Eco-friendly Baby Tips

1. Cloth Diapers: 

Using Herbs While Breastfeeding: Part I

Breastfeeding is the best option for feeding your newborn, if circumstances allow, for many reasons. Nursing your baby is a natural and normal conclusion to the experience of pregnancy and birth. In fact, it serves as a powerful link from the period of gestation to parenting. It is the new umbilicus, a living link between mother and child, still providing nourishment on a level that exceeds the physical.

Breastfeeding encourages the postpartum rebalancing of hormones. It also is responsible for the production and circulation of prolactin, the “mothering” hormone. Breastfeeding fosters the bonding of mother and infant, and is a profoundly intimate human experience. It is the ultimate fulfilled expression of one’s womanhood to satisfy her new babe’s hunger with this perfect first food from her own body.

Breastmilk is natural immunity. Mom’s white blood cells are passed on to baby through her milk. Colostrum, or the richer “pre-milk” is loaded with antibodies from the mother to help protect the baby from illness. Breastmilk is also naturally abundant in essential fatty acids, or EFAs. These substances are responsible for a variety of important physiological functions in the body, most notably brain cell health and development. EFAs support the rapid cognitive development in growing infants. In fact, European infant formulas must be made with an EFA supplement in order to be approved for sale and consumer use. The U.S. unfortunately has not adopted this policy. Breastmilk is wise; it changes to meet the unique needs of your baby as your baby changes and grows. Formula will never do that.

Galactagogues

Galactagogues are those herbs that establish and promote the flow of mother’s milk. They often have high calcium contents and vary in taste. The recommended use of the following herbs is in tea form, as the added liquid intake will also help to increase milk. It’s important for nursing moms to pay attention to liquid intake and stay well hydrated.

Blessed thistle root (Cnicus benedictus): bitter tasting, this one is best used in combination with others.

Hops flowers (Humulus lupus): also somewhat bitter, hops is an effective galactagogue with the added benefits of sedative, relaxant qualities. The addition of hops to a galactagogue brew will help both mother and baby to settle down at the day’s close.

Fennel seed (Foeniculum vulgare): sweet fennel seeds add flavor and palatability to a galactagogue tea blend. They also have value in treating digestive upsets, making them ideal if baby has bouts with gas bubbles in her sensitive tummy.

Fenugreek seed (Trigonella foenum-graecum): another sweet seed, fenugreek is mild tasting and reminiscent of maple syrup. These seeds are wo nderful for increasing and enriching a scanty milk supply, and like fennel they are also useful for colicky complaints.

Borage leaf (Borago officinalis): high in calcium, borage leaves are mild tasting and make a strong addition to any galactagogue brew.

Making a Safe Family Bed: Part 2

If you and your partner want some time alone in bed at night, you can start your baby off in a bassinet or crib and bring baby into bed with you when you are ready to. Some parents find this is a wonderful arrangement that keeps everyone happy.

If you find that you feel cramped in bed with your baby, you may want to consider getting a bigger bed! A king-sized bed is a wonderful investment for years to come. You might also choose to make your bed bigger by adding a twin-sized mattress beside it. Some families literally have a “bed room!

Other families want to share sleep but don’t want the baby directly in the bed. There are yet more co sleeping options if this is how you feel. A sidecar arrangement can be made in a number of ways. You can sidecar your baby’s crib to your bed, you can buy a co sleeper, or you can put your child on some type of mattress on a lower level than yours.

You may choose to lower or remove one side of your baby’s crib and adjust the mattress to the height of your mattress. You can then use clamps to clamp the crib to the side of your bed. Some parents find that putting a piece of plywood under baby’s mattress and under theirs helps the sidecar. If there is a gap you can fill it with tightly rolled blankets. Another solution is to put a pool “noodle” (made of a very firm foam) in the crack.

There are also commercial co sleepers. Some moms love these, and enjoy the piece of mind from a product made especially for co sleeping. Arm’s Reach makes a wide variety of options. Once your child is older, you may wish to put a firm crib mattress or futon down beside your bed for him to sleep on. This works well for some families transitioning from the family bed, or who are adding a new baby. The older child still feels the security of being with the family, but is not directly in bed with parents.

