Earth Babies Blog

“Birth is not only about making babies. Birth is about making mothers…strong, competent, capable mothers who trust themselves and know their inner strength.” -Barbara Katz Rothman

The week-end past I attended a birth as a Doula and was once again in awe of women and nature and new life. I love having the opportunity to be present and help in the beauty of birth – not only the birth of a baby and new life but more so the birth of a mother and new love.

“We have a secret in our culture, and it’s not that birth is painful; it’s that women are strong.” -Laura Stavoe Harm

At a wedding, have you ever when the bride walks down the isle turned to look at the groom (it is the best part of a wedding, to see his sharp intake of breath, the wonder and love in his eyes). Well at a birth I do the same, my favourite part at a birth is not seeing that baby being birthed but looking up and watching the fathers wonder, respect, amazement and love for his wife at that very moment that their child enters the world … makes me cry every time.

The whole point of woman-centered birth is the knowledge that a woman is the birth power source. She may need, and deserve, help, but in essence, she always had, currently has, and will have the power. -Heather McCue

It does not matter how a woman looks after a birth they have a glow of achievement, self-respect and pride around them that they alone carried that beautiful child for 9 months and then brought them into the world safely and perfectly. Even exhausted and sore a new mother glows with that inner excitement at what they have achieved – they have done what no-one could do for them – birthed their child. Watching it I always get this warm self-wonder and think “I did THAT!”.

300,000 women will be giving birth with you today. Relax and breathe and do nothing else. Labor is hard work, it hurts and you can do it. – Unknown

When i decided to become a Doula my plan was to do post-natal assisting but not to attend births (I had not wanted to be at my own birth so could not imagine wanting to be at someone elses). To become a Doula though irrespective of how you want to focus your services, you have to attend 3 births – after my first birth my whole focus changed. I am meant to be a Doula, I love it and I am good at it.

Benefits of having a Doula at your Birth
beautifully explained by Mayan Healers Daughters of Ix Chel
* Recognizes birth as a key life experience that the mother will remember all her life…
* Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor…
* Assists the woman and her partner in preparing for and carrying out their plans for the birth…
* Stays by the side of the laboring woman throughout the entire labor…
* Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures, an objective viewpoint and assistance to the woman in getting the information she needs to make good decisions…
* Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and clinical care providers…
* A doula perceives her role as one who nurtures and protects the woman’s memory of her birth experience.

More information on Doulas
Find a Doula

While reading about all things healthy and always being on the look out for stuff to try I came across Kefir. I started asking around at health shops and trying to see if I could find anyone that had some to share but most people did not even know what I was talking about. Quite by chance I asked at one health shop after I had almost given up hope of finding any and not only did the lady know what I was talking about she had a number of where I could get some from.

So if after reading this you like the idea of kefir and want try it please feel free to contact me and I will happily share mine with you. Once your own batch starts to grow be sure to share it with others.

So what is it and why should you try get your hands on some.

What is Kefir?

Kefir is a fermented milk drink. The word kefir is said to have originated from the Turkish word “Keif” which means “good feeling”.
Kefir Grains are white or cream coloured grains that look a bit like cauliflower florets and they ferment milk. This grain is a like culture of more than 30 microflora that form grains or cauliflower-like structures in the milk. As they ferment the milk they grow creating new grains. Real kefir from live culture is an endlessly self-propagating process. So as your grains multipy you will have enough to share with others.

Microorganisms present in the grains include lactic acid bacteria, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lb delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, Lb helveticus, Lb casei subsp. pseudoplantarum and Lb brevis, a variety of yeasts, such as Kluyveromyces, Torulopsis, and Saccharomyces, acetic acid bacteria among others. They give kefir excellent keeping qualities by keeping putrifying bacteria that might otherwise colonise the milk at bay. They’ve been shown to inhibit both salmonella and E. Coli in laboratory tests.

Kefir and Health

Okay so this is the why part, why would you want to get some of these little grains to ferment your milk?

Kefir helps restore the balance in gut flora and has many reputed health benefits. It has antibiotic and antifungal properties. It has been used to help in many conditions including metabolic disorders, atherosclerosis, allergies, tuberculosis, cancer, poor digestion, candidiasis, osteoporosis, hypertension, HIV and heart disease. While it might seem strange to drink something with yeast in for a condition like candidiasis it helps restore natural balance, the micro elements kill of the Candida Albicans.

