Natural Hemp Products

When people are asked what they believe “Hemp” is, they usually respond by saying, “Isn’t that marijuana?” Unfortunately, this reaction is typical of most Americans who have ever heard of hemp. Stigmas against hemp have grown from the negative view of marijuana; however, the hemp plant is quite different from the marijuana plant.

The plant has a multitude of potential uses such as: Read the rest of this entry

Do you know many women who have breastfed their babies from birth?

A British study researched the link between medication given to women to prevent hemorrhaging after childbirth and breastfeeding rates for those women.

The drug oxytocin is commonly given to women after childbirth to prevent severe blood loss (>500 mL in 24 hrs.) known as postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). This can lead to fainting or severe anemia.

After a vaginal birth, the mother’s body must expel the placenta which creates rapid blood loss. The doctor or midwife will apply firm pressure on the fundus, or top of the uterus. This promotes postpartum contractions of the uterus so the placenta will be expelled and blood vessels will constrict to prevent severe blood loss.

Many doctors routinely use oxytocin even if the woman is not at risk for PPH. Women who have had a poor pregnancy diet,  given birth to multiples,  had a rapid or prolonged labor, or have been given Pitocin for induction may be at risk for PPH.

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When I first saw these necklaces, I was a little skeptical…

Breastfeeding Magazine has found  mom-run businesses with high quality and fashionable necklaces and jewelry that not only engage distracted children, but also get lots of compliments for mom!

Any mom knows that kids love to pull on necklaces, pull earrings, and basically pull on anything shiny. My son goes for anything he can pull on, even my hair!

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Did you know your digestive tract is teeming with bacteria? Good bacteria, that is.

Probiotic is the term used to describe the billions of “friendly” live bacteria located in the intestinal tract. We are first exposed to bacteria when we are born and during infancy. The birth canal is full of  bacteria that the infant swallows while moving through the birth canal. Then, the bacteria colonize the infant’s gastrointestinal tract and set the stage for a healthy immune system.

When a child is born via Caesarean section, the “good” bacteria is never exposed to the child and he or she may have a delay in the colonization of the beneficial bacteria. This delay allows for a greater risk of:

• infection
• colic
• constipation
• gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD)
• Infants suffering from thrush and cradle cap can also benefit from probiotics

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Here is a post from my husband Jeremy’s blog MeetJeremyJohnston.

As moms, we often have times where we struggle and are frustrated with our reality. But, when we focus on our dreams and remember why we want them, we are surely to achieve those dreams.

Enjoy!

The story is told that a young man asked Socrates how he could wisdom.

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