Homemade Rice Cereal for Infants

Most people believe rice cereal to be the standard first food for infants.  I highly disagree with grains as a first food due to the fact that grains have a lot of potential for creating digestive disturbances or allergies.  Babies do not produce the enzymes to handle cereals and especially not wheat.  A Swedish study suggested that infants given substantial amounts of cereal, suffered from low concentrations of zinc and reduced calcium absorption.  It is best to wait until a baby is one year old to introduce grains.  When introducing grains it is best to use whole grains and make cereal (or congee) from scratch. The reason for this is vital nutrients!

Rice and other whole grains (millet, buckwheat, groats, etc.) are extremely wholesome when in their natural state.  If one can imagine a grain as a seed, then you can see all the potential life force that lies within it.  The problem with baby rice cereal or even processed oats is that the process that has made them quicker to cook and easier to digest has also denatured them.  It has taken away the vitality that lay dormant in the grain.

Because infants digestive systems are so immature it is not a good idea to serve them a bowl of rice.  Not to mention they would have a hard time getting it down. In order to make the grain digestible for them, yet keep the vitality, one must prepare them properly.

Homemade baby rice cereal takes about 12 hours to make start to finish.  That's because you want to soak the grains overnight.  This allows for the protected sheath (phytic acid) to dissolve.  This makes it easier for your baby (or anyone for that matter) to digest the grains.  If you soak it in water with a little yogurt that's even better! The acidicness of the yogurt will help predigest the grains.

Once you have your presoaked your grains, you want to cook it on a low temperature for a long period of time until it becomes a mush (or congee).  If you're busy, using a crock pot might be your best bet.

During the winter time when colds are more prevelant, adding a little ginger and cinnamon to the cereal will be great for your baby's digestion and immune system.  The digestive system needs to be warm to function optimally.  Feeding warm cereal in the morning with a little bit of warming spices will help to strengthen the immature stomach.  This will also decrease phlegm production which in turn will reduce belly aches and chances for colds.

After your grains have been cooked to nice mush, add a tiny amount of either smashed banana or maple syrup to sweeten.  Remember you only need a tiny amount of sweetner, your baby has never tasted these flavors so less is better.

Homemade Baby Rice Cereal
1/2 cup of presoaked rice
1 cups of water
1 cup milk of your choice (since I didn't offer dairy till after a year I chose a small amt. of canned coconut milk w/ more water since it's so rich)
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground ginger

Bring everything to a boil and then simmer.  You may need to add more liquid.  You want the end result to be mush.  Cook time pprx: 1 hr.

Viola!  Homemade baby cereal and a happy baby!

Do you have any warm cereal recipes to share?  If so please comment below!


With so much love,

xoxo

Nancy



Price-Pottenger Nutrition Foundation Health Journal.  Winter 1999, 23(4):5-8)

My Journey as a Doula

Part 1: The Beginning

After I became a Mom, I finally felt a “belonging” in my life. I could look at any Mother, anywhere and feel we shared a connection, without even exchanging a word. I began my studies to be a doula the year after my son was born. I wanted to share with women, teach women and guide women in their birth journey to trust their bodies, to make informed decisions, birth normally, breastfeed and embrace parenthood with confidence. I was led by my heart, while my logical mind protested; how could I be “on call”?, how could I be away from my still breastfeeding son for long stretches when I attended a birth?, could I stay up all night with a laboring Mama? This isn’t practical! I’ve come to learn that often when we’re moving toward a meaningful decision, resistance can put up quite a protest! I still moved forward. I decided to attend a training for doula certification. I thought, “If I’m completely on the wrong track here, I’ll just stop after the training”. Well, my commitment, desire and passion only grew once I attended the doula training.

The very first birth I attended as a doula was with a Mom having her fourth child and her husband had broken his leg two weeks before her due date. She was relieved to have the support and I was relieved she was an experienced Mama who wouldn’t be relying on me for her first journey ever through birth. I connected with her instantly, one Mom to another. Her prior births had been chaotic and directed by medical staff. She knew this would be her last baby and she wanted something different, something special. We talked at her prenatal visits about birthing normally and empowered. We practiced some breathing and massage techniques. She began to feel excited and inspired by the possibilities for her birth. I enjoyed seeing her learn about options. Her husband was supportive and confident that his wife would have a different kind of birth experience. I worried about how I would support her and how I would know what to do as a doula for the first time. My mentor told me, “Think with your gut, not your head, and you’ll know what to do.” This Mama had a lovely birth and I was very helpful (which surprised me because even walking into the labor room; I still wasn’t sure exactly what I would do). She later told me it was exactly what she was hoping for; something different and special. And from here I fell deeper in love with birth work!

