Creating a baby registry as a first time mama can be both fun and overwhelming. Aside from the obvious things such as a crib and crib bedding, diapers, wipes, and baby clothes it can be difficult to know what you really need and what items you can do without. There are so many different baby gadgets out there, its no wonder most first time mamas are baffled when it comes to creating their baby registries.

Other mamas you know can be a great resource as to what essentials to include on your baby registry and what items will likely just end up collecting dust. I have compiled a list of my most used baby registry items as well as some of the things I never use.

25 Baby Registry Must Haves~

1. Diaper bag - There are a ton of diaper bag choices out there, and lucky for us most of them are pretty stylish these days. I have the Skip Hop Duo Signature diaper bag and absolutely love it. It comes in an array of colors and patterns, fits a ton of gear without being too bulky, and has a special strap to clip it right onto your stroller. 
2. Humidifier - A humidifier is a must for your baby registry. It is one of those items we don't think about until we actually need it, and then don't have it. Better to be safe than sorry with this one so you don;t find yourself running out in the middle of the night desperately trying to find one when your baby comes down with their first cold. I love the Crane Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier. Be sure to get a cool mist humidifier rather than a warm mist one, which tend to be a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. 
3. Nursing pillow - A nursing pillow can be a tremendous help when it comes to making breastfeeding more comfortable for you and your baby, especially while you are both still learning, and finding comfortable positions. I have the My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow and I love it! I also have the Boppy nursing pillow that I use in the rocking chair, and it also doubles as a support pillow for your baby when they are learning to sit up. 
4. Breast pump - This is a must have item. At some point if you are planning to breastfeed, you will need to pump. I have tried a few different pumps and my favorite is the Medela Pump In Style Advanced Breast Pump. It comes with everything from a stylish tote to carry it in to a batter pack for pumping on the go, a cooler for bottles, and extra parts.
5. Pumping bra - This is a life saver if you have to pump often. Pumping can be time consuming and boring, so having your hands free to read a book, flip through a magazine, or get some work done on the computer is essential. I like the Medela Hands Free Pumping Bustier Bra. 
6. Baby monitor with video -  Having a monitor with video is awesome because you can watch your little one sleep and monitor them more closely than you can with the sound only baby monitors. I use the remote wireless video baby monitor from Motorola. It has two way audio, a large color scree, infrared night vision, music, pan, tilt, and zoom features. 
7. Baby food maker - If you're like me and prefer to make your own wholesome, fresh baby food, then you will need a good baby food maker. I started out with the Beaba Babycook Classic and later upgraded to the Beaba Babycook Pro which allows you to steam, purée, reheat and defrost. Its easy to use and quick to clean.
8. Swaddles - Swaddles are a must for the early months. They provide baby with the snuggly feeling of being in the womb and help them sleep easier by preventing them from waking themselves up with the Moro (startle) reflex. Swaddle blankets work, however my son would always bust out of them, so I used the SwaddleMe Original Organic Swaddles. These are awesome because they are Velcro so they are quick and easy to put baby in and they stay put. No more rogue arms punching their way through.
9. Wipe dispenser - Most packages of baby wipes can be a pain to get the wipes out of. And when your mini me has had a major blow out the last thing you want to do is struggle to get a wipe free from the package. Wipe dispensers make it much easier. I like the DEX Baby Wipe Dispenser. Its stylish, fits most brands of wipes, and is easy to use. 
10. White noise machine - This is a life saver! The white noise helps babies to sleep more soundly as newborns because it reminds them of the sounds in the womb. As babies grow and become more susceptible to being woken up by outside noises, the white noise helps drown out other sounds and help baby stay asleep. My favorite is the Dohm-DS Natural White Noise Sound Machine. It has the option to set a timer or not, which I like because every time other sound machines I have used shut off my son would wake up. This one will run all night. 
11. Nose Frida nasal aspirator - This Swedish design comes in very handy when your baby has a cold or a runny/stuffy nose. While the concept seems kind of gross, it is incredibly helpful and actually strangely satisfying to clear out your baby's nasal passages. You can find the Nose Frida nasal aspirator here.
12. Rectal thermometer - The most accurate reading you can get when taking a baby's temperature is rectally. The Vick's Baby Rectal Thermometer is known for being one of the most accurate and quickest thermometers out there. Plus it is ergonomic and comfortable for your baby's booty too. 
13. Nail clipper with a light - Clipping your baby's nails can be a terrifying experience! Their nails are so tiny, and you don;t want to risk clipping tier skin, so having a nail clipper with a light on it enables you to really see what you're doing. I use the Safety 1st Sleepy Baby Nail Clipper.
14. Baby swing - I can't even begin to stress how handy this has come in. I have the Fisher Price Snugabunny Cradle N' Swing and when we first came home from the hospital my son would only sleep well on me or in his swing. Once we transitioned him to the co-sleeper I still used the swing for naps. Plus he loved the light up mobile and would happily watch it while I got a few things done. I was sad when he recently grew out of it! 
15. Snap N' Go car seat and stroller - I use the Chicco Cortina Keyfit Travel System which is easy to use, convenient, and comes with the top-rated car seat in terms of safety. It fits babies from  4 - 30 lbs and uses a LATCH system for extra safety. The stroller has an aluminum frame, multi-position reclining seat, and all-wheel suspension. Plus its affordable, around $300 for the entire travels system. Uppababy also makes an excellent travel system, but it will run you up around $800. Snap N' Go travel systems are great for running errands and jetting around town. They open and close with ease and you can pop the car seat in and out quickly. 
16. Baby carrier - Babywearing is convenient, comfortable, and also has several benefits for both parent and child. I highly recommend registering for a baby carrier (or two.) I use both a soft structure carrier for walks and hikes, and a wrap carrier for around the house. You can see my recommendation for the best baby carriers and wraps as well as the benefits of babywearing in my previous post.
17. Pack N' play - The Graco Pack N' Play Playard can be used as a crib while traveling, or as a playpen when you need a few minutes to get things done around the house. It comes in its own case and is fairly easy to open up and fold shut. 
18. Rock N' play - Many babies I know spent the first several months of their life sleeping in the Fisher Price Deluxe Auto Rock N' Play. It is snug so baby feels comforted and secure, compact enough to put right next to your bed, lightweight and easy to move from room to room, and the auto version has a timer that you can set to rock your baby to sleep. My son wasn't a fan and preferred his swing, but I'd say at least 75% of the babies I know loved this item. 
19. Travel high chair - While full size high chairs are great, travel ones do the trick as well, plus they are space savers, and you can easily pack it up when traveling or visiting friends and family. I like the Ingelsina Fast Table Chair. It easily attaches to most tables and enables your little one to sit at the table with you as opposed to near you in their own high chair. 
20. Co-sleeper - If you are planning to co-sleep or have your baby sleep next to you in your room when they are newborn, I highly recommend registering for a co-sleeper. I used the Arms Reach Co Sleeper which is basically a bassinet with one side that is open and fits right up against your side of the bed. This way your baby still has their own space to sleep safely, but they are with next to you making night feedings easier. I preferred a co-sleeper over a bassinet. 
21. Bottle drying rack - I love my Boon grass drying rack and stem. There is a reason you see this particular drying rack on most counter tops of families with small children. Its the best! It holds bottles upright so they dry quickly and evenly, and the stem is great for hanging nipples and pacifiers from. You can fit quite a few bottles on it too. 
22. Bottle brush - Whether you will be breastfeeding or bottle feeding, there will come a point when bottles are introduced (So that you can get a break now and again) so having a good bottle brush that fits easily into bottles of all shapes and sizes is key. My favorite is the OXO brush set which comes with a brush and a stand, as well as three additional pieces to clean nipples, caps, and any other small parts. 
23. Bottles - No need of a bottle brush without the bottles! I have tried many different brands of bottles and various nipple flows. My son had a difficult time with sucking down too much air, causing gas and stomach pain. Finally we tried the Dr. Brown's Natural Flow bottles and they are magic! They greatly reduce gas and colic and have worked wonders for my son. They can be a bit of a pain to clean but well worth it.  
24. Bathtub - A good bathtub that is comfortable, safe, and makes your baby feel secure is essential. I have tried a couple of different ones, and our favorite is the Blooming bath. It is soft, plush, and fits inside sinks of all shapes and sizes. Your baby is well supported and comfortable in this bath. Those hard, slippery plastic tubs provide more of a challenge than anything and babies don't seem to like them. 
25. Rocking Chair or Glider - I don't have to tell you that most babies love being rocked. Having a comfy rocking chair or glider in your nursery is great for late night feedings, soothing your baby, and snuggling up together to read books before naps and bedtime. I am not going to give a recommendation for a particular one because I think that a rocker or glider is a very personal choice and will also need to fit into the decor of your nursery. Rockers and gliders come in a wide range of styles, colors, patterns, as well as prices ranging from under $200 up to $1,000 or more. 

