Breastfeeding support products

When I gave birth to Jasper, I had a terrible time breastfeeding. He was hungry all the time, my nipples we unrecognizable with splits and bleeding, I had fever, ... on and on- some of you know what I am talking about. When pregnant with Dakota, I was determined to have a different nursing experience. I backed myself up on every front- went to a breastfeeding class at a fantastic breast feeding center in Washington D.C., enlisted help in the first few weeks so I could lie in with him and bond- even with a toddler running around- and I bought fun products I hoped would ease the pain. I loved the products by Earth Mama Angel Baby. I nipple butter is to die for - smells so delicious and you need not worry at all about it going into your little ones mouth. The ingredients are as pure as can be- organic, toxin-free, cruelty-free, and vegan. You can read about the ingredients, and why you may not want to use lanolin or have your baby ingest it, right on their site. Two other products I used religiously in the first few weeks were the organic breast compresses (made with cabbage leaves, black tea, and healing herbs) and the booby tubes (I used both hot and cold - depending on what I needed at the time of use). These product used consistently, having the support I needed to relax and bond with Dakota in the first weeks, and a very informative breastfeeding class all helped me have an amazing experience nourishing my baby with the best stuff available!

Have you used any of these products? Share with us! They have so many I have only tried the few I mentioned.

A great healthy living magazine

I love to read magazines that are in line with my philosophy on living- body, mind and spirit. Magazines are the way to go for me since having kids- small ones still- as I never feel I have the time to read a book or the attention span. I love to have them around for a quick article to glance at, to inspire my work, and to pass time at the gym while trying to get a bit of a work out! My recent discovery is Experience Life Magazine. I found this laying around my friends house and was fascinated by an article on pantry make-overs. This is something Marcela and I do with our clients and it was so fun to read. They had all the goodies listed to make for a healthy kitchen. I immediately subscribed and have not been let down. In my field, I read a lot about healthy living with a whole foods nutrition base, and this magazine always has an article about something I have not heard about before. Great magazine, fantastic tone, and well educated professional contributors. A great resource for anyone who is looking for support on their journey to better living.

Have you read this magazine? What do you think? Do you have another favorite?

Soups made easy!

This is one of my favorite seasonal tools! I seem to only use it in the fall and winter, but it sure does get a work out. It makes making soups SO easy. I throw all sorts of fall goodies in a pan- potatoes, turnips, parsnips, carrots, squash-- you name it, and saute in some olive oil. Then I add a chicken stock and cook. You can add whatever herbs and spices you like- (cinnamon, turmeric, cilantro etc) When veggies are soft, in goes the blender and we have soup for that night, lunch the next few days, and freeze some for the following weeks.

I have also recently discovered that it is fantastic for applesauce. Same deal as above- fill the pot with loads of apples from the farmer's market, cook until soft, add what you like (cinnamon and a touch of agave nectar is my favorite), drop in the blender and you have applesauce for a week and freeze the rest. AND it is so easy to clean.

Just remember to freeze things in small portions so you only take out what you need. I have a simple Braun that only came with a cup. However, you can get many kinds to suit all budgets and looking needs. Check it out and see if one of these simple tools can get you cooking more... and more simply.

Already have one? Please share your recipes!

This following exercise is one that can be done anywhere, anytime, and as many times a day as you wish. I can tell you this simple abdominal exercise has given my core tremendous strength after giving birth to Dakota, just a year ago. Done prenatally, this exercise can help the diastisis from becoming severe, or happening at all, and postnatally, can help bring the abdominals back together. I learned this while taking a continuing education course in NYC with Deborah Goodman, PT. This exercise is beneficial to anyone wishing to strengthen their core muscles, and is perfect for both pre and post natal woman. I include it in every one of my pre and post natal fitness classes. Let me know how it works for you or if you have any questions about this or any other type of exercise.

• You simply breathe into the belly and exhale, bringing the naval back to the spine



• Keep the back lengthened and collar bones wide.



• Allow the head to float on top of the cervical spine (neck)



• Count out loud to ten (to ensure breathing), keeping the naval pulled back to spine the entire time, release, breath into the belly and repeat. You should do this at least 4 times. Adding repetitions as you feel stronger, and repeat throughout the day

You can watch Kelly below as she does this exercise in my prenatal fitness class. Notice how she is only working in the abdominal area, nothing else is moving.

