Lots of great things happening around here! I’m a week behind in posting these photos so I’ll update you to the 34 week mark and save the rest for next week

We had an amazing weekend away on Salt Spring Island. After only 2 visits to the island we’ve decided that it’s the perfect place for us to raise a family. It encompasses everything we are looking for… a strong natural minded community where eating locally and organically is the norm, continuing to have the ocean at our doorstep, living in harmony with nature, feeling removed from the busyness of the city yet close enough to visit (we love Vancouver & Victoria) and the list goes on… We’ve set a strong intention that we’ll be living there by Fall 2013! You can see my favourite photo from the weekend here.

Without further ado here are the gorgeous shots Vairdy Photography captured for me last week! I love trees! Special thanks to my husband Rich Ralph who helped me climb up into this fallen tree and maneuver around it lol

**I’ve teamed up with the amazing Vairdy Andrew of Vairdy Photography in Vancouver to document my pregnancy with a mini online photo journal. Connect with me on Facebook for more frequent pregnancy updates!

Enjoy this informative guest post on Homeopathy for Natural Childbirth by Sonya McLeod from Little Mountain Homeopathy in Vancouver. I LOVE homeopathy and have been using it for years. It’s such a gentle, safe and natural approach, especially useful during pregnancy, childbirth and for babies and children!

What is Classical Homeopathy?

Classical homeopathy has been in use for over 200 years, originating in Germany. It involves the use of only one homeopathic medicine at a time to treat a variety of common health complaints, including difficulties experienced during childbirth. Homeopathic medicines are usually made from source material in our natural world such as a mineral, plant or animal. After a long, complex series of dilutions and shakings (succussions) of the source material, the homeopathic laboratories prepare the medicine in such a way that it rendered completely safe and non-toxic. Homeopathic medicines are designed to stimulate the body to heal itself.

Homeopathy means “similar medicine.” Remedy selection is based on the homeopathic principle that “like cures like” – that is, a substance that would cause symptoms in a healthy person is used to cure those same symptoms in illness. For example, one homeopathic remedy which might be used in a person suffering from insomnia is coffea, a remedy made from coffee.

Always Completely Safe and Non-Toxic

All of the homeopathic remedies mentioned in this article are completely safe for women to take during childbirth. Homeopathic remedies will also never harm the unborn baby. They are always gentle, non-toxic and have no side effects.

Where Do I Buy Homeopathic Remedies?

Homeopathic remedies can be purchased at Finlandia Pharmacy and many health food stores. Homeopathic Childbirth Kits can be purchased from Little Mountain Homeopathy in Vancouver.

Remedy Potency/Strength

There is a number followed by a “C” beside the remedy name denoting the potency, or strength, of the homeopathic remedy. The higher the number beside the remedy, the higher the strength. Strength usually matches with how acute the situation is, as well as with the energy of the patient.

Using Homeopathic Remedies for Childbirth

Turning a Breech Baby

Pulsatilla 30C: The most commonly indicated remedy for turning a breech baby. Give Pulsatilla 30C, 2-3 times per day, for a few days until the baby turns.

Viscum Album 30C: Try this remedy if Pulsatilla fails to turn the baby (given 2-3 times per day).

Natrum Muriaticum 30C: This remedy is indicated if the baby is in a breech position due to too little amniotic fluid. The patient may be an emotionally closed woman, with chapped lips and dry mucus membranes.

Overdue Labour

Homeopathy is a safe, natural alternative to Pitocin/Oxytocin. If the baby is overdue, induce labour naturally by alternating the remedies Caulophyllum 12C and Cimicifuga 12C, given once every hour. For example, hour 1: Caulophyllum, hour 2: Cimicifuga, hour 3: Caulophyllum, etc. Continue this protocol until labour commences.

History of Overdue Labour

For those women who have a history of difficult or overdue labours, starting at week 38, give Caulophyllum 12C and Cimicifuga 12C daily, on alternate days. For example, Day 1: Caulophyllum, Day 2: Cimicifuga, etc. Continue with this protocol for a maximum of 14 days.

Premature Labour

Caulophyllum: The most frequently indicated remedy for premature labour. Useful for premature labour due to weakness of the cervix, in women who are weak and nervous.

Magnesium Phosphoricum: Another common remedy for premature labour, also accompanied by severe leg cramps due to magnesium deficiency.

Sepia: For premature labour, in irritable, angry, chilly women. Most useful for women who have had many babies and/or have had their children close together.

Pulsatilla: A good remedy for premature women who are very weepy, restless, and intolerant of warm rooms. She needs a lot of emotional support and has a lot of fear and concern for the baby.

Dosage and Potency for Premature Labour: Use a 200C potency if emotion/energy is running high and the situation is very acute; use a 30C potency if she is weak and lethargic. Give the indicated remedy every 15-30 minutes for three doses, then spaced further apart as condition improves.

Normal Labours

If the labour is progressing normally, with no complications, give Arnica 200C at the beginning of and throughout the labour (e.g. every hour) to avoid any possible postpartum complications. This will prevent afterpains, prevent hemorrhage, and lessen the need for pain medication.

Extreme Labour Pains

Chamomilla 200C: This is the stereotypical woman that you see in movies. She is very angry and could lash out at the people around her, including her partner. She is extremely sensitive to the pain and is extremely irritable.

Sepia 200C: Violent bearing-down pains as if everything would come out. A woman needing this remedy feels indifferent to the baby and/or never wanted the pregnancy. She is irritable, sad, and easily offended.

Aconitum Napellus 200C or 1M (1000C): Extreme fear of labour. She fears that she will not make it through the labour and delivery. She is convinced that she will die in labour. This is a major remedy for a very fast labour where contractions come on very suddenly (with extreme fear).

Nux Vomica 200C: The main remedy from fainting during labour due to severe pain. The pains cause a frequent urge to urinate and defecate. She is irritable, critical, and sensitive to odors, light and noise. Often indicated for women who have led a sedentary or indulgent lifestyle (with past use of stimulants and/or alcohol).

Ineffectual, Non-Progressive, Irregular or Weak Labour

Caulophyllum 200C: This is the most common remedy needed for labours that will not progress, when the cervix will not dilate. A useful remedy to give at the beginning of labour to produce good contractions. Once labour is well established, switch to Cimicifuga 200C to complete dilation.

Gelsemium 200C: When labour has been in progress for many hours but there is absolutely no progress with dilation. She is extremely weak and drowsy. She does not really want to participate in the labour. This remedy can be given prophylactically to women who have a history of painful, ineffectual labours.

Kali Carbonicum 200C: The main remedy for “back labour,” very severe labour pains in the back, and the labour does not progress. She is very chilly and most often women needing this remedy are overweight and sluggish.

Pulsatilla 200C: One of the main remedies for irregular labour pains, labour pains that come and go. She has the feeling that she may suffocate if she does not get cool air.

Dosage During Labour: Due to the intense nature of labour, the indicated remedy can be given every 15-30 minutes, then less often once labour starts progressing normally.

For Nervous Fathers and Grandparents During Labour

Aconitum Napellus 200C: Very intense anxiety that comes on suddenly, with panic and fear. One dose may be all that is needed.

Gelsemium 30C or 200C: Very nervous and weak, with anxious anticipation. Their hands may tremble and shake. Give 2-3 doses spaced throughout the labour.

Rescue Remedy: A popular homeopathic combination remedy, very good for traumatic situations and for those who are nursing the sick. It is what is known as a “Bach Flower Remedy.” Can be used instead of or along with Aconitum or Gelsemium. Put a few drops into a glass of water and sip periodically throughout the labour.

After Labour

After a normal labour with few complications, take a dose of Arnica 200C immediately after birth to prevent postpartum hemorrhage. Give a dose of Arnica 200C to the baby if there is any bruising or swelling.

Postpartum Hemorrhage

Sabina 200C: Profuse bright red blood with dark clots. Often indicated in women who have a tendency to flood with their menses.

Erigeron 200C: Profuse, bright red blood that comes in gushes. Gushes come in fits and starts.