You can also choose to have your baby’s bed in the room with you, but not have baby in bed with you. By having your baby’s bassinet or crib in your room, you can quickly respond to his needs.

If you are trying to work out a family bed with a growing family, there are several choices for you. You might want to invest in a king sized bed, or even add a twin sized bed mattress next to your king mattress. You will want to separate your toddler from your infant (see safe co sleeping.) You can choose to have your toddler on one side of you and your infant on your other side. Or you may want to have your toddler on the opposite side of your bed, next to your partner.

You can put your infant in a side car arrangement while your older child is in bed with you. Or you can put your toddler on a separate mattress beside your bed. Maybe your older child feels ready for his own bed, but still in your room. A compact toddler bed may be a good idea for your family. Some older children like to have their own mattress or small bed at the end of their parent’s bed.

Co sleeping can be a joyful experience. There is nothing like waking up to your sweet baby grinning at you! At the end of a long day it can be delightful to cuddle up to your darling baby. It is a time of connection for a family, and millions of families all over the world have been enjoying co sleeping throughout time.

Essential Oils for Immune System and More- Part One

In the quest to find viable ways to strengthen a child’s immune system, I have discovered essential oils. These oils are volatile substances extracted from plants. Pure essential oils have powerful therapeutic effects. Most of them are natural antiseptics, and certain oils have highly effective, immune-boosting, disease-fighting properties that can kill airborne viruses, bacteria and fungi. They can be used preventively and also to treat colds and infectious disease by reducing discomfort, helping to shorten the duration and preventing secondary infections.

Essential oils can be valuable in treating many other childhood ailments. Some are analgesic or anti-inflammatory, helping to reduce aches, pain and swelling. Others can alleviate insomnia or hyperactivity and calm anxious or troubled children. They can also be used to treat minor injuries. In addition to being very safe and effective, essential oils are fun and easy to use.

Choose High-Quality Oils

Not all essential oils are created equal. They must be chosen and used with great care. Many are highly adulterated and over-processed with chemicals. To obtain the beneficial therapeutic qualities, you must use pure essential oils. Many people have purchased inexpensive oils and have been very disappointed with the results, leading them to believe that “essential oils do not work”. Some pure essential oils can be expensive since they are hard to come by. It can take as many as 500 to 2,000 pounds of raw plant material to produce a single pound of pure essential oil. These plants should also be organically grown whenever possible. In addition, the harvesting procedures and extraction processes are critical to quality. It is important to have documentation of the purity and quality of an essential oil so you don’t get something that just smells nice, without the therapeutic qualities. Always buy oils in dark glass bottles. Never buy essential oils in plastic containers or put them into anything made of plastic. They not compatible with plastic. Store in a cool, dark place, away from heat and tightly capped.

How to Use Essential Oils

Inhaling the oils by diffusion produces immediate beneficial effects and is one of the easiest ways to use essential oils. Diffusion releases the highly aromatic molecules of the oils into the air so that we can breathe them in. Inhalation sends impulses directly to the brain and will trigger various healing responses, depending on which oil is being used. The physical body as well as the emotions can be therapeutically affected. Many oils have good germicidal properties and can be very effective in disinfecting a room without using harmful chemicals. When diffused, these oils can cleanse and purify the air by removing toxins and killing pathogenic bacteria, viruses, molds and fungi. They can also destroy odors. Regular diffusion can keep you and your kids healthy through out the cold and flu season.

A spray bottle used to mist houseplants can also be used to diffuse the oils. Fill with water and add 15 or 20 drops. This will clear and clean the air, but does not have the long-lasting effects of a diffuser or nebulizer. A diffuser or nebulizer sprays an ultra-fine mist into the air.

