By and large, a plant based diet is absolutely perfect for children and adults. It is contains the nutrition and fiber that your body requires without the cruelty and health problems associated with an animal based diet.

Children do have unique dietary needs however, and many experts strongly advise against a strict vegan diet for children. There are many nutrients, such as A, D and the B vitamins, that are essential to proper growth and development, that are difficult if not impossible to get from a plant based diet alone.

That said, children can eat a cruelty free diet of organic eggs and organic, raw dairy and still receive the majority of necessary fatty acids and nutrition their bodies require. If you add on cod liver oil and let your kids get plenty of sunshine, they are on the road to excellent health.

A recent article found on www.PCRM.org states that:

“Children raised on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes grow up to be slimmer and healthier and even live longer than their meat-eating friends. It is much easier to build a nutritious diet from plant foods than from animal products, which contain saturated fat, cholesterol, and other substances that growing children can do without. As for essential nutrients, plant foods are the preferred source because they provide sufficient energy and protein packaged with other health-promoting nutrients such as fiber, antioxidant vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals.”

Click here to read the full article

Sheryl’s comment

This is a great article which explains how children can receive all the necessary nutrition they need from a vegetarian diet but they are also learning healthy tastes and habits at a critical stage that sets the stage for the healthiest life possible.

The article also includes menu suggestions and dietary recommendations by age. Its a great read.
Additional resources: vrg.org
Image Souurce: http://flickr.com/photos/guccibear2005/1970572578/

Incorrect Breastfeeding Advice Results In Fussy, Uncomfortable Babies
This past month, I have had quite a few frantic calls from stressed out moms who have fussy babies and are hoping that The Calm Baby Cookbook could help. After a short conversation, their problem was easily diagnosed over the phone. These women were experiencing problems with breastfeeding because of well meaning, but totally incorrect advice from prenatal instructors and support people in their lives.

The problematic advice is one that many of us have heard already. “You must feed the baby for 10 minutes on one side and then switch to the other side and feed for another 10 minutes.” This advice is absolutely incorrect and contributes to so many breastfeeding problems for new moms. The result is a gassy, fussy baby who cannot be easily comforted. The underlying problem is what is called a foremilk/hindmilk imbalance.

Many people (health care practitioners and prenatal instructors included!) do not know that breastmilk changes throughout the breastfeeding session. For the first part of a feed, breastmilk contains more water and more sugar. It rehydrates the baby quickly and helps to fill the baby’s stomach. Towards the end of a feed, breastmilk changes to contain more fat. The fatty part of the milk is very important as it helps a baby to digest breastmilk more easily and it helps a baby to feel full and satisfied at the end of the feed. The fatty part of breastmilk offers so many benefits to a baby: it contributes to nerve and brain development, it acts as a laxative and so much more.

If a woman switches sides before the baby is able to get the hindmilk, the result is a fussy, gassy baby who has green, explosive, frothy stools. This baby has lots of cramping and is so uncomfortable that she cries soon after a feed and cannot be consoled. The closest way for an adult to understand this discomfort is that it mimics quite well the feelings of lactose intolerance.

A baby who is able to feed on one side until the breast completely drains will usually fall asleep at the end of the feed and will slide off the breast, full and completely satisfied. It can be quite difficult to wake a baby after she is able to get her hindmilk from the feeding session and most babies are simply put to bed. Getting to the hindmilk is like having rich cheesecake at the end of a good meal. You feel relaxed and ready to go to bed. The same is for a baby after a good feed off of one breast.

If you have been breastfeeding your baby and switching breasts often, you can certainly change the way that you feed your baby so that she can get the hindmilk. It will take a few days (possibly up to a week) for your breasts to become used to this new feeding pattern, so you’ll need to be patient. Breastmilk is produced from direct stimulation to nerve endings in your areola as your baby feeds. Because your breasts are being stimulated with each feed, they are accustomed to making lots of milk (possibly too much milk).

If your breasts are making lots and lots of milk, you will need to feed on one breast for many complete feeds to help your baby get a good feed on your hindmilk (anywhere from 2 to 5 feeds). Your breast should be soft at the end of the feed. If it still feels full, have the baby feed on that breast again. As you are feeding from the same breast often, the unused breast will become full of milk. Simply pump the side that is full FOR COMFORT ONLY: just enough so that you can feel comfortable without draining the breast. Again, breast milk is produced from direct sucking at the breast, whether from your baby or a breast pump. If you completely drain the second breast by pumping, you will make too much milk and it will be harder for your baby to get to the hindmilk. Your breasts will not be able to adapt to this new method of breastfeeding, and you will continue to have feeding difficulties.