What came first: the watermelon or the seeds?

Here is a delicious recipe for watermelon salad from our friend and colleague Lisa from Connecticut. Give a try!

1/4 medium sized watermelon, cubed

1 cup chopped cilantro

1 cup field greens

1 cup radishes, sliced

1/2 cup sunflower seeds

4 oz. feta cheese

Dressing:

1 Tbs minced ginger

1 red chili pepper minced (or crushed red pepper)

2 Tbs tamari sauce

6 Tbs olive oil

1 tsp sesame oil

3-4 limes juiced

salt and pepper to taste

Mix it all together!

And if you are ever curious about how seedless watermelons came to be, check out these links:

Plenty Magazine

Virginia Cooperative

Quick NPR Report

Going Green!

Here are a few recipes that we at nourishing moms use on a regular basis. As you can see, it is easy to change flavor and texture depending on cooking style or condiments. Give some a try and let us know what you think.

Greens 1

1 large bunch greens, stems removed and leaves chopped
1 Tbsp olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, chopped
1/2 tsp fennel seeds
2 or 3 Tbsp raisins
2 Tbsp pinenuts
about half cup water
salt and pepper to taste

In a large skillet gently heat olive oil. A garlic and sautee till golden. Add greens and enough water to allow the greens to not stick to pan and steam. Cover the pan and cook till greens are tender, adding more water if needed. Add fennel seeds, raisins, pinenuts and salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

Greens 2

2 bunches greens (kale, collard, Swiss chard) stems removed and chopped

1 tbsp. umemboshi plum vinegar

1 tbsp. olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced

Sauté garlic in oil, add greens, in batches if necessary. Add plum vinegar and serve.

Greens 3

2 bunches greens (kale, collard, Swiss Chard) stems removed, chopped

1 tbsp. coconut oil

salt

sauté greens in oil, add salt. Serve.

Greens 4

2 bunches of greens (kale, collard, spinach, chard, mustard, dandelion) stems removed, chopped

1 Tbsp. olive oil

1 tbsp. shoyu, tamari or Braggs amino acids

1-2 tbsp. sesame oil

Sautee greens in olive oil and shoyu, tamari, or braggs amino acid. Remove from heat, place in separate bowl. Toss with sesame oil. This is great at room temperature or cold. I like to use leftovers on sandwiches throughout the week.

*The possibilities are endless. Try different condiments such as balsamic vinegar, on its own or reduced. You can try liquefying a bit of tahini paste and making a creamy sauce for the greens. Also, a great way to add is to chop and add to anything you already cook – chili, pasta, stir fry, scrambled eggs – whatever!

Father's Day

Around Mother's Day I remember reading articles in several magazines on the subject of "what a Mom really wants on Mother's Day" -- time to herself! I thought about this a lot and how much time means to us when we are new parents. Time to our self and time with our partners. We often do not get time to connect with ourselves or each other because our lives are so caught up in work, nap schedules, eating routines, family outings, tantrums, teething, illness, meal planning, errands -- well, you know what I am talking about!

So, for Father's Day weekend my 3 year old went to my parents and I "gave" my husband time- time to sleep in, time to go out and explore D.C., take pictures and play music. For actual Father's Day I had a nice lunch with the whole family, grandparents included, but surprised my husband with a babysitter for us to go out. We had a BLAST! Somewhere I was wondering if this way of spending a "family" holiday was selfish- but my answer was no, it is not. In this season of our life it is so important to do what feels best, what is needed, and what will ultimately refuel our beings for this amazing job we have decided to take on- parenting.

For Mother's Day, I went to NYC for continuing education in prenatal Pilates- not exactly time to sit back but an appropriate and generous gift none the less. Next year, I think all I want is "time". When the kids are in high school and we are the last people they want to be around, a family dinner will be appropriate and desired. But for every Mother and Father's Day until then I think we will start the tradition of being "free" of our family obligations- and direct them to the who the holiday was created for- OURSELVES.