All Natural Baby Wipes/Sanitizing Wipes

birthsmart — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 20:03:22 +0000

I love these two recipes for Wipes contributed by Heather Gunnerson.

Baby Wipes

These are made with the oils I love to use for diaper rash anyway, so I’m sure it could be very preventative. Probably less expensive than traditional wipes (and, of course, much healthier).

take a roll of select a size bounty (works best)
cut in half with serrated knife.
put in a large container.
mix:

2 cups warm water,

2 tbs virgin coconut oil (should melt in the warm water),

3 drops lavender essential oil,

3 drops melaleuca essential oil.

pour over paper towels and cover. pull out middle cardboard core and then pull wipes from the middle.

Sanitizing Wipes

Same as above, except substitute the oils for

3 drops **On Guard,

3 drops Lemon

“I use them just like you would clorox wipes… the only difference is that
even my little kids can wipe door knobs, walls, light switches etc… and i
am not afraid of them getting chemicals on them. they also work great for
hand sanitizing.”

**On Guard is a doTERRA blend that contains Cinnamon, Clove Bud, Eucalyptus, Rosemary, and Wild Orange and has been proven to kill a wide variety of harmful viruses and bacteria . . . from influenza to MRSA.

photo by CapemayL

Skin-to-skin becomes hospital policy. . . (changing the world through the internet)

birthsmart — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 14:42:15 +0000

How can we share the benefits of skin-to-skin contact with new moms?

This is a topic I feel very strongly about. It is very important, regardless of a woman’s birth preferences or other interventions. I have blogged about it and shared it with many women, but I can admit that my reach is limited.

So I was very pleased to notice that recently . . . one of our local hospital/birth centers (Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, KS) started providing these handouts in the room of EVERY laboring woman.

I am a fan.

I like that they are being shared with EVERY laboring woman (and every staff member).

I hope that each of you are giving birth in an environment that embraces the practice of immediate skin-to-skin contact for newborns. If you are not, I invite you to consider whether changing to a more baby-friendly birth place is possible for you. Regardless, I hope that this information (and they fact that some institutions are embracing this evidence-based concept) will help build your confidence to lovingly REQUIRE this as part of your birth experience – even if it’s contrary to the policies of your birth place.

You can be agents of change through your choices.

What about skin-to-skin following cesarean birth?

I love the opportunities the internet gives us to share this type of information. I recently reposted an article about (the revolutionary practice of) immediate skin-to-skin contact following cesarean sections and was surprised, yet thrilled to see a comment from a doula in Denver reporting that this is now hospital policy in one of their local hospitals. Thanks so much Ann!!!

Just knowing what’s going on elsewhere can help us to start a dialogue about these important topics. Policies, routines, and procedures change, and if we are confident and proactive, we can demand best-practices for ourselves, even when our birth place hasn’t caught up with research yet.

Second Time’s a Charm

birthsmart — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 21:06:09 +0000

Several month ago, I had an interview with a mom who was seeking a doula . . . She described a very difficult experience with the birth and recovery of her first baby. Her primary concerns were: 1) not feeling listened to/collaborated with during her care, 2) being induced, 3) having the baby taken from her at birth, and 4) having a very long, difficult recovery.

She worked really hard during pregnancy to educate herself and understand her options. She made the *easy* choice to hire me and the *difficult* choice to change providers mid-pregnancy. She used several strategies to try and prevent the above situations from occurring again, and fortunately her preparation paid off. Just over two weeks ago, she gave birth and I am so happy to report that none of those 4 issues were repeated in her recent experience. She said that the birth was 100 times better, she is recovering better than she imgained possible, and she is transitioning smoothly to life with baby #2.

Here are a few photos from her birth (shared with permission) . . .

Dad helping catch the baby

Grandma and grandpa getting their first look at baby girl

Super strong push-up performing baby at home on mom’s chest. She stayed there a long time

Week of Winners!

birthsmart — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 01:46:21 +0000

We had so much fun with our week of giveaways. In case you missed the announcements on the FB feed, here are the results:

Giveaway #1 – Shantal Laulu
Giveaway #2 – Mandy Crosby
Giveaway #3 – S. Russell
Giveaway #4 – Erin Leigh
Giveaway #5 – Angela Zimmerman

If you haven’t claimed your prize, you have until November 24th!!!! Please email me at cindy@birth-smart.com to do so.

