Green on the Scene Wellness & Fertility

Water quality matters, but is of utmost importance for fertility.

2021-03-22T17:11:00.002-07:00

Do you know where your water comes from? It is filled with toxins from run off of golf courses, factories, manufacturing and industrial plants? We get a water quality report, but its not ideal in Long Island. Do you live in a city the puts flouride ( a known neurotoxin) in the city water supply? Its time to really think about what we are drinking. The plastic bottles aren't safe either even if they do claim to be BPA free. The best solution is buy an entire house water filtration system so you can even shower and wash your hands with toxin free water. If thats not in the budget, an under the sink filter works great along with a shower filter. I know firsthand how sensitive skin can be since break out in a rash from unfiltered water and it sometimes happens to my kids as well.

If you are on the go, fill your filtered water in a stainless or glass travel thermos or purchase a safer water like Mountain Valley which comes in glass or Fiji. You have all read the reports of how we are being tricked into thinking all bottled water comes from amazing springs and will be a healthy option.

When couples are trying to conceive, the toxins in the water can impact the health of the eggs and sperm. We need to be mindful about what we are putting in and on our bodies for the health of ourselves and our future children. See the link for Aquasana, which is what I have in my shower and sink. <a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/link?id=r3nG4catGPA&offerid=266068.816749011890&type=2&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.aquasana.com%2Fwhole-house-water-filters%2Frhino-600k-gallons%2Fsalt-free-water-conditioner%2Fuv-filter-100238140.html%3Fdiscountcode%3DLS"><IMG border=0 src="https://www.aquasana.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-aquasana-master-catalog/default/dw62455bf0/images/large/EQ-600-AST-UV.png" ></a><IMG border=0 width=1 height=1 src="https://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=r3nG4catGPA&bids=266068.816749011890&type=2&subid=0" >

FERTILITY SMOOTHIES TO SWAY THE SEX AT CONCEPTION!

2018-10-23T17:31:00.001-07:00

As I talk about fertility in my interview and my book Going Green Before You Conceive, you can sway the sex of your child with diet and timing of sex. This recipe features superfoods and blanched kale,since Chinese medicine suggests warm and cooked foods for fertility, as well as NO DAIRY.

FERTILITY SMOOTHIE

Smoothie Recipe for Conception of a Boy (alkaline)

3-4 Leaves of Blanched Organic Kale

4 T Organic Hemp Powder

3T Organic Chia Seed

1t Maca Powder

1t or less of Green Stevia powder (Mountain Rose Herbs)optional

1 Ripe Banana

3 T Organic Raw Almond Butter

1/2 t Chlorella or Spiralina

1 scoop Bone Broth Collagen

1 T Morenga Powder

1 t Acia Powder

Organic Almond milk to cover powders

1/2-1 cup warm water from blanched kale

After the kale is blanched, place in blender or Vitamix and blend til kale is liquid or chopped to your liking. Add all ingredients, then almond milk last. Add as much almond milk to make the smoothie the consistency you like.

Smoothie Recipe for Conception of a Girl(acidic)

3-4 Leaves of Blanched Organic Kale

4 T Organic Hemp Powder

3T Organic Chia Seed

1t Maca Powder

1t or less of Green Stevia powder (Mountain Rose Herbs)optional

3 T Organic Raw Cashew Butter or Sunbutter is more acidic

1T Organic Cacao Powder

1/2 t Chlorella or Spiralina

1 scoop Bone Broth Collagen

1 T Morenga Powder

1 t Acia Powder

Organic Almond milk to cover powders

1/2-1 cup warm water from blanched kale

The key is to eat an alkaline diet for boys and acidic for girls.. More info about this is in my book.

Going Green Before You Conceive

https://www.amazon.com/Going-Green-Before-You-Conceive-ebook/dp/B07948LK4R/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1540340918&sr=8-1

Makeup needs to be non-toxic! Chemicals in makeup affect fertility.

2018-10-07T11:06:00.001-07:00

Birthing with Essential Oils and Hypnobirthing!

