Recently we had our fourth baby and I received yet another bag from the hospital when leaving.  I hadn’t opened it up until I returned home.  When I did, I realized there were cans of infant formula in there.  It’s just such ashame that they give this out to many new moms that are just starting out breastfeeding their little ones. 

Many women give up on nursing in the beginning and with formula given out so easily even from the hospitals, it’s no wonder they don’t try nursing their baby longer.

Breastfeeding is always the best for your baby.  The benefits of breast milk for both mom and baby are amazing!  I’ve written an article on my site under resources discussing all the wonderful benefits. 

 http://www.mommasbaby.com/ccp51/cgi-bin/cp-app.cgi?&pg=breastfeeding

 In addition, you can read many wonderful articles found on the La Leche web site:

http://www.lalecheleague.org/

La Leche leaders can be found throughout the country and are a wonderful source of information and help for moms just starting out breastfeeding.  I know they were very helpful to me when I began to first breastfeed my children.

If you know of a mom that is just starting out breastfeeding, a wonderful gift for her would also be the breastfeeding support kit by Earth Mama Angel Baby:

http://www.mommasbaby.com/item–Breastfeeding-Support-Kit-Earth-Mama-Angel-Baby–BreastfeedingSupportKit.html

I love the Earth Mama Angel Baby line and a  gift such as this may provide encouragement and support for her to continue to nurse her baby.

An article was posted about the importance of Calcium.  As moms, it is not only important that we receive adequate calcium, but it is important for our children.  Without receiving proper amounts of calcium, our body will pull if from our bones.   Calcium is extremely important as well as Vitamin D.  It is best to receive calcium from our foods and we need Vitamin D from exposure to sunlight.  Without receiving Vitamin D, we also cannot process calcium properly in our body.  Both of these nutrients are considered ‘partners in health” according to the article and it is important that children begin to receive both in their childhood and continue throughout their life. 

For the full article, please see the following link:

http://www.forbes.com/forbeslife/health/feeds/hscout/2007/02/11/hscout601821.html

 Another item that we carry for proper calcium absorption is put out by Weleda.  The following gives a description of the product:

Weleda Calciodoron PM

Powder (OTC) CALCIUM

CALCIODORON AM & PM: A Homeopathic Medicine for Healthy Bone and Teeth Formation As calcium is not readily absorbed by the body, Weleda has developed two products, taken alternatingly: Calciodoron AM & PM.

While these formulas are not calcium supplements, they stimulate the body’s calcium absorption and metabolism. This remedy can be taken during pregnancy and after lactation for on-going care of the mother. It also helps to promote healthy bone and teeth formation in the baby as he / she develops as a child. Calciodoron is also recommended to prevent bone loss in post-menopausal women.

Use Calciodoron PM in the evening in conjunction with Calcon AM for poor calcium absorption with accompanying symptoms of calcium deficiency; painful and slow teething, and inadequate lactation. 1.77 Oz (50g)

Active Ingredients: Calcarea carbonica 1X (from oyster shells).

http://www.mommasbaby.com/item–Weleda-Calciodoron-PM–CalciodoronPM.html

On February 24, 2007 at 11:29 am we were blessed with our fourth little one.  His name is Jacob Zacharias and he is a healthy little baby and adorable!  He was born C-section (we had hoped for a natural birth and I had actually hired a doula from our church).  We were going to be trying for a VBAC after two previous C-sections.  I am doing well though and he is such a blessing to our family!  Our other children were also excited about him being a little boy (it was a surprise for us).  Our oldest is a boy (7 years old) and two little girls (5 and 2).  They were excited for a little brother!

As I begin to heal, I will be trying out the new Earth Mama Angel Baby C-mama healing savle intended for moms with C-sections.  Because there are so many C-sections being done today, Earth Mama Angel Baby came out with a creme and recovery kit just for moms that are recovering from C-sections.    

For moms who desire a future VBAC, please go to the following web site for a great deal of information on vaginal births after a cesarean: http://www.ican-online.org/   We plan on making a donation to a gift basket for a future conference they are having in April.