Vaccination is a big, big question these days, with proponents and opponents standing firmly on either side of the fence. And yet, this is perhaps one of the most important questions to the parent of a baby. If I choose to vaccinate, do I follow the CDC schedule (which many contend is over-vaccinating our children) or some alternate plan? If I choose not to vaccinate, will I be able to find a pediatrician who will understand my decision, and what about all those scary childhood diseases--what if my child contracts one?
It would never be my place to make any suggestion as to what a parent should choose; however, let me point you towards the resources that helped my husband and I make our own decision, based upon a combination of sound research and gut instincts:
Valuable Books, one on each side of the spectrum:
The Vaccination Book, Making the Right Decision for Your Child--Robert Sears
The Vaccine Guide: Risks and Benefits for Children and Adults--Randall Neustaedter
Doctor's Websites, once again on both sides of the issue:
Dr. Sears
Dr. Mercola
Valuable Websites for information:
National Vaccine Information Center
Generation Rescue
Homeopathic Kits for Pre and Post Vaccination:
Elixirs.com
Hope these resources helps as you make this important decision for your child!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Homemade Baby Food Resource
A GREAT online resource for everything you need to know about feeding baby beyond the breast:
WHOLESOME BABY FOOD
(I didn't even know I could make homemade brown rice cereal until I read the recipe here!)
Enjoy...
WHOLESOME BABY FOOD
(I didn't even know I could make homemade brown rice cereal until I read the recipe here!)
Enjoy...
Monday, August 10, 2009
Instinctual Parenting...
Listen to your child.
Listen to yourself.
Stop listening to the advice of every "expert" (or "well-wisher") who comes along (including me).
Follow your instincts...you know your baby better than anyone else. (Nine months better, in fact.)
Trust what your child tells you.
Trust what your gut tells you.
Your baby chose you to be mommy and daddy for a reason...
Listen to yourself.
Stop listening to the advice of every "expert" (or "well-wisher") who comes along (including me).
Follow your instincts...you know your baby better than anyone else. (Nine months better, in fact.)
Trust what your child tells you.
Trust what your gut tells you.
Your baby chose you to be mommy and daddy for a reason...
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Creating a Bedtime Routine to Help Baby Sleep
When it is time to go to bed, we adults have our routines: a cup of tea, a good book, watch a little TV, brush your teeth, or take a relaxing bath. No matter what routine you have, it helps you to sleep better. Babies are no different. They need a routine to help them get to sleep as well. It is up to you to find out what works best for your baby.
For babies, the routines can be fairly simple and shouldn't take too long. If it takes too long, the baby can sometimes get a second wind and be harder to get to sleep. For many babies, a bath is a relaxing start to the evening. There are even soothing baby baths that are nice to use. (Of course, if your baby is like mine and HATES the bathtub, this may not be such a good idea!) Then you can snuggle them into some comfy pajamas.
After that, sitting together in a rocking chair is a nice way to spend some time together before the baby nods off to sleep. Singing or playing some lullabies while you rock can help relax the baby to sleep. You have to be careful not to move too soon to put the baby in the crib, or you may find yourself starting over. Watch for steady breathing, and relaxed arms and legs.
Another wonderful addition to any bedtime routine is reading bedtime stories. This is one that will continue as the baby gets older. Children love bedtime stories, and it also encourages them to become readers themselves.
It may take awhile to find what works best for your baby at bedtime. Give it a week or two before you make any changes to see if the baby will adjust to it. If it's still not working, try a slight change, only replacing one part of the routine. Eventually you will find the right combination.
If your baby has a particularly restless night, the homeopathic remedy Chamomilla is a great soothing remedy to calm baby (it's great for irritability of any type--even teething).
Consistency is the key, once you've established a routine that works. It may be hard to keep up with at times, but babies need that steady habit. Once they are used to it, bedtime won't be a struggle, but an enjoyable time for both of you.
For babies, the routines can be fairly simple and shouldn't take too long. If it takes too long, the baby can sometimes get a second wind and be harder to get to sleep. For many babies, a bath is a relaxing start to the evening. There are even soothing baby baths that are nice to use. (Of course, if your baby is like mine and HATES the bathtub, this may not be such a good idea!) Then you can snuggle them into some comfy pajamas.
After that, sitting together in a rocking chair is a nice way to spend some time together before the baby nods off to sleep. Singing or playing some lullabies while you rock can help relax the baby to sleep. You have to be careful not to move too soon to put the baby in the crib, or you may find yourself starting over. Watch for steady breathing, and relaxed arms and legs.
Another wonderful addition to any bedtime routine is reading bedtime stories. This is one that will continue as the baby gets older. Children love bedtime stories, and it also encourages them to become readers themselves.
It may take awhile to find what works best for your baby at bedtime. Give it a week or two before you make any changes to see if the baby will adjust to it. If it's still not working, try a slight change, only replacing one part of the routine. Eventually you will find the right combination.
If your baby has a particularly restless night, the homeopathic remedy Chamomilla is a great soothing remedy to calm baby (it's great for irritability of any type--even teething).
Consistency is the key, once you've established a routine that works. It may be hard to keep up with at times, but babies need that steady habit. Once they are used to it, bedtime won't be a struggle, but an enjoyable time for both of you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
