Natural Parenting – Page 2 – All Natural Mumma

In Natural Parenting

Winter Home Birth Plans: Planning for a Winter Birth

July 12, 2024

As the winter season brings its chilly charm, it also calls for some extra preparation if you’re planning a home birth. Winter home births can be serene and beautiful, offering a cozy, intimate setting for welcoming your new baby. However, the colder weather and for some, the potential for snow and ice, mean it’s essential to be well-prepared. Here are some valuable tips and tricks to ensure your winter home birth goes smoothly.

CREATE A WARM COMFORTABLE ENVIRONMENT

The comfort of your birth space is paramount, especially during winter. Ensure that your home is adequately heated and that you have extra blankets, heating pads, and cozy attire on hand. Space heaters can be a great addition to your birthing area to maintain a warm environment. I had my fourth baby in front of the fire and it was the most beautiful experience! Don’t forget to have plenty of warm socks and slippers to keep your feet comfortable.

PLAN FOR POWER OUTAGES

Winter storms can sometimes lead to power outages. Be prepared with battery-operated lanterns, flashlights, and candles to ensure you have sufficient lighting. A portable, battery-operated heater can also be a lifesaver in keeping the birth area warm. Make sure your phone and other essential devices are fully charged, and consider having a backup power source if possible.

STOCK UP ON ESSENTIALS

Before your due date, stock up on all the essentials you’ll need for your home birth and the days following. This includes groceries, toiletries, and baby supplies like nappies and wipes. Having plenty of nourishing, easy-to-prepare meals on hand, such as soups and stews, can be incredibly helpful. Don’t forget to stock up on herbal teas and snacks for during and after labour.

STAY HEALTHY AND BOOST YOUR IMMUNITY

Winter is also a good time to keep your immune system strong. Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and immune-boosting foods like garlic and ginger. Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest. Continue taking nutrient rich teas, avoid big crowds and use your essential oils!!

PREPARE YOUR BIRTH TEAM

Ensure your midwife and any other birth attendants are aware of your plans and have clear instructions on how to reach your home, especially if the weather turns bad. Discuss backup plans in case your midwife or doula is unable to reach you due to severe weather. It’s also wise to have a reliable method of communication, like a landline phone, in case cell service is disrupted.

PLAN FOR POSTPARTUM COMFORT

The postpartum period is a time for rest and recovery, and the winter season can provide a cozy backdrop for this special time. Prepare a comfortable space with plenty of pillows, blankets, and easy access to all necessary supplies. Warm baths, herbal teas, and nourishing foods can aid in your recovery and provide comfort.

STAY INFORMED AND FLEXIBLE

Winter weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to stay informed about the forecast and be flexible with your plans. Have a backup plan in case of emergencies, and stay in close communication with your birth team. Being prepared for any scenario will help you remain calm and focused.

Preparing for a winter home birth involves thoughtful planning and preparation, but it also offers a unique opportunity to create a warm, intimate setting for welcoming your baby. Embrace the tranquility and beauty of the season, knowing that you’re well-prepared for this special moment in your life.

In Natural Parenting

Natural Medicine for Childhood Ear Infections

January 13, 2023

ARE ANTIBIOTICS NECESSARY

Ear infections are the most common of all childhood infections and when your little one has one, you certainly know about it. It can be very distressing for your child. The usual route is to take bub to the doc and a round of antibiotics is prescribed.

In many cases, antibiotics are not necessary. A build up of fluid in the Eustachian tube can cause a lot of discomfort but it does not mean your child has an ear infection. Even redness of the ear drum does not guarantee an infection is present. Prescribing antibiotics ‘just in case’ is not only harmful but often sets the child up for recurring ear infections. This was my story with our eldest.