2018-05-31T15:00:00.000-07:00

Many women are choosing Hypnobirthing to birth their babies now that Kate Middleton has done it! Something that goes great with Hypnobirthing is Essential oils by Young Living. I used them with my last birth and 3 of my favorites were Peace & Calming, Stress Away, and Valor. The first two are great for aromatherapy and can be diffused or used topically like a perfume. Valor I really like to use on the jaw to help relax and give your courage like the name implies. An open jaw helps make for an open birth canal! Valor is one of my favorites and has a great smell that contains Frankincense, Black Spruce and Blue Tansy to give it that woodsy scent that mixes with a touch of Geranium. You can also apply to your spine.

Another tip to ease the birth process is to let gravity do the work and stay out of the bed and keep the lights dimmed! Use a birthing ball or stand and sway back and forth or even dance!! Setting the mood with Hypnobirthing CDs which you receive in Hypnobirthing classes along with your favorite meditation music will work wonders! Dimming the lights will help release melatonin which works with the bodies natural oxytocin during birth. This melatonin also transfers to the baby during natural births and has protective properties. If you want more info on a Hypnobirthing class in Long Island, contact me! To learn more about Essential oils I would be happy to help and can sign you up for my newsletter. Happy Birthing!!

Essential oil must haves for travel!

2018-04-30T18:28:00.001-07:00

Spring has sprung! Time for vacations and outdoor fun! We took a short trip recently and something we never leave home without...our essential oils and favorite products. There are a few must haves for travel since we usually stay at a timeshare and have our own kitchen. Also, you never know what the cleaning staff missed sanitizing!! All purpose Thieves spray is great for remote controls and door handles in hotels, or anything your feel isn't the cleanest!

Thieves household cleaner so we can clean up our delicious meals in the kitchen. Theives hand sanitizer for little hands and big ones. Purification to diffuse any musty smells or cooking odors or make an outdoor spray or the Young Living Insect repellent.

We were traveling by car so we didn't have to worry about airport security issues and sizes of bottles but you can easily transfer to appropriate sizes. When summer really sets in the sunscreen is also needed.

This is just the short list.. there are many others that I take along too!! To get your Essential oil products... To buy my book... Going Green Before You Conceive.

Cannabinoids, CBD and Copaiba oil..all great!

2018-03-26T14:53:00.001-07:00

So you have all heard the buzz about CBD oil, which we can cook with and its ability help support many different uses for health and wellness. I am not going to bore you and get too technical, but, understand there are 3 types of Cannabinoids. CBD(from hemp or cannabis) THC (from cannabis which gets you high) and BCP (from Copaiba). Copaiba essential oil that contains these similar cannabinoids as CBD is a great source without traces of THC if you are worried. CBD is legal in all 50 states, but for those of you who are concerned about trace amounts, this oil is an excellent option. It is less expensive, and I use it as part of my health and wellness routine.
You can put it in a tea, rub it on your skin, diffuse it or put it in a capsule. It supports many systems of the body and will leave you feeling great and relaxed. It has a woody smell I love! To order....http://wendieaston.marketingscents.com/ms/view?page=ms-ordering

Go Green for St. Patrick's Day for Fertility & your health!!!

2018-03-17T14:28:00.001-07:00

Cooking with CBD oil!! Taking a new twist on Going Green!!! New TV show Meats Sweats and Treats!

2018-02-27T17:13:00.001-08:00

We are taking Going Green to a whole new level, a new TV show, Meats Sweets and Treats, where we cook with CBD, cannabutter, cannabinoids, and cannibis extracted product to bring you delicious meals that will delight your senses so you can make your own gourmet infused edibles for a variety of your favorite meals, sweets and desserts. You will love the food, the fun and the party!! This is an exciting project I am proud to be a part of. Like us on facebook and checkout a bit from the show! There is even a mobile app. Enjoy the sneak peak and be sure to check back for updates as the series gets underway!

Himalayan Salt Lamps for Healing!

