LETTER FROM THE EDITOR:
Having a baby huh? Hopefully there are some interesting little tidbits here that can help you during this very strange and almost absurd time in your life.WEBSITE OF THE MONTH
DOULA AND MIDEWIFE REGISTRIES
http://narm.org/ - North American Registy of Midwiveshttp://www.dona.org/mothers/index.php - DONA doula registry and information
BOOK OF THE MONTH
BLESSINGWAY GUIDE
Mother Rising by Yana Cortlund...a guide to hosting a traditional blessingway for your child instead or included with a baby shower. Pretty cool reference guide and perfect for those that veiw pregnancy and childbirth as natural condition, not a medical one.http://www.amazon.com/Mother-Rising-Yana-Cortlund/dp/1587612674/ref=sr_1_19?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1306253523&sr=1-19#_
PRODUCT OF THE MONTH
DELIVERY GOWNS
Pretty Pushers Delivery Gowns - beautiful, comfortable cotton gowns created to wear during laboring and even delivery whether you are having a medicated hospital birth or a homebirth...halter neckline, backless (for epidurals!!), tie fronts for ease of fit and any procedures that may need to be performed. They have an organic cotton version, a collection based on things you may miss during your pregnancy (think cocktails), and a gift set that includes a gown, lipgloss for pics and other goodies.
http://www.prettypushers.com/ - descriptions of products as well as a list of where to buy...like here at amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Pretty-Pushers-dressed-Up-Delivery/dp/B002L2ME54/ref=sr_1_4?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1306253985&sr=1-4
TRADITIONAL WELLNESS
MANY WOMEN THROUGHOUT HISTORY HAVE BEEN ASSISTED THROUGH LABOR WITH THE USE OF ACCUPRESSURE. THESE TECHNIQUES CAN BE PERFORMED BY YOUR LABOR COACH, PARTNER OR DOULA. NO, SORRY, THESE TECHNIQUES DO NOT ALLIVIATE ALL OF THE PAIN ASSOCIATED WITH LABOR BUT CAN GREATLY REDUCE YOUR STRESS LEVEL AND THEREFORE HELP YOU LABOR MORE QUICKLY. CHECK OUT THIS WEBSITE FOR A GREAT DOWNLOADABLE PAMPHLET ON SPECIFIC TECHNIQUES. WARNING - SOME OF THESE TECHINIQUES CAN INDUCE LABOR AND UNLESS THAT IS YOUR INTENTION, SHOULD NOT BE USED UNTIL YOU ARE IN LABOR ALREADY! http://acupuncture.rhizome.net.nz/acupressure/download.aspx
PRENATAL AROMATHERAPY
AROMATHERAPY CAN BE A WONDERFUL AND NON-EVASIVE WAY TO ELEVIATE SOME OF THE "SYMPTOMS" OF PREGNANCY. IF YOU ARE HAVING A HARD TIME SLEEPING TRY NEROLI, LAVANDER (DO NOT USE IF YOU HAVE A HISTORY OF MISCARRIAGE) OR MANDARIN. IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING LEG TROUBLE, TRY LAVANDER FOR LEG CRAMPS OR LEMON FOR VARICOSE VEINS. LAVANDER IS ALSO GOOD FOR FLUID RETENTION. NEROLI AND MANDARIAN, WHEN PAIRED WITH A CARRIER OIL SUCH AS AVACADO, ARE GOOD FOR STRETCH MARKS AS WELL.
BEAUTY
STRETCH MARKS
Speaking of stretch marks...although most men will tell you they don't give a rat's ass about stretch marks, they get it and find you totally sexy anyway women just don't see it that way much of the time. There are ways that you can try to prevent them and try to fade them. Cocoa butter, shea butter...pretty much anything ending in butter! All day, everyday. I'm sorry to say though, all the prevention in the world will not help if you are genetically inclined to stretch and mark (like me...boo).
