I know, I know

I know its been a long time since I posted any updates, working full time and having two energetic kids is not for sissies!


So the most important thing that I have to share is that I have started a sideline business (not because I have free time, but because we are immigrating and I need a back up plan), check it out and let me know what you think! 




https://www.etsy.com/shop/MoonBriteDigital

Here's a sneak peek: 


Much love

xxx


P.S. Two very healthy loveable girls which I will fill you in about shortly. Promise. 

VBAC or Caeser

VBAC	Caesar
Elective C-sections become more dangerous the more you have	Babies born by planned c-section are more likely to end up in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with breathing problems
Length of hospital stay after birth	Risk of damage to the mother's organs
There's some evidence that you're less likely to hemorrhage if you plan a c-section than if you plan a vaginal birth	Complications from anesthesia
Quicker Recovery	Mother more susceptible to infection and blood clots
The baby also picks up protective bacteria that they ingest, helping them form more balanced immune systems as the bacteria colonizes in their intestines.	The scar tissue can also present problems in future pregnancies
More stress and anxiety	You have had a caesarean before so you have a good idea of what to expect.
Risk of incontinence	There is a higher risk of developing post-natal depression.
Sexual problems in the first few months after the birth	Not 6 to 12 hours
risk of birth trauma increases, due to the passage through the birth canal and the possible need for forceps
More likely to be able to cuddle your baby and offer them their first breastfeed within an hour, when their hormones make them particularly wide awake and interested in sucking.
Driving a car and lifting up a toddler will not be a problem.
An emergency caesarean may be needed if problems develop during the labour. Emergency caesareans carry slightly higher risks than elective caesareans, eg for infection.
stronger bond with their babies compared with mothers who gave birth by cesarean section.
. In normal deliveries occur endorphin secretion found in the placenta and afterbirth. This helps the baby adjust to the outside world and make the checkout process more fun for baby.
helps align the neck and spine and it plays a very important role in stimulating and inhibiting various reflexes that baby needs to begin his journey in life.

Preparing for hospital

1. Baby’s take home outfit

2. Baby’s first blanket 

3. Baby soft toy to keep in hospital (keep it on you a bit before to make it smell like ‘mommy’)

4. Going home outfit for you

5. "Granny" panties (in case)

6. Sanitary towels – coz the hospital ones are GROSS

7. Breast pads

8. Lansinoh cream

9. Jungle Juice (Your partner can make it for you and bring it to you later)

10. Comfy pajamas

11. Gown

12. Slippers

13. Nursing bras

14. Notebook & pen (in case you want to remember something because it can get very overwhelming)

15. Birthplan

16. Admission documentation (ID & Medical Aid card etc.)

17. Camera

18. Massage Oil & Arnica Oil

19. Snacks and drinks

20. Hairbands & clip

21. Music (if you wish to play music during labour)

22. Phone Charger

23. Toiletries

24. Ear plugs  (in case)

25. Nursing pillow

26. 1 or 2 pacifiers 

27. Hairdryer

28. Photos of your other children (if applicable). When they come to visit, they'll see that you haven't forgotten them.

OK think that’s it!

P.S. Start tanning nipples (heard it helps) - DO NOT SCRUB. 

Jungle Juice Recipe:

- 1 litre Apple / Berry Juice (I find that Appleberry and Cranberry & Cherry are the nicest)

- 2 litres water

- 1 Sachet Blackcurrant Rehidrate (you can buy this from Pick n Pay in the baby and / or medicine section or from Dischem)

- 60ml Blackthornberry Elixir (this is in the Homeopathic section)

- 10 drops Rescue Remedy (per glass) – this is optional but it really helps

The Diary of a New Age Hippy Mom: Doing it Over

The Diary of a New Age Hippy Mom: Doing it Over

What you may not know or be told about vaccines...

