One thing I treasure is taking a daily nap with my baby whenever possible.  Not only do they sleep better, but it helps the mother also get an extra boost in energy to carry out the remainder of the day.  I also love that cuddle time together.

As a homeschool mother of four and owner of a business, I definitely need that time to relax.  Even if you don’t sleep, it gives you a chance to wind down and rest.

I nurse my baby while lying down with them and if they stir to nurse more, I often find that they sleep for longer lengths of time even when I get up.  It really is wonderful for them and for momma! 

Throughout each pregnancy, I’ve always made certain to walk almost every day and I also do a great deal of swimming in the summer months.  I also went mountain biking until I could no longer do it safely with the baby.  Of course, I was always very careful and stayed off of rugged terrain while pregnant.

I’ve always believed exercise to be very important for both a mother and baby. Now, they have found that excersie during pregnany is very important for a baby’s heart. It’s wonderful news and I encourage every momma to be as active as possible during pregnancy.  Always do safe sports, but keeping active is important for you and your unborn baby.

For the full article, see the following:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23997584/

As a mother of four children, there are a few things I believe are very important as far as heatlh.  One of those is eating right.  We eat organic foods whenever possible.  Of course, with four children, it is not always possible to have everything organic, but I try to purchase as much organic food as possible for our home.  I also start our babies out on organic foods and avoid anything processed or anything that contains chemicals of any kind.

I also believe that wearing organic clothing is important for babies.  I always make certain to have them in organic sleepwear every night.  It is not always possible to purchase all organic clothing as they grow older, but as an infant, I do believe having them wear organic footies, organic kimonos, buntings etc is important. Since they are not as mobile at this point and spend a great deal of time sleeping, purchasing the healthiest, organic clothing for your infant is best.

We are adding more and more organic clothing for our customers.  Currently, we carry Under the Nile organic clothing as well as Bossy Baby organic clothing, organic veggie wear and organic baby bodies with adorable little sayings on them.  We are also adding organic clothing from Peru that is absolutely beautiful!  In the near future, we also plan on adding a Purely Natural Baby wear line.

http://www.mommasbaby.com/cat–Purely-Natural-and-Organic-Clothing–134.html

Organic bedding is also very important.  Purchasing organic futons, organic crib mattresses and organic fitted sheets and blankets is all important for your baby.  Since babies spend a great deal of their time sleeping, it is important to have the healthiest bedding available for them.  In general, it is important for everyone of all ages to have organic bedding.

http://www.mommasbaby.com/cat–Natural-Nursery–103.html

http://www.mommasbaby.com/cat–Crib-Mattress-Futons–250.html

We were recently interviewed in a book called The Green Parent by Jenn Savedge put out by Kedzie Press.  Jenn gives a wealth of information in her book on how to be a green parent.  She will also be visiting our showroom in the near future if you are in the Lehigh Valley area and speaking on Natural Parenting.  We also plan to do a few other presentations that day. More information coming soon (We will probably also have some yummy organic treats for you that day!)

For more information on her book, please see the following link:

http://www.kedziepress.com/Details.cfm?ProdID=152&category=49&CFID=448644&CFTOKEN=23861685

Jenn also has a great blog:

http://thegreenparent.blogspot.com/

Recent studies show that children that are close to their parents have less discipline problems as they grow older. 

This reminds me of my own children.  Wherever I go, I receive so many compliments that my children are so well behaved.  With four children ages 8 down to 12 months, they are certainly in the stage to act up, but in all honesty, their behavior is just wonderful and I am so proud of them.

I have always practiced Attachment Parenting and find it to be the best parenting style.  It makes the children feel loved.  The opposite is “detachment” parenting. Many times, those  children grow up with behavior problems.

Dr. William Sears has a lot of wonderful information on Attachment Parenting.  Please see:

 http://www.askdrsears.com/html/10/T130200.asp

Dr. Sears explains the close bond that Attachment Parenting creates between mom and baby (as well as child).

 Also, a recent study did show how having a close relationship with your child results in better child behavior.

Please see the following from researchers from the University of Iowa:

http://media.www.dailyiowan.com/media/storage/paper599/news/2008/02/12/Metro/Study.Links.Kids.Behavior.To.Relationship.With.Mother-3202995.shtml

Attachment Parenting is wonderful!

I recently read an article that explained the danger or using a cell phone during pregnancy and also while holding your baby.  Even while holding your baby, the EMF exposure can go to your little one.  This was very upsetting to me as I read this. The same goes for cordless phones.  You must be very careful.

