Food and herbs are the number one source for calcium and the safest during pregnancy. It's the most available form of calcium and is considered an organic source when coming from food. Inorganic calcium is not as bioavailable and the amounts not absorbed can stay in the body instead of being eliminated. Little ones in the womb are being knit together and take calcium from your body to build what they need, bones and ligaments etc. Many women who aren't absorbing or taking in enough calcium go on to have health issues with their teeth and bones when their bodies weren't supported during this time period. The calcium you take is for YOU!!! It also can reduce some aches and discomfort you might have during pregnancy that is associated with calcium deficiency.

The United States has some room for improvement in maternal and infant mortality rates, to say the least. We believe in general, those of us in the doula world, giving families more choices could help to decrease these numbers. Birthing your own way can be relative to your own situation. For one family it might mean being in a hospital without pitocin or epidural. For another, it may mean birthing at home safely with their Certified Nurse Midwife. Again, it might mean choosing to not be induced and instead letting birth come without medical intervention.

While we are on the subject of inductions, although they can at times be medically necessary, did you know that they are associated with higher cesarean section rates?

Here at Your Herbal Doula we support all births, all forms of birthing, and are for empowering families to educate themselves and speak up for themselves. When asked where I support women and what kind of births do I attend? Answer: All births. Although most of my support and births are in hospitals I have attended homebirths, birth center births, surprise births, breech births, VBAC births, transport births, cesarean operating room births and induction births just to name a few.

What can we do as doulas, birth workers or families interested in birth advocacy to make a difference? One, education is key and two, speaking up and not being afraid to advocate for each other. I like to say that I am an advocate and not an activist. I have had my share of activism in making changes but have more success in advocating for, empowering, educating, and supporting women and families in the birthing world. One person, one family, one birth at a time.

There is no perfect box or cookie cutter mold for advocacy and activism because we truly need all forms. We need people voting, we need people educating, we need people lobbying, we need people offering low income friendly services, we need doulas, we need midwives, we need OBGYNS and nurses stepping up, we need hospitals making changes, we need alternatives, and we need empowered families.

I'd love to hear from those in my community what they are doing to make changes and make a positive impact in your area. Please leave a comment below to share you business, your office, your non-profit, your classes and your mission. I'd love to hear from you and spread your work. To me this isn't a competition, but rather a heart mission.

Blessings.

Jessica

Maternal Mortality Is Rising in the U.S. As It Declines Elsewhere
Deaths per 100,000 live births

Recently at a birth a client was eating a perfectly balanced protein ball with wonderful ingredients and I thought it was the most perfect food for energy for birthing time.

Here is my protein ball recipe that I use for snack time and it's the one I make for my kids also. You can change the ingredients per your dietary needs. We use almond butter because we have a high peanut allergy in our family. This recipe can also be used for hungry doulas who want or need a snack while serving a client.

Enjoy!

Almond Butter Protein Balls - A birthing time recipe - Bitesize

1 cup nut butter (we use almond butter)
2 Tablespoons Coconut oil or butter
1 cup oats
1/2 cup finely shredded coconut
2 Teaspoons honey or agave or maple syrup
3 Tablespoons Chocolate Nibs or small chocolate chips (optional): may use carob.

Directions for making:

1. Leave out or melt almond butter and coconut oil to soften.
2. Mix in oats, coconut, honey, and chocolate chips, if using.
3. Shape into 1-inch balls (bitesize) and refrigerate in a plastic tub or glassware with a lid.

Let me know how you like your protein balls, a birthing time recipe, and comment below. What did you change about the recipe?

 Fudge Raw Delicious Coconut Oil Fudge (Guilt free - sort of)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of coconut oil
• 1 cup cocoa powder or RAW cocoa
• 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract or extract of choice (lemon)
• raw honey (or other natural sweetener like maple syrup)
• Pinch of sea salt or salty spice
• Optional: 2-4 Drops lemon or orange essential oil or you can use infused coconut oil (I like orange)

Instructions:

1. Measure 1 cup of coconut oil and scoop it out into a mixing bowl. Whip the coconut oil with a stand or hand mixer (if you have strong forearms) until it’s light and fluffy. Remember: If your coconut oil is room temperature and already liquid you can skip this step.
2. Mix the whipped (or melted if you live in warmer climate) coconut oil, cocoa powder, vanilla and salt together. Mix well and slowly add honey or sweetener of choice. Taste as you go to make sure you don’t over sweeten your fudge. Mix in 2-4 drops of lemon or orange essential oil if using. You can use organic extract instead if you prefer.
3. Line a 9×5 inch pan (silicone or glass) with parchment paper and pour fudge into it. Spread fudge evenly cover the pan with a lid or plastic wrap or lid.
4. Refrigerate until fudge is set and hard, about 4 hours or freeze for 30 minutes.
5. Cut fudge into small squares and enjoy!

Yields 2 cups of coconut oil fudge.

I serve this for birthdays, playdates and special occasions. Fudge can be guilt free right?

I love it and I hope you do too!

You can make it vegan by not using honey.