nourishingmoms.com

Breastfeeding support products

2009-01-08T15:35:00.009-05:00

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

2009-01-08T15:06:00.007-05:00

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!

2008-12-01T08:00:00.001-05:00

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!

2008-09-11T06:23:00.010-04:00

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?

2008-07-31T23:56:00.007-04:00

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!

2008-06-29T13:32:00.009-04:00

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

2008-06-16T12:45:00.003-04:00

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.

Picnic Season

2008-06-01T10:02:00.008-04:00

There is so much you could do for a picnic. I like to keep things simple, kid friendly, seasonal and fun. A great way to start is by going to your local farmer's market. Check out what they have that week and what looks good to you. I try to always make a point of trying new things. Greens I've never heard of, different roots or herbs. And don't be shy to ask your farmers what to do with them... most folks at the stands at the market will be able to give you a handful of ideas of how to cook something.

This week at my farmer's market in NYC we got to see a lot more greens (finally!). Lots of spinach, baby bokchoy, mustard greens, Chard, wild arugula, baby salad greens, various herbs, asparagus, onions, scallions, rhubarb and a variety of mushrooms. We also have great artisanal cheeses, whole grain bread, fish, organic meats and pasture fed cow's milk and yogurt. So, based on this weeks bounty, I decided to give you some examples for a delicious seasonal picnic. Keep in mind that depending on where you are, you might already be seeing a lot more, or less variety at your local market. Make the most of what your growing season is and have fun.

Here we go:

Asparagus

Steamed, drizzled with lemon and olive oil, salt and pepper.

Make sure to not overcook the asparagus. 3 to 4 minutes is plenty for fresh asparagus. Shock them in ice cold water to stop the cooking. I serve them at room temperature and my kids love to eat the long spears with their fingers.

You could also roast the asparagus or add it to a frittata.

Mix Spring Greens and Mushroom "Pie"

Here is a great chance to use whatever greens you find. Mix chard, mustard, spinach, kale or anything else that looks good. Wash greens well. For chard, kale, collards or any greens if tough stalky stems, pull the leaf from the stems before cooking. Give the greens a quick chop. Chop wild mushrooms and sautee in a couple of tablespoons of olive oil and chopped garlic for about 2-3 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme. Add greens and sautee till they are tender and vibrant green.

For the crust you could use either phyllo dough or puff pastry dough (whatever you most comfortable with).

With Phyllo: Heat oven to 375 degrees. layer 6 sheets of phyllo dough, lightly brushed with olive oil in a large cookie sheet. Pour mushroom and greens mix onto the center of the dough. Fold short ends of dough in over the filling and roll the long ends over till you form a log (roll the loose ends of phyllo are at the bottom of the log). Brush the top with olive oil and bake for about 12 to 15 min or till phyllo dough is golden brown and crispy. Let it cool and cut log in 1 in. slices.

With puff pastry: Heat oven to 400 degrees. Roll out puff pastry sheet as thin as possible without braking dough. Proceed like above wiith filling and rolling. Brush top of log with egg wash and bake for 18 minutes or till golden brown.

Another option would be to use rice paper wraps. You can find it in the asian foods aisle of most supermarkets. Follow package directions of how to handle each sheet. Now, sky is the limit in terms of filling. One option would be to make an arugula salad with radishes, herbs and some goat cheese crumbs, wrap it in rice paper wraps and serve it with your favorite sauce or dressing on the side. My son's favorite is actually steamed kale and baked tofu with tangy tahini dressing. Fill the wraps as if you were making "cigars". Make sure to keep them covered in a air tight container so the wrap doesn't dry out. Keep the sauce/dressing in a small separate container with lid.

Turkey Sandwiches with Arugula and Rhubarb Spread

Find a nice hearty whole grain baguette, slices of all natural roasted turkey breast with fresh arugula and this rhubarb jam:

Ingredients

1/2 cup sucanat

1/4 cup agave nectar

1/2 cup apple cider

1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger

1 1/2 teaspoons grated orange peel

1/2 teaspoon (scant) ground cardamom

1 bunch coarsely chopped rhubarb (about 1 1/4 lbs)

1/2 cup golden raisins

1 teaspoon arrowroot (if needed)

Stir first 9 ingredients in heavy saucepan over medium heat until sucanat dissolves and mixture boils. Reduce heat and simmer until rhubarb is tender and jam like, about 10 minutes. If the mixture is still too liquid add arrowroot, mix well and cook for another 3 minutes or till mixture thickens. Cool to room temperature. Use as jam or spread on sandwiches.

