Random Acts Of Kindness Week…

… Starts today!  That’s right, there is such thing as Random Acts of Kindness Week and it starts now!  There are so many ways that you can pay it forward, here are just a few ideas:

I really think that this week will be great if we all go out of our way to be kind.  It goes a long way and makes everyone happy!  Pass it on!

Random Tips…

{#4 is from greenplanet.com.  For more green cleaning tips, visit Green Planet!}

Cloth Diaper Laundry Service | Eco-Baby in Colorado

My husband was telling me that a friend of ours here in Colorado uses Eco-Baby Cloth Diaper Service for all of their diaper needs.  Before him telling me, I had never heard of such a service, but I’m in love with the idea!  Not only are you reducing waste in landfills, but you are guaranteed that your diapers are washed thoroughly and disinfected.  Best of all, you don’t actually have to do anything.  Pretty sweet deal! You can even set up a registry with them.

Halloween for Infants…

When it comes to baby costumes, we all want something super cute, warm, and most of all, hassle-free.  We don’t want something too complicated because our kids will fight it.  Below are some baby costumes that hold these qualities.  Enjoy!

Baby Hot Dog Bunting Infant Costume at Spirit for $19.99

Little Tree Car Freshener Bunting Infant Costume at Spirit for $24.99

Sugar Babies Bunting Infant Costume at Spirit for $24.99

Smarties Candy Bunting Infant Costume at Spirit for $24.99

Wonder Bread Bunting Infant Costume at Spirit for $16.99

Mermaid Bunting Infant Costume at Spirit for $19.99

Woopie Cushion Bunting Infant Costume at Spirit for $19.99

I’ve seen these costumes on other websites, but Spirit seems to be the least expensive that I’ve found so far.  Visit them here for a ton more costumes to choose from.  Better hurry though, Halloween is right around the corner!

Humpday Tutorial | Reusable Lunch Bag

The complete tutorial for this Reusable Lunch Bag can be seen over at The Purl Bee!  What a fantastic way to send your kids to school with a lunch while being completely Green.  After your kids are finished with lunch, this little bag folds down nicely and can be machine washed.  What a creative project to work on together with your little school-aged child.  Enjoy!

Breastfeeding Tips

Breastfeeding is so important and offers healthy benefits to your newborn.  It can be scary and/or difficult, but it’s worth it for your child.  It’s very important to place your baby at your breast as soon as possible after delivery.  Talk with your doctor about your plan before hand, so they are aware of what you want and can help you.  While at the hospital, you can request to speak with a Lactation Specialist to observe your technique and to give guidance before you leave the hospital.  It is important that you achieve the Proper Latch, so ask your Lactation Specialist to assist you with that as well.  This will make things a lot smoother for you when you return home and have to do things on your own.  If you find that things are difficult in the beginning, limit visitors for a bit just so you and your newborn can connect and get on a schedule.  Naturally, mother’s and their babies will form a sleep and eat schedule, so listen to each other and it will happen.  Also, try to avoid pacifiers in the beginning, unless told otherwise by your doctor.  You don’t want your newborn to get used to the pacifier before he is used to your breast.

Babies prefer a rapid flow over a low flow, so they might take to the bottle of breast milk over your actual breast.  Try not to get discuraged by this.  It is still very important for your baby to breastfeed.  You will build a bond and it will help your flow increase.  If your baby starts to cry or scream before breastfeeding, calm him down by rocking or soothing him.  Once he stops, you can begin to breastfeed.  If you need to, you can try to use your fingers to start his sucking and then move him to your breast.  It’s important that you bring baby to your nipple height to avoid back and shoulder pain for you.  There are a variety of positions to try, so take some time to see what works best for you and stick with that.  If you feel pain, gently detach, rest for a second, and then try again.  Most of all, enjoy this special time with your baby!

This information was gathered from PregnancyInfo.net.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and Infertility | by Courtney

{Below you will read a heart warming story about a very dear friend of mine since High School, and her journey to becoming a mother.  Courtney does an amazing job giving you the facts that you need to know about PCOS, her story, and websites to find more information.  Enjoy!}

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Infertility
Dreaming of becoming pregnant? For many women this dream may be difficult to achieve. In fact, nearly ten percent of women will struggle to get pregnant due to a metabolic condition called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (also know as Stein-Leventhal Syndrome) is the leading cause of infertility. What causes this syndrome is still under debate but some believe the syndrome may be attributed to insulin resistance, obesity, Hyperandrogenism (excessive production of male hormones), chronic inflammation, hormonal abnormality, or other environmental factors. It is unclear if the condition is hereditary.