Ipecacuanha 200C: Severe persistent nausea accompanied by red, profuse bleeding. Faintness, nausea, and gasping for breath.

Hamamelis 30C or 200C: The flow is usually dark, steady, slow and passive. There is a hammering headache, but no uterine pains and she is not anxious.

Precautions

*Never use the remedies Caulophyllum or Cimicifuga during early pregnancy, as these remedies can bring on contractions.

For best results, use these remedies in consultation with your classical homeopath.

About Sonya McLeod, BA, DCH, RCSHom

Sonya is a registered classical homeopath, who earned a 4 year diploma from the Vancouver Homeopathic Academy in 2009. She gave birth naturally at home to 2 children, now aged 7 and 9 years old. Sonya is the owner and founder of her own private practice, Little Mountain Homeopathy, in the city of Vancouver. Sonya also writes health articles for various publications, and is working on writing a book about local homeopathic remedy provings written for professional homeopaths.

I LOVE cherry blossoms! The joys of Spring in Vancouver, BC. I’m so happy Vairdy Photography was able to capture these gorgeous shots. It was perfect timing for our biweekly photos as my favourite variety of the blossoms are in full bloom right now.

Even though I’m really starting to feel the extra weight I’m carrying around I’m still loving being pregnant. It’s actually so comfortable and natural to me that I think I’m going to miss the experience dearly. I feel like I’ve been pregnant for so long that I actually forget what it’s like NOT to be pregnant lol On the other hand I am really looking forward to meeting this little soul and learning all that he/she is here to teach us!

These are quite possibly my favourite photos so far…

**I’ve teamed up with the amazing Vairdy Andrew of Vairdy Photography in Vancouver to document my pregnancy with a mini online photo journal. Connect with me on Facebook for more frequent pregnancy updates!

Dear Baby,

It’s funny how quickly everything can change in 2 weeks! Daddy is now a full-time entrepreneur as a Holistic Nutritionist & BioEnergetics Practitioner and I’m starting my last two 6 week Hypnobabies Childbirth Education series which means that we’re getting closer to meeting YOU! This photo shoot was extra special because it was in our ‘backyard’ and Vairdy was able to capture some really great family shots.

This is the first week we’re really able to SEE you move, rather than just feeling you. Every week we learn something new and are loving the whole experience. Love you, Mama xoxo

**I’ve teamed up with the amazing Vairdy Andrew of Vairdy Photography in Vancouver to document my pregnancy with a mini online photo journal. Connect with me on Facebook for more frequent pregnancy updates!

Last week we captured some beautiful photos of my growing belly! WOW I’ve entered my 3rd trimester!

I’m excited that we’ll be documenting my journey through photos every 2 weeks from now until our baby arrives. Feeling very grateful for this project with Vairdy Photography. I hope to be able to blog with more updates about my journey at the same time. Here are my 28 Week photos:

**I’ve teamed up with the amazing Vairdy Andrew of Vairdy Photography in Vancouver to document my pregnancy with a mini online photo journal. Connect with me on Facebook for more frequent pregnancy updates!

I’m really excited to share my first guest post on babywearing from an amazing woman whose opinion I value and trust… Amber Skye Morrisey (former Vancouver doula and babywearing educator who now lives and works in Saint John, New Brunswick!)

Babywearing is a topic that I find overwhelming as a soon-to-be mom. Realizing I can’t be the only mom-to-be confused about all the choices available for babywearing I thought I’d ask Amber for her thoughts as it would help me immensely and benefit other mamas too! Amber didn’t disappoint. This is such an informative post and really, really helps me narrow down what we need! Happy reading…

Click on the photo below to see the 1st wrap we just bought ♥
Photo Credit: mobywrap.com

You find out you are pregnant, and are filled with emotions. As your pregnancy continues, you begin the beautiful stages of planning to bring this child from your womb into your arms, and navigating all the stuff a baby may (or may not) need. If you are like many women, you’ve signed up online for gestational growth updates and are also receiving emails about the best buys for the year, must haves and basic necessities. When I see these lists, I giggle because you don’t need most of what they are calling the bare minimums. You may have a gift registry started and/or family nagging you to fill it up.

