Birth and Wellness with Valerie

03/09/2023

07/22/2022

07/20/2022

It’s not just skittles… but it’s good that people are becoming more aware of these things!

😬 Skittle candies contain a "known toxin" that makes them "unfit for human consumption" according to a class-action lawsuit filed against Mars Inc.​​​​​​​​
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It alleges that the company uses a toxic called titanium dioxide. Thames claims that people who eat Skittles are at a "heightened risk of a host of health effects for which they were unaware stemming from genotoxicity – the ability of a chemical substance to change DNA," according to The Guardian.​​​​​​​​
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Thames' lawsuit claims that Mars Inc has known about the alleged risks that are related to titanium dioxide.​​​​​​​​
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In 2021, the EFSA announced that “titanium dioxide can no longer be considered safe as a food additive." The lawsuit claims that Skittles are still being made with this toxic chemical.​​​​​​​​
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As if the corn syrup, sugar, artificial flavors, artificial dyes, palm oil, and other additives aren't enough of a reason to avoid them... ​​​​​​​​
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Read more here: https://abcnews4.com/news/nation-world/skittles-claimed-to-be-unfit-for-human-consumption-by-lawsuit-mars-candy-snickers-twix-milky-way-starbursts-titanium-dioxide-toxic-humans-mars-inc​​​​​​​​
🔗 IG link in bio ​​​​​​​​
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07/20/2022

Water is so important!

07/08/2022

Yes!

Babies are designed to be held and comforted…even when all their physical needs are met and they still cry, it is our loving presence that makes the difference - our bodies are their worldly environment. It’s an honour to be that environment and a practice to trust that we are enough in those moments 💕💖

07/06/2022

Hire a doula!

Free birth class

06/30/2022

The organization also recognizes that more social and workplace support is needed to make longer breastfeeding happen.

05/14/2022

There is a lot of information going around for substituting formula. We recommend using the Weston A. Price Foundation recipes found at https://www.westonaprice.org/health-topics/childrens-health/formula-homemade-baby-formula/

04/29/2022

So important to know!

🧬 If you have MTHFR, you should avoid these medications‼️

“A number of medications have shown to deplete folate, which is very serious for those with MTHFR…

Toxins, including heavy metals and pesticides, are more difficult for those with MTHFR to detoxify.”

Check out what our friends had to say⬇️

https://m.facebook.com/ModernAlternativeMama/posts/10158725514737913

04/08/2022

Surround yourself with like minded mamas 💗💗💗

Let’s make motherhood COOL again 😎 There is this weird culture out there where motherhood is shown to be this huge, stressful DRAG. I think a lot of it is because we are finally opening up and holding space for women where maybe there hasn’t been space in the past to discuss these things.

However, now it almost seems like we’ve gone the other way where people expect you to complain and want to escape your life when possible. Maybe there is an in between?

Life doesn’t have to end when you have a baby 👀

You can bring your baby places ✈️

You can go out with your friends 💃🏻

Your body can still do cool stuff after babies 🤸🏼‍♀️

It’s okay to want to be with your baby and not leave them for extended weekends away.

It’s okay to want a little break within your day but not want to be apart overnight.

Shoot, it’s even okay if you just ENJOY being a mom! Motherhood is one of the greatest joys in life. It’s supposed to be.

Find yourself a community who supports your momming. A community who can help you raise the little tykes. A community who pours you a mimosa at brunch while you baby wear.

Cheers to moms and dads everywhere 🥂 We are doing the thing 💕 don’t be afraid to show the good side of parenting and not just the crappy side 💩

Shared with permission by Merissa Beard

04/08/2022

‼️There are many solutions to fixing your child’s constipation and we are here to help!

🚫Constipation shouldn’t be treated with a bandaid! Miralax is not only dangerous, but it does NOT solve the problem. Children get to a point where their colons become super lazy and forget what to do from these medications.

“Reported side effects of Miralax/PEG 3350 include but are not limited to, tics, seizures, anxiety, panic attacks, hallucinations, night terrors, slurred speech, OCD, memory loss, aggression, loss of communication, dizziness, tantrums, metabolic acidosis, sensory issues, motor skill delays, attention issues, pain, autistic-like behaviors, delayed growth and weight gain, suicidal thoughts, homicidal ideation, violent behavior, tooth decay, and kidney issues.”