FASHION
SUMMER WARDROBE
It's about to get wicked hot mamas so you need to start working on that maternity wardrobe if you aren't gonna deliver until late summer or fall (or winter...). What are the key pieces to a pregnant woman's wardrobe? A strapless dress with a shelf-bra; a pair of knee length shorts in a neutral color like khaki or black; skirts!; tank tops; tube tops. Pretty much anything that covers your bits and just about nothing else will be seriously loved by you. If you have an occasion or don't like being so exposed but you are melting - maxi dresses!!DIY CRAFTY PROJECT
PREGNANCY PICS
A great project that is easy, not so time consuming and will be truely cherished for years to come...
Simply take pictures of your self at various stages of your pregnancy, however you want to mark the time. Monthly, weekly, each time you have an ultrasound (so the pics will match up!), whatever. Now put them in an album online, on your blog or print them and put them in an album.
GOING GREEN ONE MONTH AT A TIME - APRIL
BUY ORGANIC COTTON
Try to purchase more organic cotton products such as clothing, diapers, sheets, and towels. Be aware of where you are purchasing from too. Weigh your options and feelings and go with what matters to you most - made in other countries, perhaps by women in 3rd world villages that are using the work/crop to sustain their lives OR American Made, considering that when you purchase more American products it creates more of a need, promotes the product inspiring others to buy it as well, increases the availibilty, creates healthy compition that then lowers the cost.
MENU PLANNER
LOW - CARB PANCAKES VEGAN
1 1/4 cup white all purpose flour
2 tsp low sodium baking powder
2 tbsp sugar
1 pinch salt
1 1/4 cup soy milk or fat-free milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp canola oil
Directions
1 Use a bowl, and mix the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Add milk, vanilla, and oil. Stir only until mixed; batter will be lumpy.2 Pour the batter into a heated pan and let cook on one side until bubbles appear on top and the bottom is brown, about 2 to 4 minutes. Flip and cook on other side until browned. Use light syrup when serving.
AVACADO SALAD VEGAN
2 medium avocadoes , peeled, pitted and diced
1 Onion, sweet, fresh , chopped
1 medium green bell peppers , chopped
1 large tomato , chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro , chopped
1/2 medium limes ,
juice from 1/2 lime
1 pinch salt and pepper , to taste
Directions
1 In a medium bowl, combine avocados, onion, bell pepper, tomato, cilantro, and lime juice.2 Gently toss until evenly coated.3 Season with salt and pepper.
BALSAMIC CHICKEN BREAST
6 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 halves)
1 1/2 tsp fresh rosemary ,minced (1/2 tsp dried rosemary leaves can be substituted)
2 medium garlic cloves , minced
3/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
Directions
1 Rinse chicken and pat dry.2 In a small bowl, combine rosemary, garlic, pepper, and salt; mix together well. Place chicken in large bowl and drizzle with oil.3 Rub chicken with spice mixture, cover and refrigerate overnight.4 Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.5 Spray a heavy roasting pan or iron skillet with nonstick cooking spray; place chicken in sprayed pan and bake for 10 minutes.6 Turn chicken. If drippings begin to stick to pan, add 3 to 4 tbsp water and deglaze.7 Bake chicken for another 10 minutes or until the outside is golden-brown and center is no longer pink.8 If pan is dry, stir in another 1 to 2 tablespoons water to loosen drippings.9 Drizzle balsamic vinegar over chicken in pan. Transfer chicken to plates. Stir liquid in pan and drizzle over chicken.
FOLIC ACID
FOLIC ACID IS A GREAT COMPLIMENT TO YOUR DIET TO HELP PREVENT MAJOR BIRTH DEFECTS. IT IS THE NUMBER 1 WAY TO PREVENT SPINA BIFIDA AND OTHER NUERAL TUBE DEFECTS. THESE FOODS ARE NATURALLY HIGH IN FOLIC ACID:
MEAT - LIVER, KIDNEY, EGG YOLK
LEGUMES - DRIED BEANS, LENTILS, SPLIT PEAS, SOYA PRODUCTS, ALMONDS, NUTS
STARCHES - WHOLEGRAIN BREADS, WHEAT FLOUR, POTATOS, SWEET POTATOS
FRUITS AND VEGGIES - SPINACH, BEETROOT, BRUSSEL SPROUTS, BROCCOLI, CABBAGE, ASPARAGUS, BANANAS, ORANGES, PEACHES.