Once the first breast has been drained, start with the second breast. You may have to feed for quite a few (2-5) complete feedings on the second side as well until the baby can drain the breast and it feels soft at the end of the feed. You may need to pump the first breast for comfort as well. Eventually, you will have one breast ready for a feed, the baby will be able to drain it completely, and fall off the breast fast asleep, full and completely satisfied.

Once your milk starts to regulate, you’ll notice that: * The breast that feeds the baby will be soft at the end of the feed. * Your second breast will be slightly full and preparing itself for the next feed. * Your baby will be satisfied at the end of the feed. She will start to sleep better - deeper and longer.

If you and your baby are experiencing a foremilk/hindmilk imbalance, relax and know that this can be remedied easily over time. Many medical professionals who do not know or understand what a foremilk/hindmilk imbalance is, will tell you that “you are not producing good milk” or that “you are not producing the right kind of milk” or that “your baby is allergic to your milk.” And then they will ask you to feed your baby a hypo-allergenic formula “to let everything settle down.” Most women give up on breastfeeding at that point, especially since they have just been told that their body is incapable of feeding their child.

I am constantly amazed at how quick some professionals are to dismiss a woman’s body as being inferior instead of recognizing that she has been given incorrect information on how to feed her child. Please know that many health care professionals or prenatal instructors do not understand breastfeeding or how it works and that you cannot assume that they do. Ask them about their breastfeeding training and experience. If they have not taken courses in breastfeeding, they are not qualified to offer advice or help you with your problems. Medical doctors are not taught about breastfeeding, or if they are, it is for 2 hours at some point in their school curriculum.

If you need help, see a lactation consultant as soon as you are having problems with your latch. You can also contact someone in La Leche League - an organization of breastfeeding mothers who are more than willing to help you with your breastfeeding difficulties as they are personally experienced in feeding their own children. (You can find them listed in your local white pages or you can visit www.lalecheleague.org to find help close to you.) The La Leche League has a wonderful book called The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding. You will find it in any bookstore. You can also contact your local midwife; she will know of qualified people in your community who can help.

After your breastmilk regulates, if your baby is still fussy, especially between 5:30 and 11:30 at night, you may want to look at the foods that you are eating. Some foods that breastfeeding mother eat can irritate a baby’s digestive system and cause fussiness and crying. You can find out more by visiting drmelaniebee.org

Dr. Melanie Beingessner is a chiropractor, a breastfeeding counselor, a certified infant massage instructor and the mother of three fabulous kids. She is the author of The Calm Baby Cookbook, written to help breastfeeding moms calm their fussy babies by changing their diets. Her website offers information on pregnancy and breastfeeding and can be found at www.drmelaniebee.org

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Many parents do not realize that these are options that benefit the baby in many incalculable ways but also benefit the parents and the environment.This is an excellent primer if you are new to the concept of natural, instinctive, gentle or attachment parenting.

Although these methods are commonplace in the rest of the world throughout history they are new to modern American parents and this is a great place to get your feet wet.

read full article

Author: Kim Hiatt, Ph.D.
Do you find yourself stuck when trying to help your children lose weight? Or worse, do you feel helpless as they gain weight? Are you doing all the “right” things, but your child is still gaining weight? Does it seem like whatever you say or do doesn’t work - they just don’t listen to you? Do you feel like you keep trying to get your family to change their behaviors but nothing has lasting results?

If you can identify with these feelings you are probably wondering what you can do to make things better. One of the most important first steps you can take is to examine what you are saying and doing that could be adding to your child’s weight struggles. In our experience working with families coping with weight issues, we have found that it is common for parents to send well-intentioned but wrong-headed messages to their offspring. You may be sending the wrong message if you do the following:

Mistake #1: Put your child on a diet:
It seems logical to encourage an overweight child to diet, but did you know that research shows that for the majority of children and adolescents, diets cause them to gain weight? It’s true. Dieting can lead children to binge eating, emotional eating and weight gain. There are on-diet approaches to weight loss that will work much better over the long run.

Mistake #2: Impose a lot of rules:
Have you ever found yourself saying, “You can have sweets but only on special occasions?” Or “you must eat your vegetables at dinner” or “if you put it on your plate, you have to eat it.” Households in which there are a lot of food rules tend to be households with overweight kids who constantly think about eating and look for the opportunity to “break the rules” when they are at school or out with their friends. In addition, the more you attempt to enforce these food rules the less likely your child is to listen to his or her own internal cues - cues that tell a person when to stop eating because they are full.

The road to healthy nutrition starts in the kitchen. Actually it starts in the grocery store. Your children will eat what you buy. If you don’t buy it, they can’t eat it (you can’t either).

