UrbanMommies » The Experts

Nourishing Tip #1: Oatmeal

Jill — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 21:31:08 +0000

Dressed up for summer, Oatmeal gets fresh and fun.
Let your kids play dress up for breakfast with a bowl of nourishing oats.

What you will need:
Rolled Oats
Cinnamon
Maple Syrup
Berries
1 banana
organic milk
Almond slivers (optional)
Shaved coconut (optional)

What to do:
Boil 2.5 cups of water with one banana. (Put over ripe bananas in the freezer and take out to pop in the pot.)
When boiling, mush banana and add 1 cup of rolled oats. Cover and let simmer for 6-8 minutes. Mix often.
Have Cinnamon, maple syrup, milk, almonds, seasonal berries, coconut flakes out for little hands to reach.
Let your kids sprinkle and drizzle and dress those oats up.

What are they?
1 cup oats + 2.5 cups of water = 4 servings
I love rolled oats in the summer because of its shorter cooking time.
I like my oats with body so generally they take 6-8 minutes to cook.
Oats are a good source of many nutrients including vitamin E, zinc, selenium, copper, iron, manganese and magnesium.
Oats are packed with fiber and help to find good cholesterol in body and excrete the bad.
They are also a good source of protein.
Not only nourishing and delish, but so good for you. This is one breakfast cereal, you’ll feel good about your kids eating.
And they are so easy to make and super fun for the kids to eat.

Makes 3-4 servings

- Alyssa-Schottland Bauman received her training to practice Health Counseling at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, which is the only nutrition school integrating all the different dietary theories—combining the knowledge of traditional philosophies with modern concepts like the USDA food pyramid, the glycemic index, the Zone and raw foods.

How to be a Yummy Mummy

Jill — Tue, 11 May 2010 15:18:53 +0000

Have you noticed that ‘momming’ is not only big business, but it has gained an increasing amount of sex appeal and glamour in the past decade? Gone are the frumpy Moo Moos and demure floral prints in XL sizes that we were once expected to wear. Enter the Yummy Mummy. While some find this term derogatory, we have a very positive image of this fabulous woman. Pregnancy is a time of change and can ground you firmly to your past and future. Your body is beautiful as it grows. You are special. And you deserve to feel sexy and gorgeous. Our Yummy Mummy Tips:

1. Apply lip gloss. All the time.
2. Wear big jewelery, especially statement necklaces.
3. Breathe. Wrinkles will disappear and you’ll get grounded.
4. Floss. Good oral care is crucial during pregnancy and beyond.
5. Lose the stilettos during pregnancy and while you’re slinging your new baby. Treat yourself to a great pair of flat boots.
6. Do some writing. Expressing your feelings gives you a glow. Share it with us in our mommy stories.
7. Bathe with rose petals and fresh lavender.
8. Look deeply into people’s eyes. They have experience to share.
9. Plant a seed and watch it grow.
10. Pair bright colours with lots of black.
11. Shawls and flowing sweaters add a touch of romance.
12. You might not feel like having the same sex you used to. Grab a Cosmo magazine and learn a few new tricks.
13. Pedicures. Often.
14. If clean hair seems like a time-suck when you have a baby to care for, throw on a hat or wrap an Hermes scarf around your head.
15. Read. Just one quick poem a day could make you feel more connected.
16. Get in control of your body. Or at least strengthen the muscles you can.
17. Ask for what you need. If you can’t ask, then text.

So throw on a pair of huge sunglasses, slide into a tight black dress and be proud of your expanding back and retained water. For tips on dressing for pregnancy and transition, see our stylist. Or check out the sexiest Celebrity Moms Alive, as according to CafeMom.

Photo: Courtesy of German Vogue, May 2009. Heidi Klum.

Inspiration for Labour

Jill — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 13:30:29 +0000

Wide open

Your face is soft

Your shoulders are heavy

You are safe

Your baby is safe

This is your power

You are strong

Feel your cervix melt like butter

Your muscles open

Your baby tucks chin on chest

You are wide open

Soft

Slow breathing

Your hands are soft

You are safe

You are with all the women in labour

The women are with you

You are doing this

Breathe in strength

Breathe out worry

Breathe in power

This is your power

Wide open

Soft

Melting

Safe

- Jacquie Munro, Vancouver Doula – Slow Birth

Wrap Dresses

Jill — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:25:50 +0000

What better garment could there be than a wrap dress? At your slimmest, it looks great and accentuates the waist as you grow.. or shrink. Cleavage is accentuated (even if there is a lack of it), and you look like a lady – at her sexiest. Diane von Furstenburg is, of course, the queen of the wrap dress. Holt Renfrew and Wear Else carry her designs. If you happen to be at Superstore and see one designed by Joe Mimran, snatch them up in every colour. You never know when you will need a no-brainer, fab outfit. Check our Inexpensive Maternity Clothes article too.

