Guest post

This isn't too related to birth but I was privileged to do a guest post on one of my favorite real food blogs, Taste Is Trump. Kara posts delicious, real food recipes on her blog. She has a knack for creating delicious dishes and she uses all sorts of creative combinations. Go visit her blog...I think you'll love it as much as I do!

Here's my first post, Roasted Vegetable and Garlic Quinoa.

And, my second post, 6 Tips for your Real-Food Journey.

I can sort of thank much of my journey towards real food to my journey towards natural childbirth. These two journeys have gone hand-in-hand for me, so maybe this post is applicable after all?

Enjoy!

World Breastfeeding Week

It's world breastfeeding week!

Give your baby the best.

"A newborn baby has only three demands. They are warmth in the arms of
its mother, food from her breasts, and security in the knowledge of her
presence. Breastfeeding satisfies all three."

- Grantly Dick-Read

Here is a fact about formula...I just learned this and was astonished.

There is an obesity epidemic in 6 month olds. Why? What is causing this?

Sugar. Plain and simple.

Watch this lecture given by Endocrinologist Dr. Lustig. It will change your life. It's an hour and a half but so worth your time. Schedule a date night with your husband and watch it!

Babies drinking formula are essentially getting a "baby milkshake" as Dr. Lustig puts it. Formula is 43.2% corn syrup solids and 10.3% sugar (fructose).

Don't get me wrong...I am not against formula in the case that a mother cannot truly breastfeed, but I am against formula being used when a mother can breastfeed (ie, just to "supplement" or because you want to get away for a day). A mother should make every effort to breastfeed, although it may be hard, painful, tiring, etc. The only way to do this is to offer support and to educate and empower women, so they know that their bodies are capable. There is a small percentage of women who may not breastfeed due to medical reasons or a truly low milk supply, but the majority of women, with proper education and support, can successfully breastfeed. Of course, the longer a baby is breastfed, the better, but a minimum of 6 months is essential. Now that I know this, I would say breastfeeding for a year is essential so as to avoid the sugar content of formula. I suppose you might wonder...so what? Is sugar that bad? Well, watch the lecture and then you'll understand why it is so bad. Sugar and alcohol are metabolized in the liver exactly the same way. It is extremely bad for your body. It is a toxin, a poison. Yes, really, it is. After learning about the sugar content of formula, I am even more dedicated to helping women succeed in breastfeeding their babies. 

Here are a couple of really wonderful links with information about milk supply. I had so many questions answered, even though I am nursing my second child. Take a look at them!

Is your milk supply really low?

Do babies under 12 months self-wean?