Please read Bath Time for more details.

4) "Breastfeeding exclusively? Don't you get tired of that?" If you baby was born any time before the early 1900's, you would be breastfeeding them exclusively. Why should that change now? Babies are born to breastfeed! And mothers are made to provide! Please visit any of my posts labeled "breastfeeding" for the countless ways that breastfeeding and breast milk are superior, the amazing health benefits, cost benefits, etc. In fact, the immunological benefits of Mother's Milk continues to protect your child against illnesses no matter how old they are.

Breastfeeding also provides emotional support to babies and children. According to Le Leche League's The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding (La Leche League International Book), "It is when we view the breastfeeding experience as a whole, when we understand that the baby has emotional needs which can easily be satisfied through the closeness of breastfeeding, that it is hard to understand why we must set a specific time for ending this important, intimate relationship. If we do not satisfy these needs when our children are small, they may be as undernurished emotionally as they would be physically if they were deprived of in important nutrient in their diet." They go on say, " Keep in mind that all children wean eventually. Young children have a tremendous desire to move onto the next stage of development. Nursing a toddler is not something you strive for, but it is a part of a very special relationship between mother and child."

Nursing is security, especially to the ever-changing and exciting world of a baby. Refer back to the post The Breastfeeding Rollercoaster, to understand why babies nurse at certain times more then others.

The American Academy of Pediatrics New Mother's Guide to Breastfeeding says, "Certainly there is not evidence that extended breastfeeding makes a child more dependent or harms him in any way. On the contrary, many parents proudly tell how independent, healthy, and exceptionally bright their long-term breastfed children become. As long as you are comfortable breastfeeding your toddler, there is no reason to stop." - And I agree!

Dr. William Sears, author and pediatrician, confirms this with his observation, "Some of the most physically and emotionally healthy children in my practice are those who have been breastfed in terms of years." Please check out this link on Ask Dr Sears about what Attached Parenting is and the benefits.

Alot of people like to voice their opinion, and mostly it is out of love and true sincerity, but too many times, mothers are pressured by family, friends or society to conform to a specific routine. Just because something worked for one mother, doesn't mean it will work for you. Trust your instincts! One thing that Yoga has taught me, it to trust my body, my thoughts and my intuition to make the best possible decision for myself and my family. To think inward, instead of outward. To let go of worries, criticism and judgement. Do not be afraid to "mother" your baby. If your baby needs you to lay down with them to sleep, then lay down with them. If he likes to nurse to go to sleep or after a meal, then do that. They will not nurse forever, they will learn to go to sleep on their own in their own room, they will be able to leave you without crying and they will no longer ask to be held. When that day comes, won't you want to look back and know that you provided them with the confidence to face to world and the assurance that they can always come back for a hug from mom?

The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding (La Leche League International Book)
The Attachment Parenting Book : A Commonsense Guide to Understanding and Nurturing Your Baby
Sleeping with Your Baby: A Parent's Guide to Cosleeping
Permission to Mother: Going Beyond the Standard-of-Care to Nurture Our Children