Midwives delivering babies for hundreds of years

Midwife means “with woman.” Traditionally, women have attended and assisted other women during labor and birth. As modern medicine emerged in the West, birth fell into the realm of the medical. Today the medical or technocratic model of birth is the mainstream in America while other countries, who use midwives as the primary care givers for natural pregnancies, use the holistic midwifery model of care.

The World Health Organization acknowledges that midwives should be the primary care giver for women with natural pregnancy or low risk while doctors should care for the high risk (which may includes twins, breeches and other pregnancies that require the facility of a hospital). The table below (adapted from the book, Birth as an American Rite of Passage by Robbie Davis-Floyd; U.C. Press, Los Angeles, 1992)shows differences between the medical and the midwifery model of care.

Medical – Technocratic	Midwifery – Holistic
Male centered, woman is an object/patient, male body is the norm, classifying and separating approach to care, mind is above and separate from body, female body is a defective machine	Female centered, woman is a client, the female body is the norm and normal on her own terms, holistic and integrating approach to care, mind and body are one, female body is a healthy organism, and pregnancy and birth are inherently healthy

Midwives make sure that the woman will have a natural pregnancy through proper prenatals and responsible and conscious mothering. During the 1960s and 1970s, along with the women’s movement and renewed interest in homebirth, the midwifery movement rekindled. It has been growing steadily ever since.

Midwives are becoming more and more involved with birthing families and have been instrumental in redefining birth as a natural event in women’s lives. They offer family and women centered birthsto empower people with the experience of birth.

How to Choose a Midwife

Choose a midwife with whom you feel confident and compatible with your beliefs about birth and your body.The following questions may help the pregnant woman to select a midwife who is well suited to her and her family:

How did she become a midwife?
What training has she had? Is she certified or licensed by any organizations?
What is her basic philosophy of childbirth?
How many births has she attended as the primary midwife?
What is the fee for her services, how must it be paid, what does it include?
What kinds of services are included in prenatal care?
Does she work with other midwives or assistants at births?
How do you reach the midwife; does she allow 24 hour access?
How does she handle problems or complications that might develop during labor?
What emergency standard equipment does she carry? What herbs or medicine does she use? Which ones does she carry and why? Does she have any affiliation with a physician who can answer unusual questions either during the pregnancy or in an emergency?
What is her policy for transporting to a hospital?
What kind of postpartum care does she provide? (frequency of baby check-ups; assistance with nursing)

In addition to asking these questions, it is important to be clear about what you expect from your midwife. Be prepared to share your vision of your birth and discuss any fears that you may have. Determine if the midwife’s answers to your questions agree with your desires. Trust your instincts. You will know when you have found your midwife.

Prenatals

Prenatal visits may take place at the midwife’s home or clinic or at the family’s home. The latter is especially comforting for the family as they are in their own surroundings and may be less hesitant to ask questions and get involved. Prenatal visits are also a time for the midwife to get to know the family and friends, neighbors, or other children who may be present at the birth.

Prenatal care for the pregnant woman includes discussion of nutrition, exercise and overall physical and emotional well-being, as well as overseeing the healthy development of the fetus.Midwives include the family during prenatal care, inviting them to ask questions and to listen to the baby’s heartbeat. Intimate involvement of the family throughout the pregnancy allows for early bonding of the newly emerging family unit.

The midwife and family will often discuss the mechanics of birth. The more people know about what is going to happen, the more comfortable they will be while awaiting the birth. The midwife interviews the pregnant woman to determine if a high risk situation exits (homebirth may not be a viable option for everyone).

Most homebirth midwives screen out a high risk pregnancy (those with certain special needs or medical conditions such as diabetes or blood disorders or carrying twins or a breech baby) to birth only in the hospital. This process is especially important for families in rural areas many miles from a hospital.

During this time the midwife helps the family to prepare for the birth. The family may want to have a birth plan. This includes a list of what will occur during the birth: special music, food and drink, candles, religious or cultural rituals, who will be in attendance, which room in the home will be the birthing room, what kind of support the mom desires, etc. These steps enable the family to create the atmosphere they want.

Continuity of Care

After the baby is born, the midwife doesn’t go away. She is still accessible for information and support. This can be of great comfort during the postpartum period when moms have questions or problems. The midwife will continue to check in on the mother, baby and family for a usual time frame of six weeks, although some midwives will continue to get calls for much longer. Some families and midwives form lasting friendships based on the joy and trust they shared at birth.

Birth is a well designed process, and most women can give birth easily by trusting in themselves and in their midwives or doctors. It is my goal that the mother would travel the path of natural birth, with its fullness and its unknowns, with the help of midwives.

Emergency Childbirth: When Baby Arrives Before the Midwife or Doctor

Most births are spontaneous and normal. The baby is crafted for survival. Relax and do the following after contacting the midwife or doctor who is on her way:

Move her to a comfortable place away from the toilet. Call for help.
Make sure the room is warm and draft free. Remember that baby needs a warm environment. A clean, dry towel and a hat should be ready for the baby.
Prepare a bowl of warm water with provolone iodine solution and a clean cloth in it. Place a clean under pad under the mother with the paper side next to her skin. Place another empty bowl (to catch the placenta later on) in close proximity together with scissors, gauze, bulb syringe and cord clamp. Put all items gathered on a clean towel.
Wash your hands thoroughly. Tear open several packs of 4 x 4’s sterile gauze. Put gloves on if available.
As the head starts emerging, put gentle counter pressure against the bulging perineum. Don’t touch anything except the mother and baby so as not to contaminate. As the baby’s head starts emerging, remind the mother that she will feel the “ring of fire” which is normal.
Place a gauze 4 x 4 over the mother’s anus, to prevent contamination. wipe the feces away, if necessary, and place a clean 4 x 4 over the anus. Make sure you don’t contaminate the gloves or your hands.
Ask the mother to pant as the head crowns and is born. Support the mother’s perineum with both hands.
When head is out, slide your fingers in along the baby’s neck to feel for the umbilical cord. If you feel the cord, try slipping it over the baby’s head. If you can’t, it’s usually not a problem to leave it, unless it is too tight and keeps the baby from coming out.
If the cord is very tight: with your fingers placed between the baby’s neck and cord, clamp with two hemostats or two cord clamps in two spots an inch apart.
Make sure you put both clamps on next to each other on the same piece of cord. Carefully cut between the two clamps and unwind the cord from baby’s neck. Keep both clamps on and be sure they are clamped tightly.
If the bag of waters is still around the baby’s face, as it is born, tear the bag by pinching it apart with your fingers.
Wipe the baby’s face with a gauze 4 x 4. Use the syringe to suction the baby, if needed. While keeping the bulb syringe squeezed, gently place the tip (sweeping from the side) in baby’s mouth and release the bulb syringe. Spray contents onto a gauze 4 x 4. Do the same for both nostrils.
Ask the mother to push as the baby rotates to face one of the mother’s leg. With one hand under baby’s head and the other on top of it, exert gentle pressure downward pressure on the baby’s head to facilitate the delivery of the top shoulder.
When the top shoulder is out about two or three inches, lift upward on the baby’s head to help the bottom shoulder come out. The baby’s body will follow. Hold the baby (with her/his face down) with your two hands since the baby is slippery.
Place the baby on mother’s belly with mom lying on her back and both in tummy to tummy position. Cover the baby and put her/his hat on. Make sure you don’t pull the umbilical cord.
As soon as the cord stops pulsating, you can cut the cord. Attach cord clamp securely 1/2 inch from baby’s belly button. Place gauze under the cord. Cut cord 1/2 inch away from the clamp on the other side (away from the baby).
Baby should be pink. If baby is bluish, white or limp and not crying, do the following: Run your fingers up the baby’s spine, massaging vigorously. Flick baby’s feet with your fingers. Having mother talk to baby, continue the above. Keep baby warm and dry.
If baby is still not responding and it has been one minute since birth, begin mouth to mouth resuscitation with gentle puffs from your cheeks. Keep baby warm and dry and have someone call the emergency personnel.
Watch for signs that the placenta is detaching such as a gush of blood, the cord gets longer and mother feels more contractions.
When the above happens: wrap gauze around section of the cord, so it’s not so slick. Place opposite hand against mother’s pubic bone and press gently inward and upward. Ask mother to give little push with the next contraction. using gentle cord traction, guide the cord downward as you see the placenta start to emerge, lift upward with the cord to help placenta out.
Wipe and warm the baby by wrapping the baby well and putting the baby on mother’s breast, apply CPR if necessary, wait for the midwife or doctor to cut the cord, let the mother massage her uterus and stay with the mother.

Cost of Having a Baby

Childbirth makes up one fifth of all health care expenditures¹ and is the most frequent cause for hospital admission².The cesarean section rate in the home birth study was 3%, whereas the national average was 22.6% in 1991 and 20.6% in 1996³. The cost doubles with the following: having a baby in the hospital, formula-feeding, using disposable diapers, hiring a nanny or babysitter, use of crib and other brand names baby foods and baby products. Anderson and Greener⁴ found unusually high rates of breastfeeding among homebirthed babies. As formula-fed babies are known to have higher morbidity rates^5,6, the cost of future medications, doctor visits, and hospitalizations could be lower for home-birthed children.

The actual cost of having a new baby is minimal when the following is chosen: homebirth, midwifery care, breastfeeding for at least a year or more, cloth diapers, stay-at-home mom, infant massage, sleeping with the baby in the family bed, and less use of any accessory or gadgets.

When I have my first baby and second baby, all born at home I was able to save on a lot of things. Friends gave used infant clothes and accessories. I bought baby clothes and accessories from garage sales and discounted places and made some of them too. I saved the biggest chunk of my money by delivering my babies at home with midwives. My health insurance company was glad that it only cost them $2,300 for my homebirth. There are a lot of intangible benefits from my choices of getting care, use of nutritious food combinations and herbs, massage, childbirth classes and many more relaxing walks and exercises. I don’t have to have an episiotomy – a cut, a big tear on my perineum, too much bleeding, anesthesia, Caesarian operation, and other unnecessary medical procedures.

My baby doesn’t have to have Vitamin K injection, male circumcision, not traumatized during birth, not forceped or forced by other means during birth (such as induction) or c-sectioned, brought to me and stayed on my side from birth onwards, massaged by my hands, fed on my breasts, no water or sugar during the first weeks of life, no bottle and pacifier to confuse my breasts, easy to soothe, a calm and healthy full term baby allowed to stay inside my womb for the full term of about 38 weeks. I am glad to share all these things with other moms for only in sharing do we pass on the sacred birth experience to loving generations to come.

References:

¹ Mushinski M. Average charges for uncomplicated vaginal, cesarean and VBAC deliveries; regional variations, United States, 1996. Stat Bull Metro Insur Co 1998; July-Sept:17-28.

² Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Trends in lengths of stay for nonhospital deliveries – United States, 1970-1992. MMWR 1995; 44:335-7.

³ Mushinski M. Average charges for uncomplicated vaginal, cesarean and VBAC deliveries; regional variations, United States, 1993. Stat Bull Metro Insur Co 1994; Oct-Dec:27-36.

⁴ Anderson RE, Greener DA. A descriptive analysis of home births attended by CNMs in two nurse-midwifery services. J Nurse Midwifery 1991;36:95-8.

⁵ Riordan J. The cost of not breastfeeding: a commentary. J Hum Lactation 1997;13:93-7.

⁶ Walker M. A first look at the risk of artificial infant feeding. J Hum Lactation 1993;9:97.

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Computer Clean Up using CCLEANER and MALWARE BYTES

Dominic when he was 3 yrs old

My 19-yr old son, Dominic, a computer technician had installed CCLEANER and MALWARE BYTES in my computer that I run every other day and gets to clean up MB of garbage in my computer.

This year, we clean up our house, our life, our computer in preparation for the new year.

We can create a habit of allowing only things in our life that will not add to the unnecessary garbage later on.

We promise and resolve to be a brand new person in 2014.

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Plan for a long life

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Infant Massage

Touch and massage are simple forms of communication.

The baby’s skin is more sensitive than that of an adult. Massage lightly with the surface of your fingers and palm. Start from the hands and feet.

Use calendula oil or another natural, light oil such as Almond or Arnica oil. This oil can be used as postnatal care:
• loosen and relaxes the new baby

• gently removes the cradle cap on baby’s head

• protects baby’s delicate skin

Other aromatherapy oil for postnatal care can consist of St John’s Wort, Arnica, Calendula oil, Betula, Vitamin E and pure essential oils of Chamomile, Lavender, Rosemary, sweet Almond, and oil of argan, coconut,apricot and Olive.

A parent’s loving touch helps grow each cell in the baby’s body.

Preventing pre-term birth, during pregnancy

Premature labor occurs when gestation is less than 37 weeks. As the blood volume expands to 50-60% of the blood (especially for twins), there is a need for more protein, vitamin E and B, iron (not iron salts), water and other minerals.

Premature labor is most often due to poor nutrition which predisposes women to infections and other precipitating factors. Healthy, well-nourished women have intermittent, strong Braxton-hicks contractions from about 34 weeks (and often sooner), lasting until term. Sometimes these practice contractions last for hours at a time. Primary prevention includes: eating healthy food, stopping of smoking/alcohol consumption, treating vaginal infections and other infections early (urinary, kidney, etc.), preventing anemia, adequate prenatal care, avoiding prolonged standing or work-related stress and other emotional stress.

One friend of mine is a vegan, multigravid mother who delivered a full-term infant weighing 7 lbs. last August 1996 in Santa Cruz. She had two births with premature infants, both weighing 5 lb. at 36th weeks gestation. The third healthy full term baby had no problems with sucking and jaundice as compared to his two old brothers who were born at 36 weeks and had problems with sucking and jaundice.

When my friend was pregnant for her third child, she had episodes of nausea during the first trimester which she ignored and continued on eating healthy food. She educated herself in midwifery care and wellness to keep a healthy baby. She is herself a student midwife who saw two midwives for her regular prenatal visits. In the 16^th week of her pregnancy, she felt strong cramping and mucus discharge. She is aware of her previous premature births, her low socioeconomic lifestyle, her platypelloid (unusual) pelvis and her short cervix, all precursors to premature births.

