Natural Pregnancy Project

photo credit: ralphbijker

I’ve been reading a lot lately on food allergies, sensitivities, and even natural chemicals that are in some foods and how they affect our children’s behavior, as well as our own.

I was getting concerned with some of my little one’s behavior and was talking to a friend. She mentioned to me that it sounded like food, and not necessarily discipline. That’s where my research started. As with most things, it seems once I start doing a little research the more the subject comes up.

If you have had food sensitivities or food allergies it’s more likely your children will have similar interests, so it’s wise to find out what you can do while your pregnant and your children are young to decrease the likelihood of food allergies.

Here are some of the resources I have found.

Fed Up With Food Additives This site is very comprehensive and will give you tons of information on food allergies, food sensitivities, as well as sensitivities to naturally occurring chemicals in food.

The author of this site also has written a book called Fed Up . She is from Australia and I was only able to find it on Amazon. It is a very good book, especially if you are already experiencing issues with food sensitivities. It provides all the information on which foods contain which additives/chemicals, as well as an explanation of the elimination diet. She also provides quite a few recipes in the back with explanations of what chemicals/additives they do have. If you think your children are experiencing behavior related to food additives I highly recommend this book.

IF you decide the FAILSAFE diet is for you and your family she has also written a The Failsafe Cookbook to help you follow the Failsafe diet.

Today I was watching Good Morning America and saw an American mom who is battling some of the same issues. She is working on getting artificial food colorings taken out of American foods, and spearheading a movement to make our foods more natural.

Her website is very informative, and written in language Americans will easily understand. She provides a list of doctors who are helping her, including Dr. Sears. She provides many studies and informative articles, as well as an ongoing blog about the subject. This information starts with what moms can do while they’re pregnant to help prevent allergies in their children, and continues on to how to manage allergies in schools. Allergy Kids is a great website, and provides so much useful information for the new mom, and the moms dealing with this issue.

I’d love to hear what you think about the issue of food additives, colorings, and your experiences managing these issues in your children. Feel free to leave comments or join us on the forum!

Technorati Tags: food additives, food allergies, food chemicals, chemically modified foods, peanut allergy, fed up, failsafe diet, failsafe cookbook

Thank you for stopping by the Natural Pregnancy Project. This is an ongoing project so please subscribe to my RSS feed to keep up to date with all future research! Thanks for visiting!

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Do you believe the only option for a twin or triplet birth is a C-Section?

Watch this video and see what you think then!!

Leave your comments and let me know what you think.

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WASHINGTON (AP) — The Food and Drug Administration on Friday warned women not to use or purchase Mommy’s Bliss Nipple Cream, marketed by MOM Enterprises Inc. of San Rafael, California.

The cream, promoted to nursing mothers to help soothe dry or cracked nipples, contains ingredients that may cause respiratory distress, vomiting and diarrhea in infants, the agency said.

The potentially harmful ingredients in the cream are chlorphenesin and phenoxyethanol.

“FDA is particularly concerned that nursing infants are being unwittingly exposed by their mothers to this product with dangerous side effects,” said Janet Woodcock, director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “Additionally, these two ingredients may interact with one another to further compound and increase the risk of respiratory depression in nursing infants.”

The company has stopped selling the cream. The FDA said consumers should stop using the cream and consult a doctor if they experience problems or believe that their infant may have experienced problems due to the product.

Mothers whose children may have suffered adverse effects because of this product should contact the FDA’s MedWatch at 800-332-1088.

_____________________________

This is why I use 100% organic creams on my little one. For nipple cream I recommend Lansinoh. It is 100% lanolin and is completely safe for both mom and baby. It’s important to keep in mind, everything you put on your skin or your baby’s skin gets into their system. Make sure you look at the ingredients on your diaper rash cream as well as any body wash or shampoo you are using on your baby. I recommend the Earth Mama Angel Baby line of products for safe natural products to use on my baby.

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This is an amazing story and a true testament to the power of the breast.
A chinese policewoman is helping earthquake victims in a very personal way. Not only is she nursing her own new baby, but 7 others as well.

