Dr. Pamela Smith, ND
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Postpartum Gift Ideas

3/14/2019

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The first few days postpartum can be pretty vulnerable for the new parents. This little human is now reliant on them to figure out their needs, add to this sleep deprivation and the healing time that is needed and it can be a bit overwhelming to say the least. It is also wonderful to be in, what I like to call, the “Newborn Bubble” where time doesn’t exist and you just stare at your newborn in wonderment! 
 
We had a lot of people asking us what we needed so I thought it would be helpful to write out a few items we personally found to be really convenient during this time. This list is far from perfect and I am sure will grow with time :) 

  • Sleepers with zippers – snaps are really hard in the middle of the night when you have an infant yelling at you to hurry up and get them dressed!
  • Lactation cookies or hearty cookies – quick snack that is somewhat filling and easy to grab in between feeds, see my previous post 
  • Belly band – I love my Bellies Inc band, it can feel like your insides are falling out the first week postpartum and this band helped keep things snug https://www.belliesinc.com
  • Padsickles – might be a bit personal but definitely a lifesaver! So even just bringing the ingredients for the mom to make them herself. I saturated thin pads with Thayers Witch hazel then added a layer of 100% aloe vera before freezing, before wearing, I applied calendula oil for extra healing
  • Herbal sits bath – we carry pre-made herbs at the Nest Family Wellness Centre https://www.thenestfamilywellnesscentre.ca
  • Good quality Supplements - Prenatal for mama, Vit D drops and infant probiotics - https://www.thenestfamilywellnesscentre.ca
  • Hydrating ice cubes – the amount of water needed during breastfeeding is enormous so having electrolytes handy can be quite helpful. We made them using honey, salt, calcium, magnesium, and lemon
  • Wool booties - just because they are cute! https://www.facebook.com/SolefulGinger/
  • Placenta Encapsulation – this is a bit controversial and definitely personal! 
    • Here is a post of one mama’s experience: http://www.calmmother.com/blog/2015/2/7/all-about-placenta-encapsulation 
    • And a link to who I used for mine – Melynda Peterson: http://www.melyndapetersenbirthdoula.com
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Mr Benjamin 7 days old
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Lactation Cookie Recipe

2/28/2019

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As we "patiently" wait for the arrival of our first baby, I have been preparing for life after baby to make things easier such as different freezer meals and snacks. These lactation cookies are actually quite tasty and nutritious, I've already made them twice as the first batch didn't actually last the week! I am terrible at following recipes, so here is a rough guide of what I put in the latest batch.
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Lactation Cookie Recipe
  • 1c rolled oats
  • ½ c coconut flakes
  • 1/4c fresh ground flaxseeds
  • 1/2c pumpkin puree or apple sauce
  • 1/4c maple syrup
  • 1/4 c nut butter of your choice
  • 5-6 chopped dates
  • 1 tbsp brewer’s yeast 
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1-3 tsp cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom 
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • pinch of sea salt
  • optional ¼ c dark chocolate chips 
 
Pre-heat oven to 350F. Combine ingredients, roll into balls then flatten into discs, and bake for 15 mins. I always double the recipe and keep some in the freezer for later – although they don’t usually last long! ​

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Surviving Allergy Season

4/1/2018

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Spring is such a beautiful time of year. The cherry blossoms and warmer weather means more time outdoors. This is all very exciting for most of us but can be dreaded by those who experience seasonal allergies or hay fever.  There are many ways to naturally improve your immune system to help alleviate the symptoms experienced. It is ideal to start earlier in the spring; do not wait until you are experiencing symptom’s to start controlling them.


Here are five strategies to minimize impact of your seasonal allergies this year:
 
  1. Identify your triggers. Whether it’s cut grass, tree pollen, or mold it is good to have an idea of what is causing the itchy eyes and congestion to do your best to avoid them. Consider a HEPA filter for your bedroom or in the main rooms of your house to help purify the air.
  2. Incorporate immune boosting herbs. A few examples include Nettles in capsule or tea form and plant sterols/sterolins such as Moducare. These help to improve immune function while reducing the histamine response that creates the infamous symptoms.
  3. Consider raw, local honey or pollen granules. Small doses of local bee products have been shown to be an effective way to prime the immune system to reduce the intensity of your symptoms (avoid honey in children under 1 year of age)
  4. Find a good quality, human strain probiotic. Probiotics are particularly important for supporting our immune system. The human gut has numerous species of these beneficial bacteria which outnumber our cells 10:1 and we are only now beginning to understand everything that they do for us. Choose a formulation that is dairy-free when possible.
  5. Avoid or minimize mucus producing foods. Examples of mucus forming foods include dairy products (milk, yogurt, and yes sadly most cheeses but particularly soft cheese), high sugar processed products, and any known food sensitivities that you may have. 

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Keep Your Skin Protected this Summer - 5 Tips to Prevent and Treat Sunburns

7/6/2017

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Summer is a great time to really spend time outdoors with friends and family. Sunburns are common in the early months of summer as your skin builds and develops the protective base layer. This month's Calmmother post provides 5 tips on how to protect and treat sunburns.

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Male Fertility, it's a real thing!

5/28/2017

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Helping couples optimize their health is a passion of mine. When it comes to fertility, it's not just the female who has to be concerned about their health. This post provides five key tips to increasing male fertility, because it is not always just about the female.
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Top 3 Ways to Improve Your Health and Fertility 

2/26/2017

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Thinking about starting a family? The best time to take care of your health and the health of your future baby is now! It takes 3-4 months for sperm and egg development so getting your health on track should start months prior to trying to conceive when possible. This post provides the top three tips to improve fertility and your overall health. 

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    Dr. Pam

    Has a special interest in assisting families, moms, and moms-to-be with everyday health concerns.

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