The road to healthy nutrition starts in the kitchen. Actually it starts in the grocery store. Your children will eat what you buy. If you don’t buy it, they can’t eat it (you can’t either). Avoid all processed snack foods, packaged foods, sugary foods and salty foods. If you don’t have chips in the cupboard, your kids may whine and moan but they will not be eating Doritos. Your decisions in the grocery store and your personal example mean more than anything.

Mistake #3 Nag:
If you are constantly bugging your child to eat less or watch what he or she eats, you aren’t doing your child any favors. The same holds true if you frequently talk about your own weight issues. Listen closely to your own conversation. Are you pointing out other overweight people that you see in a negative way? Do you chide yourself out loud for your own physical imperfections? Kids are sharp listeners and they will pick up on what you are saying in ways you probably did not intend them to. Instead of nagging, try inspiring your child. For example, if your child wants to be a baseball player when he grows up, buy him a bat, some balls and a baseball glove. Take him outside a few times a week and practice baseball skills with him. The exercise you get together will help inspire him to reach his goals and see the role losing weight might play in achieving them. This works far better than nagging ever will.

Mistake #4 -Interrogate:
Take a hard look at the questions you ask your child. Avoid the temptation to put him or her on the spot by asking, “Do you really need to eat that, honey?” Consider asking a different set of questions that focus instead on really getting to know your child and making it clear to him or her that your love is not dependent on the numbers on the family scale. Your child wants to connect with you and be heard. The very act of listening to your son or daughter and acknowledging that child’s dreams, hopes and desires decreases stress, increases self-esteem and boosts overall happiness levels. If you recognized some of your behaviors in this story, don’t feel guilty. We all make mistakes that we can learn from. When you find yourself resorting to old bad habits, simply resolve to let them go. Your child will be grateful.

Marna Goldstein and Kim Hiatt regularly speak about issues relating to childhood obesity and secrets thin families know about weight control. Both women have successfully overcome their own weight-loss difficulties. Goldstein and Hiatt are co-owners of ThinFromWithinKids.com. Goldstein is the author of Naturally Thin Secrets. Hiatt is an adjunct professor of psychology at Southwestern College who recently earned her Ph.D. Her doctorate dissertation was on childhood obesity.

Buy the Book: No More Fat Kids

Sheryl’s comment:
It helps to do things right from the beginning. That means proper (strict) nutrition during pregnancy. Lay off the Kit-Kat bars and ice cream while pregnant. That sort of nonsense eating is terrible for you and your baby. You only need 300 extra calories a day so use them wisely, not on crap. Take a food based prenatal and get tons of Omega 3.

After your baby is born, continue your wonderful organic, fruit and vegetable eating habits and breastfeed exclusively for at least six months. Formula fed babies are being trained to eat junky processed food from birth and their weight reflects that. Formula should be left for true emergencies. Plenty of full time working moms manage to pump milk and breastfeed exclusively.

Once your baby starts eating solid foods, serve him as fresh, raw foods as possible. Avocado and banana are time tested standbys for starter foods. There is no need to purchase bottles of very non-natural colored jarred food. You can steam broccoli or sweet potatoes in less than ten minutes and mash them with a fork or stick them in the blender. You don’t even have to be that creative. Just lay off the boxes, bags and jars and stick to the produce section for a truly healthy start for your baby.

About the author:
Visit http://www.Thinfromwithinkids.com to sign up for a free newsletter and immediately receive three free audio CDs. You can also learn more about their “Naturally Thin Families Reveal Their Secrets” teleseminar.

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One of the basic principles of attachment parenting is to ignore mainstream advice and “get back to nature” with our babies. We learn that we do not need all the products that advertisers push and in addition to saving tons of money, we are actually creating healthier, happier babies and reducing our impact on the environment. Eco babies are a win-win!

Author: Davinos Greeno

When babies are born they are unable to make decisions for themselves and it is our responsibility to ensure that we give them a natural and healthy environment to grow in. There are a number of steps you can take that are safer and healthier for both your baby and the environment.

Organic and Fairtrade Baby Food
Organic baby food has been around for decades and fairtrade baby food has only recently been launched. Why feed your baby chemicals, additives and possibly genetically modified ingredients when you can feed them fresh, organic and healthy food? By buying fairtrade it also enables you to put something back into local communities where the ingredients originated from, so that they can look after their families better due to being paid a fair price for their food and hence they are able to reinvest the funds into their community and families.

Organic and Eco Friendly Baby Care
Babies have extremely sensitive skin that requires a mild and gentle touch - which is why it makes sense to treat them with products made from the purest ingredients. The skin is the largest part of the baby’s body and is often prone to sores and diaper rash in the early days. Minimize the amount of chemicals coming into contact with the babies skin by buying organic or natural baby care products.

