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.

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! ​

There is so much information available to us which is a blessing and a curse when it comes to figuring out what a "healthy diet" during pregnancy truly is.  Everyone has an opinion! What we need to keep in mind is that every body is different so a one-size fits all approach never works. This post provides five strategies that are general ways to improve your overall diet for your health and the health of your growing baby.

When pregnant, a great diet provides the necessary building blocks that your body uses to help create your growing baby. This post outlines the components of a great diet, what supplements and nutrients are required, and what foods to increase to prevent your baby from developing potential food allergies and sensitivities. There is even a special gift to download a nutrient tracker so you can feel confident you are getting the right nutrients for you and your baby! 

I have always loved formulas that include burdock root (Arctium lappa) due to it's wonderful properties. So when I saw the root at the local grocery store I had to try it out. There are a surprising number ways to enjoy this nutritious root. I simply chopped the root into circles, coated in sesame oil, baked for 10 minutes, then sprinkled with sesame seeds and a pinch of sea salt. It has a mildly nutty flavour which would satisfy a chip craving in a heart beat! Other ways to enjoy include: as a tea (boil for 10 minutes), adding to bone broth recipe, or sautéed in a stir-fry.   
Burdock is great for inflammatory skin conditions such as acne and eczema. It has a mildly bitter flavour that helps stimulates bile production and liver detoxification. It has been shown to increase white blood cells improving the immune system. It is best to avoid during pregnancy as it may have mild stimulatory effects on the uterus. 
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Tearing of the tiny space between the anus and the vagina is not a glamorous topic but one that can cause a lot of fear and discomfort for many pregnant women. There are different degree of tears that you should be aware of as well who you want to repair if a significant tear occurs. This blog post provides tips on how to prevent and treat perineal tears during pregnancy.