Thanks for playing!

Notes for the NICU

birthsmart — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 21:21:01 +0000

I have some friends. “Friends” doesn’t quite seem the right word.

When you are in the military and get lucky enough to have back-to-back assignments (the first overseas) with close friends, they start to feel a little more like family.

We have been through a lot together. They have been there for some of our best and worst times. I have known them since before they were even a couple, as they began to create their family. I helped to support them through both pregnancies and births.

On November 2^nd, they found out that baby #2 was a girl. She was born at almost 41 weeks at 8 lbs and started life in a simple, beautiful way. Around day 5, hormones that the mama’s body produced during pregnancy wore off and a serious heart condition was revealed in the baby. Baby girl was flown several states away to one of the best hospitals in the country for heart surgery. Dad, Mom, and 2 year old big sister drove to meet her. Her first surgery is tomorrow.

There are so many thoughts and feelings I’ve been experiencing through this situation. Being remote from them, I am limited in the support I can provide. I also don’t have direct experience with NICU situations.

What do you think are the best ways to support NICU families?

I can’t help but be amazed at the presence of mind my friends have demonstrated. They have had to make several difficult choices about how to proceed with her care and as I observed those decisions materializing, I have been so grateful to see them feeling confident with the choices they have made. I am grateful that they followed their intuition and took her in when they did. Though they worked hard to avoid interventions and have a ‘natural’ birth, they were wise enough to seek medical care when it was necessary.

We have all been shocked to learn how necessary it is.

I am also grateful that baby girl was full term and established breastfeeding, so thankful that her body (aside from her heart) is strong and healthy. I am grateful for the reminder of what a privilege it is to be able to hold our children in our arms. I am grateful to be reminded that we don’t know what is coming tomorrow, so it behooves us to live today ‘on purpose’. We are all blessed with the gift of life.

What are we doing with it?

On a personal note, I believe. I believe in a God who is the father of all people – who hears the prayers of all his children. I don’t technically share the same faith with my friends – and I know that there are many, many of various denominations who are currently united in prayer for them. I think that is powerful. I believe in miracles. And I believe in my friends. Even in the midst of everything, they speak of what they are grateful for. I think that sometimes these experiences we would NEVER wish for can teach us things we couldn’t learn another way.

Sending all my love to my favorite baby girl . . .

photo by phanlop88

Giveaway #5 – Natural Childbirth: Pain Optional?

birthsmart — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:15:17 +0000

Today’s giveaway is for one of my favorite creations. It’s an audio download class about managing pain in labor. Leave a comment on this post before 2:00pm central on November 18^th to enter to win it.

Remember that you will receive up to five entries for each contest: 1 for commenting, a second for ‘liking’ birth smart on fb or twitter, and 3 bonus entries for SHARING the contest via FB or Twitter. Be sure and report how many entries you’ve earned in your comment.

Here’s a bit about the program:

Did you know that some childbirth preparation methods teach that birth doesn’t have to be a painful experience? Some women report pain-free and low-pain births. It may be a matter of semantics, but it is clear that some women are much better at coping with labor than others. Whether or not you can buy into the idea of a pain-free birth, there are specific strategies and techniques you can use to help manage your discomfort during your birth experience.

You will learn:

About the physiological processes that go on during labor,
How preparing your mind prior to birth can be a powerful tool during labor,
Ideas for comfort measures and reducing stress in your birth space

Giveaway #4 – gift credit for Cutie Fruity

birthsmart — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 20:43:40 +0000

Leave a comment on this post before 2:00pm central on November 17^th to enter to win a $20 gift credit for Cutie Fruity, where you can find “Handmade and digital goodies for maternity, baby, kids, and more.”

Check out Paula’s darling creations and win (or buy) some! Good Luck!

Giveaway #3 – doTERRA Certified Pure Therapuetic Grade Essential Oils

birthsmart — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 19:06:20 +0000

Leave a comment on this post before 2:00pm central on November 16^th to enter to win a FREE introductory kit of doTERRA essential oils. Remember that you will receive up to five entries for each contest: 1 for commenting, a second for ‘liking’ birth smart on fb or twitter, and 3 bonus entries for SHARING the contest via FB or Twitter. Be sure and report how many entries you’ve earned in your comment.

