Image Source: Liliana Taboas

I didn't truly learn to love my body until I became a mother. Long before my son was born, even before having children was a thought in my mind, I was never truly happy with my body. This went as far back as my early 20's when I was a tiny little thing and could get into shape without really even trying. I would often criticize myself, thinking my stomach wasn't defined enough, my arms not toned enough, my hips, thighs, and butt too curvy, and my boobs too small. While I recognized that I was not actually overweight and that I was healthy, I would still refer to myself as "fat" at times. I would find myself comparing my body to those of other women, envious of one's toned arms or another's long, slim legs.

As women, our society has taught us to dislike our bodies. To feel that no matter what we do, our bodies are never "perfect." That our stomachs could always be flatter, our thighs slimmer and smoother, our boobs perkier and our butts firmer. And when it comes to bouncing back after having a baby, women are expected to be back to their pre pregnancy weight within weeks. The celebrities all do it, so why can't we?

I once saw this quote and it stuck with me. "Every single human life is the result of a woman's incredible transformation and sacrifice." (-unknown) The female body is absolutely incredible. The fact that many women can carry, sustain, and birth a child is truly magical in my eyes. A woman's body undergoes a massive transformation during the almost 10 months she is pregnant. So why is it that our society expects her to look like her pre baby self within mere weeks of giving birth? And, why does our society care so much? Shouldn't the fact that she grew a human and gave birth to a child that she is now doing her best to raise be what matters? Shouldn't her body be honored for doing the incredible? I think so.

As new moms, the last thing we should be worried about is getting our bodies back into shape when we have a new life we are responsible for. The transformation a woman goes through not only physically during pregnancy and childbirth, but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually as she becomes a mother is the greatest transformation she will ever undergo in her lifetime. This is a time to honor that transformation, to be gentle with ourselves as we learn about this new version of who we are as a mother, and as we get to know our babies.

During my pregnancy I never thought much about what would become of my body after I gave birth. I just assumed I would bounce back relatively quickly since I was in good shape before I got pregnant, and stayed active throughout my pregnancy. But bouncing back quickly was not my reality. I had a difficult recovery from my son's birth and took my time getting back to exercising. (I didn't start working out again until I felt that I had recovered enough and was truly able to handle exercise, which was much later than the go ahead my OBGYN had given me.) I had gained close to 50 lbs by the end of my pregnancy on top of the 15 lbs I had gained from the IVF hormones I was given. I remember being about 4 months postpartum looking at my body in the mirror and thinking, "Who is that? Is that really me?" In that moment I felt ashamed of the body I saw in the mirror. My body. What an awful feeling that was. I looked back at photos of myself pre pregnancy and thought, "If only I had that body again! Why was I so hard on myself?" I noticed myself comparing my body yet again, this time to other mothers, and wondering why they were able to "bounce back" so quickly. I hated that I was doing that. I was not proud of those thoughts, and I knew I had to do something to change the way I saw myself.

I took a big step back and reminded myself what my body had just been through. I underwent IVF and two frozen embryo transfers to get pregnant with my son. That alone is a lot for the body and mind to endure. I then grew a human for 42 weeks, was in labor for 40+ hours, with 4 of them spent pushing my baby out into the world. My body had taken a beating. My abdominal muscles were so weak from pushing for such an extended period of time that I felt like my entire midsection was made of jello. My pelvic floor was now on vacation, and I was anemic from blood loss during labor. And I had just become Mama to the most gorgeous baby boy I have ever laid eyes on. My body made him, and brought him into the world. How amazing is that?! It was time for me to start being kinder to myself and recognizing the miracle my body had just created.

It wasn't easy to shift my frame of mind when it came to my post baby body. In fact, it took me a full year to get to the place where I am now. I recognize that my body is forever changed and I embrace that. I will never again have the body I did before my son was born, because that body had never grown a human inside of it, pushed a baby out from between its hips and into the world, or fed an infant from its breasts. This body, the body I have now, has done all of those things, and will hopefully do them again in the not so distant future. The body I have now, my "mom body" is in much better shape and is stronger than my pre-baby body ever was. My "mom body" can lift and squat heavy weights, run up dozens of flights of stairs, balance on two hands in various yoga poses, and carry around a 20-something lb baby while pushing a vacuum at the same time, among other things. My "mom body" also has loose skin and stretch marks, and boobs that pretty much don't resemble the ones I had pre-baby whatsoever. These things are proof that I created and sustained a life, and I am OK with that! While my body may not be societally "perfect" I could care less. I am strong, I am healthy, and I earned these imperfections, so I wear them proudly.

This isn't to go without saying that I don't have days where I wish certain parts of my body looked differently. I do. But they are fewer and far between, and I am quick to let go of those negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones. The hardest part of my transformation was to let go of comparing myself to other women. It wasn't fair to me, and it certainly wasn't fair to those other women either. There is no way to know what it is like to walk in someone else's skin. Judging a woman's body because we are envious of it, or because we are not, is an ugly habit and one I strongly disliked having. After some serious soul searching and meditation, I found a way to let go of the comparisons I was making, and began to make peace with myself. I am so much happier for it now.

As women, we need to lift each other up, to recognize that every body is beautiful in its own unique way. No two of us are built the same. We need to let go of the idea of a "perfect body." The perfect body can be whatever we make of it. I choose to see my own body as perfect. I see all bodies as perfect. It is time to let go of the negative self talk, and begin to truly love every inch of ourselves. To honor the journey we have just been on to becoming a mother. To love our bodies not solely for the life (or lives) it has created, but for all that it does for us every day. We need to join together to promote self esteem, self love, positive body image, respect for ourselves and other women, good health, well-being, and love. We are all beautiful, magnificent creatures.

The placenta is an amazing organ that plays the role of a baby's life support system during pregnancy. The placenta is located within the uterus and is connected to the baby by the umbilical cord. It provides blood, nutrients, and oxygen to the baby while filtering out waste. Blood from the mother is filtered through the placenta and through the umbilical cord into the baby. As the blood from the mother passes through the placenta, it acts as a filtration system, weeding out any harmful substances before it reaches the baby. After a child is born, the mother then delivers the placenta. Humans are one of the very few mammals who do not always consume their placenta after giving birth.

At the birth of my son, I was lucky enough to have one of my dear friends as my doula. One of the things she recommended I do was encapsulate my placenta. Many doulas and midwives are certified to do so, and the benefits can be huge for a new mom. For me, consuming my placenta postpartum helped alleviate the Baby Blues, increased my milk supply, sped up my postpartum healing, and boosted my iron stores to help reverse the anemia I had developed from blood loss during my son's birth. While this topic can be a bit controversial, I personally found it to be beneficial. If you are thinking about encapsulation your placenta, here are some things to think about;

*Please note: I am NOT a doctor, healthcare provider, midwife, nurse, or doula. I am just a mama who has done her research, and is speaking from my own personal experience. Always consult your healthcare provider when making the decision to consume your placenta postpartum. Never share your placenta pills with another person. 

What Is Placenta Encapsulation?
The act of consuming one's own placenta is also known as Placentophagy, and has been practiced in many other cultures for thousands of years. In fact, most mammals consume their own placenta after giving birth. The easiest (and most common way) to consume one's own placenta is through encapsulation. This process usually includes steaming, dehydrating, and grinding up the placenta, then placing it inside capsules. Sometimes placenta tinctures are also made. As long as your placenta is healthy after you give birth, it should be able to be encapsulated or made into a tincture. You must tell your healthcare practitioner ahead of time that you are planning to encapsulate your placenta, and it will them be given to your doula after you give birth to be put directly into a cooler for your doula to take with her. It important that your placenta go directly into a cooler as soon as possible to keep it fresh.