While I understand that people have a right to make up their own minds, I do not appreciate untruths being told to sway people either way. We are talking about innocent children's lives and I believe that everyone is acting in their best interests, but there is more to what is being told by pharmaceutical companies.
And until someone in your family is affected by vaccines I understand that you will most likely be swayed to vaccinate.
Some interesting facts:

1. SV40 Contamination
In 1960, it was determined that the rhesus monkey kidney cells used to prepare the poliovirus vaccines were infected with the SV40 virus (Simian Virus-40).[44] SV40 was also discovered in 1960 and is a naturally occurring virus that infects monkeys. In 1961, SV40 was found to cause tumors in rodents.[45] More recently, the virus was found in certain forms of cancer in humans, for instance brain and bone tumors, pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma, and some types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.[46][47] However, it has not been determined that SV40 causes these cancers.[48]
SV40 was found to be present in stocks of the injected form of the polio vaccine (IPV) in use between 1955 to 1963.[44] It is not found in the OPV form.[44] Over 98 million Americans received one or more doses of polio vaccine between 1955 to 1963 when a proportion of vaccine was contaminated with SV40; it has been estimated that 10–30 million Americans may have received a dose of vaccine contaminated with SV40.[44] Later analysis suggested that vaccines produced by the former Soviet bloc countries until 1980, and used in the USSR, China, Japan, and several African countries, may have been contaminated; meaning hundreds of millions more may have been exposed to SV40.

2. Varicella Vaccine 
Chickenpox is treatable with antiviral medication. 

3. Hepatitis B Vaccine
The Hep B vaccine is controversial because it contains undesirable ingredients including 250 micrograms of aluminum and traces of formaldehyde. Hepatitis is quite uncommon in infants with less than 3,600 cases per year. It can be transferred through blood from an infected mom to her baby through the birthing process, or through an infected family member through saliva, however this is very rare. You could avoid this controversial vaccine by knowing your Hep B status. 

4. The flu vaccine 
The flu vaccine given to a pregnant mother will increase the chances of her child getting schizophrenia or autism by SEVEN times.  
Fluvax was recalled and banned for children under 5 in Australia. 

5. Fetal cells
Varicella (chickenpox), rubella, hepatitis A, shingles and one preparation of rabies vaccine are all made in fetal embryo fibroblast cells. These cells were first obtained from elective termination of two pregnancies in the early 1960s. These same embryonic cells obtained from the early 1960s have continued to grow in the laboratory and are used to make vaccines today.

6. Straight from the FDA
This extract is from the FDA's page linking autism to vaccine "Adverse events reported during post-approval use of Tripedia vaccine include idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, SIDS, 
anaphylactic reaction, cellulitis, autism, convulsion/grand mal convulsion, encephalopathy, hypotonia, neuropathy, somnolence 
and apnea. Events were included in this list because of the seriousness or frequency of reporting. Because these events are 
reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequencies or to 
establish a causal relationship to components of Tripedia vaccine."

7. Vaccine Shedding 
Shedding is real - even on the FDA's website. "It is rare, but possible, that once you have the vaccine, you could spread the chickenpox virus to others"

http://www.vaccinationinformationnetwork.com/why-it-is-important-to-decline-the-hepatitis-b-vaccine-for-your-new-baby-on-your-birth-plan/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QBcMYqlaDs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efto1LpWkKw&feature=youtu.be
http://youtu.be/u9DkcpEEBPI

http://www.mamanatural.com/vaccines/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polio_vaccine

http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/05/20/us-obama-cia-idUSBREA4J02E20140520

http://www.h4cblog.com/vaccines-and-the-myth-of-herd-immunity
http://www.vaccinationinformationnetwork.com/why-it-is-important-to-decline-the-hepatitis-b-vaccine-for-your-new-baby-on-your-birth-plan/
http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/parents-of-saba-button-who-was-victim-of-flu-vaccine-debacle-receive-payout-from-wa-government/story-fnhocxo3-1226945651845
http://www.chop.edu/service/vaccine-education-center/vaccine-safety/vaccine-ingredients/fetal-tissues.html

Another Cold @ Snotcentral

Since my daughter got her chicken pox vaccine she's only been 100% well for 4 days altogether and it's been 2 months already. Today she has another full blown cold again. It's Snotcentral at home...

We've tried all the usual natural remedies such as Karval / Vicks rubs etc. but I have decided to tackle this head on today with the following combo:

1. No milk

2. Adding cinnamon and 1tsp of coconut oil to her rooibos tea instead. (both claim to be beneficial) For sore throats a dash of honey could be added too.

3. Saline solution for nosespray

4. A dash of sunshine (Vitamin D)

5. Added garlic to mealtimes.

6. Karval / Vicks rubbed on feet, chest and back.

7. Humidifier at night.

8. Ferr Phos Tissue Salts - for inflammation and fever and Nat Mur for Colds. 

9. Only give fever reducing medication if temperature is 38.4 and above. (It's recommended that you alternate Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen every 4 hours as needed to prevent the child from receiving too much of one medication.)