I learned two valuable lessons from the beginning of my journey as a doula.

1. I knew in my heart I wanted to be a doula; I had a longing to feel intimately connected in the web of life, the journey of birth and to witness women in their most powerful moments. I watched my fear and resistance try to build a case of why I couldn’t possibly fit this work into my life. I almost said, “Never mind!” But I had my one year old son watching me and I wanted him to see a Mama who pursued my dreams, made a difference in people’s lives and LOVED my work when I walked out the door to be away from him. This was a powerful lesson for me. STILL TO THIS DAY, I listen to my intuition in this way. I question my hesitation, my resistance and I ask myself, “Is this real or is this FEAR talking, trying to persuade me to stay in my comfort zone?” I learned the valuable tool of trusting my heart, following my intuition and pursuing a goal and dream that is out of my comfort zone.
2. I also learned when I walked into the labor room as a doula for the first time that this work was not work of the MIND; it was work from the HEART, SOUL and “GUT” of my female-ness, my sisterhood and my KNOWING. When I arrive to that laboring Mama, I knew; not with my head but in my heart, what she needed and what I could do to help. I followed my instinct; I rocked with her, I rubbed her back, I wiped her brow. She looked into my eyes for an anchor and we found our way. We were connected in a meaningful way that brought her comfort and safety in her birth.

I feel so blessed to have learned these lessons of my heart and my gut. I go through life now valuing this resource within me. Being a doula is not only about serving each Mama I work with, it’s about trusting myself and expanding my sense of what’s possible.

By Abby Bordner

Certified Labor Doula (CAPPA) and CAPPA Doula Trainer

Director, Birth Work Institute Doula Training and Certification, The Birthing Tree www.thebirthingtree.com

Baby & Me Yoga: Bonding with your Baby

Looking around town I see a change in parenting. Parent-child interactions appear a bit different then they did maybe 10 years ago, or even 5 years ago. Is it our busier lives? Smart phone distractions? Societies expectations to be efficient “on the go” people? The need to bounce back from pregnancy into “efficiency” 3 weeks post partum! Whatever it is we need to make sure we center ourselves, find stillness amongst the chaos of life and connect with those around us. Really connect…

After I had my son Jaia 5 years ago I remember those long nights staring at him as he nursed and cuddled in my arms. Skin-to-skin, eye-to-eye, soul-to-soul. He came everywhere with me. I now have 3 kids and unfortunately those one-on-one moments are not as abundant. My mom used to say “When you have more than one kid your heart will grow in size. The heart won't need to be “divided” amongst your children, it just grows bigger!”.  My heart is much bigger but my “time” is cut in half, or even thirds. Sometimes the days feel like a whirlwind of chaos and my job is to keep everyone alive, fed and happy and my “big” heart is craving moments of stillness and connection. Therefore making time for bonding and connection is something I strive for each day. Whether it is just a few minutes of sitting, connecting and cuddling one of my kids…individually. Or, setting time aside for solo-dates with each kid. We are a family of 5 now and we do plenty of family activities, all together laughing and bonding. But the kids (and I) need those moments of one-on-one connection. Especially in today’s world- computers, smart phones, media… Sometimes I look around my small town and see parents texting and missing out on those “moments” of connection. Honestly, that is a whole other article I can write! We all see it. Parenting is changing. There are more distractions in our culture. So, how can we make time to bond? Put down the phone. Look into your baby’s eyes. Watch and study your baby. Interact. If you live in a whirlwind of chaos like I do…make time to connect. Try baby yoga! You can practice at home or go to a group class. Every day make time to have one-on-one connection. Baby yoga is just a start. Continue the practice of connection off the mat!

I find it intriguing that the Sanskrit word yoga translates to “unite, join or attach”. Traditionally, when one thinks of yoga they think of joining the mind, body and spirit. We not only join our mind, body and spirit within our own vessel, we join with the spirit of our child energetically. We join with our baby physically through touch, hugs, cuddles, and movement. We join with our baby mentally as we observe, understand and react. Yoga facilitates this deeper union between parent and child. It is especially beneficial to practice Parent and Baby Yoga in the first year of life to help with bonding, development of brain, muscles (fine and gross), language and the emotions. The earlier postpartum period (0-4months) is nicknamed by many pediatricians as the “4^th trimester”. Your infant still needs and wants to be close to you, to hear your heart and breath, to feel your warm embrace and loving hugs.

