For whatever reason, I had a craving for raw asparagus today. Since I have been trying to focus on my physical health of late, my muscles are screaming loud and clear for potassium. While eating the asparagus I became curious to see what other benefits were attributed to it. Low and behold I found some wonderful benefits that are actually tailored for mothers-to-be and new moms. Here they are for you:

5 BENEFITS

• Eaten during the early stages of pregnancy, it helps the body to fight against certain birth defects such as spina bifida (a neural tube defect)

• A cup of asparagus provides around 263 mcg of folate (Vitamin B). Folate is very important for the synthesis of DNA. Its absence or inadequate supply causes the improper division of fetus’ nerve cells, in turn leading to birth defects

• Stimulates milk production in nursing mothers

• Has very high levels of folic acid which is known to make conception easier

• Controlling blood sugar levels and therefore, is very beneficial for people with diabetes

Mamatini™ is a new all-natural, 100% organic herbal infusion that was created with the modern mother-to-be in mind. It is the first-ever, ready-to-drink, pediatrician-designed beverage created to help women breastfeed better, easier and for longer. Not only will Mamatini naturally boost your milk supply, it will also increase your energy and increase your ability to absorb and retain critical nutrients your body uses to produce milk. This herbal tonic also helps to relieve your baby colic symptoms.

Mamatini™ is shipped directly to your door via FedEx and can be shipped on a weekly basis at your option. Made with organic ginger and spearmint, this refreshing beverage is recommended from the 36th week of pregnancy until your baby is weaned.

Fenugreek helps you produce a generous supply of milk for your growing baby
Fennel stimulates the “let down” reflex, and helps prevent gas, bloating and colic
Chamomile and Ginger relieve stomach upset and provide restful sleep for baby and mom
Micronutrients promote absorption of vitamins and minerals, such as Calcium and Iron, often depleted during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Vitamin A forms healthy teeth, bones, skin and nails and is key for breastfeeding
Vitamin C forms collagen in the body and aids the absorption of Iron
Vitamin D aids the absorption of Calcium, helping to form strong bones
Folic Acid and B Vitamins provide energy and prevent birth defects

I just received today a virtual petition for the Breastfeeding Promotion Act, H.R.2819 via Care2 and The United States Breast Feeding Committee. You can sign it today too here. As of the moment I am writing this post, the total signature count is 6358. The ongoing goal is to reach 10,000.

Though the act was 1st presented to the Senate June 11, 2009, it still has not been getting the attention it deserves. This is where you come in.

The Breastfeeding Promotion Act (H.R. 2819, S. 1244) includes five provisions:

1. Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to protect breastfeeding women from being fired or discriminated against in the workplace.

2. Provides tax incentives for businesses that establish private lactation areas in the workplace, or provide breastfeeding equipment or consultation services to their employees.

3. Provides for a performance standard to ensure breast pumps are safe and effective.

4. Allows breastfeeding equipment and consultation services to be tax deductible for families (amends Internal Revenue Code definition of “medical care”).

5. Protects the privacy of breastfeeding mothers by ensuring they have break time and a private place to pump in the workplace (applies to employers with 50 or more employees, see text of legislation for details).

May we thank Representative Carolyn B. Maloney (NY) and Senator Jeff Merkley (OR) for the introduction of this act to the Senate. If you would like to read more technical info about the act or learn further information , please visit here.

So you have just finished exclusively breastfeeding and are beginning the transition to solid foods for your baby. Do not be intimidated by the attention that is now needed for your child’s diet and nutritional needs. Yes, the amount and quality of essential nutrients you give to your infant/toddler is important, but there are many cookbooks, pre-packaged fresh meals and supplements to help make the transition easier for both of you.

Shaklee just recently rolled out a new supplements for babies & kid. Their Shakleebaby Multivitamin & Multimineral Powder ($21.45 list price) delivers 23 essential nutrients to your baby’s systems which helps to support proper growth. This mineral powder comes from one of the most respected wellness brand in the world. Check out its other benefits and for further information go directly to my Shaklee site. Perhaps this is the supplement aide you have been looking for. Regardless of whether or not you give your little one multivitamins, do not fall into the common parental default for making french fries, cookies and sugary juicy a staple in your child’s diet.:

• Provides a unique blend of clinically tested prebiotics to help support strong immunity*

• Star-K kosher certified

It’s that time of year again, barbeques, beaches and outdoor social gatherings! This time around though may be different for you. If you are either pregnant or breastfeeding, you are refraining from those summer cocktails, spritzers and cold brews. What’s a woman to do when it’s hot outside, she’s pregnant or breastfeeding and she wants to still enjoy a refreshing lively drink outdoors?

Well, Earth Mama Angel Baby has the solution! Not only is this wonderful company the only one to have a complete line of 100% natural, herbal, toxin-free skin and body care products to help ease the common discomforts of the entire process of birth, but they also have a collection of 100% organic teas to support both women in their pre-natal , breastfeeding and postpartum stages. Of course these yummy teas can be used traditionally, served hot, but the team over at Earth Mama Angel Baby has some wonderful recipes that can also be chilled as Iced-Tea. Try these refreshing recipes at your next barbeque, baby shower or on those weekend beach get-aways:

PRENATAL RECIPE:

BREASTFEEDING RECIPE:

POSTPARTUM RECIPE:

Make sure to check out all of their different teas!

The International Breast Milk Project (IBMP) is an organization that helps mothers in the United States send their breast milk to infants in need, who have either lost their mothers or whose mothers are not able to breast feed due to HIV infection, untreated tuberculosis, serious illness, and/or severe anemia or malnourishment. IBMP is the only international organization to provide breast milk to infants in developing countries. The recipients of the donated breast milk are infants of South Africa. It is estimated that 1.5 million children in South Africa have lost their parents due to HIV/AIDS, and many more have mothers who are unable to breastfeed because they are ill.

The organization estimated that it will be sending 262,655 ounces (7,767 liters or 2052 gallons) of healthy breast milk by the end of this year. This calculates to feeding 2,188 babies one bottle of milk a day for 30 days. New mothers, this is a meaningful, yet simple way to help make a difference. Help this orgization reach their goal.

Jill Youse, Executive Director of IBMP explains the donation process as follows, “Applications are completed online, blood work is done in the donor’s home, and coolers are shipped directly to doorsteps, making the process seamless and easy for a mom with a new baby at home.”

Do visit the website to learn more!

Actress, Activist and Producer Salma Hayek was moved to take action while on a recent visit to Sierra Leone, West Africa. Before she reached her hotel, her and her crew stopped at a hospital. “(A woman) was trying to breast-feed the baby, and the baby wouldn’t take it anymore. I said, ‘I think we shouldn’t be here.’ As we walked out, two to three minutes later, the baby died,” she says. “I’ll never forget the look of desperation on that woman’s face. How can you not get involved, especially when you have a child yourself?”

With the camera crew of ABC’s Nightline following her during the duration of her stay, footage of Ms. Hayek breastfeeding a hungry baby was documented. The infant’s mother was unable to produce any milk to feed her child so Ms. Hayek was compelled to become the baby’s wet nurse. She went on to say, “It’s about women sticking together and we really need to help the children in any way we can.”

Ms. Hayek was in the routine of breastfeeding her one year old daughter at the time and had extra milk to share.