2018-01-23T11:47:00.002-08:00

Salt lamps seem to be gaining popularity with many people seeking natural healing. Being the research fanatic that I am, I had to read about them first. People claim they boost blood flow, improve sleep, increase serotonin levels, calm energy, reduce asthma symptoms all by releasing negative ions. This sounded like something I needed to add to my home. With 3 kids and 2 dogs, I am diffusing essential oils, but thought I should add salt lamps to see if it truly made a difference. When I purchased a few for different rooms in my home, I didn't expect to such a difference within minutes of turning them on.
I felt calmer, the energy in the room seemed to shift. The air seemed cleaner. I can't really explain it, but when a light in my largest lamp went out the other day, I new these lamps were doing something to our environment that I couldn't explain but knew we needed. Without a doubt, I love my salt lamps!! I purchased mine from the Himalayan Salt shop... follow the link at the top of this blog to get yours! And to get my book Going Green Before You Conceive..

Essential Oils to Balance Hormones & more!

2018-01-19T11:33:00.001-08:00

Many of us use essential oils daily to support our health, as aromatherapy or to clean our home. Another way I love to use them in addition to a healthy diet, is to support hormone function.

For those of us who have had babies, after birth, the hormones can be like a roller coaster with highs and lows. Sometimes this is from true health issues like thyroid disorders which are common to go haywire in pregnancy or after and other times it is just getting hormones back in balance. One oil that seems to help many women wherever they are in their life from teens to pre menopause is Geranium oil. I only use Young Living as I am sure of its purity and safety. Geranium can be rubbed on the back over the kidney area to support your hormones in the morning and at night I like to put a drop in the arch of my foot.

For postnatal care it can be used to sooth the perineal area by filling the sink with water, put 2 drops of Geranium in the water, 5 drops of Lavender, wet a washcloth and store in the freezer and apply to area as needed. Topically it can help tone the uterus. See how it works for you. It is also helpful if you are breastfeeding and needing to increase milk supply if you apply around the breasts.

Its also great for hair, a drop in moisturizer to help balance oil production, and as aromatherapy to lift your spirits! However you choose to use it, dilute with a carrier oil such a coconut oil first to check for skin sensitivity. Get your oils and start living the wellness lifestyle! To buy my book Going Green Before You Conceive.

Spiced CBD pumpkin seeds!

2017-10-29T15:11:00.001-07:00

Today I'm taking GREEN to a new level! Lets talk CBD, Cannabidiol infused oil. Its not psychoactive and can be used for pain, anxiety, diabetes, Alzheimers and even cancer. Its uses are many and the most fun way to use it is to cook with it. A quick recipe for all of you wanting to do something exciting with your pumpkin seeds..

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups pumpkin seeds

1 tablespoon CBD oil (10%)

salt to taste

garlic powder to taste

cinnamon to taste

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Mix pumpkin seeds with CBD oil and seasonings. Place seasoned pumpkin seeds on a baking sheet and bake until brown, about 30 minutes.

Stored cooled pumpkin seeds in a container.

Home environment plays a big role in health for fertility.

2017-03-16T11:09:00.000-07:00

You may not think what you have in your home can be bad for your health, think again. Our indoor air quality matters ALOT! From cabinetry to flooring and paints, if not chosen wisely, these items can contain harmful chemicals which can disrupt hormones and be carcinogenic.

Flame retardants, stain repellants, glues, and many other products used to make a home beautiful, can be avoided and switched for safer options which can limit toxic exposures. When you are trying to conceive or are already pregnant, the last thing you want to do is disrupt hormones or come in contact with harmful toxic chemicals. Check out the home I consulted on which did a major GREEN RENOVATION!

http://longisland.news12.com/features/long-island-naturally-1.4069859

2017-02-24T18:31:00.001-08:00

Infertility..can it be overcome with diet?

2017-02-24T18:20:00.000-08:00

There is a diet for everything. So many diets, so many theories. One thing is for sure, I can attest to the Fertility Diet because I was able to conceive naturally by adhering strictly to a regimen of clean, unprocessed, non-gmo, organic eating full of iron-rich nutrient dense foods at the age of 40.
If you suffer from infertility, you will do almost anything to conceive. We often wonder why some people can eat whatever they want, drink and do drugs, yet they still are able to conceive. Others must go to great lengths to conceive. Following a Fertility Diet is not only going to boost your egg health, but improve your overall health. Along with foods, this includes the right supplements because they are not all created equal. Our soil is so depleted that we need organic foods and supplements to maintain normal health. Many other cultures never had issues conceiving, they ate for conception!

Some of my favorite IRON RICH FOODS include:
Liver from Organic Chicken or Beef
Red Meat such as Bison, Venison, Lamb or Beef
Caviar
Egg Yolks
Sesame Butter/Tahini
Clams/Oysters/Mussels
Sardines
Cocao Powder
Sundried Tomatoes
Sunflower Seeds
Pumpkin Seeds
Thyme, Parsley
Spinach, Swiss Chard
Broccoli
Beans(Lentils, Chickpeas, Kidney, Pinto, Butter, Peas or Haricot)
Curry Powder
Nuts(Almonds, Cashews, Brazil Nuts, Walnuts)
Sulfite-free Dried Apricots
Quinoa

To be clear, if you suffer from Endometriosis, PCOS, Candida, food sensitivities or allergies, this list may need to be altered a bit. Getting the proper amount of iron is key to a healthy pregnancy. These items should also be organic or sourced from non toxic, sustainable sources in the case of seafood.
Good luck on your journey to conception. You can find more info in my book available on Amazon.

Going Green Before You Conceive..Revitalize Fertility, Radiate During Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond.https://www.amazon.com/Going-Green-Before-You-Conceive/dp/1504348974/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1487988926&sr=8-1&keywords=wendie+aston

Be Well!!

Going Green Before You Concieve on News 12 Long Island

2016-01-31T17:54:00.001-08:00

I had the pleasure of being filmed for News 12 Long Island for the Long Island Naturally Segment with Mary Mucci! It was fun for me and my GREEN client. Enjoy and let me know if you need help GREENING your HOME, HEALTH or LIFESTYLE. NYC metro area only or via Skype for out of town.

http://longisland.news12.com/features/long-island-naturally-1.4069859

Enjoy!

Green the holiday season!!

2015-12-03T11:21:00.001-08:00

Ahhh the holidays!! This time of year is great for kids, but all of the holiday décor that comes with it can be laced with lead and other toxic chemicals. Pay special attention with holiday lights, painted ornaments and nativity characters.

Some lights even have a lead warning on them!! Lead, lead, lead. Most of these decorations are made out of the country where we don't know exactly what has been used to make them. When children touch them, the chemicals get on their fingers and then the fingers in their mouths. While we all still decorate, just beware or opt for safer things like wood or felt. You can even make decorations out of salt dough, felt, twigs, pinecones and branches or anything found in nature. Once your kids have helped decorate, make sure they wash their hands to remove any toxic chemicals from store bought decor!!!

Paleo Rosemary Flax Bread!

2015-07-26T07:20:00.000-07:00

We have been experimenting with the Paleo diet for a few months and really feel great eating this way. One recipe I created with a little trial and error is a Paleo Rosemary Flax Bread!! Kids love it and it is Candida Diet friendly.
Rosemary is also thought to protect your body from the effects of EMFs!(electromagnetic frequencies) The flaxseeds have great benefits of omega 3 essential fatty acids too. All of the ingredients I used are organic of course!

Enjoy!

Paleo Rosemary Flax Bread

1/2 c coconut flour

1/2 c almond flour

¾ tsp baking soda

5 eggs

4 T Rosemary and 1-2 drops Rosemary oil from Young Living

3 T gold flax seed

2 T brown flax seed

2 t Himalayan sea salt

8 T butter(Kerry gold) melted

Mix ingredients, add melted butter . Put in buttered loaf pan lined with parchment paper.

Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes.

Keep spring and summer insects away with outdoor spray!

2015-05-01T11:53:00.000-07:00

www.wendieaston.marketingscents.com

Spring has sprung and so have the bugs!!! I am not a fan of creepy crawly things especially if they land on me. I have been taking the kids outside to play once or twice a day so we see lots of little creatures. In order to keep them at a distance I have been making an outdoor spray on the top of my head and rubbing on my hands and exposed area. Just a drop or two is all I seem to need to keep us playing without annoyances. I do this with the kids as well if we are going to be out where we may be playing in the grass or woods. Last summer it worked so well when we went for our late afternoon or evening swim free of any outdoor issues.