When we practice Parent and Baby Yoga in a group setting we “unite” in community, in friendship and in motherhood. In-group classes, the babies meet other babies and bond, mom’s bond with other mom’s. We join in friendship. Playdates are set up and presto…best friends are created! In fact many of my students have set up playgroups with their yoga classmates. They also set up “sitter swap” date nights. Our yoga classmates become our extended New Mexico Family! We grow roots together. CONNECTION with baby and beyond.

If you feel comfortable practicing yoga at home with your baby then try some of my favorite yoga exercises listed below! These are tricks I’ve learned though 10 years of teaching baby yoga and through mothering my own kids. 

Before we have fun lets discuss the rules of Sphere Mama’s Parent and Baby Yoga:

• Listen to your body. It is wise to consult your OB or midwife before starting any form of exercise. Most recommend waiting 6 weeks after a vaginal birth and 8 weeks after a cesarean birth.
• Observe your baby. If any of the exercises cause baby to tense up, fuss, or show any signs other than happy bliss you may need to stop, slow down and think about skipping that exercise.
• Communicate with baby throughout your practice. For example say “May I pick you up now?”, or “up”. This helps to show respect and also foster receptive and expressive language skills.
• Honor your baby. Your baby’s needs are priority. Feed, change, cuddle baby as needed. Never force a baby through a home or group practice. Take breaks as needed.
• Honor yourself. Trust your instinct.

Oh, and don’t give up if your first home or group Parent and Baby yoga class is not what you were expecting! It takes a few classes to get into the swing of things.

Beginning a Practice

- Sit comfortably with baby in your arms. Sing a soft song or mantra to cue baby this is the beginning of practice.

-I like to chant “OM” softly three times at the beginning of every group class. Babies love it!

The mantra “OM” translates to the sound of creation; everything that was, is and shall be. Chanting “OM” also resets our energy to a neutral. It lifts up our sluggish nature and calms down our hyper nature. Since we are working with little emotional babies that fluctuate though their ups and downs quickly AND since our babies are creation at it’s best, OM just seems like the perfect start to a wonderful yoga practice!

When my kids would cry in the car, I would chant “OM” from the drivers seat. They would instantly stop crying. It worked like a charm.

Parent and Baby Yoga for bonding

-Hold your baby at your chest, heart to heart.

-Tuck you chin over the baby’s head

-Wrap your arms around baby

-Sit with your legs up around baby’s bottom

-Take deep long breaths or sing/hum to baby

For baby, this exercise resembles the womb. Your body is surrounding baby. She can hear your breath and the beat of your heart. It is very calming for the baby’s nervous system. Helps to regulate baby’s body temperature and is great one-on-one cuddle time! Use this time to practice your Ujjayi breath. This will help calm you as well as baby.

Use this technique in any over-stimulating situations outside of yoga too.

Rest is essential for both parent and baby. In a society that is always “on the go” one of the best things we can teach our children is to slow down, rest as needed and let go of stress.

Namaste, Christa

Christa Tyson, E-RYT, E-RPYT, CLC, Doula, CCE, is mother to Jaia (5yrs), Ahma (3yrs) & Aven (5 mo.)  She teaches Parent and Baby yoga classes at Lena Street Lofts (Studio E2) in Santa Fe. Her classes are on Saturday’s from 11-11:45am with time for chatting afterwards. To learn more visit her website at www.SphereMama.com, where you will find coupons for free classes.

Many Mothers: A Saving Grace

We are so blessed in Santa Fe with some amazing programs to support new moms.  Many Mothers is one of those programs.  When I was pregnant, my doula told me about the non-profit group and highly suggested that I contact them.  I am so glad that I did.

Every mother, no matter the situation, financial bracket, or age, is exhausted after giving birth.  New moms often find it difficult to adjust to their new role and moms with other children need extra help with other little ones.  Many Mothers is a nonprofit organization that focuses on helping meet these extra needs in the first few months.  They offer free, in-home care for mother and newborns living in Santa Fe.  This program is designed for all new mothers, no matter what their need level is, within the first six months after giving birth.  They send trained and fully vetted volunteers to visit weekly.

When Sage was born, they came twice a week for the first month for 2 hours each visit.  Then the second and third month, my volunteer came once a week.  It was so nice to have free help during that transitional period.  Although the volunteers offer to help with running errands and light housekeeping, I just took advantage of the time to study (I'm a bit crazy and didn't take a break from grad school!) or just took a shower.

