Pregnancy Awareness » Advice

What Helps a Stuffy Nose? Moisture

admin — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 16:38:53 +0000

The first time my daughter had a seriously stuffy nose she was 7 months old. I tearfully panicked as she attempted to feed in the middle of the night, as was usual, and violently de-latched from my breast because she couldn’t breathe and suck at the same time. I did what any 1^st time mother would do, “turn on the hot shower” I yelled, and off we went to open her nasal passages up long enough for feeding intervals.

That got us through that night, but the longer term solution involved researching and reading about humidifiers, vaporizers, nostril aspirators, saline drops, homeopathy, dietary changes, you name it! Over the counter decongestants: there is a lot of debate out there about when they are effective, the FDA says not to use under the age of 4. Dr. Alan Greene identifies potential side effects: sleeplessness, drowsiness, irritability, increased blood pressure. We recommend speaking with your pediatrician or medical provider BEFORE purchasing any OTC. And if you have an infant with a fever of any type, contact your medical provider and discuss. Pretty much all the research agrees: moisture or humidity can soothe the symptoms of colds and stuffy noses.

Our first purchase was a vaporizer, and it worked great, except:

incredibly difficult to clean
the room required airing out afterwards; it produced a lot of moisture.
mist created by boiling water, the unit itself becomes hot, so if you have a toddler that is crawling = burn risk.
you can add essential oils into the machine (mine required to add salt).

We moved onto humidifiers a more sophisticated machine, yet also puts moisture in the air without boiling water. Some have a cool mist or a hot mist option. Moisture is moisture, and the temperature doesn’t matter. Don’t add any substance to this type of machine, just plain water.

FAQ:

Sitting water can breed bacteria.
Change the water. (Modern humidifiers like Crane’s, have smaller tanks that don’t allow water to store for more than 2 days. They also have auto shut-off in the event the water runs too low for the motor, not something my vaporizer had, and I admit to burning out more than one motor!)
Don’t forget to change the basin! (There is a basin under the tank where water collects. Change at the same time you change the water tank. It requires that you unplug the machine, but do it, bacteria may cause other illnesses, and the whole point of using a moisture adding machine is to reduce illness and symptoms!)

As Katie Sotor of Crane-USA says, “It’s still water folks! So regardless of the machine, or if it has the anti-microbial protection, change the water every 2 days.” She also recommends disinfecting it every 7 days with a tank full of water and 2-3 caps of vinegar, don’t turn it on, just let it sit for a good 30 minutes.

Using moisture in the air while you sleep is a great non-medical option for infants, young children, and adults. So if you are pregnant or nursing and want to reduce the symptoms of a cold or reduce the potential of getting one, consider it. And saline drops in the nose whether stuffy or as a preventive can be very helpful.

Alisa Donner, MSW, LCSW, Co-Founder, Pregnancy Awareness Month®

This is not meant as medical advice – consult with your medical provider as needed.

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A Turn for the Better

admin — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 14:45:16 +0000

Four years ago, when my wife, Jama, was pregnant with our first daughter, Adeline, we wanted to play music to her belly. Why? Well we weren’t really sure to be honest with you. We had a vague understanding that it was a beneficial prenatal practice – something to do with transforming our developing offspring into an off-the-charts genius (and our little Addy is a pretty quick witted 4yr old who is apt to harmonize – used loosely – to Rolling in the Deep, but whether or not that can be attributed to the womb sessions is something that will remain a mystery). And if we wanted to do it, we imagined that other parents might also be interested in trying it out as well. Long/short, a few years later Bellybuds were born.

Since that time, as you can imagine, we’ve done a lot of research about the benefits of playing sounds to the womb (you can read some studies on our website here) – one of which we had an opportunity to experience firsthand with our now 10 month old daughter, Roma. Right around the 32^nd week of the pregnancy our OB told us that the baby was in the breech position (there’s a short video of our experience at our OB’s office here). My wife had had a totally natural birth with our first and was determined to do it again so a caesarean section was not an ideal option for us. We knew that midwives and doulas, among other techniques (read more here), recommended playing pleasant music down low on the abdomen to encourage the baby to turn toward it. So we decided to become a Bellybuds case study and Jama began placing the buds on the underside of her belly and playing Mozart (and a little Dave Matthews) for about a half hour a day. Well, within a couple days, Roma had turned downward to the proper position and we ended up having a successful natural birth!