I am so impressed by how well this stuff works!! It is all natural..NO CHEMICALS which are toxic. Purification is a blend of oils, Citronella, Lemongrass, Lavandin, Rosemary, Melaleuca and Myrtle. It is also good to apply it to owies if you should get attacked. I also throw a few drops in the washing machine to take out odors. It has many uses!!
Contact me if you would like more info!

Handi Sani- Reusable toilet bowl brush that cleans itself!!

2015-02-28T18:10:00.002-08:00

What is more gross than your toilet bowl brush? Or more wasteful than the disposable toilet brush heads that clog the landfills? Check out this new product that is launching called the Handi Sani. It sounds like such a great solution to anyone's GREEN cleaning needs!!! Use your own favorite green cleaning products as you normally would or your homemade cleaning solutions with your favorite essential oils and you have a clean toilet and a clean brush every time you flush!!! Great GREEN idea!!! Check out the campaign here.

Ammo to boost your health during winter months...Thieves!

2015-01-27T12:14:00.001-08:00

We eat really healthy in our home. We also rarely get sick...maybe a sniffle or a sneeze here or there. On occasion, a mild fever may pop up. Besides having a great diet to support our health, we use Thieves products by Young Living.
The story behind Thieves is that a band of thieves applied a blend of special herbs and spices when they were robbing people stricken by the plague. This special blend kept them healthy. This blend is composed of clove, rosemary, lemon, eucalyptus and cinnamon bark. Today we use it in the diffuser or applied to the feet since the feet get to every cell in the body. I keep our home stocked with all the products for use daily. It has become our non-toxic way of life!
There is also a hand sanitizer, hand soap, soap, dental floss, mouthwash, toothpaste and spray, wipes and household cleaner to use around the home!
Bringing home germs is not an issue! We recover much quicker from anything that may come our way.
Contact me to learn how you can support your family the way the thieves did without chemicals or synthetic ingredients!!

Gassy Baby....Try Dill Oil!

2014-12-04T11:35:00.000-08:00

Before my latest addition was due, I stocked up on all of the essential oils I had read about in Debra Raybern's book, Gentle Babies. One oil in particular was Young Living Dill oil. She lists it under Colic and describes using it for gassy tummy issues in babies. The baby can seem irritable and uncomfortable and you are not sure why. When my son was about 6 weeks he seemed rather upset one evening and gassy. I immediately thought I would try it and see. I put a little organic raw coconut oil on his back, then a drop of dill and rubbed in a circular motion.

I could not believe how quickly he calmed down. I could not pinpoint what it was I ate to upset him. It happened again a week or so later and the Dill oil worked like a charm. Anytime he gets fussy or gassy my husband says where is the Dill oil!!!! He just applied it neat without a carrier oil on his tummy instead of his back one day with no problem. I have to say the smell is strong but worth it to have a happy baby!!!

If you want more information on how to get Dill oil...contact me!

http://wendieaston.marketingscents.com/go/ms-oils

Watch out for chemicals on oranges and other citrus!!!

2014-11-18T06:27:00.000-08:00

I am in search of organic oranges again this year and I am having a very difficult time finding them. I thought I could buy conventional from Whole Foods but they are even selling citrus that is treated! Some of the fruit does not even say and it is not organic so I am not taking a chance until I find organic.