We personally do not use a cell phone unless it is an emergency.  I know so many people do today and I am one of the few that does not.

EMF’s are transmitted and there is a potential for risks to your health and to your babies health.  In general, many items in your house do have EMF’s (even an alram clock in the bedroom if it is digital).  The best thing to do is reduce your exposure to them as much s possible and definitely avoid them during pregnancy and with your baby. 

I just received a call and I always love helping moms with breastfeeding questions.  I hope to someday work part time in a hospital helping moms begin nursing.  I know the importance of it and even now as I write, I have a little one nursing.   I’ve nursed non-stop all my children for the past 8 1/2 years and have nursed through every pregnancy and begin tandem nursing when the baby is born.

The question I was asked was how to make more milk when you stop nursing your baby and if the baby will be able to nurse again.  The answer is yes!  You can do both!  If a baby is under 6 months of age, that baby can certainly begin to nurse again and yes, you can absolutely make more milk!

Keep these things in mind:

Nurse as much as possible and wear your baby in a sling.  Also sleep next to your baby.  Close contact will keep your baby nursing.  The more you nurse, the more milk you will make!

Do not use a bottle unless really needed.  If your baby is currently drinking from a bottle, slowly take that away and only use it if really, really needed.  A baby will drink from a bottle much easier than from the breast.  It makes it very easy for him/her and they will refuse the breast if given the choice.

Pump to make more milk in addition to keeping your baby close to you as much as possible.

Remove pacifiers.  This also hinders a baby nursing.   

Breastmilk is the best and nothing compares to it for a baby!  The benefits are too many to even count.  If you need help, please call me or e-mail me and I will gladly help you the best I can.  Support is also important.

A study just came out and as I thought, organic food is really more nutritious!

Organic frut and vegetables contain up to 40% more nutrients.

Organic foods contain more beneficial minerals like iron and zinc.

Milk from organic herds contain up to 90% more antioxidents.

I always suggest that moms start feeding their baby organic foods when they start introducing solids.  I always like to start with organic banana.  It is easily digested and organic is always best for them.  I also try to have our children eat as much organic foods as possible at home. 

This study also showed that even if you are not receiving the suggested amount of servings per day of fruits and vegetables, you are getting the best in nutrient uptake by eating organic foods.

For the full report, please see the following link:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/health/article2753446.ece

It’s very upsetting as a parent to keep hearing the news about lead tainted toys and wondering if our children have been exposed to any or if we have any in our home.  Even as an organic/natural family, we have been given plastic toys over the years.  I have never been one to endorse purchasing them, but our children have been given gifts from family and friends and I am certain some have been made in China. I am now ready to get rid of all of our plastic toys in the home!  It really concerns me as a parent.

Lead can cuase brain damage and learning disabilities in children.  It is a neurotoxic heavy metal.

What can you do as a parent?

Purchase toys domestically made here in the USA and avoid the cheap plastic and metal ones.

Check for recalls by going to www.recalls.gov  or www.cpsc.gov

Purchase natural, unfinished wooden toys.  I still love the old fashioned wood toys the best.  For babies, the wooden rattles are always the best.  I really dislike any plastic ones.  Plastic ittself is unhealthy.  Also purchase organic toys that contain only organic cotton.

Many moms can rebuild their milk supply by taking a few simple steps. 

Use herbs to increase milk supply.  A very good one that we recommend is More Milk by Motherlove: http://www.mommasbaby.com/item–Motherlove-More-Milk-Plus-Capsules–mlmmp.html

Put your baby to your breast to suck at each feeding and as often as you can.  Comfort nursing is also important.  Try to never use a pacifier.  That often takes place of sucking from the breast and will reduce the amount of time your baby will nurse.

If using herbs to increase your milk supply, make certain to nurse frequently.  This will help to avoid breast infections or plugged ducts.

Use a breast pump or try hand expression.  This is especially helpful for times when you must be away from your baby.

Be patient and determine that you will be able to nurse your baby.  Breastmilk is the best thing you can give your baby!

If you need encouragement or help, please call your local La Leche League leader.  They are truly wonderful and a big help!  They helped me many times in the past when I first started nursing my children.   You can find a leader by going to their web site:  www.llli.org

One additional note, if your baby is 6 months old or younger, the baby will often go back to nursing even once they are weaned. They will be able to stimulate the breast enough to make milk.  The baby will need supplemental food until your milk supply has fully come back, but your once weaned baby can begin to nurse again!  I think this is wonderful.