This kit includes 5ml bottles of Lemon, Lavender, and Peppermint Essential Oils and an intructional CD about the various uses of these oils. With this kit, you will have oils with anti-viral, anti-biotic properties that can be used for ailments ranging from headaches, fevers, and stomach problems to cuts and scapes, sleep issues, toxins in the body, and even parasites. Each batch of doTERRA CPTG oil has been tested by an independant lab for purity and potency, which helps me feel confident in using them in a variety of ways, for every member of my family.

Win or loose, join me on my journey using and learning about essential oils on my new FB page (with accompanying blog). Good luck!

Giveaway #2 – Going to the Motherland: Things to know for your journey

birthsmart — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 14:39:57 +0000

Leave a comment on this post before 2:00pm central on Tuesday, November 15th to enter the drawing for a FREE copy of this book. Remember you will receive up to five entries for each contest: 1 for commenting, a second for ‘liking’ birth smart on fb or twitter, and 3 bonus entries for SHARING the contest via FB or Twitter. Be sure and report how many entries you’ve earned in your comment.

“Going to the Motherland” by Sarah Blight of Your Baby Booty is a NEW, hilarious, down-to-earth, guide to pregnancy that is full of real information that will help you create your best birth experience.

You’ll learn:

- How to take charge and get pregnant.

- What to do after you get pregnant.

- Why finding your soul mate of an OB/midwife is majorly important.

- Why firing your doctor (who isn’t doing their job of educating you) is best.

Here’s what people are saying about this book:

5.0 out of 5 stars LOVED, LOVED, LOVED THIS BOOK!!!, October 19, 2011

I picked up this book and literally could not put it down. I felt like I was having a conversation with one of my best girlfriends. This book is a must-read for anyone who planning to have a baby! It was so great to finally find a book that prepares you for the experience of motherhood and the important things we should all to do and ask in preparation for the journey without overwhelming you with too much information. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!

5.0 out of 5 stars Going to the MotherLand, October 6, 2011

Wonderful book whether your expecting or not. It made me reflect on my childrens births which brought tears to my eyes. Sarah’s witty sence of humor will keep you laughing throughout the book.

5.0 out of 5 stars WHAT A GREAT GIFT FOR THE MOM’s TO BE!!!!!, September 3, 2011

If you are looking for the perfect gift for your friend, niece, daughter, or grandaughter who is thinking about or just learned she’s pregnant – LOOK NO MORE…THIS IS THE PERFECT GIFT! How better to celebrate her joyful anticipation than to have her laugh her socks off!! Yes it may be a scary time, but GOING TO THE MOTHERLAND will answer the un-talked about aspects of the journey by this great gift in her life with humor and outword laughter at each page turn. THis book is guaranteed to be a family treasure passed along with ongoing feedings through the accompanying blog! THANK YOU SARAH FOR SHARING YOUR GIFT OF HUMOR!

I’m so thrilled to be sharing this book with you. Good Luck!

Giveaway #1 – Breastfeeding: Getting Started Right

birthsmart — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 13:20:58 +0000

Leave a comment on this post before 2:00pm central on Monday, November 14th to enter the drawing for this free downloadable CD program. Remember that you will receive up to five entries for each contest: 1 for commenting, a second for ‘liking’ birth smart on fb or twitter, and 3 bonus entries for SHARING the contest via FB or Twitter. Be sure and report how many entries you’ve earned in your comment.

I have great memories from producing this program for my new moms. Here’s what you can expect from it:

Breastfeeding can be a wonderful experience for both mother and baby, but it can also have its challenges. Prepare yourself to avoid common pitfalls and set yourself up for success. This class features a special guest: Carole Pulaski, former L&D Nurse (15 years experience) and Certified Lactation Consultant.

You will learn:

1. Tips for establishing successful breastfeeding during your baby’s first hours and days,

2. Answers to common breastfeeding questions,

3. Resources for breastfeeding help and support

Good Luck!