5 Items You Can Do Without~

1. Bumbo seat - I registered for a Bumbo thinking I would use it all the time, and truth be told, I think we have used a total of twice. I found it to be very constricting and my son didn't seem to be very comfortable in it. His chubby thighs barely fit in the leg holes even by 4 months old. You're better off registering for a bouncy seat or a swing instead.
2. Baby clothes - You will receive so many baby clothes already, there is really no need to register for more. Besides, people would rather pick out baby clothes for your little one on their own because its fun to shop for babies! That being said, you likely won't receive many of the clothes you register for anyway. 
3. Shoes - While baby shoes are beyond adorable, the are a pain to get on and once you finally do get their tiny foot in there, they don't stay on. So my advice is, don't bother. 
4. Bottle warmer - Getting babies used to having warmed bottles can be hard when you're on the go and need to give them a bottle with no access to a warmer. Getting them accustomed to room temperature bottles will make things easier for you when you're not at home. (However I don't recommend giving them cold bottles because it can be more difficult for them to digest.) If you do need to heat up breast milk or formula that has been in the fridge, a bowl with hot water works just as well and is about as fast as a bottle warmer. (Never microwave a baby's bottle! The microwave will damage the breast milk and can create hot pockets in formula that can burn babies mouths.)
5. Wipe warmer - I chose not to use a wipe warmer because while its a nice idea to wipe your baby's bum with a nice warm wipe, what do you do when you're out an about and don't have your wipe warmer? Your baby probably won't enjoy being wiped down with a cold one. But if they don't know any differently then they probably won't complain. I have never used a warmed wipe on my son and he's never complained. 

At four months old my son sprouted two teeth, virtually overnight. He suddenly started showing interest in everything I ate, and began sucking down more and more milk. I found myself wondering if he could already be approaching a need for solids.

I wasn't ready to introduce him to solids just yet, and I wasn't convinced my son was quite ready either. But by the time my little man turned five months old it was apparent that he was indeed, ready. So where do we start? Our pediatrician had recommended rice cereal as an optimal first food, but there is so much conflicting information on whether or not rice cereal is really an appropriate first food for an infant. (More on that later.) The Weston A. Price Foundation suggests starting your baby on egg yolk at 4 months of age. Veggies or fruits first? Purées or baby led weaning? There are so many options! What's a mama to do?

When it comes to introducing solids there are basically two main approaches.  I will be discussing the basic premise and some of the pros and cons of each. I am not, however, going to go in depth over which method is "better" or tell you how you should feed your child. I believe that it is every mother's right to decide what she feels is best for her baby and her family.

Methods For Introducing Solids~

Baby Led Weaning ~ Baby led weaning is a method of feeding your infant that was developed by British health visitor and midwife, Gill Rapley. Baby led weaning simply means letting your baby feed themselves from the very start, and skipping puréed foods and spoon feeding altogether. Your baby is entirely in charge of the feeding process. (Weaning in the UK has a different meaning than it does in the U.S. In the U.S. we refer to weaning as moving away from breastfeeding, whereas in the UK it refers to the introduction of solid foods.) It is recommended to start this method of feeding at 6 months of age, or sometimes even later, by putting pieces of table food, referred to as "finger foods" such as scrambled eggs, small slices of meat, pieces of fruit, and veggies in front of your child and let them feed themselves.

The Pros

• Saves time without the need for steaming and puréeing food for your baby (if you make your own baby food as opposed to store bought)
• Introduces your baby to different textures right off the bat which may make them less picky eaters in the future.
• Baby eats what you're eating, no need to make a separate meal, and baby can eat at the same time as the rest of the family.
• Your baby is very involved in the feeding process and has control over what they choose to eat off of their plate and how much.
• Provides opportunities to practice their eating skills and fine motor development by having to grasp food and put it into their own mouth.

The Cons

• It can be messy. Most of the food will end up on the floor and all over your little one's face, which my two dogs would surely appreciate! 
• Adults eat puréed and mashed foods too, so by avoiding them altogether baby isn't given the opportunity to learn how to eat those types of foods and may be opposed to those textures later on.
• Baby may not get enough of the nutrition he/she needs. Since some of the food will end up on the floor it is hard to tell how much your baby has actually eaten. Sometimes babies may not get enough to eat with this method and can become deficient in certain essential nutrients. This can also lead to slower weight gain in some infants.
• It is a choking hazard. Yes, babies can choke on puréed or mashed foods as well, but it is far less likely. Giving your child finger foods that are the wrong size or shape can lead to choking. Children should therefor be closely monitored when eating. 

Traditional Feeding Method; Purées and Spoon Feeding ~ The more commonly known and often referred to as "traditional" method of introducing solids is with puréed and mashed foods fed by spoon to the baby by the parent or caregiver. With this method you may either steam and purée or mash your own food, or feed your baby with store-bought jars of baby food. (I highly recommend making your own baby food at home, preferably with organic ingredients whenever possible. Store bought baby food, even organic brands, is not fresh and therefor lower in nutrient value, and contains preservatives and other unnecessary additives.)

The Pros

• Teaches baby to swallow food and manipulate it with their tongue.
• Low choking hazard. By offering your child purées and mashed foods, then working your way up to include some lumps, and finally then adding in finger foods, you are providing your baby with the time they need to learn how to manage different food textures at their own pace.
• Easy, gradual introduction to real food.
• Gets plenty of nutrients and a full belly. 
• You know exactly how much they have eaten.
• Less mess. Since you are the one feeding your baby, less food is likely to end up on the floor.

The Cons

• Can require more time and prep if making you own baby food due to having to steam and then purée or mash up food until it is smooth. 
• It is difficult to eat at the same time as your baby since you are the one feeding them. Therefor if your baby is being fed during family dinner time, you are likely to be eating once everyone else is done. 
• Parents can give solely puréed foods for too long, making the transition to finger foods harder later on and potentially creating picky eaters.
• Babies can be inadvertently overfed with this method.

How I Chose To Introduce Solids~

While I believe there are definite benefits to both of the above methods of introducing a baby to solid foods, I personally chose to start my son with organic, homemade purées and mashed foods that I feed him with a spoon. While I do purée his food, I do not do so until it is a perfectly smooth texture. There are some small lumps left in most of his food and he seems to do fine with them. He was just recently introduced to solids at 5 months of age, and my reason for going with the more "traditional" approach is because as a first time mama, I was not comfortable with giving him solid pieces of food right of the bat to eat on his own. I watch him closely and stop feeding him when he begins to lose interest or show signs that he has had enough to eat. Luckily for me, he is pretty good about self regulating and lets me know when he is done.

When I feel he is ready and capable of grasping pieces of food and feeding them to himself, I plan to introduce him to a few safe finger foods and see how he does. I do plan to continue to give him purées and mashed foods alongside of finger foods so that he enjoys all of the textures and develops the necessary skills to eat an array of different textures and foods. Some of my favorite foods as an adult are puréed and mashed. (Creamy mashed potatoes, puréed butternut squash soup... yum!) This is what I feel comfortable with and it works well for my family.

Good Starting Foods~

For the first year of your child's life, breastmilk (or formula) should be your baby's main source of nutrition. Solid foods are introduced as a way for your child to learn the skills needed to eat real food and acts as a secondary source of nutrition for the first 12 months.

While there is a lot of conflicting information out there about which foods are best to give your baby first; from veggies before fruits to avoid baby favoring sweet foods, to starting with rice cereal, to egg yolk or liver first, and so on, there's no wonder mamas can feel unsure of which foods are best to start with! If you think your little one could be ready for the introduction to solid foods, be sure to consult with your pediatrician first.

Here are my recommendation for some good very first foods:

• Avocado ~ good source of healthy, unsaturated fats, vitamins A, C, E, K, and B6, folate, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and sodium. Avocados also contain antioxidants and help to protect your little one's liver, they are easily digested, and taste mild and delicious.
• Egg Yolk ~ contains DHA, choline, iron, and cholesterol which are all essential for baby's developing brain.
• Vegetables ~ veggies such as broccoli, green beans, zucchini, squash, cauliflower, and root vegetables are excellent sources of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Peas, for example are a good source of vitamins A, C, B6, folate, niacin, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, sodium, selenium, zinc, and manganese. They have a pleasant, sweet taste, and can be easily puréed or can be a fun finger food for your baby to practice grasping. Plus, one cup of peas contains more protein than a tablespoon of peanut butter.    
• Fruit ~ Introducing a variety of vegetables prior to fruit can be a good way to go so that baby does not develop a preference for sweet foods right off the bat and then not accept the taste of vegetables later on. However, fruit also offers necessary health benefits and are certainly good early foods to give. Bananas can be given raw, while other fruits such as apples, pears, cherries, peaches, nectarines, apricots, berries, and so forth should be cooked to help break down the fiber and sugars, making them easier to digest, up until baby is around 8 months old and can better handle raw fruit. Fruit with skins should be peeled before being given to your baby.

What About Rice Cereal And Oatmeal Cereal As A First Food?

Giving fortified rice cereal is often recommended by pediatricians as the ideal first food to give your child. Many commercial infant cereals are fortified with iron and other essential nutrients that babies begin to need more of than breastmilk can provide by the time they are 6 months old. However, they also contain other additives, sugars, and preservatives that are not ideal for an infant's sensitive system. Luckily, many pediatricians are beginning to understand that there are many benefits to starting babies on foods other than cereals. 

If you were to look up the pros and cons of giving rice cereal as a first food to babies you will likely come across tons of articles with quite a bit of conflicting information. Many people advocate that babies under the age of one do not produce the digestive enzyme amylase which is necessary in order to break down and digest grains and starches, and that giving rice cereal or oatmeal cereal to infants can be harmful to their digestion and cause digestive problems later on. Others will say that babies do in fact produce amylase, though in smaller amounts than adults, and that they can indeed digest grains. Breastmilk also contains amylase. What about the arsenic levels of rice and rice cereals? So, how do we know whether or not grain cereals are a good option to give our babies? 

This topic could be a blog post all on its own, so I won't go too in depth here, but I do think it is an important topic worth mentioning. I am not an expert on feeding babies solid foods by any means, but I will tell you what I chose to do and why. I did not start my son off on rice cereal or on oatmeal. I have steered clear of rice cereal due to the information out there about the arsenic found in rice. I chose to start my son on wholesome foods with only one ingredient; avocado. Then I introduced another single ingredient food a few days later, egg yolk. And so on. My son has had some homemade oatmeal cereal that I ground up and then blended with my breast milk. I do not use this as a regular food for him, but I am ok with him eating some grains, as I believe they do have many health benefits. In newborns, the amount of amylase is significantly lower than that of an adult. However, by the age of 5-6 months babies produce enough amylase to digest complex carbohydrates and grains. Oats are high in fiber, iron, magnesium, and zinc which are all essential nutrients for a growing baby. 

Signs Your Baby May Be Ready For Solids~
Your baby may not have all of these signs and can still be ready for solids, but below are some good indicators your little one could be ready for more than just milk. 

• Most pediatricians will recommend that a baby is ready for solids between 4-6 months of age. I feel 4 months is a bit young, but 5-6 months is a good starting point and their digestive systems are more mature at that age.
• Baby has lost the "tongue thrust" reflex.
• Baby can sit up with some support or on their own. 
• Baby shows interest in the food you are eating.
• Baby has good head and neck control.
• Baby has one or more teeth.

*Please note that I am not a doctor or nurse. I am a mama with a background in holistic nutrition who has done my research. This post is for informational purposes only. If you are unsure whether it is time to introduce solids to your baby or not, or have questions as to what foods you should start with, please consult your child's Pediatrician.

Sources:
www.wholesomebabyfood.momtastic.com
www.westonaprice.org
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6608871

In the days and weeks following my son's birth, I experienced a range of intense emotions including pure bliss, deep love, exhaustion, sadness, confusion, fear, resentment, and even jealousy. I felt pure bliss when holding my newborn son in my arms, and a deep, ever growing love for him each time I gazed at his face or smelled his newborn smell. I felt exhaustion from giving birth, and from lack of sleep. I felt sad about losing who I used to be before I became a mother and the life and freedom I once had. I felt jealous that my husband could pop up off the couch so easily and walk around without being in pain, that he could come and go from the house with ease, and even that he got to work, while I was tethered to my couch and my son was tethered to my breasts 24/7. I felt a sense of loss for my pre-pregnancy body and pre-baby self. I felt fear when my husband did return to work and I was left to care for this tiny human on my own. What was I supposed to do with him? Was I really responsible for this tiny person's every need? What if I did something wrong? I felt resentful towards other mothers who were out and about just days after giving birth while it was still taking me five minutes just to stand up off of my couch, and another five to walk to the bathroom. In the midst of all of this I also felt proud and empowered. I had just endured days of labor and hours of pushing. I had brought a human into this world and that was amazing. I was utterly confused by all of these cycling emotions.

I had a hard time with breastfeeding for the first few months of my son's life (see my previous post about My Breastfeeding Experience) and I often felt like I was failing him because I was unable to feed him enough. I shed so many tears over our breastfeeding struggles, and spent so much time worrying about what to do about it. It felt all consuming. I felt like no one understood what I was going through, how could they? My husband couldn't understand because he has never tried to breastfeed a child. My mother couldn't understand because my brother and I are adopted and were not breastfed. I felt alone in my struggle in those early weeks, and that ugly green monster called jealousy would rear its ugly head again when I would see or talk to other mamas who's babies were breastfeeding like champs, or who had a huge milk supply. 