Diluted oils can be applied directly to the body by massaging the affected area, the bottom of the feet or with a full body massage. The tiny molecular structure of an essential oil allows it to be filtered through the skin via the hair follicles and into the bloodstream or to other parts of the body. The oils can nourish and oxygenate every cell of the body. It can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 7 hours for essential oils to be completely absorbed through the skin, depending on how much body fat there is. In children, they are usually absorbed very quickly.

Essential oils can be very powerful. They should always be diluted before applying directly to the skin or to the bath of a child. They can be used in a carrier oil, mixed with water or added to creams or lotions. Patch testing can be done for children with sensitive skin or allergies. This is done by applying a little diluted oil to the inside of the elbow. Leave it unwashed for twenty-four hours and if any redness or itching occurs, that oil should not be used.

Caution: Essential oils should never be taken internally, without the advice of a professional. Keep all essential oils away from the eyes. Keep all essential oils out of the sight and reach of children. Never attempt to treat a serious illness yourself without first referring to a qualified practitioner.

Many books have been written on aromatherapy and the use of essential oils. Instructions in applying the oils vary widely with different aromatherapists and authors. Simplers Botanical Company has been making essential oils and extracts since 1981. Their oils are absolutely pure and guaranteed to be organic or ethically wildcrafted and properly distilled or extracted. They have written the Aromatherapy Guide to Essential Oils, which is a brief summary of the views of a wide variety of experts in the field of aromatherapy. In this booklet, they suggest the following guidelines for application of essential oils for use with adults. In parenthesis and italics, I’ve added general recommendations for use with children.

What To Feed Your Baby - “Real” Food or “Fake” Food?

What to Eat and Why

I know - you’re reading the book title and thinking “real food as opposed to what? Fake food?” Nina Planck is going to let you know just what “real food” is in her book Real Food: What to Eat and Why. And you’re going to be surprised to learn just how close to fake some of the stuff sold to you as food is. You’ll also find out what foods are real - and really good for you.

You’ll instantly be drawn into Real Food. Planck begins with her own story and writes in a humorous and compelling style. She’s candid and real - you can identify with her. In fact, you can see yourself in her shoes, making her discoveries really hit home.

After her introduction Planck jumps right into “real” foods by category. You’ll learn what real dairy products, meats, fish, and vegetables look like. You’ll also learn what they’re raised eating, or what kind of soil they’re growing in. There is a difference between conventional meat, dairy, fishing and farming practices and more sustainable, concientious livestock rearing and farming practices. And it’s not just the label “organic” that tells you something has been raised naturally. Planck’s book will help you judge the quality of what’s avaiable in your area.

After covering these basics Real Food moves on to real fats. This is the section you need to read. It’s hard to absorb, especially with all the anti-fat propoganda we live with in our time - but the information is vital and valid. You’ll learn why fat is not the criminal its been made out to be. You’ll also learn why the so-called “good fats” invented by modern man aren’t all that they’re made out to be. Planck includes a full survey of fats to enjoy (fats we’ve used traditionally for thousands of years) and fats to avoid (new fats “invented” by various industries in the last century).

Planck covers other foods such as eggs, salt, grains, and even chocolate. She also delves into a discussion on cholesterol and gives advice she’s gleaned from her studies. She ends the book by helping you find sources for good real foods.

The book is a clear and simple read and a great introduction to the world of real food - and sustainable food practices. I highly recommend it as a great book to help you learn to eat well for your own health, and most importantly, the health of your children.

Making a Safe Family Bed: Part 1

There are some simple yet important things to address in order to create a safe, comfortable family bed. There are situations where you should consider an alternate arrangement to having baby right in bed with you. And there are things you can do to your bed to make sure it is safe for baby.

Safety First
Many people fear “overlying,” which means rolling on top of and smothering a child. However, this is exceedingly rare. Think about sleeping in bed at night? Do you roll out of bed? The same instincts that keep you in bed at night keep you from rolling onto your baby. The instincts to protect your baby are even stronger than those that keep you from rolling out of bed! Parents all over the world sleep with their babies every night and their babies are safe and secure.

