#26 Support and Be Supported

http://www.facebook.com/LittleSpiritsGarden

When life throws your a curve ball, make sure that you:

• Surround yourself with supportive people.
• Reach out to like minded people.
• Learn what you want to know about your circumstances - knowledge can take away the feeling of helplessness.
• Support others like others have supported you (helping others takes us out of our heads too).

A life altering event for me was the loss of a very much wanted baby. The joy we felt upon learning of my pregnancy was out of this world, then when I nearly lost my life and had to have emergency surgery to remove my baby my world changed forever. Nothing could have ever prepared me for the sudden kick of grief that hit me and pulled me down.

What got me though this sad milestone in my life (outside of those close to me) was a group I found online, a group of women who experienced similar pregnancy losses.  Such an intimate experience can sometimes only be understood by those who have or are undergoing the same. That group was a lifeline to me.  As I healed I was able to help new members who had recent losses;  I was able to support them with knowledge of what to expect next, ways of coping, messages of hope, and simply by being there.

I still participate in that group today, as a support person, and am always very attuned to the topic of pregnancy loss.  In fact, what sparked today's posting was an ad I  came across for a proposed garden called the Little Spirits Garden, where families can remember and honour their lost little ones.  I also learned of a group called Empty Arms, a group that I don't believe existed when I found my online support.

Remember, no matter what curve balls life is throwing you, no matter what you are going through, take care of yourself and be sure to give back and support others too.


To help Grieving Families who have lost an unborn child or newly born little one, please take a look at the Face Book Page for the Little Spirits Garden  http://www.facebook.com/LittleSpiritsGarden  and Please Share .  Even if your life has not been touched by such a loss, chances are someone you know has experienced such a loss, even if you don't know it.



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#11 What do breasts and sheep have in common?

Q What do breasts and sheep have in common?

A Lanolin.

That is if you are breast feeding your little one and using one of the many nipple care products containing lanolin.

Lanolin is commonly used by women to prevent chaffed and cracked nipples while they are breastfeeding.

After learning the hard (and painful) way with my first baby, I, after a process of trial and use/error, finally found my preferred lanolin product (There are many nipple creams and pure lanolin products out there.). The lanolin brand that I prefer is Medela's Tender Care. Its consistency is smooth and soft unlike so many of the other brands, thus making it easier to apply. With one other popular brand, I found that straight out of the tube the ointment was thick, sticky and tacky in consistency and almost had to be warmed up in order to apply ( an extra step a nursing mom doesn't need to add to her all ready hectic regimen).

While I am still breast feeding our youngest, I realize now that lanolin will continue to have a place in our household even after I am no longer nursing.

Now - back to the sheep! You may be asking "OK, get on with it. What do sheep have to do with all of this?" Well, Lanolin is a mixture of wool fat and water, it is derived from the sheep's oil glands.

Lanolin is found to be very similar to the oils secreted by human skin. It protects the skin while allowing in air and letting your skin breathe. It has healing abilities largely because it:

- has antibacterial properties

- is water repellent, and it

- seals in moisture

So next time consider reaching for a tube of lanolin for those chapped lips, that little scrape, or that irritating pimple!

But for now, if you are nursing, DO NOT, and I repeat, DO NOT, take your ladies forgranted, take care of them and lanolinate them!

Do you have a favourite lanolin product? If so tell me, share with your comments!

Photo courtesy of Nicholas Tarling

http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=129

# 4 Know your coconuts.

Know your coconuts. No, I am not referring to breast self examinations, although that is really important and something that every woman should do. I am referring to coconuts, specifically - coconut water.

Coconut water is an amazing drink that I discovered late in my recent pregnancy, and I've been hooked ever since.

Aside from loving the refreshing taste, it is very healthy and nutritious for mothers and nursing moms too.

Did you know that coconut water is an excellent way to rehydrate and is also chalk full of all natural electrolytes? It is nature's Gatorade. For this reason it is great energy booster for those busy times and also for when/if you are nursing baby.

According to the Baby Center Website "coconut water contains high levels of lauric acid which is what is used by the body to make monolaurin -– a disease fighting fatty acid derivative. Lauric acid has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties which protect the body against various infections and boosts the immune system."

I won't take any more of your time by writing about about the why you should give coconut water a try (please note, coconut water is different than coconut milk), just google "coconut water benefits" and you can read for yourself.

There are many brands out there. Where we live I have come across approximately five, my favourite is Grace Foods Coconut Water. I prefer the sugar free with the yummy pulp, but you can get it with or without pulp and/or sugar. The other brand that I'll buy when I can't get a Grace is Blue Monkey. Lastly, another type I love is all natural and not found in a can, rather in it's purest form, a young coconut. I've found these tender coconuts in stores at times and while there is a bit of work involved in getting to the water, it is well worth it!

Cheers - to your health!

Photo courtesy of http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=2512