Babies often will end up turning on their own, but I’ll tell you, what was most valuable was that my wife had an option to do something herself, that she was able to be pro-active in helping turn the baby instead of just sitting around waiting and hoping that it would happen. As satisfying as it is to run this business and hear from customers that they enjoy the product, that experience was a topper and it’s one that I love to share with the hope that it may help others.

Curtis Williams, Creator & Co-founder of Bellybuds LLC and father of two beautiful girls

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Go Inward

admin — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 22:38:50 +0000

As I write this a Fall wind is wrapping itself around my house. My six-year-old is back in school and I can hear my son, just two running around the yard. I smile briefly because I am in gratitude, thankful for a bit of silence and a moment of reflection. This past summer was crazy with traveling and lots of guests coming to stay with us and now I sit here alone and am reminded that it is important to go inward, reflect, meditate. I remember before I had children taking time for myself was so easy. It just was. I hiked in the hills alone, I meditated in my little temple solo and sat quietly on my bed and read a book.

These days simple tasks like that can be challenging. My son still wants to be in my arms all the time and my daughter needs me for homework and projects. Obviously I value the time with my children, they need me and one day they won’t, well not in quite the same way but taking a moment to have to oneself is not a luxury, it is a necessity. And I just don’t mean a late night bath, where one collapses in the lukewarm water that has been waiting for you all night. I mean, focused time alone. It may be scheduled or it may “occur” organically but it must be cultivated and re-occurring.

When a woman is pregnant (with her first child anyway) cultivating time alone, a time of reflection happens so easily. You are bonding inwardly with your child, you are musing on your future as a mother…and then baby comes and everything is so external, so right in front of you. Ladies, the seasons are changing, our children are growing and life goes on. But please take this time to notice the sounds around you, acknowledge the things you have done and take a deep breath, better yet take a few.

Anna Getty, Founder, Pregnancy Awareness Month, author, Holistic Life Expert, and mother of 2 adorable children!

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The Balancing Act of a Working Mom

admin — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 14:45:09 +0000

There are times when my comfort in stating that I am a full-time working mom is just not that great. I love what I do, I have a passion for it, but there can be pangs of guilt associated with it too. Usually when I travel or when I have to miss special events at school. I remember the first birthday of hers where I had to go into the office and couldn’t take the day off, she was two. It was a tough commute that morning for me. She was fine, didn’t know the difference. I was the one with the tears.

I have been traveling for the past week as a part of the work I do as co-founder of Pregnancy Awareness Month®. I have been across the country in Louisville at the annual ABC Child Expo. As a work experience, it has been fun and a wonderful networking opportunity. But I missed my kid and had waves of guilt. Does this ring true for any of you? For those of you pregnant with your first baby, what are your plans for your return to work? For the “traveling for working moms”, how are you managing the emotional preparation?

Last Friday, while walking to the hotel from the show, I was behind a man that was on his cell phone obviously talking to his child. Here is how it went: “No I’m the gross one, ok, your are grosser but my name is Mr. Gross. Oh, you are Mr. and Mrs. Gross? Well I have gross plus one more gross. Ok, you have gross with a cherry on top….” They were fully engaged in a game of saying they were more gross than the other. As it turns out, this dad was talking to his son and they have this silly yet sweet game which playfully connects them while he is on traveling rounds with his work.

My daughter and I have a heart exchange as a way to connect. She was 2 when I first left on a business trip. Here is our connective game: we put our hands over our hearts and close our eyes and think of each other. I tell her that when she does that, then I am there with her, in her heart. “Do you feel me?” I will say, “Yes, mommy, I feel your mama love.” We prepare for our separation by reminding each other of this ability, and during my absence when we talk on the phone we say it again. When I first arrived at the trade show I took a picture of me holding my heart and sent it to her. My husband said she sighed when she saw it that morning, and then ran off to her room to play before school.

What kind of ways do you reconnect with your young child? If you are pregnant, and haven’t been in this situation, yet, consider your method. Other ways I connected when she was pre-verbal was making drawings for her with little love notes for her and daddy to open when I was gone. Making a book of pictures of us doing things together that she could look at. Interested in your thoughts.

Alisa Donner, MSW, LCSW

Co-founder Pregnancy Awareness Month®

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From One Mother’s Arms into Another

admin — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 23:12:39 +0000

New moms can be your best resource in transferring crucial parenting and bonding techniques. After my daughter was born a friend came to visit with a gift, a bottle of Weleda Calendula Oil. She explained how it was the first oil that she used on her son and that massaging a baby daily had amazing data supporting its roll in brain development among other things. I recall her opening the bottle and smelling it and letting me too as she told me how the scent brought back beautiful infant massaging, talking, and singing. It was definitely a profound moment in our friendship.