A BUILD UP OF PRESSURE

Children’s ear canals are horizontal in structure. They don’t slant down like they do for adults. This makes it more difficult for the body to drain lymph from the ears and nodes, down into the throat for removal. When the lymph fluid doesn’t drain as needed it moves back up into the Eustachian tubes which presses on the back of the ear drum, causing swelling and pain. This is why it is commonly mistaken for an infection. If left untreated, this can advance to an infection so taking measures to address this stage is important.

TEETHING AND EAR INFECTIONS

When babies are teething there is a lot going on in the gums and mouth.

Being close to the ears, there will naturally be some discomfort and stress in this area. Sometimes this will present as swelling, redness and irritation.

If your child is running a mild fever, you will have to be the judge whether you need to take action to stabilise body temperature or just make bub as comfortable as possible.

WHAT DOES AN INFECTION LOOK LIKE

A lot of heat! High body temperature, hot to touch on side of face and head, pus oozing from the ear.. Obviously we want to prevent this from happening by supporting the body early.

If your child is presenting with a true infection, they may need urgent medical support. It’s always best to act quickly with small children.

WHAT CAN YOU DO

The first step is to help the lymph drain from the body so it doesn’t build up in the ear canal.

Increase circulation to the area by wetting a washer with warm water and applying it over the ear and down the sides of the neck.
Gently massage behind the ear and down the sides of the neck with extremely light strokes. Don’t apply too much pressure here. The lighter strokes will help move the lymph more effectively than firmer strokes. Keep the movement in a downward motion and you are doing it right.
Use essential oils to support the immune system and promote lymph flow. I only use and recommend Young Living Essential Oils as I know their standards are extremely high and their farming and extraction processes ensure the healing potential of the oil remains intact.

LEMON ESSENTIAL OIL

Assists with congestion and helps support the immune system. Dilute 1-2 drops in a little coconut or olive oil and apply to the sides of the neck using the same light stroke massage technique as described above.

LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL

Contains properties that assist with inflammation. Apply directly to the bottom of the feet or at the site of discomfort. Dilute well for infants and small children.

COPAIBA ESSENTIAL OIL

This is THE oil for teething and discomfort. Blend with lemon and lavender or use on its own, diluted with carrier oil (coconut or olive). Apply in the same manner to help move the lymph out of the Eustachian tube. Some mummas will put a drop of Copaiba oil on their finger and rub onto swollen gums as needed.

WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO?

COLLOIDAL SILVER – A few drops of colloidal silver in the ear canal will help to kill off bacteria thereby reducing swelling and pain.

GARLIC OIL – Garlic acts as a natural antibiotic and olive oil helps with inflammation. Gently heat 2 tbl olive oil in a pan with 1 clove organic garlic, crushed. Keep on low heat for 20 minutes then strain. Cool to skin temperature then apply two drops into the ear. Does not store or keep so make fresh each day if needed.

MULLEIN DROPS – Make the above garlic oil, adding 2 tsp dried mullein flowers to the recipe.

BREASTFEED – If baby is still nursing, keep feeding on demand. This provides the necessary antibodies to help fight off an infection as well as providing comfort and circulation to the area.

IMPORTANT NOTES AND SAFETY

NEVER drop essential oils into the ear canal, no matter how pure. This will cause undue pain to your child and risk irritating the thin mucosal membrane that lines the ear canal.

Only ever use essential oils that are trustworthy. Message me for a referral!

In Low Tox Life

The Hidden Dangers of Greenwashing

March 23, 2022

Greenwashing:

“Greenwashing, also called “green sheen”, is a form of marketing spin in which green PR and green marketing are deceptively used to persuade the public that an organization’s products, aims and policies are environmentally friendly.“

Yikes! Thanks Wikepedia.

I wish I knew about this 25 years ago when I had my first baby.

I eventually figured it out, but it wasn’t because somebody told me.

So here I am today to let you know, just in case you’ve never heard of it!

GREENWASHING

Greenwashing has been around probably as long as we’ve had people waking up and realising that the products they were putting on their family weren’t really that nice.