THE FOLLOWING RECIPES ARE SIMPLE AND DELICIOUS WAYS TO ADD FOLIC ACID TO YOUR DIET ASIDE FROM YOUR PRENATAL VITAMINS.
SUMMER SALAD
Ingredients
Approximately 1 cup each of the following fruits:
Blackberries
Raspberries
Strawberries
Blueberries
Watermelon
Cantaloupe or honeydew melon
2 large oranges
1/4 to 1/2 cups orange juice
Directions
Cut the melons and oranges into bite-sized pieces. Put in a large bowl.Add the berries and enough orange juice to coat all the fruit. Enjoy immediately.
Suggestions
For added nutrition, top each serving with a dollop of low-fat yogurt.
LENTIL AND SPINACH SOUP
Ingredients
1 onion, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
2 carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, chopped
3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
2 cups dried lentils
2 cups fresh spinach, rinsed and chopped, or 1 package (10 ounces) frozen, thawed
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil1 bay leaf
9 cups water
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
Heat the oil in a large soup pot. Add the onions, carrot and celery. Cook until soft, then stir in the garlic, oregano, basil, bay leaf. Cook about one minute. Add the lentils, water, tomatoes, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer about one hour. Add spinach and cook until just wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Suggestions
For a heartier soup, add 2 cups sliced smoked sausage
ORANGE JUICE SPRITZER
Ingredients
1 can (6 ounces) frozen orange juice concentrate
1 cup cold water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 1/2 cups lemon-lime soda
Directions
In a large pitcher, combine the orange juice concentrate, water and lemon juice. Just before serving, slowly add the carbonated beverage; stir gently to blend. Serve over ice.
Suggestions
To cut calories, diet soda can be used.
SUPPORT THIS
SHANTI UGANDA
http://www.shantiuganda.org/ - This group, based out of Vancouver, assists women and girls in Uganda by providing Holistic Health Care, Washable Menstrual Supplies and Empowerment Education, Income Generating by creating Bags and Jewelry, a Savings Program, Midwife Training, a Birthing Center and more. You can help in so many ways from one time donations to monthly donations to letter writing to holding a home party (free of cost) to sell their products. Just wonderful.
FEATURES
SURVIVING PREGNANCY COMFORTABLY (WELL, MORE COMFORTABLY)
WELL INTO MY FOURTH PREGNANCY AS I WRITE THIS, I AM ALL TOO FAMALIAR WITH EACH CRAMP, PANG, ITCH AND TWITCH THAT ACCOMPANIES MAKING A BABY. THERE ARE A FEW THINGS I HAVE LEARNED OVER THE YEARS THOUGH.
IN THE FIRST TRIMESTER, IF MORNING SICKNESS IS A PROBLEM FOR YOU, THERE ARE A SOME TRICKS YOU CAN EMPLOY. IF YOU NOTICE THAT YOUR NAUSEA OCCURS BECAUSE YOU HAVEN’T EATEN RECENTLY, TRY CARRYING A SNACK WITH YOU SO YOU CAN MUNCH WHEN THE URGE STRKES. A POWER BAR, FRUIT LEATHER, OR, IF YOU ARE SOMEPLACE WITH A FRIDGE, YOGURT, ARE GREAT TREATS THAT ARE GOOD FOR YOU AND BABY. IF THE URGE TO PURGE IS AFTER EATING, TAKE NOTE OF WHAT YOU ARE EATING THAT SEEMS TO TRIGGER THE FEELING THE MOST. IS IT DAIRY, GREASY FOODS? SORRY, YOU MAY HAVE TO CUT BACK ON THESE FOR A WHILE. IF NOTHING SEEMS TO BE THE CULPRIT, IT COMES AND GOES RANDOMLY, TRY THE OLD STANDBYS OF WATER, CRACKERS, BREAD OR GINGER. GINGER IS GREAT FOR UPSET TUMMIES AND COMES IN ALL KINDS OF PREGNANCY FRIENDLY FORMS THESE DAYS, LIKE SUCKERS AND GUM, CHECK YOUR LOCAL HEALTH FOOD STORE OR ORGANIC SECTION OF THE MARKET.
