Birth in Balance Blog

The Blessingway (Mother Blessing) Ceremony

nospam@example.com (Briony Howland) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 18:15:23 +1000

What is a Blessingway Ceremony?

A wonderful and unique alternative to the traditional baby shower, a blessingway ceremony is a celebration of a woman's transition into motherhood. A blessingway (also known as a Mother Blessing) is seen as a rite of passage and focuses on providing the Mum-to-be with emotional, mental and spiritual support, encouragement and celebration by the women close to her.

Blessingways are traditionally women-only events. They can be intimate with just a few close girlfriends and family, or they can be a larger celebration. Whatever you choose to do during a blessingway, ensure the focus is on nurturing the Mum-to-be!

Ideas for Blessingway Rituals

Belly art
Hand and feet painting
A belly cast
Massage
Pedicure/foot washing
Belly dancing
Giving of 'birth' beads, to form a bracelet or necklace for the Mum-to-be to wear during labour
Decorating prayer flags
Hair brushing
Decorating hair with flowers
Planting a tree
Creating a scrapbook
Reading of poems
Storytelling - positive birth stories
Releasing of fears/positive affirmations
Music - singing, drumming, chanting
Guided meditations
Compile a list of contacts for when the Mum-to-be goes into labour
Candle lighting - each woman receives a candle to light when the Mum-to-be goes into labour
A roster of women to prepare meals for the new family once the baby is born

Gifts for a Blessingway

Where baby shower gifts are focused on the baby, gift ideas for a blessingway are ones that focus on assisting, celebrating and reducing the stress of the Mum-to-be. For example:

a gift certificate for a massage, beauty or wellbeing treatment
soothing body products i.e. body balm, massage oil, foot or hand cream
a pregnancy/birth relaxation CD or book
wheat bag or heat pack
labour and birth support items
a nappy washing service
help with the housework
help with the cooking
an offer to watch the baby whilst the new Mum gets some rest

There is lots of information available online about planning a Blessingway. If you would like help with planning and holding a Blessingway ceremony for yourself or someone else, please contact us to register your interest for information on our soon-to-be launched Blessingway service (in conjunction with our friends at Birth Partner).

What is Baby Led Weaning?

nospam@example.com (Briony Howland) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 12:43:25 +1000

I've been asked by a lot of Mums recently about baby-led weaning as opposed to the parent-led method of introducing solids. So here is some information I have put together answering some of the common questions:

What is baby-led weaning?

Baby-led weaning is the method of allowing your baby to feed themselves with soft finger foods from 6 months, rather than pureeing foods and spoon-feeding them. This method was first advocated by infant feeding expert, Gill Rapley.

What are the Pros?

You don't have to puree foods - save time
You can share family meals earlier
Your baby can choose how much to eat, which can reduce food pickiness later on
Your baby practices how to chew straight away, so introduction of lumpy foods later on won't be a problem

What are the Cons?

It's messy!
There is the question of whether your baby will received adequate nutrients, particularly if they are slow developers and aren't ready to eat finger foods at 6 months
It will take a longer time for your baby to eat
If your baby isn't ready to eat soft finger foods when they offered there is a risk of choking

How do you do it?

Make sure your baby is 6 months old before you commence
Make sure your baby is able to sit upright, grasp food and put it to their mouth and move food from the front to the back of their mouth
Always supervise your baby when they are eating
Follow the usual guidelines on what foods are safe for babies to eat and those that aren't
Don't expect your baby to eat any foods on the first few occasions
Eat with your baby so they can learn from you
Offer a variety of soft finger foods that are easy to handle
Don't hurry your baby

If you are interested in learning more about the guidelines for baby-led weaning, click on the attached BLW link. If you would like some qualified advice on introduction of solids for your baby, whichever method your prefer, please contact us to make an infant nutrition appointment or to enquire about our 'Introduction to Solids' workshops.

Delicious Bircher Muesli Recipe

nospam@example.com (Briony Howland) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 07:32:26 +1000

We love a good bircher muesli. High in fibre, antioxidants and essential fatty acids (EFA's), it's also low GI and because the oats and nuts/seeds are soaked overnight they are easier to digest. Here's a delicious recipe (we use organic ingredients whenever possible) that is simple to make and can be varied in many ways to suit your taste.

