Crazy Itch; Cholestasis of Pregnancy

If you've been pregnant before you know that you get itchy. It's not uncommon to feel itchy, especially around your growing belly and breasts as your skin stretches to accommodate the baby. Hormonal changes may also be partly to blame. However, if you find yourself itching considerably more than normal and all over your body, it is important to bring it to your health care providers attention. You may have Cholestasis of Pregnancy (also known as OC (obstetric cholestasis), pruritus gravidarum., and ICP (intraheptic cholestasis of pregnancy).

What in the World is ICP?

ICP is a specific liver condition of pregnancy. The normal flow of bile is impaired in a woman's body resulting in itching that can vary in severity and type. The itching can be bothersome to severe itching. The itch is often worse at night. There is rarely jaundice when suffering with ICP (less than 5% of ICP patients present with jaundice, so if your doctor tells you that you cannot have ICP because your skin is not yellow,I suggest getting a new doctor). Although ICP has been reported as early as a few weeks pregnant, it is more common for it to begin in the third trimester, when hormone concentrations are at their highest levels. The figure for the percentage of women for whom ICP will recur in future pregnancies is as high as 90%.

What Causes ICP?

Researchers are currently investigating genetic, hormonal and environmental factors. There has been some research that indicate a particular gene mutation in some ICP patients, but much is yet to be defined. In some cases ICP is suspected to be caused by a sensitivity to the hormone estrogen.
 
What are the Symptoms of Cholestasis of Pregnancy? 

Symptoms of ICP can vary in severity and type, but the most common ones include: 

Itching all over, but often more severe on palms and soles Dark Urine and/or Pale Stools (grayish in color) Fatigue or Exhaustion Sleep Deprivation from Itching Loss of Appetite Mild Depression

Less common symptoms include:

• Jaundice 
• Nausea
• Severe Depression 
• Upper-Right Quadrant Pain  (gall-bladder area)
  

ICP carries an increased risk of premature labor, fetal and maternal hemorrhaging, fetal distress, and most importantly, stillbirth (intrauterine death of baby).   

Who Gets ICP?

1 pregnancy in 1000 is affected by ICP. Women carrying multiples and those who have had previous liver damage may be more likely to develop ICP. The incidence of ICP also shows a striking geographical pattern, with a higher prevalence in Scandinavia and South America. The highest rates of ICP are noted in Chile, specifically in the Araucanian Indians, where as many as 28% women are affected. Mothers and sisters of patients of ICP are also at higher risk of developing the condition, proving that there is a definite genetic predisposition.

What are the Risks to Me and My Baby?

ICP poses several serious risks. ICP is associated with an increased risk for infant stillbirth, premature labor, fetal distress, and hemorrhaging in both mother and child. If the SBA (serum bile acids) rise above 40, the risk to baby greatly increases. Basically, in a nutshell the bile acids that are building up in the body will pass into the brain of the baby and slowly poison them.

How is ICP Diagnosed?

Due to the fact that itching is considered a normal part of pregnancy, testing for ICP is often overlooked. Some doctors will even dismiss the complaint of itching altogether. This can be a dangerous mistake. Any complaint of itching during pregnancy should be taken seriously and be evaluated.

Two tests should be administered to women who are experiencing itching which include the following:

• Serum Bile Acids (SBA): The serum bile acid test is the most sensitive indicator of ICP. This is a specialized test that should be administered after a period of fasting, as eating certain foods may increase bile production. 
• Liver Function Tests (LFT):
  
  A liver function test that measures the liver enzymes in the blood should also be administered when determining ICP, but should not be the sole criteria for a diagnosis! This is due to the fact that it is possible for a patient to have normalized liver enzymes and elevated bile serum results. In ICP, bile serum levels typically rise before liver enzymes increase. Receiving results of elevated LFTs before receiving the results of a SBA test should be considered protocol to administer URSO as a precaution to ensure the safety of the unborn baby.Standard liver enzymes include Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Aspartate Trasaminase (AST), and Alkaline Phosphotase (ALK) and are often referred to as the transaminases.
  • ALT is the enzyme produced within the cells of the liver. The level of ALT abnormality is increased in conditions where cells of the liver have been inflamed or undergone cell death. As the cells are damaged, the ALT leaks into the bloodstream leading to a rise in the serum levels. Any form of liver cell damage can result in an elevation in the ALT. The ALT level may or may not correlate with the degree of cell death or inflammation. ALT is the most sensitive marker for liver cell damage.
  • AST also reflects damage to the liver. It may be elevated and other conditions such as a heart attack. Although AST is not a specific for liver as the ALT, ratios between ALT and AST are useful to physicians in assessing the reason for liver enzyme abnormalities.
  • Alkaline Phosphatase (ALK) is another liver enzyme that is evaluated during a routine LFT, but because this value is normally elevated in pregnancy, it's contribution to the diagnosis of ICP is typically disregarded by specialists.

What is the Treatment for ICP?

