What is all the hype about Essential Oils?

Unless you have been hiding under a rock somewhere, you have heard of the new Essential Oil craze. WHAT IS AN ESSENTIAL OIL? Used for centuries in our medicines, cleaners, and beauty products, an essential oil is a highly concentrated natural product made by distillation with either water or steam of flowers, rinds, leaves, bark and other natural products. Essential oils combine the benefits of aromatherapy with the therapeutic benefits of plant oils.
When applied to the skin (the largest organ of the human body) the tiny molecules of the oil penetrate quickly while the fatty carrier oil stays on top of the skin but allow the essential oil to penetrate slowly. Some inexpensive brands of "essential oils" are actually fatty oils with essential oils added which may not be clearly added to the label. A pure essential oil will smell like the plant, not like a candy or a cleaning product and will not be greasy.
Source: The Chemistry of Essential Oils by David Stewart

Many claims have been made about the health benefits of essential oils.  I myself have jumped on the bandwagon and use them like there is no tomorrow.  As you are doing your own research, I have a couple of things to share with you.  

#1 Be careful of your source.  Not all essential oils are equal.  Some essential oils, even the ones labeled as 100% pure, are not. Truly pure essential oils will not only cost more but when stored properly will never expire. Consider the cost basis from the fact that it takes much more of the plant constitutes to make up an oil with pure chemical qualities.  For example, it takes 75 lemons to make a 15mL pure bottle of lemon oil, or 1 pound of raw peppermint material to make one 15mL bottle of peppermint oil. Here's a link to my personal favorite oils My recommended pure essential oils

#2 Watch for drug interactions.  Essential oils will never replace a good physician.  I use a balance approach with the oils.  If my irritated throat does not go away after a few days of essential oil use, obviously I go to the doctor.

#3 Learn the lingo.  As you are reading up on oils, here's a few vocab words you should know.

Essential oils are a wonderful way to stay healthy and when used correctly, are a valuable addition to a well family.  To learn more about essential oils there are tons of resources at www.lifesciencepublishers.com . To get started using essential oils, check out my favorite, trusted oils here: my favorite oils Happy Oiling! 

It happens...Any dog can bite. What to do when it happens to your child.

When my husband got the call, I heard it in his voice. Keys already in my hand, I walked up to him and said, "Who got hurt? and How bad is it?"  Nate got bitten by a great dane he told me. In his next breathe he made sure to follow up with, "He's fine".
The thing about dog bites is they can happen at anytime with any dog.  Even the best dogs can bite.  It's their  protection of themselves.  In Nate's case, he was riding his skateboard down the street with a friend and the dog, who was leashed, got away from it's owner.  The dog was spooked by a skateboard.
Although it did break the skin, thankfully, Nate's dog bite wasn't much worse than some bruising and 4 small scrapes, but I scoured the internet for advice and asked around.  It appears that so many moms have frightfully had this happen to their children.
According to the internet, I did the right thing.
We made sure Nate's wound was immediately cleaned and cared for.
We introduced ourselves to the dog owner.
We asked for her name, address, phone number, vet information, name of the dog and name of her homeowners insurance.  This VERY responsible pet owner was completely upfront with all the information we needed and showed great concern.
After reading lots of information and taking in all the advice, I found that  the best article was given to me by my friend Tammy.  It can be found at Dr. Sear's web site.  I'll provide some excerpts here.

Bites - Human & Animal

It invariably happens to almost everyone. An overzealous toddler bites a friend. A scared dog bites an intrusive child. A curious boy catches a mouse and gets bitten. Many parents are naturally worried when this happens. Is my child going to catch rabies or some other strange disease? How do I keep the bite from getting infected? Should I go to the ER or page my doctor urgently?

Here is Dr. Sears guide to both animal and human bites. This will help you decide what to do immediately, when to call the doctor, and what treatment protocol, if any, is commonly prescribed.

INITIAL CLEANING OF ALL BITE WOUNDS

As soon as possible, preferably within 8 hours, do the following:

• Gently wipe away any dirt.
• Irrigate the wound. Go to a drug store and buy a large bottle of sterile saline and a large syringe. Flush the wound with at least 16 ounces of the saline using the syringe. Use as much force with the syringe as the child will allow. If it is too painful, apply an antibiotic ointment that also contains an anesthetic ointment. This may ease the pain.
• Apply an antibiotic ointment.
• Use the guidelines below to determine whether further medical attention is necessary.

