Monday, March 16, 2009

Awesomeness and Awfulness

I'll start with the awfulness, so we can end on a good note...

Remember this post? The one where I mentioned that baby lotions and soaps are basically totally unnecessary and possibly harmful? Well, last Friday's Washington Post warned: "Probable Carcinogens Found in Baby Toiletries." Though the manufacturers of these products claim the levels are very low and within government regulations, health and consumer advocates argue that repeated exposure could have a cumulative damaging effect. In any case, there are more natural alternatives out there, and warm water alone does the trick just fine for newborns. Remember... dirt is good for babies.

Now the awesomeness...

I met another home birthing momma at church yesterday. We had a fun chat and she gave me some helpful tips. But... get this... she pushed out a 12 lb baby in ten minutes with no episiotomy or tearing! My response: "That is AWESOME." I love hearing those stories. Don't let anyone tell you, "Your baby is too big." Mommy hips and baby heads are flexible for a reason.

2 comments:

Holly Steffen said...

adult shampoos and soaps are just as bad! scary!

i need to become a doula! =] (maybe when my kids are grown enough to watch themselves)

Brooke said...

Wow... that is crazy. I am so glad to have you as a resource! :o) You have and continue to bless my life daily! And no doubt, I will have a healthier home and baby because of you! :o) Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge!