johncsnider

image: 123rf.com Moodboard As I plan for the arrival of my third baby, I need to buy some crib sheets, and a pacifier (to stuff in her mouth while asleep, on airplanes, or during screaming fits in the car).  This short list is because I own everything that I need (including mama milk and cloth diapers).   My heart breaks when I see first time moms (or subsequent moms) engulfed in the consumerism of useless baby items. I know firsthand what is useful because my first two babies were born into a small one bedrooms NYC apartment with no storage. We simply did not have the space for "things" that we could only use for a short time so we took the opinion of "let's live without it and see if need it" . After having the second child, we moved into a house and had endless storage so our baby supplies have increased greatly (thanks mostly to donations and yard sales) but we still only have what we really need. The most important thing is not to be afraid to return thing...

So now that you have some in-person mother's groups to join  (most have great online communities too), here are some great online only references: Mothering.com -- This used to be a wonderful magazine that is now out of print but has great online forums and blog postings. DrMomma.org (Peaceful Parenting) -- There are inspirational stories and great resources here from prenatal care to birth and parenting. Kellymom.com -- While you are bookmarking sites, this is also a must.  It helps get you ready to breastfeed, helps you get started breastfeeding, breastfeeding troubleshooting and excellent charts of medication harm levels while breastfeeding (PLEASE check these charts no matter what your doctor says.  I know way too many nursing moms that had a traditional doctor try to prescribe a medication that affects the baby and the doctor only offered a safer alternative after the mother informed her doctor). Leave a comment if you know of other good ones so we can grow this li...

A few of you have emailed me about your issues leaving a comment and I apologize for this inconvenience. I checked and now it works on iPhones and iPads! I changed some settings that should make it easier: Posts have to be left at www.mygreenandnaturalpregnancy.blogspot.com .  So if you have subscribed to the blog as an email or through a reader, you will have to go to the actual website to leave your comment. After the blog posting that you want to post on, click the words " Post a Comment ." Enter your comment in the box labeled " Enter your comment ."  Under the comment box, is the text "Comment as: Select Profile." Click on " Select Profile ." If you already have an ID through a blogging software or if you use google, select your profile or select " Anonymous ." If you use Anonymous, make sure that your comment has your name in it! Sometimes you have to type some random text in a box to confirm that you are a human and not a compute...

It is a great idea to start scoping out the support communities for new moms. Most mom groups accept new members who are pregnant with their first child as well as those seasoned with other kids.  Moms who have had a large gap between children also enjoy being reconnected with a new wave of moms. I suggest joining the following mom's groups while pregnant: LaLeche League -- They usually have an online loop that you can join (often for free but membership is appreciated) and read all about new moms breastfeeding and seeking help. It is a good way to get some invaluable knowledge in your head before you start learning and teaching breastfeeding to your own baby. Once you have your baby you won't have time to look them up and figure out how to join and what if you need them on day two home from the hospital? It is good to already have contact. Holistic Moms Network -- Since you are reading this blog you are into green living and mindful parenting so this is a national group of ...

Image: kratuanoiy FreeDigitalPhotos.net As you know, I do not believe that you should double your consumption (eating for "two") while pregnant but you should be aware that you are eating for "two" living beings that have nutritional needs. Eating habits are a very sensitive topic since there are so many food sensitivities and dietary styles.  My professional experience and personal experiences have meshed into these viewpoints. You are eating for the sole purpose of nourishment and you will not feel satisfied if you are eating foods that your body does not want. That is why you can eat a whole pint of ice cream or a whole bag of chips and feel sick but not satisfied.  It is important to be aware of how balanced your daily foods are and to know if your body is telling you that you are missing something. Protecting your Own Health The woman's body is made to take care of the baby first.  So if the mother is not consuming her nutritional needs during pregnancy, th...

image: www.openphoto.net Adrian van Leen This is a recipe for pregnancy tea that my doula, Karen Kelly (now a midwife!) shared with me.  I ordered the individual dried herbs from  Mountain Rose Herbs and there were enough to last through my multiple pregnancies and several gifts to other expectant moms. It is much more cost effective than buying store bought pregnancy tea bags, you know that you have fresh organic ingredients, and you know that it is the right combination of herbs. This mineral rich tea is also a great tea for labor, after birth and lactation! Pregnancy Brew Ingredients 8 parts Red Raspberry leaf  3 parts Alfalfa herb  3 parts Peppermint leaf  2 parts Nettle leaf Simply add in 1 to 2 tsps of the premixed herbs to 1 cup of hot water. And let it steep for 5 to 10 mins. Sweeten with raw honey if you desire. Drink daily from 16 weeks on! Red Raspberry leaf used as a basic herbal foundation for all female organs and problems. decreases profuse ...

So pregnant mamas are supposed to exercise daily to keep themselves and their baby healthy.  This is great on a good day but in reality, most pregnant women spend time in one part of their pregnancy or another feeling uncomfortable, sick or exhausted.  So how can you find time to be in shape? You can continue the type of exercise that you were doing pre pregnancy if your body is used to it. Your body will tell you if it is too much for you. I have seen pregnant mamas jogging and that is great for them (but not me!).  Swimming is great during pregnancy but I have not had access to anything other than the baby pool while watching my other kids. When I am not pregnant, I usually find yoga to either be too hard or a bore.  During all three of my pregnancies I found prenatal yoga to be healing. My first two pregnancies in NYC, Melissa Feldman made me laugh and love going to class.  I connected with fellow pregnant mamas who I shared a very special time with and learn...