GENERAL BITE SITUATIONS THAT ALWAYS REQUIRE A CALL TO YOUR DOCTOR

Here are some situations that require you seek medical attention the same day.

• Any large bite that results in a large tear that looks as if it requires stitches.
• Any bite on the hand, finger, foot or toe (unless it is just a little scrape).
• Any bite on the face (unless it is just a little scrape).
• Any deep puncture bite (those from long, thin teeth, such as a deep cat bite).

Animals that pose the highest risk:

• Bats
• Raccoons
• Skunks
• Foxes
• Bears
• Opossums
• Weasels
• Wolves
• Woodchucks

Animals that pose less risk:

• Immunized dogs
• Immunized cats
• Immunized ferrets

Trying to take some of the sting out of Immunizations

I realize 2 things, FIRST: This is a controversial subject and I hope that the reader understands that I am not in any way advocating for or against immunizations.  I am also not a doctor, so I cannot stress enough how important it is to use common sense and discuss these tips and your child's immunizations with your pediatrician before attempting them on said children. I am simply a mom who has vaccinated her own kids and I would welcome any tips from a licensed practitioner on ways to naturally protect my child from vaccine complications.

SECOND: Being that I am a purist blogger of sorts and I believe whole heartedly in giving credit where credit is due, I have to tell you that I searched and searched for this article online and could not find it.  I will tell you that I found it laying in a scrap pile on printed newspaper of sorts while on a vacation in Bend, Oregon.  From what I can tell, The Dr. that wrote the article is Dr. Michelle K. Jackson.  Obviously a mom or dad who found the article as important as I do, found it, tore it out to save it, but failed to pocket it.  Their loss, our gain.

Now all disclaimers aside, here are some excerpts from the article by Dr. Michelle K. Jackson:

"The number of routine vaccines given to children by the time they attend school has risen from 10 in the 1970's to about 36 presently. This article will not discuss the absolutes of administering vaccines but rather if you do decide to vaccinate your child I [the author] aim to offer some practical information to those who want the best long-term health for their children, regardless of their sentiments on the topic of vaccination in general.
Since there is evidence that at least some of the time vaccines do cause negative reactions, the question that emerges is whether something can be done to minimize, if not eliminate, such damage, however infrequently it may occur...
First, always make sure your child is healthy at the time of a vaccination.  We want the immune system to respond to the vaccine since that is the purpose of vaccination.  I often recommend one hour before vaccination a dose of a powerful Omega 3 supplement, preferably one that is from an alternative source of marine lipids, to fish oil, such as New Zealand, greenlip mussel oil, which is my favorite...Omega 3 oils are beneficial for so many health issues that taking it daily is not a bad idea.
If you do have an adverse reaction, especially at the injection site, take a dose of additional herbal
antioxidants, such as curcumin and quercetin in particular are good, because they have been found to block the ability of vaccine additives that may trigger a long-term immune reactions.  If you take the antioxidants an hour before the vaccination, it should help dampen or negate the adverse reactions.
Immediately before vaccination, take a calcium supplement.  The calcium needs to contact the mucous membranes of the mouth, so hold it under your tongue or have your child hold it under their tongue, even a tiny bit of a calcium tablet will work.  Magnesium citrate or malate (500 mg. of elemental magnesium) two capsules, tree times a day after the vaccine will help as well.
After an injectable vaccination, apply a cold or ice pack to the injection site.  This will inhibit blood flow to the area and keep the vaccine ingredients from spreading into the blood and surrounding tissues.  This is especially important for vaccines that contain additives.  Take your own pack with you, as we want it applied immediately.
Taking a dose of homeopathic Thuja Occidentalis 30C, immediately after vaccination (or at least within 2 hours), and then every 12 hours for a total of 3 doses (no more)...Thuja is available at health food stores that carry homeopathic remedies, such as Whole Foods and Henry's.  Arnica homeopathic gel can also be applied to the injection site.
Vitamin E , in a natural form, that is high in gamma-E, may help dampen the negative immune reactions and may also reduce several of the inflammatory reactions.  [Check with a doctor for dosage] (Note: Kiwifruit seed oil is an excellent source of all the natural forms of vitamin E and is second only to avocado oil.)
A most important ingredient on the list is Vitamin C.  It is very potent anti-inflammatory and should be taken in a buffered form, not as ascorbic acid.  If your child experiences diarrhea, cut back on the dose to bowel tolerance.  In a addition to its general antitoxin properties vitamin C has been demonstrated to be highly effective in neutralizing the toxic nature of mercury in all of its chemical forms.  Even the very highly toxic organic forms of mercury have been shown to be effectively detoxified by vitamin C.  Mercury derivatives and other heavy metals are found in vaccines. [A common myth that mercury is no longer in vaccines when it is. http://www.naturalnews.com/035432_vaccines_mercury_court_case.html]
Zinc may be protective against vaccine toxicity.  (Do not use zinc mixed with copper, however, as copper is a major trigger of free-radical generation).  Additionally, Vitamin D3 is very important for people who vaccinate.  It helps if you are over-reacting immunologically to a vaccine, by cooling down the reaction.  Similarly, if you are under-racting, it may help to boost your immune response.  I often recommend dosages of Vitamin D after a vaccine but the amounts are dependent upon age & weight and I often run a simple blood test to determine Vitamin D levels before recommendation of dosage.
Please consult with your own health practitioner before embarking on these or any other changes to your own regime, or that of your children.  Every individual is unique, and should be treated accordingly by their own medical practitioner.  Medicine for people should never be one size fits all! "

