Every once in a while I come across one of those books that I can absolutely not put down. To be quite frank, in the past, those books have been in the likes of historical fiction or Harry Potter (my literary guilty pleasure). Though I have come across several books about birth which I have found very informative, I had never felt the extreme urge to carry such a book with me everywhere I went till I finished its 300 pages in one weekend. That changed this weekend.

Author Randi Hutter Epstein, M.D. has unknowingly recruited me as her new enthusiastic fan. In her new book, Get Me Out: A History of Childbirth From the Garden of Eden to the Sperm Bank, Epstein weaves together a collection of well researched historical facts, fads, and tales into a very eye opening chronological history of Western birthing and women’s health care. I am often asked, “If the Midwifery Model is the ideal model, why are hospital births so popular? Didn’t obstetricians help make birthing easier at the turn of the century?”. This book answers those such questions and more in a shear way that neither left, right or middle wing can deny. This is not a book that dives into the history of midwifery. It is a definite eye opener bound to captivate its reader on the history of obstetrics and the unfortunate altered perception of “mainstream” birth today. I even believe that the male audience will find this book just as enjoyable/shocking as Jared Diamond’s Guns, Germs, and Steel. There are a lot of interesting parallels between the two books (I coincidentally started reading Guns, Germs, and Steel first till I saw this book in B&N on Thursday night) . It will be clear after reading this we must fight harder for better birth choices ones based on respect and time based models such as midwifery. The case is undeniable. Why continue to let the legacy of characters like the J.P. Morgan and James Marion Sims reign (read their back stories in this book) over the ancient wisdom and traditions of woman’s past when it comes to our most cherish power and gift as women? Why continue with the sabotage?

This is definitely not a how to book or what to expect book, it is a full on historical book. But unlike our society, Epstein does not leave the important facts out ( no matter how hard they are to swallow). She puts them front and center. I do feel that this book should be read by women and men alike to fully understand the foundation in which women’s health care (under the Western Model) was constructed under. This book will empower you to ask questions that you may have never even thought to ask and answer some questions that have been lingering for generations.

Epstein, a medical journalist for the New York Times, Washington Post, and more, has a refreshing talent for conveying weighty facts in a humorous digestible manner. She will also leave you with your jaw on the floor as a side effect of disbelief. Next time you walk by the Who Knew Section at Barnes and Nobles or are browsing on Amazon.com, pick up this compelling, powerful thought provoking must read.

10 years ago, when I first started design school, there were two things that never crossed my mind. One, I would eventually become a doula and a designer and two; one of my design idols Karim Rashid would design baby bottles. People, anything and everything is possible.

The world’s leading industrial designer, Karim Rashid has partnered up with the team at iiamo, founded by Rasmus Schmiegelow and Nikolaj Leonhard-Hjorth, to design a new self-warming feeding bottle. Based in Denmark, iiamo’s product, iiamo go, is the only feeding bottle in the world which will warm up 180 ml milk to the recommended 37°C (body temperature) in only about 4 minutes – without the use of electricity. No power, no cord, no limitations. It’s secret element, the iiamo warm, contains only salt (CaCl2) and water and causes a natural heating reaction.

All iiamo products are without BPA, parabens, phthalates, perfume and other harmful substances. As where as I believe the concept of this bottle is so close to being a brilliant design, I do hope that the iiamo team arrives at a reusable version of the iiamo warm. The disposable warmers are only good for a one time use. Perhaps, if the warmer evolves to incorporate cradle-to-cradle principles, and then one can just toss the warmer into one’s garden, this will truly be a phenomenal design.

The founders at iiamo have great intentions as they are both parents as well. They adapted the philosophy into their design practice “happy mom = happy baby”. “They discovered that it is important – really important – to have a Life After Birth.” I will be checking in on this new company often.

$50 for the bottle $12 for the warming cartridges(six a pack)

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

Let’s face it, pregnancy can create and leave behind pesky side-effects. But no worries, nature provide numerous remedies for anything, including stretch marks. Here are two simple and natural remedies to combat stretch mark as oppose to using cocoa butter. These simple yet efficient solutions leave you with a gentle and delicious scent by the essences of nuts, flowers and citrus oils:

ONLINE AND ON THE SHELVES

Elasticity Belly Oil

4 oz- $39.00

Belli , the number 1 recommended skin care by OB-GYNS, has a wonderful product called Elasticity Belly Oil. The product is a luxurious blend of essential oils and ingredients which nourish your skin while protecting against pesky stretch marks. With almond oil as its main carrier, this oil is easily absorbed into your skin and does not leave a greasy residue. In fact, your skin is left feeling soft like a baby’s bottom. The blend’s Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil’s calming scent is an added bonus. In published medical research* (referenced from Belli), the combination of it Gotu Kola extract, Vitamin E and Collagen Hydrolysates was shown to decrease the risk of stretch marks by 39% compared to placebo treatment.

