Making Your Own Padsicles

Most likely the hospital will provide you with the cooling pads you need after birth.  These are nice as you crack them and they provide a cooling sensation that will help bring down the inflammation.  However, these don't have the best ingredients in them and you most likely you will still want them after you leave the hospital as well.

To make your own padsicles you will need a few things:

• Bladder control pads - these are perfect because they are thick and wide enough for all of the blood after birth
• Aloe Vera
• Witch Hazel (alcohol free)
• Lavender and Tea Tree essential oil

The aloe vera will give you the cooling you will need as you will likely feel a burning sensation for up to a week.  Lavender will help reduce the inflammation and tea tree is known for antibacterial purposes.  Witch Hazel is also anti inflammatory.  Mix all of these ingredients together.  You only need a few drops of the essential oils.

Once these are well mixed spoon them onto each individual pad and spread the mixture out.  Place the pads in the freezer and keep them there until after your delivery date.  

Use as needed.  You will really be happy you prepared these padiscles :)

Delaying Your Newborn's Bath

When I was in the hospital with Lenora they put a big bright sign over her crib that said, "BABY HAS NOT BEEN BATHED" like she was some type of diseased alien or something. Every time anyone came in to check her vitals they would remind each other to wear gloves because she was not bathed.  I understand them wanting to wear gloves, and it protects my baby anyways, but I think they certainly went overboard.  She came out pretty cheesy and I kept a close eye on my midwife to make sure she didn't wipe her down at all.  I personally waited three weeks before I gave my daughter her first bath, but even just waiting two days after birth is the best.

When a baby is born, they are covered in a white cheesy type coating.  This is called the vernix.  The vernix does a few wonderful things.  It acts as a natural antibacterial cream that is amazing at preventing a bacteria infection.  These are skin cells your baby has made when they were in your womb and it is awesome for their skin.  It not only provides them with gorgeous skin, but it boosts their immune system as well.

There are some hospitals that ask to bathe the baby before they even go to the parents.  To me, this is absurd! Why would you want the first person to be the nurse that gets to hold your baby during the first few minutes of birth?  Babies need their moms and that bonding time is very important.  It is also linked to improved breastfeeding success and of course you won't need any chemical lotions on your baby since the vernix acts as a natural lotion.

It is best to delay baths at the hospital altogether.

You Might Be a Crunchy Mom If...

You might be a crunchy mom if...

• When someone mentions "pockets" you assume they must be talking about cloth diapers
• You have used breast milk on scrapes, cuts or cured an eye infection with it
• You have consumed your placenta
• You don't own toilet paper and use family cloth instead
• You don't vaccinate
• You either use mama cloth or a menstrual cup
• During play dates you bring out the dried fruit or vegetables
• Your birth plan is over two pages long
• You have a half dozen baby carriers and usually have two or three on you at any given time.
• You are a plastic free household. This may apply to dishes and toys.

Earth Mamas Unite - Let's Get Back to Basics

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