Making a Decision About Donating Cord Blood For FREE

One of the decisions that face many new parents today, is the decision on whether or not to save their child's cord blood.  Much is said about private cord blood banking and although most of us have a general idea of why we might want to save our child's cord blood, often times the bottom line comes down to finances and the $1400-$2500 upfront fee + storage costs.

After researching the use of cord blood and it's collection process, we did decide to bank our babies cord blood for my last child.  This is the process by which  for a fee, a private cord blood bank will collect, process, freeze, and store your baby's stem-cell-rich umbilical blood for your family's future medical use. You can find more information about cord blood storage and the diseases and conditions that cord blood may be used to treat at www.parentsguidecordblood.org

One option that I just became aware of that other's may not realize, is the option of donating the usually discarded cord blood. Let me just say:

 I WISH I KNEW ABOUT THIS OPTION WITH BABIES #1-4!  

At the time of the birth of my other babies, I had no idea that the discarded cord blood could be donated to a bank at no cost to myself and possibly used to help treat someone else.

When you donate to a public cord blood bank, the banking is free.  The stem cell rich cord blood becomes available to any patient who needs a stem cell transplant.  Potentially fatal deceases such as leukemia, sickle cell anemia, lymphomas, or an immune deficiency can sometimes be treated with a stem cell transplant.  It may help save a life.

If you chose to not bank your child's cord blood for your own families use, please consider dontating the cord blood.  To find out how and to learn if you can donate, check out www.bethematch.com

Car Seats...Free Safety Check and Keeping Baby Content

Ever get baby all strapped into his or hers car seat and wonder if you've got the seat in there right?
Most CHP and Sheriff stations will conduct a installation check for you for no charge.
While we're on the subject of car seats, most of my babies hated them.  However, road trips happen and here's some tips we have found to help keep baby content in the car....

