Benefits of Baby Wearing

The temperature is rising and the sun is shining, warranting a winning combination for time with the family outdoors!  If you have a little one, it is a perfect opportunity to soak up the benefits of the sun while also enjoying bonding time by wearing your baby in a wrap.  Below are just five of the many benefits to wearing your baby:

1.       Babies get used to moving with the mother during pregnancy.  Therefore, moving around with the mom or dad in a wrap is calming and can have a soothing effect.   

2.      The stimulation received while in a wrap helps babies breathe and grow more efficiently.  This connection can be attributed to the fact that more contact between mother and baby can help establish and maintain a good breastfeeding relationship. 

3.      Being worn in a wrap enhances brain development as babies are exposed to a myriad of sounds and experiences.  Since the baby is positioned closer to eye level, he/she will feel included in conversations and interactions, which can boost speech development. 

4.      Baby wearing frees mom or dad’s hands to get other things accomplished.  Perhaps you need to push a stroller with your other child, wash dishes or prepare veggies for dinner…You can!  It’s that simple. 

5.      Baby wearing puts your heart near the babies heart.  This is very calming for the baby who heard mommies heart beat for 9 months before meeting her.  

   

Learn more about baby wearing here: 

http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/fussy-baby/baby-wearing/benefits-babywearing

http://www.lalecheleague.org/nb/nbnovdec04p204.html

http://www.attachmentparenting.org/parentingtopics/babywearing.php

Five Ways to Combat Allergies This Season

Spring has sprung, bringing with it allergy season!  It's as if the pollen fairy arrived overnight leaving her yellowy dust on everything…and I mean everything.  Since it is only the beginning, we must make sure our bodies are armed and ready to defend against the allergens in our midst. 

Are you ready?  Here are seven ways to help you combat allergies this season:

1.     1.  Get checked by your Chiropractor!  Did you know that getting adjusted helps to boost your immune system?  Your nervous system and immune system work very closely together to create optimal responses and adaptations.  By getting your spine checked and adjusted, you will ensure that your body will be better prepared for the allergens you face.  Check out more on chiropractic and your immune system here:  http://www.naturalnews.com/031206_chiropractic_immunity.html    

    

2.    2.   Eat local honey.  Did you know that local honey may contain pollen specific to your region?  By consuming as small as a spoonful a day you can help build your immunity against local allergen irritants. (Caution: some people have severe allergies to honey, so be careful. Also do not give honey to children under the age of 2).  Read more on local honey and allergies here:  http://health.howstuffworks.com/diseases-conditions/allergies/allergy-treatments/local-honey-for-allergies2.htm  

    

3.      3. Eat more garlic.  Did you know that garlic has a natural antihistamine effect on the body?  It helps to reduce watery eyes and runny noses associated with allergies.  Plus, it tastes great, too!  Learn more on garlic and seasonal allergies here:  http://www.healingwell.com/allergies/..%5Clibrary%5Callergies%5Csiegelmaier1.asp

4.      4. Use cold chamomile tea bags on your eyes.  Did you know that chamomile tea is not only a tasty drink, but can also help relieve itchy dry eyes?  Try placing a cold tea bag on your eyes for five minutes.  Enjoy the relief!  Read more on chamomile tea here:  http://www.naturalnews.com/039791_seasonal_allergies_natural_remedies_relief.html

5.     5.  Season your food with thyme.  Did you know that thyme can actually reduce the amount of phlegm produced?  Next time you are cooking your organic fish and are looking for a new way to add flavor, dash some thyme on top before baking.  Don’t want to season with it?  Then, try drinking thyme tea (with your local honey, of course) each morning to get your day started.  Learn more about Thyme and seasonal allergies here:  http://www.naturalnews.com/039791_seasonal_allergies_natural_remedies_relief.html

6.     6.  Try a neti pot/sinus wash.  Yes they are a bit unusual but wow are they effective. Dr Rubin has been using neti pots for years with great success.  He also does not use the salt water version and prefers just plain room temperature water to cleanse the sinuses.  Check out the article about neti pots here:   http://www.himalayaninstitute.org/products-publications/neti-pot-products/

7.      7. Get rid of dairy.  Dairy products produce tons of phlegm and that's the last thing you need when you are prone to allergies.  Sometimes you can just seasonally eliminate or greatly reduce your dairy intake and get fantastic results.   Especially beware of the cow's milk allergy triad: problems with your (or your kids) stomach, respiratory issues (like allergies and asthma) and skin challenges.  See the website that follows for more details: http://www.notmilk.com/http://www.notmilk.com/