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Raw Vegan Gluten Free Brownies yum!

May 18th, 2012

I created this recipe for my mommies at my Le Leche League meeting in Brantford. I would say feedback was very positive so if you like chocolately goodness that has a high nutrition value this is for you. No guilt and all the pleasure!

Its an amazing dessert on all fronts, its easy, the dates are high in fiber, iron, and antioxidants, and the icing has your essential fatty acids and B vitamins. Gluten or dairy intolerant? It’s the perfect dessert. Its great for pregnant and new mommies needing iron, energy, and omegas, and perfect for your little ones that look for a treat but little do they know how nutritious it is! The best part no cooking involved!! All you need is a food proscessor to make life easier.

(You can also make a great version that isn’t raw and just as tasty)

Ingredients:

The base:

1 cup of ground pecans OR walnuts

1 cup of dates (madjool for taste but the smaller ones are good too)

3 tablespoons of cacao nibs (camino chocolate powder is also yummy but not raw)

2 tablespoons of coconut cream

1 teaspoon of raw organic virgin coconut oil (regular organic coconut oil is great too)

1 tablespoon of agave nectar or raw honey

For the Icing:

2 tablespoons of coconut cream

1/2 avocado (perfectly ripe)

1 tablespoon of raw honey

1 tablespoon of cacao nibs

How you do it:

In a food processor add the nuts, and nibs grind to a fine powder, then add the dates, cream, oil and nectar. Zip it up until a desired consistency can be smooth or slightly chunky your call.

Place wax paper on a baking cake dish and smooth the base onto it.

Icing:

Add your nibs to your processor grind to a powder, then add your avocado, cream and honey. Spread the icing on the base and refrigerate for 1 hour. Cut and serve with fresh berries.

Being a good chef means being adventureous trying new things, experiement and never follow a recipe 100 percent make it your own ;)

Enjoy!

 

Tips for Breastfeeding

May 17th, 2012

Ella is 3.5 months old and I have to say breastfeeding is only just getting easier now. It was a hard road, cracked painful nipples, and thrush from hell. I recommend learning as much as possible about breastfeeding before the birth of your baby, also gathering as many resources as possible such as a doula, lactation educator or consultant, and lastly a doctor that is supportive and knowledgeable about breastfeeding.

These tips can help you get started with breastfeeding:

Start nursing within an hour after delivery: Your first milk is colustrum a thick golden liquid that is full of antibodies for baby this milk will line and protect her stomach. If possible initiate breastfeeding within an hour after your birth by practicing skin to skin. Skin to skin is possible even if you have a c-section talk to your delivery nurse about skin to skin.

 

The right positioning: The baby’s mouth should be wide open, with the nipple as far back into her mouth as possible. This minimizes soreness for mom. A nurse, midwife, or doula can help her find a comfortable nursing position.

 

Nurse your baby on demand: Newborns need to nurse frequently, about every two hours, and not on any strict schedule. This will stimulate the mother’s breasts to produce plenty of milk. Nurse your baby until she looks lethargic and tipsy from her satisfying milk. If she falls asleep wake her up and offer the other breast. Babies love to sleep but if you want to sleep too its best to get their tummies good and full.

 

Delay artificial nipples: Babies love to suck and you might be intimidated by their sucking machines however try to wait to introduce a pacifier or bottle, for a baby learning the ropes it can be confusing to them to have different shaped nipples in their mouth. Wait at least 3-6 weeks to introduce a new nipple.

 

Cracked nipples: If it hurts take her off! You should not feel pain for an entire feed, you might feel discomfort when she first latches but it should ease up after a minute or two. Its all about proper positioning at the breast the nipple should be far back in her mouth, chin into chest and little areola at the top and none at the bottom of her mouth. There are lots of creams and potions for cracked nipples, for serious pain use APNO cream check out Dr. Jack Newmans website for more information.

 

Engorged breasts: A new mother usually produces lots of milk, making her breasts big, hard and painful for a few days. To relieve this engorgement, feed the baby frequently and on demand until your body adjusts and produces only what she needs. In the meantime the best and easy way to relieve pain is to add water to a newborn diaper and put in freezer, once frozen put in your bra for half an hour on and off its a great relief!

 

Don’t forget to eat!: Nutrition is so important during breastfeeding, for your health and energy you should eat 500 extra calories a day. Your baby will get what she needs but will take it from you, don’t forget to eat lots of fruits, veggies and protein organic if possible and drink lots of purifed water at least 2 litres a day. When breastfeeding you will get extremely thirsty keep a water bottle beside your nursing station.