This is what happened to us last year!! During the winter months we love to eat oranges. We always buy organic. On one shopping trip to the health food store I decided to purchase CLEMENTINES instead since they are smaller and easier for toddlers to peel themselves. We enjoyed a bag over the holidays and I though nothing of it since they are not on EWGs Dirty Dozen list . A few weeks later we are at a large discount store and I saw a crate of them and thought...what a bargain, I don't have to drive to another store, we can buy these and drive home! Big mistake! We get home, I unpeel one and my husband says he is going to empty the crate and put them in the fridge and yells "STOP, look up these chemicals on your laptop, PUT THE CLEMENTINE DOWN". This is seconds before I am going to give it to my daughter and have some myself. Neither of us noticed the small writing on the side of the crate stating that they have been treated with THIABENDAZOLE AND OR IMAZLIL AND OR SOME OTHER CHEMICAL which is covered by a sticker. Look up THIABENDAZOLE and see that it is used as a fungicide on bananas and citrus among other uses. It is not approved for food use in New Zealand, Australia or the UK. Wonder why? Toxicity perhaps?? Look up IMAZLIL and it states according to California's Proposition 65, enilconazole(its other chemical name) is listed as "known to the State to cause cancer". I would not advise anyone to eat food treated with these chemicals, especially not children, pregnant or nursing moms, elderly, or those with compromised immune systems. Just when you think you are getting your dose of vitamin C, you are also getting a dose of toxins. Some may say the chemicals are just on the skin of the fruit, but the transference from fingers to mouth and any cracks on the skin that may let the chemicals into the fruit itself is a real possibility. Are you willing to take the chance on how tolerant you or your children's bodies are to these chemicals and increase your chance of cancer? I for one am not! Just another reason to support organic farmers!

Labor and Birth with Essential Oils

2014-10-30T17:38:00.002-07:00

The picture above is me in labor about 5 minutes apart! My 5 year old took the photo. Let me start by saying...we almost didn't make it to the hospital in time. We arrived at the hospital at 8:10 and delivered at 9pm! It was so speedy that we forgot to call the midwife and a resident doctor caught our son while I stood which is something she probably had never done.

When my due date came and went with my third pregnancy and my midwife mentioned the term “induction,” I began to research what I could do to induce naturally. During my second pregnancy, I had gestational diabetes. I induced with eggplant Parmesan, Evening Primrose oil, sex, walking, and acupuncture. By doing those things, I went into labor on my due date with my second child.

With this last pregnancy, my third, I had a lot of work that I needed to complete. The main goal was finishing my book Going Green Before You Conceive! Instead of inducing, I decided to let nature take its course—that is until I reached 41 weeks. Then I decided to use Young Living Essential Oils in addition to the other methods that I had been successful with in the past. On Saturday, when I suspected that labor was approaching—I had a mild backache—a friend brought me Clary Sage oil. From what I researched, it said to use it with caution, because it could have different effects on different people.

I took a few whiffs of it in the afternoon and evening. I also consumed an eggplant parmesan dish with lots of herbs and spices and took Evening Primrose oil. When I woke up Sunday morning and nothing had happened, I applied Clary Sage to three pressure points known in Chinese Medicine to induce labor: points on my hand, leg, and shoulders.

That day, my daughter and I went for a swim! Before I left the house, I applied more Clary Sage oil on the pressure points and Peace and Calming on my chest and neck to relax. I mostly floated around the pool and walked back and forth in the pool. Still, nothing! For lunch, I ate foods I knew could induce labor: eggplant parmesan, pineapple with the core, and a lentil salad. Around 2:30 pm, I felt a little twinge in my back. A few intermittent back twinges later, I thought I might be going into labor, even though it didn’t feel like my previous labors. Instead, these contractions were very mild and erratic. It mostly felt like the baby was moving about stretching.

I called my Doula and began measuring contractions. When I noticed each contraction was about six minutes to seven minutes apart, I got excited. My family left the pool and ate dinner, and I packed my husband’s bag and took a quick shower. My Doula, Kathy, arrived at about 6:00 pm and, shortly after, I requested she insert a few acupuncture needles to calm me. I still was not in intense labor or feeling pain during contractions. On a scale of 1-10 they were maybe a 5 or 6. During this wait-time I kept applying Peace and Calming to relax, but when my Doula arrived, I began using Pan Away. Pan Away when in real labor.