IN YOUR PANTRY

Using either almond or sunflower oil as your base, add 4 to 5 drops of orange blossom essential oil and then gently massage into your skin. It’s that simple. As well, remember that eating good whole grains and organic fruits and veggies rich in nutrients will also help you keep your skin firm.

Aside from obvious tips like serving organic & local foods, using eco-friendly wrapping techniques, or sending out evites as opposed to paper invitations, here are a few tips to help you plan you or your friend’s baby shower.

LOCATION

Ambiance definitely sets the mood for your baby shower. If you have a large guest list and your climate provides, a park or garden is a wonderful setting for a shower. If you are like me and live on the east coast where it is currently very chilly outside, if an apartment or house is not available to host the shower, try contacting a local yoga studio. A yoga studio is a great modern venue to hold a shower for the location can also dual as the shower’s main activity. Make sure that the studios you scout out have enough props and chairs for your Guest.

ACTIVITIES

If you have your baby shower at a yoga studio, you can set up a deal with the studio’s manager to have either a reduced rate on a group yoga practice, meditation or even a belly dancing session. You can still have a belly dancing or lead meditation at a home or park, but just make sure that your instructor is prenatal certified. This is a great way to bond and share with friends and loved ones. If you want a more traditional shower activity, you can tap into everyone’s creativity and have guest custom design organic baby onzees using permanent non-toxic markers. It really is a great ice-breaker and fun for the participants and the parents-to-be could definitely use the onzees especially if it their first child. Lastly another great activity to include is to circulate an eco-friendly journal and have guest write letters and wishes for parent(s) and baby.

GIFT IDEAS/ & REGISTRY:

Quite often, many new parents or gift shoppers buy or register for gifts that are either not necessary or unusable for several months or years. Yes, it can be challenging to turn away from that cute little pair of shoes or dress, but at the end of the day parents and baby really can benefit from useful thoughtful gift and necessities. Before creating any registry list or buying gifts, I highly recommend checking out on-line boutique such as Maternitique and Ali Wing’s book, Giggle Guide to Baby Gear. It has charts, checklists, ages when products are necessary, etc.

At the same time, when it comes to gift registry and giving, one does not have to be limited to products. Cleaning services and food delivery certificates/packages can be a great relief for new parents.

GIFT FAVORS

Here are a few ideas for shower keepsakes for your guest.

BLOOMING BABY PLANTABLE SEED FAVORS
$21.00 per set of 12

PEA IN A POD PERSONALIZED SOY CANDLES TRAVEL TINS BABY SHOWER FAVORS
$4.25 each (15 order minimum)

ORGANIC OR VEGAN CHOCOLATES from INTERMPERANTIA
(From $4.65 each and up)

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

Hello everyone!!

How I have missed sharing posts with you. Life definitely rolls in ebbs and flows. The last 6 months have been a whirlwind but within these last months, several great events and experiences were had! On July 24/25, 2009, I attended my first homebirth. It was an incredible experience to watch a fierce woman, full of grace and focus, gently welcome her adorable son into the world with her loving support husband.  I will definitely share elements about my experience later.

Among several branding and design projects, I have been also been working on a very dear project under Verte the last several months, Be the Light Be the One. BTLBTO is an online emporium where you can find tools and resources for conscious change. It is the brand’s hope is to be a source of reflection and inspiration as we build community, support meaningful connections and create new possibilities for ourselves and the world. BLBTO also carries a collection of “Products with Purpose” for all ages and backgrounds.  Check out these adorable 100%  organic onezees. They come from fair-trade sources, have nickel-free snaps and are made with a non-toxic dying process.  Short sleeved onezees are $25 and long sleeved are $30. Check out the matching adult and youth tee’s as well.

 If you are also in need of a resource to purchase any of these birthing documentary gems, you can find them as well at the Be the Light Be the One website.

Again, I am glad to be back. Many new wonderful things are around the corner as I wait for the phone call for my next birth. Any day now!!!

Many blessings and joy to all you amazing parents and viewers.

Denise Spatafora, creator of the BornClear childbirth preparation course, has just released a wonderful book entitled Better Birth: The Ultimate Guide to Childbirth from Home Births to Hospitals.

The book is based on her Born Clear method which is structured around the intuitive mind-body connection of expectant parents. The BornClear method aims to dispel the fears and mystery around birth.

This book educates the reader as to how the mind affects the body and how our thoughts can release “the medicines/pain relievers” during labor. She goes over several relaxation techniques and visualizations which help women tap into their own hormonal toolbox to aide them throughout labor.

THIS IS TRULY A REMARKABLE MUST READ for expectant parents. There are definitely plenty of linear text-books written books out there about pregnancy, but I have not come across many that dive into the depths of the mind-body connection, sacredness and the humanity essence aspect of pregnancy and birth as this book does.

Here is a segment that features Spatafora on the Today show speaking to her BornClear method.

And another clip honoring the book: