The Koala Mom

Celebrate National Pregnancy Awareness Month By Checking Out My New Ebook!

Olivia — Mon, 17 May 2010 19:05:16 +0000

I have great news to share! My new Ebook titled, “The Psychology of Natural Childbirth,” is now online and ready to be shared with everyone.

I wrote this book to share with other women how it is possible to give birth free of drugs or unnecessary medical intervention. I believe the information I share will be able to help any woman who may be pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant. No matter how much knowledge you have about the labor process, you will learn something from this book.

So, to honor Pregnancy Awareness Month, visit my site at www.NaturalChildbirthTips.com.

Here is some great information about how Pregnancy Awareness Month was created…

(from www.PregnancyAwarenessMonth.com)

Declared and founded by author & holistic lifestyle expert Anna Getty, and co-founded by LCSW & mompreneur Alisa Donner, May 2010 marks the 3rd year of Pregnancy Awareness Month(TM) (PAM). Through PAM, Anna & Alisa aim to empower pregnant women and new parents with information, “how to” ideas and inspiration to incorporate PAM’s four key initiatives – education, exercise, nutrition & wellness and nurture – into their life routines and to show how easy it can be to make healthy changes in their lives, for themselves, and their children.

“My life was altered not only by the birth of my daughter, but by the experience and choices I made as I prepared my body, mind and spirit to become pregnant and the incredible inward journey of pregnancy itself. In PAM we have adopted the tagline: “Motherhood Begins Now,”(TM) and I really believe that. I took that message to heart before I actually became pregnant as a way to prepare my mind, body and household for this fabulous moment of creativity, and my life literally turned upside down, for the better.” (Anna Getty, March 2008)

Avoid These 7 Foods and You’re Off To A Healthier New Year!

Olivia — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 18:43:00 +0000

Happy New Year everyone!

Like me, you may have chosen to live healthier in many areas than you did in 2009. Stress, busy-ness, and fatigue all seem to contribute to poor attention to our health. Having a child in February, 2009 definitely put me off course in the area of regular exercise…

Well I have made sure that I will focus on exercise and involve the whole family in living a healthy lifestyle.

Here is a great article about certain foods that have lost their nutritional value over the years to cheap production and cost-cutting.

Source: Mercola.com

Avoid These 7 Foods and You’re Off To A Healthier New Year

Posted by: Dr. Mercola
December 29 2009 | 338,158 views

1. Canned Tomatoes

The expert: Fredrick vom Saal, PhD, an endocrinologist at the University of Missouri who studies bisphenol-A

The resin linings of tin cans contain bisphenol-A, a synthetic estrogen that has been linked to ailments ranging from reproductive problems to heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Acidity — a prominent characteristic of tomatoes — causes BPA to leach into your food.

2. Corn-Fed Beef

The expert: Joel Salatin, co-owner of Polyface Farms and author of books on sustainable farming

Cattle

Holistic Medicine-How a Flu Shot Almost Took a Life

Olivia — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:52:55 +0000

You may have heard the story of Washington Redskins cheerleader Desiree Jennings who was injured by a flu shot vaccine; however, the mainstream media never gives you the complete story.

Desiree was in the prime of her life (mid-20s) and she was an avid runner and athlete. Apparently, she received a flu shot and quickly began to develop a neurological problem called Dystonia.

During this time, she was unable to breathe and suffered seizures every minute. Her family was preparing for her to die!

Fortunately, Dr. Rashid Buttar came to the rescue with Holistic Medicine at his Center for Advanced Medicine.

Desiree was detoxified from the heavy metals her body encountered from the vaccine and soon her body began to heal itself and life came back to her.

Soon she was able to talk, stand, eat, and breathe on her own.

To the rescue…

Before meeting Dr. Buttar, two different hospitals had diagnosed Desiree with the incurable Dystonia as a result of the FLU SHOT! Yet the mainstream medical community denies that this impairment could EVER be from a vaccine. Dr. Buttar has even been threatened for a loss of licensure because of his medical practices. These forms of treatment are far from the standard practices in hospitals across the U.S. and Medical Boards do not want any part of it.

Dr. Buttar focuses on removing toxic substances and heavy metals through chelation, antioxidants, nutrition, natural antivirals, and much more. Top physicians had no hope for this girl as modern medicine does not focus on the natural ability of the body to heal itself. Instead, it is a game to find the prescription to cover up symptoms or just replace them with another symptom in order to pretend the problem has gone away.