This time she rested when her body complained of pain after a heavy household chore, riding in a bike or a bout with a flu or infection. She had a body and foot massage and used 2particular herbs (in capsule form) which can prevent a miscarriage: red raspberry and wild yam. She took the herbs for less than 10 days and in the 31^st week of her pregnancy she felt strong and consistent contractions. Determined to have a full term baby, she was taking things slowly especially household chores, taking more rest and eating nutritious food and especially hydrating or drinking lots of filtered water every hour. She listened to her midwives and stopped breastfeeding her toddler when she learned of her pregnancy and stopped sex during the last trimester.

At 37 weeks and 3 days, she felt that labor was starting and called her midwives. Rocking herself on the chair for a few hours and staying on hands and knees few minutes before the baby came, she felt the pain which lasted for a good 15 minutes and she birthed a 7 pounds baby boy to her delight. When asked about her pregnancy and carrying a full term baby, she said she could have carried the baby even longer had she rested and worked with less stress.

Overall she is happy that all her tuning in to her body and providing proper nutrition for her baby inside her womb paid off in the end.

Mother’s Love

The time of motherhood is an essential time to form the essential bonding and attachment that makes loving generations of people. Mothers who are nurtured during pregnancy will be better nurturers themselves. Seek the company of women believers in natural birth and conscious mothering and most especially your partner. Pray, meditate and visualize…

Let    there be light
Each  day is an opportunity to gather strength
To face    the new role of motherhood
From  whatever blessings we have
Let    them help us to unveil the shrouded veil of fear
For    at the end it is still God who turns on the light

It is in knowing what is expected during pregnancy, labor, and the first year of taking care of our baby that mothers feel the strength to carry on the new role. Be glad to join in the work of creation In the unfolding of a new life from the joining of a male and a female. Powered by the higher force, the same Almighty hand that brought forth our parents’ lives. And all our mothers and fathers before, a miracle of life grows within you.

“You with faith and hope, can bring and nurture the new life into the world. Pregnancy curves a new place in my being; all of me must unite and work to nurture and contain my baby.” Esperanza, a mother of six

Each pregnancy is unique and brings in some special individuality and a new set of experiences. We as mothers can make it through the journey with grace and acceptance if we let ourselves listen to our bodies.

“The most important thing you should carry when you are pregnant is a happy disposition. Don’t allow any worries to weigh you down, for your baby breaths and feels with you.” Claudia, a mother of seven

Don’t be misled by advertising, by the routine medical practices in hospitals or by health care givers, by the current culture – entrenched ideas that tell us more of the unnatural ways of birthing by mothers and feeding babies.

Mothers know what is best for their bodies and their babies. Tuning in to their bodies and feeling their babies inside their wombs help them get the needed strength at the most intense part of their lives.

Believe that you can surrender to the successful works of creation with wisdom and conscious preparation. Connect with mothers before us and with childbirth professionals (midwives, educators, labor support, doctors) and especially midwives who believe in our bodies.

From mothers around the world who care about other mothers, let’s examine what wisdom we can learn from them. The more we understand the needs of mothers and babies the more we become good parents. We take care of our babies the way we have been cared for by our parents and then more towards perfection as we apply ways that work better. Babies brings not only the intense happiness of being parents, they are also our genetic afterlife. We must acknowledge the importance of how we prepare ourselves as pregnant mothers and how we birth our babies, for they make up an important experience for babies and most of all for mothers.

As we look at the important changes in a woman and as we look into the eyes of babies, we will realize that motherhood is an important task and that babies are responsive to their environment. We can create a good environment for both mothers and babies by becoming aware of our decisions and choices from the time of conception onward.

Pregnancy – a sacred experience

One day as I was strolling in downtown San Jose with my husband, a man bowed down in front of me. I was on my last trimester of pregnancy then. As I recall this episode to one of my mother friends who was raised in Russia, she related how in her culture people believed in the sacredness of fertility and pregnancy. I know that in the Philippines women who want to get pregnant sometimes flock to the street of a famous town to dance and sing to a patron saint. It is known that praying and chanting to the Saint brings not only fertility but a successful birth.

Over many generations we have changed in the way we view pregnancy and birth. Blessed are those mothers who are exposed to a culture which allows the woman’s body to use its full capacity to deliver babies. Some mothers have seen how other mothers breastfeed their babies as a natural part of mothering. We who have lived in the industrialized communities assigned the caring of pregnant mothers to the professional community of health care givers. We ridicule those who are old fashioned and traditional, knowing that our current knowledge is enough to make babies.

I who believe in technology, and my husband who is so progressive in many ways, have both struggled in planning for my pregnancies. Even my husband who believes in natural foods, protecting the environment, and the lesser use of technology did not agree with homebirth and midwives at first. But after learning that the midwifery model of care is what birthing women need, he changed his perception about midwives, who are really the keepers of natural birth, powers of women’s bodies during birth, breastfeeding, family bed, and conscious parenting. He even decisively agreed not to circumcise our son.

For Mothers: Life is a set of choices that can either make or break our passage into a more rewarding one. As mothers you are endowed with the capacity to birth beyond your imagination.

My dear sister and friend don’t be surprised about the power of your body to birth life! Do you want to celebrate? Do you feel overwhelmed with the fact that you are carrying life in your womb? Are you scared or feeling some sense of responsibility? My friend, don’t be afraid, for your body is designed to carry life.

Know that there are resources around you that will help you nurture the life inside you. Talking to many grandmas, mothers, my own mother, midwives and other health care professionals prepared me for the coming of my new baby. Books (see Authors), support groups, childbirth classes, and my partner’s assistance in seeing to it that I get my daily exercise of pelvic rocks, walks, swims and excellent nutrition from natural sources provided the right environment for my new baby. Your new baby needs your positive energy and sense of well being.

Welcome to the world of mothers. Mother you will now be called. Isn’t it uplifting to know that you are carrying new life within you? In the months ahead of you, you will feel very sensitive emotionally and physically. This is because of the varying levels of hormones during your pregnancy. The nine months of pregnancy allows you to understand yourself and appreciate the strength that comes with carrying a growing life within you. Many first time mothers are anxious to deliver their babies and that’s ok.

Your partner

This period is an important time for yourself and your husband to bond to each other. This bonding will help you through the demands of caring for a newborn. Both you and your partner will feel the rewards of parenting which only you and your partner know. It is important that your partner should take part in your activities and plans. Your partner will then feel that sense of responsibility and will be an even better ally.

Pregnancy Humor

Question	Answer
Am I more likely to get pregnant if my husband wears boxers rather than briefs?	Yes, but you’ll have an even better chance if he doesn’t wear anything at all.
What do you call a pregnancy that begins while using birth control?	A misconception.
What is the difference between a Direct Entry Midwife (DEM) and a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)?	Seven years of education for CNM and at least seven years of apprenticeship for DEM.
Can a woman get pregnant from a toilet seat?	Yes, but the baby would be awfully funny looking.
What is the easiest way to figure out exactly when I got pregnant?	Have sex once a year.
What is a chastity belt?	A labor-saving device.
What is the most common pregnancy craving?	For men to be the ones who get pregnant.
I normally wear a size 34-C bra. Now that I’m pregnant, should I continue to wear a bra?	Not if you don’t mind switching in the future to a size 34-Long.
What is the most reliable method to determine a baby’s sex?	Childbirth.
My blood type is type O-positive and my husband’s is A-negative. What if my baby is born, say, type AB-positive?	Then the jig is up.
Should I have a baby after 35 (no need for unnecessary tests if you think you are healthy)?	No, 35 children is enough
My husband and I are very attractive. I’m sure our baby will be beautiful enough for commercials. Whom should I contact about this?	Your therapist.
I’m two months pregnant now. When will my baby move?	With any luck, right after he finishes college.
How would I know that my bag of waters broke?	When you taste it and it is not salty.
How will I know if my vomiting is morning sickness or the flu?	If it’s the flu, you’ll get better.
My brother tells me that since my husband has a big nose, and genes for big noses are dominant, my baby will have a big nose as well. Is this true?	The odds are greater that your brother will have a fat lip.
Does pregnancy affect a woman’s memory?	I don’t remember.
Since I became pregnant, my breasts, rear end, and even my feet have grown. Is there anything that gets smaller during pregnancy?	Yes, your bladder and your brain (latest research according to a CAT scan).
Ever since I’ve been pregnant, I haven’t been able to go to bed at night without onion rings. Is this a normal craving?	Depends on what your doing with them.
The more pregnant I get, the more often strangers smile at me. Why?	A. Cause your fatter than they are.
My wife is five months pregnant and so moody that sometimes she’s borderline irrational.	So what’s your question?
Will I love my dog less when the baby is born?	No, but your husband might get on your nerves.
Under what circumstances can sex at the end of pregnancy (semen contains prostaglandin – hormone, which stimulate labor) bring on labor?	When the sex is between your husband and another woman.
What’s the difference between a nine-months pregnant woman and a Playboy centerfold?	Nothing, if the pregnant woman’s husband knows what’s good for him.
What position should the baby be in during the ninth month of pregnancy?	Head down, pressing firmly on your bladder.
What’s the best way to get a man to give up his seat to a pregnant woman?	Brute force.
When is the best time to get an epidural (drug injected to mom or added in the IV that depresses the baby and slows labor for some mothers)?	Right after you find out you are pregnant.
Is there any reason I have to be in the delivery room while my wife is in labor?	Not unless the word “alimony” means anything to you.
How long is the average woman in labor (it takes 10-30 minutes for some second-time mothers)?	Whatever she says, divided by two.
I’m modest. Once I’m in the hospital to deliver, who will see me in that delicate position?	Authorized personnel only—doctors, nurses, odorless, photographers, florists, cleaning crews, journalists, etc.
What does it mean when the baby’s head is crowning (burning sensation in mom’s puss signaling the baby’s head is coming out)?	It means you feel as though not only a crown but the entire throne is trying to make it’s way out of you.
What are forceps (metal that pulls baby out since mom can’t push after she is given drugs for pain relief or other measures)?	Giant baby tweezers that can hurt a baby if not careful used.
Does anyone in this country still give birth in the fields or in a van?	Not on purpose.
Is there anything I should avoid while recovering from childbirth?	Yes, pregnancy.
Does labor cause hemorrhoids?	Labor causes anything you want to blame it for.
Under what circumstances should a baby not be circumcised (baby’s foreskin has about six functional nerves)?	When it’s a girl, for starters.
Is there a safe alternative to breast pumps?	Yes, baby lips.
Why is standing the best position when delivering a breech baby (feet first)?	Gravity.
Why does is take some time to deliver a baby boy than a baby girl even when in squatting position?	Wider chest circumference for boys.
When would I know the day that true labor comes?	When your weight is about half a pound less.
What does it mean when a baby is born with teeth?	It means that the baby’s mother may want to rethink her plans to nurse.
Why is nipple stimulation used to induce labor?	It releases the sex hormones which initiate labor.
How does one sanitize nipples?	Bathe daily and wear a clean bra. It beats boiling them in a saucepan.
What are the terrible twos (toddlers at age 2 yr. old)?	Your breasts after baby stops nursing cold turkey.
What is the best time to wean (stop) the baby from nursing?	When you see teeth marks or when dad wants mom’s breast for himself only.
What is the grasp reflex (ability of newborn at birth to grasp things tightly)?	The reaction of new father’s when he sees new mother’s breasts.
Can a mother get pregnant while nursing?	Yes, but it’s much easier if she removes the baby from her breast and puts him to sleep first.
Where is the best place to store breast milk?	In your breasts.
What happens to disposable diapers after they’re thrown away?	They are stored in a silo in the Midwest, in the event of global chemical warfare.
Why should dim lights be used during homebirth?	Baby wants the same environment as much as possible as inside mom’s belly.
Do I have to have a baby shower (party for mom before the baby arrives)?	Not if you change the baby’s diaper very quickly.
Why did the newborn stopped cyring during circumcision?	He lost the sense of trust around him after cyring for pain and nobody cared.
What causes baby blues (mild postpartum depression after birth)?	Tanned, hard-bodied bimbos.
Nannies aren’t cheap are they?	Not usually, but occasionally you’ll find a floozy.
What is colic (baby crying intensely)?	A reminder for new parents to use birth control.
Why is mom lying on her back when in labor which counters gravity?	For doctor’s convenience.
Why does it take a long time for baby to be delivered when mom is flat on the bed?	Baby has to climb a hill before coming out.
What are night terrors?	Frightening episodes in which the new mother dreams she’s pregnant again.
Our baby was born last week. When will my wife begin to feel and act normal again?	When the kids are in college.
My childbirth instructor says it’s not pain I’ll feel during labor, but pressure (muscles and ligaments tightening up to push baby out). Is she right?	Yes, in the same way that a tornado might be called an air current.

Herbs and Nutrition, during childbearing years

Eat for You and for Your Baby

Your baby is nourished by your body as the plant obtains nourishment from the soil. A healthy baby is the result of a healthy mother. It is good to know which of the foods that we take contribute to a healthy baby. Most herbs listed here (except for the red raspberry) should be taken during the last trimester and only after consultation first with your midwife or doctor.

Carbohydrates	Vitamin A	Vitamin B1	Vitamin B5	Vitamin D	Choline	Herbs to stimulate labor
Protein	Calcium	Vitamin B2	Vitamin B12	Vitamin E	Herbs for Cleaning	Herbs to stop hemorrhage
Fats	Iron	Vitamin B3	Vitamin C	Biotin	Herbs for easing labor pains	Herbs for Preventing Pre-eclampsia
Vitamins	Iodine	Manganese	Selenium	General Toner Herbs	Herbs to expel placenta
Minerals	Magnesium	Potassium	Zinc	Herbal Resource List	Herbs to relax

Carbohydrates

Each gram of carbohydrates provides the body with four calories. Most foods containing carbohydrates have other essential nutrients such as honey and blackstrap molasses which also contain iron and B vitamins. Grains, fruits and vegetables contain carbohydrates which provide fuel and energy for the body. Pregnant mothers need about 2,200 calories per day while nursing mothers need these and an additional of about 800 calories per day.

Proteins

Many a pregnancy induced hypertension could be avoided by taking an adequate amount of protein. About 90 grams of protein is needed by a pregnant mother for the growth and maintenance of body tissues of the baby and the mother. Complete protein foods are found in meat, fish, eggs, milk and cheese while incomplete protein foods are found in legumes, grains, seeds and nuts. Some sources of protein include: meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, nuts, beans, peas. Some combinations of proteins providing the complete protein that the body needs are:

rice and legumes	rice and legumes and wheat	wheat, sesame and soybean
corn and legumes	rice and milk or wheat	peanuts and milk
wheat and legumes	wheat and cheese	wheat and milk

Fats

Your fat intake should be about 35% of your total calories. Each gram of fat provides the body with nine calories. Fat is important in maintaining body heat especially in cold climates. It aids in the absorption and utilization of carotene, the vegetable form of Vitamin A.

Vitamins

Vitamin A is essential for good vision. It helps reduce susceptibility to infection. It is essential for healthy skin, good blood, strong bones and teeth, kidneys, bladder, lungs, and membranes. Natural Sources: Fish liver oils, sheep and beef liver, carrots, yams, dairy products, liver, dark green and yellow leafy vegetables.

Beta Carotene provides the body with a safe source of Vitamin A. It works with other natural protectors to defend your cells from harmful free radical damage. Natural Sources: Dark green leafy vegetables, yellow and orange vegetables and fruits.

Vitamin B-1 (Thiamine) aids in digestion. It is necessary for metabolism of sugar and starch to provide energy. It maintains a healthy nervous system. Alcohol can cause deficiencies of this vitamin and all the B-complex vitamins. Natural Sources: Brewer’s Yeast, wheat germ, liver, whole-grain cereals, fish and poultry, egg yolks, nuts, legumes, brown rice, and blackstrap molasses.

Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin) helps the body obtain energy from protein, carbohydrates and fats. It helps maintain good vision and healthy skin. Natural Sources: brewer’s yeast, alfalfa, almonds, liver and other organ meats, leafy vegetables, whole-grain breads and milk.

Vitamin B-3 (Niacin) helps the body utilize protein, fats and carbohydrates. It is necessary for healthy nervous system and digestive system. Natural Sources: lean meats, poultry, fish, peanuts, milk and milk products, and rice bran.

Vitamin B-5 (Panthothenic Acid) helps release energy from protein, carbohydrates and fats. It is needed to support a variety of body functions, including the maintenance of a healthy digestive system. Sources: royal jelly, brewer’s yeast, brown rice, organ meats, salmon, egg yolks, legumes, wheat germ.

Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine) is essential for the body’s utilization of protein. It is needed for the production of red blood cells, nerve tissue and antibodies. Women taking oral contraceptives have lower levels of Vitamin B-6. Drinking alcohol also lowers the level of B-6 in the body. Natural Sources: brewer’s yeast, meats, whole grains/wheat, bananas, green leafy vegetables, liver, brown rice, soybeans, rye, and lentils.

Vitamin B-12 (Cyanocobalamin) is necessary for the normal development of red blood cells, and the functioning of cells, particularly in the bone marrow, nervous system and intestines. Natural Sources: meat, sardines, mackerel, dairy products and fermented soy products.

Biotin is important in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Natural Sources: liver, brewer’s yeast, eggs, sardines, legumes, brown rice and whole-grain cereals.

Vitamin C is necessary to produce collagen, the connective material of all body tissues. It is important for healthy teeth and gums. It strengthens capillaries and other blood vessels. It plays an important role in healing injuries. It aids the body’s absorption of iron. It helps fights infection and it is important in boosting the immune system. Taken by mothers with breast engorgement, mastitis, or any time the body feels weak.

Vitamin C is water soluble so it cannot be stored by your body and must be frequently replaced. Stress decreases your body’s supply of Vitamin C. Clinical tests have shown that smokers and women taking birth control pills have significantly lower blood levels of Vitamin C than non-smokers and women who are not taking birth control pills. Natural Sources: Citrus fruits and juices, acerola cherries, cantaloupe, broccoli, alfalfa sprouts, tomatoes, green and red peppers, and strawberries.

Choline is an element found in lecithin which is considered important in the transmission of nerve impulses. Natural Sources: lecithin, egg yolks, liver, wheat germ, Brewer’s yeast.

Vitamin D is necessary in the absorption of calcium and phosphorous which are required for bone formation. It is also necessary in maintaining a stable nervous system and normal heart function. Take a nice walk and get fresh, clean air daily. Other sources: sardines, salmon, tuna, egg yolk, sunflower seeds.

Vitamin E protects fat soluble vitamins and red blood cells. It is essential in cellular respiration and protection. It inhibits coagulation of blood by preventing clots. Sources: wheat germ, safflower nuts, sunflower seeds, whole wheat.

Minerals

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body. It is essential for the formation and repair of bone and teeth. It regulates certain body processes such as normal behavior of nerves, muscle tone and blood clotting. Natural Sources: Milk and milk products, fish and other seafoods, green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, dried peas and beans. About 800 mg per day are required for a pregnant mother. The following table lists the food sources and amount of calcium in each food.

Food: 200 mg = 3/4 cup baby cereal 185 mg = 1 cup cream of wheat 50 mg = 2 eggs

Fish: 150 mg = 3.5 oz. Canned herring 250 mg = 3.5 oz. Canned mackerel 200 mg = 3.5 oz. Canned salmon with bones 100 mg = 3.5 oz. oysters 350 mg = 3.5 oz. sardines with bones

Cooked Beans: 50 mg = 1/2 cup white 50 mg = 1/2 cup red 40 mg = 1/2 cup limas 75 mg = 1/2 cup soybeans 50 mg = 1/2 cup garbanzos 25 mg = 1/2 cup lentils

Greens: 120 mg = 1/2 cup beet greens 90 mg = 2/3 cup broccoli 60 mg = 1/2 cup chard 150 mg = 1/2 cup collards 90 mg = 1/2 cup kale 140 mg = 1/2 cup mustard greens

Dried fruits: 100 mg = 4 figs 100 mg = 8 prunes 50 mg = 1/2 cup raisins 100 mg = 1 large orange

Nuts: 125 mg = 1/3 cup almond, unblanched 200 mg = 1/3 cup brazil nuts 50 mg = 1/4 cup peanuts with skin 50 mg = 1/4 cup peanut butter 50 mg = 1/2 cup English walnuts

Herbs rich in calcium: amaranth, kelp, parsley

Chromium acts with insulin to enable the body to utilize glucose, the form in which the body utilizes carbohydrates. Natural Sources: Thyme, black pepper, Brewer’s yeast, liver, whole wheat and whole-grain cereals.

Copper is active in the storage and release of iron to form hemoglobin for red blood cells. Natural Sources: Organ meats, shellfish, nuts and dried legumes.

Iron

Iron is an essential part of hemoglobin, a protein structure which helps the red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. Iron is important for maintaining blood volumes. About 40 mg per day are required for a pregnant mother. Mother’s wisdom tells us to consume three to five times a day of greens, fruits, nuts, and other healthy food during pregnancy. Mothers before us have prepared well during pregnancy thru proper nutrition.