Companies recognised a trend that mummas and care-givers were looking for natural solutions and environmentally friendly products, especially those with little ones that were struggling with conditions like asthma and eczema. So they rebranded their products, or came up with some new ones, that would be more appealing and sell well in the market.

Sadly, greenwashing is a ploy to make you think you’re doing the right thing, using “natural” products, but when you dig a little deeper and research the ingredient list, you find out that what you thought you were putting on your brand new baby, isn’t “organic” at all and it’s actually really bad for the environment.

Yep, that was me. I trusted the company and brand because the label said things like “100% pure” and “organic”. It had a pretty picture of a cute baby and a serene earth and I thought, this HAS to be natural.

I was horrified to discover that what I was putting on my little one had ingredients that were linked to infertility, hormone disruption, asthma, neurological problems and skin allergies.

From that moment on I decided to always look closer and make sure the company truly delivers a product that is safe and beneficial to me, my family and the planet.

So how do you feel about greenwashing?

Let me know down below.

In Natural Parenting

Homemade Vegemite and Why You Have to Try It!

February 27, 2021

Have you tasted Vegemite before? If you’re not from around these parts there’s a high chance that you haven’t and if you have, you most likely don’t like it!

I’m a born and bred Aussie so of course I have tried Vegemite and all of its commercial alternatives. I grew up to the catchy tune that echoed throughout every Australian home in the 80s. Those were fun times!

I’m not sure it gave me those rosy cheeks though??

Being an all natural mumma now, I’ve chosen not to feed this iconic spread to my children. Ingredients like yeast grown on barley and wheat, and other ingredients like Potassium Chloride (Mineral Salt 508) and Ammonia caramel (Colour 150C), are additives that are best avoided. Here’s why!..

INGREDIENTS TO AVOID AND WHY

YEAST GROWN ON BARLEY AND WHEAT:

High possibility this product is GMO and also contains gluten.

MINERAL SALT 508:

Prohibited in foods for infants. Can cause gastrointestinal and liver issues.

AMMONIA CARAMEL (150C):

Also prohibited in food for infants and is known to cause allergic and hypersensitive reactions and hyperactivity.

FLAVOURS:

This quite literally could be anything! The chemical composition of flavourings can be complex and because of this reason, Food Standards Australia New Zealand exempts companies from fully disclosing, and therefore not labelling, exactly what their “flavour” consists of. There could be 50 or more substances (or ingredients) that make up just one flavour. For a savvy mum making wise choices about the food they are feeding their kids, this presents a real problem. Best to avoid!

WHAT ABOUT THE VITAMINS!!?

It is true that Vegemite is renowned as having added vitamins such as Niacin, Thiamine, Riboflavin and Folate, however unfortunately, these vitamins are synthetic! The body does not absorb and therefore utitilise them, in the same way as it would if they were naturally found in wholefoods.

NOT A HEALTH FOOD PRODUCT

Although we may have fond memories of our childhood and Vegemite playing a starring role, let’s not forget that it was a pantry item created from a waste product. Breweries at the time had a surplus of leftover yeast and so with the help of a chemist, Vegemite was born and marketed to the people as the latest and greatest thing. It was heavily promoted (hence the catchy tune) to appeal to busy mums and fussy kids.

It was never intended to be a health food product.

A NATURAL ALTERNATIVE

When something is super simple to make and it uses all natural ingredients, I want to know about it. A friend recently shared this recipe with me and it is so good, I had to share it with you!

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED

3 1/2 cups organic black sesame seeds
2 tbl organic sesame oil
1/8 tsp rock/sea salt
150g organic Tamari (Soy Sauce)
3 tbl Bragg Nutritional Yeast Seasoning
3 tsp organic Apple Cider Vinegar

STEP 1 – MAKE THE BLACK TAHINI PASTE

In a high speed blender, grind up the sesame seeds.
Add the sesame oil and salt and blitz again.
This makes your Black Tahini Paste. You will only need 210g for this recipe.
Store the rest in a glass jar in the fridge for up to one month.

