ParentDish's Top 10 Picks for Pregnancy Reading

by Jeanne Sager  from www.parentdish.com

Catch up on your pregnancy reading with these top titles. Credit: Betsssssy, Flickr
In "The Godfather," they went to the mattresses. In pregnancy, you go to the books. And, since you've already got a lot on your mind, we did the work for you, breaking down some of the most popular pregnancy books on the market.
Like birth plans, a pregnant woman's pick is very personal, so we don't expect you to buy all 10 titles. But, we think we've found at least one for every family -- even the Corleones:
1. The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth by Sheila Kitzinger. If you're looking for a woman-centered approach to pregnancy books, this is it. A natural childbirth advocate who campaigns for women's rights to make their own choices in childbirth, Kitzinger offers the same approach in her books.
2. What to Expect When You're Expecting by Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel. This is the book to pick up for information --we're talking lots of information. Set up as a step-by-step through the months and trimesters, it covers prenatal to the early days after the baby's born. It's one of the best-known pregnancy books, but it's not for everyone.
3. The Girlfriends' Guide to Pregnancy by Vicki Iovine. Want to know what to take to the hospital or why you're feeling randy when you're four months in? This is the book that takes a "we're all girls here" approach to pregnancy and puts out information with a touch of spunk.
4. Your Pregnancy Week By Week by Glade Curtis. Written by an OB/GYN, this is a very specific path through pregnancy. As the title suggests, Curtis lets you in on what's going to be happening week by week for the 40 weeks of gestation, making this the pick for women who want to know what's going on right now.
5. Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn: The Complete Guide by Penny Simkin, Janet Whalley and Ann Keppler. Let's face it -- having a baby is an emotional time, and not just because of hormones. With information on the physical and psychological pregnancy, this is a thorough trip from early pregnancy to early infancy.
6. Your Best Birth: Know All Your Options, Discover the Natural Choices and Take Back the Birth Experience by Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein. Don't let the celeb's name on the cover fool you into thinking this is fluff. Full of real information on taking charge of the birth, it's got a light, conversational tone, but it delves into deep issues on the options women face.
7. The Nursing Mother's Companion by Kathleen Huggins. In-depth details on everything from nursing after a C-section to breastfeeding when you've adopted a child makes this a go-to for first-time nursers.
8. The Birth Partner: A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Doulas and All Other Labor Companions by Penny Simkin. The rare pregnancy book written not for the mother, but for the people who will be present at the birth, this has earned a reputation as the "birth partner's bible."
9. The Pregnancy Book: Month-by-Month, Everything You Need to Know From America's Baby Experts by William and Martha Sears. From advocates of the attachment parenting movement, this overview of pregnancy includes not just the month-to-month physical symptoms and development, but tips on home birth, avoiding the episiotomy and more to make this mom-centric.
10. Fathering Right from the Start: Straight Talk About Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond by Jack Heinowitz. Written by a psychologist, it's no surprise this book approaches dad's path through pregnancy through his emotions. Heinowitz makes clear a man's role begins at conception -- not when he has to change his first diaper.

News Bite -- Vaccines

from www.parenting.com
Confused about vaccines?  The American Academy of Pediatrics has answers.  Log on to Cispimmunize.org for audio interviews with pediatricians like Harvey Karp, M.D., Ari Brown M.D., and Richard Besser, M.D., as well as actress Amanda Peet and former First Lady Roasalynn Carter.

Pregnancy Tips & Information – From Newborn Care to the Best Pregnancy Websites

from www.todayspregnancy.com

Tips to Beat Morning Sickness

By Kristin Erickson
Approximately three-quarters of pregnant women suffer from morning sickness. It usually starts in the fifth to seventh week of pregnancy and disappears about six weeks later. But, as you probably know, it can't disappear fast enough. The two main culprits for morning sickness are extreme swings in blood sugar levels, which tend to be lowest in the morning, and hormones, which run rampant during pregnancy. To help minimize or avoid feeling queasy, eat small, frequent meals high in protein and fiber (they take longer to digest), get plenty of rest, keep snack foods with you at all times, drink plenty of water, and get plenty of fresh air and exercise. If your symptoms are severe (you can't keep anything down for longer than one hour), call your obstetrician or visit an emergency room. You can become quickly dehydrated and may require an IV to replace fluids lost during vomiting.