Pregnant moms should consume more iron to compensate for the expansion of plasma volume during the last trimester which leads to decline in the hemoglobin and hematocrit values in the blood. Iron is important in providing oxygenation for mother and baby. It can mean less bleeding after birth and a healthy baby with no breathing-related problems.

Holistic midwives suggest an iron tonic of yellow dock root made into a tea sweetened with honey. A hot morning drink containing blackstrap molasses sweetened with honey can be a good substitute for coffee drinkers. Cooking in cast iron pans can help in iron absorption.

When cooking try to combined one or two kinds of food with vitamin C-rich food. Nothing beats organic or pesticide-free produce from the farmer’s market and also avoid eating canned or processed foods heavily laden with carcinogens or chemical preservatives. Whole-grain foods such as whole wheat flour/bread, brown sugar, unprocessed grains – rolled oats, bulgar wheat, brown rice – contain twenty more nutrients than refined flour.

Though absorption of iron in meats is greater than in veggies, vegan moms can still get the necessary amount of iron by eating a wide variety of iron-rich foods.

Iron is important for maintaining blood volumes. About 60 mg of iron per day are required for a pregnant mother due to higher blood volume and the demands of fetus and placenta. The following table lists the food sources and amount of iron in each food.

Sources: 1.3 mg = 1 cup of raw bean sprouts 3.1 mg = 1 tbsp blackstrap molasses 1.1 mg = 2/3 cup broccoli greens 2.5 mg = 3 oz canned sardines 7.5 mg = 3 oz beef liver, sauteed 5.2 mg = 3 oz clams, oysters, other seafoods 2.0 mg = 3 oz chicken 2.8 mg = 1 medium potato baked with skin 1.4 mg = 1 tbsp brewer’s yeast 1.0 mg = 1 egg Dried fruits/juices/nuts: 5.1 mg = 10-12 halves apricots 5.1 mg = 10-12 halves peaches 10.5 mg = 8 oz prune juice 5.6 mg = 1 cup raisins 3.8 mg = 3 .5 oz cashew nuts 5.0 mg = 3.5 oz chocolate bittersweet

Cooked Beans/Nuts: 2.1 mg = 1 cup walnuts 13.8 mg = 1 cup red 15.6 mg = 1 cup limas 16.8 mg = 1 cup soybeans 13.8 mg = 1 cup garbanzos 13.6 mg = 1 cup lentils 6.8 mg = 1 cup peanuts roasted with skin 6.4 mg = 1 cup peanuts roasted without skin 15.6 mg = 1 cup white beans 15.4 mg = 1 cup mung beans 10.2 mg = 1 cup common peas 22.4 mg = 1 cup pumpkin and squash kernels 14.2 mg = 1 cup sunflower seed kernels 2.0 mg = 1/2 cup barley 1.5 mg = 1/2 cup kidney Others: 1.9 mg = 2/3 cup beet greens kelp caviar, buckwheat, oats, hazelnuts, wheat germ

Herbs for anemia: alfalfa, clover, dandelion, red raspberry

Note: Oregano inhibits iron absorption.

Folic Acid is used in red blood cell formation. It aids in metabolism of proteins and is necessary for growth and division of body cells. It is an essential vitamin for pregnant women, and deficiencies have been linked with birth defects. Spina Bifida and Anecephaly are two Neural Tube Defects that appear to be preventable with just 400 mcg of folic acid. Folic Acid is considered brain food, and is needed for energy production and the formation of red blood cells. It functions as a co-enzyme in DNA and RNA synthesis. It is important for healthy cell division and replication. In pregnancy it helps regulate embryonic and fetal nerve cells formation, which is vital for normal developmnent. To be effective in prevention, this nutrient must begin before conception, and continue well into the pregnancy. Folic acid works best when combined with Vitamins B12 and C. Good sources are: brewer’s yeast, alfalfa, endive, chickpeas, oats, enriched cereals, fruits and fruit juices, leafy green vegetables, barley, beef, bran, brown rice, cheese, liver, milk, mushrooms,salmon, tuna, wheat germ, whole grains, and whole wheat.

Iodinesources: Kelp, cod liver oil

Magnesium helps in the absorption and use of calcium and phosphorous. It aids in bone growth and is necessary for proper functioning of nerves and muscles. Natural Sources: Green vegetables, seeds, nuts and whole grains.

Manganese is needed for normal tendon and bone structure. Natural Sources: bran, cloves, ginger, buckwheat, oats, hazelnuts, chestnuts, tea leaves, peas and beans.

Potassium is a mineral found in the cell fluid throughout the body. It helps regulate your body’s water balance. It is necessary for normal growth and muscle function. Natural Sources: Green leafy vegetables, oranges, whole grains, potatoes (with skin), broccolie, avocado, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cantaloupes, dates, prunes and bananas.

Selenium works with Vitamin E. Natural Sources: bran, broccoli, onions, tomatoes, tuna, corn, cabbage, whole wheat, beans and wheat germ.

Zinc is essential for growth, tissue repair and sexual development. Sources: herring, sesame seeds

More about Herbs

General Toner Herbs: Red raspberry, squaw vine, crampbark, wild yam (not to be taken during the first and second trimester because of the possibility of fetal masculinization)

Pre-eclampsia or Pregnancy-induced Hypertension Herbal Helpers: alfalfa, dandelion, peppermint, parsley

Labor Herbal Helpers

Note: Most labor herbal helpers should not be used during pregnancy except during labor.

To cleanse the birthing place: cedar, sweetgrass, sage, lavender, rosemary

To ease labor pains: squaw vine, *blue cohosh (not to be used with women with heart disease), bethroot (or birthroot is used by the Native Americans to reduce postpartum bleeding), lavender essential oil (causes anticonvulsant activity and sedative effects), bay laurel, lemon balm, celery, valerian essential oil (aromatheraphy for its sedative effect), wild yam

*Note: Blue Cohosh is an agent to induce labor. It contains glycoside which stimulates smooth muscle in the uterus. It is not to be used in clients with heart disease.

To stimulate labor or increase contractions: blue cohosh, penny royal oil, rue, tansy, skullcap, motherwort, angelica

To relax labor or decrease contractions: lobelia, celery, valerian, chamomile, lemon balm

To expel placenta: angelica, penny royal, chamomile, basil, licorice (contains oxytocin), blue cohosh

To stop hemorrhage: cayenne, shepperd’s purse, motherwort, blue cohosh, bethroot, angelica, licorice, comfrey, saffron

Store Up Energy for Birth

Mothers can take a pointer from the way runners prepare for a marathon to ease birth. Load up certain foods so you will store up needed energy for delivery:

Eat meals rich in complex carbohydrates such as pasta.
Take in more potassium (figs, bananas, legumes, lean meat) to help release energy from protein, fats, and carbohydrates.
Have extra helpings of citrus fruit and juice and iron-rich foods.
During delivery, you will lose a certain amount of Vitamin C, which is needed for the healing process after birth. Iron will give you the needed strength.

What to avoid?

Preservatives such as nitrates, Red 40, BHA, BHT etc.
Caffeine, alcohol, too much salt and refined sugar
White flour

Your needs and expectations

Having a baby is a profound passage in a woman’s life. As an expectant mother you are endowed with the power to bear a child and participate in the creation of a new life. Together with your partner, you will traverse a most satisfying event as you master the birthing of a new life. Pregnancy allows you to examine the world around you more closely.

Take care of yourself

You are now more sensitive to the things around you as you are entering a sacred life experience. With empowerment and joyful feelings, you can surrender to the work of creation. This birth is special for you.

References:

Complimentary and Alternative Medicines – Charles Feltrow, PharmD and Juan Avila, PharmD. It is available from Springhouse Corporation, 1111 Bethlehem Pike, P.O. Box 908, Springhouse, PA 19477.

Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine by Michael Murray

Prescriptions for Natural Healing by James Balch.

March of Dimes http://www.modimes.org/Programs2/FolicAcid/Default.htm

Herbal Agents Resource List

American Botanical Council http://www.herbs.org

APRALERT http://www.pmmp.uic.edu

The Australasian College of Herbal Studies http://www.achs@herbed.com

Center for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov

Lloyd Library http://www.libraries.uc.edu/lloyd

Office of Dietary Supplements National Institute of Health http://www.odp.od.nih.gov

Office of Alternative Medicine http://www.altmed.od.nih.gov

US Food and Drug Administration http://www.fda.gov

US National Library of Medicine http://www.nlm.nih.gov

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The article above is from Connie’s ebook on pregnancy at amazon.com , now for free. Email motherhealth@gmail.com 408-854-1883 to get a free copy, just refer Connie to those who needs a retirement savings , tax-free with health benefits at no added cost in a life policy, Index Universal Life, growing at 13%.

Retirement Checklist or Bucket List in 2014

How do we allocate our money? This year, I plan to allocate my money as follows: 1/3 in long-term savings, 1/3 in short term and 1/3 to create experiences with family, love ones and the community I live. I will allocate my time to create more income and build relationships. At 50plus, we all should save at least 20% of our earnings for retirement as we live long, have health threats or a retirement crisis. For the self motivated 40plus, we are hiring part time financial planners (in 50 US states), with a life/health insurance license , as non-captive agents where you can take your clients with you when you move to another brokerage.

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A typical job lasts for about five years, according to Forbes magazine. The average marriage lasts about eight years, according to the Census Bureau. But figures from the Social Security Administration show that the average American is retired for over 20 years.
Deciding when and where to retire is one of the most important decisions of our lives, and everyone should do their homework before taking this big step. If you’re already retired, you should continue to reassess your situation and be ready to adapt to changing conditions as well as your changing aspirations. You will probably want to look deeper into certain issues. But this checklist is a good place to start.
1. Figure out what you want to do in retirement. If you approach retirement like an extended vacation, you’ll probably be disappointed. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to do more gardening or play more golf. But most satisfied retirees also look beyond themselves to set real-life goals, whether it’s starting their own business, writing a family history, traveling to all seven continents or taking care of their grandchildren.
2. Are you going to work? According to one survey, three quarters of today’s workers expect to work part time after they retire. But only about one quarter of retirees actually do. Why the difference? Many people believe their old employer will hire them back as a consultant, or they think they can land an interesting new job. But expectations often don’t match reality. If you plan to work after retirement, scope out your opportunities ahead of time.
3. Decide where you’re going to live. The typical retirement dream involves riding off into the sunbelt, golf clubs and beach umbrella in hand. Many retirees do take that route and are happy for it. Others decide to move near their grandchildren or retire overseas. But the majority of retirees never leave home. They may downsize, but they stay close to friends and relatives.
4. Figure out your health insurance. For most people this means signing up for Medicare at age 65, along with a supplemental insurance plan. Most of us might not retire before age 65 like my mom who worked till she is 78 to support her 12 grandchildren who are in college.

At 65, we really need a health insurance. Many people can keep coverage from an old employer, or get insurance through a professional association. The Affordable Care Act also now brings new options to early retirees. Whatever your situation, make sure your health insurance doesn’t lapse.
5. Take inventory of your assets. The main difference between working and retirement is that you no longer get a paycheck in retirement. Many experts insist you need $1 million in assets to support a comfortable retirement. Some say less; others say more. You should take a realistic picture of your financial assets, including pensions, retirement accounts and all other resources (don’t forget to factor in your debts) to see if you have the resources to support yourself for 20 or 30 years.
6. Determine where your retirement income will come from. You must turn your assets into the stream of income you’ll need to pay your bills. Add up your monthly income from pensions, Social Security and any other sources. Then figure out how you’re going to produce income from your retirement accounts and personal savings. It can be a complicated process, so consult a professional if you need help.
7. Decide when to sign up for Social Security. Conventional wisdom says you receive full benefits once you hit full retirement age, which is 66 for most of us. The better way to look at it: you’re eligible to begin benefits anytime between age 62 and 70, on a sliding scale. The longer you wait, the bigger your check.
8. Account for unexpected expenses. Consider how you’ll handle non-routine expenses in retirement such as a large medical expense or major home repair. Will you have to help support a grandchild? Do you want to leave an inheritance for children or a favorite charity? Also, consider the effects of inflation over time and the risk of outliving your assets.
9. Consult your spouse. Retirement planning is nothing but a pipe dream if you haven’t talked it over with your significant other. The sooner you start talking, the better your planning will be. Also, share your hopes and aspirations with your children and close friends so they know where you’re headed.
10. Make a plan. Now that you’ve collected your thoughts and analyzed your situation, don’t just sit there. Make your retirement plan. Dream big. Think outside the box. Share your thoughts. Then get ready to enjoy the retirement of your dreams.

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Connie’s retirement bucket list: A long-term retirement strategy includes: 13% return that does not participate in the downside of the market, based on SP500, tax-free, with health benefits added at no cost during health threats such as cancer, stroke or disability, leaves an estate to the next generation, liquid that can be withdrawn and most of all, if you are still trainable can provide you a par time job as financial planner.

My choice that is not listed below is with a retirement strategy that is tax-free, less admin costs, liquid, safe, grows at 13%, long term savings with health benefits via the retirement plan/college plan with no age limits and better than a Roth IRA, in an IUL policy which I share with others. Call Connie Dello Buono 408-854-1883 ; motherhealth@gmail.com in 50 states , CA Life Lic 0G60621

Plan for retirement

80% of employees who have taken our financial wellness assessment report not being on track for retirement. If your employer offers you a match on your contributions, at least contribute enough to max it out so you don’t leave any of that free money on the table. Beyond that, you’ll want to calculate how much you need to save to reach your retirement goals. But with any calculator, it’s garbage in/garbage out. Be sure to factor in the possibilities of reduced Social Security benefits, lower real investment returns, longer life spans, and higher health care costs in retirement.

Save for education expenses

With rising student loan debt in the news, saving for college is understandably a rising concern. However, make sure that your retirement is on track first because there’s no financial aid for that. In addition, understand that very few people are able to save enough to fully fund all education costs from savings so don’t let those numbers discourage you. You can start by estimating how much you would need to contribute to your child’s education expenses so you can calculate how much to save.