I found these services to be indispensable and would highly suggest to anyone having a baby in Santa Fe to take advantage of their services.  If you are interested in volunteering because you're craving a baby fix, they are always in need of more help.  Unfortunately, I have yet to attend one of their Mother's Circles but they have one every month at Santa Fe Soul and there always seems be a great speaker.

Here's their contact info for anyone interested:

Many Mothers
www.manymothers.org
Pat Stevens 505-983-5984


With so much love,

xoxo

Nancy

Feeding Disturbances with Solids in the 1st Year

My son Sage came out of the womb a ravenous eater.  He has always had a great appetite.  It was no surprise that when solids were introduced that he ate it all.  Of course there was the occasional grimace when trying something for the first time or the time he dry heaved at his first taste of cauliflower.  But for the most part, I had myself a jolly eater.

It wasn't until a few weeks ago that Sage started to be "difficult" at meal time.  He screamed when he wanted food and screamed more when I was lagging on providing the next bite.  If I had prepared him a big bowl of something, he seemingly got bored of it after a few bites and would refuse to eat it.

There was a part of me that wanted to fight him and say "OK, if you're not going to eat this, then meal time is over".  And then there was the mother in me feeling completely crazed because I want my child to be full, fed, and happy.  Issue with an infant is that you can't really rationalize with him.  I don't feel at this young of an age, depriving him of food because he didn't want to eat was the answer.

In Selma Fraiberg's book The Magic Years, she describes a nine month old baby that was going through a very similar experience.  And what turned out to be the cause was the mother's need for cleanliness and control during meal time.

I resonated with the story. I found that I hadn't yet allowed Sage to get down and dirty in his meal.  I was too worried about the pureed mess that would follow.  Frailberg explains that babies want the fun of feeding themselves and they enjoy the mess.  It's part of their exploration of food.  Just like the mother in the story, I had been unwisely preventing this and causing us both more conflict then necessary.

And what about table manners? She goes on to explain that we need not worry.  The pleasure of messing with food eventually subsides and is replaced by the desire to learn how to use the tools: spoons, fork, cup etc.

The screaming has decreased significantly as well.  Partly because Sage is enjoying his meals and is in control of what he eats with each bite, but also because I became more diligent with baby sign language.  The sign for "more" and "food" have been my ears' saving grace.

Thankfully, Sage and I were able to quickly move through that conflict and it didn't turn into something bigger.  I now have a happier, quieter, and messier little eater.

Have you had any feeding disturbances while introducing solids to your little one?  If so, how did you manage to work through it?  Do you feel like it was due to a power struggle?   I'd love to hear about it in the comments below.

With so much love,

xoxo

Nancy

. : W I S D O M : . Infinite Possibilites

Photo: Cass Gilbert

                                          You do not know the true origin of your children.

                                          You call them yours

                                          but they belong to a greater Mystery.

                                          You do not know the name of this Mystery, 

                                          but it is the true Mother and Father of your children.

                                          At birth your children are filled with possibilities.

                                          It is not your job to limit these possibilities.  

                                          Do not say, "This and that are possible for you.

                                          These other things are not."

                                          They will discover on their own what is and is not 

                                          possible.

                                          It is your job to help them stay open 

                                          to the marvelous mysteries of life.

                                          From The Parent's Tao Te Ching

N O V E M B E R

Week of Oct 27 to Nov 2

Tues. Oct 29 6pm Childbirth Prep Class @ Birthing Tree

Wed. Oct. 30 10:45am Story Time @ Collected Works Bookstore

Thurs. Oct. 31 10:45am Story Time @ Collected Works Bookstore

Sat. Nov 2 10am Family Yoga @ Zona del Sol



Week Nov 3 to Nov 9

Sun. Nov 3 1pm Doula Tea @ Birthing Tree

Tues. Nov 5 1pm Many Mother's Circle: Infant Massage w/ Dr. Krupa @ Santa Fe Soul's Room 
                     6pm Childbirth Prep Class @ Birthing Tree

Wed. Nov 6 10:45 am Story Time @ Collected Works Bookstore
                     6:45pm Vinyasa Flow Yoga w/ Sphere Mama @ Trinity on the Hill in Los Alamos