STRETCH MARKS, NEXT TO LABOR, SEEM TO BE THE BIGGEST FEAR WOMEN HAVE WHEN IT COMES TO THE CHANGES AND FEELINGS IN THEIR BODIES. IF YOU’RE LIKE ME, THERE ISN’T A LOT YOU CAN DO, YOUR SKIN SCARS EASILY. FOR MOST, HOWEVER, THERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU CAN DO TO WARD THEM OFF. TRY LOTIONS OR OILS CONTAINING VITAMIN E, COCOA BUTTER, SHEA BUTTER OR A COMBO OF ANY, AND USE AT LEAST TWICE A DAY. THE “BELLY BRAS” THAT ARE OUT NOW ARE A BIG HELP TOO BECAUSE THEY ASSIST IN CARRYING THE LOAD HELPING THE SKIN AND MUSCLES TO STAY IN BETTER SHAPE (GREAT FOR POST-BABY AS WELL). WATCHING WHAT YOU EAT, MAINTAINING AN EXERCISE PROGRAM AND MAKING SURE YOU DON’T GAIN MORE WEIGHT THEN YOU SHOULD ARE ALSO BIG HELPERS IN THE WAR ON STRETCH MARKS.
MUSCLE CRAMPS AND ACHY JOINTS ARE THE THINGS THAT REALLY DRIVE ME NUTS! I GET WHAT I JOKINGLY REFER TO AS HIP DISPLACIA DURING MY LAST TRIMESTER. THE BONES/JOINTS IN MY HIPS SHIFT AND STRETCH IN PREPARATION FOR BIRTH AND IT MAKES EVERYTHING UNCOMFORTABLE, TOO MUCH PRESSURE, NOT ENOUGH PRESSURE. THERE IS VERY LITTLE I HAVE FOUND THAT HELPS THIS BUT A BODY PILLOW AND ON REALLY BAD NIGHTS, A LOW DOSAGE OF TYLENOL PM CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. CRAMPING WHILE WALKING OR PERFORMING OTHER PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN THE SIDES OF THE BELLY ARE NORMAL AND ARE NOT CONTRACTIONS, BUT THEY SURE HURT LIKE HELL.
MAKING SURE YOU ARE WELL HYDRATED AND TAKING BREAKS AS NEEDED ARE THE BEST WAYS TO COMBAT THEM. CHARLIE HORSES IN YOUR SLEEP ARE ALSO VERY COMMON, AND PAINFUL. I HAVE ACTUALLY STRAINED THE MUSCLE IN MY LEG FROM A PARTICULARLY BAD ONE ON. THESE CRAMPS ARE CAUSED BY OUT-OF-WHACK HYDRATION AND LOW IRON AND POTASSIUM IN THE BODY. MAKE SURE YOU ARE DRINKING YOUR WATER AND TAKING YOUR PRENATAL VITAMINS LIKE YOU’RE SUPPOSED TO. IF THEY PERSIST, ASK YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT A PRENATAL VITAMIN WITH A HIGHER DOSE OF IRON. DON’T UP YOUR DOSEAGE OF IRON ON YOUR OWN OR START TAKING A POTASSIUM SUPPLEMENT WITHOUT TALKING TO YOUR DOCTOR/MIDWIFE FIRST BECAUSE THEY CAN BE DANGEROUS IN THE WRONG DOSAGES. TRY WATER AND A BANANA BEFORE BED.
HEARTBURN IS ANOTHER MOM-TO-BE FAVORITE AND THIS ONE CAN BE DEALT WITH PRETTY EASILY. LIGHTEN UP IN THE GREASE AND SPICE, DRINK PLENTY OF WATER AND TRY AN OVER-THE-COUNTER ANTACID WHEN IN NEED. MY PERSONAL FAVE IS ROLAID’S SOFT CHEWS, NOT CHALKY AND THEY SEEM TO WORK THE INSTANT THEY HIT MY THE TOUNGE.
