I have been drawn to crystals and gemstones since I was a child. They are one of Mother Earth’s most beautiful and awe-inspiring objects of desire. Beyond their beauty, each stone possesses a profound mystical and healing benefit that can manifest energies to create abundance, healing and harmony in your life. When selecting crystals and gemstones, choose one that offers a vibrational match to your frequency. This is best accomplished by holding the crystal in your hand (if you’re buying it…
According to this study on ‘the effect of late pregnancy consumption of date fruit on labour and delivery’: “We set out to investigate the effect of date fruit (phoenix dactylifera) consumption on labour parameters and delivery outcomes… 69 women consumed six date fruits per day for 4 weeks prior to their estimated date of delivery, compared with 45 women who consumed none… The women who consumed date fruit: Had significantly higher mean cervical dilatation upon admission compared with the non-date fruit consumers…
In times past, extended families lived closer together and communities were tighter-knit providing villages of built-in postpartum support. Women who had just given birth would stay indoors for 40 days to rest, regain her strength, and bond with her baby while family members and women in the community would support her. The below suggestions are meant to help and support new mamas and families who have just experienced a very physical and emotional life-changing event. Schedule visits in advance instead of dropping by unannounced…
Herbal baths are sure promoters of postpartum healing and comfort. There are many herbs that can be used to soothe tender perineal tissue, heal tears and episiotomies, reduce inflammation, and even shrink hemorrhoids after a vaginal birth. They are also relaxing and antiseptic. If you don’t feel like fully immersing or don’t have a tub at home, try a sitz bath instead. A sitz bath is a basin that fits perfectly into your toilet seat and let’s you get a…
I wanted to write about the importance of safe co-sleeping and bed-sharing and also dispel any myths associated with it. Many families either believe it is unsafe or don’t fully understand its benefits and aren’t open to it, or alternatively, they don’t take proper safety precautions and put their babies at risk. What is the difference between co-sleeping and bed-sharing? Many terms related to infant sleep are used interchangeably, which can create confusion. API (Attachment Parenting International) uses the following…
Women’s bodies have an incredible ability to make babies and breast milk. As a Lactation Educator and Counselor, I am often asked about ways to help increase breast milk supply. Herbs, like other plants we eat, nourish a mama’s body as it makes nourishment for her baby. Herbal galactagogues (Greek for ‘milk flow’) are nature’s gifts to lactating women, and have been used for centuries to help increase milk supply. Anise seed. A culinary spice and a digestive herb that helps…
Keiki Love upcycled wool diaper covers first caught my eye because they are adorable! They also happen to be very well-made. Two full layers of 100% lamb’s wool give ultimate leak protection, but still allow breathability and help keep rashes away. They come in one size and fit most infants and toddlers from 10-35 pounds. The covers have a snap down rise with 3 different size options to grow with baby. The elastic legs and back keep messes in and give…
Eating a well-rounded and wholesome diet is particularly important before, during, and after pregnancy. Since I’m currently pregnant with our second baby, I am especially mindful of eating nourishing, holistic and delicious foods throughout the process. I would like to share some key foods and nutrients that are essential for a healthy pregnancy and baby. High quality protein. I eat mostly an organic, plant-based diet containing protein-rich foods such as soaked ancient and spouted and whole grains, legumes such as lentils…
After overcoming many breastfeeding challenges with my older son, I became a Lactation Educator and Counselor to help support other mothers and babies on their breastfeeding journeys. In addition to my formal training, I learned a lot from experience, so when my younger son and I hit some bumps in the road, we were able to move past them quickly. Here are some tips for getting breastfeeding off to a good start! Prepare ahead of time by taking a good prenatal breastfeeding class and reading…
Every breastfeeding mama should know how to hand or manually express breast milk. Some advantages to hand or manual expression include: Some mechanical breast pumps can cause discomfort and/or are ineffective. Many mothers are more comfortable with manual expression because it is more natural. Skin-to-skin contact is more stimulating than the feel of a plastic shield, so manual expression usually allows for an easier milk ejection reflex (MER). It doesn’t require electricity and is handy in an emergency or natural disaster. It’s convenient.…