Your child needs: nourishment (breasts), warmth (your skin, and okay maybe some clothing), a place to sleep (bed sharing and co-sleeping makes the most sense for the early months), something to catch the poop, but even that doesn’t have to be bought (elimination communication is how parents respond to elimination needs all over the world, sans diapers), and something to be transported in (a baby carrier).

More and more families are choosing to buy just the basics, in an effort to reduce costs, waste, and save on space. Buying products on an “as needed” basis instead of filling your entire home with products you may not use. It makes sense. Financially, environmentally and aesthetically.

Once you catch on to the idea of choosing a few great quality products to have, instead of many products of lesser quality, you may notice that your choices available are actually increased once you start digging. Specifically for baby carriers and cloth diapering supplies. The choices and styles seem nearly endless! Making sense of it all could be a full-time job.

Choosing a baby carrier:

More people are choosing to skip over buying a stroller for the early months all together, specially those living in urban areas who get around by bus or mostly by car, or have a small apartment where space is limited. I personally think a good quality carrier is ideal for every new parent, regardless if they have a travel system or not. When the fussy period starts at 8pm pushing a stroller around isn’t on your wants list. So, what kind of carrier is a good carrier?

As a babywearing educator, I have a love for loads of carries and lots of experience. Many are great for the first few months and some are better for older children. If I had to choose just one, it would be difficult – and since we all have different needs as parents, and people I’ll give you a few of my top favourites.

A woven wrap: A woven wrap is a non-stretchy woven piece of long fabric designed to carry your baby from birth all the way to totally walking independence. The quality is top and a carrier like this will last you through your entire babywearing journey with multiple children. You can do a huge range of holds, it is the most versatile carrier you can buy. It is also one of the most expensive. I suggest a Didymos for a woven carrier. They’ve been ahead of the game for infant/child and wearers safety and all their carriers are organic. The learning curve on this carrier is higher than some of the “click and go” styles, but I think the benefit of learning to use it out weights the curve of doing it. Easy to share between users.

A stretchy wrap: An alternative to a woven wrap is a stretchy wrap (like the Moby or Boba wrap). These are a soft, T-shirt like material which have a good amount of give to them. One thing about the stretchy wrap many new parents like, is the ability to tie the wrap on first, and get it just so, then stretch it out to put the baby inside. You can leave it on, and take the baby in and out as needed. One of the biggest drawbacks, is that their “shelf life” in a babywearers career is very limited due to the stretch – as baby gets heavier the fabric isn’t able to support the weight and the begins to sag further down your body making it uncomfortable regardless of the soft material. It isn’t nearly as supportive as a woven wrap, but the price point and availability is fantastic. The learning curve is similar to any wrap, but a bit easier for many as the stretch makes it a bit more forgiving – as long as it isn’t too loose. If you are able to borrow one, you’ll likely get lots of use out of this carrier for around 6 months. Easy to share between users.

A ring sling: An all time favourite with many babywearers, this was one of the first commercially marketed baby carriers. It too is made from a woven fabric (most are at least), but instead of wrapping the fabric around your body, it has been pre-strung through 2 weight tested metal rings. The learning curve is lower than a wrap, but so is the versatility as you can only wear it on one shoulder – making long term use more difficult on your body as your baby gets heavier. This is my “go to” carrier (Maya Wrap), and much loved. It’s easy to use, just put over one shoulder like the strap of a side bag, and put baby inside the pouch using the tail ends to adjust the hold. Adjusting the hold takes some getting used to, but once you know how it works, it makes it a very fast and easy way to put baby on, adjust and go. The price is moderate, and they are easy to find in great condition used. Easy to share between users.