 

Buying Baby a Bed

By Debbie Davis
Your baby's crib is one of the most important furniture purchases you can make. You and your baby are relying on its safety, comfort, and security, to get the whole family a good night's sleep. Barry Gevertz, owner of Lullaby Lane in San Bruno, California, has been teaching classes in selecting baby equipment and furniture for the past twenty-three years. "There are eight basic safety features that each crib should have," says Gevertz.

*The slats should be no more than 2-3/8 inches apart.
*The corner posts should be no higher than 1/6 inch above the railing of the crib so that your baby's clothes cannot get caught.
*There should be no decorative cutouts large enough for your child's head to get stuck in.
*There should be no more than a two-finger width between the sides of the mattress and the crib.
*The mattress support should be firmly attached at both the headboard and footboard.
*The accident-proof, drop-side mechanism should impossible for your child to release.
*All the appropriate screws and bolts should be present and fit tightly.
*The finish, whether paint or stain, should be nontoxic.

If you're assembling the crib yourself, follow the directions very carefully. Your baby's safety is in your hands. If you have any safety concerns about the crib you purchased, or any other furniture or supplies you and your baby depend on, contact the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission hotline at 1-800-638-2772 or visit www.cpsc.gov.

Comprehensive Newborn Screening

You may have heard about the heel-stick test that babies receive in the hospital after they are born. This is an important screening because it detects genetic illnesses that can cause mental retardation, nerve damage, or even death if they are not diagnosed and treated early. Unfortunately, out of the four million babies born each year in the United States, a mere 10 percent received adequate comprehensive newborn screening. That's because each state sets its own guidelines for what should be included in the screening test. For example, babies born in North Carolina will be screened for more than thirty disorders, whereas babies born in Texas will be screened for only five disorders.
Check with your pediatrician or hospital to learn more about what is included in your state's screening program. If the number is less than thirty, consider purchasing expanded screening from Baylor University (www.baylorhealth.com/ newbornscreening). They will send you everything you need for the screening. When your doctor performs the usual heel-stick test required in every state, he or she will collect an additional sample that will be sent to Baylor's lab.
For more information about comprehensive newborn screening, visit www.savebabies.org

Benefits of Breast Feeding

By Kristin Erickson
Breast-feeding is a natural option for feeding your baby, but it doesn’t always come naturally. Like standing, walking, and talking, it is something we learn with practice. Fortunately, babies give their mothers time to learn because their need for food in their first days is minimal. Even if you find that breast-feeding is difficult at first, it is certainly worth learning how to give this precious gift to your baby. Breast-feeding is a benefit  that will last for a lifetime—for both of you.
Breast milk is the perfect combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fat, as well as antibodies and amino acids for your baby’s digestion, brain development, and growth. It bolsters your baby’s immune system and protects her from bacteria, fungi, and viruses. In fact, babies who are breast-fed are less likely to suffer from stomach infections, diarrhea, colds, flu, and urinary tract problems.
• Get protection from bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, and allergies.
• Are less likely to develop insulin dependent diabetes, some lymphomas, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and breast and ovarian cancers.
• Breast-feeding is an investment in your baby’s health and in your peace of mind. But your baby isn’t the only one who benefits from breast-feeding.
Mothers who breast-feed:
* Are half as likely to get premenopausal breast cancer.
* Are at a lower risk for ovarian cancer and osteoporosis.
* Lose weight much more quickly.
* Don’t have to bother with measuring and mixing formula (and it’s less expensive).
Breast-feeding also forces you to take care of yourself following your baby’s delivery. You need to get plenty of rest and continue to eat for two, consuming well-balanced meals and an extra 500 calories a day for your baby. By eating enough calories, you can be certain that other nutrients are met as well, including vitamins, minerals, and protein. As long as you eat a balanced diet, the only supplement you may need is iron. Frequently, mothers continue their prenatal vitamins while breast-feeding. You should continue to avoid some of the things you missed in pregnancy: caffeine, alcohol, and other toxins, as well as anything that seems to inspire fussiness in your baby after feedings, like a spicy meal.
Expect to nurse every hour and a half to two hours for about ten minutes on each side. You may be nursing as often as eight or twelve times a day because your baby will digest breast milk within an hour and a half. If you are concerned about your milk supply, you can keep track of how many wet diapers your baby has. During the first two or three days, your baby will wet only one or two diapers per day. Once your milk is more plentiful (approximately the third day), your baby should have six to eight wet diapers per day. A breast-fed baby will have at least two to five bowel movements every twenty four hours. This pattern will continue if you exclusively breast-feed.
You should stop breast-feeding your baby when you, or your baby, decide that it’s time. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breast-feeding for at least the baby’s first year of life, but you and your baby will be able to figure out what works best for the two of you.