STEP 2 – COMBINE INGREDIENTS

Take 210g of your Black Tahini Paste and add it back to your high speed blender.
Add the tamari, nutritional yeast and apple cider vinegar and blend well.
Transfer to a glass jar and store in the fridge.

THE END RESULT

A delicious savoury, salty spread to put on sourdough and crackers..

You could even add a tablespoon to a hearty stew!

Are you a Vegemite lover?

Even if you’re not, you might like to still try this yummy recipe.

Let me know what you think!

In Low Tox Life

Why Toxic – Free Sunscreen is Important

January 8, 2021

Ever since the 1980’s Australians have been raised to Slip Slop and Slap. And for good reason. They don’t call us the Sunburnt Country for nothing!!

THE PROBLEM

The problem is, most sunscreens out on the market today do more harm than good.

Not only are they destroying coral and polluting the ocean and waterways, they are also significantly causing health problems in the human body too!

TOXIC INGREDIENTS

Have you looked at the ingredients in your sunscreen?

Many are carcinogenic, meaning they cause Cancer. My family have been using natural sunscreens for many years now, and often we don’t use one at all. The sun’s not bad, we just need to be sensible with exposure.

YOUR CHOICE

Obviously, EVERY BODY and family is different so keep taking care of your family the best you can and research the ingredients in your current sunscreen.

If there are any nasties in there, ditch it and switch it out for an all natural one. All natural, mineral based sunscreens can be very effective and often have BENEFICIAL ingredients that help to nourish your body and skin.

Staying Safe in the Sun is a Priority, Don’t You Think?

WHAT WE USE

We are a family who loves the outdoors, especially the beach. We live on the beautiful Gold Coast and spend a lot of time in and out of the water, enjoying the warm weather and bright, sunny days.

On top of choosing sensible times to venture out in the sun, and covering up with hats and swim shirts, we also use an all natural sunscreen from Young Living.

THE BENEFITS

Young Living Mineral Sunscreen Lotion is a mineral-based, non-toxic sunscreen that has SPF 50+, including water and sweat resistant protection for 80 minutes.

Not only does it protect against both UVA and UVB rays, (most only protect against UVB to prevent superficial sunburn) it does this without using nanoparticles. Nanoparticles are so small, they can penetrate cells and cross the blood-brain barrier. The risks are still unknown however, once in the brain they pose two major threats.

induce oxidative activity (production of Reactive Oxygen Species), and
induce anomalous protein aggregation behaviour (fibrillation).

There needs to be more research done, especially in conjunction with known fibrillation diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson disease, and most agree that it is best to avoid nanoparticles until we know all the associated risks.

BE SAFE

Young Living chooses to only ever produce products that are KNOWN to be safe, and this beautiful sunscreen is one of their many non-toxic and chemical-free products that you can be certain will do no harm to you or your family.

NEXT STEP

Ok, so there are two ways to purchase this beautiful, safe product so you can have fun in the sun without receiving irreparable damage to the skin.

1. Grab it at wholesale like I do. This is by far the best option. This is how I buy all my favourite Young Living products at a discount. Simply choose a Starter Bundle and add the sunscreen OR complete a Customised Enrolment Order.

You can learn more by going here. Use referral # 1706951 so you get the discount! And be sure to message me so I can help you maximise the freebies and bonus products with your order and get to know you a little more.

OR

2. A standard retail purchase. Retail products are 24% more than wholesale membership pricing. You’ll still get exclusive access to our online community with daily tips, recipes, DIYs and ongoing support, so still sing out if you choose this option!

Again, be sure to use the member referral # 1706951 when ordering, so Young Living link you in with me and I can personally support you and add you to our health and wellness community group.

If you have any questions, please get in touch via the Contact Page. I’d love to hear from you!