The great thing about holistic medicine is the value it gives to the human body. Our creator made us this way so why not begin with the body? Or even better, how about preventive medicine like Chiropractic care and basic education?

In Closing…

The main point I want to make about this amazing story is that education can really change your life. I never knew so much about natural living until a few years ago, so I can understand why people just don’t know…

Desiree was an avid athlete and she probably took great care of her body. But, like so many Americans, she believed the lies the media feed us when it comes to vaccines and health. She decided it would probably be best to receive a flu shot because everyone else was getting one–even though she probably had NO IDEA what was in it? How about a heavy-metal cocktail???

In the end, this story had a positive ending. Somehow Dr. Buttar came into her life when there was no hope and then he restored that hope to her. I truly hope this girl’s life will totally change and that she will become an advocate for Holistic Medicine.

To Your Well-Being,

Olivia Johnston

Momsicles! Frozen Breastmilk Can Be a Delicious Treat For Baby

Olivia — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:40:04 +0000

Halloween '09

I have discovered how to make this frozen treat at just the right time!

Joel has been teething a lot the past few days. Right now, at almost 9 months, he has two lower teeth and 2 top teeth coming in quickly(and boy is he crawling!). He has seemed to be a lot less fussy with these top teeth in comparison to the lower ones.

I have occasionally used the Baby Safe Feeder and inserted frozen sweet potato puree, broccoli, and banana. He loves to chew on this and massage his gums while enjoying these new tastes.

Today I ran across a site, Mother-2-Mother, where I found a recipe for frozen breastmilk popsicles.

What is better than a frozen teether that is also nutritional?

For younger babies, you can pour expressed breastmilk into ice cube trays (just like making baby food) and let it freeze. Then, just place it into a Baby Safe feeder (mesh teething bag) and let baby enjoy and teethe on it.

Or, you can use a cap from a Gerber bottle and a soft pacifier. Just pour a bit of the expressed milk into the cap, put the paci on top, and freeze. The milk will freeze to the pacifier like a tiny popsicle!!

Eventually you can add other ingredients to make a healthy, delightful treat for your child.

What methods have you used to help your child through the teething process?

Read more about this cool treat at Mother-2-Mother.

To Your Well-Being,

Olivia Johnston

Busy Completing My New eBook “The Psychology of Natural Childbirth!”

Olivia — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:56:20 +0000

I have totally avoided the blogosphere for more than a month!!

This summer, my husband Jeremy and I decided that it would be great if I wrote an eBook on my experience with Natural Childbirth. I learned SO MUCH while I was pregnant with my son Joel, so why not share all of that great information with other newly pregnant women who want options available with childbirth?

So, I spent about 6 weeks

8 Ways To Stay Healthy During Flu Season-Without Vaccines

Olivia — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 04:13:01 +0000

The following outline need not only apply to flu season. The best medicine is prevention! Full-time prevention!

Right now, it seems like I can’t go anywhere without seeing some kind of advertisement for FLU SHOTS.

I thought I could escape from the brainwashing of the medical community and pharmaceutical companies by avoiding the TV.

Apparently not.

So, since “flu season” is beginning, am I supposed to freak out and get a flu shot? Pretty much…Fear always motivates people to do things.

Oh, they also forgot to tell you that you have a 50/50 chance of getting the flu even if you’ve been jabbed in the arm with the vaccine.

Enough of my ranting…

Allow Your Body To Fight Off Influenza On Its Own!

Refill With H2O: Did you know your body needs plenty of water to flush out toxins that compromise your immune system? While you sleep, your body builds up toxins in the digestive tract. To naturally flush out these toxins, you must start your day with a glass of water to rehydrate the body. This improves immune system function and allows your body to operate at its highest potential.
Sleep…zZz…: A great night’ s sleep is like a reset button for your whole body. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation can make you more likely to become sick because of an overgrowth of bacteria in the body. When we are fighting a sickness, our body naturally promotes sleep. So why not boost your immune system in the first place by getting adequate rest?
Pro-Biotic It: “Probiotic” means “A microbe that protects its host and prevents disease.” When you supplement your diet with probiotics, you increase the flora of “good” bacteria in your gut. Did you know the digestive system is where most of your natural immunties “hang out?” If a person has a poor digestive system due to an inadequate, non-nutritious diet, they are very likely to have recurring sickness. Their body’s defense mechanism (immune system) to sickness can never get the proper armor up because that armor is essentially nutrients. Probiotics get that armor up. Learn more in the post Probiotics: Are They Good For Our Kids?
Get Some Sun: Did you know the best way to get your daily dose of Vitamin D is to get out into the sun for a few minutes? The skin produces Vitamin D when it is exposed to a certain amount of sunlight radiation. Vitamin D blood levels are at their highest in the summer but reach their lowest levels during the flu and cold season (winter). When you can’t get out, or if it’s the dead of winter, load up on fish which is high in vitamin D. There are supplements out there, but do your research before buying.
Exercise…even if it’s just a little: Do your best to get your heart rate up with aerobic exercise for 20-30 minutes a day. Go for a light walk with the dog and baby. Run up and down the stairs a few times. Have sex! Do something!