10 Top Pregnancy Web Sites

Not every expectant mom has time to sort through a zillion websites to look for something useful. So, we did the searching for you. For some of the best pregnancy-related websites, click here:
PregnancyWeekly.com
PregnancyWeekly™ offers a "smart" weekly e-newsletter that is customized just for you. Enter your due date as well as a few other details about yourself and you'll get an individualized, week-by-week report about your baby's development, important reminders for your next doctor visit, and more. Even chat with other soon-to-be moms at the site's message boards.
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BabyCenter.com
BabyCenter^® supports parents through the journey of parenthood with a blend of expert advice and user-created wisdom. They offer trustworthy, medical advisory board-approved information and real-world, parent-to-parent tips from pre-conception through age eight. Their goal is to increase the enjoyment of parenting and remove some of the guilt and worry by providing a full and balanced picture of raising a child, leaving the decision making to the parents.
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AskDrSears.com
Learn about your pregnancy, baby, and family health issues from America's family of pediatricians.
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CordBlood.com
Cord Blood Registry^® is the world's largest and most experienced family umbilical cord blood stem cell bank. By banking your baby's umbilical cord blood stem cells, your child and family can have access to better options for medical treatments or cures for cancers, as well as possible future treatments for conditions such as heart disease, juvenile diabetes, and brain injury.
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Fit Pregnancy.com
Fit Pregnancy^® addresses your concerns about how to stay healthy, eat right and look great while expecting and how to get back into shape after delivering. They also offer the essentials for new parenting and infant care through baby's first year.
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WebMD.com
WebMD^® provides valuable pregnancy information, tools for managing your health, and support to those who seek information. You can trust that their content is timely and credible.
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WomensHealth.gov
The National Women’s Health Information Center’s website is billed as "the resource you can trust." It is a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and is filled with valuable information and tools for all aspects of a healthy pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.
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Due Maternity.com
Today's maternity isn't about covering up or dressing down. It's about fashion without compromise. Comfort without sacrificing style. And it's all about showing off and letting the whole world know you're pregnant. At Due Maternity^® you'll find clothes and accessories you'd wear anywhere, anytime, but designed for this one special time in your life.
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March of Dimes.com
March of Dimes^® is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. They are dedicated to improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.
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BabyNameCenter.com
Still not sure what to call your new baby? Search through thousands of choices at BabyNameCenter to find the perfect name. You can even search by definition so if you want to bestow "beauty" on your daughter, you can choose Callista, Belinda, or Alana (or about fifty other names).