In addition to beneficial bacteria and yeast, kefir contains many vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes. Particularly calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, B2 and B12, vitamin K, vitamin A and vitamin D. Tryptophan, one of the essential amino acids abundant in kefir, is well known for its relaxing effect on the nervous system. Because kefir also has an abundance of calcium and magnesium, also important minerals for a healthy nervous system, kefir in the diet can have a particularly calming effect on the nerves.

Even many lactose intolerant people can tolerate Kefir as long as it is raw and not cooked, and it is usually of great benefit to them.

Research into Kefir:

www.torontoadvisors.com

www.nourishkefir.co.uk

How to make it:

www.seedsofhealth.co.uk

We get asked this question a lot. I have used all the brands that we sell and a lot of overseas brands too. When I was pregnant with my daughter there were no cloth nappies available in South Africa and so I bought and used some from the UK and USA. It was from using them that the idea for starting a company to sell cloth nappies in South Africa was born.

I can honestly say that after using more than 15 different brands that there really is no best nappy. They all have pros and cons and some nappies suit different people and different babies better. There are a lot of factors that might influence ones decision on which nappy will best suit you.
- cost
- durability – wanting to use them for subsequent children
- easy of use
- Fit, leak proof
- slimline fit
- absorbency

The 4 South African brands we sell are Mother Nature, Stegi, Bio-Baba and Earth Babies and choosing what to use can be tricky we have detailed information and diagrams on the website but if you still have questions feel free to email me: info@earthbabies.co.za and let me know what the features are most important to you in a cloth nappy and I can help you try select the best type to suit you and your family.

We have also put together a mixed pack of nappies that contains all of the brands available from our shop as we do really feel that each nappy is useful at different time and ages. Combo brand pack

Breastfeeding news and views from a mom of colour

I have only recently found this blog but am enjoying it so thought to share. Growing up in Swaziland I have always considered seeing black women breastfeeding as kind of the norm but on finding this blog I realised that it is rarely something you hear them talking a whole lot about (maybe I am moving in the wrong circles) and I have very rarely seen the more affluent black moms breastfeeding in public (coloured and indian yes but very rarely the black moms) – I wonder why this is? (as said maybe wrong circles!?) I am sure I would have noticed I always notice when a mom is breastfeeding covered up or not.

I love this photo on our site taken by Leandre Warren

– if you know of any other great pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, babywearing, parenting, etc blogs please point me in their direction. I would especially like to know of the South African focussed blogs.

TIPS ON CHOOSING A CAREGIVER – Childbirth Connection

Subjects covered in this article:
** Why is choosing a caregiver one of the most important maternity decisions I will make?
** How will my choice of caregiver influence where I can give birth?
** What are important considerations when choosing a maternity caregiver?
** What are some insufficient reasons for choosing a caregiver?
** How do types of caregivers differ from one another?
** What if I change my mind and want to switch to another caregiver?

I find that when it comes to birth this is the area that women seem to jump in without really considering what they want. Some are lucky and get exactly the care they hoped for, others feel all their birth-wants are a fight, or feel pushed (sometimes gently and others with a hard shove) into the direction they were not wanting. So many of the latter then feel trapped out of dependency with a wrong caregiver who does not feel the same in return.
Changing a caregiver in pregnancy is a very scary prospect to have to deal with when all you want is consistency, refuge from the inevitable fear and safety in the care you receive for you and your child.

I like everyone else went to the obstetrician I had been to for previously, I never thought much further than I am ‘comfortable’ with him. I never considered whether he would be comfortable with the birth I wanted!
Luckily he was totally upfront when I said I wanted a waterbirth, by saying he does not do them but he would refer me to a good midwife – that in itself made me feel properly cared for. There was no judgement, or trying to talk me out of it, just upfront honesty as to how he chose to practice. He was still my back up caregiver so we went to him for those checkups that required scans or that the midwife requested a 2nd opinion.
When choosing the midwife I was just as blasé and simply went with the first of the 2 numbers he gave me, luckily it was the best lucky-pick for me.
With experience though and hearing so many stories from others that did not work out so well I have come to realise this is really the first area we should concentrate all our energy rather than focussing on which baby accessories we feel we need.

