Cutting food by a third in pregnancy led to fetal brain delays, according to animal study Read more: http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/arti

"A 30 percent reduction in food caused marked differences in how brain cells multiplied and connected with one another, with changes found in the frontal cortex, where higher functions controlling behavior and problem-solving are located, the researchers said."

“When enough women realize that birth is a time of great opportunity to get in touch with their true power, and when they are willing to assume responsibility for this, we will reclaim the power of birth and help move technology where it belongs – in the service of birthing women, not their master.” – Christiane Northrup

Miranda Kerr: I Had a Baby Boy with Orlando Bloom!

They released his name and a beautiful picture of her breastfeeding their newborn! Yay!

"I believe the act of giving birth to be the single most miraculous thing a human being can do and it is surely the moment when a lot of women finally understand the depth of their power and connection to all of nature... You think can’t possibly take the pain, and then you do - and afterward you look at yourself in a whole new way... The memory of pain always recedes. The memory of triumph does not," - Ani DiFranco

SE MN Childbirth Network presents... "A Midwife...Why?"

Find out how incorporating a midwife in your
pregnancy can be more than beneficial.

Please join us at the
Rochester Athletic Club
Thursday, February 3rd
7pm—Multipurpose Room

The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding FACT SHEET

Here is a nice list of specific things everyone can do to get involved in the call to action to support breastfeeding.

Everyone Can Help Make Breastfeeding Easier, Surgeon General Says in “Call to Action”

"According to the “Call to Action,” breastfeeding protects babies from infections and illnesses that include diarrhea, ear infections, and pneumonia. Breastfed babies are also less likely to develop asthma, and those who are breastfed for six months are less likely to become obese. Mothers themselves who breastfeed have a decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

A study published last year in the journal Pediatrics estimated that the nation would save $13 billion per year in health care and other costs if 90 percent of U.S. babies were exclusively breastfed for six months. Dr. Benjamin added that, by providing accommodations for nursing mothers, employers can reduce their company’s health care costs and lower their absenteeism and turnover rates."

It's better for babies, it's better for Moms, it's better for families, it's better for employers, it's better for our health care system, it's better for our nation. Wow!!! How many things can boast that large a span of beneficiaries? Let's not say no to that.

A Touching Look at Touching

"Having been lucky enough to work with therapeutic touch in the past few years I have my own very simple explanation for what is going on; it's your inner healer dancing forward and taking over - connecting and passing on your good thoughts, intentions and a little healing to the growing life within. It is after all, mum's tum you wants to touch. There's nothing more natural than touching a pregnant woman and so people go ahead and touch her."

I never minded people touching my baby bump very much, unless it was a complete and total stranger and then it was a little weird. I totally agree though with the statement quoted above, "connecting and passing on your good thoughts, intentions and a little healing to the growing life within." I always felt intense amounts of love and good will being channeled into myself and my unborn baby when people would pat, hold and sometimes even hug my belly, and that made me feel like a stronger mother. Like somehow, with all this love and support coming from all these people toward me and my babies, I knew I could succeed and even excel at this mothering thing.

What were your reactions, experiences and feelings in regards to people wanting to touch your pregnant belly?

Laborade

Sounds like it could be a nice alternative to gatorade. What did you drink during your labor(s)?

Recall: Medela 'Pump In Style Advanced' Breast Pump