In Holistic Health

How to Blissfully Welcome Your New Baby

January 8, 2021

Little babies need little more than warmth, comfort, love and milk. So when setting up space for the arrival of your little one, here are a few tips..

KEEP THEM CLOSE

1. Keep them close! The closer your baby is to you, the less they will cry. It’s a very raw and biological instinct to keep your baby near you. If baby can smell you, hear your heartbeat and touch your skin, they will feel safe.

LESS IS MORE

2. Less is more! Babies don’t need all the bells and whistles or the latest pram, cot, highchair or toys. Let’s be real.. grown ups want those things, babies don’t actually care. Our precious little ones just want you to engage with them and teach them how to smile and laugh.

AVOID ELECTRONICS

3. Avoid electronics. Babies do not need the latest technology. They will actually be smarter and healthier without it! Babies are hardwired to learn about the people around them and their natural surroundings. Truly, that’s all they need! It’s very easy to fall into the trap of thinking that they need so much more, but it simply isn’t true. Save your money.

REMOVE TOXICITY

4. Remove all toxic cleaners and personal care products from your home. These are an insult to the senses, especially for baby, and they are also harmful to their growing bodies. This is a priority!! You are better off washing your baby in plain old water then buying that “organic” baby wash from the supermarket that promises to take care of your baby “naturally”. Most products, even those that are marketed for sensitive skins, are full of harmful ingredients that are toxic to your beautiful bundle of joy.

USE NATURAL AROMAS

5. Use natural aromas to gently fragrance your home and to create a peaceful environment. This will benefit both you and baby. Just a word of wisdom.. go easy on the oils, especially in the early hours of birth, and only use the purest you can find. It is critical for bonding for both baby and mother to recognise each other’s smell. A blessing of Frankincense here and a drop of Lavender there will be beautiful, but heavy doses of any fragrance may disrupt this natural process.

GET YOUR REST

6. Get your rest, ask for help and RELAX. Listen to your body and the needs of your baby. They don’t come with a manual but both mother and baby have been gifted with this thing called intuition. The two of you have been working harmoniously for the last 9 months, living and breathing together. Read all you can, connect with your support network but keep the focus on reading your baby and tuning in to the signs that he or she is giving you. And above all else.. don’t be in a hurry. I promise you those precious early days will fly by and someday you will cry at how little they once were.

In Holistic Health

7 Simple Steps to Create a Positive Mindset

February 10, 2020

What does it mean to have a positive mindset? We all know there is power in positive thinking and many physical and emotional benefits to be had, like an elevation in mood and increased confidence.. But how do we actually achieve a positive mindset, especially when we are already feeling so low?

MORNING AFFIRMATIONS

1. Morning Affirmations – starting the day saying something positive about yourself and/or to yourself, like “I am alive and ready for the day!” can help shift your mindset from negative to positive. If you are finding it hard to come up with something nice to say, or you’re just not feeling it, grab your favourite devotional book and steal something inspiring from there!

TAKE EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE

2. Take Every Thought Captive – this can take some awareness and acuity but when you nail it, amazing things can happen. Often the thoughts that bring us down or make us feel bad about ourselves are nothing but LIES. Recognising those thoughts for what they are and declaring (out loud I might add) that you do not believe those words or thoughts, and acknowledge that you are choosing to, right now, only believe that you are pure and wholesome and set apart.. this will help shift your perspective and belief in yourself, which ultimately changes your mindset.

MOVE YOUR BODY

3. Move Your Body – exercise not only affects our physical health but also our mental, emotional and spiritual health. Whether it’s walking the dog (and let’s be real.. a dog and his smile can give you a positive mindset), climbing a mountain, or stretching in Yoga.. moving your body can remind you that you are alive and that life is for living.. Your body is the vehicle that allows you to travel around in this life, taking care of it makes you naturally feel better about yourself and you can’t help but have a positive mindset when you feel good about yourself. Not to mention all the happy hormones that are released when you work out!