What Are The Benefits?
There are many benefits to consuming your placenta after giving birth. Some of those benefits include

• lessens postnatal bleeding
• helps regulate hormone changes after birth
• increases milk supply
• helps prevent postpartum depression
• boosts energy
• restores iron levels, and helps alleviate anemia
• helps uterus return to its pre-pregnancy state faster
• speeds the healing process
• contains oxytocin which aids in postnatal bonding between mother and baby
• increases CRH, a stress-relieving hormone

Is Consuming One's Own Placenta Safe?
Consuming one's own placenta that has been properly prepared by a certified professional has shown to carry no inherent risks if it is ingested solely by the birth mother. It is not recommended that you share your placenta pills with anyone else, as this can pass on blood borne illnesses.

Are There Any Side Effects?
While there has not been a large amount of studies done on the consumption of one's placenta after birth, the studies that have been done have shown that in 96% of cases women have reported to have experienced positive to very positive effects from consuming their placenta postpartum. Only a small amount of women reported to have had any negative effects, including feeling jittery and moody.

How To Find Someone Who Can Encapsulate Your Placenta:
Many doulas and midwives are also certified to do placenta encapsulation. If you are planning to hire a doula to be with you at your birth, (which I highly recommend doing) be sure to ask them during your interview if they are certified to encapsulate your placenta. You can visit www.dona.org for more information about finding a doula in your area. To read more about the benefits of having a doula present at you birth, read the interview I did with my doula here.

Sources:
http://americanpregnancy.org/first-year-of-life/placental-encapsulation/
http://www.dona.org
www.lovelifedoula.com

If you are pregnant, or thinking about becoming pregnant, then you may have heard of hiring a doula to be at your birth. Hiring a doula can be immensely beneficial in many ways. When I was pregnant with my son, there was no question in my mind that I wanted to have a doula present. And lucky for me, one of my dear friends happens to be an amazing one! I made sure to secure her early so I could rest easy knowing she would be there to support me before, during, and after my labor. And I can honestly say I don't know what I would have done without her!

As life would have it, my birth did not go quite the way I had envisioned it when writing up my birth plan. Having Aisha by my side was incredibly helpful. She advocated for me in ways I could not, and helped me to have the least amount of medical intervention as possible during the birth of my son. Not only that, but she helped me navigate breastfeeding issues, answered my frantic middle of the night texts right away in those early days at home, and made me feel incredibly supported and safe throughout my entire labor and well into my postpartum period.

I decided to sit down with her for an interview as a way to give mamas-to-be who may be thinking about hiring a doula to get a better understanding of what it is is that they do exactly, and to know what questions to ask when you do your own interviewing to find the right doula for you.

Interview With My Doula, Aisha Carabello ~

1. What is a doula?
A doula is someone who is trained or certified in offering valuable information, and both emotional and physical support to a woman and her partner before, during and after birth.

2. What does a doula do?
A doula's job is to educate, support (physically, mentally and emotionally) and advocate for the mother and partner throughout pregnancy, labor and delivery, and finally in the postpartum stage. It can look somewhat like a birthing coach. A doula is familiar with the physiology of pregnancy and childbirth, as well as the emotional needs of a laboring mama, and to assist her and her partner in carrying out their own wishes for their birth. A doula stays with the laboring mother throughout the entire labor, providing physical and emotional support, as well as support for the partner in ways to engage or take over when a break is needed. A doula also assists the mama-to-be and her partner in getting all of the information needed in order to make a well informed decision, as well as also facilitating communication with care providers. A doula understands that birth is an experience that a mother will remember for the rest of her life, and it's our job to protect that and help nurture that as beautifully as possible.

3. What does a doula NOT do?
A doula does NOT make decisions for you. Rather she assists you through the decision making process and provides balanced information to come to a well informed choice on your own or with your partner. A doula also does NOT deliver your baby or administer medication. Often times, many get confused with a doula's role versus that of a midwife. A doula is NOT a midwife. A midwife is very much like a doctor; they are a health care provider who can deliver your baby whether at home, at a birthing center, or in the hospital, and a doula can not do this.