She is nursing the children of 3 mothers who are now homeless due to the earthquake and too traumatized to nurse.

She is also nursing 5 orphans.  The orphans were put in an orphanage after losing their parents, however, the orphanage has no powdered milk to make formula.

This woman is a hero. It is amazing to see just what a woman’s body can do when it needs to.  It’s makes me pretty sad, to hear so many women say “I don’t have enough milk” when it is fairly obvious the body can make more than enough milk for one baby, this woman is feeding 8.

If you want you can read the whole article about the cop who breastfed 8 babies.

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photo credit: Joe Shlabotnik

When you purchase a car seat for your child, it’s important to keep up to date on any recalls that might occur. Check the news frequently, and visit those websites that will keep you up on which car seat recalls might be in effect.

But let’s assume the worst happens and your child’s car seat is recalled: What now?

First, visit the website for the recalled seat, or call the toll-free number. The manufacturer will likely have a special webpage or phone line set up strictly for the recall.

Whenever there’s a recall, car seat companies won’t mess around. They want to make sure your child is safe. Just follow the instructions you see on the website or hear on the phone line.

Be sure to have your child’s cat seat on hand when you call or visit the website. It’s possible you’ll need the model name or the serial number–you can usually find the model name in the instruction manual.

Don’t be surprised if you’re advised to keep using the car seat until you get your repair kit in the mail. It’s important to remember that in nearly all cases, it’s safer for your child to be in a recalled seat than it is for him or her to be in the car without a child safety restraint device.

Here’s another tip to stay informed of car seat recalls: Register that car seat with the manufacturer right after you buy it. Much like any other product, car seats come with their own registration cards.

Of course, people usually toss them out. But in this case, it’s important to register your car seat so that the company can contact you.

While you can’t do anything to ensure that they won’t send advertisements to your address, you can at least rest assured that you’ll be contacted in the event of a recall.

However, a car seat isn’t automatically bad just because of a car seat recall. There are always errors in manufacturing, and when these errors occur in a car seat, the company acts quickly to fix the problem.

If you still have concerns after a car seat recall, talk to someone at the company. They will probably be able to ease your mind, or recommend another course of action.

About the Author:

Before you buy a car seat, make sure to visit Car Seat Reviews for in-depth reviews on every brand from Graco Car Seats to Britax Car Seats.

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Pregnancy and Yeast Infection: PROTECTION for You and Your Baby

by Linda Allen

In this discussion, an ex yeast infection sufferer and qualified nutritionist exposes the inner factors that make for yeast infections, the causes behind its occurrence and how to get rid of this medical condition securely and effectively. Prior to discussing the complex links between the likelihood of contracting Candida infections and pregnancy, we’ll take a brief look at the immediate physiological reasons for this medical yeast infection ailment. However the question remains, does pregnancy make a woman’s body even more liable to contract yeast infections? Many women about to give birth are concerned about this. The truth is that Candida infection is twice as likely during pregnancy compared to situations without childbearing.

Candidiasis, or yeast infection, is a fungal infection appearing locally or systemically and impacting above all women in western countries. The most common type of yeast infection is vaginal infection of which the typical symptoms as a burning sensation and itching in the area of the vagina. Additional symptoms include thick, white vaginal discharge looking like cottage cheese and pain during sexual intercourse. Almost three-quarters of women in western countries will suffer one such infection in their lifetime and many of them will have to endure chronic Candida infections.

Candida exists to a greater or lesser degree in the intestinal and genital tracts of most people, but fungal overgrowth can bring on painful and debilitating consequences and also significant health complications. Yeast in this medical context means single-celled fungi. The common name, Candida, applies to the strain of fungi often seen in the human body under normal conditions as well.

Different elements which may be internal, external, lifestyle-related or psychological then directly or indirectly form the context in which Candida multiplication comes about. As with many other medical problems, Candida overgrowth comes about because of group of factors and related interactions.

In pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes changes in stages on hormonal, physiological and psychological levels. These alterations contribute significantly to excessive Candida multiplication and the concomitant symptoms. Pregnancy-induced hormonal changes alter the vaginal environment and make fungi more likely to multiply. In addition, emotional instability experienced by many women during pregnancy and while expecting a child may cause stress that degrades the immune system and opens the door to yeast overgrowth. Pregnant women also often develop cravings for sugar-rich or white flour containing foods. As it is customary to allow or even to encourage pregnant women to yield to their cravings, these sugars and refined carbohydrates contribute further to yeast overgrowth fueled by sugary environments.

Ignoring Candidiasis can lead to systemic infection by yeast, with significant negative effects on a woman’s quality of life and general well being. Since pregnant women are not allowed to use many of the antifungal medications or antibiotic treatments, it is important to find another solution for candidiasis during this moment of childbearing. Finding a remedy for candidiasis in expecting women is crucial, because otherwise infection can pass from the mother to her baby through the birth canal while pregnant or at childbirth, or afterwards via breast-feeding.

Did anyone tell you? All natural holistic methods can be used to cure yeast infections permanently and safely. Pregnant women who want a complete and permanent answer to candidiasis can use holistic methods to free themselves of this problem by taking a selection of specific home remedies to alleviate the symptoms and by following holistic all natural guidelines that go right to the heart of the underlying problem. The holistic approach based on dietary and lifestyle changes while eliminating toxins, can stop all types of yeast infection and also stop their recurrence safely and effectively for pregnant women and the children that they will give birth to.

About the Author:

Linda Allen is a health consultant and author of the #1 best-selling e-book Yeast Infection No More . To Learn More About Pregnancy and Yeast Infection Visit: Pregnancy and Yeast Infection

Technorati Tags: holistic cure for yeast infection, yeast infection and pregnancy, candida symptoms, cure yeast infection

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photo credit: Graham Crumb

I came across a great article today, it provides you with 50 plus resources to help manage traveling while pregnant.

If you are planning to travel while you are pregnant you will find these resources helpful, and they should answer most of your travel questions.

Here’s a short exerpt:

The act of travel itself can have specific risks for a pregnant woman. Whether going by airplane, car, train, or cruise ship, the following resources will inform you so that you can make the journey in safety and with peace of mind.

18. Air Travel in Pregnancy. Air travel while pregnant is considered safe by most. This article touches on common sense tips for air travel and describes the results of studies done on flight attendants who worked during pregnancy.
19. Pregnancy, Air Travel, and Radiation Exposure. Get the facts on radiation exposure and flying while pregnant. For the average traveler, there is little risk. Learn the facts here.
20. Travel During Pregnancy. This short article offers sound safety advice for travelling by car or airplane while pregnant. Scroll to the bottom to find links to other pregnancy travel related articles.
21. WikiAnswers–Is it safe to go on a cruise while pregnant? Find the answer to this question here. You will also learn considerations to bear in mind when planning your cruise.

For more information on traveling while pregnant check out the rest of the article.

Technorati Tags: traveling while pregnant, safe pregnant travel

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The unassisted birth of Maelle C. Born 10 days “late” weighing 9 pounds 11 ounces, 21.5″ long. Only myself, my husband and my sister were present (well, Maelle was present too).

The placenta came out about 15-20 minutes after the birth. We cut the cord about 5 minutes after the placenta had been delivered, when the cord was white and limp (no more blood flow).

This was my second birth, but my first homebirth. I used HypnoBirthing to help me stay relaxed, and read books to give me useful ideas and encouragement on how to birth naturally. My 2 favorite books were Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth and Birthing from Within.