Ingredients (serves 4):

2 apples, grated
2 cups of rolled oats
1 cup yoghurt (we used Jalna vanilla)
1 cup of apple, pear or orange juice
1 tbsp of sunflower seeds
1 tbsp slivered almonds
cinnamon to taste
honey, pure maple syrup or agave syrup and fruit to serve (mixed berries work well)

Method:

Mix grated apples, oats, yoghurt, juice, cinnamon, nuts and seeds overnight covered in fridge.
Add honey or syrup and fruit to serve.

You can also add coconut, different nuts and seeds, use soy yoghurt instead of dairy, substitute the oats with rolled rice (gluten free option) and add dried fruit.

Have you got a Fussy Eater?

nospam@example.com (Briony Howland) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 14:42:09 +1100

Have you ever wondered why your child is a fussy eater? Should you be worried about how much your child eats? Join us at our upcoming Fussy Eaters Presentation to learn more about the aspects of fussy eating and what you can do to encourage healthy eating habits and overcome fussy eating in your child. Presented by Briony Howland, qualified Nutritionist and Mum of 3 (including one very fussy little eater!)

What will we talk about?

Why is your child a fussy eater?
The 4 truths about fussy eating
What can you do?
How much should your child be eating?
When should you worry?
Hint, tips and recipes

When: Monday 21st May, 2012 10-11am.

Where: Meeting Room 1, Cronulla Central (opposite the library)

Cost: $25 per ticket

Coeliac Awareness Week

nospam@example.com (Briony Howland) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 11:08:30 +1100

This week, March 13-20 is Coeliac Awareness Week. According to Coeliac Australia, approximately 160,000 Australians have coeliac disease but don't yet know. Approximately 1 in 100 Australians are affected by coeliac disease and 75% currently remain undiagnosed.

What is Coeliac Disease?

In people with coeliac disease the immune system reacts abnormally to gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye, barley and oats), causing small bowel damage. The tiny, finger-like projections which line the bowel (villi) become inflamed and flattened. This is referred to as villous atrophy. The surface area of the bowel available for nutrient absorption is markedly reduced which can lead to various gastrointestinal and malabsorptive symptoms

Is Gluten Slowing You Down?

One of the most common symptoms of coeliac disease is extreme fatigue and a general lack of energy. Does this sound like you? Fatigue, bloating or other gut symptoms, headaches, joint pains and a general lack of energy are all common symptoms of coeliac disease. These symptoms can often be confused with other conditions.

What Can I Eat?

There are 4 groups of food that are suitable for those on a gluten free diet:

Naturally gluten free foods
For example: Fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh meats, eggs, nuts and legumes, milk, fats and oils and gluten free grains e.g. rice and corn.
Products labelled ‘gluten free’
You can be confident that products displaying the ‘gluten free’ label are safe.
Products that use the ‘Crossed grain logo’
Products displaying the crossed grain logo are endorsed by Coeliac Australia and are safe.
Products that are gluten free by ingredient
If any ingredient in a product is derived from wheat, rye, barley or oats, then this must be declared.

If left untreated, coeliac disease can lead to chronic poor health, infertility, miscarriage, depression, osteoporosis and dental enamel defects. In children, undiagnosed coeliac disease can cause lack of proper development, short stature and behavioural problems

So, how do you know if you have coeliac disease? Responsible diagnosis is critical via blood test, small bowel biopsy and gene testing. Guidance from a qualified nutritionist (we can help you) or dietician can assist you to ensure you are eating a well-balanced gluten free diet, suited to individual requirements.

For more information, visit the Coeliac Australia website.

Birth Support Techniques Workshop

nospam@example.com (Briony Howland) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 12:15:56 +1100

Well we promised you all late last year that there would be lots of exciting new things happening at Birth in Balance this year, and as the year rolls on we are slowly (but surely) getting around to scheduling our new services!

This exciting new workshop aims to prepare your partner to feel confident in supporting you throughout your labour and birth with simple, easy to follow massage techniques, advice and tips to make you more comfortable and at ease during this momentous event.

Often partners feel unprepared for what to expect during labour and birth. This workshop will give them the tools to feel confident in supporting you. Dads-to-be, sisters, mums or girlfriends who will be your birth support are all welcome and will benefit from what they will learn from this informative and fun class.