I HOPE THESE TIPS COME I HANDY FOR YOU. REMEMBER, EVERY BODY IS DIFFERENT AND WHAT WORKS FOR SOME OR MOST MAY NOT WORK FOR YOU. KEEP TALKING TO OTHER MOMS AND HEALTH PRACTITIONERS TO FIND SOMETHING THAT WILL HELP YOUR AILMENT OF ANNOYANCE.
SAVING MONEY ON YOUR MATERNITY WARDROBE
JUST BECAUSE YOU’RE PREGNANT AND YOUR TUMMY KEEPS KNOCKING STUFF OVER DOESN’T MEAN YOU DON’T WANT TO LOOK AND CUTE AND BE COMFORTABLE RIGHT? UNFORTUNATLY, MATERNITY CLOTHES CAN BE PRETTY EXPENSIVE, CONSIDERING YOU ONLY WEAR THEM FOR ABOUT 3 TO 4 MONTHS. UNLESS YOU PLAN ON HAVING 15 KIDS AND REALLY SPENDING SOME TIME IN THOSE MATERNITY CLOTHES, IT HARDLY SEEMS WORTH IT. THERE IS ALSO THE FACT THAT MOST MATERNITY CLOTHES LOOK LIKE MATERNITY CLOTHES. I DON’T REMEMBER SAYING ANYTHING ABOUT BEING EXCITED ABOUT BIG DUMPY T-SHIRTS AND LEGGINGS! I LIKE MY STYLE AND, LIKE MOST WOMEN, WANT TO BE ABLE TO EXPRESS IT EVEN WHEN I NEED HELP TO GET OUT OF BED AND CAN’T SEE MY FEET.
HERE ARE SOME GREAT TIPS ON HOW TO CREATE A MATERNITY WARDROBE YOU CAN BOTH AFFORD AND LIVE WITH.
THE ONLY THINGS YOU REALLY NEED TO HAVE IN A “MATERNITY” FIT ARE GOING TO BE YOUR BOTTOMS. BASE WHAT YOU BUY ON YOUR REAL STYLE. IF YOU LIVE IN JEANS, DON’T BUY 6 PAIRS OF LEGGINGS, YOU’RE NOT GOING TO BE TRULY COMFORTABLE IN THEM. IF YOU TEND TO WEAR SKIRTS INSTEAD OF PANTS, NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO EXPERIMENT BECAUSE YOU’RE JUST GOING TO FEEL OUT OF WHACK WHEN YOU NEED THE MOST HELP FEELING IN WHACK. MATERNITY BOTTOMS CAN BE FOUND AT THRIFT AND CONSIGNMENT STORES BUT DON’T GET TOO EXCITED, DUE TO THEIR COST, WOMEN TEND TO HOLD ON TO THEM JUST IN CASE THEY DECIDE TO HAVE ONE MORE OR GIVE THEM DIRECTLY TO THEIR FRIENDS TO HELP THEM SAVE MONEY. OFTEN AT THRIFT STORES AND CONSIGNMENT SHOPS ARE TAPERED, STONEWASHED STYLES FROM THE 80’S AND EARLY 90’S THAT WE ALL HOPE NEVER COME BACK INTO STYLE. YOU JUST MIGHT HAVE TO INVEST IN SOME NEW PANTS AND THE CHEAPEST PLACES TO FIND THESE ARE AT BIG-BOX STORES LIKE WAL-MART OR TARGET. THEY WILL RUN ABOUT $20 TO $30 A PAIR BUT WILL LAST THROUGH ALL OF YOUR PREGNANCIES. MAKE YOUR CHOICES SIMPLE AND PLAIN SO PEOPLE WON’T NOTICE REPEATED WEARINGS AS EASILY AND USE YOUR TOPS AND ACCESSORIES TO CREATE DIFFERENT LOOKS.