Rhubarb and Strawberry Compote

3 cups of rhubarb, cut into 1/2 in. pieces (about 1 pound)

1/2 cup agave nectar

1/4 cup water

1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled, halved

2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint

Combine rhubarb, agave nectar and water in heavy saucepan over medium heat. Bring to simmer stirring occasionally, until rhubarb is tender but not falling apart. Remove from heat. Stir in strawberries. Transfer to bowl and stir in mint. Chill until cold, about 1 hour.

Always great to have some whole grain crackers with good quality cheese, or a homemade spread like Roasted Mushrooms and Parsley Pate: roast wild mushrooms with some olive oil, garlic and thyme till soft. Put it all in a food processor with some goat cheese and pulse till smooth.

I also have my summer picnic favorites... I'll share those recipes in the coming months.

Make sure to adapt any recipes to your family's needs and tastes.

Have a great picnic!!

More about smoothies...

2008-06-01T10:00:00.000-04:00

Making smoothies at home is something I love to do in the warmer months. For one, my oldest son just LOVES to participate. It is so easy to whip up something delicious as we always have berries on hand from the farmers market, as well as yogurt from pastured cows. I think it is hard to give "recipes" as it really is unique to what you have in the house, or what your tastes are. However, there are a few things I follow.

I always have a fruit, or many involved! I often let Jasper be the one who picks this ingredient- so it can range from half a banana to 2 boxes of blueberries! My challenge as a mom and a foodie is to make it work!

Next, the liquid- I often use coconut milk, occasionally use rice milk, and rarely use a soy/rice blend. This formula is only because I value the nutritional profile of coconut most, but I do like variety. You could also use silken tofu, fruit juice, or coconut water. As my nutritional opinion evolves, so do my ingredients. So, in light of the "BPA in cans issue", the coconut milk may take back burner until I find a company that makes it in BPA free cans. Beans (unless Eden), soups, salmon and tomatoes are no longer welcome in my cabinets- we will see how long it is before I kick the coconut milk out of the lazy susan!

Lastly, the touches! Ice cubes if it needs to be cooler, or I will start with frozen berries. I will add sweetener sometimes- such as agave nectar, maple syrup or honey. You do not need to do this, but it is delicious and the kids love it. I only use a bit. I will often add a nutritional boost such as hemp seeds, wheat germ, nut butters, yogurt or kefir. Many add flax oil, spirulina, or kelp. The possibilities are endless.

I encourage all to make these at home. The smoothie is somehow incorrectly synonymous with healthy. We often fall into the trap of thinking we are making a good choice by ordering one, but if we were able to see the ingredients and calories, we might rethink that!

Please share any smoothies you like for your family, and don't hesitate to drop a question about any ingredients you are unsure of! Have fun!

Coming clean

2008-05-22T09:36:00.014-04:00

Day 3- I woke up feeling a bit weak, but immediately after my morning of water, followed by fruit, and then brown rice with flax oil I felt amazing! Wow! Could this be it? Am I over the hump? Hmmm.... not so fast. I had to drive to Maryland for a moms group presentation. For those of you who do not live in the DC metro area, the traffic here is some of the worst in the country. I really try to avoid the car at all possible costs! An accident here, road work there- and my 1 hour trip turned into two with a very hungry 8 month old in the back and an antsy 3 year old. Dead stop traffic- I was going to be late. Bliss over. Headache came back, was hungry and would have killed for a warm mug of coffee.

Made it to the group. Drank my vegetable water w/ sea kelp while everyone else had juice, donuts and McDonald's. My presentation went well. Continued to eat according to my plan through lunch- eyeing the Pb&j my son did not finish and the avocado and turkey sandwiches that my friend had made. I sat and thoroughly chewed my spinach and one half of a sweet potato.

Way home- another traffic jam. I cracked- I had a half of a Lara bar (raw fruit and nut bar). I began to feel better for a bit, but was so tired. It was hard to concentrate on driving. I had to teach that evening and was not sure how I could remain focused. Got home- 1/2 cup of coffee! Headache gone, continued with my vegetables for dinner.