Support! I can’t say enough about support, I got through my breastfeeding problems by having a doula and lactation consultant, don’t forget to book your doula today!

www.simplyhealthyfamily.com

*Book Giveaway!*

May 15th, 2012

 

I have read many childbirth books and books about babies and their development. As a Doula I like to be up to date with current statistics and information. Some books I have loved and connected with and some not so much. As a very busy businesswomen and now new mother I don’t have a lot of time to read books. I must admit I really like the simplicity of the What to Expect series. There are three books available with a question and answer layout, which makes it nice, and simple for sleep deprived moms and moms to be. The books are very comprehensive and great for your night table for a read before bed

What to Expect When You’re Expecting

What to Expect the First Year

What to Expect the Second Year

What to Expect has generously teamed up with Simply Healthy Family to host a giveaway to celebrate the completely new and revised What to Expect book and new movie soon to be released we are giving away the whole series!

The lucky winner will receive all 3 books and includes the shipping!

To enter the giveaway:

Please “like” Simply Healthy Family facebook page and leave a comment telling me if you have shared any of the points.

Simply Healthy Family facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/simplyhealthyfamilydoula

For Extra Entries the better chances you will win!

Share this link on your Facebook page and let us know.

If you have Twitter please Tweet about this giveaway and let us know.

If you blog please post this giveaway on your blog and leave the link on your post and let us know.

To check out What to Expect social media please see the following links.

http://www.whattoexpect.com

twitter.com/@whattoexpect

http://www.facebook.com

WhatToExpectWhenYoureExpecting

This giveaway will end Thursday May 31st Good luck everyone!

 

My First Mothers Day!

May 13th, 2012

Today is my first Mothers Day, I knew this day would come but I didn’t know it would have taken so long. I have dreamed of being a mother since I was a wee one myself. My mom used to tell me I would mother all the little girls in kindergarten, I am a protector, a caregiver at heart. My friends would describe me as safe, and warm they feel comfortable with me, protected.

I have been a mother to so many children all around the world from Japan, South America, Africa, Australia and of course here at home, I have loved them like they were my own but didn’t realize how much you really do love your own. My heart is swollen with love for Ella, I have very few sad days I just look at her sleeping or her beautiful happy smile and any sadness is gone.

I have traveled the world looking for a home, looking for happiness, craving completeness. I didn’t have to go far, I didn’t have to leave the country, I created my home, I created my happiness, I created Ella. Ella is my home, my life, my joy I look at her and weep with happiness. Being a mother is me, it is my essence, I am complete.

One of the reasons why I am this way is because of my Mother and her Mother, the mothers of all mothers. Women of such warmth, love, and reliability. The only women I truly can and could rely on, my mom has been my rock and now my crutch during my own journey of motherhood. My grandmother taught me about unconditional love, love that lasts forever. I wouldn’t be as wonderful a mother if I didn’t have them in my life. My mother adores Ella and gives me the wonderful gift of time which is hard to come by in this journey. We are so blessed to have my mother, Ella will be brought up with dancing, singing, giggles, cuddles and of course adventures, happy memories.

To all the mothers out there I am proud to be a part of your club, one I’ve been waiting to join for so many years, you amaze me it’s not an easy journey, it’s not an easy job but it sure is satisfying!

If I was only super wealthy I would have 10 more! Angelina is a lucky lady!

Happy Mothers Day! You deserve the best!

xx

Big News with Simply Healthy Family!

May 1st, 2012

My girl Ella is 3 months old!

This explains what I’ve been doing for the past few months and why I haven’t blogged lots of work! Being a mother is everything I dreamed of and more, I absolutely adore being a mom and Ella is incredible. Can I say she’s perfect? haha. Besides the fact she hates the car seat she is truly very chill, happy and very healthy as you can see. I must admit its heaps of work especially while I’m still running this business and being a single mom but its worth every second.

A little update as to what’s happening with Simply Healthy Family. We are still up and running in Toronto currently taking birth, postpartum and night doula clients, also placenta encapsulation clients. We are working on fantastic new programs for pregnant and postpartum families and so excited to be offering Birthing From Within Classes with Catherine Cameron! I’m so lucky and happy to have a fantastic team of doulas April Kowleski and Catherine Cameron they have honestly been my rocks during my pregnancy and postpartum I couldn’t have kept Simply Healthy Family running without them.

We are currently constructing a new website I’m so excited, it will include all the new information. BIG news is that Simply Healthy Family is offering services to the Brantford, Hamilton, Cambridge, Dundas and Woodstock area! We are currently offering placenta encapsulation in the area and as of September we will be offering birth, postpartum doula services, personal chef services and HypnoBirthing classes.

If you’re interested in our services we are accepting doula, nutrition, personal chef and placenta encapsulation clients please shoot me an email to kelly@simplyhealthyfamily.com

I’m still running my meetup “Pregnant in Toronto and New Moms” so please sign up if your interested its FREE! We offer lots of great FREE workshops and its perfect for meeting new mommies and moms to be.

www.meetup.com

I’m also looking to expand my friends on Simply Healthy Family Facebook page. It would be great for you to “like” us! It’s a wealth of information and resources for pregnancy and postpartum.

Gotta run Ella’s needing my attention!

 

 

Staying Healthy After Baby Comes

April 4th, 2012

Postpartum Nutrition tips

Everyone knows the importance of good nutrition while pregnant, but what happens after the baby comes.  Typically, new moms are exhausted, trying to figure out the baby’s schedule and many times either forget to eat, or eat something quick that provides little or no nutrition.

A healthy postpartum diet supplies you with the energy needed to care for your newborn and recover quickly.  In addition to getting lots of sleep, it is the best way to fight postpartum fatigue.

A good way to ensure you’re eating well is to eat 5-6 small meals every day.  In addition to breakfast, lunch and dinner, eat a mid-afternoon snack and a late night snack. Foods that require little or no preparation, like raw vegetables, fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, yogurt, cereal, oatmeal, trail mix will not only satisfy your hunger but will provide some of the important nutrients your body needs.

Keep up your calcium by eating milk products, sardines and salmon (with bones).  Iron is also a key to your postpartum diet.  Lean red meats, egg yolks, tofu, lentils, figs, spinach and artichokes are all good choices.

Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron, so keep up with the citrus fruits, dark leafy greens, broccoli and all those vitamin C rich foods.

Of course, hydration is equally important, especially if you are breastfeeding. Keep a pitcher of water beside your breastfeeding chair and keep drinking throughout the day. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.

Don’t focus on your weight in the initial postpartum period.  It can take several months to lose the weight you gained during your pregnancy. Eat smart, get out walking and your weight will slowly get back to normal.

Remember to accept help from friends and family.  You need your rest and you need to eat well in order to be able to care for your newborn. If friends and family are able to cook meals for you, accept the offer.  You’ll appreciate it when you’re too tired to cook.

Get rest. Eat well.  Love your baby.  It’s just the beginning.

Prevention of Group B Streptococcus Infection

December 22nd, 2011

Group B streptococcus, or group B strep, is a bacterium that can cause a threatening infection in newborns.
Pregnant women can transmit group B strep to their newborns at birth. Group B strep is the most common cause of blood infections and meningitis in newborns.
Most cases of group B strep disease in newborns can be prevented by giving certain pregnant women antibiotics during labor or to prevent GBS a naturopathic protocol.

What kinds of illnesses does group B strep cause?

In newborns, group B strep is the most common cause of sepsis (infection of the bloodstream) and meningitis (infection of the lining and fluid surrounding the brain) and a common cause of pneumonia. Group B strep disease in newborns usually occurs in the first week of life (“early- onset”). Babies can also get a slightly less serious “late-onset” form of group B strep disease that develops a week to a few months after birth.

How to help prevent GBS?

*Please note that this simple protocol is designed for prevention not treatment. If you test positive for vaginal Strep B infection please seek medical advice from your primary care provider (midwife, OB, or GP) and a Naturopathic Doctor who will suggest to you an appropriate protocol and monitor it’s effectiveness.

1. Perineal rinse with tea tree drops diluted in water for about 10 days preceding the test.
2. Supplement with healthy bacteria. Lactobacillus capsules are lactobacillus vaginal suppositories are available in health food stores. Take two capsules with each meal and use a vaginal suppository every night for 12 nights before your Group B test
3. Boost Vitamin C in your diet e.g. eat 2 grapefruits a day. Other good sources of Vitamin C: red peppers, oranges, and kiwi fruit. Consider supplementing 3000mg of vitamin C a day.
4. Drink a cup of Echinacea tea each day. Alternatively 30 drops 3 times a day of Echinacea tincture could be taken.
4a. Get extra sleep before midnight. The hours before midnight count as double! Slow down your schedule and reduce your stress. Sleep and stress reduction are key to healthy immunity.
5. Supplement with Bee Propolis (available at health food stores – dose as directed on label)
6. Get a 1 hour walk every single day. This invigorates the immune system and gets your lymphatic system activated. You lymphatic system is vital in healthy immune function.
7. Deep breathing and relaxation exercises are good to perform morning and evening,
again, to oxygenate the blood, and invigorate the immune system. All of these simple techniques will help boost immunity. They seem simple but they are very effective. If you have a past history of chronic vaginal yeast infections, chronic antibiotic usage for acne or other bacterial infections, gonorrhea, cervical dysplasia or genital herpes I have found clinically that you may be more susceptible to an overgrowth of Strep B because the normal flora in your vaginal canal is probably depleted and disrupted by creating an imbalance in normal healthy bacteria. If you fit into this category you want to pay special attention to doing this protocol in its entirety. You may also want to seek Naturopathic advice from a Naturopathic Doctor around a more in depth individualized program of Prevention Plus Treatment for healthy vaginal flora.