The worst of my emotional roller coaster passed after about three weeks. I began to feel more like myself again. I was healing, I was getting used to this new person living in my home, and understanding his cues better. We were really bonding and I was finally getting out of the house. Soon enough I felt more like myself again. Of course, I am not the same person I was before my son was born. I never will be that person again. I am a mama now, and I fully embrace and love that role and everything that comes along with it. 

What I was going through in those early weeks of my son's life is commonly referred to as the "Baby Blues." The baby blues are very common after a woman gives birth to a child. Your hormones are all over the place, you have a little person you are suddenly fully responsible for taking care of, you are sleep deprived, and probably pretty sore. For the past 9 months you have been sharing your body with someone else, and if you are breastfeeding, then you are still sharing your body with someone else. That can be overwhelming at times.

What Are The Baby Blues?

The Baby Blues is a normal, common, short lived period of feeling sad, emotional, and moody. It generally lasts anywhere from 2-3 weeks after giving birth. 70-80% of women suffer from the baby blues after having a child, while only 10-20% suffer from postpartum depression. 

During pregnancy, estrogen and progesterone levels are super high, and after the delivery of the baby and the placenta, these hormone levels plunge rapidly. This normal neurological process is what triggers the baby blues. Luckily, there are some natural ways to treat eh baby blues that will help you to feel better in no time. 

10 Ways To Beat The Baby Blues Naturally:

1. Time - Be gentle with yourself and give yourself some time. You just brought a human into the world, that's huge! And becoming a mother is a major life change. Its only natural you need some time to adjust.
2. Placenta Capsules - If you hire a doula to be with you at your birth, many of them are certified to encapsulate your placenta for you to take after the birth of your child. The placenta contains oxytocin - a hormone that helps reduce pain, depression, and increases bonding with your baby. If oxytocin levels are low after giving birth, a woman is more likely to suffer from the baby blues and even postpartum depression. Taking your placenta capsules can help boost your oxytocin levels and help make the shift in your hormones smoother. The placenta also contains thyroid stimulating hormones which boost energy levels, increase immunity, speed recovery time, and increase your milk supply. 
3. Rest - This can be hard to do with a newborn at home, but getting as much rest as you can will do wonders for you emotionally and physically. How many times have you been told to "sleep when the baby sleeps"? Trust me the dishes, laundry, and other household chores can wait (or let your partner take care of them!) Getting rest is much more important. 
4. B vitamins - B vitamins, especially folate, B6, and B12 have been shown to help alleviate symptoms of depression. A deficiency in these vitamins can also cause depression, so taking a B complex is important both during and after pregnancy.  
5. Acupuncture - Acupuncture can help to balance the hormonal and emotional systems of the body after giving birth and can reign in your hormones quicker. Acupuncture has also been shown to prevent postpartum depression and relieve symptoms of depression both during and after pregnancy.
6. Fish oil - When taken during pregnancy, fish oil can help prevent postpartum depression and the baby blues. Having low levels of DHA has been linked to depression due to lower levels of serotonin and dopamine; two chemicals in the brain that are linked with mood. If you have been taking a fish oil during your pregnancy and are still experiencing symptoms of depression after the birth of your child, you may need to increase the amount you are taking. Eating fish that are higher in DHA such as salmon and halibut can also help. 
7. Eat a healthy diet - By eating a nutrient dense diet high in essential vitamins and minerals that promote brain and emotional health such as zinc, selenium, B vitamins, and vitamin D, you may be able to prevent postpartum depression and speed along any symptoms of the baby blues. Eating a whole foods, healthy diet also speeds recovery time, helps you build a healthy milk supply, aids in losing the baby weight quicker, and will even help you sleep better. Foods to incorporate into your diet daily are dark leafy greens, fatty fish, eggs, whole grains, fruit and veggies, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Do your best to avoid refined sugars and processed foods both during and after pregnancy. 
8. Talk to other mamas - Unfortunately, the baby blues and postpartum depression are rarely talked about, but sharing those experiences with other women can be hugely helpful and even therapeutic. When my son was born it helped me a lot to relate with other new moms who were experiencing something similar to what I was. So don't be afraid to talk it out with other mothers you know. Chances are they know exactly how you feel. 
9. Get outside - It is so easy to get stuck in your home after having a baby. Siting in your house all day can bring you down and cause you to feel more sad and isolated. While the thought of leaving the house with a newborn is terrifying the first few times, getting outside, filling your lungs with fresh air and daylight, seeing other adult humans and interacting with them, and getting some light exercise with a walk will all do wonders for your psyche. And after the first couple of times getting out with your baby, you'll feel like a pro. Don't be afraid to get out of your house alone too. Leave the baby with your partner and take a short stroll around the block, run a quick errand to the store... getting outside alone can provide a much needed break and give you time to reconnect with yourself. 
10. Have visitors - Don't overdo it, but have your mom, sister, best friend, or anyone else you feel comfortable with come over and spend some time with you and your baby. Company can be amazingly therapeutic and helpful, especially if you are feeling overwhelmed or nervous about being alone with your new baby at first. Knowing someone else is there can be hugely comforting. 

Could It Be Something More Than The Baby Blues? Signs You May Have Postpartum Depression:

*Please note that I am NOT a doctor, nurse, or Psychologist. The information in this article is not intended to treat, diagnose or be used in place of medical care. If you think you may be suffering from postpartum depression please contact your doctor right away. 