For this third pregnancy, my husband and I choose a different hospital, Stony Brook University Hospital, was a better choice than the hospital I used last time because, it has a reputation for being very supportive for all natural, drug-free births. Although my last birth was all-natural and drug free, the nursing staff was not very supportive. This lack of support sparked me to change hospitals and see a midwife instead of an ob-gyn.. However, by choosing this hospital, we had an hour-long drive from our house. With my Doula following closely behind us, we drove. I filled the car with the smell of Stress Away, Peace and Calming, Pan Away, and Valor. Fifteen minutes from the hospital, we all piled into the same car. My Doula immediately deduced that I was transitioning quickly and my contractions were much closer together. Between contractions she and I applied oils!

As we approached the hospital, I felt the need to do the deep ‘aww’ sound that numbed my tummy during the last birth. No one knew I was a little worried that I might have this baby in the car. I was more nervous because I was not wearing my seat belt, but rather leaning backwards over the back seat. At two miles away it felt like I might have to push! During one contraction it actually felt like the baby was pushing and that my body wanted to push with him!

The oils I applied were especially helpful in calming my nerves and helping me maintain a level head. For instance, when we finally got to the hospital, my nerves were mild, and my mind clear enough to know I did not want a wheelchair. I remembered that sitting does not help—gravity helps the baby descend. I also declined the hospital gown and opted for my lucky bra. Finally, I firmly decided to lean on the bed, still standing, with my chest and arms stretched out. This was the most comfortable position for me during my last birth and for this one as well. All this time, my husband set up my diffuser and spread Peace and Calming throughout my hospital room. This helped me feel ready to give birth.

When the nurse checked me while I was comfortably on all fours, she said I was almost fully dilated at nine and a half centimeters. I was shocked by how quickly I got to delivery and how minimized my pain felt. I attribute this partly to the Peace and Calming, Valor, Pan Away, and Stress Away I kept applying during the car ride between contractions. I also know the acupuncture needles, seven weeks of listening to hypnobirthing CDs, and the support of my Doula helped me transition quickly and calmly.

With a few more contractions and pushing, my baby boy arrived at exactly 9:00 pm on August 17^th, 2014. We delayed the clamping until the cord stopped pulsing blood into his little body. He began breastfeeding soon after. I was so elated with my second all natural, drug-free vaginal birth! I had no tearing, no need for ice, and was pretty comfortable sitting on the bed! We diffused Gentle Baby oil in our private room and alternated that with Peace and Calming to have a peaceful experience, bonding with the baby.

Though this hospital’s protocol after birth is to give a woman Pitocin—a standard drug given at most hospitals to stop bleeding and “help” the uterus contract—I declined. Pitocin is known to result in stronger uterus contractions after labor. Instead, breastfeeding and massaging the uterus are natural ways to induce uterus contractions and cease bleeding. But once I began to bleed more than the nurses and doctors liked, they began to push the Pitocin. Luckily, my doula consulted my Gentle Babies book and applied Frankincense to the tips of my big toes. Wouldn’t you know it, Frankincense oil in combination with massaging my uterus and breastfeeding got the bleeding to stop! I had my perfect birth. I might have used Pitocin should my other methods have failed, and I advise you to take the advice of the experts around you. But, for me, these methods luckily worked, naturally as God intended!

Breastfeeding tips and natural remedies!!

2014-08-08T18:27:00.001-07:00

Breastfeeding is by far the greenest option for feeding your newborn. You do not have the manufacturing of formula and you can also go without bottles for as long as you wish. No clean up! I have successfully breastfed my now 2 year old for a year.. There is a great sense of accomplishment that comes with this. Breastmilk has the best nutrients, antibodies to fight off viruses, and it is free! I breastfed my first child til she was almost 17 months!
To help with milk production I drank Traditional Medicinals Mother's Milk tea. I brought it with me to the hospital and drank a few cups a day. Then every other day. It really worked great and tastes good with Stevia to sweeten it. Now I am preparing for my 3rd baby due in the next week and I have stockpiled Mountain Rose Herbs Nursing Tea. You can click the ad on this blog to purchase some for yourself!