Woke up today- should I abandon it? NO! I am back with 1 cup of "1/2 caf " coffee in the a.m. Continuing with the food aspect. Even a few days has given me a chance to slow down and look at how often I pick at food all day long, never giving the body a rest from digestion. By keeping my meals simple, and sticking to only eating at meal times I am allowing my body to use its energy in other places. In a few days I will be back to eating meals with my family again but for now I will continue "my cleanse" - my way!

Cleansing

2008-05-20T09:33:00.011-04:00

After Dakota was born, and the first 3 months or so of baby bliss wore off (yes, I had bliss... with Jasper I had a very different first 3 months, but that is another story) I found myself slipping back to my old vices to get through the days - a 1/2 cup of coffee in the a.m., and one at 3 or 4 in the afternoon just to have the energy to get dinner together (I have never in my life had coffee at this hour), a glass of wine (or two) I felt I deserved in the evening, and an hour or so of television to "relax" every night before bed. This coupled with the inability to lose the baby weight, my feelings of "aghhhh!!!!" every morning when my kids woke up at 5 or 5:30 a.m to start the day, and a general feeling of losing control of my life lead me to believe this was the perfect time for a cleanse!

Marcela decided to get a group together to do a cleanse. There are many ways to cleanse, and I picked the Elson Haas "Detox Diet". This cleanse does entail some eating, which was important to me as I am still nursing and want to ensure that I keep up my milk supply. It consists of fruit in the a.m., followed by brown rice, and steamed vegetables for lunch and dinner. I am adding spirulina (at Marcela's recommendation) and some beans for protein. Yesterday was the first day, and for the most part it was good. I started to get a headache around 4 which lasted until I went to bed at an awesome 8:30- no television!

Today is day two- I woke up a little weak. I am sitting writing on this rainy day, desperately wanting a warm mug of coffee as I work while my baby sleeps. I am hungry and a little foggy. Today is going to be tough.

Simple Meditation

2008-05-01T08:20:00.000-04:00

It is fascinating to me that the linguistic root of the word meditation comes from the same place as medicine. Both arise from a Sanskrit root that also has given us the English word measure. While it's impossible to pin down the exact meaning of the ancient Sanskrit root, it seams to have something to do with the idea of "thoughtful action to establish order". Meditation and medicine are both different expressions of that in different realms.

The simplest way to define meditation is that meditation is concentration directed to a specific object or focus. That focus of meditation could be anything - a thought, a sound, a person, a body sensation, a visual image, etc - but there is purpose in the selection of the object of meditation so to achieve a goal.

A nice way to start a meditation practice is to allow concentration on a sound or voice to lead you to the object or focus of the meditation. Guided meditations or visualizations are great examples of that. All you need is a few moments and a quiet space. You can do it alone or with a partner. A nourishing warm bath could be the perfect place to give it a try.

We have put together a 7 min. guided meditation that you can use anytime. Once you know where you're going with it you won't need the recording anymore. You'll know the way on your own. Click here to download the guided meditation.

Try to practice once a day to start with. Any quite moment you can find during your crazy busy day as a mom. And please let us know how having a few moments of focusing deeply on yourself has affected your life.

One lucky reader will get a gift from us this mother's day. Just post your comments to win. We will pick one comment by May 17th.

We look forward to hearing from you. And Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Birthday Jasper

2008-04-14T14:39:00.007-04:00

We celebrated my son's 3rd birthday by having a painting party for a few of his friends at our house and the parents came along for the ride in form of a cocktail party. I am not against mixing the two occasions as it seems to be the only way we can see friends sometimes! Last year, I did a bit of the same, and hand made every bit of food with my nutritional flare, down to a carrot cake with all organic ingredients, no refined sugar, just agave nectar and a bit of honey and frosting sweetened with stevia. Even the food coloring I used was made from vegetables. That was when Jasper was my only child. This year, as I was holding Dakota, my 6 1/2 month old, someone asked me if I made the guacamole. The answer at every party before this would surely have been yes. After all- how difficult is it to make guacamole? "NO," I replied. "And I bought the hummus too, the cupcakes are from a conventional bakery and the party favors were made in China." People laughed, and some could not believe it. The bottom line is convenience is out there. We are not always able to deny ourselves that, no matter how healthy or mindful we try to be. It is unfair to ask any busy mom to do this- to look convenience in the eye and walk the other way. However, I do know that I will continue to fight against it, to find easier ways of preparing whole food and to walk my talk. I also know that these are not the only things that keep us balanced. Sometime, to keep calm and enjoy the ride, to make your day just a bit more relaxed, to take the stress off yourself and in turn your family, you just have to take the easy road. Tomorrow is always a new beginning- today we have to love ourselves, and respect all of our choices.