Recall - CYBEX Strollers, Risk of Fingertip Amputation and Laceration Hazards

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following products. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: CYBEX Strollers
Units: About 1,100 in the United States and 90 in Canada
Distributor: Regal Lager Inc., of Kennesaw, Ga.
Hazard: The stroller’s hinge mechanism poses a fingertip amputation and laceration hazard to the child when the consumer is unfolding/opening the stroller.
Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received one report of a child placing his finger in the stroller’s hinge mechanism, resulting in a finger fracture.
Description: This recall involves Ruby, Onyx and Topaz models of CYBEX umbrella strollers. “CYBEX” is printed on the side of the strollers.
Sold at: Department and juvenile product stores nationwide between August 2009 and November 2009 for between $140 and $260.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled strollers and contact Regal Lager to receive a free hinge cover retrofit kit.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact the Company Service Center at (800) 593-5522 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.regallager.com/recalls - consumers can also email the firm at info@regallager.com
Note: Health Canada’s press release is available at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=953
Please click HERE to see the entire recall alert on on CPSC website.

Empowered Mommies

http://www.empoweredmommies.com/
It’s a fabulous website for moms, so please check it out!  I know you will love this site as I have.  It was founded by Ivanna Campbell, a mother of three, who discovered the power of online mom communities and started her own site.  Here’s what it’s all about:
Empowered Mommies.com is an advocacy group and online community for moms who are trying to conceive, are expecting, or have infants, who are interested in having up-to-date information about preconception, pregnancy, labor/delivery, newborn care and other various topics of interest like breastfeeding, immunizations, maintaining a healthy lifestyle post baby, stem cell research, cord blood banking, activism and community outreach through organizations that promote healthy moms and babies.
Our intent is not to preach about a certain way of giving birth, feeding or caring for your baby, but rather our goal is to empower you through the exchange of stories, experiences and knowledge so that you can understand all your options and make informed choices based on what is best for you and your baby rather than feeling influenced or forced into a choice because of fear or misinformation.
*How do we balance risk and common sense during pregnancy, childbirth and early baby care avoiding the unnecessary perception of danger and high risk complications at every turn?
* When did women begin doubting their natural instincts when it comes to making decisions regarding their birth experience and baby care?
* How do we become educated on our options so we can make informed decisions that are best for our individual situation and our baby?
* How do we successfully transition from childless, young women to strong and informed mothers?
OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Knowledge: Seek out accurate and current information to understand our options and guide our decision making.
Instinct: Trust our maternal and womanly instincts and be confident in ourselves.
Partnership: Work in conjunction with our medical providers and other experts in an equal and mutually respectful partnership

Product Review - Dandelion Reusables

What mom wouldn’t be happy to find an alternative to plastic utensils and feeding sets?  I know I am!  There are several non-plastic options on the market right now and Dandelion is one great option.  All their products are made from corn (that's right, corn) PLA formula which requires less fossil resources and generates fewer green house gases than conventional plastic.  The best part is they are light and non-breakable like regular plastic, so your little one won’t even know the difference…but you will!
Check out their products online at http://www.dandelionforbaby.com.  Dandelion tableware includes divided plates, bowls, and utensils and can be purchased at specialty baby stores or retailers online such as http://www.amazon.com. 

Sweet Peas & Stilettos

I highly recommend every mom to check out the website http://www.sweatpeasandstilettos.com/!
They offer product information and resources for moms, a guide to the best online shopping (super luxe to super deals!), eco-friendly and natural products for family and home, everything you'll need for your baby (nursery, toys & clothes), family travel ideas and inspiration, resources for working women, and information about charitable organizations focused on issues relevant to women and children.  They celebrate small companies, the arts, women in business, all things chocolate and of course fabulous shoes.
And best of all, they have a page devoted to helping you find a baby planner in your area!  Because you do need a baby planner to help you weed through all the information that is out there. :)

FDA Finally Says BPA is Harmful but Continues to Ride the Fence

By Alicia from http://www.thesoftlanding.com/
To read the entire article click HERE.

1. FDA is taking reasonable steps to reduce human exposure to BPA in the food supply – - but the FDA is “not recommending that families change the use of infant formula or foods, as the benefit of a stable source of good nutrition outweighs the potential risk from BPA exposure.”
2. FDA is supporting a shift to a more robust regulatory framework for oversight of BPA – - but they won’t be able to impose a ban or any strict regulations because:  “Current BPA food contact uses were approved under food additive regulations issued more than 40 years ago.  This regulatory structure limits the oversight and flexibility of FDA.  Furthermore, if FDA were to decide to revoke one or more approved uses, FDA would need to undertake what could be a lengthy process of rulemaking to accomplish this goal.”
3. FDA is seeking further public comment and external input on the science surrounding BPA – - even though the FDA agrees that recent studies provide reason for some concern about the potential effects of BPA on the brain, behavior, and prostate gland of fetuses, infants and children, they also believe that “substantial uncertainties with respect to the overall interpretation of these studies and their potential implications for human health effects of BPA exposure.”

In other words, the FDA will continue to ride the fence.  They gave a little pat on the head to the environmental groups and scientists who are convinced of BPA’s dangers, then turned around and told the chemical industry they agree that there just isn’t enough research to support more than just “some concern” – - so go ahead and continue using BPA at your discretion, just being sure to keep looking for other alternatives.

Bye, Bye Baby Weight

from http://www.americanbaby.com/

Struggling to take off those last few pregnancy pounds?  Try some of these simple tricks that helped real moms lose – and keep – off the baby weight.
1. “De-convenience” your house.  If your nursery is upstairs, for example, get rid of your first floor changing kit so you’ll be forced to go up and down the stairs more.
2. Wear baby in a sling or backpack around the house or while you’re running errands.  It’ll tone your muscles and build strength.
3. Don’t feel guilty about getting a sitter so you can exercise.  It’s worth the money (or the favor from a friend).  If you’re happy and healthy, your kids will be too.
Find more tips online at www.americanbaby.com/babyweight

Recall – Dorel Cribs

Dorel Asia Recalls To Replace Cribs; Pose Strangulation and Suffocation Hazards
One infant death reported, 10 injuries to infants

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Dorel Asia SRL, of Barbados, is announcing a voluntary recall to replace drop side and non-drop side cribs that pose suffocation and strangulation hazards to infants and toddlers. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled cribs until replacement kits are obtained and installed.
Name of Product: Dorel Asia cribs
Units: About 635,000
Distributor: Dorel Asia SRL, of Barbados
Hazard: The drop side hardware can fail causing the drop side to detach from the crib. When the drop side detaches it creates a space in which an infant or toddler can become entrapped and suffocate or strangle. In addition, the recalled cribs can pose a serious entrapment and strangulation hazard when a slat is damaged. This can occur while the crib is in use, in storage, being put together, taken apart or reassembled; or during shipping and handling.
Reports: CPSC and Dorel Asia SRL received a report of the death of 6-month old child from Cedar Rapids, Iowa who became entrapped and strangled in a crib after the drop side hardware broke. The crib continued to be used after the parents tried to repair the drop side themselves. CPSC and Dorel Asia received reports of 31 drop side incidents. In six of those incidents, children were entrapped between the drop side and crib mattress. Three children suffered from bruises as a result of the entrapment. In addition, CPSC and Dorel Asia received reports of 36 incidents of slat breakage, including seven reports of bruises and scratches to children and two reports of entrapment that resulted in no injury.
Click HERE for more information.

Recall - Drop Side Cribs by Caramia Furniture Due to Fall and Entrapment Hazards

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following products. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Diana Crib
Units: About 1,000
Distributors: Caramia Furniture and Mother Hubbard's Cupboards, of Ontario, Canada
Hazard: The slats on the cribs drop-side can detach from the top and bottom rails, posing fall and entrapment hazards to the child.
Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 18 reports of slats detaching from the rails of the crib. No injuries have been reported.
Description: This recall involves Caramia “Diana” drop-side cribs. The cribs were manufactured between September 2002 and June 2004. A label affixed to the inside of the headboard or footboard lists the manufacturing dates.
Sold at: Buy Buy Baby and juvenile product and mass merchandise stores nationwide from September 2002 through December 2005 for between $240 and $370.
Manufactured in: Slovenia
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Diane crib and contact Caramia Furniture to receive a free replacement drop side. The free replacement will be available beginning March 2010.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Caramia at (877) 728-0342 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.caramiafurniture.com

Recall - Children's Jewelry for Cadmium

(from www.healthystuff.org)

Cadmium is a metal with similar physical properties to lead and zinc, making it an easy substitute for lead in die-cast metal jewelry. However, like lead, cadmium is a neurotoxin, which can impact brain development, and a known carcinogen. Yet, unlike lead, there is nothing illegal about putting cadmium in jewelry. As long as the heavy metal is below the surface, the CPSC doesn't regulate it.
The CPSC only regulates cadmium in surface coats, not substrate materials. The legal substitution of one toxic chemical for another yet again shows how broken our system of chemical regulation is. Because of the ongoing hazards related to children's jewelry, HealthyStuff.org has long recommended that consumers avoid metal children's jewelry.
Unfortunately, it's not just jewelry. The Pumpkin Erasers to the right contain 1,800 ppm cadmium. And that's just one example of a non-jewelry product which contains elevated levels of cadmium.

Click HERE for the AP article on the jewelry recall.

Recall – Graco Strollers Due to Fingertip Amputation and Laceration Hazards

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following products. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. Name of Product: Graco's Passage, Alano and Spree Strollers and Travel Systems Units: About 1.5 million Manufacturer: Graco Children's Products Inc., of Atlanta, Ga. Hazard: The hinges on the stroller's canopy pose a fingertip amputation and laceration hazard to the child when the consumer is opening or closing the canopy. Incidents/Injuries: Graco has received seven reports of children placing their fingers in the stroller's canopy hinge mechanism while the canopy was being opened or closed, resulting in five fingertip amputations and two fingertip lacerations.

Click HERE for more information.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Graco at (800) 345-4109 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.gracobaby.com

Tommee Tippee From UK to USA

taken from www.lilsugar.com

Cheerio old pal! Generations of babies grew up with Tommee Tippee cups sitting on their high chairs. They could push the cups over, but they'd always pop back up to a standing position, eliminating any unwanted spills. A new generation of lil ones is about to be introduced to the leading British infant and toddler feeding company's latest innovations when the Tommee Tippee line makes its stateside debut at Babies R Us stores later this month.

…I eagerly tested the company's Closer to Nature line of baby bottles, which are designed to help babies seamlessly transition between breast and bottle feeding. The extra-wide design of the BPA and phthalate-free bottles ($16 for a two-pack) fits right into the palm of the hand, allowing mom to position it like a breast in a baby's mouth. The soft, flexible nipples are so lifelike that I was almost embarrassed to use them in public. They naturally stretch, just like a breast, while their built-in valve helps reduce air intake. Colicky babies will benefit from the line's Sensitive Tummy bottles ($18 for two) that feature a vent tube to prevent air and vacuum back-up. For formula-fed babies, the line includes formula dispensers that ingeniously screw right into the bottles for easy bottle preparation on-the-go.

Once tots move beyond the bottle-feeding years, Tommee Tippee greets them with the Explora line of products. Among my favorite pieces in this big-kid line is the spill-proof trainer cup ($8 for two) that is truly easy to drink from. Anyone who has tried to drink out of their child's sippy cup knows that many require a suck similar to a vacuum in order to get a drop of liquid from them. This cup requires almost no force, making it great for younger kids.

The line's Easi-Mat, which grips to both the table and a bowl, will also be welcomed by parents who spend most of their mealtimes picking dinnerware up off the floor.

