I See Beauty Photo Shoot

I was lucky enough to get an opportunity to have Jamie Ibey of I See Beauty Photography take my maternity pictures. I felt really comfortable throughout the shoot. She had some neat ideas and was so professional and laid back all at once. I used one of her pictures on my website for the founder picture. I'm glad I have pictures from all three pregnancies. Thanks to Jamie for making it fun and easy.To see one of the pics go to www.iseebeauty.com and click on her blog.

Don't Miss This Film Festival!

Childbirth Resource Network presents

an afternoon delight…

Saturday, February 7, 2009, 1 to 5 PM

Go Natural Wellness Center
5091 N. Fresno St. Suite #122 (at Shaw on NW corner) in Fresno

$15 each, $25 per couple (suggested donation)
Sumptuous appetizers and drinks included!

1:00 PM
THE BUSINESS OF BEING BORN
Birth is a miracle, a rite of passage, a natural part of life. But
birth is also big business. Compelled to explore the subject after the
delivery of her first child, actress Ricki Lake recruits filmmaker
Abby Epstein to question the way American women have babies. The film
interlaces intimate birth stories with surprising historical,
political and scientific insights and shocking statistics about the
current maternity care system. When director Epstein discovers she is
pregnant during the making of the film, the journey becomes even morepersonal. (84 min)

2:40 PM
ORGASMIC BIRTH
Debra Pascali-Bonaro spent five years researching, interviewing and
collaborating for this groundbreaking film which presents birth as an
ecstatic experience. Eleven couples share their intimate personal
journeys. (87 min)

4:20 PM
BORN IN WATER: A SACRED JOURNEY
A beautiful collection of seven waterbirths, including a home
waterbirth, attended by midwife, Jennifer Gallardo, at the Andaluz
Waterbirth Center in Guatemala and Oregon. (33 min)

For more information,

(559) 497-2261

www.ChildbirthResourceNetwork.org

Dr. Sears to speak on vaccines on Progressive Parenting!

Hey moms and dads, Dr. Bob Sears author of The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for Your Child. will be live on the air tomorrow afternoon at 1pm on 88.1 FM KFCF. We are so excited to have him talk about this very controversial topic.

Dr. Bob enjoys a very unique approach to pediatrics by providing a combination of alternative and traditional medical care. He has a passion for healthy natural living and incorporates this knowledge into a style of disease treatment and prevention that you wont find in most doctors offices. By limiting antibiotic use, using science-based natural treatment approaches whenever possible, and focusing on good nutrition and immune system health, Dr. Bob takes preventative medicine to a whole new level. His commitment to breastfeeding success for all his patients also helps babies get a right start in life.

Dr. Bob has a particular passion for helping parents understand childhood vaccines and the options open to them in choosing the safest possible vaccine schedule for their child. As the solo author of The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for Your Child, his in-depth knowledge of vaccines and the diseases they prevent has helped parents nationwide get a better understanding of this complex and confusing issue.

Listen in tomorrow and tell a friend about the show. Thanks for your continued support. If you are tuned in, call us and let us know what you think, giving us feed back on the air is another way to KEEP us on the air. Thanks again!

Save Money on Products!

Our ordering party went well. We found out what people were looking for and will start ordering as early as Wednesday next week. We will be ordering from Earth Mama Angel Baby, Ameda, Baby Legs, Pedi Peds, Aden and Anais, Metromamma, Bum Genius, and Nature Baby Care (biodegradable diapers), and more. If you are interested in jumping in on the ordering, email me at www.mommymattersonline@sbcglobal.net. It's not too late to save 20-35% off these great products. I will post savings sheet next Tuesday. Thanks!

Post Partum Depression in Fresno

Having a baby is supposed to be a happy time. Right? Unfortunately, it isn't for everyone. The "Baby Blues" is typical after a baby is born, but if feelings of sadness persist for weeks, get thee some help. Two weeks ago, Jan 1st our guest was Patricia Neufeld LMFT. On our show we discussed the line between depression and the blues.

Progressive Parenting Show 01-08-09

Today's show was about Positive Discipline. My guest was Lysa Parker, Co-Founder of Attachment Parenting International. If you missed the show, I can get you a copy, hopefully by February (of a shows). Or you can find out more by going to www.attachmentparenting.org API is coming out with a book next month called ATTACHED AT THE HEART. I can't wait to read it. If you have questions regarding anything discussed on the show email me at www.progressiveparenting@kfcf.org. Join us next week at 1pm on 88.1 FM KFCF when Dr. Norton D.C. will be on the show and our topic will be Vaccines. If you have ideas about topics you'd like to hear about in the future please email me and we will try to find an expert to cover it with us.