The incredible women that support me during pregnancy

November 25th, 2011

Since becoming pregnant in May I have had some incredible support and I would love to share this with you.

Maya Pande is my chiropractor at the Pande Family Wellness Centre has been helping me through all of my aches and pains. Working as chef and doula I am often on my feet and my back is a pain with my growing belly and well boobs too ;)  Not only has she helped relieve my discomfort she is just a fantastic woman, she always makes me giggle when I see her, Maya’s good people :)

This is how she can help you….

Maya provides chiropractic services for children in her clinic which I love!

  • Not latching during breastfeeding/favouring one breast during feeding
  • Persistent crying
  • Constipation
  • Colic
  • Restricted movement to one side of neck (Torticollis)

Dr. Maya Pande is also trained in the Webster technique specific for pregnant women. The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics reported in the July/August 2002 issue an 82% success rate of babies turning vertex when doctors of chiropractic used the Webster Technique. Further, the results from the study suggest that it may be beneficial to perform the Webster Technique as soon as the 8th month of pregnancy when a woman has a breech presentation. Please contact her Toronto office at 416-486-1234 to book an appointment or to speak with Dr. Maya.  http://www.pandechiropractic.ca

The next amazing lady is Joy Burlton she is a classical homeopath and let me just say I don’t know where I would be emotionally without her! All of the crazy ups and downs during pregnancy can be pretty exhausting, Joy and her homeopathy have been very helpful to keep me balanced, she is warm and nurturing a perfect combination for a pregnant woman.

What is Homeopathy?

Homeopathy is an ancient and natural system of medicinal healing. It is based upon two simple principles: ‘like cures like’ and the ‘minimum dose’.

Who and What Can Be Treated?

Homeopathy is safe and effective for everyone including the elderly, babies, children and expectant mothers. Homeopathy can be used in conjunction with other treatment modalities and will not interact harmfully with medication.

Homeopathy is particularly effective in a range of complaints including:

•    Anxiety, depression and stress-related illness
•    ADHD/ADD
•    Autism/ASD
•    Acne, eczema and psoriasis
•    Hormonal disorders, including PMS and menopause
•    Hay fever and allergies
•    Arthritis, repetitive strain and sports injuries
•    IBS, migraine and insomnia
•    Childhood complaints* from chronic ear infections to sleeping or behavioral problems.

*Children usually respond well to homeopathic treatment, and it also helps to support the development of a strong, healthy immune system.

Pregnancy and Childbirth

Homeopathy is particularly suitable at this time when many women have concerns over the possible side effects of conventional medicines. There are many emotional, physical and hormonal changes which take place during pregnancy. Homeopathy can help with minor complaints such as morning sickness, heartburn, thrush and varicose veins, as well as more serious health problems. Homeopathy works with your body’s defenses to stimulate vitality, which benefits the baby too.

Please contact Joy at her Toronto office at 416-486-1234 to book an appointment or to speak with Joy Burlton http://www.joyspath.com.

 

 

FAN-tastic contest on Facebook

November 2nd, 2011
Toronto doula contest image

photo by Carrie Duncan

I am offering a great incentive for new clients and Facebook fans who book doula services with me.  I have partnered with an amazing photographer in Toronto – Carrie Duncan. Carrie will offer any of my new clients a $75 discount on a prenatal or baby photo shoot with her.  Her package includes the photo shoot and one 8×10 for $150. With the $75 discount, it’s half price! Only $75 for a photo session of your baby or your pregnancy that you will cherish forever.  She can also offer a whole photo package with a DVD of all the images for $274 (reg. $349 less $75).

See my Facebook page Simply Healthy Family for the contest post and “Like” us and “Share” with your friends!

Check out Carrie’s work at carrieduncanphotography.ca or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CarrieDuncanPhotography.

If you’d like to book doula services with me and take advantage of this great offer, you can either email me at kelly@simplyhealthyfamily.com or call me at 416-912-0754.

 

How to stop tearing during childbirth yikes!

October 24th, 2011

 

 

I want to make sure all my bits stay in their original form while birthing my baby girl! Yes, I’ve been doing my pelvic floor exercises but I want to make sure I have all my bases covered so I’ve decided to give the Epi-No a try. I’ve had a few clients use it and they didn’t tear! Fantastic to hear this, so of course I will try it.

The EPI-NO Delphine Plus is a multi-purpose childbirth preparation tool that enables you to connect with your pelvic floor prior to childbirth. The biofeedback aspect allows you to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and also learn how to relax them which is vital during delivery. Using the EPI-NO Delphine Plus for perineal massage in the final weeks of pregnancy will help you avoid tearing, pelvic organ prolapse and post partum incontinence.

http://www.pelvicfloorwellness.com/products.php

I just ordered mine today I will let you know how it goes!