4. What kind of training and credentials do doulas have?
There are no prerequisites to have in order to enroll in a training, but in order to get certified, it can vary from program to program...from weekend workshops, to book reports, to presentations. But all of it ends with you attending a certain amount of live births before you are "certified." In these programs, you are trained in childbirth, the stages of labor, birth interventions, medications, breastfeeding, etc. My program was 3 weekend intensives with 2 book reports, 1 presentation and attending 4 live births. But there is a very wide collection of doula training programs and organizations throughout the country. (you can visit www.dona.org for more info)

5. What are some of the benefits of having a doula present at your birth?
For the average expectant mama, having a doula provides a level of familiarity, experience and advocacy when it comes to the birthing process, especially the all too common challenges that can take place with a hospital birth. Obviously hospital staff's intention is to provide wonderful care for you and your baby, but hospitals are also a big business. And those businesses run a tight and timely kept ship. A doula understands that, and acts almost like a liaison. We're there to answer any questions that may arise, and advocate for you and your baby at all times while also upholding your birth wishes, unless medical intervention is absolutely necessary. A doula's job is also to help the mother and her partner to feel less anxious and offer advice in a personal, non-clinical way, as well as facilitate communication between yourself and staff. This allows mama-to-be and partner, to just focus, drop in, and engage in the main task at hand.
If you're having a birthing center birth or home birth, a doula's value and importance remains the same, providing reassurance and affirmation for BOTH partners. As well as to support you physically with touch/massage, finding the most comfortable laboring position, and being your personal cheerleader and advocate. It's also worth mentioning that studies have shown that having a doula at your birth can result in less pain medication and less labor time. And who doesn't want that!

6. What are your philosophies around birth?
I believe as women we inherently have the knowledge, strength, wisdom and ability to give birth and successfully nurture our children. It is my job as a doula to help facilitate that and turn that belief into a reality. I strive for mamas to have a safe, memorable, beautiful, and empowering birth experience. And one that facilitates and honors your personal choices.

7. What is your favorite part about being a doula?
Birth is such a magical and intimate experience! And I feel incredibly grateful and humbled that my role of being a doula has allowed me to step into that beautiful, intimate experience and be part of a mama's journey as one of the most profound and important moments of their lives. And I get to be there…..what a beautiful gift!! I feel so blessed to do this type of work and be on this journey with each family I work with.

8. Why did you choose to become a doula?
I had a doula for my first birth and it changed my whole life! I don't know how myself or my partner could have made it without her continuous support and encouragement. And after that, I sang the praises of how important having a doula was and that everyone should have one. So when my girlfriends started to become pregnant, I started offering support and information to them just because I was so passionate about it. Then quite profoundly, with my 2nd child the knowledge base and advocacy of our doula literally saved our daughter's life. It was after that, that I was inspired to help empower women, educate, and advocate for them in the same way my doula had magnificently done for me. So while on maternity leave with my daughter, I enrolled in an intensive doula, postpartum and assistant midwifery program. I fell in LOVE with it and immediately started assisting and doing births. I haven't stopped since!

9. Should I have a backup doula?
Most definitely! Most doulas have a backup that they work with. And if not, please make sure to ask any doula that you hire to have one. Majority of the time you will not need one, but it is so important to have one because you never know what might come up!

10. What is the typical fee range for most doulas?
It varies depending on what services they have/offer and where you live. In major cities like Los Angeles and New York, doulas average around $3500 while other remote areas can be around $500. I generally charge $1500 for a birth and $250 for placenta encapsulation. But it really does vary from doula to doula and client to client on their needs and wants.

11. It's clear that a doula has great value in the labor process, but would they be considered a resource at any other stage in pregnancy?
Great question! Doulas are definitely a resource prenatally as well as in the postpartum stage. I have had clients hire me as early as the end of the first trimester. But on average I really start engaging with the parents to be in the 2nd trimester and sometimes even the beginning of the 3rd. It's during those prenatal stages that we can discuss so many topics for mamas, such as; pregnancy discomfort or ailments, nutrition, exercise, stages of labor, helping with birth plans/wishes. I'm also always on call for questions or concerns about the numerous developments that occur throughout a pregnancy, especially after birth in the first few days or weeks at home.