So how would you know if you were affected? The most common symptom of this disorder is infertility. Because women with PCOS do not ovulate correctly, they do not have regular menstrual cycles and as a result, they have difficulty becoming pregnant. All women with PCOS have many small cysts on their ovaries. However, women can have cysts on their ovaries and not be suffering from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. The syndrome is characterized by marked symptoms including; acne, obesity, excess body hair, insulin resistance or diabetes, thinning hair, high blood pressure, hormonal abnormalities, skin abnormalities, sleep apnea and depression.

Can it be cured or treated? Unfortunately, there is no cure at this point. However, PCOS can be managed effectively with a combination of medicines, diet and exercise. A diet low in carbohydrates can help manage insulin resistance. Many women are prescribed insulin sensitizers (Metformin or Glucophage). Insulin sensitizers seem to help regulate insulin levels as well as hormonal levels. Other medications are used to control embarrassing symptoms such as excess body hair, acne, thinning hair and obesity. Birth control pills are often prescribed to regulate menstrual cycles and hormone levels. Unfortunately, many doctors are not familiar with this condition and mistake symptoms as other issues. Doctors often treat the outward symptoms without treating the actual cause. Many women are told that they are obese and they need to lose weight. Weight loss can be an effective way to manage PCOS but women with uncontrolled PCOS often have extreme difficulty in losing weight.

What if I want to have a baby? There may be good news in your future. Current treatments have helped many women with PCOS achieve pregnancy. Diet and exercise can aid fertility by regulating hormones. Sometimes even a small weight loss can jumpstart ovulation. Glucophage can help regulate hormones which can lead to ovulation.
When these measures fail, fertility treatments like Clomid or IVF can be explored. Getting healthy should be the main focus and hopefully conception will follow.

So what are the long term effects? If left untreated, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome can lead to more serious health problems including; heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, pregnancy-associated disorders, cancers and seizure disorders. 40% of women with PCOS have insulin resistance and 10% already have type II diabetes. It is so important for women who are suffering with PCOS to seek medical help.
Should I talk to my doctor? If you feel that you may be suffering from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome please talk to your doctor. Don’t take no for an answer. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome can have serious long term effects as well as a major effect your self esteem. Many doctors are not familiar with the condition so find a specialist in your area. Do your own research and be informed. Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome can live very normal, happy lives with the proper treatment.

A true story about PCOS

I was always a bit bigger than all of the other girls. Not huge, just 10 or 20 lbs more than the average. I hit puberty at the age of 12 and I was already sporting a C-cup. I remember feeling embarrassed that I was bigger but I just figured it was a genetic gift from my pudgy, food loving family. I started taking the pill at age 15 to manage painful period symptoms. My sophomore year in college I gained 40 lbs. I was tired and anxious all the time. I slept through class and struggled to keep up with my school work. Once again, I assumed that genetics and lifestyle were to blame. I finally went to my family doctor who ran a series of tests. After a thyroid scan, an incorrect diagnosis of diabetes and a series of doctors who told me I was doing too much school work and not moving enough, I gave up. I even saw an endocrinologist who noticed the stretch marks on my belly. But all he said was that I needed to “get some exercise”. I tried various antidepressants to relieve my anxiety but nothing worked. I decided that I would just have to deal with the misery that had become my life. Somehow I scraped by in college and even graduated a semester early. Even after I finished school, I couldn’t shake the constant feeling of fatigue and panic. It affected every part of my life. I was even having difficulty keeping a job. I finally quit working and stayed at home after I got married. A few months later my husband and I decided to try to start a family. I quit taking the birth control pills and hoped that nature would take over. It didn’t! Even worse, I was always late. I would often go months without a menstrual cycle. Each time my period didn’t come I was convinced I was pregnant. I took test after test, all negative. After a year I was frustrated, depressed and 30 lbs. heaver. I weighed 230 lbs and I was miserable. Just three years earlier I weighed in at a mere 150 lbs. At this point, I had taken a part-time job as a nanny for a doctor. At lunch with my boss I broke down. I told her that we were trying to get pregnant but it just wasn’t happening. She looked at me and said, “you have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome”. I said, “No way”. It scared me. I didn’t know anything about PCOS but I knew it sounded serious. I let a few months pass before I was actually brave enough to do some research. I looked it up online and read the list of symptoms. I had almost all of them. I called my OB office and made an appointment with a nurse practitioner. Luckily for me, she happened to specialize in PCOS. She took one look at me and said, “we will run some tests but I am sure you have it (PCOS)”. She could tell by looking at me! I couldn’t believe it! Why didn’t any of those doctors notice it! I was relieved to finally have an answer, but scared that I would always be sick and never have a baby. Weeks later I learned that my testosterone levels were too high. My blood pressure was also elevated. We decided to try metformin and a calorie restricted diet. I also went back on birth control pills to help regulate my hormones. I wanted to lose weight and get healthy before we tried to have a child. I ate 1,000 to 1,200 calories a day. I tried to stay away from anything high in carbs. Six months later I had lost 50 lbs and my blood pressure returned to normal. In mid September my husband and I decided to try to get pregnant again. I quit taking the birth control pill half way through the pack (I continued to take the Metformin). On Halloween (a month and a half later) I took a pregnancy test and it was positive! I couldn’t believe it! It was the most amazing thing that has ever happened to me! Throughout my whole pregnancy I never really believed it was real. Finally when I saw my son’s face, I knew it had really happened. I took Metformin throughout my whole pregnancy and I continue to take it while breastfeeding. My son is two months old and I am only three pounds above my pre-pregnancy weight. In fact, I weighed less when I was nine months pregnant then I did at my wedding! I feel so much better. My anxiety has completely gone away and I am not so tired anymore! I know PCOS will always be a struggle for me. I will always have to count calories and watch what I eat but at least now I am healthy. Most importantly, I have the cutest kid ever and I finally feel like myself again!