A soft structured carrier: Traditionally a rectangle piece of fabric with straps from all 4 corners used to tie on the baby. Different areas around the world have their own styles of carrier (Mei-Tai and Podaegi for example) and here in North America a common “modern” carrier in this style is called a Soft Structure Carrier which takes the traditional and adds a number of modifications to make it suit the market, some modifications may include; padding, pockets, buckles, clips, toy holders, key rings, sleeping/sun/rain hoods, foot support, and additional supplies like fanny packs, change mats and more! These carriers are very popular among fathers and mothers alike, and seem to meet the desire for many to not have to tie knots, and rely on more of an outdoor backpack style. The price point is higher than a ring-sling, or stretchy wrap and comparable to a woven wrap (depending on which brand you buy, sales, and shipping). The benefit to many is the “click and go” aspect. You put on the waist band, put baby inside and put the straps over your shoulders like a backpack and adjust the straps by pulling on the tabs. They are pretty static, and the versatility is limited compared to a wrap. You can wear on your front, or your back, or your side, but the position of the straps/waist is unchanging. A benefit to many is the two-shoulder set up and balance between weight on your shoulders and hips. Most can be used from birth (some with an additional insert you need to buy) to toddlerhood making it a good buy for your money. I find it a great carrier to use when carrying multiple children at once, but that is another post! Easy to share between users – although strap extenders may need to be purchased as the standard size is pretty limited. Try a Boba or an Ergo.

A note on “crotch danglers”: There are a number of carriers available on the market that we may conjure up in our minds as “baby carriers”, they are most often forward facing, thin padded straps and the baby dangles by its body weight from the crotch region. Often sold at boutiques and big stores alike. I do not suggest these. They are ergonomically incorrect for baby, as they put enormous pressure on the lower spine and when toward facing, the entire spine. The weight should be evenly spread from the knee-pit to knee-pit in any carrier. Some name brands are Bjorn, Snuggly and Infantino. These brands are trying to catch up to the market as more and more literature comes out pointing out issues with hip and spine development – I suggest buying from a company that had safety and comfort as a first and foremost from the start.

Many carriers come with an instruction DVD and/or instructional booklet, plus online website instructions. I suggest reading it through twice before trying, and see if they have any support videos. If you run into trouble in the early days, try your baby on when settled, and ask an experienced baby wearer for support. Alternatively, look to see if their is an experienced baby wearer or babywearing educator in your community who teaches classes. I urge parents to avoid the temptation of YouTube, as an educator I see some very dangerous carrying videos, it can be hard to tell who is teaching safely, and who is sharing how they accidentally wear dangerously. (Note from Crystal: Check out the Marsupial Mamas babywearing group in Vancouver.)

I hope this brief run through of some of my most recommended styles of carriers for length of use, wearability between users, and cost is helpful to keeping the amount of stuff we buy down, and simplify our homes and lives with a new baby. All of the carriers above support heart to heart closeness (and skin-to-skin if you dress mama and baby down underneath) to regulate breathing, temperature, reduce crying, reduce stress hormones and promote easy access to the breast (although some people need a bit of time and practice to work out easily being able to breastfeed while babywearing). I wish you a beautiful journey through babywearing!

Amber Skye Morrisey is a Babywearing Educator, Doula, Childbirth Educator, Student Midwife, Reiki Practitioner and Placenta Encapsulator. She blogs on a number of natural living topics at www.birthroutes.com and tries to spread her love of caring for children safely, instinctively and with consciousness.

New to Babywearing? Did this post help you narrow down your choices?

Already Babywearing? What’s your favourite carrier?

What a GORGEOUS day we had in Vancouver yesterday for my 22 week pregnancy photos! Vairdy thought a heart or love theme was appropriate given that it’s February and I thought it was a cute idea!

I’m really excited that we captured a jumping picture! My husband Rich and I LOVE jumping pictures and take them all the time so naturally I wanted to see if I could still jump

Here they are…

**I’ve teamed up with the amazing Vairdy Andrew of Vairdy Photography in Vancouver to document my pregnancy with a mini online photo journal. Connect with me on Facebook for more frequent pregnancy updates!

Today marks our 120th day (after conception) which in some cultures and traditions comes along with a special celebration to welcome the soul! We’re taking a very conscious approach to preconception, pregnancy, birthing and parenting so I’m excited that I was introduced to this tradition through a beautiful ‘Welcoming The Soul’ celebration with dear friends a few months ago.