12. At what point in labor do you generally meet up with the laboring mother?
Every doula is different….I have heard of some doulas meeting the mama-to-be at the hospital, and others long before that time. I generally meet up with the laboring mama at her home, when contractions are strong and consistent and not varied and all over the place. I then stay with them up until the baby arrives and for a few hours postpartum to help establish breastfeeding and make sure mama and baby are doing beautifully.

13. What coping techniques do you find most helpful?
I offer a variety of coping techniques, such as; labor position suggestions, touch, massage and aromatherapy using essential oils that compliment labor and birth, assistance with breathing and emotional reassurance and encouragement. With the birth of my own 2 children, I had all of the above and used every single one of those techniques and absolutely needed them and felt them to be essential. But every mama is different and every birth is different, so what one mama might like, another may not. Our job is to know that and be flexible, and to create every labor and birth to be a meaningful and special experience for her.

14. If I hire a doula, am I required to have a natural birth?
Absolutely not! This is a VERY common question that I receive. I am more than happy to support mamas regardless of their choice to have a medicated birth or not. My job is to provide all of the information and guidance the way a doula so knowledgeably is able to do, regardless of their birthing choice.

Aisha Carabello, Certified Birth Doula

Aisha lives in the Bay Area with her two children. She is a Certified Birth Doula, and Children's Yoga & Mindfulness Educator serving various preschools and elementary schools in the East Bay. She has been working with children and serving families for over 15 years. For more information on Aisha, or to inquire about her services, visit her website www.lovelifedoula.com

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

You're changing your baby's diaper and you notice that their normally smooth, cute little tush is now covered in a red, irritated rash. As a new parent going through a very life changing experience, the last thing on your mind at this time is what kind of toxins are lurking in the tube of Desitin you're about so smear on your baby's booty. All you are thinking about is getting rid of that rash fast. However, unfortunately most commercial diaper rash creams contain toxic ingredients. Luckily, there are some great organic alternatives that work wonders on diaper rash, and you can even make your own at home. First lets discuss some of the most common causes of diaper rash and how you can prevent and treat them at home.

Common Causes Of Diaper Rash And How To Avoid Them:

• Infrequent diaper changes - urine is highly alkaline and can burn a baby's sensitive skin if it is left to sit on there for too long. Changing your child's diaper frequently will help. Letting your child go sans diaper for 20-30 minutes at home each day, and making sure to use gentle, alcohol free and fragrance free wipes is also effective in both preventing and treating this type of diaper rash. 
• Yeast - if you had antibiotics during pregnancy, labor, or while breastfeeding, or if your child has been given antibiotics, then yeast overgrowth can occur and is actually quite common. Giving your baby probiotics can help prevent and treat yeast infections. Raw apple cider vinegar diluted with water (50/50) and applied to the affected area with a cotton ball helps kill the yeast as well. Applying coconut oil directly to the rash also helps since coconut oil is a natural anti-fungal. You can also add a few drops of tea tree essential oil to the coconut oil since tea tree is also a natural anti fungal, or make a spray with fractionated coconut oil and tea tree oil and mist baby's booty. 1 drop tea tree oil per 2 tbsp fractionated (liquid) coconut oil. (I have been using this spray before and after yoga class to avoid athlete's foot for years.)
• Food allergies and/or sensitivities - this includes foods that mom may have eaten that baby is sensitive to if breastfeeding. Usually this will appear as a red ring around the baby's anus. If you are breastfeeding, try cutting out dairy and soy (the most common allergens) from your diet. Remove acidic foods from your child's diet and talk to your pediatrician about potential food allergies. 
• Teething or a cold/virus - excessive drooling and runny nose can cause diarrhea due to all of the drool etc, being swallowed by your child which is not easily digested and can irritate the intestinal tract. Diarrhea then can cause diaper rash and irritation. For teething you can give your child a Baltic amber teething necklace to wear which helps to reduce drool (see my post on that here), and be sure to change your baby's diaper frequently if they do have diarrhea. 

Common Toxic Ingredients To Avoid In Diaper Rash Creams:

• Parabens (anything with propyl, methyl, ethyl...) - parabens are hormone disruptors. They are easily absorbed by the skin (our body's largest organ) and can mimic estrogen. 
• Sodium borate and/or boric acid - used for its antimicrobial properties, these ingredients have been linked to reproductive toxicity and are endocrine disruptors
• Fragrance - synthetic fragrance can cause allergic reactions and has also been linked to organ toxicity, among other things
• Petrolatum (aka: petroleum jelly) - widely used in ointments and creams as a skin barrier, petrolatum is a carcinogen and has been linked to organ toxicity
• Sodium stearoyl lactylate - an emulsifier made from GMO vegetable oils such as palm oil and soybean oil. It is a known skin irritant and eco-toxin

Best Organic Diaper Rash Creams:

1. Babo Botanicals Oatmilk Calendula Soothing Diaper Cream ~ this diaper rash cream is certified organic and made with shea butter, vitamin E, calendula, oat kernel oil, and zinc oxide making it safe, non toxic, and good for sensitive skin. It washes out of cloth diapers without staining too. You can purchase it on Amazon
2. Sierra Sage Baby Balm ~ this salve is made with all organic oils, chamomile, and calendula. It contains natural anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties and is soothing to baby's little booty. You can purchase it on Amazon
3. Earth Mama Angel Baby Bottom Balm ~ this stuff is great. It is all organic and completely non toxic, and can be used for diaper rash, minor cuts and scrapes, bug bites, cradle cap, and even chicken pox. It is made with organic olive oil infused with a blend of organic herbs, shea butter, and pure essential oils and is naturally anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. You can purchase it on Amazon
4. BabyBearShop Cheeky Baby Butter ~ this certified organic, vegan balm is made with shea butter, cocoa butter, avocado oil, coconut oil, lavender, sage, and mandarin. It can be used for diaper rash, to prevent stretch marks on mama's belly, and for dry skin. It can be purchased here 

Homemade Organic Diaper Rash Recipe:
If you're like me and you prefer to make you own products, here is my recipe for homemade diaper rash cream. I get most of my ingredients from Mountain Rose Herbs.
*I am an affiliate of Mountain Rose Herbs because I love their products and use them myself. If you choose to purchase products from Mountain Rose Herbs by following the links on my page I do receive a small commission. 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup shea butter (base of the cream, contains vitamins A and E and is soothing and moisturizing)
• 1/4 cup coconut oil (naturally anti-fungal and anti-bacterial)
• 1 tbsp beeswax pastilles (acts as a barrier on the skin, and a binder for the ingredients)
• 2 tbsp zinc oxide (main ingredient in most diaper creams, it essentially makes the skin water resistant)
• 1 tbsp bentonite clay (helps fight bacteria)
• 2 tbsp vegetable glycerin (non toxic, moisturizing, and helps the cream glide on smoothly)

Directions:
In a double boiler (or you can use a saucepan) fill the bottom of the boiler with about an inch of water and bring to a boil. Place the shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax in the top boiler (or saucepan) and let it melt. Remove mixture from heat and mix in the zinc oxide and bentonite clay. You can also pour the ingredients into a blender to mix them. (I have a blender I use specifically for making products since some ingredients can be harder to clean off.) Pour mix into a glass jar with a lid, and let it cool. Store it in a cool, dry place (not in your fridge, it will become solid) and use as needed for diaper rash as you would any other diaper rash cream.

Do you have a natural or organic diaper rash cream you love? Let me know in the comment below!

For centuries, Baltic amber has been used all over Europe for its healing properties. More recently it has become recognized worldwide for its power to relieve teething pain and discomfort in infants and toddlers. Baltic amber is the fossilized resin of ancient trees and is found in areas of Europe near the Baltic sea.