Workshop Content:

Massage techniques – benefits of, various types and when to use them
Basic acupressure points to assist with pain, nausea and contractions
Natural birth tools to offer comfort
Positioning for comfort and optimal fetal positioning
How to give the support the labouring woman needs
What to expect at different stages of labour and how you can best offer support to the labouring woman
The importance of keeping her hydrated and energised during labour
Benefits of creating a birth plan

You will practice techniques on the Mum-to-be and handouts will also be provided for future reference.

When: Wednesday 18th April, 6:30 - 8:30pm

Cost & Duration: 2 hours, $95 per couple

To secure your spot, book online here. For more information, please contact us.

Labour of Love

nospam@example.com (Briony Howland) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 19:26:16 +1100

So you may have already guessed that I LOVE birth and babies! I love the wonder of conception, pregnancy and the process of labour. I love the squishiness of gorgeous little newborns and witnessing those special first moments shared between new Mums, Dads and their little one. I have the most wonderful memories of my own 3 labours and births and the newborn bliss that envelops you in those first few weeks. I also love being trusted and privileged enough to support a woman and her partner during their own birth journey.

But another thing that truly melts my heart during labour and birth is a strong bond and connection betwen the couple. To me, this truly is the ultimate display of love - pure and simple. It really isn't about big gestures, expensive gifts, flowers, romantic dinners or boxes of chocolates (although us girls don't mind these either), but about the unwaivering support and care from a loving partner - wiping your brow with a cool washer, giving you sips of icy water, massaging your back, offering you gentle words of encouragement and eye contact for strength and reassurance when you need it. It is such a beautiful, inspiring thing to witness.

Now us women are pretty amazing beings, and we do have the strength within us to labour and birth our babies, but having hands-on support from a loving partner really can make a big difference - both emotionally and physically. Recently I supported a VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarian) and the connection was so strong betwen the woman and her partner, it carried her through the most challenging parts of her labour and birth.

And Dad's/partners, if you can follow this up post-natally by helping us change some nappies, settle the baby, cook dinner, make us cups of tea and let us have the occasional sleep in, we will love you even more!

Sunday Morning Pancakes

nospam@example.com (Briony Howland) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 08:44:33 +1100

So today we are talking pancakes, one of my all-time favourite family breakfasts. We call these our 'Sunday Morning Pancakes', the only morning of the week we all have a chance to sit down and relax together at the breakfast table! This recipe is so easy and it can be varied in many ways - the type of flour you use, adding fruit and the type of fruit, whether you want more of a thick hotcake or thin crepe-type pancake. We hope your family enjoys them as much as we do :)

Ingredients

1.5 cups wholemeal plain, spelt or buckwheat flour
2 TBS black sugar (brown or natural sugar substitute e.g. stevia, xylitol)
2 tsp baking powder (aluminimum free)
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1.5 cups low-fat dairy, soy, almond, oat or rice milk
2 free-range eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 TBS olive oil
Pure maple syrup or agave syrup
Fruit i.e. blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, bananas

Method

Mix all dry ingredients together in a bowl.
Make a well in the centre and add milk gradually, stirring as you go (to desired consistency).
Add the eggs, vanilla and oil - whisk until mixed. Transfer to a pouring jug.
Heat a frying pan and spray with oil spray.
Add enough pancake mix to cover the pan in a thin coating. Tilt pan to allow an even covering.
You can add fruit to the pancake now if you like, just sprinkle on top.
Flip pancake when bubbles form all over the top and it is golden brown on the cooked side. Cook until brown on both sides.
Serve drizzled with maple or agave syrup and topped with fresh chopped fruit.

* You can even use shape cutters to cut different shapes out of your pancakes, the kids will love it!

This recipe and more delicious healthy offerings can be found on our websites Recipes page. If you have a recipe you'd like to share with us, please email us, we'd love to hear from you.

Back to School - Keep Packed lunches Cool!

nospam@example.com (Briony Howland) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:59:14 +1100

A recent survey by the Australian Food Safety Information Council has shown that 20% of children taking packed lunches to school are not using a frozen ice brick or drink to keep them cool. The results also showed that those of us living in the major capital cities appear to be the worst offenders when it comes to keeping our children’s lunches cool, with 24% in these areas saying they don’t do this compared with 12% in the regional and rural areas.