But my favorite part of the entire Tommee Tippee line are the Closer to Nature Milk Feeding Bibs ($6 for two). Their extra-absorbent collar catches all of the milk that usually makes its way down to the baby's neck during both breast and bottle feedings.

Milkmakers Lactation Cookies

from http://www.lilsugar.com/
Eat your way to a healthy breastmilk supply. Getting baby to properly latch on may be the toughest part of early breastfeeding, but keeping the milk flowing can be equally stressful for lactating mamas. While generations of women have turned to teas and natural herbs leaving the scent of maple syrup in the air, a new specialty cookie is destined to become an essential nursing aid, leaving behind more than just great taste.
Created by a Seattle-based mom who needed help keeping her milk supply up once she returned to work, Milkmakers adds key milk-producing agents such as brewer's yeast (which increases and stimulates the production and flow of breast milk) and ground flax seed  (a source of DHA crucial for optimal brain development) to an all natural cookie recipe. The result is a highly efficient and great-tasting oatmeal chocolate chip cookie. Tested by two nursing mamas here at Sugar HQ, the moms credit eating two of the treats daily with allowing them to continue breastfeeding after heading back to work. The lil delights keep supplies high while pumping throughout the workday. Less expensive than a new lactation-enhancing drink, Milkmakers ($34 for 20) can be stored in the freezer and defrosted as needed.
Would you try them?

Chew on This – Transitioning to Solids

from www.strollertraffic.com

written by --Catherine McCord, founder of weelicious.com

 

Introducing a baby to real-people food is totally fun. For about a week. Then the novelty wears off, and it can be anything from frustrating to terrifying—challenging, to be sure. For some tips on surviving the transition, we asked Catherine McCord, founder of the wildly popular baby-food blog Weelicious, for her top 10 things to keep in mind.

1. Change texture, not flavor. When you're cooking a meal for your family, make a little extra for baby . . . minus the spices and condiments. This way you are changing the texture—but not the taste—of the fresh flavors your baby is used to eating.

2. Invest in a pair of kitchen shears. They’re much quicker than a fork and knife for cutting things like fruit and pasta into tiny toddler-size bites.

3. Be careful with leftovers. Fresh is best: foods that sit in the refrigerator for more than three days start to lose their nutritional value.

4. Save the best for last. At mealtime, introduce new foods (or foods your baby doesn't usually prefer) first, so baby doesn't fill up on old favorites before trying healthy new fruits, veggies, and proteins.

5. Get them involved. Toddler utensils like these Bambu forks and spoons will allow your baby to feel like he’s part of the process—even if he’s not quite ready to eat with them yet.

6. Lead by example. If you eat the same foods as your baby, at the same time, she’ll be more likely to give the foods a whirl. You don’t need to be overly theatrical about the yummyness, either: kids naturally emulate their parents.

7. Be mindful of teething. If your little one is pushing away the bite-sized meal in front of him, it may be because his gums are hurting. Try offering a cool puree instead.

8. Have patience. Your baby won’t love everything the first time she tries it. You probably don't love every type of food either, so try not to get frustrated. Have fun helping your baby discover her own palate.
9. Don’t overwhelm your baby with too much food. Space out a few bites at a time on the tray, then replenish as necessary.