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We happily welcomed our 4th baby, a daughter, on April 21.  I have
been reading up on painless childbirth and experienced one of the
most calming, empowering experiences from it.  We chose an unassisted
birth and it went perfectly.I had been having contractions on and off for days.  They were strong
but never close together, and had the tendency to fade away after a
few hours.  I was growing a bit weary and temptation to coax baby out
with castor oil or other measures entered my mind frequently.  I
decided to hold off; it was baby’s choice when to be born, not mine.
Her due date came and went, and the contractions took a rest for the
next two days.  I took this time to rest myself, taking naps and
snuggling with my kids while we waited.  Hubby and I commented to
each other how hungry we were, and realized we had been pigging out
this past week.  Perhaps it was anxiety, perhaps it was our
instinctive measure to stock up on calories for the upcoming birth.
He began to experience some sympathy pains, a symptom I’d never seen
in him with our older children. Sunday came.  The contractions came too,
on and off all day.  My friend called me that evening to chat and asked if
I was having contractions.  I was, but I didn’t think they were doing too much.
She advised I may be in labor.  We hung up a few minutes later, and
what she said must have triggered something inside me because the
contractions suddenly began to arrive closer together.  They were
strong but there was no pain.  I was pleasantly surprised by this.
About an hour later, I called my doulas and invited them over.  The
contractions were coming about 6 minutes apart, strong but peaceful.

We sat in the living room and talked, then took a brief walk around
midnight.  The air had grown a bit colder, so we came in after one
lap on the street.  The contractions came closer and closer.  I kept
wondering if nature was playing some joke on me.  I knew I was in
labor, but wasn’t it supposed to hurt?  How could I be so calm and
talkative during this phase?  It wasn’t what all the books said would
happen, and it wasn’t how my previous labors had gone.  My second
baby’s labor had been very peaceful, but there had still been a
considerable amount of pain toward the end, followed by a scary and
intense delivery.

One of my doulas needed to leave for awhile, which was fine with me.
I felt a bit guilty about having them there since I wasn’t really
putting them to work.  I wondered if they thought I was full of crap
about being in labor.  The contractions still came closer and closer
together.  Mentally I tallied up the minutes in between, and finally
noticed they were about 3 minutes apart.  Still, they didn’t feel
like I expected.  It was about 4 a.m. when she left, and shortly
after I wondered if I should try to sleep.  My other doula was
preparing to doze off for awhile, and I got up for the umpteenth time
to use the bathroom.  No sooner had I stood up when my water broke.
A gush ran out of me.  I started to laugh and headed to the
bathroom.  Nice, clear fluid that just kept coming.  I changed my
clothes and moved to the floor on my birthing ball.  The next couple
of contractions were less comfortable without the wonderful cushion
of water, but I focused on relaxing through them.

Hubby had been sleeping up until this point, and woke up just in time
to help with back labor.  The baby had descended and I was in pain.
I tried to labor on the floor, on the toilet, and standing, but
nothing seemed to help.  I finally  went to the bathroom one last
time and decided to lie in the bed and labor.  I was there for just a
few minutes when suddenly I was pushing.  I didn’t want to push lying
down so I got up and headed back to the living room.  A contraction
hit me and I went on all fours to push.  The force was so intense,
animal-like.  I was amazed that my body would do this all on its own;
all the other times I’d been in labor I was “coached” on what my body
already knew what to do.  This was different.  No one was going to
tell me when I was ready to push.  No one was going to tell me how to
push, when to push, where to push.  It was all on me.  I let go and
trusted my body.  Another surge went through me and I found myself
grunting with a noise I’d never heard myself make.  It came
instinctively.  With another push I felt baby’s head.  I stopped and
held it in my hand as it eased from my body.  It was the most surreal
experience.  Her head was wet and warm.  Once it was out I let her
shoulder pop out.  I thought my doula had started pulling on the baby
and yelled “You’re hurting me!” but it wasn’t her at all; it was just
the baby coming out.  Hubby looked over my shoulder and said, “It’s a
girl!”

I managed to move around the cord and see our daughter for the first
time.  She was beautiful.   I tried to bring her to my breast but her
cord was too short.  We wrapped her in warm towels and waited until
we could sterilize our scissors to cut her free.  Finally, the
placenta was ready and I birthed it into a bowl.  It caught in some
membrane and lay suspended in them for a few minutes (I have
pictures, it’s interesting).  Finally they released and I was able to
pull our baby to my chest.  She began to nurse and latched for a full
hour.  Our son and oldest daughter cut the cord and we put the
placenta in the fridge.  I haven’t decided yet if I’m going to eat
any raw since I haven’t really been having any issues with bleeding.
I will probably dry some for later.