Food Safety Information Council Chairman, Dr Michael Eyles says: ‘Packing a lunch for yourself or your child is a healthy and cost effective option. However food poisoning bacteria can grow quickly during hot weather and in the healthier foods, such as salad and cold meat, that we pack for lunch these days'.

"Choose, clean, cook, chill and separate"

The Food Safety Information Council recommends the following tips to minimise the risk of food poisoning bacteria growth on packed lunches:

Choose low risk foods including hard cheeses, well cooked meats and poultry, fresh, well washed fruits and vegetables, and sandwich spreads i.e. honey and vegemite.
Avoid foods which may have higher risks such as raw egg mayonnaise, soft cheeses, deli meats, patés, etc.
When buying lunchboxes choose ones which are easy to clean and dry. Insulated lunchboxes are a great idea, but not if they are difficult to keep clean.
When preparing food, always practice scrupulous handwashing.
Lunchboxes and reusable drink bottles must be thoroughly washed and dried daily. If cracked, split or crazed, replace as bugs love hidey holes.
Ensure cutting boards, benches and utensils are clean and dry.
Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
Make sure lunch foods are cooked properly in the first place.
Lunches can safely be prepared a little ahead of time provided they are kept in the fridge or frozen - leave refrigerated until just before you leave home.
When leaving home, pack a frozen juice box, water bottle or commercial ice pack with the lunch. Place perishable foods such as cheeses and sandwiches between the frozen items.
Lunchboxes kept inside the school bag will keep cooler longer especially if the bag is away from heat sources such as direct sunlight.
Divide cooked leftovers into small lunch-sized portions so they refrigerate or freeze quickly.
Make sure lunchbox foods have been well separated from other foods in the refrigerator, particularly meats, chicken and fish, the juices of which will contaminate foods which won’t be cooked before adding to the lunchbox, such as fruits.

For some healthy and fun lunchbox ideas, nutrition tips and recipes, come and join us for our Healthy Lunchboxes with love talk on Friday 16th March 10-11:30am - with our special guest Cath from Lunchboxes with Love (www.lunchboxeswithlove.com).

Raspberry Leaf in Pregnancy - dispelling the myths

nospam@example.com (Briony Howland) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:16:29 +1100

What is Raspberry Leaf?

The red raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus) is a pale-green leaf produced by the raspberry plant. The raspberry leaf has been used for centuries in traditional medicine because of its rich source of vitamins (C, E, B), minerals (calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese), tannins and as an aid for pregnant women to assist with labour. It is also believed to:

alleviate constipation
ease morning sickness
reduce the risk of miscarriage
reduce the risk of post-partum haemhorrage
regulate menstrual cycle and PMS symptoms
increase breastmilk supply
reduce fever

There is often confusion surrounding the use of the raspberry leaf during pregnancy, with the common misconception that it can help to induce labour. Raspberry leaf contains the alkaloid fragrine, which helps to strengthen and tone the muscles of the uterus, resulting in more efficient contractions during the second stage of labour and ideally a shortened second stage. Studies have also shown that taking raspberry leaf in the last few weeks of pregnancy can reduce the chances of needing an assisted delivery at birth (i.e. vacuum, forceps).

When and how can it be taken?

Raspberry leaf can be taken as a tea (bag or loose leaf), tablet or tincture. There are differing ideas as to when it can be taken during pregnancy, ranging from the first trimester to the last trimester and 32 weeks. Those that advise commencing the tea early in pregnancy recommend to drink 1 cup per day if beginning in the first trimester, 2 cups per day if beginning in the second trimester or 3 cups per day if beginning in the third trimester. It is worth noting that the studies that have been conducted on raspberry leaf have involved consumption from 32 weeks, with no negative side-effects.

If you choose to drink the tea, it is recommended that you consume 3-4 cups per day for it to be effective. It can be served hot or cold and sweetened with honey if desired. The recommended dosages for tablets or tinctures will depend on the brand/strength of the mixture so follow your practitioner or product manufacturers instructions.

Raspberry Leaf Tea Bags are available to purchase from our online shop, just click on the image below to be re-directed.