Make sure to research your baby care products to see if they are really organic. Most baby shampoos, body washes and lotions are swimming in chemicals. Since newborns are not playing in the dirt, you can clean them with plain water and a washcloth but if you really want to use a soap, then choose Dr.Bronners or some other soap that rates a “zero” at CosmeticsDatabase.org.

Don’t forget to install a water filter either, unless you want you baby soaking in a tepid pool of chlorine, fluoride and pesticides!

Organic Baby Clothing
A baby’s skin is thinner than that of an adult, so make sure the clothes against their bodies are free from harmful pesticides and chemicals by buying clothing which are made from organic or hemp fibers which are made with the minimum or no chemicals in the production and processing. By buying Fairtrade or ethical baby clothes from companies such as HUG ensures that other babies in developing countries may benefit as well from the clothes that you buy. Cheap, brand new clothes are often made in China in low cost production facilities where workers are paid the minimum wage and where the term sweatshops originated from. Buying second hand or using donated clothes is the ultimate form of recycling and is cheaper too at this expensive time of life.

Environmentally Friendly Cloth Diapers
Cloth diapers can be washed and reused hundreds of times. Millions of disposable diapers are used throughout the country and you can imagine what size of landfill is needed to bury them all! Cloth diapers can reduce diaper rash and have no suspect chemicals. By washing them with your normal clothes, you again minimize your babies impact on the environment.

Breastfeeding
Breast milk is very economical, constantly available at the right temperature and if your diet is organic then so is your milk which is therefore better for your baby. If you have to buy formula be wary of buying Nestle as an International Nestle Boycott is in effect in 20 countries. The boycott will continue until Nestle ends its irresponsible marketing of breast milk substitutes world-wide and abides by the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and subsequent Resolutions in policy and practice.

Sheryl’s comment:
There are even more ways to eco-parent. Cosleeping eliminates the need for a crib and its toxic, chemical soaked crib mattress. Elimination communication eliminates the need for disposable diapers or cloth diapers which use a great deal of water to launder. (G-diapers are a nice happy medium if you are unwilling or unable to try EC). Using a sling or baby carrier eliminates the need for a stroller.

Lastly, I believe the whole “baby food” industry is a scam otherwise all babies without access to bottled food would die. Why can’t your baby eat whatever you eat as long as its soft enough and/or in small enough pieces? Pre chew your babies food for them or if that grosses you out, then use a food processor or baby blender.

Ironically, attachment parenting is about losing your attachment to what you grew up believing was necessary to raise children. Once you let go of the idea of cribs, strollers and all all the other odds and ends that you will find at your local Babies-R-Us, you can stop and focus on what your baby really needs…you.

About the author:
Davinos Greeno works for the organic and ethical directories that lists 100s of Organic and Ethical Companies and we also haveOrganic Articles for you to read.

Buy the Book: Natural Baby Care

Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/kton25/473611645/

Breastfeeding is one of the most essential components of attachment parenting and there is enough scientific proof to suggest that failure to breastfeed a newborn child can cause long term medical problems for both the mother and the child. In addition to containing vital nutrients for the newborn, breastfeeding actually improves a child’s immune system and provides protection against some of common ailments like gastrointestinal problems and susceptibility to problems like diarrhea. Breastfeeding not only benefits the new born child, but it also helps the nursing mother. There is scientific evidence to prove that women that breastfeed tend to lose weight that they put on during pregnancy much faster than non breastfeeding mothers.

There are also psychological advantages of breastfeeding in addition to all of the health benefits. Psychologists agree that breastfeeding is a vital way for both the parent and the infant to bond with each other which is why breastfeeding is of the most important aspects of attachment parenting. Independent studies have suggested that there is a direct correlation between the IQ of a child and if he was breastfed or not; almost all studies carried out have suggested that breastfed babies have higher IQs compared to babies who have not been breastfed.

Breastfeeding helps prevent allergies
Multiple studies have been carried out that suggest, that babies who are breastfed past six months of age, have a lower probability of developing respiratory allergies, and this protection lasts into adolescence. The fact that these studies have been carried out independently and have made similar conclusions, is certain proof that breastfed babies do stand a better chance of not developing allergies. In fact even in families with a past history of allergies, breastfed babies have shown to have better resistance than babies that are fed supplements and cow’s milk. There is no clear mechanism that shows how this allergy protection works, but it is believed that mother’s milk passes on essential immuno-proteins from her blood stream, hence passively immunizing the baby against allergies she has encountered.