Unlock Your Health Potential

Olivia — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:00:26 +0000

A few years ago, I was introduced to Jordan Rubin and his best-selling book The Maker’s Diet.

Jordan introduces

Tea Time! For Mom

Olivia — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 21:04:31 +0000

As a mom, I am always looking for a quick and easy way to relax.

There isn’t always a lot of time to take part in relaxation, but when I can relax I go for a good book and a cup of TEA!

A fragrant mug of Lavender and Chamomile always does the trick…

But when I’m about to start my day I switch to a tea that will energize my soul…

I love a dark cup of Oolong as I read the Scriptures in the morning.

I have found 4 different teas for whatever your mood may be:

Pick Me Up!

“Oolong” Tea: The best Oolong tea leaves come from China and Taiwan.

Chiropractic and Pregnancy

Olivia — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 19:55:14 +0000

Taking advantage of Chiropractic care during my pregnancy was very important to me.

I began going to my Chiropractor at about 6 months of pregnancy due to some back pain from the pregnancy and my job as a dog groomer. Early one morning, at about 3 AM, I could not sleep because of a sharp muscular pain in my back. I decided to look for a Chiropractor in the area while surfing the internet to pass some time.

I found one very close to me and she was on my way home from work. I read many different articles on how important Chiropractic is to a pregnant woman and even a newborn infant!

I have been adjusted regularly at the Chiropractor for almost a year now and I have never felt better or learned as much as I have by Chiropractic.

My Chiropractor performed a special adjustment on me while I was pregnant called the “Webster Technique.” This technique that reduces interference to the nervous system, balances out pelvic muscles and ligaments which removes tension in the uterus so the baby can remain in the best position possible.

When performed regularly, the Webster Technique has a 94% success ratio in turning a breech baby to allow for an easy delivery. Many births by C-section can be prevented by this technique as many babies who are breech must be delivered by C-section. With regular prenatal Chiropractic care, the need for medical interventions during labor is greatly decreased.

Pregnancy is very hard on the spinal cord. Excess weight from the baby creates spinal misalignments (subluxations) and changes in posture which affect the whole body and well-being of the mother and baby.

To decrease common pregnancy complaints such as:

heartburn
rib pain
pubic pain
headaches
sinus congestion
low back pain

Take advantage of chiropractic adjustments throughout pregnancy!

Chiropractic care is necessary for optimal development of the baby growing inside mom’s belly. Pregnant women receive specific attention and education during pregnancy so as to provide a great health potential for both the mother and baby.

Pregnant women also experience problems in the pelvic area. A lifetime of stress to the area, plus pregnancy, creates a great deal of misalignments which greatly decrease the pelvic opening for labor. The woman’s pelvis supports her growing uterus with specific ligaments. If the pelvis is unbalanced, the uterus cannot enlarge symmetrically with the growing baby and thus reduces the maximum amount of room for the baby.

If you are pregnant, I urge you to find a Family Chiropractor who is trained in Prenatal care and Pediatric care.

My son’s birth went very smoothly and I know a big part of that was due to regular Chiropractic care during my pregnancy. If you want to know your developing baby will stay in the best possible position for labor, then you must begin getting special adjustments now!

If your goal is to have a safe, natural birth (without medication) you can greatly increase the likelihood by getting adjusted so the baby is ready to come out!

Search for an International Chiropractic Pediatric Association member in your area. Doctors in this group are dedicated to you and your child’s well-being from a holistic perspective.

Here is a great informational video on the subject:

Please feel free to email me on any questions you may have about Chiropractic and to hear more about my experience.

To Your Well-Being,

Olivia Johnston

Bolthouse Farms

Olivia — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 00:18:01 +0000

When I’m in a hurry and I want to get in my fruits and veggies for the day, I go for a Bolthouse Farms