How To Save Money Buying Natural Organic Food

Buying organic foods is a growing necessity for many families. The more concerned we become about the pollutants and chemicals in our food, the greater the need for organic replacements. However, it’s not always easy to go down the organic route as this can be expensive for many families.

Here are a few tips to help you save on organic foods:

#1 – Buy in season. Seasonal product cost less and is also better for you. Our bodies are designed to eat according to our environment and buying in season helps you achieve this. In the summer we need more watery foods like cucumbers, tomatoes and peppers. These also have higher sources of vitamins and nutrients designed to help us during the summer months. In the winter our bodies need the dense energy found in root vegetables such as squash and pumpkins.

Where possible choose seasonal fruit and veg for your table. If you frequent organic farmers market this is quite easy to do as many tend to grow only in the season.

#2 – Grow your own. Growing your own is more popular than ever. It really isn’t too difficult or time consuming to grow your own veg. You don’t need to go down the route of being completely self sufficient (unless you’d like to be of course), you can simply grow a few vegetables here and there to help make a dent in your food bill.

It’s also very rewarding to grow your own. One of the easiest vegetables to grow is lettuce, spinach, tomatoes and cucumbers. All are quite pricey if purchased organically at the supermarket and you can easily grow your own at home even with little space.

Try your hand at growing different varieties of fruit and veg and you may just find you get hooked. There is nothing more satisfying than growing and harvesting your own food.

#3 – Buying local versus organic. Many small local farmers use ethical methods for growing their foods – meaning they reduce the amount of pesticides and chemicals used and grow in the most natural way possible. However, many are not certified organic farmers as this can be a pricey and lengthy process for the average small farmer.

In this case, it may be best to weight out the options of buying local versus imported organic. Imported organic fruit and veg is harmful to the environment because of the transport issue and also tends to loose more nutrients and vitamins due to long storage times. Buying local, fresh, in season produce may be a better alternative in a lot of cases. The decision is ultimately yours. You may be also lucky enough to have a local, organic farmers market near you – although pricier it is the best of both worlds.

Buying organic foods is possible with a little research and persistence. It’s also worth adding that buying and cooking foods from scratch may be cheaper (even organic varieties) than buying pre-packaged foods – not to mention better for you.

You can also look at other ways to cut back in your budget, such as eating out less and use the extra funds for your organic food budget.

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How Doulas Can Help You to Achieve a Positive Birth Experience

Ever wonder what a doula is and what they can do for you? The word doula is actually a Greek word that means women’s servant. A doula is a non-medical assistant in childbirth. Here’s how a doula can help you achieve a positive birth experience.

A doula’s job depends largely on their training and what you need them to do. A doula offers assistance in one or all of the three phases of pregnancy. They can:

1. Offer support during prenatal care,
2. Offer support during childbirth
3. Be an essential support person after childbirth and during the postpartum period.

Prenatal Care Doula Assistance

Before childbirth, a doula can answer a myriad of questions a pregnant mother may have. She can also assist with nutrition guidelines and offer assistance when it comes to preparing for the actual childbirth. She may also assist the midwife with any examinations. If an expectant mother is dealing with a difficult pregnancy or is assigned to bed rest, an Antepartum Doula can provide emotional and physical support.

Childbirth Assistance

Depending on the level of training a doula has, she may attend your home labor, drive you to the hospital, and attend your birth at the hospital or birthing center.

Her primary job will be to make sure the birthing experience is as positive as possible. She may offer massage, assist with pain-relieving techniques like deep breathing exercises and she can also help facilitate the communication between husband or partner and wife. She can be invaluable for keeping everyone calm, cool, and collected.

She’s the mother’s and the father’s advocate during the labor and delivery process.

Postpartum Doula

A postpartum doula can begin immediately after delivery and she can assist with the breastfeeding process, which can be a real challenge for many new mothers.

Postpartum doulas also facilitate the recovery period and can visit a new mother in her home. She can offer newborn care assistance and advice and in some cases, help the mother manage the household by helping with chores and tasks. Additionally, postpartum doulas can be essential for recognizing and helping mothers through postpartum depression.

Where to Go to Find a Doula

If you’re interested in hiring a doula to help with any stage of your pregnancy you can visit americanpregnancy.org and search for a doula in your area. Certification is not required by law but it is available. When dealing with your health and happiness, certification is generally a good idea. You can also visit DONA, Doulas of North America to find a certified doula near you. When hiring a doula, be sure to hire one who is knowledgeable and skilled in the stage of pregnancy you need her for. Ask about training and fees, and make sure she’s available when you need her.

Doulas offer expectant mothers the comfort and convenience they need at this important time in their lives. They’re someone you can rely on to share information, support you emotionally and physically, and to help you manage your upcoming and new responsibilities. While they’re not really a ‘woman’s servant’ they truly are valued and a wonderful way to enhance the birth experience.

Frugal Portable Potty For ECers

Years ago, back when I was practicing  Elimination Communication with my baby, I got to Marnie Holme’s website Noonee Wilga, where she explains her invention, the Very Portable Potty System (VPPS).

I got excited and went off to get the needed materials to build my own version of this fantastic EC gadget for my son.

When Baby Has To Go, Baby Has To Go!

There are many situations where you’re not near a bathroom.  This happened to us in train stations, inside a train and a bus, airports, and dozens of places both indoors and outdoors. You may think it would be awkward, but since most people are unaware that little babies can use the toilet this way, it’s very probable that nobody will notice what’s going on.

Make your own VPPS with things you already have at home: Read more

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