The baby blues and postpartum depression have similar symptoms. However, the baby blues is short lived (2-3 weeks) with fair mild symptoms, and then you should begin to feel better. Postpartum depression on the other hand, is a serious medical condition that should not go untreated. Postpartum depression (PPD) symptoms are severe enough that they can disrupt your ability to function. Some of the symptoms of PPD given by the Mayo Clinic are ~

• Depressed mood or severe mood swings
• Excessive crying
• Difficulty bonding with your baby
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual
• Inability to sleep (insomnia) or sleeping too much
• Overwhelming fatigue or loss of energy
• Reduced interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
• Intense irritability and anger
• Fear that you're not a good mother
• Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt or inadequacy
• Diminished ability to think clearly, concentrate or make decisions
• Severe anxiety and panic attacks
• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or think that you may have postpartum depression, please contact your doctor right away. 

Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postpartum-depression/basics/symptoms/con-20029130
http://www.pullingdownthemoon.com/blog/2012/november/acupuncture-and-postpartum-depression.aspx

I'll admit, pizza is my weakness. I love me some good pizza! But it's not always easy to find pizza made with high quality ingredients and that isn't dripping with grease. I have an even bigger challenge right now because my son has a sensitivity to cow's milk protein, and since I am breastfeeding I can not eat any cow dairy. I can however, eat goat's milk dairy since he does just fine with that, and since there aren't any pizza places where I live that use goat cheese, I haven't had pizza in a while! I have really been craving it lately so I decided to make my own homemade, organic pizza with goat milk mozzarella and let me tell you, it was soooo good! And the best part is, you can mix it up by using different toppings each time you make it.

Homemade Organic Veggie Pizza Recipe:

Ingredients For Dough~

• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tbsp organic cane sugar
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 1/4 tbsp active dry yeast
• 2 3/4 cups white whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp sea salt or pink Himalayan salt

Ingredients for pizza sauce~

• 1 - 6oz can organic tomato paste
• 1/4 tsp sea salt or pink Himalayan salt (to taste)
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp organic cane sugar

Toppings~ (This is what I used but you can add whatever toppings you like!)

• 1 crown of broccoli cut into bite sized pieces
• 8-10 stalks of asparagus, cut into bite sized pieces
• 1/2 can artichoke hearts, quartered
• organic goat milk mozzarella

Instructions~

1. Pour water and yeast into a mixing bowl and whisk together then let stand for about 5 minutes or until the yeast is foamy/puffy. Then slowly mix in the olive oil and sugar.
2. In a separate bowl, combine flour and salt and blend well. Then slowly pour in the above mixture and mix slowly until it reaches a doughy consistency.
3. Place the dough onto a well floured surface and knead by hand until it is a well formed ball.
4. Cut the dough in half.
5. On the same floured surface, roll each ball of dough into a 12 inch round, and about 1.4 an inch thick. 
6. Grease a baking sheet with olive oil and transfer the dough to the baking sheet and set aside.
7. To make the sauce, mix tomato paste, garlic powder, sugar, oregano, and salt in a bowl. Slowly add water while stirring until desired consistency is reached (approx 6 tbsp)
8. Place 2-3 tbsp or desired amount of pizza sauce onto the rounds and spread evenly with the back of the spoon.
9. Evenly distribute the cheese and  toppings.
10. Bake pizzas at 500 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is completely melted. 
11. Remove from oven, let cool for a few minutes, and slice pizza into desired amount of slices. 

When my son was born I was so excited to get to wear him everywhere we went, even just around the house. I wanted to keep him close to me, and utilize babywearing for extra skin to skin time and bonding. I had already bought a Moby wrap, and the first time I tried to use it was a disaster! I had no idea what I was doing and fumbled my way into getting it tied on with the help of my mom. After getting sufficiently tangled in it, I became so frustrated I ended up just taking it off and not even attempting to put my son in it.

Several YouTube videos later, though, I had finally tied the Moby wrap on successfully. Now to get my baby in it! I followed the tutorials closely and my baby screamed the entire time. I was so clumsy, trying to stuff this tiny, floppy infant into this strange contraption, and he could feel my awkward energy and was having none of it. Once I finally got him in, he was still crying, so right back out he came.

I borrowed different types of baby carriers from friends, tried my other carrier, the Beco Gemini (which we now love) that I had been given at my baby shower, and even bought a few other ones to try out in the hopes he would like one of them, but no such luck. This made things difficult for me because he wanted to be held all of the time and I never had a free hand.

Finally when he was a little over three months old, weighed 14 lbs, and had developed good neck strength and head control I used my Beco Gemini carrier to let him face outwards rather than in towards my chest, and he LOVED it! This wasn't a total surprise because he always wants to see whats going on around him. (Now I know that wearing my baby outward facing is less ideal than having him face inwards because it can place more pressure on their spine and hips, but most ergonomic carriers lessen this potential.) At least he was happy, and I was hands free! Once he got used to being in the carrier I attempted using my Moby wrap again with him facing inwards. I practiced tying it on and used one of his stuffed elephants to practice putting a "baby" into it. Once I got the hang of it and could get my son in and out of it quickly, he loved it! I now wear him around my house often while I do chores, prep food, feed my dogs, and so forth. There are days he is much happier in the wrap than being anywhere else, and I can breastfeed him in it too. (Bonus!)

Benefits Of Babywearing:

1. Babies who are worn cry less ~ Studies have shown that babies who are held and worn more cry less and are all around happier. Babies need to be close to their caregiver in order to feel supported. Newborns feel like they are back in the womb when they are worn correctly and are soothed by the sound of your breath and heartbeat. Older babies also get the benefits of feeling close to you, and they get a chance to look around and see what you see which helps them to learn about their environment. 
2. Babywearing strengthens communication between parents and babies ~ Babies become more attuned to your smell, facial expressions, movements, and even your emotions and energy. In turn, parents become more in tune with the needs of their babies and become better able to decipher their baby's cues and what they mean. Being in such close proximity also initiates interaction. They become a part of your world.
3. Babies who are worn learn faster and are smarter ~ As Dr. Sears, renowned Pediatrician says, "If infants spend less time crying and fussing, what do they do with their free time? They learn! Sling babies spend more time in the state of quiet alertness . This is the behavioral state in which an infant is most content and best able to interact with his environment. It may be called the optimal state of learning for a baby." (www.askdrsears.com) When a baby is in a state of quiet alertness, they are able to soak up more of their surroundings. They learn from their environmental experiences and are able to participate in their parent's world. A baby who is worn regularly becomes accustomed to, and learns from the sights and sounds of their surroundings and is not afraid of these sounds because he feels safe and secure against his caregiver. A baby who is left in a swing, on the ground, or in their crib hears the same noises but may be frightened by these unfamiliar sounds. 
4. It is convenient ~ Wearing your baby allows you to have two free hands to get things done. You can do the dishes, make lunch, do the laundry, the list is endless - all while wearing your child. Not only that, but the baby benefits from feeling the movements of their parent while being worn. 
5. Babywearing reduces the risk of your child developing Plagiocephaly (flat head) ~ The more often a baby is worn and the less time they spend flat on their backs, the more round their head will stay. Babies who spend a lot of time on their backs in car seats, swings, in their crib or on the ground are at higher risk of developing a flat head which can lead to vision problems and developmental delays. 
6. Babywearing encourages breastfeeding ~ When a baby is worn close to their mother's chest they are able to smell her milk, therefor encouraging them to want to breastfeed. This can be especially beneficial for preemies and babies who have had trouble breastfeeding. 

What You Can Do To Get Your Baby Used to Being Worn:

1. Start early ~ The sooner you start wearing your baby after birth, the better. They will grow accustomed to the feel of being worn and will enjoy feeling the closeness and security of your body, breath, voice, and heartbeat. 
2. Try different carriers and methods of babyweraring ~ If one style doesn't work for you or your baby, try a different one until you find one that works and is comfortable for both of you. There are a ton of different baby carriers, wraps, and slings available today. 
3. Practice ~ Some wraps and carriers have a higher learning curve than others. Practice putting it on and taking it off several times before you attempt to put your baby inside so that when you finally do, the transition is as smooth as possible. Many babies don't like being put in a wrap or carrier if it takes too long, or if you are unsure of what you are doing. They can feel that uncertainty radiating off of you!
4. Make sure all of your baby's needs have been met first ~ Be sure your baby is clean, dry, and well fed before attempting to place them in a carrier, wrap, or sling. Starting while they are in a good, calm mood doesn't hurt either!
5. Get moving ~ As soon as your baby is in the carrier, go for a walk or start moving around. Often the movement will soothe your baby and they will settle down and begin to enjoy being worn. 
6. Be patient ~ If babywearing isn't working at first, give your baby some time and wait till he or she is a bit older and can be carried in different positions. This could be a total game changer.
7. Seek help ~ Find a friend, midwife, nurse, fellow mama, or someone who is well versed in babywearing to teach you how to properly do so. This can be a huge help, especially for first time mamas. 

My Favorite Ergonomic Baby Carriers:

How you wear your baby is important. Babies who are worn incorrectly can develop hip displasia, spinal problems, and can become easily overstimulated. There are many carriers available that are designed to prevent such things. These are my top 5 favorite ergonomic baby carriers/wraps that best support both the wear and baby:

1. Beco Gemini ~ This is the carrier I use when I am out and about with my little man, on walks, and hikes. He loves it because he can face outward so easily while still being well supported and comfortable. This carrier is made from organic cotton, is machine washable, comfortable and supportive for both mom (or dad) and baby, and holds baby in an ergonomically correct position. Whats more, this carrier can be worn with baby facing inwards, outwards, on your hip, or on your back. The width of the seat is adjustable, and it does not require an infant insert either. You can purchase the Beco Gemini here.

2. Ergo 360 ~ This organic cotton baby carrier is similar to the Beco Gemini in that the Ergo 360 is also ergonomically correct, comfortable and supportive, and baby can be worn facing inward, outward, on your hip or on your back. An infant insert is required for babies under 12 lbs. It is also a bit pricier than the Beco. Many of my friends swear by this carrier. You can purchase the Ergo 360 here.

3. Moby Wrap ~ I love my Moby wrap! We had a rough start, but now I use it every day to get things done around the house with my son wrapped snugly against me. When tied correctly and when baby is wrapped correctly, this carrier has excellent ergonomics. Unlike soft structured carriers, the wraps allow baby to be even closer to your body and wrapped closely up against you. The Moby is versatile and your baby can be worn in several different positions. One downside is that the learning curve for how to use it is a bit steeper than other carriers, but once you get the hang of it, its great. I personally use the organic cotton Moby, but there are many great wrap carriers out there. You can purchase the Moby Wrap here.

4. Lillebaby Complete Baby Carrier ~ This carrier has 6 ergonomic carrying positions, is made from 100% organic cotton, has good lumbar support, a hood to pull up over your baby for sun, wind, and cold protection, it has an extendable torso length for taller people (ideal for dads) and is machine washable. You can purchase the Lillebaby carrier here.

Do you wear your baby? What are your favorite baby carriers or wraps?