For questions and resources on PCOS check out these sites:
www.pcosupport.org
www.ovarian-cysts-pcos.com/pcos.html
www.womenshealth.gov/faq/polycystic-ovary-syndrome.cfm

{Many women live with PCOS, myself included, but it’s not the end to anything.  You can treat it and live a wonderful life!  – RobbieLee}

Bling Baby Shower | by Hostess with the Mostess

This Bling Baby Shower idea from the Hostess with the Mostess is perfect for that glamourous mommy-to-be!  You can mix up the colors and create any feel that you want!  Best of all, this is a great DIY project for you to get all of your gal pals together for a great party-planning day!  Visit the Hostess with the Mostess to get all of the little datails, and be sure to click on the links above the pictures for decor and favors!  Enjoy!

Eco Teethers

Teething is a natural part of your baby’s growth and it can be difficult for everyone.  Teethers are great in aiding your baby’s discomfort, but it’s important to choose one that’s safe.  Traditional teethers can contain dangerous things like phthalates or bisphenol A (BPA), which are hormone disruptors linked to obesity, cancer, and early puberty.  They can also contain PVC Plastics which release toxic chemicals both during and after production.  The teethers pictured above are just a few Eco-friendly teethers that can provide your baby with the necessary comfort they need, while being environmentally conscious.  Enjoy!

1. {Knitted Organic Cotton Teether – Bear at Eden Home}  This teether come in 3 styles – Bear, Bunny, and Elephant.  All are made from certified Organic and Natural Cotton.
   
2. {Raz-Berry Teether at Right Start}  This teether is more about hygiene than Eco-friendly, but it’s worth sharing.  It’s made of 100% Medical Grade Silicone and it’s easy to hold.
3. {KikkoEco Teether Hand by KikkoEco}  This teether is made from the biodegradable material known as, EcolGreen (made mostly of corn starch).  EcolGreen (by NatureWorks) is certified with the Eco-Label Stamp.
4. {Sophie the Giraffe at The Land of Nod}  When squeezed, Sophie makes a happy sound and is non-toxic with a food based paint and natural rubber.  This toy is handmade in the French Alps.
5. {Ringley Natural Teething Toy at kaikids}  This teether is handmade in Toronto, Canada and is a natural teething toy that combines two efficient teething materials: natural Canadian Maple and 100% Organic Cotton terry cloth. Baby can use it wet, dry, or frozen.  Comes in 2 styles – knotted or straight.
6. {Bumble Bee Teether by Under the Nile at Nubius Organics}  Made from the finest 100% Organic Egyptian Cotton and stuffed with 100% organic cotton.  Great to freeze.
7. {Corn Starch Hand Teether at Inhabitat Shop} Made from a cornstarch-based eco-friendly plastic, EcolGreen.  Biodegradable and compostable.,
   

Nursery Silhouette | By Decor8

What a fabulous way to decorate your baby’s nursery!  Holly over at Decor8 painted this city-scape silhouette with her children using black chalkboard paint. I love this idea because it’s great for a nursery that would eventually transform into a toddler room and even pre-teen bedroom.  This way you don’t have to update the walls as your child grows, just the furniture.  I would also like to see something like this in a playroom!  Enjoy!