Giving birth to a child is one of the most memorable and meaningful experiences in a woman’s life. One of the important decisions a woman will make about the experience is whether to deliver her child the natural way or with medication.  Sometimes a choice isn’t possible as nature and circumstances have a way making the decision for us.  But for women trying to plan ahead for a natural childbirth, understanding the benefits of this choice can be helpful.

A natural childbirth is one that attempts to lessen medical intervention, in particular the use of anesthetic medications.  Expectant mothers hear often about the great pain of childbirth and why it is “unnecessary” to go through such pain.

Natural birth advocates argue that in a healthy situation, pain is often nature’s way of guiding the mother through the labor process.  In other aspects of our health care we become concerned when there is pain—we don’t just simply cover it up.  For instance persistent headaches, or back aches or leg pain, etc., is usually followed up with a visit to the doctor who may at that point uncover the source of the pain which in some instances is a serious health issue.

Pain during the labor may be nature’s way of telling the mother to shift her position to ease the baby into the right position for delivery.  For example, having back pain during labor is believed to be a sign that the baby might be in a posterior position which requires rotating. Women experiencing this pain will tend to move themselves off of their backs and in this “natural” way they may in fact be helping to move the baby to a better position for delivery.

One of the difficult aspects of a medicated birth is that the nerve blocking or pain reduction medication can limit the mother’s ability to move around.  On the other hand mothers experiencing natural labor can walk around freely and change the positions of their body as needed.

Knowing when to push and when to stop pushing is an important part of the labor process. Mothers who labor naturally can respond to the vital indicators that their body is sending them and this allows them to push better and faster.  Studies have shown that mothers who are given an epidural (an anesthetic that numbs the body from the belly button down) often have prolonged labors.

Many women who have a natural birth say that their recovery was faster and easier because they were able get themselves up out of bed sooner. Some women are even able to eat right away.  This isn’t often the case when a woman receives medication to numb labor pain.

Babies also benefit from a healthy natural delivery.  Research has shown that in cases where the mother has natural childbirth, the babies are more alert take to breast feeding earlier and more readily.

There are many important benefits associated with natural childbirth.  Ultimately the choice should be a pressure-free one that is based on an understanding of what is involved and the health condition of the mother.   A point to keep in mind is that many mothers who choose natural childbirth attribute their positive experience to the support of their health practitioner, partner and/or family.

Many individuals have chosen to use homeopathic remedies either as an alternative to traditional medicine or in conjunction with it. Homeopathic remedies are attractive to many people because they are a non toxic system of medicine.

Homeopathy has been around since the 18th century and is practiced today by licensed physicians and other qualified prescribers. This natural approach to healing and health care looks at remedies that can stimulate the body to turn on its own healing mechanisms as part of the process of returning the body to its homeostasis or balance.
Followers of the homeopathic tradition regard disease as the body’s own defensive attempt to correct its imbalance rather than as a foreign invader that must be destroyed. Homeopathic remedies therefore seek to trigger the body’s own curative powers
Homeopathic remedies are created according to the “Law of Similars”. This philosophy suggests that symptoms caused by ingesting or exposure to a substance in its raw form can be lessened or alleviated by taking the same substance (causing the symptoms) in a much more diluted form. Substances are diluted with water, sugar or alcohol.

According to homeopathic principles, substances will have different properties and actions depending on the level of their concentration (low, medium or high). Homeopathic remedies containing high concentrations suppress and low concentrations stimulate.
Following are ailments that many feel are best addressed through homeopathic means:
• depression
• anxiety
• allergies
• infections
• gynecological conditions
• skin conditions
• digestive problems
• chronic and acute conditions including colds and flu
Self-care using homeopathic remedies is sometimes practiced by those with moderate or short-term illnesses. In those cases lower potencies are taken (6X, 6C, 12X, 12C, 30X, 30C). A 30 may act more quickly and with more intensity than a 6 and need fewer repetitions—but the higher the potency, the more precise the remedy choice must be to bring about the expected results. High potencies (past 30C) should only be used by those with formal homeopathic training or under the guidance of a health care professional.

Wanna no more? Here are two recommended resources:
Clear and Concise introduction to homeopathy

Learn about signature remedies to heal particular common diseases.

Rating: 9
Where to buy: http://www.organize.com

I live in a very small apartment.  My closets are small and I have very little storage area.  I’m also a shoe fanatic so I needed to find something to hold all my shoes and still be out of the way.  The Under Bed Shoe Storage was the perfect solution. 