Simplifying seasonal eating

2008-03-10T06:25:00.014-04:00

We fairly recently moved form NYC to Virginia, had our second child and bought our first house! As you can imagine, things have been very busy, and I have not been able to keep up to the standards of eating that I have set for my family since falling in love with holistic nutrition and all that is has to offer. Yes, I still was cooking a lot, and buying my greens and grains, but the little nuances that made food so much fun fell away to my "healthy standards

" and the newness of meals was lost in nursing, attending to an almost 3 year old (which is a full time job in itself) and the other various things that we all deal with day to day. One of the things I wanted to rediscover was "seasonal eating". This concept was so simple yet amazing when I first learned about it. The idea in a nutshell is to eat the way nature intended! So, you eat what grows that season. Period. When I was in New York, this meant a ton of squash in fall, no berries in winter, and an exciting new bounty when spring and summer arrived. This also meant other things, like less meat in the warmer months, more raw cooling foods in summer and many soups and stews in winter. Eating locally often goes hand in hand with seasonal eating. That is, eating what is grown in your area. That keeps your body eating what is in season where you live, keeping you in better tune with nature. Now, I am not an purist in any of my philosophies, and still eat avocados when I can get them, and will have the frozen berry or two in the winter, and yes, will buy a pineapple or mango when the urge comes over me! However, I try to make most of my food follow the "seasonal" guidelines, and most of that the "local".

That being said, it is not always easy to know what is in season in your area, or to stick to it with all that is offered in the many food stores around us. One great way to do this is to visit your farmers markets. Check the guidelines on the ones in your area, and be sure they are truly a local farmer's market. The true markets will feature wonderful local and seasonal food, and most likely showcase something you have not cooked before. I was put to a challenge last year when I saw "celery greens" and had to buy them an go home to figure out what to do with them. This is very fun to do with kids. You can make it a weekend outing. By making this an event, your children will begin to understand the importance of fresh food. Allow your children to pick something out, or taste the samples that are available across the market. Another great way to eat seasonally and locally is to join a CSA. This to me is the most economical and the easiest, once you change your idea of "menu planning". A CSA is community supported agriculture. You basically buy a share of a local farm and they deliver a box of food to a predetermined drop off location once a week. This is amazing, because you do not have to pick anything out, just jump out of the car, or walk to the location, and pick it up and you are on your way home. You need to see the food and then cook instead of planning and then shopping. This difference may be very worrisome for a few of you, however, once you get the hang of it, it could not be easier. Stir-Fry's and sautes are great for this. I had broccoli and turnips left from my last batch and just chopped them up, added the turnip greens to the mix, stir fried with olive oil and a little soy sauce and put over quinoa. (remember this "grain" from the last newsletter?) A perfect meal for the whole family. For new eaters, take some veggies to the side before adding soy sauce and puree with breast milk or formula. Even our youngest (or especially in some circumstances) can appreciate the taste of a fresh, locally grown fruit or vegetable.

To learn more about CSA's and locate a farmer's market near you visit http://www.localharvest.org/.

Peaceful beginnings

2008-02-21T06:23:00.007-05:00

I am sitting here at 6:22 a.m. and the house is silent except for the heater that runs on a 10 minute interval. My husband had to go to NYC this a.m. and was up at 5, so I decided to get up with him. Now, before you gasp, I am a morning person. So, although these days with a 2 1/2 year old and a 5 month old it is much harder to do this, when I do, I am always better for it. The cold mornings of winter coupled w/ nighttime feedings and a seemingly overscheduled life make this one of the hardest commitments I can make to myself. Laying in that warm bed.. AHHH, nothing like it. Until - the pitterpatter of my sons feet come in. He is ON. Chatting away, or crying about something, as he often does in the morning if things are not just right. He want us to get up now, get breakfast, do things the way he wants.. OH, and there is the baby. "Don't feed him Mommy, NO!" my son cries and tantrums. On a good day, he will oblige, and come downstairs without protest and sit while I nurse the baby. However, he will ask for breakfast, Tv, water, vitamins, fishoil, etc etc. all the while - knowing full well I cannot do any of these things at that time. Another tantrum is brewing. Once the baby is finished, I empty the dishwasher, make snack for school if it is a school day, make my husband lunch, make myself coffee (remarkable I get this in, but not because I am taking care of myself, but only because I need this to help everyone else), tea for my husband, breakfast for Jasper, on and on - you get the picture. (My husband is not non-existent in this, but is busy getting ready for work, making beds, walking the dog, anwering the flood of emails streaming in on the blackberry) So, I get back to how this ramble began! When I "force" myself out of bed, even 1/2 hour early the day seems better. I can get a few things organized before tending to my family. I am calm, and have time to meditate on the day. The sun gently comes up over the horizon, and I can enjoy a cup of coffee and check my email, look through a magazine, or write a blog entry! It is now 6:35 - everyone is still sleeping and I will probably have 20 more full minutes to myself. Now that is the way to begin a day.