How Does It Work?

When worn, the warmth of human skin releases the healing oils in the amber called succinite which are then absorbed by the skin into the bloodstream. Baltic amber is significantly higher in succinite  than other types of amber and is therefore the most effective.

What Are The Benefits?

• Baltic amber is a natural analgesic and reduces pain caused by teething, earaches, sore throats, and tummy pain
• It has anti inflammatory properties that soothe swollen, inflamed gums
• Stimulates the thyroid gland to reduce drooling
• Has calming properties that help to alleviate stress and ward off negative energy
• Speeds healing and recovery time
• Amber is lightweight and warm to the touch unlike other stones, so it is comfortable and non irritating to wear

It is best to have your child begin wearing an amber necklace at the first signs of teething. They should be worn as often as possible for best results. Be sure to remove the necklace when your child is sleeping, or put it around their wrist or ankle instead of their neck during sleep.

My son started showing signs of teething early, at around three months. He has been wearing his teething necklace every day and just cut his first tooth without complaint!

Have you had success with an amber teething necklace? What are your favorite all natural teething remedies?

When our little ones aren't feeling well and we see the temperature on the thermometer continue to rise past the average 98.6 degrees, it's only natural that we begin to worry. After all, it has been ingrained in our minds that fevers are always cause for concern and a trip to the doctor's office. In actuality, a fever is the body's natural way of healing itself from an illness or infection and can actually speed recovery time!

Most illnesses that cause a fever survive best at normal body temperature. The purpose of a fever is to heat up the body internally in order to kill the bug that is making us sick to begin with. When we treat a fever with medication to try to reduce it, we are cooling off the body, thus creating a more optimal environment for the illness or infection to thrive, ultimately prolonging it. If we allow a fever to run its course it can reduce the length of an illness by up to 50%! While most fevers are the body's natural response to a common virus or bacterial infection, there are circumstances when a fever can be a warning sign of something more serious and shouldn't be ignored.

*Please note I am not a doctor or medical professional. Please contact your doctor or pediatrician when a medical need arises. 

When A Fever Warrants A Call To The Pediatrician/Doctor:

• If your child is 3 months old or younger and has a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher
• If your child is between the ages of 3 months and 3 years, and has a fever of 102.2 or higher
• A fever of 104 degrees or higher at any age is cause for a visit to the doc
• A high fever lasting more than two days 
• Confusion and/or hallucinating
• Inability to make eye contact
• Unresponsiveness
• Dehydration
• Any signs of respiratory distress or difficulty breathing 
• Odd or unusual behavior
• Sleeplessness
• Febrile seizures - Most common in children between the ages of 6 months and 6 years, febrile seizures are convulsions that can happen during a fever, usually 100.4 degrees or higher. While they can be terrifying, brief febrile seizures generally aren't dangerous, last a few minutes, and will not cause your child to develop epilepsy or brain damage. However, they definitely warrant a call to the pediatrician. And take note that if your child has had one, then they are more likely to have another one when they get a fever in the future. If your child is having a febrile seizure, place them on a solid surface, roll them onto their side or tummy to prevent choking, take note of the start time, and call an ambulance if it lasts longer than 5 minutes, is having any trouble breathing, or turns blue as this could be signs of a more serious condition. Be sure to call your pediatrician right away when the seizure is over. 

What You Can Do For Your Little One When They Have A Fever:

• If none of the above are relevant to your little one, then try to let the fever do its job and run its course 
• Make them healing, nourishing food that will also keep them well hydrated and well nourished such as bone broth and soups
• Give them lots of fluids such as breastmilk or formula, water, and herbal teas to help them stay hydrated 
• Add coconut oil to food by cooking with it or mix a little in hot tea or soup for its antiviral and antibacterial properties 
• Give them elderberry syrup to help boost their immunity - you can find it at most health food stores, online, or you can make your own
• Provide extra love and snuggles, making sure your little human is as comfortable as possible