My second baby was rarely collicky!! She had only had breastmilk. The only thing I had to change in my diet was stop drinking goat milk because it made her spit up more. She only seemed fussy when she was hungry and got gassy if I ate too much garlic or broccoli. I have read about what to eat and what not to eat to prevent colic or fussiness. It seems to vary among babies. What I have found to be a common factor among several women is that they must stop eating dairy because it has a negative effect on the infant. What I did find surprising is that you should avoid peppermint and parsley because it can halt milk production. Remember also to avoid caffeine and alcohol or use the test strips to check your milk after you have a drink. I truly believe each baby is different and you just have to see what works for you. If you have a family history of certain food allergies, your baby may be allergic as well. Common allergens are things such as wheat, eggs, corn, dairy, shellfish and soy.

If you plan on breastfeeding there are certain things I feel are essential to make it as easy as possible. First you need Earth Mama Angel Baby Nipple Cream. There are other brands but this is lanolin free, organic and doesn't need to be washed off before feeding your baby. You can also use raw coconut oil to moisturize as well. If you get an infection known as mastitis...I have read that you can use on drop of Geranium oil(Young Living Brand) and one drop of Lavender(Young Living Brand) and combine with a pint and a half of cool water and soak a wash cloth in the mixture to use as a cold compress. I have my oils ready for this since it occasionally happens.(You can look at the Young Living link above for wholesale sign up info)
A breast pump is great to have. They are pricey but well worth it! The Medela Freetyle is what I have and it also comes in handy when it is time to mix milk with baby cereal like oatmeal. Or you can express by hand which works to add milk to oatmeal... but it is not easy...milk just seems to go all over the kitchen and not much in the oatmeal bowl! So I suggest a pump of some sort! As far as bottles...I used the medela BPA free that go with the breast pump. This time I didn't even pull out my breast pump or get bottles ready. I will nurse and may eventually use glass since all of the recent backlash on BPA free bottles still containing harmful chemicals. For working moms who need to store milk and freeze...do your research. Heating the bottle with milk in it is what worries me. Consult a lactation specialist on this one. Nursing bras and tanks are great too. You will want to have one per day or you will smell like sour milk. I like the nursing tanks for the winter to keep extra warm. Instead of the disposable breast pads filling up landfills, I like the organic cotton reusable breastpads. It is also good to have a few nursing tops to make it easier to feed when you are in public....even better! A button down shirt will work also but if you have a fussy baby, easy access is best! The fabrics you wear should really be cotton or wool or hemp and not washed with any harmful detergents as your baby is inhaling them. A good nursing pillow is helpful but the popular brands are made from toxic materials such as polyurethane foam!! Here are Natural options for nursing pillows. You can use a latex pillow which is safe as well or lay down to nurse which is so relaxing. Remember women have breastfed for ages without a nursing pillow!!! Whatever option is best for you, please give breastfeeding a try! You can contact your local Le Leche League for help if your hospital does not have a lactation consultant.Happy Breastfeeding Week!!

Help Heartburn During Pregnancy Naturally with Essential Oils!

2014-07-30T11:07:00.002-07:00

During pregnancy all sorts of things happen to the body that may need a little help from an all natural remedy. The one that I have been waiting and waiting for is heartburn! I expected it to happen at the beginning of the third trimester and surprise it never came until about a month ago. With my other two pregnancies it was something that occurred mostly at night and sometimes I needed to sleep somewhat upright to avoid it. With this pregnancy I have been using Young Living Peppermint Oil in water mixed with Lemon Oil as a refreshing afternoon pick me up some days. Perhaps that is helping. Peppermint oil has all sorts of uses, I just didn't expect it to keep heartburn at bay! I also purchased a bottle of the Young Living Alkalime months ago in preparation for this heartburn which I thought we be as it was in prior pregnancies. I have only used the Alkalime 4 times and it works immediately!!!! I also watch what I eat and do not eat raw onions, only roasted and just a few bites. My diet is healthy as it was with all pregnancies. I have not once had to sleep upright!!! The only thing I can attribute to not having heartburn nearly everyday and night is the Young Living Peppermint oil since I did not use it in other pregnancies...wish I had or my sleep at night would have been much better! I will need to stop using it once a go into labor since Peppermint is known to halt breastmilk production...for now it is my favorite oil!
If you want more info on Young Living Oils and how you can get them wholesale..contact me!