We went together into the bedroom and she watched me massage my daughter, and gave me tips. Even as small as she was, my daughter reacted to the massage in such a positive way. And it encouraged me to feel confident. I was still so new at holding her outside of my body, and actually had been a bit shocked at how awkward I was at times in changing her clothes or diaper, or in holding her to breastfeed. By touching her and using my hands with this pure, calendula oil, I was connecting to both her and myself in a different way. It was magical.

Believe it or not, that was my introduction to Weleda, and Anna and I continue to use their products today. Here’s our favs:

Have you heard about the healing aspects of Calendula, which is also called marigold? As a homeopathic, it is typically used for cut, scrapes, and bug bites.

Weleda has been a forerunner, celebrating their 90^th anniversary this year, in harvesting practices that are respectful to the earth and protective of our natural resources through biodynamic farming. They harvest all of the calendula by hand, and only use organic chamomile, read more.

In August they are partnering with Pregnancy Awareness Month®. We will have a weekly giveaway later this month as well as a Twitter Party focusing on their amazing Baby Care line of Calendula formulated products. “Weleda Calendula Baby Care helps care for a baby’s delicate skin with the best ingredients from nature. We use Biodynamic calendula extract from flowers that are grown each summer in our very own gardens in Germany.” Pato Pol, a Weleda Aesthetician, Doula, and Baby Massage expert.

If you are learning about Weleda for the first time or getting reacquainted with them, Anna and I encourage you to go to their website and learn more about their practices and mission. There is a tutorial on bathing and massaging a newborn, linked earlier in this blog. They also have a community page with tips, the current incentive is for you to add a tip to their page for a $2 coupon.

Alisa Donner, MSW, LCSW

Co-founder of Pregnancy Awareness Month®

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Healthy Snacking for the Mommy-to-Be

admin — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 20:15:28 +0000

We hope you enjoy this repost from our 2009 Nutrition and Wellness Newsletter.

Healthy Snacking for the Mommy-to-Be

By Anna Getty

During pregnancy our bodies require a whopping 60-75 grams of protein per day. Gosh, I have a challenging time getting in the 35 grams when I am not carrying a child. A great way to get protein everyday is via protein shakes. There are so many great protein powders on the market these days. When using soy be sure it’s non-GMO (genetically modified) and organic of course. I love rice protein powder. This shake uses Spring’s fresh strawberries but frozen are okay too. I like to freeze banana pieces to have on hand.

Strawberry Banana Protein Shake
1 ripe banana
4 strawberries
4-6 ice cubes (omit if berries and bananas are frozen)
10 oz. rice milk
2 dates (pitted)
2 tables spoons rice protein powder

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend. Add more milk for a thinner consistency.

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Liza Elliott-Ramirez of Expecting Models

admin — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 05:44:31 +0000

PAM Welcomes Liza Elliott-Ramirez of Expecting Models

Last year we had the privilege of working with Liza Elliott-Ramirez, founder of Expecting Models, the premiere representing real professional models and actresses for the commercial and advertising world who happen to be pregnant. Liza produced an exquisite fashion show at the “kick off” event for Pregnancy Awareness Month™ 2010. We are proud to announce that Liza has agreed to be a part of our Advisory Team. Here’s Liza:

“Our mission is to help professional models and actresses continue working throughout this paramount time in their lives. Expecting Models works with every maternity designer in the industry and is known as the “go to” for pregnant talent.”

“As a former model, a wife and a mother of 2, I have experienced the life of being a pregnant model. I know exactly what my models go through. My experience with both pregnancies, 2 c-sections and motherhood have been bittersweet moments I wouldn’t trade if I had to do it all again. Each and every day, I wake up longing to learn and share pregnancy related topics. My job is so effortless because I have a genuine passion for pregnant women and related topics. What a gift!”

“When I was invited to be on PAM Advisory Team, I was thrilled to pieces. My ideas are endless, my passion is enormous, and I’m certain together we can move mountains. I’m a team player and can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and cease this opportunity to help woman shine. Amongst all of the powerful women on board, collectively we get to share our strengths, empowering women to walk away feeling well-rounded and educated in a variety of areas! All in one educational campaign!”