10. When all else fails, make popsicles. You may not like the sound of a spinach puree pop, but your kids . . . .

Natural Baby Wipes

These are the typical ingredients in big-brand traditional baby wipes – wood pulp, rayon, polyester, plastic, parabens and other various chemicals.  Thankfully, there are alternatives to putting more natural ingredients on your baby’s bum.
Elements  naturals baby wipes are chemical, fragrance, and chlorine free.  They are non-allergenic and made from Ingeo fibers, a natural material.  And you might think they are not as effective as the wipes you are used to, but these wipes are very soft, durable, and quite large in size!  They are available at select Whole Foods and online at http://www.diapers.com/ and http://www.moms4life.com/.
Other makers of natural baby wipes include Seventh Generation, Earth’s Best, Nature Babycare, and Tushieswipes.
You can also make your own baby wipe solution!  Not only is this healthier for baby, but it’s healthier for your wallet as well.  Just make and pour the following solution into a spray bottle or soak your washcloths or old cloth diaper squares in it and use like a regular wipe.
Recipes for 100% natural baby wipes solution:
(from http://www.naturalbabyworld.com/)
In a measuring cup, combine
· ¼ C warm, purified water
· ¼ C Aloe Vera Juice
· 1 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar
· 1 teaspoon grated, unscented soap
Stir until dissolved.
Add:
· 2 Tablespoons Carrier Oil (Calendula, Jojoba, Apricot Kernel)
· Optional: Add up to 4 drops of either or both of Lavender Essential Oil, Tea Tree Essential oil.
For a more simple solution try the following:
Basic Wipe Solution
This basic recipe can be adapted by changing the type of soap or oil.
1/2 cup baby oil
1/2 cup baby wash
2 cups water

Make One Beauty Switch, Feel Better Try the natural cosmetic that's safer for you and the planet.

From www.thedailygreen.com, By Brian Clark Howard

A number of companies now offer more natural alternatives to conventional nail polish that are gorgeous and fun, as well as safer for you and the planet.

Examples include the soy- and corn-based Priti and the water-based Suncoat, which hydrates the underlying nail and is available in 32 colors. Bright polishes from ToeShades require no remover to take off: They simply peel away.

Conventional nail polish often contains the solvents toluene and amyl, butyl and ethyl acetate, which are known neurotoxins. Toluene can also trigger asthma attacks. Sometimes the toxic heavy metal lead acetate is included. A number of the common synthetic coloring agents have also been linked to cancer in some studies, especially the coal-tar dyes found in FD&C Blue 1 and FD&C Green 3. The common ingredient formaldehyde is also a suspected carcinogen.

Nail polish often includes the controversial plasticizers known as phthalates. Phthalates are increasingly thought to be hormone disruptors, and a number of studies have linked them to reproductive harm.

You may not have realized it, but your nails are porous and can allow toxins to enter your bloodstream. So why not play it safe and pick a great new "natural" color?

Read more: http://www.thedailygreen.com/going-green/tips/4790#ixzz0c9nDV5Wt

Read more: http://www.thedailygreen.com/going-green/tips/4790#ixzz0c9nDV5Wt

Sale Time! Save up to 40% on Pediped Footwear and Support the Make-A-Wish Foundation

Now through Feb 5th shop pediped footwear’s Purchase with a Purpose to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.  Fifty percent of the purchase price will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.  Save up to 40% on select adorable footwear – start shopping now!
Pediped produces high quality footwear that is durable and adorable. Pediped has also been awarded the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance for creating shoes that promote healthy food development.

Product Review – HALO Early Walker Sleep Sack

This is a great product from HALO, a wonderful company that is dedicated to creating a healthier and safer sleeping environment for adults and children.

It helps prevent infants from kicking off their blankets, so they stay warm and comfortable all night long! Foot openings provide mobility and comfort.

Similar to their very popular SleepSack wearable blanket, the early walker sleep sack comes in a lighter mesh fabric or heavier miro-fleece fabric.

-- It's the only product that carries seals from leading SIDS organizations in both the U.S. and Canada.

-- Generous sack design allows room for kicking, but can’t be kicked off so child stays warm and cozy all night.

-- Sleeveless design allows for ventilation and better fit.

-- Embroidery reminds caregivers and parents to still place child on their back for safest sleep.

-- Slips on easily over regular sleepwear or training pants.

-- Footholes for easy mobility and ease of walking.

-- Machine washable with like colors and tumble dry on low heat.

-- Made of 100% flame-retardant polyester fleece.