Despite the possible outcomes of ICP, proper treatment for ICP provides a great degree of reduction in both fetal risk and maternal symptoms. The two most important factors in the treatment of ICP are reducing the bile acids in the bloodstream and delivering the mother as early as lung maturity will allow, often at 36 or 37 weeks gestation. In cases where bile acids do not respond to treatment, it may be necessary to deliver earlier than lung maturity to protect the child from the possibility of stillbirth. 

Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA), also known as Actigall or Urso is currently the front-line medication for the treatment of ICP. It is a naturally occurring bile acid that improves liver function and helps reduce total bile acid concentration in the bloodstream. 

It is also wise to eat well. A "liver cleanse" type of diet has been known to help ease the discomfort associated with ICP. Use this Diet

Check this out for more info on ICP

IMPORTANT
Remember: this is a VERY serious disease, with very serious risks. If you suspect you have ICP, please realize the uncommon nature of the disease and take into consideration the fact that your doctor may not be fully educated about the possible risks of ICP. In the past, ICP was considered to be a benign condition, and some doctors may still regard it as such. It has not been until more recent years that studies have revealed the serious risks ICP poses. A few tips for discussing testing, treatment and care with your doctor:

• When first mentioning ICP, it may be best not to mention you found the information on the internet, rather, print off a few medical journals from this site and take them with you.
• Give your doctor a chance. If they are not familiar with ICP, help to educate them. If things don't go well after at least some effort on your part to inform them, or they are still unwilling to test or treat you for ICP, then it may be time to change doctors. Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine - The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine has a physician locator. 
• Bring this letter with you
  Click here to print an important medical journal to take to your doctor with the above letter

My Background With ICP
I have had 4 pregnancies. All of which I had ICP with, though only 2 were diagnosed. ICP tends to get worse with each pregnancy, increasing in intensity and earlier onset. With my first pregnancy I was told by friends and family that itching was normal, so I shrugged it off and suffered. Thank goodness my child and I were fine.

With my second pregnancy, I started itching at 36 weeks, mainly on my legs, feet, and hands. I scratched so hard that my legs had terrible sores all over them. After telling my OB that I did not think it was normal, he told me to "stop complaining". At which point I did just that. And I suffered immensely for the remaining 4 weeks. I bled a LOT after the labor, and later realized that is a maternal risk of ICP.

With my third pregnancy, I started itching and had a massive gall-bladder attack at 32 weeks, at which point I went into premature labor. My LFT results came back quite abnormal, and after much testing I was diagnosed with ICP at 34 weeks. I had a wonderful OB who thankfully knew all about ICP. I was prescribed URSO, and was induced at 36 weeks. Thankfully all was perfect! Due to their awareness of ICP, steps were taken to prevent hemorrhaging.

With my fourth pregnancy, I had a complicated issue to begin with, in which case ICP was intensified. I started itching at 28 weeks. I was induced at 32 weeks.

Is My Families Drinking Water Safe?

Living in the Western World, we have some of the safest tap water on the planet. Due to strict government regulations where our water is concerned, we tend not to worry too much about it. However, toxins and bacteria can still enter our bodies through drinking, bathing, and cooking. Mild issues such as gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, and enamel wear can sometimes result from tainted water. Sometimes life threatening disease and birth defects can be traced to contaminated drinking water.

How is My Water Protected?
The Clean Water Act helps to protect our drinking water. It's part of an overall commitment to safeguard human health and the environment. While it's not possible to completely remove all risks to our drinking water, the Clean Water Act helps reduce the risks by addressing threats to drinking water quantity and quality. If you get your drinking water from a well, the onus is on the owner to test as the EPA doesn't regulate wells.

Contamination
Contamination can occur naturally, or be added by man. It can happen anywhere in the water system such as the watershed, reservoirs, main pipes, wells, storage tanks, and plumbing. Here are some examples of contaminants that can be in our drinking water.

1. Bacteria, viruses and parasites
2. Salts and metals (arsenic, lead, mercury)
3. Chemicals (methane, solvents, pesticides and herbicides)
4. Industrial waste
5. Livestock feces
6. Sewage
7. Drugs and pharmaceuticals
8. Radioactive substances

How Do I Know if My Water is Contaminated?
One of the jobs belonging to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) is ensuring that water is tested and meets the standards of the Water Protection Act. Water suppliers are required to issue an annual water quality report to their customers that indicates what contaminants have been detected and how those levels compare to drinking water standards. They are also required to notify the general public if water isn't fit for consumption.


The scary part - Nearly 10 percent of water systems fail to meet the standards for tap water quality.

Most contaminants have no smell, color or taste. However, there are some signs that can raise a concern:

1. Water has an unusual smell, taste, or appearance
2. Recurrent diarrhea or other health problems
3. Old lead pipes
4. Nearby livestock or toxic dump
5. Stained sinks, tubs, or laundry
6. Indoor radon gas
7. Soaps not lathering properly
8. Water treatment supplies that corrode quickly

How Can I Help Protect my Family?

