Life is Amazing

"Statistically, the probability of any one of us being here is so small that you'd think the mere fact of existing would keep us all in a contented dazzlement of surprise."

--Lewis Thomas, The Lives Of A Cell

 

Placenta Encapsulation

When I was pregnant, I heard about the benefits of consuming one's placenta after the birth to replenish energy, facilitate a speedy recovery, and to prevent postpartum depression. I knew that placenta was an ancient remedy used for a variety of conditions for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

However, the few articles I read about it mentioned unappetizing recipes such as stir-fried placenta with onions and garlic, blending raw placenta into smoothies and drinking it, or even just eating it raw and plain. None of these methods appealed to me. I happily planted my son's beloved placenta in the garden behind the home he was born in.

I wish that I had the information then about placenta encapsulation. I am delighted that now I have been guided to Placenta Benefits - www.placentabenefits.info - an informative website about the powerful benefits of placenta medicine for postpartum health and more. The founder Jodi Selander offers placenta education and encapsulation services. You can also order a kit with instructions and tools to dry, powder, and encapsulate your own placenta.

The reported benefits of placenta consumption include increased breastmilk, increase energy, prevention of postpartum depression, and less postpartum bleeding. Your own placenta capsules are also excellent to save in the freezer for menopause. Small amounts of one's own dried placenta can be given to the baby or child for separation anxiety, such as the first day of school.  

I believe the placenta is a powerful healing remedy for the mother and baby and I am glad to see more modern methods of bringing this free and safe home remedy back to women and families. Placentas have been honored by cultures around the world since ancient times. In fact, the word placenta comes from old English placent and it means a round, flat cake. Thus, every year on our birthdays, we gather round and celebrate around a cake - known in olden days as a placenta - and eat it.

Herbs for a Healthy Birth

by Rosetta Thuresson, Dip. H, www.mamarosesnaturals.com 

The moment that new life is awakened within a women’s being, an internal dance begins between mother, baby, and the earth. This natural bond between mother and child continues to grow throughout pregnancy, birth, and as each continue their journey together. It is intended that the formation of this miraculous and unique relationship remain instinctive, close to nature, without unnecessary interruption from technology and other exterior forces. Through the use of herbs, nature provides many sources of nutrients, which are essential in facilitating a harmonious experience for mother and baby as they approach the moment that they will meet eye to eye in our world.

When learning of having conceived a baby, it is very common for women to want to pay special attention to their well being. While trying to maintain good health, many women also experience physical challenges during pregnancy, such as symptoms of morning sickness, including nausea, vomiting, or indigestion, as well as feelings of fatigue and fluctuation in hormonal balance. Many medications to treat such issues are not safe to use during pregnancy for healthy fetal development. Herbs have been used for generations during pregnancy to assist the process of a natural birth and a healthy mother and child.

Nature offers an abundance of plants, often referred to as herbs, for all stages of the birthing process. Research confirms that herbs are rich in essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other trace elements required for health and vitality. Each plays an essential role in keeping both Mama and baby happy and healthy throughout pregnancy. Low levels of vital nutrients such as iron, calcium, folic acid, zinc, and vitamins C and E may possibly lead to muscle cramps, backache, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, toxemia, postpartum hemorrhaging, or even miscarriage.

In the quest for obtaining ultimate nutritional health and internal balance during pregnancy and birth, many women have turned to the timeless and traditional use of herbs and natural remedies. Herbs are the most ancient form of medicine known, integrating all levels of personal well being at the internal source, acting synergistically to improve overall health and harmony of the whole person – in mind, body, and spirit. For millions of years, herbal remedies have been passed down from mothers to their daughters and granddaughters to help support the miraculous childbearing process, throughout pregnancy, birth, postpartum care, and beyond.

Natural Toys for Kids Health

The recent recalls and news about toxins in toys manufactured in countries around the world have put parents into a frenzy, making them think twice about their children playing with the latest must-have toy. With the list of recalled toys growing regularly, prospective mothers like me wonder if any toy will be safe when our children are born. Certainly, every child needs and deserves play time. But how does a parent ensure a toy is safe to play with? And how do we avoid the all-too-common over-consumption and overflowing playroom tendency?

The answer is no further than right outside that playroom window. Nature has no recalls and nature has endless opportunities for education and enjoyment—enjoyment that will last much longer than that which comes from the must-have doll that is so quickly tossed aside.

Nature Has No Recalls: Getting Joy Beyond Toys from realmama.org 

Free Circumcision DVD for Birth Educators

The Boys Health Advisory and the National Organization of Circumcision Information Resource Centers both recognize a significant need in the birthing community for more information on circumcision. We know that parents ask childbirth educators and other healthcare professionals for information. We hope that the DVD is helpful to you and your clients, and we are interested in hearing about your experience with showing it. If you have a moment, please let us know.

We regularly update our websites, citing current studies and providing other circumcision-related information. Please visit our websites and refer your clients to them for downloadable pamphlets and other information:

http://www.babyboy.info

http://www.nocirc.org

Feel free to pass along our offer of a free DVD to other childbirth and related professionals that may be interested in receiving it. Anyone wishing to receive a free educational circumcision DVD may contact us at dvd@babyboy.info.

The free DVD offer has been made available to over 35,000 childbirth educators and healthcare professionals. We are pleased by the response. Some recipients have asked about reimbursing for expenses, especially postage. We rely solely on donations for our educational outreach. If you would like to make a donation toward the DVD project, your tax-deductible donation is both welcomed and appreciated.

To make donating easy, you can go to www.nocirc.org and click on the PayPal donation button (please specify that your donation is for the DVD project), or you can make your check payable to NOCIRC NC and send to:

NOCIRC of NC
PO Box 5081
Chapel Hill, NC 27514