Avoiding Foods While Breast Feeding

Many women find that they can eat whatever they may
like during breast feeding.  Even though it's true
that some stongly favored foods can change the
taste of your milk, many babies seem to enjoy the
varieties of breast milk flavors.  Occasionally,
your baby may get cranky at the breast after you
eat certain foods.  If you notice this happening,
simply avoid that particular food.

The most common offenders duing breast feeding
include chocolate, spices, citrus fruits, garlic,
chili, lime, gassy vegetables, and fruits with
laxative type effects, such as prunes and cherries.

You can have a cup or two of coffee a day, although
too much caffeine can interfere with your baby's
sleep and even make him or her cranky.  Keep in
mind, caffeine is found in many soda's, tea, and
even over the counter type medicine as well.

It's okay to have an alcoholic beverage every now
and the, although having more than one drink can
increase your blood alcohol level, putting the
alcohol into your breast milk. 

If you are planning to have more than one drink
at a time, it's best to wait two hours or more
per drink before you resume any type of nursing
or breast feeding.  There is no need to pump
and dump unless your breasts are full and its
time to feed your baby.  While breast feeding,
any type of heavy drinking should be avoided.

Before you actually omit any foods from your
diet, you should talk to your doctor.  If you
avoid certain foods and it causes a nutritional
imbalance, you may need to see a nutritionist
for advice on taking other foods or getting
nutritional supplements.

The Miracle of Essential Oils

Often described as nature's gift to us, essential oils provide natural remedies for minor ailments, the beautifying of our bodies, and helps to aid in promoting positive emotions.  These oils are normally derived from plants using their flowers, stems, barks, roots and even sap.  Various parts of the plant are then distilled to extract the precious essence that is seemingly life giving.

What makes essential oils so special?  Maybe it's the fact that they can be found anywhere as they are naturally grown sometimes in farms or even in wild conditions.  Maybe it's the fact that essential oils can provide a multitude of physiological benefits as well as have the power to calm our soul.  Maybe it's the fact that the use of essential oils dates back to almost a thousand years and is already embedded in our history although no one exactly prove that they work much less how they work.  Whatever the case may be, there is no doubt that they provide a natural method of healing that can't always be found in synthetic compounds.

Take for example, the unique history of frankincense.  The use of frankincense dates back to more than 5000 years with one use directly being cited in the bible.  (Frankincense was one of the gifts presented to baby Jesus by the three wise men.)  At one time, the value of frankincense equaled that of gold!  It was noted for abundant healing properties including rejuvenating skin, treating acne, bacterial and fungal infections, and wounds and scars.  Frankincense was also used as a treatment for arthritis and joint pain.  In addition to all of that, frankincense was used as a cosmetic as well as for repelling mosquitoes, wheat moths, and sand flies.  Most notably, however, is the use of frankincense in spiritual practices.  Frankincense promotes the body's ability to quiet one's mind; slow breathing rates, and enhances meditation.  To think that all of this was found in a single plant!

The miracle of essential oils is this:  that we have already been provided with all of what we need for our physical and emotional healing.  Many of the ailments we suffer are the results of destructive emotions such as stress, fatigue, anger, loneliness and the like.  These emotions take a toll on our physical being and results in worsened conditions which we seemingly are unsure of how to cure.

The miracle of essential oils is that no matter what your physical condition may be, you can still receive positive benefits even though it may be something as small as reducing the amount of pain you experience.  Aromatherapy can help to eliminate negative emotions and reach a place of emotional balance to help you deal with any situation coming your way.  All it takes is a positive outlook on life - your life.  The effects may seem small to non-existent at first, but with time, may snowball into reversing some of the effects of the ailments you experience.  What if you received a report that your blood pressure lowered on your next trip to the doctor?

Before starting any aromatherapy regimen, consult with your doctor or aromatherapy practitioner.  Aromatherapy should also not be used as a substitute for any medical treatment.