More info:

http://www.thrivingkids.co.za/pdf's/FEVER%20The%20things%20I%20have%20to%20know.pdf

Doing it Over

Things I'd do differently the second time around. After being quite particular about having e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g with the first baby, I think I could scale the products down this time around, however I seem to be upping the amount of crazy on certain things like vaccines.

Birth Plan:

Last time I didn't even have a birth plan because I didn't want to stir at the hospital, but this time I'm better informed and so my birth plan will most definitely include:

• Exclusive breastfeeding (on demand)
• Delay bathing in order to get more skin on skin time as soon as possible, bathing may be delayed until day 2. Plus the vernix exhibits antioxidant, skin cleansing, temperature-regulating and antibacterial properties.
• No Hepatitis B vaccine
• No Oral Polio (OPV) vaccine
• No BCG vaccine
• If I cant be present for whatever reason then my husband should be present and even provide skin on skin contact
• No continuous electronic fetal monitoring
• I'm still in two minds on whether to attempt a VBAC. Found this VBAC calculator here: https://mfmu.bsc.gwu.edu/PublicBSC/MFMU/VGBirthCalc/vagbirth.html
• Predicted chance of vaginal birth after cesarean:  68.8% 

Products I'd buy this time around:

• A decent waterproof baby bag
• A double stroller? Still pondering about this one. 
• Fold up baby bath
• Humidifier - you never know when you'll need it. But  I've learnt it's best to plan ahead. 
• I already have a breast pump - but if I did it over from scratch I'd make sure I had one from the start and make it a double breast pump.
• Baby Sling
• Maternity Clothes - last time everyone said maternity clothes were such a waste - well I think it's worse feeling like a piggy while you're already feeling like a cow. :P
• New baby bottles - preferably the Tommee Tippee glass ones that unfortunately we can only find in Singapore?!

Products I wouldn't buy or use again:

• Walking Ring
• Bouncing chair
• Cheap baby grows or vests - these stretch badly, I'd rather have fewer decent ones this time. 
• Talc Powder e.g. Johnson and Johnsons - rather use cornstarch powder
• Bumbo seat

Hop Hop Hop - Babies first words

Now this post is more for me than it is for you. I am going to jot down all of monkey's words to try remember them all. She is 16 months old today and this weekend she started making her bunnies and frogs jump and saying Hop Hop Hop. Too cute for words, excuse the pun.  

