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Advocating for the Birth you Want and Deserve
Advocating for the Birth You Want and Deserve There is much to be said about having a voice. Regardless of what subject we’re talking about, having a say in the matter (when it concerns you and/or those you love) is paramount for many reasons. Feeling out of control, muffled or silenced leads to unnecessary anxiety, stress, worry and other complications that can only compound and make matters worse. Regarding pregnancy and birth, one of the most sacred topics that exists, we must have the boldness and confidence to advocate for ourselves, our baby(s) and others who may not have that level of courage yet. Over the years, pregnancy, birth and…
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What is Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)?
Origins MSG is nothing new, in fact, the Japanese professor Ikeda discovered the amino acid Glutamate in the early 20th century while eating soup. He began studying kelp, which was in the soup’s broth to figure out why the broth was so tasty and appealing. He soon realized that kelp, along with many other foods, contains naturally occurring glutamate (L-glutamic acid), and, by combining it with sodium, MSG was created. In 1909, Professor Ikeda filed a patent to produce MSG commercially, and thus began it’s shady journey to popularity in our food supply chain to this day. What is it? MSG is odorless and tasteless alone, but when added to…
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Keep it Simple | Part 1 – Is it Possible to Eat Healthy on a Budget?
Alright so, maybe you’ve decided enough is enough. It’s time to take healthy eating seriously, but where to start? With skyrocketing food prices and huge demands on your time as a busy mom – where do you begin that won’t lead you down numerous – and endless – rabbit holes? Is it actually possible to eat healthy on a budget? Don’t worry, I gotchu. See, I was there, off and on, for a good decade of our lives. I wanted us to eat better, and tried quite a few “fad” diets out there, but nothing felt right and nothing really stuck. It felt like things had to be one way…
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Which Essential Oils are Safe for my Baby?
Essential Oils are all the rage right now it seems, and while they’re not new by any means they are trendy, which makes us all want to hop on the bandwagon. If you’re like me, you probably look for the best deal out there when you shop – and understandably so, the current economy makes it difficult enough to make ends meet, add in the rising cost of groceries, gas & other necessities and you’re likely searching couch cushions for change by the end of the month. While there are some great ways to save money and even bring in money while staying home with your kiddos, you still want…
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How to Naturally get rid of Mastitis without Antibiotics
It wasn’t too long after I had my daughter (just over a decade ago – yikes!) that I could have been mistaken for Dolly Parton – chest down, at least (kidding!). The early days of postpartum are a blur, and especially for new moms, there are so many questions, physical –and mental/– changes and issues that can arise without proper preparation and knowledge. That said, don’t let it scare or deter you, just be prepared for it! Talk to other moms who have “been there”, do a bit of research (casual reading of trusted and concise material) & try not to freak out – thus going into panic mode or…
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Overcoming Unhealthy Mentalities
Paradigm Change Over the past few years, I’ve come to the conclusion (slowly) that when it comes to my diet choices I change my mind like my 7 year old daughter changes outfits. I can be swayed as easily as a boat in a hurricane from a simple Netflix documentary, a convincing Pinterest graphic or the latest diet fad synopsis from a friend. All of this, in an effort to seek health, has left me feeling anything but healthy. This quest has filled my mind with opposing thoughts threatening sure disaster “if I eat…” or “if I don’t do…” – it’s madness I tell you, madness! I certainly fit the…
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My Ectopic Pregnancy Story
* This post contains images that some might find graphic/disturbing. Out of all of the blog post ideas I have jotted down in my Notes, I never fathomed that this was a post I’d be authoring. In fact, having 3 healthy full-term births in the past gave me confidence that such a thing could never happen to me. I’m over here thinking I’m fertile myrtle, all my husband has to do is wink at me and BOOM 9 months later we have a new addition to the family. Well, at least part of it was true, we got pregnant very soon after we decided to try (or, stop trying not to), and we were elated. I felt pregnant almost immediately. I’m…
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My Toddler’s Cavities | our Silver Diamine Fluoride and Surgery experience
May 28, 2018 Cavities. There is so much conflicting information out there about what causes them, what prevents them, how to treat them and even if they can be stopped or reversed. I’m going to share my son’s journey, including his experience with Silver Diamine Fluoride treatment. Hopefully this can help or comfort someone going through the same thing. How it began Both of my younger children have had very bad dental caries in their baby teeth. Robert, my youngest, had his first tooth break through around 7 months old. At the time, he was still nursing (he nursed until 2 years 11 months old) and was not on many…
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Let Thy Food be Thy Medicine
Confession: I used to silently giggle at coworkers who lovingly called their diets a lifestyle, and I now admire such dedication and strive to better myself and improve my family’s overall health and environmental footprint. There are still some things that I’m not completely sold on when it comes to revamping our diets and way of life, but I am willing to invest the time to research all facets and make a wise and informed decision. See, I’m a very opinionated person, and if you know me personally, you are probably violently nodding in agreement. BUT, when it comes to non life and death matters, for the most part I…