I love the heavy vinyl this shoe holder is made of.  It keeps the moisture and dust out so my shoes stay clean and fresh smelling.  I also like that it is clear.  Like I said I’m a shoe fanatic but when I want a certain pair of shoes I don’t want to have to look forever to find them.  Being clear makes it easy for me to see my shoes when I pull the holder out from under the bed. 

I also like the heavy-duty zippers on these shoe holders.  I was concerned at first that zipping and unzipping the vinyl everyday would cause the zippers to wear out quickly.  Didn’t need to worry they are heavy nylon and are also self correcting.  My shoes stay sealed tight and the zippers open and close with ease.

I also like them for my children.  They can never find their shoes when we get ready to go somewhere.  With the shoe holder they just slide it out, put them in and zip it up.  They know exactly where they are when they need them.  Best of all with the vinyl if they put shoes in the holder that are muddy or dirty it’s easy to clean and take care of. 

My very favorite part though is the fact that each shoe holder can hold up to 16 pairs of shoes.  So far I only have 2 under my bed but I can see many more Under Bed Shoe Storage holders in my future.  lots more!

Rating: 9
Where to buy:  Raising Baby Green: The Earth-Friendly Guide to Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Baby Care

Becoming environmentally healthy and raising your family that way is starting to become the norm.  With so many choices and so many companies trying to get us to see things their way it can be hard to know what is right for you and your newborn.  This book can help you with those decisions.

One of my biggest concerns with my new baby had to do with what products were safe and healthy for my child.  I hear so many stories about how they have found this product to be unsafe or how this food has caused a certain illness in children.  When I found this book I became a much better parent because I no longer worried if it was good or bad.

This book is very informative.  It gives you references and guides to a much healthier way of thinking and living.  It is written by an expert in the field of making the world safe for our children, which helps add to the trustworthiness.  I feel very comfortable taking the advice that is written in this book. 

It’s easy to read and understand.  The index is wonderful. No having to try to figure out where to find the information you need in a hurry.  The references are great because you know exactly where you need to go to find out more in-depth information if necessary.  It’s not preachy either.  The author gives you the information you need and then you decide if you want to pursue it or not.  Not one word about how you must do this or this is the only way.  I can make the choices I want because I now have all the knowledge I need to make the right choice for myself and my family.

If you are even thinking about raising your child in a natural, organic lifestyle I recommend you get this book.  The knowledge you will walk away with once you read it can only help you in making the right choices for you and your family.  Here’s to a new way of looking at a healthy life and environment! Let’s Raise Our Babies Green!

Rating: 9
Where to buy:  Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo

When I came across this jumper I was looking for a toy for my baby that would help strengthen his legs but give him hours of play and still be safe.  I’ve always trusted Fisher-Price in these areas and started looking there.  When I found this toy I knew it was exactly what I was looking for.

First it’s safe.  The legs are strong and the seat is sturdy.  I never worry that it will collapse when my child is jumping up and down.  I also don’t worry that the seat will tear or give way as he plays.

The toys are great.  They are bright and easy for my child to grab and hold on to.  They are all the way around so he can play in any direction he wants.  With the seat being able to turn he never gets frustrated because he can’t reach the toys.  The drum on the front is really neat.  He loves to make it light up and play the music. 

I also like the leaves over the top.  It’s such fun to watch him bat at the toys and make them swing around.  He giggles every time he gets one.  Plus the toys are soft and easy to grab onto.  I think all of them are really his favorite.

The bouncing up and down is exciting for him too.  He likes the music and bounces almost constantly.  His legs are really beginning to build up strength.  Sometimes he bounces so much he wears himself out and falls asleep.  It’s so adorable to watch him try to stay awake and keep bouncing.  The seat always wins out though. 

It was so easy to assemble.  I wasn’t frustrated nor did I want to just push it in the corner and hope it went away.  Plus I can just fold it down to store or take to Grandma’s house.  Doesn’t take hardly any time and off we go - Jumperoo and all.  It’s easy to clean too.  I also like the three levels of adjustment.  It grows with my child so I don’t have to worry that I will have to store it away before he’s ready to give it up.  Oh yea it’s easy to keep clean too.

If you’re looking for a great toy to keep your baby occupied, giggling and active try this Rainforest Jumperoo.  Your baby will be so very glad you did.  Wish they came in bigger sizes , it looks like so much fun!