1. Run water for 60 seconds prior to use. This will flush out toxins that may have accumulated in your hot water heater or pipes.
2. Replace corrosive water systems.
3. Remove and clean the strainer on your faucets and shower heads to remove toxins.
4. Test private wells before using it for the first time and then yearly.
5. Use filtered water instead of bottled water. Like well water, the EPA does not regulate bottled water.
6. Replace the water filter on your filtration system as recommended.

Natural Family Planning: Safeguard Your Reproductive Health

What is Natural Family Planning?

Natural family planning (also know as The Billing's Ovulation Method) is a method used to determine when a woman is fertile. By learning to identify your natural signals of fertility, you can use this method to become pregnant or avoid pregnancy and to safeguard your reproductive health. During the menstrual cycle, there are numerous changes occur in a woman's body.

Why Would I Want to Practice Natural Family Planning?
This method enables a woman to safeguard her reproductive health while allowing effective management of fertility.  This scientific method of fertility management is completely natural, and as a result, there are none of the harmful side effects commonly associated with many contraceptives.


Understanding Your Cycle
During each cycle, one of a woman's ovaries releases an egg (referred to as ovulation). The egg moves toward the uterus via the fallopian tubes, where fertilization will take place. An unfertilized egg may live for up to 12 hours after it is released. If pregnancy is not achieved, the egg will be shed later during menstruation.

First Part of the Cycle (Follicular)
At the start of each menstrual cycle the pituitary gland releases the hormone FSH which makes the immature eggs grow. While the egg is developing, the area around the egg (follicle) produces estrogen (which causes the lining of the lining of the uterus to grow and prepare to receive a fertilized egg). Once the egg has reached a certain size and maturity, the estrogen in the blood "tells" the pituitary gland that the egg is ready to be released. The pituitary gland then sends out a high level of the hormone LH (also known as the LH surge). This hormone surge will cause the follicle to burst and the ovary to release the egg. Ovulation has occurred. The egg then travels through fallopian tube to the uterus. The remainder of the follicle left in the ovary will now start to produce progesterone. If you have sexual intercourse now, and sperm fertilizes the egg, the woman becomes pregnant. The fertilized egg attaches to the uterus and the follicle remains will keep producing the progesterone needed to keep the egg implanted and growing.

Second Part of the Cycle (Leutal Phase)
If no egg is implanted after a few days, the follicle will stop producing progesterone and will be reabsorbed in the ovary. The levels of progesterone and estrogen fall and the lining of the uterus starts to break up. The unfertilized egg and the lining of the uterus are released through menstruation and the cycle begins again.

How Does Natural Family Planning Work?
There are many methods used to determine your fertility:


Cervical Mucous (CM) ~ during the first part of your cycle, after menses has ended, your CM will be dry. The closer you get to ovulation, the "wetter" you will become. This wet CM is fertile (so, the wetter you are, the more fertile you are). This wet CM will help to move the sperm along to reach their goal. It also makes the vagina a "non-hostile" environment for the sperm. If you are wanting to get pregnant, this is the time you would want to have intercourse as much as possible. If you are using the natural family planning to avoid pregnancy, then this is the time to avoid intercourse. As soon as ovulation has occurred, your CM will quickly become dry again.

Cervix ~ this is a somewhat invasive procedure. It takes some time to understand the cervix. If you gently insert a finger into the vagina, you will feel a barrier. This barrier is the cervix (the opening to the uterus). At the beginning of your cycle, your cervix will be low, closed, and firm (like the tip of your nose). The closer to ovulation you get, the higher it will get. It will also start to open (to allow sperm access) and become soft (like your lips). After ovulation, the cervix will quickly lower, close, and become firm again.

Basal Body Temperature (BBT)
Taking your BBT each day will tell you a lot about your cycle. During the first part of your cycle, your temperatures remain low. Once ovulation has occurred, your BBT will rise significantly (about a full degree F). Once ovulation has occurred, you know you are no longer fertile for the remainder of this cycle. Charting your BBT will only tell you when ovulation has ALREADY occurred. Your BBT will rise due to the increasing progesterone that is released by the follicle after ovulation. This rise in progesterone makes your body warm to help a fertilized egg stay nice and cozy while it grows and develops.

Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPK)
These kits look similar to home pregnancy tests, but instead of measuring HCG in your system, they detect LH (the hormone that tells the ovary to release the egg). Once the OPK is positive, you know you will ovulate within 12-36 hours. If you want to be pregnant, this is an excellent time to have intercourse. Using OPK's are not recommended for use if you are trying to avoid pregnancy. This is because sperm can live in the vagina for up to 5 days (and the OPK's will detect ovulation about 12-36 hours before it happens).

Using a combination of these methods will determine fertility almost 100% of the time. You can find many online charting websites to record BBT, OPK results, CM, and more. One such site is Fertility Friend which is free to use.

How Effective is this Method?
The Natural Family Planning method can help help you avoid pregnancy up to 98% of the time (2 pregnancies per 100) when it is practiced correctly. As many as 2 out of 3 women who don't have fertility problems become pregnant if they have sexual intercourse on their fertile days.

Billings Ovulation Method is used by millions of women around the world. It was developed by Dr.'s John and Evelyn Billings, validated by eminent international scientists and successfully trialled by the World Health Organization. By learning to identify your natural signals of fertility, you can use the Billings Ovulation Method to become pregnant or avoid pregnancy and to safeguard your reproductive health.

Raise a Good Reader!

Research has clearly shown that reading books interactively with children when they are young contributes to their love of reading and their future success in school. Isn’t it wonderful that something so easy and enjoyable can have such an impact? All you have to do is ensure that reading time is an experience you and your child anticipate with pleasure. If you aren’t already, begin reading with your children at least 20 minutes a day. With all the electronic "toys" out there today, you might think that getting your kids to read will be a hassle. Here are some tips to help make reading time fun!

1. Read to your child every day. If you read to your children from infancy, reading together will become a special part of your family routine. Making time to read together is a must if you are on a mission to raise an active reader. Children enjoy book reading during the day, but they especially love hearing a book when it’s part of their bedtime routine.
2. Choose enjoyable books and encourage your child to take part in the story. Select books that have fun, distinct pictures and simple rhythmic language. The books children become truly engaged in are ones that have predictable or repeated refrains. When you read, point to the pictures in the book, talk about them, and stop at the “natural stopping” places to encourage your child to respond to what is on the page.
3. Keep favorite books in the car. If you’re often on the go, they can be a life-saver for long trips.
4. Be animated. Point to the pictures and talk about them in an exaggerated fashion. Use different tones of voice to make the characters sound real and unique from one another.
5. Lead by example. If your children see you regularly reading books, magazines, recipes and directions, they will draw the conclusion that reading is fun and helpful. Children always want to do what you do – if they only see you watch TV, they will want to watch it too.
6. Let them choose. Ask your child’s teacher for a list of books that relate to what is happening at school. Your child will let you know which books he or she likes – all you have to do is watch and listen for his or her response. Don’t save a book until you think your child can understand all the words. They will pick up the meaning from the pictures and most importantly, from you.

Delayed Vaccinations...know the basics

What is Delayed/Selective Vaccination?


Delayed vaccinations are schedules for immunizations that are timed to ensure that children will receive all vaccinations that are currently considered to be necessary for proper health. However, delayed schedules do not follow the standard timing set by the Government and CDC. Instead, parents make the decision about when and if a vaccination will be given to their child. Delayed vax'ing also involves determining the order in which the vaccinations will take place, which may be different from what is recommended by most doctors.


Why Delay My Child's Vaccinations?


There are a few reasons why a parent would choose to lat least look into delayed vaccinations. Basically, the idea is that overall the delay will prove to be beneficial for the child from both a physical and an emotional point of view.


1. to avoid dangerous side effects of the toxins present in vaccinations.
2. to avoid emotional trauma caused by the administration of the vaccination (after 3 vaccinations, all of my children learn to actually hate needles, AND the doctor giving it to them! as soon as we step into the doctors office, screaming and crying ensue).


What are the Adverse Effects of Vaccinations?


~Ever since mass vaccination of infants began, reports of serious brain, cardiovascular, metabolic and other injuries dramatically increased. In fact, pertussis vaccine has been used to induce encephalomyelitis (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord).


~Federal health officials have logged 8,000 “adverse events” in girls and women injected with the Merck & Co. vaccine introduced two years ago, more than 500 of them from New York. Drug regulators have received thousands of reports of serious side effects, ranging from paralysis, heart attack - and even death - in the two years since its launch in the USA.


~FDA has been reviewing reports of abnormal behavior and other brain effects in more than 1,800 children who had taken the flu medicine Tamiflu. The symptoms have included convulsions, delirium or delusion, and death.


According to Dr. Bob Sears of AskDrSears.com, mercury was removed from virtually all vaccines in 2002, but can still be found in significant amounts in some brands of the flu shot and some older versions of the plain tetanus and diphtheria/tetanus shots. Mercury can still be found in trace amounts in one brand of the DTaP vaccine and some brands of the flu shot and newer plain tetanus and diphtheria/tetanus shots.


Possible Short Term Side Effects


1. Skin Rashes
2. Fever
3. Nausea, Vomitting, Diarrhea
4. Coughs, Runny Noses
5. Ear Infections
6. Collapse
7. Shock
8. Spasms
9. Loss of Muscle Control
10. Brain Inflammation
11. Hemolytic Anemia
12. Sudden Infant Death


Possible Long Term Side Effects


1. Brain Damage
2. Other Severe Neurological Damage
3. Allergies and Hypersensitivities
4. General Damage to the Immune System
5. Incomplete or Arrested Development of the Immune System
6. Auto-Immune Diseases
7. Stealth Viruses
8. Cancer




Vaccine Effectiveness


Contrary to popular belief, vaccines do NOT give permanent immunity from the diseases they vaccinate against. Most studies show that a high percentage of people who were vaccinated as children have no stored immunity by the time they reach adulthood. If exposed to the diseases at this later age, they usually have a much more serious case of these illness, which can be fatal more often than when the diseases are acquired naturally as children.
Children are being exposed to the risks of vaccination without the benefits of either short-term or long-term immunity. For example, in the last 30 years every case polio in the U.S. has been among previously vaccinated individuals.


The side effects from vaccinations appear to be higher than the risks of serious side effects from the naturally acquired diseases (ie. in conditions like auto-immune diseases, diabetes, and cancer, all of which are now at epidemic levels where vaccinations are widespread).


More Info. as Recommended by Child Experts


Dr. Bob Sears recommends giving only two vaccines at a time, as opposed to as many as six with a standard schedule, to allow a baby's body to detoxify the vaccine chemicals and reduce the chance of chemical overload from grouping too many chemicals together at once. He recommends giving only one aluminum-containing vaccine at a time, as opposed to the standard four, to reduce the toxicity of aluminum on the baby's brain, and only one live-virus vaccine at a time to allow the baby's immune system to better cope with the effects of the active virus.


Elizabeth Cohen, CNN medical correspondent, recommends delaying the newborn Hepatitis B vaccine to avoid the common side effects of fever, lethargy, and feeding problems. Hepatitis B is primarily a sexually transmitted disease which infants are highly unlikely to contract! It is further recommended to split combined vaccines into individual "shots" when available to decrease the chance of negative reactions. Check titers (blood immunity levels) before giving booster shots. Some children do not require boosters according to standard immunization schedules, because their original vaccinations are still working.


Learn!


The 12 Childhood Vaccines
1. Hepatitis B (HepB)
2. Rotavirus (Rota)
3. Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP)
4. Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
5. Pneumococcal (PCV)
6. Inactivated Poliovirus (IPV)
7. Influenza
8. Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
9. Varicella (Chickenpox)
10. Hepatitis A (HepA)
11. Meningococcal (MCV4)
12. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) - ie. Gardasil




The Diseases
Common, but potentially serious, diseases include pneumococcal disease, pertussis (whooping cough), rotavirus, and influenza. Common, but less often serious, diseases include chickenpox and hepatitis A.


Rare, but potentially serious, diseases include tetanus, diphtheria, haemophilus influenza type B, meningococcal disease, poliovirus, measles, mumps, and rubella.


Sexually transmitted diseases, very rare in children, include hepatitis B and human papillomavirus.


Alternatives to Vaccination
Beyond vaccines, early germ exposure and a eating immune boosting foods improve a child's immune function.


So, What is a Standard Delayed Vax Schedule?


1. No vaccinations until a child is two years old.
2. No vaccines that contain thimerosal (mercury).
3. No live virus vaccines (except for smallpox, should it recur).
4. These vaccines should be given one at a time, every six months, beginning at age 2:


a) Pertussis (acellular, not whole cell)
b) Diphtheria
c) Tetanus
d) Polio (the Salk vaccine, cultured in human cells)


Basically, In a Nutshell...


Delayed vax'ing is giving fewer shots over a longer period of time, to reduce the risk of adverse side effects and to give the child's immune system a better chance to cope with toxic chemicals and live viruses. Parents who understand vaccines the preventable diseases that vaccines cause can make informed decisions regarding their child's vaccination schedule.


The whole idea of vaccinating overlooks the CRUCIAL importance of actually catching the childhood diseases as part of the normal development of our immune system. If our immune systems are never properly trained and allowed to exercise, how can it do its job throughout our lifetimes.

Breastfeeding, How to Increase Milk Supply Without Drugs

When your milk supply seems to be low, it can be a stressful thing for a new mother. As the body adjusts to the supply and demand of baby, and as baby becomes a more proficient nurser, the breasts will appear to stop producing enough milk. No fear; the breasts are still producing enough milk to feed baby. They just aren't producing MORE then they need to, which causes leaking breasts and strong letdowns.


However, if the demand for the milk lessens (ie. returning to work or a baby going on a nursing strike), the milk supply will be reduced. Stress is a common reason for diminished supply. Also, a nursing mother who becomes pregnant may find her milk supply decreases as her body's hormones switch attention to feeding the new baby.


There are many ways to increase milk supply. The main way, and probably most important too, is to nurse as much as possible and maintain the determination to breastfeed.


1. Reduce stresses. Try to relax while feeding, but nursing in a quiet room. This is your opportunity to relax for a bit. The simple act of relaxing will encourage letdown and there will be no distractions for baby to make him stop nursing before he's full.


2. Drink lots of water. A body that doesn't receive enough fluid intake is going to have a problem producing fluid! Drink at least a gallon of water a day.


3. Massage your breasts. Babies will naturally knead the breast which triggers letdown. This will in turn cause the body to produce more milk.


4. Watch your diet. A diet that consists of fast food and lots of caffeine isn't good for you or baby. You will need lots of nutrients to provide a nutritious meal for your baby.


6. Use natural freshly ground herbs.
Fenugreek is an excellent herb to help increase milk supply. It is an expectorant and has no side effects other than causing your milk to have a maple syrup scent. Milk Thistle is another great supply enhancer, though not as effective as Fenugreek. You can also buy ready-made tinctures specifically for this, like Mother's Milk, or Mother's Milk Two for pregnant mothers who are nursing.


Remember! the BEST way to increase milk supply is to let baby feed on demand...often!

Boob is Best ~ Know the Basics Before Baby Arrives

Breastfeeding provides an awesome bonding experience between you and your baby. It provides without question, hands-down, the absolutely best nutrition for baby.


Here are a few questions that you may ask yourself about breastfeeding while you're still pregnant.

What does research show about breastfed babies?


~ They have fewer illness...and if they do get sick, the effects are milder.
~ They have fewer ear infections.
~ They are less likely to be admitted to the hospital during their first year.
~ They are 1/3 less likely to die of SIDS.
~ If breast fed for over a year, their risk of developing diabetes is cut in half.

What does research show about breastfeeding mamas?


~ Chances of breast cancer, cervical cancer, and osteoporosis are reduced.
~ The milk-producing hormone pro-lactin has a relaxing effect and stimulates maternal instincts.
~ On-going milk production burns calories, which helps with weight loss after pregnancy.
~ The bond that mama and baby will have is amazing!


How do I prepare for breastfeeding?


The best thing about breastfeeding is that you already have everything you need! You may still have questions on how it will affect daily life, how to get started, or how to handle your work situation. Feeling confident on the topic by reading up or joining a breastfeeding clinic will make the transition easier and more successful for you and your new baby.

How do I get started?


Good old Mother Nature has already taken care of most of it for you. Some general things you need to know to help you get started are:


~ How to position baby correctly and comfortably

1. Make sure you are comfortable...use pillows supporting your arms and in your lap.
2. Position baby as close to you as possible, so that he does not have to turn his head to reach your breast.
3. Support your breast so it's not pressing on your baby's chin. Your baby's chin should 'drive' into your breast.
4. Latch baby on. Encourage him to open his mouth wide and pull him close by supporting his BACK instead of the back of his HEAD, so that his chin drives into your breast. His nose will be touching your breast.
5. If it hurts, detach baby and try again.
IT DOES TAKE PRACTICE! so be patient with baby and yourself.
*note: see my next blog post "Breastfeeding, Going Beyond the Basics" for great breastfeeding positions.





~ How to make sure baby is getting enough milk
If baby is getting enough milk, he will have 4-6 (or more!) wet diapers per day. The colour of his urine will also tell you if he's getting enough liquid. Dark, apple juice coloured urine (after the first 4 days) suggests that baby is not getting enough. You may notice a residue on the diaper, due to urate crystals from over-concentrated urine (which is normal in the first few days only). Between week one and week four, babies who are getting enough hind-milk will produce at least 2-3 yellow, seedy stools a day. Remember, baby's are super sleepy their first week or two, so don't be afraid to wake them up to feed them...they need their milk!


*note: see blog post "Breastfeeding, How to Increase Milk Supply Without Drugs"


~ How to minimize nipple tenderness

Research suggests the primary cause of nipple soreness is nipple trauma due to improper positioning of the baby on the breast. Make sure his lips are not turned under and your baby is not chewing on your nipple or tongue sucking. Make sure his mouth is wide open and surrounding your aereola. Try different positions until you find a comfortable, efficient one. Don't pull your baby off, insert a finger between your baby's jaws to break the suction first.

~ How to manage engorgement
Engorgement is caused by increased blood supply and milk in the breast. Fullness is different than engorgement and usually decreases within the first two or three weeks if the baby is nursing regularly. If the milk is not being removed the breasts may become tender and engorged. To treat this:
1. Try a warm shower, or apply a hot washcloth prior to nursing.
2. Massage your breasts to promote milk flow.
3. Apply cold compresses to both breasts. The cold will feel good and decrease the swelling.
4. Use hand expression of milk to soften the areola just before a feeding.
5. Feed your baby on demand, approximately every one to three hours for at least 15 minutes. DO NOT MISS A FEEDING.


A great resource, especially for first time breastfeeding mothers, is a Baby Feeding Class or Breastfeeding Clinic. There are private organizations such as La Leche League or your local hospital may have a Breastfeeding Clinic open on certain days. These clinics will have a Lactation Consultant available to answer your questions, and to provide hands-on support. A Lactation Consultant is certified in this area.