Take advantage of tax shelters

By using tax-sheltered accounts, Uncle Sam can help you save towards various goals. Your company may offer flex spending accounts to put money away tax-free for dependent care and health care expenses but be aware that you may lose whatever you don’t use by the end of the year. If you have a high-deductible health care plan, a health savings account can let you save and accumulate money tax-free for health care expenses (and for anything penalty-free after age 65). Your employer’s retirement plan and IRAs allow you to put money away tax-deferred or invest it to grow tax-free for retirement. Coverdell education savings accounts and 529 college savings plans allow tax-free earnings for education.

Make sure your investments are properly diversified

The biggest factor in determining the risk and return of your investment portfolio is your asset allocation or how your money is divided between basic asset classes like stocks, bonds, and cash. A simple way to a diversified portfolio is to invest in pre-mixed asset allocation fund. Some are based on a fixed level of risk while others reduce automatically reduce the risk level over time as you approach your target date for goals like retirement or education.

If you prefer a more personalized approach, see if your employer or retirement plan provider offers unbiased asset allocation guidance through a financial education company or advice through programs like Financial Engines and GuidedChoice. There are also low cost providers of online investment advice like WealthFront, Future Advisor, and Personal Capital. Finally, if you want your investment advice as part of a more comprehensive financial plan, you can find an unbiased investment adviser through groups like the Garrett Planning Network or the Alliance of Cambridge Advisors.

Minimize your investment costs

Studies have shown that low fees are actually a better predictor of future mutual fund performance than past performance or even Morningstar ratings. To minimize mutual fund fees along with taxes and other trading costs, consider implementing your asset allocation plan with low cost index funds that simply track the market and generally end up outperforming more expensive actively managed funds. You can further minimize taxes on your investment income by keeping tax-inefficient investments like taxable bonds, REITs, commodities, and high turnover funds in your tax-sheltered accounts as much as possible.

Harvest tax losses

Although this year looks like another good year in the stock market, you may have some investments in taxable accounts that have lost value. By selling them at a loss, you can use the losses to offset other taxes. Just don’t repurchase the same investment within 30 days or you won’t be able to deduct the loss.

Treat yourself and those you love

Finally, don’t forget that the ultimate purpose of money is to provide for the needs of you and your family. How you do it is important though. Once your needs are taken care of, meet some of those wants with a vacation or occasional outings that let you spend more time together. Studies show that spending money on experiences creates more and longer lasting happiness than spending on material purchases.

Feeding with Mother’s Milk

Most mothers around the world agree that:

The mother’s heartbeat is the baby’s lullaby music.
The mother’s milk has sleep inducing benefits.
The mother’s milk is not dropable like a bottle and is easy to carry around.
The mother’s milk stores the baby’s milk at just the right temperature.
The mother’s milk is readily available any time the baby sucks or cries.
The mother’s milk stays in a sterile place and stays warm.
The mother’s milks do not need sterilizing, boiling or cleaning with soap (for nipples).
The mother’s milks size does not matter since they always produce the right amount of milk for her baby.
The mother’s milks only absolutely need to be suckled by the baby.
The mother’s milk makes traveling easy for both baby and mom.
The mother’s milk appears pleasing in a natural way to dad’s eyes when nursing the baby.
The mother’s milk provides the comfort the baby needs when tired, hungry or sick.

The many benefits of milk for mothers and babies include:

Phosphorous which is important for brain growth and development.
Antibodies that will protect the baby against invading organisms.
The effect of a natural vaccine without the risk of artificial vaccines.
Being always in the right formulation with the baby’s age.
The absence of allergens.
Comforting the baby’s stomach rather than disturbing it.
More iron and other nutrients that are readily absorbed by the baby.

We can tell our partners and friends why we milkfeed our babies. The following sentences reaffirm our commitment to milkfeed our babies:

milkfeeding is the mother’s gift only the mother can give.
milkfeeding helps make more loving and caring children.
milkfeeding is the most human form of feeding.
milkfeeding makese it easier to discipline children.
milkfeeding is nature’s way of helping mom be in love with her baby.
milkfeeding makes dad happy when seeing his wife and baby nourishing each other.
milkfeeding helps remove mother’s worries for the day.
milkfeeding increases opportunity for the baby to be massaged by the mother.
milkfeeding helps mom know her child’s growth and developmental changes better.
milkfeeding helps bring greater rewards for the future generation.

Right Start milkfeeding Tips

Prepare your nipples, eat well, and sleep when your newborn is sleeping.
Maintain a healthy diet with four fresh vegetables and three kinds of fruits a day. Drink lots of water or juices. A hot soup or soupy dish rich in sea foods and grains is important.
Put your babies to your milk as soon after they are born as possible.
Seek the support of mothers who have milkfed their babies. If milk engorgement occurs: apply warm compress, soak your milk in warm water, make sure that the baby empties your milks, and follow proper positioning and latching on as instructed by your midwife.

milkfeeding More than one Baby

If you have twins, you are doubly committed to the task of milkfeeding. Your partner is an important resource in giving you time to milkfeed both your babies at the same time or one at a time. Since most twins are premature and tend to be sleepy, not sucking well for the first couple of weeks, a lactation counselor or consultant can help you with the proper latch-on techniques. Get the right start milkfeeding tips before sore nipples or milk supply problems occur. Research has shown that mothers who milkfeed twins simultaneously have higher elevations of the mothering hormone prolactin than those who nurse one baby at a time.

Mother’s needs: The needs of a mother are increased with each child to milkfeed so a recommended 3,000 cal/day and increased fluid intake are necessary to maintain the proper nutrition of the mother. Rest is important and support from family and friends can do a great deal in the success of milkfeeding twins or multiples.

Baby’s needs: If one of the babies is less demanding, wake that baby up for simultaneous feeding with the hungrier baby during the day. milkfeed him or her during the night to allow greater weight gain.

For milkfeeding Positions for Twins, ask your midwife, milkfeeding consultant or childbirth educator:

Double clutch hold
Cross-cradle position
Parallel position: One baby is in the cradle hold and one is in the clutch hold with their bodies lying in the same direction.

The Family sleeping together helps the baby slowly adjust to his or her environment.

My second child shared bed with us until he was three years of age.

I can feel the contrasting differences between him and his brother who did not shared bed with us. He is so loving to me and we know each other’s feelings. He was so attached to me that he cried when I left him and his brother for work abroad. Nurse, mother of two, Philippines

Sharing bed is an old tradition in the Far East. By necessity, a big family of six children shares bed usually on the floor with a mat. Until the children reach the age of about five or six years old.

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From Connie’s “Birthing Ways Healing Ways” , an ebook on childbirth, baby care and breastfeeding

email motherhealth@gmail.com to get a free copy

and for a referral to Connie’s Financial Planning Business, now hiring 500 part time financial planners in 50 states

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Comments: The above pic was taken 6 weeks after these homebirth babies were born in San Jose California in 1994. Now the babies are 19 yr olds and doing well. All these babies were breastfed by homebirth moms who were cared for by bay area midwives.

408-854-1883 starts at $30 per hr home care

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Feeding with Mother’s Milk

Most mothers around the world agree that:

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