❣️ Your child deserves REAL relief!

04/08/2022

So worth it!

If you’ve dealt with:
➡️PPA/PPD
➡️Lack of energy
➡️Mood swings
➡️Low milk supply
➡️Deficiency in vitamins/minerals
in your past postpartum experiences, you may want to consider placenta encapsulation!✨
Anecdotal evidence shows that placenta encapsulation can be the answer for these issues and more.
Our specialists offer both the Raw & Traditional Chinese Method to encapsulation and a 48-72 hour turnaround from the moment they pick up at the birth place!
Email us at hello@cloudninebirths.com!
Photo Credit:

03/31/2022

My mum thanked me last night.

She babysat, and SHE thanked ME?!

She never taught my brother or I to self soothe.
We shared her bed.
We took our naps in her arms.
She breastfed till we naturally weaned . . .

And one day, all of that came to an end.

One day, we turned into cranky and unruly teenagers who wanted to be with our friends over her.
And then even later on, one day we both got married and had families of our own.

Last night, my husband and I went out.
Not far. And we weren’t late.
But when we got back, I went upstairs and found my children asleep in my mother's arms in the same way that they fall asleep in my arms every night.
And in the same way that my brother and I had fallen asleep in her arms every night.

They all looked so calm and peaceful.
I asked if she was OK, and she smiled through faint tears.

She thanked me for giving her these moments back.
These moments that she never imagined possible to experience again . . .
she thought that these days had well and truly passed.

She told me that no matter how hard she tries, she can’t remember the last time she held me.
She can’t remember my last feed.
She can’t even remember the last time that I climbed into her bed in the middle of the night asking her for a cuddle . . .
But when she held her grandchildren to sleep, it gave her an emotional reminder of what it was like. How beautiful it felt. How special it was.

Because these moments won’t last forever.
Even though sometimes they feel like they will.

She told me how lucky I am that I get to do this every single night. And how fortunate I am that I get to do so for a little while longer.

I smiled. She is right.
Even on those long nights when I don’t believe that to be the case; I am most definitely lucky.

Shared with permission from Mrs. Mombastic

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03/09/2022

Here's to the women.

To the SAHM who never gets a break. The mama knee deep in toys, chaos and laundry. To the mama whose day is spent fielding questions from toddlers, ensuring hungry bellies are fed and tears are dried. The mama whose cup of coffee is empty, but whose heart has never been more full.

To the working mama juggling her time between work and babies. To the mama whose heart is always in two places. Whether you work to pursue your own passions and have something of your own or you work to ease the financial burden at home, I see you.

Here's to the women.

To the single mama working two jobs trying to balance it all. To the mama who never rests, who is up all hours of the night being everything to everyone. To the mama who comes home exhausted, but still manages to give every remaining ounce of herself to her children.

To the mama who has never carried a child of her own whether by choice or circumstance, but who mentors, encourages and loves every child around her. To the mama who pours her heart into her community, dedicating countless hours, making an impact and spreading joy wherever she goes.

Here's to the women.

To the mama anxiously filing out papers; dreaming and praying for the baby that will complete your heart and your family. Yes, it's true, you may not share the same blood, but you know you share something far greater - love. You are theirs and they are yours.

To the mama without her own mother. To the mama longing for one more conversation. One more phone call and "I love you." One more chance to hear her mother's voice.

Here's to the women.

Who wake up each morning through tired eyes, mustering up enough grace and courage for 10,000 people. To the women who greet each challenge life throws your way with grit and determination.

Here's to the women with fire in their souls. A force to be reckoned with. To the women building empires and raising babies. To the women advocating for their children with disabilities. To the women breaking down barriers and overcoming adversity. To the women who inspire and encourage.

Here's to all of us.

I don't care what title you hold or don't hold.

I see you and I applaud you. Everyday, I am reminded of what each of us are capable of.

You are FIERCE.
You are POWERFUL.
You are UNSTOPPABLE.

Never doubt it. Never question it for once second.
Because you are everything this world needs.