Your caregiver is the person who supports you when you feel most vulnerable and in need of someone to put your best interests first.

I am chronically disorganised and make the excuse of having PBS (porridge brain syndrome) which I honestly dont think is really an excuse, I have a real problem remembering things since having had children. I used to be pretty organised and had a great memory, now I sometimes have to take a little think time to remember what my own name is =oP.

The area I struggle most in is keeping track of all my “to do’s”, I have tried lists, diaries, cell phone reminders, outlook calender, a family wall calender and my biggest problem is I forget to go back and check them, update them or I am out when something comes up and I dont have them with me to check or write in – and of course I lose the scrap of paper I scribbled on at the time so never carry it across to the ‘official’ organiser of the moment.

The idea of a diary is great but when you are juggling children, bags, parcels etc etc carrying a book around and “faint” actually having to take it out to read or write in is impossible. What i really need it a little recorder that I can just say the date and activity and it slots it into the correct place and reminds me for 3 days in advance of the event – that way I dont actually have to still go and write/type it in somewhere, orcheck it daily …. or maybe a walk beside me assistant lol  – if only.

My other problem is the passage of time – it is just flying by, for some reason my week just starts and the next day (or so it seems) it is week-end again. By the time I find the list/diary/note I have misplaced 3 weeks have passed and all my notes are again void. (My losing thing in my own home is another story – as I said chronically disorganised).

So how do you do it??

anyway today a friend showed me this online family diary – lovely application have a look. I know it will not specifically work for me as I will still forget to update it, but maybe it will be of use to some of you more organised than me individuals Ü. What i really like is it is a family diary which can be used by all of you so you can keep track of each others comings and goings.

Free Online Family Calender

Breastfeeding Art

loving-it – qualityfastfoods open 24hrs

“What Babies Eat” – free Kid’s picture book download (for personal use only)

When I first started read about cloth nappies I saw the figure 2 tons of waste produced per child from birth to 2 1/2 years in disposable nappies mentioned quite a bit. I was quite shocked at this amount, I think most people just see disposables as the ultimate convenience and do not think very much about the accumulative waste that adds up. I knew that for environmental reasons if nothing else I had to research cloth nappies more, but that this amount of waste was not something I could have on my conscience. It is a huge number considering all the babies in nappies.

When we came to writing the information for the Earth Babies website, the sceptic in me wondered if it was really 2 tons or if this was just some slightly random rather inflated figure for shock value. I wanted to check this myself before quoting it in our reasons to use cloth nappies. The problem was that as a cloth nappy user I had no idea how to check the weight of a used disposable nappy.

I have some great friends on Baby Net a South African parenting forum and when I asked if a couple could weigh a nappy for me at change time, they all thought I was mad but were willing to help. The weights varied but a conservative estimate was about 400g as the nappy is not always totally full when changing it.

calculations:
400gx 6 changes a day = 2400g per day (newborn nappies will obviously not weigh as much but ones tends to change them more often so I think it evens out)
2400g x 7day a week = 16800g per week
16800g x 52 weeks in a year = 873600g per year
873600g x 2 1/2 years of a child being in nappies = 2184000g so therefore about 2.18 tons

Seeing as most kids in disposable nappies actually potty train a lot later than 2 1/2 this figure could actually be significantly higher, especially if you add disposable swim nappies and disposable potty training pull ups.