“Knowledge is power and you must give it away to keep it. “

“I’m looking forward to contributing to “Pregnancy Awareness Month™. It’s a true honor and I feel privileged!”

The feeling is mutual Liza! Learn more about Liza and her agency at:

http://www.expectingmodels.com/

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The Echo Center Ten Year Anniversary Celebration

admin — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 02:57:01 +0000

ECHO CENTER 10TH ANNIVERSARY GALA 10/2/10

We are huge fans of The Echo Center (formally CNVEP) and founder Ruth Beaglehole’s amazing curriculum. They provide support and practical advise on how to speak to your children and parenting skills from the perspective of empathic listening and compassionate understanding as opposed to discipline and training. These methods are encouraged to begin with your toddler and move thru adolescence. We highly recommend this system.

Last weekend they had a blow out 10th Anniversary Gala in Echo Park (Los Angeles). Community supporters and special guests came out to eat, drink, dance, reflect and grow. They listened to impassioned speeches, watched in awe as fire breathers dazzled, cirque du monde acts defied gravity, and a performance by Magician Dave Cox. Notable guests who graced the red carpet included host Adam Scott (NBC’s Park’s and Recreation) Emcee for the evening Moon Zappa, actor Brad Rowe (NATIONAL TREASURE), Hakeem Kae-Kazim (24), and Tony Denison (THE CLOSER).

Although The Echo Center is based in Los Angeles, its mission to make a difference to building healthy families has been helping adults in LA and around the world. If you live near by please check them out, there are always wonderful events and groups offered on site. If you aren’t in SoCal, they have a strong cyber program. Perhaps you will be inspired to be one of their ambassadors to create change in your community and spread their message. Find out more about their training programs on their website: http://www.theechocenter.org

Happy Anniversary Echo Center!
Attendees Included:

Adam Scott

Tony Denison

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National Breast Cancer Awareness Month – Celebrating 25 Years

admin — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 15:40:06 +0000

We encourage all women, pregnant or nursing included, to speak with their medical providers about preventative health maintenance or early diagnostic options. There are many myths about breast health and pregnancy as well as nursing. Women are still at risk during this time. Breasts change sometimes radically during pregnancy and the early part of nursing. All women are encouraged to engage in monthly BSEs or Breast Self Exams.

We are the best early detectors of changes in our body, but only if we are paying attention, and then, only if we are honest about what we observe. It is true that milk ducts can swell and breasts can feel lumpy and bumpy. And that nipple discharge can initiate during pregnancy. It is important to take each opportunity to engage in dialogue with your medical provider and learn more about what is occurring in your body. Early detection is key for the prevention and intervention of breast cancer. To learn more about BSE’s please check out http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BreastCancer/DetailedGuide/breast-cancer-detection

To find out how to support National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and research for a cure go to: http://www.nbcam.org/

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Total Yum, and Easy!

admin — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 17:29:53 +0000

Yesterday I posted on FB & Twitter about making Anna’s bruschetta recipe from her cookbook Anna Getty’s Easy Green Organic. It was in the triple digits and I was tired and hungry and the family needed some food to eat for lunch that wouldn’t heat up the kitchen even more. We are in the height of tomato season right now, so between our family garden (don’t get too impressed, it’s only 2 tomato plants) and my shopping spree at the local Farmer’s Market last Saturday, I had several tomatoes on hand. It was suggested that we make bruschetta and I was INTIMIDATED to say the least.

Look, Anna is my BFF and business partner, and I produced that cookbook, but I’m easily in fear mode in the kitchen, even with her amazing mentorship. I took a big sigh, looked at the recipe and said, “I can do this!” It was so easy, seriously. Chop up 4 tomatoes, a clove of garlic, some fresh basil leaves and mozzarella, season with salt and pepper and voila, that is it! No kidding!!! My favorite part of Anna’s recipe is that she adds the mozz right into it, it really makes it special. Especially for a cheese lover like me. Check it out, it’s on page 57.

We used the mixture on a bread alternative, since my husband is needing to find alternatives to wheat. Whole Foods Market has a wonderful frozen corn bread crust for pizza that you can purchase. I rubbed some olive oil on it, put it in the oven for a few minutes just to unfreeze and then spread the bruschetta on it…a big hit. I also took the 2nd crust and did the same prep and then spread white bean hummus (Trader Joe’s) on it and crumbled a little bit of fresh goat’s feta. Easy yum, that beat the heat. My daughter preferred the bruschetta on the traditional baguette…all good. Trust this inspires you today…have FUN! Alisa

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