Being Present

2008-02-12T11:40:00.000-05:00

I've been listening to "A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose", by Eckhart Tolle. Got it on audio book so I could take it with me when I go for walks with my dog. And I didn't get it because it's on Oprah's book club -- kudos to her for putting a book like this on her book list -- but because I had read his previous book "The Power of Now" and it had made an impact on me.

"A New Earth" is so far just as great as his previous book. It's the kind of message that I, in my judgmental have-been-in-NY-for-too-long point of view, did not think the majority of the population would be ready to digest. But as the author points out right from the get go, humanity is just now opening itself to awakening. I certainly need some of that!

On chapter two of the book he shares some thoughts on parenting that really hit home for me today. It reminded me of the fact that from a "being" point of view my kids are my equals and I'm here to allow them to be who they are, without playing into society's role of what a parent is supposed to be.

Easier said than done, I know! But reminding ourselves to be present at each moment with our kids can only result in a more mindful experience of parenting.

This morning (after my walk with the dog listening to all the wonderful insights from Eckhart Tolle) my son was having a real hard time getting ready for school. And I was having an even harder time trying at keep my cool as I worked HARD at getting him to eat his breakfast and get dressed fast enough so not to be late for school. Towards the end I found myself yelling at him as he stared at me totally unaware of what was going on. After he left I was FINALLY able to put some thought into what had happened. It was as if my son was not even present as I yelled at him. Because he wasn't!! It was I reacting on MY OWN expectations of him and of what needed to happen at that moment. To be present is, in many ways, to allow yourself to step back and see the situation as an exchange between two EQUAL beings, playing different roles.

I'm sure I'll have plenty of opportunities to practice being present with my kids... there are plenty of buttons to push!! In the meantime I'll keep listening to the book.

I would certainly recommend ECKHART TOLLE's books. And would love to hear about your experiences with trying to stay present in your interactions with your kids.

More than a cleaning

2008-02-01T09:04:00.000-05:00

Going to the denstist is never fun. Fun aside, it becomes almost impossible to go to a dentist or any other doctor once you become a mother. It is just one more thing to schedule into your day -- AND, what to do with the kids? My son (who is 2 1/2) is in daycare 2 days a week, so I decided to bring my infant son with me to the dentist. He fortunately is an easy going baby (I would have never attempted this with my other son when he was a baby!) and the receptionist at the office said he was welcome. This, I thought, was amazing. She told me there would be many people there to hold him if he was fussy. WOW! SO, I bring my easy going baby to the dentist, and he is great.... for 1/2 hour. Then, as I should have known would happen, a frantic wail. This wail did not stop. As promised, a hygenist came in to hold him, and he would not stop. "I can come back," I said to the woman cleaning my teeth. "The last thing anyone needs in a dentist office is more stress, and I am sure a crying baby is not helping!," I continued. Just then, a shout from the room next door. "Don't worry, we are all moms here. All we are feeling is that we want to come over and help."

Imagine if moms had this support everywhere. Wouldn't some elements of motherhood seem easier? Do you have any stories to share about how you were helped or made to feel at ease in a stressful situation? It truly can make your day.

