Products and Things I Discovered/Rediscovered by becoming a Mother...

1. Homeopathy

I can't imagine having children and not using homeopathy. 

For about ten years now, I have had a strong interest in natural medicine, organic food, and preventative health care. I've studied Eastern medicine, lived in Asia and have found that you can cure most anything with herbs and diet. However, I had never really had any experience with homeopathy. My introduction to it came really by chance.

My mom was childhood friends with a renowned homeopath and midwife (amongst other notable things) and after the birth of my son she urged me to get in contact with her. When I learned that'll this woman, Paula, was becoming a grandmother I offered to give her some of Dylan's outgrown toys and clothes so my mother gave her my number to contact me.

One day Dylan was acting like he wasn't feeling well. He was cranky and very clingy. He only wanted to be held and had little interest in his toys or food. This was very out of character. I wasn't sure if he was teething or getting sick. The next day he had a bit of a fever and I was getting worried, I gave him a cool bath and soothed him and was considering taking him to the doctor but decided to wait. On the third day he broke out in a rash all over his body,

I was horrified. 

I was looking up his doctor's number when Paula called me. We talked for a moment about the

toys and such and then I asked for her advice about Dylan. She asked me a series of questions about his symptoms, all of which were very on point. "Is he clingy?" "Yes." "Does he have a fever?" "Yes." etc. She told me to go to the local health food store, in my case Sprouts, and get the remedy, Pulsatilla and to give him three pellets. Sprouts was very nearby and I figured that I had nothing to lose. 

While I was in Sprouts I showed the people in the body section his rash and was also looking for other things that might work, I didn't yet know the power of homeopathy. While I was in line, paying for the things I purchased, I gave Dylan the pellets. I put him in the car and drove home. When I came back home Dylan's rash was gone. 

Gone.

Not better, but gone... and he was back to his old self. When I set him down, instead of clinging to me and crying (like he had been doing for the last three days) he bolted straight for his toys and started playing. I couldn't believe it, I wanted to share it with the world!

Since then I have used homeopathy at any sign of trouble with amazing results.

To be fair, homeopathy is a pretty controversial form of treatment. I can only speak from personal experience and tell you that for us it has been truly amazing. If you would like to learn more, I recommend this link: Homeopathy: Everything You've Ever Wanted To Know

2. Bone Broth Soup

This meal is medicine for the post delivery mama and the whole family. It's so good for you that I get intimidated at the thought of having to type all of the benefits. This link goes into detail and includes a recipe: Authentic Parenting

3. Baby Powder

Smooth as a baby's behind does not just have to apply to your baby's behind, know what I mean....

Beauty & the Baby

This whole baby making business has been great for my figure.

 I know what you are thinking, "f%^ yoU~!" ... I get it, but I also think there might be some reasons for this and if that is a concern for you or someone you know there are some things you could try...

1. Breastfeed.... seriously, every time you breastfeed it's like a serious gym sesh... and you don't even have to get up. Plus, it is bonding and provides essential nutrients and ... (here just read this)

2. Don't panic it's Organic...  I eat primarily organic whole foods. I don't diet or count calories, I just read ingredients and if it has a bunch of shit in it that I can't pronounce, I don't eat it. Oh and I avoid GMO's .. I don't think intrinsic pesticides can possibly be good not to mention all the other questionable nasties & environmental hazards. If and when I do eat meat or dairy, I make sure that there are no added hormones, or antibiotics, and that the animals are grass fed and cage free. Just because I have an appetite doesn't mean I don't have a heart... or a brain. P.S. I know when I eat out that this all goes out the window and I'm okay with that because the key to health & happiness, in my opinion, is moderation and stress reduction.

3. I did a natural birth. It wasn't easy and if I was in the hospital I'm sure they would of tried to cut me open but I avoided all of that by giving birth at a birth center. I think the universe rewarded me for my efforts and helped me bounce back quickly. Plus, birth in and of itself is incredibly detoxifying and it is natural for your body to cleanse itself and prepare you for the task of motherhood. Drugs can interfere with this natural process and slow your healing process.

4. I wake up with my baby and play with him and relish in the understanding that these moments, however exhausting, are truly precious and short lived. Plus, carrying him around is great for toning my arms & the superman leg presses are great for those thighs (my personal problem areas).

5. I suffered from excessive blood loss and became anemic. (Wait, what?!) I realize this isn't a positive but I wanted to mention it in case you or someone you know is suffering from the same thing. What saved me was Bone Broth Soup: Bone Broth Mother F^&*(n Soup! Seriously and while you're at it

Apparently, almost every other culture offers some sort of healing tonic or ancient soup for women post delivery... except here in the U.S. *Shaking my head*

Bone broth contains cartilage, which strengthens bones and joints. Marrow, which helps with blood cell production. Glycine & Proline, which help with wound healing, detoxification of the liver, and plasma production. And, essential minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium that help with nerve transmission, muscle contraction, tissue repair, proper clotting, and gland function, to name a few.  (Sorry my beautiful vegan friends but it's true)
Did I mention that it is also delicious and good for the whole family? (think chicken noodle soup) For me drinking this stuff  was like finding a well at the end of a brutal desert hike. If you or someone you know has just given birth... share the knowledge and share the love and rejoice.

Blessings
       *

All Apologies

Dear Gracious Reader,

Thank you for your kind return. I'm sorry that I haven't written anything in the last couple of months. I imagine you there, perched over your computer, feverishly logging on hoping to see a new blog. I imagine the inevitable tears of disappointment that fall when you see I haven't posted anything. I imagine you checking in every few days like a school child waiting by the mailbox. I also imagine forests filled with elves and talking trees and friendly fairies and goddess mothers... in other words, I have a very active imagination.

The reason for my extreme delay has been the same as my inspiration for this blog: my little guy Dylan. Even as I write this he is stalking closer to my computer like some brain thirsty zombie.. "must touch keys, must distract mom," is what I imagine is echoing in his adorable head. You see, my sweet little immobile baby has blossomed into a full blown toddler and though he hasn't yet taken his first step out on his own yet, if he has something to lean on he can move with incredible speed. Nothing on the parameter is safe.