Pregnancy has lead me on an exploration of Kundalini Yoga which also speaks of the 120th Day Celebration. I just finished reading Bountiful, Beautiful, Blissful which I highly recommend!! Here’s what the author, Gurmukh has to say about the 120th Day Celebration:

“In this very ancient tradition in which I live, we have a special celebration during pregnancy to honour the soul who arrives on the one hundred and twentieth day after conception, which corresponds to the fourth month of pregnancy, about a month into your second trimester. Before the end of the first trimester, the fetus that supports the soul hasn’t been completely fortified, and this is when the majority of miscarriages happen. Before that date, the entering soul is still unaffected by worldly influences, existing only in radiance.

It is one of our most beautiful celebrations, and one I encourage you to take on in whatever context is appropriate for your life and your beliefs.”

I also like this introduction to the 120th Day Celebration by Kundalini Women.org:

“Yogic tradition celebrates that woman becomes a mother one hundred-twenty days after conception. The Creative Force grants full incarnation of the soul into the body. Previously, the soul was subtly linked to the growing cells in the womb. The woman is now the vehicle for the soul to fully incarnate; now she is mother.

Before the 120th day, the incarnating soul is still unaffected by the limitations and influences of the earth. After the 120th day of pregnancy until the navel cord is separated from the mother, the subconscious mind of the child is formed. While the child is in the womb, the mother is the vibratory receptor for the child.”

I didn’t realize that today was our 120th day until I looked at my calendar this morning. It’s interesting that I’ve only felt baby move once so far but last night I felt like I was drifting in and out of a dream state and baby was moving around a lot, then I woke up when I felt a distinct rolling around movement. Perhaps it was our baby’s soul reaching out to say hello? Baby was definitely communicating to me through my dreams last night.

While we won’t be celebrating with a formal get together, Rich and I plan to do a private celebration to welcome our baby’s soul tonight. There’s a great couples meditation in the book for connecting with your baby and opening the heart chakra that we’ll do together, for the first time. I also LOVE the song “Long Time Sun” by Snatam Kaur that we sing at my Kundalini Yoga class so I’m going to see if I can convince Rich to sing it with me to our baby tonight!

Would you kindly share this post if the topic interests you?

Did you welcome your baby’s soul with a 120th Day Celebration or is this the first time you’re learning about it? I’d love to hear from you!

Photo Credit: Vancouver Maternity Photographer – Vairdy Photography

I’m having SO much fun with Vairdy, she’s such a great photographer. Truth be told, I don’t like having my picture taken! Vairdy makes me feel really comfortable and relaxed. We’re getting to know each other well before she photographs our birth which is awesome. I’m so grateful!

We were out taking photos when my husband dropped by unexpectedly after work. It was fun to get him in a few of the shots. I love that we’re just being us (how we dress, not wearing make-up etc.) It might be fun to do a more glamorous shoot in the future but for now just showing up as ME takes off a huge load of anxiety.

Here are a few of my favourites from our 18 Week photos. It was so hard to pick just one for the write-up!

**I’ve teamed up with the amazing Vairdy Andrew of Vairdy Photography in Vancouver to document my pregnancy with a mini online photo journal. Connect with me on Facebook for more frequent pregnancy updates!

I am SO excited to introduce this new series to you. I’ve teamed up with the amazing Vairdy Andrew of Vairdy Photography in Vancouver to document my pregnancy with a mini online photo journal! We’ve also hired Vairdy as our birth photographer (more on that later!)

The inspiration to do this came from Pacing the Panic Room‘s Maternity Series. I LOVED following their journey week by week and looked forward to documenting my own pregnancy one day!

Here’s our first pregnancy photo in the series…

Vairdy captured so many beautiful photos…

What a great way to celebrate and document my 1st pregnancy!

**I’ve teamed up with the amazing Vairdy Andrew of Vairdy Photography in Vancouver to document my pregnancy with a mini online photo journal. Connect with me on Facebook for more frequent pregnancy updates!