GET OUT IN NATURE

4. Get Out In Nature – (I like to do 3 and 4 together.) Again, being out in nature, exploring the Earth and all its awesomeness is another way to appreciate the life you have. Can’t travel too far? A simple walk outside may be all it takes. When you see, and feel, the beauty that has been created to not only nourish you, but restore you, this can boost a positive mindset like nothing else.

DEVELOP YOURSELF

5. Develop Yourself – It is said that we are the culmination of the 5 people we most spend our time with. I spend most of my days, if not every day, with my 3 youngest daughters… They teach me SO much: How to be joyful, how to manage stress, how to forgive, how to handle objections… SO MUCH! But I also read and watch everything I can to become a better person. I learn from those who have the kind of success I want for my family. Not just financial success, but HAPPINESS success. There’s no secret formula, but we can learn so much about positive mindset from following those who express it!

ENJOY FRIENDS AND FAMILY

6. Enjoy Your Friends and Family – This is a no brainer. If you have friends and family that lift you up, just by being in their company, those are the ones you want to hold on to. Make time to connect and play and love life together. Go camping, turn off the TV, visit a Spa, eat out, drink, be merry.. whatever it is that you love to do together, do it and do it often!

FIND YOUR PASSION

7. Find Your Passion – Living a passionate life means finding something creative that brings you joy. For some it is music, art, sewing.. a hobby or a sport. One of my favourite things to do is travel and explore the world, and when I haven’t done it for a while I tend to lose my sparkle. One of the quickest ways I have found to pull myself out of a negative mindset funk, is to be of service to someone else. Which just happens to be at the top of my passion list!! Taking the focus off myself and helping someone in need is HUGE! Also expressing gratitude for everything I have experienced thus far and everything I already have in my life…mind blown! GRATITUDE is perhaps the most significant component of creating a positive mindset.

What’s your number one tip on creating a positive mindset?

In Holistic Health

How a stay at home mum increased her low energy in just 7 days without caffeine or stimulants

February 8, 2020

You know I love to share how this juice is helping people right!? Well this story really hit home for me because I remember what it felt like to be in that space. Tired, no energy, feeling like you can’t keep up.. The difference is, back then, I didn’t have access to this incredible drink. I was 5 kids in before I was introduced to it!

I have a small child who is very active and I was really struggling to keep up with him. After one week I started waking up feeling like I had energy to get through the day and now we don’t seem to catch every little thing anymore. So happy I’ve found this product.

A Mumma With Low Energy

When Sam first reached out, she was desperate. Her energy levels were super low and life just didn’t feel good anymore. She was struggling to get things done during the day and the constant demands of her little one left her feeling exhausted. Her relationship with her husband suffered because all she could think about was how everything was piling up around her and that made her feel resentful towards her husband, even though she knew he was doing all he could to help.

Sam had seen me talking in our Better Health Group about this all natural juice and how much it gave me the energy to get through my day and thought “What have I got to lose!!” And I tell you what, she has never looked back!

Immediately she noticed something different. In fact, the very first day she messaged me in tears saying she felt like this was an answered prayer. I wholeheartedly believe that too.

The Result

7 days in and she was waking up without the usual brain fog and noticed that she didn’t need to reach for that afternoon sweet snack or cup of coffee like she used to. Her mood had improved, she was feeling more connected to her hubby and overall life was great.

Oh and let’s not forget!.. she’s now experienced firsthand how the immune boosting qualities of this incredible product have improved her family’s health. But that’s a WHOLE other story for a whole other day.

Sam says that she is super excited to continue on with her superfood juice and is even now looking into the benefits of our 21 Day Wellness program to lose weight, get fit and detox from all the gunk that is so prevalent in today’s modern world.

If you’re sitting there thinking, “OMG that is me too!”, then comment below, email me, FB stalk me.. whatever you have to do to get my attention. I promise you, THIS is what you have been waiting for.