La Leche League
www.llli.org/


La Leche League Canada

1-800-665-4324

Natural Cleaners....the ONLY way to go

There are times I would walk into my recently dis-infected bathroom and almost choke on the smell of bleachy, super perfumey cleansers. A couple years ago I started looking into ways to clean for a healthier, more cost friendly home. A lot of store-bought cleaners are harsh, and when used on high traffic and high "touch" areas can pose health hazards. Imagine this: you wipe your cupboard with your all purpose cleaner. Sure...it has disinfected it...no more germs on that surface...BUT now when you place any food objects on that surface, you're now transferring the harsh chemicals onto your food!

Here are some very basic ways to clean your home and not worry about the ingredients affecting your family.

Oven Cleaner

~ 1/2 cup salt
~ 1 1/2 cups baking soda
~ 1/2 cup water #

Mix the ingredients until it forms a smooth paste. Plug the holes in the oven with aluminum foil. Spread the paste. Leave overnight.
In the morning, mix:

~ 1/4 cup water
~ 1/4 cup vinegar

Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray the oven with this mixture. Wipe away. Rinse with clean water. Note: the mixture needs to be rinsed well or it will leave a white residue.

Glass Cleaner

Glass Cleaner #1
Pour plain club soda (not the low-sodium kind) into a spray bottle. Spray it on glass or mirror. Use a microfiber cloth and wipe until it's clean.

Glass Cleaner #2
Pour 1/4 vinegar 3/4 water mixture into a spray bottle. Spray it on glass or mirror. Use a microfiber cloth and wipe until it's clean.

Toilet Cleaner

~ 3 cups white vinegar
~ 10 drops tea tree essential oil

Pour the ingredients slowly into the toilet bowl. Leave it for 15 minutes then scrub.

Bathtub and Shower Cleaner

~ 1 part vinegar
~ 1 part water

Mix ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray the shower wall and tub. Let it sit for at least 1/2 hour. Rinse it off. If you need extra cleaning power, use liquid detergent and a plastic sponge. Avoid soap, which can leave a residue.

Rust Remover

Mix a bit of cream of tartar with water until the consistency is like toothpaste. Put a little on the stains and use a sponge to wash off.

Grapefruit Extract - Natural Disinfectant

This stuff can be the single greatest addition to everyday soaps and detergents. Only a few drops are needed to strengthen any cleanser’s ability and truly make a household free from problems caused by many types of bacteria. It's known for its anti-bacterial and anti-parasitic properties, as well as for its ability to fight fungal and viral infections.

Toothbrushes: soak brush for 15 minutes in a ½ cup of water with 10 drops GSE to eliminate any bacteria.

Laundry: 15-20 drops added during the rinse cycle of a load of laundry gets rid of mold, odor and any residual grime not removed by soap alone.

Diaper rash: dilute 5 drops in 4 ounces of water and use as a wash in between diaper changes to eliminate rash. It is important to dilute appropriately so not to hurt a baby’s delicate skin.

Yeast Infection: women can take it orally or apply it externally as a wash. Instead of soap, grapefruit extract in combination with tea tree oil washes that area so that a woman’s pH balance is not disturbed. Place 4 drops of tea tree oil and 3 drops of grapefruit extract on a wash cloth. Soak cloth liberally with water. Apply to area as a safe cleanser.

Fruit/Veggie Wash: Contamination is a real concern with more and more fruits and vegetables being imported daily.
Add 10 drops grapefruit seed extract in 2-cups water and spray. This mix can also be used to extend the shelf life of all vegetables and fruits by 3-4 times, especially berries.

All Purpose Cleaner

Pour 2 cups of water, 2 cups of vinegar, 1/8 cup baking soda with 18 drops of tea tree oil (or other essential oil...tea tree oil also has natural antibacterial properties, though stronger than grapefruit extract). Pour into spray bottle and spray on surfaces...wipe off.

Knitting - simple beanie - one size fits most

This is a super simple pattern for a really cute beanie. This beanie is unisex, depending on the yarn you choose. It's a one size fits most pattern.

Size: One size fits most (depending on the needle size and yarn weight you use).
Size 6 worsted weight fits my 2 and 4 year old's. Size 6 chunky weight fit me, a petite woman.

Materials: 3 (1 3/4 oz) balls of yarn of your choice
Size 5 (24”) needles (for 12-18 months), size 6 (for 18 months +)
Large tapestry needle
Vertical gauge: 5 st. per inch.

Directions:
1. Cast on 68.
2. P2, K2 rib for 2” for brim. Brim does not fold up, it's a beanie.
3. Change to K st and work until piece measures 6”.
4. k5, descend (k2t), k in last 5 st.
5. K whole row
6. Descend 3 times as you k around.
7. Descend 2 times as you k around.
8. Descend 1 time as you k around.
9. K whole row.
10. Dec 1 time as you k around.
11. K whole row.
12. K whole row.
13. K whole row.
14. K whole row.
15. Cut yarn to 10”. Weave a long piece of yarn onto a tapestry needle. Weave yarn through stitches on needle. Take off needle. Pull up tightly, double knot. Take down through hat and weave through underneath stitches.