• Keep it comfortable.  Make sure you're paying attention to the temperature of your little one.  All that car seat lining can warm things up a lot.  Consider going blanket free or making sure the rear air conditioning vents are open if baby needs a light blanket. Also use a roll down screen to shade the sun.
• Give the baby a little bit of company.  Rear facing and looking at the back of a seat is no idea of entertainment.  If you have an extra person in the car, rather than having them sit in the front seat ask them to take a back seat with baby. Try a mirror sold in many stores.  Baby will often be content just looking at himself.
• Experiment with music.  I have a particular CD that was played so many times for my infant son, I imagine we were upwards of 600 plays by his 3rd birthday.  Every time he was upset, it was the only thing that calmed him down.  Now as a preschooler, if I put the CD in, hoping he'll fall asleep for example,  he'll quickly exclaim "No!  I don't need that music.  I'm not sad!" Prepare to try all sorts of tempos. 
• Try sh-sh-shushing.  My oldest figured this one out when bringing home baby number 4.  I'll never forget the screams that came from that beautiful little infant girl the moment she got in the car seat.  Nothing seemed to work until my oldest started shushing her gently.  It was the only thing that worked and she would fall asleep.
• Plan around nap times.  You and baby will quickly figure out that the car makes you sleepy.  Once the fussing stops, usually there's a nap involved.  In my experience it was important to plan around them and try to group my errands together.  If I went out for quick trip, junior almost always fell asleep in the car and much to my dismay when the car ride was over, so was the nap. Unless your okay with a 20 minute nap, my advice is to plan accordingly.

Bathing Suit Season? Ugh

You know it's coming...that time of the year where many of us moms spend hours shopping for this years suit (or if your anything like me, the new suit for the next 3 years).  Well, I'm on the hunt...And I just had to share this super cute suit with you. Who says a one piece can't be adorable?

Here's some other random tips I've found with those of us who are bathing suit shopping post baby...

• If you're concerned about a tummy, look for a shirred waist bathing suit to camouflage the middle section.
• Distract with prints.  Prints draw the eyes to...well, the print.  Not necessarily the areas you are trying to hide.
• Invest in  a good cover up.  Let's face it, trying to look like the cute mom and not the teen next door, nursing, bending over to pick up the toddler, all of those are reasons to invest in a good cover up.  If your short on cash, grab one of Dad's white button-up shirts...always cute and great coverage poolside.

Remember, no matter your shape, you are a beautiful creation.  Living in a culture where we drown in a deluge of images takes it's toll. We have to remember where true beauty lies...and I think it's found in-part, in the image of a mom comfortably building sand castles in her board shorts.

Text4Baby Free Tips for Pregnancy and Beyond on your cell Phone

A new program launched by the National Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition includes automatic texting updates specific to your baby or pregnancy.
Registration for the program is easy and can be done from your phone or online.

• Using your cell phone, text the word BABY to the number 511411
• You will be prompted to enter your baby's due date or birthday and zip code. 
• You can also sign up online by visiting www.tet4baby.org

You will begin receiving free messages about three times a week with pregnancy tips or caring for your baby.

If you do not have a texting plan on your phone, Please be aware that you may have standard cell phone text message rates that do apply depending on your carrier or plan.

Two's and Three's Terrific or Torture?

This is more for me than for you.  It is within my parenting code to keep things positive.  I have a huge distaste for labels and I refuse to use them within ear shot of my children.  That being said, I caught myself saying that my toddler (whose 3rd birthday is next week) has suddenly transformed from a terrific, agreeable, friendly and easy going two year old into a ferocious and terrifying three year old!

I admit.  This week has been a "dig deep" week and it's only Tuesday!  I've had to take a moment and remember a few tried and true parenting methods.  As I write, I'm reminding myself too.

1. Remember, transition is an upset.  Toddlers inherently hate change.  Try for a moment to think of what in their world has changed.  Are you more stressed this week?  Has Dad been working late a few nights this week? Or maybe the schedule has just been a little off.  Whatever it is, getting back to a schedule might just be what junior needs to start acting a little more like himself.

2.  Be consistent with grace.  This is tough.  Sometimes being consistent means more than one discipline having to be handed out within a short time period.  Try not to sweat the small stuff.  Your goal needs to be to catch her being good more than not.

3.  Get on their level.  One of the most effective tools that I always forget.  How would you like it if someone was ordering you around that was 4 feet taller than you?  A little intimidating right? This also imply's that a little floor time can go a long way in making your toddler bond with you...hopefully evoking the desire to please you at the same time!

4.  Share it.  We can't do this alone.  Chances are the mom sitting in the park or in your playgroup has gone through the same thing at one time or another.  Your biggest surprise through all of this may be when you discover that you are not alone!

5.  Pray.  Patience does not come easily.  It's a gift.  Take some time to gain some perspective.  This is a moment in time.  It will not last forever

-Jen C. for Binkys and Bonbons