When it comes to buying gifts for babies and kids the options are endless. Of course we want to get our children toys that they can learn from and also enjoy playing with, and ideally they will be safe, non toxic, and even eco-friendly. It can be hard to find toys that fit this description in most main stream stores, but luckily places like Target and Toys R' Us are beginning to carry more sustainable toy brands for our little ones. Even big name clothing stores like Baby Gap and Giggle are starting to carry organic clothing lines. Finding sustainable, safe, and eco-friendly toys is not the daunting task it once was. I have compiled a list of some of the best sustainable, organic, stylish, and non toxic toy and clothing companies for you to find the perfect gifts for the tiny humans in your life this holiday season.

10 Best Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Toy/Gift Companies:

1. Green Toys Company ~ These toys are all made in the U.S. from 100% recycled plastic milk jugs. The plastic they use is free of BPA, PVC, phthalates, or external coatings. Even the packaging is is fully recycled.  
2. Kahiniwalla Toys ~ These cool toys are made in Bangladesh by very talented artisans at Hatha Bunano; a non-profit organization that provides job opportunities for women working from home. These toys are hand knit using 100% cotton yarn. 
3. Under The Nile Organics ~ This family owned company makes all of their clothing and toys from 100% organic Egyptian cotton. None of their toys or products contain PVC, BPA, lead, Azo colorants, formaldehyde, fragrance, or fire retardants. They carry everything from bath products to linens, to clothing, to toys. 
4. Vulli ~ The iconic Sophie la Giraffe teething toy comes from Vulli and is made with with 100% natural rubber, is phthalate and BPA free, and each one is hand painted using food paint. Vulli pride themselves on being strongly committed to ecology and sustainable development. Sophie and her friends continue to be one of the most popular first toys for babies 3 months and older. 
5. Wishbone Designs Bikes ~ These awesome bikes are made from natural wood. The bikes grow with your child, from age 12 months and up starting with a 3 wheel, pedal-less bike to promote walking and strength, next you can transform it into a two wheel pedal-less bike which helps promote balance, and finally you can flip over the frame and raise the seat to make it a larger balance bike for older children. The company prides themselves on being "social, ethical, and environmentally sustainable in everything they do." 
6. Haba ~ This toy company has great toys for all ages ranging from organic soft toys and rattles to wooden toys made with solvent free, water based, eco-friendly paint stains. 
7. Artterro ~ This cool company creates eco-friendly arts and crafts kits for kids. They use handmade paper crafted from 100% post consumer waste, real copper wire, 100% wool felt, natural wood, glass, wood, and shell beads, and more cool eco-friendly materials to create your own masterpieces. 
8. Plan Toys ~ Made from rubber wood trees, these cool wooden toys are decorated with fun colors that come from eco-friendly, water based paint that is lead and formaldehyde free. Great for ages 0-4 years. Whats more, this company is completely solar powered and uses sustainable manufacturing practices. 
9. B Toys ~ With a wide variety of fun toys that also help your child learn and develop, B Toys are made from recycled materials that are PVC, BPA, and phthalate free. They use soy and water based paints and are completely non toxic.   *I have removed this company from my list of recommendations after receiving feedback from our community that this company actually DOES use PVC in some of their toys. I am always open to feedback and want to know about thing like this so never hesitate to leave comments! 
10. Sprout San Francisco ~ A natural and organic children's boutique, Sprout SF only carries products made of natural, organic materials free of PVC, BPA, phthalates, formaldehyde or any other toxic substances. All of the toys, clothes, and accessories they carry have been tried and loved by the owners. They have a great variety of toys ranging from newborn up through 3+ years, clothes, bathing personal care products, bedding, baby carriers and wraps, and more. You can visit their boutique in San Francisco or online.  

10 Best Organic Children's Clothing & Accessories Lines:

1. Kate Quinn Organics ~ With a wide variety of super cute patterns and styles for any occasion, this awesome clothing line is made using fair trade practices and certified organic cotton. 
2. Soul Flower ~ This cute, funky clothing line uses organic cotton, recycled fibers, low-impact dyes, and is made either in the U.S. or via Fair Trade. 
3. Hanna Andersson ~ This clothing company originated in Sweden and uses pure, organic cotton that comes from non-toxic ecosystems. All of the cotton they use is grown free of GMO's, p
4. Finn + Emma ~ This stylish and sustainable company makes all of their products from 100% organic cotton and eco-friendly dyes, plus they are Fair Trade. Their toys are made from all natural wood. 
5. Mini Mioche ~ This Canadian company makes super cute and stylish, edgy clothes for babies and kids using 100% organic cotton, and low-impact, non-toxic, reusable dyes. I'm not going to lie, I am kind of in love with this clothing line. 
6. Tane Organics ~ Made from certified organic cotton, low-impact dyes, this line carries cute clothes, accessories, and toys that are all natural, toxin free, and adorable. 
7. From Babies With Love ~ This is truly an incredible company. ALL of the proceeds go around the world to help abandoned children and enables them to live in SOS Communities where they will have an SOS mother and family within the community to care for them. They sell all organic baby and children;s clothes, bibs, and blankets.  
8. The Spunky Stork ~ Created by a husband and wife team, this clothing line is made from 100% organic cotton (and its super soft!) They do all of their prints on a manual screen printing press, so each piece is handmade.
9. Baby Legs ~ These adorable baby leg warmers are made from organic cotton and come in a variety of sizes from newborn and up. They are designed to keep baby's legs warm while giving them the freedom to roam around in just a diaper or onesie, making those frequent diaper changes easier! Baby Legs also donates their products to hospitals to be used to keep newborn and preemie baby's legs warm, and they also help to keep dressings in place after surgeries or procedures. 
10. Softbaby ~ This line features bright, fun colors and unique patterns made with water-based ink on 100% organic cotton. This line carries clothing, accessories, blankets, and more.