To read more about reasons to use cloth nappies you can visit our website

1. Wearing a baby is convenient.
When we carry a baby in a sling, we can walk around freely and not have to worry about negotiating steps, crowds or narrow aisles with a stroller. Plastic “baby buckets” and removable car seats are heavy and awkward for parents, babies often look uncomfortable, and they are kept at knee level. A sling can block out excess stimuli when breastfeeding a distractible baby, and it allows for discreet nursing in public places. A sling can also double as a changing pad, blanket, or cushion when away from home. I’ve found my sling especially handy when negotiating busy airports with a small child and several bags!
2. Wearing a baby promotes physical development.
When a baby rides in a sling attached to his mother, he is in tune with the rhythm of her breathing, the sound of her heartbeat, and the movements his mother makes – walking, bending, and reaching. This stimulation helps him to regulate his own physical responses, and exercises his vestibular system, which controls balance. The sling is in essence a “transitional womb” for the new baby, who has not yet learned to control his bodily functions and movements. Research has shown that premature babies who are touched and held gain weight faster and are healthier than babies who are not1. Mechanical swings and other holding devices do not provide these same benefits.
3. Babies worn in slings are happier.
Studies have shown that the more babies are held, the less they cry and fuss2. In indigenous cultures where baby-wearing is the norm, babies often cry for only a few minutes a day – in contrast to Western babies, who often cry for hours each day. Crying is exhausting for both the baby and his parents, and may cause long-term damage as the baby’s developing brain is continually flooded with stress hormones.3 Babies who do not need to spend their energy on crying are calmly observing and actively learning about their environment. Baby-wearing is especially useful for colicky or “high need” babies, who are far happier being worn, but placid, content babies and children will also benefit greatly from the warmth and security of being held close.
4. Baby-wearing is healthy for you!
It can be challenging for new mothers to find time to exercise, but if you carry your baby around with you most of the day or go for a brisk walk with your baby in her sling, you will enjoy the dual benefits of walking and “weightlifting”. A long walk in the sling is also an excellent way to help a tired but over-stimulated child fall asleep.
5. Toddlers appreciate the security of the sling.
Slings are usually associated with infants, but they can be very useful for toddlers as well; most slings accommodate children up to 35 or 40 pounds. The world can be a scary place for toddlers, who feel more confident when they can retreat to the security of the sling when they need to do so. Toddlers often become over-stimulated, and a ride in the sling helps to soothe and comfort them before (or after!) a “melt-down” occurs. It can be very helpful in places like the zoo, aquarium, or museum, where a small child in a stroller would miss many of the exhibits.
6. Baby-wearing helps you and your baby to communicate with each other.
The more confidence we have in our parenting, the more we can relax and enjoy our children. A large part of feeling confident as a parent is the ability to read our baby’s cues successfully. When we hold our baby close in a sling, we become finely attuned to his gestures and facial expressions. Many baby-wearing parents report that they have never learned to distinguish their baby’s cries – because their babies are able to communicate effectively without crying! Every time a baby is able to let us know that she is hungry, bored or wet without having to cry, her trust in us is increased, her learning is enhanced, and our own confidence is reinforced. This cycle of positive interaction enhances the mutual attachment between parent and child, and makes life more enjoyable for everyone.
7. Slings are a bonding tool for fathers, grandparents, and other caregivers.
Slings are a useful tool for every adult in a baby’s life. It makes me smile when I see a new father going for a walk with his baby in a sling. The baby is becoming used to his voice, heartbeat, movements and facial expressions, and the two are forging a strong attachment of their own. Fathers don’t have the automatic head-start on bonding that comes with gestation, but that doesn’t mean they can’t make up for this once their baby is born. The same goes for babysitters, grandparents and all other caregivers. Cuddling up close in the sling is a wonderful way to get to know the baby in your life, and for the baby to get to know you!
8. Slings are a safe place for a child to be.
Instead of running loose in crowded or dangerous places, a child in a sling is held safe and secure right next to your body. Slings also provide emotional safety when needed, so that children can venture into the world and become independent at their own pace.
9. Slings are economical.
Slings cost far less than strollers, front-carriers or backpacks. Many mothers consider the sling to be one of their most useful and economical possessions. Inexpensive used slings can be found in consignment and thrift stores, and new ones can be bought for about $25 -$50 (U.S.) – not bad for an item many parents use daily for two years or more! A sling can also be sewn for the price of a length of cotton, some rings and batting; sling patterns are available.
10. Baby-wearing is fun.
Who doesn’t love to cuddle a precious little baby? And when your baby is older, having her in the sling makes conversations easier and allows you to observe her reactions to the wonders of the world around her. It’s also fun for baby, because when she is up at eye level, other adults notice and interact with her more. Your child will feel more a part of your life when she is in her sling, and you will find yourself becoming more and more enchanted with this special little person.
The Natural Child Project