Drama around Vaccines

2008-01-23T14:18:00.000-05:00

Literally. ABC is airing a new drama in which the main character is questioning his path in life after making a living representing drug companies, including the makers of vaccines. Due to his "change of vision", he is able to take on a client, a mother of a child who has autism, who wants to sue the makers of the vaccine. I read this in the New York Times, (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/23/arts/television/23ston.html?pagewanted=1&8dpc) and was reminded how I found, and continue to find, the issues around vaccines the hardest thing to struggle with as a mom. I am amazed that a large network is allowing a show to take on such a controversial issue, with real eye opening arguements that will cause parents to think. There has been so much written about this issue, from both sides of the fence and in between. However, I still believe that nothing reaches Americans like television. It will be interesting to see if there are any changes in the way parents vaccinate thier children after this episode. (It is on at 10 pm. ...are any parents, particularly new parents even awake then? Perhaps this is not accidental!) Making informed choices is all we can do for our children and families. Hopefully more and more parents will inform themselves around these issues, and make their decisions from an educated place, whatever those decisions are. Just as I am struggling through another time around with infant vaccines, choosing my own schedule and demanding mercury free injections, I came across an article in Mothering Magazine by Dr. Bob Spears. He calls aluminum the new mercury, and feels that THIS is the preservative to be watching out for. His arguement is convincing, and alarming. I am arming myself with new information everyday, and know that this is all I can do. Back to the drawing board on vaccine decisions I go. I have not read the book yet, but for those interested, here is the link for the book, //http://www.amazon.com/Vaccine-Book-Decision-Parenting-Library/dp/0316017507 and the website //http://www.askdrsears.com/thevaccinebook/ . What I can recommend is the DVD, Vaccines, by Dr. Jay Gordon. His site is //http://www.drjaygordon.com/development/pediatricks/vaccoverview.asp. Just another way of getting information, without being shouted at from either side of the fence!

More information?

2008-01-16T13:56:00.000-05:00

Most of us are confused about what to eat, especially when we are pregnant or nursing. There are so many different studies, theories and recommendations it is hard to keep them all straight! However, I continue to be obsessed with new "science" about food and what the scientists think we should put into each of our unique bodies. I read this article a few days ago (http://www.webmd.com/baby/news/20080114/mediterranean-diet-prenatal-benefits ) questioning the link between diet in pregnancy and childhood allergies. The article suggests that the Mediterranean diet has been proven in some cases to reduce the instances of childhood allergies. OK, I thought. This diet has many positives in my book for many people - whole grains, lots of fruits and vegetables, healthy fats etc. However, as the article states, the US Government guidelines disagree with the amount of fish in the Mediterranean diet when pregnant. OK, so maybe not. Even more interesting was that the "the nutrition committee of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reported that there is no convincing evidence linking a mother's diet during pregnancy to her child's risk for allergic disease." Hmmm... no evidence linking mothers diet to the outcome of allergies in children. Perhaps this is true, but does that make intuitive sense to you? I am not sure what the outcome of this study tells any of us, but it does support my ongoing theory that with all scientific studies on diet, there is one to contradict it. Ohhh. except maybe one. The FDA is certain that cloned meat and milk is OK for you. Phew... because we all need more scientifically altered food in our diet!http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/discussion/2008/01/15/DI2008011502270.html

2008-01-07T11:10:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the nourishingmoms blog! We look forward to hearing your ideas, giving support, and being put to the challenge of simplifying your experience of motherhood. Please use this space as a place to share and discover ideas, and to -- question, question, question!!!!

Becoming a mother in this day and age comes with many choices -- sometimes too many choices. Not the least confusing is how to feed ourselves. As integrative health coaches, we know that feeding your nutritional hunger is only part of the equation. To achieve our greatest overall wellness, we need to feed our need to move, to create, to slow down, to say no, to do more, to do less... you get the picture. With our unique lives come unique needs. Yes, we all want to do what is best nutritionally for our growing babies, and hopefully ourselves, but your best may differ from somebody else's best. We feel that with simple solutions and the guidance and support from a community of mothers, everyone can upgrade their "daily bread", no matter what their situation.

Does that mean we all need to press our own almond milk and cook our beans from scratch? Of course not. It is impressive and ideal to do so, but it might not be so realistic. In today's world, we have MANY choices. So let's start by figuring out exactly what we need, what we can do, and what we will do.

What seems realistic for you to improve upon? It might be adding frozen peas to our mac and cheese. For some of us it will be kraft and for other it will be Annie's. You know who you are. No matter where we are in this journey, we all have one thing in mind... eating better to keep ourselves and our families healthy. We want digestible advice and easy solutions. We at nourishingmoms understand this and are here to nourish YOU, one step at a time.

What do you find most confusing about eating now that you're pregnant or a new mom?

Post your challenges and we will be sure to respond. If you have any great ideas that are working for you, this is a great place to share. Let the conversation begin!