Voila! finished.

cloth diapers? really?...well, where do I start?

Mention cloth diapers to the average person...

and you may get strange looks, raised eyebrows and even the occasional Ewwwww, gross! Why settle for being average, when you can be extraordinary? It's hip, it's modern and it's fun! (Yes! I said using cloth diapers can be FUN!)

There are sooo many types to choose from now. Long gone are the plain white cotton cloth diapers that leak and need a noisy plastic cover. Long gone are the wet-pails sitting in the corner of the room with gross bog like contents. No wonder people stopped using them! The diapers made today are amazing. Cute, convenient, and very functional. Here's the low down on the modern cloth diapers adorning babies butts now-a-days:

Why should I use cloth diapers?
Cloth diapers are nothing like what grandma used. They are innovative with waterproof outer fabric and contain excellent absorbent materials to help against leaks. Although they don't hold as much liquid as disposables, they are environmentally friendly and save you money in the long run.

What is the difference between AIO's, AI2's, Fitteds and Pocket diapers?
AIO's are all-in-one diapers meaning the insert or soaker pad is sewn into the diaper.
AI2's are all-in-two diapers meaning the soaker pad is attached to the diaper but can be removed for washing and drying.
Fitteds have a contoured shape and have gathered edges around the legs. A waterproof diaper cover is necessary when using fitted as no waterproof protection is included.
Pocket diapers have a "pocket" somewhere on the diaper where the insert or soaker pad can be placed and/or removed. The pockets also make it easy to doubled up for extra protection against leaks.

What is PUL? What is Minkee?
PUL is an abbreviation for Polyurethane Laminate. It is %100 polyester knit interlock with a waterproof polyurethane film laminated to one side. It is a breathable, non allergenic material widely used in an assortment of home products.
Minkee fabric is the newest in luxurious, silky soft microfiber fabric. It rivals cashmere in softness and resembles real mink in touch. One customer described it “like petting a newborn baby rabbit”. The baby market has picked up on Minkee fabric and fabricates everything from blankets to toys and cloth diapers. There are different variations in flats and textures: minkee with dots, lines, diamonds, and short or long pile.

What are inserts or soakers usually made of?
Inserts/soakers are made from a super absorbent material. Usually micro-fiber, cotton, bamboo, or hemp.

How many diapers do I need to get started?
The amount of diapers really depends on your washing schedule and the regularity of your baby. Here are some brief rules of thumb you can follow to help you decide.
You will need 12-16 diapers if you wash every second day (3 or more times a week).
24-40 diapers every third (twice a week).

How do I choose which diapers are best for me?
In the end all the diapers work just as well as the others. It just depends on how much time you have and what your washing schedule is like. Choosing between the AIO's, AI2's, Fitteds and Pockets can be confusing. Pockets take a little longer to get ready for use (ie, removing and replacing the insert). While AIO's are easy to just toss on the shelf until use. However AIO's take a lot longer to dry. So you really need to think about how much time you have personally to do laundry. I suggest trying both kinds because there are so many good things about both of them.

How Do I Wash my Cloth Diapers?
The washing routine is very straight-forward:
1. cold pre-soak
2. hot wash
3. cold rinse (if your wash cycle ends with a cold rinse then no extra rinse is necessary)
It's really THAT easy!!

The occasional time you may experience leakage. Most times this is due to detergent buildup on your diapers which is preventing the fabric from absorbing. There is a usually quick and easy remedy for this: stripping.

How to strip your diapers:
1. cold pre-soak as usual
2. hot wash as usual
3. ANOTHER hot wash, without detergent (sometimes it's a good idea to add some boiling water). Add 1/4 cup of baking soda and 1/4 cup vinegar (this is a wonder stripping combination).
4. Cold rinse
Voila! the detergent buildup should be stripped completely away.

Detergent: use only 1/3 of the suggested amount of detergent for a normal wash. (I highly recommend Tide REGULAR POWDER for cloth diapers! it does not accumulate buildup nearly as fast as most detergents, even detergents made for cloth diapers). Never use "free" detergents (ie. Tide Free), because they contain plant based cleaners which have lots of oils in them...hence NOT conducive to a good cloth diaper cleaner.

Fabric softener: do NOT use fabric softener. This will ruin the effectiveness of your diapers. To soften your diapers, use 1/4 cup of vinegar in the pre-soak cycle.

Dry: dry your diapers on the medium setting or line dry

Stains: do not bleach your diapers to remove stains. Most all stains will come out when placed in the sun! if you have a stubborn stain, add a bit of lemon juice before sunning.

Some of the best cloth diapers out there (in MY opinion):
~SoftBums (AI2) www.softbums.com
~Monkey Doodlez (AIO) www.monkeydoodlez.com
~GroBaby (AI2) www.grovia.com
~Baby Kanga (Pocket)
~JamTots (AIO, AI2, Pocket)