SAVE SOME MONEY THIS NEW YEAR!

Hope everyone had a lovely Christmas and a safe New Year Celebration. I am SO happy to start putting 2008 FAR FAR behind me. I want a fresh new start with wonderful surprises. So here's one for our faithful customers/blog watchers. I am having an Ordering Party at my home Sat Jan 17th at 7pm. Any orders over $50 receive 40% off and orders over $100 get 45% off all orders under $50 will receive a 30% discount. We will be ordering disposable chlorine free biodegradable diapers www.natyusa.com, Earth Mama Angel Baby products, www.earthmamaangelbaby.com Baby Legs www.babylegs.com, Erbaviva Natural products www.erbaviva.com, Lily Padz and more. Call me at 559-442-4432 for more info or if you would like to reserve a spot at the savings frenzy. I just moved into our new house over Christmas and am excited to share it with friends. Bring a snack or beverage and we'll make it a party.

Shopping For Healthy Toys

I read a great article in this months Mothering Magazine called THE LONG GOODBYE TO TOXIC TOYS. I recommend every mom run out and get a copy (WHOLE FOODS sells copies), if you cannot however, I thought I'd highlight some stuff to help you shop for GOOD STUFF.
In my rush to get stuff for my kids every year, I find more thought is going into the need to have them open stuff and not so much thought going into what I'm actually giving them. So here is an excerpt from that issue to help you.

1. CAN SOMETHING WE ALREADY HAVE BE USED AS A TOY? An empty box or set of stainless-steel bowls can provide hours of happy play.

side note from Gena: Just yesterday I asked my 5 1/2 year old what we should get our youngest (2 1/2 year old) for Christmas.
She said wisely: "You don't have to give her anything Mama, she will be happy just being with us and playing with boxes and paper."
Our youngest has Downs Syndrome and is indeed almost always happy.
She also added quickly with a sigh, "but I'm not always happy with nothing like Uma, so be sure and get me something."

2. IS THE TOY REUSABLE? Can it be added to, creating new interest? For example, doll houses and building sets get repeated use, and adding one small accessory at a time can bring much joy.

3. WILL IT LAST SEVERAL GENERATIONS? Again, the doll house or building set are welcome hand-me-downs.

Side Note from Gena: I wish we would have invested in a wooden doll house for my first child, we would have already gotten 5 years use from it and I am pregnant with third, it would have been a wise investment. Ugh!

4. READ LABELS CAREFULLY, looking for assurances that paints and finishes are non toxic.

Side Note from Gena: According to the National Toxicology Center, "[T]he possibility that bisphenol-A may alter human development cannot be dismissed."

5. IS THIS AN ANTIQUE OR IMPORTED TOY that might be finished with toxic lead paint?

6. WHEN IN DOUBT, SMELL IT! Toxic softeners in plastics can give them that "new" smell. Strong fragrances and perfumes can provoke allergies or asthma.

7. DID IT HARM THE ENVIRONMENT OR PEOPLE TO PRODUCE THIS TOY? For example is it made from PVC plastic?

Side Note from Gena: That is why even though I could save TONS of money I NEVER shop at WALMART.

8. HOW IS THE TOY PACKAGED? A huge box and lots of plastic wrap for a very small toy is unnecessary waste.

9. CAN WE GET THIS TOY, OR SOMETHING LIKE IT MADE LOCALLY, avoiding the pollution and fuel waste of shipping?

10. CHOOSE PRODUCTS MADE IN THE US<>

11. CHOOSE FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL CERTIFIED WOOD (FSC) to ensure sustainable forestry; and Art & Creative Materials Institute Inc. Approved Products for non toxic craft supplies.

12. AVOID PRESSED OR LAYERED WOOD, which often uses toxic glues; products with lights and sounds that might require small batteries that contain mercury; cheap metal jewelry that might contain lead; play cosmetics; and #3 PVC plastic.

Side Note from Gena: Shocked and amazed how much of this stuff I found amongst my kids toys. Most of them ironically leaning against the huge air purifier in their room.

13. CALL THE MANUFACTURER if you have any questions about the product.

14. CALL THE CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION if you have any questions about recalls or for tips on buying lead free toys: 1-800-638-CPSC (2772)

15. GOLDEN RULE: SELECT TOYS THAT ARE MADE FROM NATURAL MATERIALS: wood (unfinished or non-toxic finish), fabric (organic cotton, hemp, wool), or bamboo.

See these sites for more info

www.healthychild.org
or read the book
HEALTHY CHILD HEALTHY WORLD
by Christopher Gavigan
(Dutton Adult, 2008)