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https://www.theywhinesoiwine.com

02/23/2022

So thankful for those people...

Look for the ones who stay.

Look for the ones who stay when the party’s over, when trash covers the tables and the band is packing up to go home. When the dancing has stopped, and the chattering of conversation has turned to silence. Look for the ones who stay and ask if they can help. Look for the ones who stay when there’s no fun to be had, only work to do. Look for the ones who aren’t living for the life of the party, but simply to be a part of the host’s life.

Look for the ones who stay when everyone else has forgotten. Look for the ones who stay when everyone else has gotten tired of your crying. Look for the ones who stay and let you grieve, and hold your hand while you mourn. Look for the ones who stay through the rough, and the tough, and the waiting until you can get back up and walk and be yourself again.

Look for the ones who stay and celebrate. Look for the ones clap when you win, and cheer when your’e ahead. Look for the ones who make signs, and drop off goodie baskets, and stand at the finish line to give you a hug. Look for the ones who genuinely want good for you, who push aside their feelings of jealousy and comparison to wish you well when everyone else is wishing the worst on you.

Look for the ones who stay when other people start gossiping. Look for the ones who stay when everyone else believes the lies. Look for the ones who stay and offer a hand when you get knocked down and everyone else is laughing at your expense. Look for the ones who stay when everyone else is whispering and slandering your name. Look for the ones who talk good about you, and hush up anyone trying to drag your name through the mud. Look for the ones who stay and stick up for you when you’re not around to defend yourself. Look for the ones who know you heart, and always give you the benefit of the doubt.

Look for the ones who stay when a loved one is sick, when a baby is born and won’t stop crying. Look for the ones who stay and help you pack up your things when you’re going through a difficult move. Look for the ones who stay when a job lets you go, when money is tight. Look for the ones who stay when your marriage hits a rough patch, and your kids aren’t acting the way they should. Look for the ones who stay through those major life events, when things get turned upside-down, when there’s no easy fix, when all you need is one friend to understand.

Look for the ones who stay through your losing seasons, and your winning seasons, and all the mundane times in-between.

Look for the ones who stay when you’re on top of the mountain, and when your’e stumbling through the valley.

Look for the ones who stay and pray when your’e still down at the alter. Look for the ones who stay and praise when you’re still in victory-phase. Look for the ones who stay and give grace and forgive when you fall flat on your face.

Look for the ones who stay and push you to be better than the girl you were yesterday. Look for the ones who stay and encourage you to shine brighter, and love harder. Look for the ones who stay and tell you the truth when everyone else doesn’t have the courage to give it to you straight. Look for the ones who believe the best, and stay through the worst, because they know sunshine is on the other side.

Look for the ones who stay even when it’s not easy, not fun, not convenient. Look for the ones who stay even when friendship takes a little extra work.

Look for the ones who stay through a pandemic.

While everyone else keeps it shallow, and stays fickle. While everyone else sways back and forth with their opinions of who they think you are, and what the think you should be doing. While everyone loves you for a brief moment, and then forgets all about you when something better comes along, keep your head up and your heart open and look for the ones who stay because those are your people.

Love,
Amy

02/18/2022

Sure, I’m a good mom.

Until we’re running late.

Or no one is listening to me.

Until they’re fighting.

Or I’m the one raising my voice.

*Well, I think I’m a good mom.

Until I fed them that.

Or I let those words come out of my mouth.

Until I had a breakdown.

Or I got stares at the grocery store.

*Oh, how I just want to be a good mom.

I cry about it sometimes.
I overthink it.
I question myself.
I just need someone to listen to what I don’t say.

I need a cheerleader and loads of grace.

*I just want to believe I’m doing a good job.

Oh, friend, I get it. I’m right there with you.
Motherhood is not a sprint; it’s a marathon.
It’s growth over time. It’s getting back up. It’s apologizing and praying and trying our best.

It’s trusting we’re not going to mess up more than what God is able to use or fix.

It’s the big picture, the sum of all of it.

So, you can stop questioning that last frustrating moment and believe it —

You are a good mom.

You are loving your family well.

You are trying your best. That means something.

Someone else needs to hear it today, too —

Mama, you’re doing a good job.

❤️❤️❤️