Breastfeeding protects against common ailments
Studies from all over the world have concluded that breastfed infants are less susceptible to frequent infant problems like ear infections, respiratory problems and gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea. In fact breastfed children who do fall ill, suffer milder effects of the illness. In fact infants that are exclusively breastfed (only fed mother’s milk) have the lowest chance of suffering ailments that afflict infants. As a matter of fact most medical councils around the world, recommend exclusive breastfeeding of infants during the first 6 months.

In addition to common ailments, studies have also found a direct relationship between breastfeeding, diabetes and leukemia. Breastfed children are far less likely to get diabetes and leukemia, the chances of survival of infants is much higher if they are breastfed, as newer studies have also suggested that the incidence of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is much lower in breastfed babies. All in all there is sufficient data and evidence to suggest that breastfed children are by far healthier and more likely to lead healthier lives in the future if they are exclusively breastfed for a minimum of six months.

Other advantages of breastfeeding
As mentioned earlier, breastfed babies are healthier, so parents can save thousands of dollars in medical bills that they might have incurred if the baby was not breastfed. In addition, studies have shown that parents can also save up to $1000 in baby milk products and supplements by exclusively breastfeeding. There is also a high probability that a mother will not be susceptible to ovarian and breast cancer if she has breastfed her child, in fact this is sited as one of the major reasons why women in lesser developing countries, have lower incidence of both ovarian and breast cancer, as they prefer breastfeeding their children. Scientists believe that breast milk is naturally equipped to aid a baby’s immune system, as it is the only way of exchange of immunity between mother and child after birth.

Article Source: http://www.uberarticles.com/articles

Brian Cook is the author of this article on attachment parenting. Find more information about attachment parenting here.

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Deciding which pregnancy and breastfeeding supplies are essential can be an stressful task, especially for new parents. Purchasing supplies that you later find you did not need is frustrating. Stores carry a multitude of different brands, options and styles of pregnancy and breastfeeding supplies.

How is a new mom to sort it out? Preparing a list of pregnancy and breastfeeding supplies that doesn’t break the bank can be done with a little help. Here are a few pointers to get started.

When shopping for a back-saving pregnancy pillow, try to choose one that will serve as a nursing pillow later on. A nursing pillow can be a breastfeeding mother’s best friend. A nursing pillow is used to help position a mother’s arm and the baby comfortably during a feeding.

If you have a drowsy eater, you may grow weary before the baby is done nursing if you are not using a nursing pillow for support. Choose a pillow that is machine washable and be sure to purchase several well fitting slip covers.

Sore nipples can be a problem during pregnancy, but especially during breast feeding. Keeping a tube of lanolin on hand to apply on a regular basis is a must for breastfeeding mothers. Don’t wait for sore nipple to become a painful problem. Prevention is always best. Applying lanolin twice a day will help prevent sore nipples and ensure pain free breast feeding sessions.

Breast feeding supplies like a breast pump, breast milk pads, nursing bras and burp cloths are staples in a nursing mother’s bag. The most expensive breast pump is not necessarily the best. A manual breast pump is often all that is required and they are less expensive than electric or battery operated pumps. Models like the Advent Isis are ideal. They are gentle on the breast and mimic the suckling action of a baby.

Another necessary item on your list of breast feeding supplies is the breast milk pad. Sudden letdown can leave you with an embarrassingly wet front. Breast milk pads are designed to catch leaking milk and keep your bra dry. Washable breast milk pads are more cost effective than disposable ones. A cloth or disposable diaper can even serve as milk catcher for the overachiever who produces mass quantities of milk.

One area to spend a little extra is the bra department. A good quality nursing bra can be worn during your pregnancy and will serve you well for months of breast feeding after the baby arrives. A nursing bra with adjustable cups is an excellent choice to prevent the bra from becoming ill fitting as you lose your pregnancy weight.

Your collection of breast feeding supplies is not complete without a bag of burp cloths. Breastfeeding can get messy at times, so tucking a burp cloth into the cup of your bra while nursing will help keep you and your baby dry. Cloth diapers with the padded center make the most durable and absorbent burp cloths.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding do not require a large quantity of supplies and high-tech gadgets. Your body prepares for pregnancy and breastfeeding naturally, leaving only a few convenient essentials for the new mother to collect.

You should not have to mortgage your home to prepare for a new baby. Pregnancy, breastfeeding and motherhood can be enjoyed without a shopping cart full of expensive supplies.

by Mike Selvon
About the Author:Breast feeding is an important aspect of your new born baby. Mike Selvon’s portal has more information about pregnancy and breastfeeding accessories. Visit our portal and leave a comment at our breast feeding blog.

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