AS FAR AS TOPS GO, THIS IS WHERE YOU CAN GET CREATIVE AND SAVE SOME SERIOUS DOUGH TO SPEND ON THE BABY. YOU CAN FIND TONS OF TOPS AT THE THRIFT STORE AND CONSIGNMENT SHOPS AS WELL AS LOCAL YARD SALES AND ONLINE AT SITES LIKE CRAIGSLIST AND EBAY. I HAVE ALSO FOUND SOME GREAT TEES AT TARGET AND WALMART IN THEIR SLLEPWEAR AND ACTIVEWEAR DEPARTMENTS AS WELL AS THEIR JUNIOR DEPARTMENTS. MY FAVORITE SOLUTION IS NOT BUYING ANYTHING AT ALL. I TEND TO WEAR COMFORTABLE FITTED T-SHIRTS AND BUTTON DOWN SHIRTS IN MY EVERYDAY LIFE AND FIND THAT SO LONG AS THE SHIRT IS LONG ENOUGH, IT WILL STRETCH QUITE NICELY OVER THE BABY BUMP FOR MOST OF THE PREGNANCY. (CURRENTLY, I HAVE 5 WEEKS LEFT AND HAVE YET TO BUY A MATERNITY TOP). YOU CAN ALSO PICK UP EMPIRE WAIST TOPS THAT ARE REALLY POPULAR RIGHT NOW (USUALLY IN THE JUNIORS DEPARTMENT). THEY ARE LARGER AROUND THE MIDDLE AND TEND TO HIT MID-HIP TO MID-THIGH ALLOWING THEM TO BREEZE THROUGH THE WHOLE PREGNANCY.
DRESSES ARE ANOTHER WAY TO DRESS AROUND THE BABY. EMPIRE WAIST DRESSES THAT ARE GREAT PRE-BABY WILL USUALLY FIT WELL DURING MOST IF NOT ALL OF THE PREGNANCY. THEY ARE ALSO QUITE COMFORTABLE IN THE SUMMER MONTHS AND MAKE FOR PRETTY EASY PULL IT OVER THE HEAD AND GO DRESSING ON BUSY OR TIRED DAYS.
THE EASIEST WAY TO CHANGE YOUR LOOK, PERK YOU UP AND MAKE YOU LOOK LIKE THE CUTE MOMMY YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO BE ARE ACCESSORIES. CARDIGANS IN VIBRANT COLORS WILL LIVEN UP A WARDROBE THAT MAY BE MOSTLY BLACK AND WHITE (THE BEST COLOR CHOICES FOR A MATERNITY WARDROBE FOR THE FRUGALLY MINDED) AND CAN HELP YOU REGULATE YOUR OWN INTERNAL HEATING ISSUES. HEADBANDS, JEWELRY, SIMPLE MAKEUP, GREAT FLAT SHOES SUCH AS FLIP-FLOPS, SLIP-ON SNEAKERS, BALLET FLATS AND SLIP-ON BOOTS ARE ALL WAYS TO JAZZ UP ANY OUTFIT YOU MAY VERY WELL BE SICK OF BY NOW.
DON’T FORGET, THESE ITEMS WILL ALL COME IN HANDY AFTER YOU HAVE THE BABY AND WILL KEEP YOU FROM FEELING BUMMED ABOUT STILL BEING IN “MATERNITY” CLOTHES. THEY WILL ALSO BE SLIMMER FITTING AND WILL HELP TO COMBAT THE DUMPY “I JUST HAD A BABY” LOOK AND FEELING.
SO HEAD OUT TO THOSE SALES, BUY STYLES SIMILAR TO WHAT YOU WOULD NORMALLY WEAR IN PLAIN COLORS SO YOU CAN MIX AND MATCH, CHECK OUT ONLINE AS WELL AS THRIFT AND CONSIGNMENT STORES, BUG YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT HAND-ME-DOWNS AND TRY TO SPEND AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE. OH, AND WHEN YOU ARE CERTAIN YOU DON’T WANT ANYMORE LITTLE ONES, PASS ON YOUR CLOTHES TO A FRIEND, SELL THEM OR DONATE THEM SO OTHER MOM’S CAN SAVE MONEY TOO.