If you are a heavy smoker, an extremely deep sleeper, or very overweight, it is safer to have your baby sleep in a sidecar arrangement or in a separate baby bed in your room. If you are using any kind of illegal drug, or a prescription drug that affects your sleep, it is also safer for your baby to be in a sidecar or separate bed in your room.

Of Bedding and Bedfellows
Choose a firm mattress for your bed. If you normally use a pillow-top mattress cover, you should remove it while you share sleep with your baby. Many adults find that sleeping on a firm mattress or a futon helps them have a more restful sleep, and it is safe for the baby. Don’t put your baby on a waterbed. Some babies nap well on a lambskin, but remove the lambskin when you are ready to go to sleep.

Babies and toddlers don’t need pillows. They will sleep just fine with their head on the mattress, and it is much safer for them. Also remove stuffed animals from around your baby. Keep your blankets below your baby’s face. See making the family bed work for some tips on how you can stay warm in the family bed.

Don’t allow your toddler to sleep next to your infant. Toddlers are not yet aware in sleep; they don’t have the same instincts as adults (notice that your toddler may still roll out of bed) - making the family bed work has some ideas for accommodating both your infant and other children.

We’ll continue with Part ll of this article in a post shortly!

Swaddling

Massage For Your Infant

Massaging your infant is healthy in so many ways. It is a wonderful way to bond with your newborn baby and spend quality time together. It is another beautiful way to express your love. More and more studies now show that a loving baby massage with a natural baby massage oil may help support a healthy immune system, relieve colic and even enhance an infant’s intellectual development and motor skills. A gentle massage and a few minutes of quiet time can improve sleeping through the night better.That means sweet dreams for everyone!

Since skin is the largest organ in the body, touch is extremely important. The following preparation and useful techniques can assist you in giving your precious baby a spa experience!

How to Begin

You will need: 2 soft towels, a clean diaper, natural baby massage oil & natural baby shampoo. Baby your little baby! Begin the baby massage when you and both in a relaxed, calm state. The best time is usually before your baby’s bath, at least a half hour after the baby has eaten. Sit comfortably on the floor with the soles of your feet together and form a diamond shape with your legs. Be sure to select a place without drafts and make sure the room temperature is a warm 78 degrees. Then drape a soft towel over your lap. Undress your baby, just leaving on a clean diaper and rest your baby on the towel over your legs so your baby will feel comfortable and secure. Cradle your baby’s head with your feet. Then put some baby massage oil on your clean hands and rub them together so they will be soft and warm before you start. Your baby will not be happy if he or she receives a massage from cold hands! Then using massage oil for baby, begin with long gentle strokes from your baby’s head to his or her toes. If you find that your baby responds well to the massage, proceed to gently massage your baby’s body section by section. If your baby does not cooperate, simply massage him or her at another time.

While you massage your baby you may want to softly talk, hum, sing and/or play healing meditation music during the massage. To further bond with your baby, give your little one eye to eye contact during the baby massage.

Baby Massage Tips:

Make your strokes gentle but not ticklish.

With soft and gentle touches the baby massage flows from the head to the toes. Tenderly begin on the head and then move to the face, shoulders, arms, hands, chest, stomach and down to the legs, feet and toes.

Follow your baby’s mood signals about when to stop the massage. If the baby wants to change position let him or her do so. A baby massage can comfortably last anywhere from 10 minutes to 30 minutes, depending on his or her mood.

When you gently massage her body parts, you may want to cover the areas of her body that are not being massaged with a second towel to avoid getting a chill. Run your fingertips lightly over the body using circular motion. Avoid massaging your infant’s navel area, if the cord hasn’t completely healed, avoid pressure on the spinal cord and avoid the genitalia area.

You can hold under her knees and gently press the knees up toward his or her tummy. This position can help your baby to expel gas. Massage the scalp in small circles with your fingertips as if you were shampooing.

Following the massage, wash hers hair with a natural baby shampoo. This may require two washes to remove all the oil.

Make it a good habit to give her a baby massage as part of your baby’s pre-bath schedule. After the massage, caress your baby and then give her a warm bath