Thurs. Nov 7 10:45 am Story Time @ Collected Works Bookstore
                      6:30 pm Prenatal/Postnatal Yoga w/ Sphere Mama @ Blue Sky Pilates in Los Alamos
                      7pm Guest Speaker Sherokee Ilse w/SHARE @ Center for Prenatal Development ABQ

Sat. Nov 9 8am Vinyasa Flow Yoga w/ Sphere Mama @ Lena St. Lofts Studio in Santa fe
                  9:30am Prenatal/Postnatal Yoga w/ Sphere Mama @ Lena St. Lofts Studio in Santa Fe
                  11am Baby & Parent Yoga w/ Sphere Mama @ Lena St. Lofts Studio in Santa Fe
                  11am Baby Wearing 101@ Indigo Baby

Sun. Nov 10 10am Radical Homemaker's Home Fire Retreat  @ Casa de Barrancas in Pojoaque, NM

Week of Nov 10 to Nov 16

Mon. Nov 11 5:30 free lecture: Understanding a Child's Purpose and Energy @ Indigo Baby 

Tues. Nov 12 6pm Childbirth Prep Class @ Birthing Tree

Wed. Nov 13 10:45am Story Time @ Collected Works Bookstore

                       6:45pm Vinyasa Flow Yoga w/ Sphere Mama @ Trinity on the Hill in Los Alamos

Thurs. Nov 14 10:45am Story Time @ Collected Works Bookstore
                         1pm Breastfeeding support w/ La Leche League @ Indigo Baby
                         6:30 pm Prenatal/Postnatal Yoga w/ Sphere Mama @ Blue Sky Pilates in Los Alamos

Sat. Nov 16 8am Vinyasa Flow Yoga w/ Sphere Mama @ Lena St. Lofts Studio in Santa fe
                    9:30am Prenatal/Postnatal Yoga w/ Sphere Mama @ Lena St. Lofts Studio in Santa Fe
                    10am Essential Oils Healthcare for Infants and Young Children @ Indigo Baby
                    11am Baby & Parent Yoga w/ Sphere Mama @ Lena St. Lofts Studio in Santa Fe

                    11:30 Cloth Diapering Basics @ Indigo Baby
                    1pm Woolens Workshop: Repurposing Sweaters into Baby Clothes in Pojoaque NM

Sun. Nov 17 Understanding a Child's Purpose and Energy (one day workshop) @ Indigo Baby

Week of Nov 17 to Nov 23

Tues. Nov 19 6pm Childbirth Prep Class @ Birthing Tree

Wed. Nov 20 10:45am Story Time @ Collected Works Bookstore
                       6:45pm Vinyasa Flow Yoga w/ Sphere Mama @ Trinity on the Hill in Los Alamos

Thurs. Nov 10:45am Story Time @ Collected Works Bookstore
                    6pm Infant/child CPR & Choking Safety @ Birthing Tree
                    6:30 pm Prenatal/Postnatal Yoga w/ Sphere Mama @ Blue Sky Pilates in Los Alamos

Sat. Nov 23 8am Vinyasa Flow Yoga w/ Sphere Mama @ Lena St. Lofts Studio in Santa fe
                    9:30am Prenatal/Postnatal Yoga w/ Sphere Mama @ Lena St. Lofts Studio in Santa Fe
                    11am Baby & Parent Yoga w/ Sphere Mama @ Lena St. Lofts Studio in Santa Fe

                    1pm Baby Care Basics @ Birthing Tree

                    3 pm Waldorf Doll Making Workshop @ Indigo Baby

Sun. Nov 24 3pm Waldorf Doll Making Workshop @ Indigo Baby

Week of Nov 24 to Nov 30

Tues. Nov 26 6pm Breastfeeding Class @ Birthing Tree

Wed. Nov 27 10:45am Story Time @ Collected Works Bookstore

                       6:45pm Vinyasa Flow Yoga w/ Sphere Mama @ Trinity on the Hill in Los Alamos

Thurs. Nov 28 10:45am Story Time @ Collected Works Bookstore
                         6:30 pm Prenatal/Postnatal Yoga w/ Sphere Mama @ Blue Sky Pilates in Los Alamos

Sat. Nov 30 8am Vinyasa Flow Yoga w/ Sphere Mama @ Lena St. Lofts Studio in Santa fe
                    9:30am Prenatal/Postnatal Yoga w/ Sphere Mama @ Lena St. Lofts Studio in Santa Fe
                   11am Baby & Parent Yoga w/ Sphere Mama @ Lena St. Lofts Studio in Santa Fe