We’ve just been falling in love with her since her arrival.  All the
kids want to hold the baby, especially our son.  He was disappointed
that we couldn’t give him a brother, but I think he will grow to love
being a big brother to sisters.

Jessica Vargas

Technorati Tags: unassisted home birth, peaceful homebirth, natural childbirth story

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photo credit: Raphael Goetter

I haven’t talked much about breastfeeding on this site, but it is, in my opinion, one of the MOST important parts of motherhood.

There are so many benefits to breastfeeding, not only for the baby, but also for the mother.

When I was pregnant I did a lot of research on breastfeeding. I have continued to do a lot of research on breastfeeding and thought I would give you some of my favorite breastfeeding resources today.

Here’s a good video to learn how to get your first latch perfect.

Here’s more of this interaction with this mom and Dr. Jack. The conversation and lactation support is almost as important to hear as this great lesson in latching is to see.

Beastfeeding Basics

This site is some basic breastfeeding information, including breastfeeding diet, alcohol and breastfeeding, breastfeeding twins and more.  There are some great videos showing how to get a proper latch, as well as how to use different positions for your baby.

A great basics of breastfeeding blog I find very informative is Breastfeeding Basics.

How to Breastfeed

I know I ran into issues about how to breastfeed as a first time mom. I called my local La Leche League leader and she coached me over the phone. I have found an amazing instructional breastfeeding video where you are taken step by step through breastfeeding. The woman (also the author of the breastfeeding basics blog) shows you with her children, just how to get the baby in the right position, what the baby should sound like and so much more.

It’s like having your very own breastfeeding coach right there with you. In the privacy of your own home. I wish I had this video when I was learning how to breastfeed my baby.  We did have lactation consultants in the hospital, but we had a little personality conflict with the one that was working most of the time I was in the hospital. It would have been nice to be able to do it on my own time, with no pressure and no judgement.

If you are feeling unsure about breastfeeding at all, I recommend getting this video.

Breastfeeding and Homeopathics

Sometimes problems arise during breastfeeding, including Mastitis, problems with milk production and breast abscess any one of which could derail your breastfeeding relationship.  There are medical ways to manage these problems, some of which are antibiotics.  Who wants their nursing baby taking antibiotics?  I know I don’t.

There are amazing homeopathic remedies for breastfeeding issues and more.  Homeopathics are natural and will not hurt you or your baby. In fact, there are a wide array of homeopathics available for pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. At the site above there is a whole pregnancy kit available, so you will have all the homeopathics you need available and in one spot.

Here is a great resource for more information about homeopathics and breastfeeding.

Overcoming Breastfeeding Problems

La Leche League is always a great resource for breastfeeding information.

Here’s an entire page of breastfeeding podcasts (audio interviews) on different topics related to breastfeeding.

Here’s a great list of frequently asked breastfeeding questions, with information on everything from breastfeeding an adopted baby to how to wean a toddler.

Another great resource for breastfeeding information is Kelly Mom. This is one of the websites I did a lot of studying and learning from while I was pregnant. It is a well written and organized website and you can find just about anything you want to know about breastfeeding there.

Breast Compression

Breast compression, as Dr Jack Newman explains clearly here, can help when you have a struggling baby who is upset milk isn’t coming out fast enough. It’s a way of using the milk production system in the breast, to encourage faster flow just when you need it.

Here’s some great information on milk production and milk supply. 

Not every mother will need to use breast compressions, but it is a useful tool in the toolbox. It is important to squeeze down gently, in a massage motion, as opposed to a pinch. Restricting the milk ducts, with too tight a bra, or restrictive closing, or pinching them hard, can cause plugged ducts, which are painful, and can lead to mastitis, an infection.

This is an excellent handout that explains breast compressions.

We will continue to talk about breastfeeding, and I will have some guest posts from a homeopathic expert coming soon. So please bookmark the page and come back soon.

Technorati Tags: breastfeeding video, breastfeeding problems, homeopathics mastitis, breastfeeding homeopathics, breast compressions, milk production, Dr Jack Newman breastfeeding video

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