Photo: Diane von Furstenberg’s Samara Wrap and a less expensive option from Stylestoop

Aviator Sunglasses

Jill — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:42:08 +0000

What do Angelina, Marlon Brando, and Lauren Hutton have in common? (Besides the obvious?) Aviator Sunglasses. One trick for pregnancy and transition is to go all black, and accessorize like crazy. Mommy, meet your newest accessory. xx

Natural Colic Remedies

Jill — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 23:37:23 +0000

There have been several studies that have documented the benefits of using a probiotic supplement to relieve colic in infants. Colic is usually experienced in the first few weeks of life, when rapid colonization of the digestive system Is underway. One study found that colicky infants were less frequently colonized by Lactobacillus species of bacteria and more frequently by anaerobic gram-negative bacteria that can contribute to gas formation in the digestive system. Another study found that the species Lactobacillus reuteri improved colicky symptoms in breastfed infants within 1 week of treatment. In this study mothers of infants who’s colic improved also avoided dairy products. I usually recommend that if the mother is breastfeeding, she should take Lactobacillus acidophilus or Lactobacillus reuteri probiotic capsules containing at least 10 billion bacteria. She should also give some to the infant by placing some probiotic on her nipple before putting the baby to breast. Mothers who are not breastfeeding can put the probiotic into formula.

Other options for colic that are safe and gentle are homeopathic remedies. The most common homeopathic remedy is Chamomila. This remedy is indicated for a colicky infant who is very irritable and restless and wants to be carried. The infant will have one or both cheeks are flushed red, and the abdomen will be distended.

I also recommend a gripe water formula by Wellementsâ. It contains all organic ingredients that help to relieve gas and soothe the digestive system such as chamomile, ginger and fennel extracts.

Dr. Agnieszka Matusik is a Naturopathic Physician practicing family medicine in South Surrey/White Rock. Her practice focuses on women’s health and pediatrics. She has a special interest in pre-conception health, fertility, pregancy and labour support and children’s health issues. Contact Dr. Matusik at 604-293-2941 or at www.integratedhealthclinic.ca

When Your Child Resists Teeth Brushing

Jill — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 23:11:34 +0000

If your child or toddler won’t let you brush their teeth, good oral care can get tricky. It’s important to develop good health habits at an early age. Start off by using a clean washcloth to clean your child’s mouth after each meal, as early as possible. This will get your child used to your later oral care efforts. Try this also for your uncooperative two year old: start off with the washcloth approach and gradually move to a toothbrush. With patience and perseverance, she should eventually let you brush her teeth properly. Current guidelines recommend brushing your children’s teeth until they are able to write their own name. Once they’re able to brush on their own (usually after age eight), supervise them frequently to ensure they’re doing it properly.

Dr. Chris Kan is a Kitsilano Dentist and since 1998, has been practicing family and cosmetic dentistry with a conservative, “less is best” approach. By integrating innovative technologies with a passion for excellence, Dr. Kan and his team provide thorough, comprehensive care for everyone from toddlers to seniors. Contact Dr. Kan at 604-224-8000 or at www.arbutusdentist.com

Scared to Go to the Dentist

Jill — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 23:02:21 +0000

If your child is afraid and scared to go to the dentist, there are a few things that you can try. Start off by being a good role model: children will want to go to the dentist and take care of their teeth when they see you brushing and flossing your own teeth, and having a positive attitude toward dental visits. At my office, we try to introduce children to the dental office environment as young as possible – often before the first tooth even erupts. We encourage new parents to bring in their babies at their own appointments so that their children can become comfortable in and familiar with the dental office setting. Through coaching at home by the parents and repeated positive exposures to my office and my staff, children are often able to overcome their anxiety and fear of the unknown in the dental chair. It also helps if the child watches an older sibling behaving well in the chair. With some especially fearful children, we’ve had to try up to three or four visits, every six months, to get them relaxed enough to complete a proper examination. As a last resort, if you’ve tried the above techniques and the child is still not cooperative, try a pediatric specialist.

One Year Old and No Teeth

Jill — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 22:50:55 +0000

Q: My baby is one year old and has no teeth. Should I be worried or is he just late teething?

A: The first tooth usually erupts between the ages of six months to one year. If teeth haven’t appeared by about age 18 months, this is unusual and you should bring your child to the dentist for an x-ray to check if the teeth are under the gums or possibly congenitally missing. Consider bringing your child to a pediatric specialist soon if you are very concerned. Anecdotally, I have heard of teeth erupting as late as age 17 months and everything turned out completely normal.

Teether: Fisher Price

Choosing a Dentist for Your Kids

Jill — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 22:43:14 +0000

How Do I choose a dentist for my kids? Dr. Chris Kan, our resident dental expert, weighs in on this question. He says to look for these factors to help narrow your choices:

(1) Similar goals and easy communication. Your dentist should want the same things you do for your children’s dental health, and be able to explain these goals to you clearly. You should feel comfortable asking questions and discussing treatment options.

(2) Modern technology. Don’t be dazzled by a fancy office décor but realize that newer technology often means more comfort and less pain, and that the dentist cares about keeping current with skills and continuing education. How well the office is maintained is usually indicative of the quality of care you’ll be receiving.

(3) Experience. Do you want a dentist who is proficient or just merely competent? There’s growing support for the notion that it takes about ten thousand hours of practice (roughly ten years) to achieve the level of mastery associated with being an expert. With this in mind, if you choose a dentist who’s had at least ten years of experience, you’ll likely find a combination of relatively recent training and the wisdom of years of honing diagnostic and motor skills critical to being a good dentist.