1st Baby		2nd Baby
1. "Hop Hop Hop"		1. Hello
2. "BOOM"		2. Boo (for Baloo - our dog)
3. "Du__" for duck		3. Dada
		4. Nononono (shaking head)
4. "inished" for finished		5. Der
5. "Der" for there		6. umum
6. "Taa"		7. Aayaa (for Ava)
7. "Hello"		8. Bir (birds)
8. "Baba"
9. "Dad"		9. Dad
10. "Mamma"/"Mum"
11. "Up"
12. "Down"
13. "No no no"
14. "I got it"
15. "Oh dear"
16. "Oh no"
17. "Birrd" / "Birdie"
18. "Bawoo" for Baloo (our dog)
19. "Star"
20. "How I wonner" (How I wonder)
21. "Juice"
22. "Wow"
23. "Hi Dada"
24. "Nomnomnom"
25. "More"
26. "Row row row"
27. "Ballooo" for balloon
28. "Ball"
29. "Yes sir"
30. "Boat"
31. "Heart"
32. "jump"
33. "Outside"
34. "Paint"
35. "Ou-pa"
36. "Pants"
16 Months - 17 Months
37. "Bunnee" (our other dog)
38. "Touch"
39. "Cat"
40. "Wait"
41. "Bunnee inside"
42. "Dad, where he?"
43. "Gone"
44. "Plane"
45. "Bum"
46. "Apple"
47. "Tickle" ("tick-tick" before)
48. "Pease" for 'please'
49. "Book"
50. "Oops"
51. "Ouma"
52. "One, two, weee"		"Pop"
53. "Nose"		"Down"
54. "Eye"
55. "Head"		"Up"
56. "Ten"
57. "Nine"		"Appe" for Apple
58. "Boots"
59. "Hat"		"I wuv woo"
60. "wim" (swim)		"Pease"
61. "wing" (swing)		"Mieu"
62. "Poo" (she says this for wee and poo)		"Moo"
63. "Potty"		"Ball"
64. "Moon"
65. "Bed" for "bread"		"Hat"
66. "Tea"
67. "Bye"		"Bed" for bread
68. "GeeGee" for great gran		"Outside"
69. "Ganny" (Granny)		"Gone"
70. "Bee" fro Granny Bee		"Gampa"
71. "Piglet"
18 Months		18 Months
72. "Bye Nuh"		"Mommy"
73. "eat"		"Daddy"
74. "Back"		"Ganny"
75. "Hair"		"Yewwow"
76. "Milk"		"Biscuit"
77. "Walk"		"Puzzle"
78. "Waaker" and then "Water"...		"Bum Bum" - for poo bum
79. "Ear"
80. "Red"
81. "Hug"
82. "petty" (pretty)
83. "Baloo No!"
84. "Naana" (banana)
85. "Bue" (blue)
86. "yewwow" (yellow)
87. "purple"
88. "pink"
89. "Kircle" (for circle)
90. "yogurt"
"91. pincess" (princess)
92. "Baaf" (bath)
93. "Where are you?"
94. "No ways!"
95. "HayHay car"
96. "HayHay Gone"
97. "Moon Gone"
98. "Love" --- THE BEST ONE YET
99. "shoool" (school)
100. "TV"
101. "Colour"
102. "Teef" (teeth)
103. "beach car"
104. "go home"
105. "Annie" (her bunny)
106. "like it"
107. "Grampa"
108. "Really?"
109. "What?"
110. "want it"
111. "Jan" (her teachers name)
112. "hmmm I know"

The Baking Soda Test and other DIY gender tests

1. Ever heard of the Baking Soda Test? Well me neither!

It's a gender test, also known as another old wives tale, but hey - seems fun, and I will be trying it tonight! A little DIY project and fun in one. Can see if it agrees with the Chinese calendar which says: 

The test itself is easy enough - you put a tablespoon or two of baking soda in a glass. Then add some of your urine to the baking soda. If the combination fizzes, like a soft drink that has been shaken up, then you are having a boy. On the other hand if there is no reaction at all from the baking soda and urine, you're having a girl.

. . .…And it fizzed about 1cm of foam, according to the rules of the Baking Soda Test – it must've been be a boy with MCP. *CP = ? Yet to try

Give it a try, and let us know. 

Here are some other home gender tests rooted in "Old wives' tales":

2. The Cabbage Test — Cut one red cabbage into chunks, boil for 10 minutes, then set aside. Head for the bathroom, and pee into a cup. In a separate cup, mix 1 part urine with 1 part cabbage water. If the water turns pink or red, this indicates boy. If the water is purple, it’s a girl.
* ? Yet to try

3. IntelliGender — This is an over-the-counter gender prediction test available at drugstores such as Dischem in South Africa. Again, you pee into a cup. IntelliGender claims 90% accuracy, and can be performed as early as 10 weeks, however I took this test, it said boy. The R450.00 that I spent made me wish I had flipped a coin, my first born was definitely not a boy!
* Wont try this one again

4. Chinese Gender Predictor Calendar — Consult the Chinese Gender Calendar / Calculator to see if you’re having a boy, or a girl. This one was accurate for me the first time around this time it too says boy. Will have to wait and see...
*MCP = boy?; CP = boy?


5. Hairline Gender Test — If this is your second child, check your son or daughters neck hairline. If the hairline comes to a point, the baby you are pregnant with will be the opposite gender. If the hairline goes straight across, it will be the same gender. I am yet to try this test.
*MCP = girl?; CP = ?

6. Even and Odd
Legend has it that the Mayans determined a baby's sex by looking at the mother's age at conception and the year of conception. If both are even or odd, it's a girl. If one's even and one's odd, it's a boy.
*MCP = girl?; CP = boy?

7. Make Use of Your Wedding Ring
Pop off your wedding ring -- if you still can! -- and tie it to a string. Hang it over your belly. If it swings in a circle, a little guy's in your future. If it goes back and forth, you've got a girl.
* ? Yet to try


*MCP = Missed Carriage Pregnancy
*CP = Current Pregnancy