tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51771315347608529472024-03-05T19:27:52.635-08:00Doula6AngelitaDoula6Angelitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07977908417546059783noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177131534760852947.post-26088226443015083202010-03-26T18:48:00.000-07:002010-03-26T18:51:08.054-07:00Go Red! for Women Weekly Digest 0326<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPiFqf8rmzcNU77jqhFXpkpD72nD5d7iZBvWrnSZ7qTN5E2xY2m8YrOmXxNnjnsnhB_NwejTIQKPqw4LQerAqJN5eIw2CZhA2xHFG2Bidg6ZrVjfHXPArSbPCWF4sxSIuupGjx6eqHtk/s1600/anatomicalheartpicture.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 162px; height: 196px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPiFqf8rmzcNU77jqhFXpkpD72nD5d7iZBvWrnSZ7qTN5E2xY2m8YrOmXxNnjnsnhB_NwejTIQKPqw4LQerAqJN5eIw2CZhA2xHFG2Bidg6ZrVjfHXPArSbPCWF4sxSIuupGjx6eqHtk/s400/anatomicalheartpicture.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453125078817955058" /></a><br /><br /><br />In this week's issue, I want to address the use of medicinal foods to combat health maladies such as heart disease. This use of food as medicine ought to be preventative as well as restorative. Nourishing and nutritious foods help the body to fight its way towards health. Using food to maintain and restore health is both right and good, and a good method of achiving the correct modification of lifestyle so necessary to achieving optimal health.<br /><br />So, what are these so-called super foods?<br /><br />*purple grapes and purple grape juice<br /><br />*cinnamon<br /><br />*black, green, oolong tea<br /><br />*spinach<br /><br />*salmon<br /><br />*vitamin D<br /><br />*olive leaf extract<br /><br />*orange juice<br /><br /><br />Grapes prevent LDL buildup. Grape juice increases the immune system. Cinnamon increases good/HDL cholesterol while declining blood pressure. Teas contrel stress cortisols from circulating in the body. Spinach strengthens blood vessels. Olive leaf decreases blood pressure. Orange juice increases the production of collagen which keeps veins and capillaries strong. Vitamin D decreases inflammation and increases immunity. Fish oil and cod liver oils regulate cholesterol and have antiinflammatory properties.<br /><br />With all the advances in science, sometimes it is the small and accessible changes that can do the most good. All of these foods are within reach, and within budget. As some of them do the same things, then concentrate on your diet and you may just be surprised at how your health improves!<br /><br /><br /><br />GO RED! FOR WOMEN HEART HEALTH CHECKLIST FOR 0326:<br /><br />1. Get your numbers www.goredforwomen.org<br /><br />2. Make an appointment with your doctor to see what you can do to improve health.<br /><br />3. Add healthful foods to your diet. You can do it! Try at least three things off of the list and add them to your daily meals.<br /><br />4. Have a laugh! Give yourself a good chuckle to get your heart going!<br /><br /><br />Once again, from the bottom of my heart,<br /><br />From my heart to yours,<br /><br />Doula Angelita<br />Heart Health Ambassador<br />San Jose American Health AssociationDoula6Angelitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07977908417546059783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177131534760852947.post-28222832811759464212010-03-04T20:23:00.000-08:002010-03-04T20:25:31.630-08:00Half the Sky Live<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkW_4xmQ1EMGR8f-tdrO_N1l-pdZEQg0fqqZIxJTtsuIQnpYq2guWje-peMIXHfk41WVyexGDVBkFxyKNqMOAuuxfCACqPkAtVQY3ne8OuvpJBrAnOFBMUfVXLFE8clOmitIfu_VSgPGg/s1600-h/iwd_link2.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 142px; height: 169px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkW_4xmQ1EMGR8f-tdrO_N1l-pdZEQg0fqqZIxJTtsuIQnpYq2guWje-peMIXHfk41WVyexGDVBkFxyKNqMOAuuxfCACqPkAtVQY3ne8OuvpJBrAnOFBMUfVXLFE8clOmitIfu_VSgPGg/s400/iwd_link2.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445001027517454290" /></a><br />Half the Sky LIVE: San Jose to participate in the premiere <br />March 4, 7:11 PMSan Jose Stay-at-Home Moms ExaminerDoula AngelitaPrevious Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe Subscribe<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />"Women hold up half the sky." This is a Chinese proverb according women the respect they deserve for being an integral part of the human experience. Though in actual fact, the whole of Chinese history can be seen as a struggle of the yin and the yang, the male and the female, women do hold a peculiar role in many societies.<br /><br />Necessary for reproduction, to bring forth an heir, to cement alliances, to forge new enterprises, at the same time wholesale slavery and prostitution, genital mutilation, mass rape, HIV/AIDS, domestic violence, bullying, etc. conspire to keep women subjugated and in a position of inequality. International Women's Day addresses these disparities, and seeks to shine a light on those issues which maintain women in an inferior position. For this reason, in honour of International Women's Day, a special 500 city screening of "Half the Sky LIVE" will occur-and San Jose movie theatres will present the event on three screens.<br /><br />Half the Sky LIVE is an interactive event in which there will be a screening of Marisa Tomei's film "Woineshet" the story of one Ethiopian woman who finds a pathway to triumph despite rape, forced marriage, and discrimination. In addition to the viewing, there will be readings from the Half the Sky book of various other women profiled in the book. India.Arie, Sarah Ferguson, Sheryl Wudunn, and Maria Bello are scheduled to perform the dramatic readings. In addition, there will be a discussion panel featuring the women and a chance to sign up and volunteer with various organizations supporting women worldwide.<br /><br />In San Jose, the following cinemas will showcase the film at 7:30P:<br /><br />CineArts @ Santana Row, 3088 Olsen Dr. 800.32632646-983#<br /><br />AMC Eastridge 15, 2190 Eastridge Loop, 408.274.2274<br /><br />Century 20 Oakridge, 925 Blossom Hill Rd. 800.32632646-972#<br /><br />This is an important event for the San Jose Community, especially in view of the fact that San Jose is home to the Woman's Club. Founded in 1894, this venerable organization is dedicated to promoting the causes of humanity through the works of women. Not only do they support the Half the Sky LIVE event, they have a year's worth of activities to celebrate the cause of women. " Half the Sky LIVE puts a new and fresh set of eyes on the situation of women, something that we uphold here at the Woman's Club", declares member Diana Zappel. "We give our full support to Half the Sky LIVE" she continues.<br /><br />For all those interested in how the triumph of the human spirit trumps institutionalized inhumanity, for all who are interested in women's studies, for all interested in seeing and participating in a discussion of the human condition, Half of the Sky LIVE affords a wonderful opportunity to do just that. The fact that three screens in San Jose will be occupied with this event at 7:30P is a testament to San Jose's committment to women and women's issues.<br /><br />More About: Doula Angelita · San Jose's Community Doula · Uganda · Education · San Jose · black history month · family activities · women's issues · women's advocacy · girl power ShareThisDoula6Angelitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07977908417546059783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177131534760852947.post-73292381820946656082010-03-04T00:03:00.000-08:002010-03-04T00:13:15.473-08:00Of interest..8 rules..<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFImRAnJ19PRzsz1hZHEAZBgM_93F_YZM4DJoy7lbvYFhY5ktJHxdgvLI49uNukkQl0KT57nlGP_L2Se2Ps3U2Ch9JfgaVkYyPa7vhP94sV87Yja4F2xBSvvReyTUm5COHvVXoRHsLbCE/s1600-h/0025-0802-2113-0955_clip_art_graphic_of_a_honey_bee_cartoon_character_screaming_into_a_megaphone.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 149px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFImRAnJ19PRzsz1hZHEAZBgM_93F_YZM4DJoy7lbvYFhY5ktJHxdgvLI49uNukkQl0KT57nlGP_L2Se2Ps3U2Ch9JfgaVkYyPa7vhP94sV87Yja4F2xBSvvReyTUm5COHvVXoRHsLbCE/s400/0025-0802-2113-0955_clip_art_graphic_of_a_honey_bee_cartoon_character_screaming_into_a_megaphone.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444688759882668386" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Here are some rules of Life to ponder:<br /><br />1. Give credit, take blame.<br /><br />2. Don't boast, compliment.<br /><br />3. In progress? Finish then celebrate!<br /><br />4. Don't throw sand or mud.<br /><br />5. Take a nap. Frequently.<br /><br />6. Good manners cost nothing.<br /><br />7. Speak not in anger.<br /><br />8. Look in the mirror and like who you see.<br /><br /><br />Happiness for today!Doula6Angelitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07977908417546059783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177131534760852947.post-15276811764959596992010-02-18T19:19:00.000-08:002010-02-19T02:10:37.380-08:00Of interest to women...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM1ke6HR_IGDEyNDFYI21Ac6-9t1TVvQjJAVA6xvutKgUkzl8c0LVyYMAI6pJX174hXfIYdrSOGd1OG0I-Jr53k46vKNtDgwhqf0gJ-2MjxIrIFt04Lw22Eq65XBYJlew-oE-rUuWnVZo/s1600-h/mireilleguiliano.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 181px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM1ke6HR_IGDEyNDFYI21Ac6-9t1TVvQjJAVA6xvutKgUkzl8c0LVyYMAI6pJX174hXfIYdrSOGd1OG0I-Jr53k46vKNtDgwhqf0gJ-2MjxIrIFt04Lw22Eq65XBYJlew-oE-rUuWnVZo/s400/mireilleguiliano.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439894468372321746" /></a><br /><br /><br />Recently, I had the welcome opportunity to read an entertaining and informative slim volume, "French Women Don't Get Fat" by Mireille Guiliano. Ms. Guiliano, born in France, is a businesswoman who rose through the ranks of Veuve Clicquot using her personal business manifesto as well her own brand of savoir faire. With a master's in French and German, and a command of many other languages, Ms. Giuliano's talents as an entrepreneur are in high demand. The authoress of three volumes, her confidence and soignee are very much appreciated.<br /><br />In "French Women Don't Get Fat", Ms. Guiliano begins a dialogue in which she compares and contrasts the lifestyle choices of American with French women. Skillfully intertwining history and anecdotes, she illustrates the pathway that each culture takes to achieve their goals and ideals. For example, the constant need for technological connectivity has displaced civility, and the art of human interactions such as flirting, socializing and friendship. Also, she make the point that while one culture has a relaxed, friendly and nonstressed relationship with food, the other has a love/hate, schizophrenic attitude towards food and food rituals.<br /><br />Ms. Guiliano presents an opportunity for us to re-examine the ways that we interact with both food and with the world around us. In more ways than one, she challenges us to see our experiences through different eyes. <br /><br />Ms. Guiliano's other titles include:<br /><br />French Women for All Seasons<br /><br />Women, Work and the Art of Savoir Faire<br /><br />French Women Don't Get Fat Cookbook(April 2010)Doula6Angelitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07977908417546059783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177131534760852947.post-78729100658831626192010-02-17T19:03:00.000-08:002010-02-17T19:14:23.388-08:00Of interest to mothersTwo new items, one a book and one a research article, attracted my attention recently. "Get me out" by Randi Hutter Epstein, MD is a book chronicling the development of obstetrics throughout history. The other is an article published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, reveals the truth behind two famous obstetrics pioneers.<br /><br />"Get me out" is a thick tome, rich in information and details about the movement of the birth process from the women-dominated home to the male dominated hospital setting. Along the way, there are various schemes, secrets, deals and plots, and many people who did things we look at askance today in the name of "science". There are also heroes, and those in-between, but the real recommendation of this book is in the flow of the story, and the unfolding of the big picture behind birth.<br /><br /><br />Mr. Don Shelton, in writing on the careers of Mssrs. Hunter and Smellie, aims to reveal that much of the knowledge that is taken for granted now was obtained under the most horrendous conditions. Body snatching, the abuse of the poor, the indifference to the marginalized-these were all taken for granted in the quest for knowledge. Well-known is the perpetual experimentation on slaves; this study reveals that poor whites fared little better in the search for clues as to how the human body worked. The gem of this study is that it gives both pause and food for thought as to how some of the medical miracles and advancements were obtained.Doula6Angelitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07977908417546059783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177131534760852947.post-56871329516999946792010-02-05T00:09:00.000-08:002010-02-05T00:12:10.462-08:00GO RED! For Women 2010!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD74pAZY4hBsftWRDOy7_yF6T5muO8FkJhUvY2SU6O_bzM6LrGm0uDgucFKon3auVBEsYDBnB14ygvRpChEWzmtSEb3bnWv_Nug3HTichWwDOu9Oqvin9ATmESXFnzNrAFcxcpKx4YkFA/s1600-h/anatomicalheartpicture.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 162px; height: 196px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD74pAZY4hBsftWRDOy7_yF6T5muO8FkJhUvY2SU6O_bzM6LrGm0uDgucFKon3auVBEsYDBnB14ygvRpChEWzmtSEb3bnWv_Nug3HTichWwDOu9Oqvin9ATmESXFnzNrAFcxcpKx4YkFA/s400/anatomicalheartpicture.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434669183261546114" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Today is the day to pull out your red clothing, red shoes, red wig,your garnet and ruby jewellry, red power suit...it is time to GO RED! for women and to help save lives-including your own. Here in San Jose, the American Heart Association and its heart ambassadors, including San Jose's Community Doula, Doula Angelita, will be going red to spread the word about heart health and how to keep your heart happy and working well.<br /><br />Your heart pumps blood ceaselessy throughout the body. All organs are nourished as well as the happy fact that the blood carries oxygen so that your lungs can fill with air. The heart is hard-working and uncomplaining, pumping, adjusting, finding a way to keep the flow going even when it suffers damages. One of the most important facts about the heart is that it takes a licking and keeps on ticking long after parts of it have died due to disease.<br /><br />With the Go Red! initiative, the American Heart Association has a whole series of videos, on-line tools and outreach opportunities to keep your heart alive and well. Most of the advice is well-known: healthy diet, daily exercise, positive outlook, and getting adequate rest are all important ways to keep your heart healthy and happy. Additionally, there are recipes, opportunities to connect with others looking to improve their heart health, and ways to spread the word on heart health throughout the community.<br /><br />To keep your heart healthy, the simplest point of reference is the ABC of Heart Health. This involves avoiding tobacco, become more active, and choose good nutrition. This message is simple, portable and fits in perfectly with the GO RED! philosophy. GO RED! is the slogan to signal the wake-up call to action for each one of us. GO RED! is not for one day only, it is a life-long committment. GO RED! for women is a way to women to think about taking good care of ourselves so that we can continue to care for the others who enrich our lives.<br /><br />Doula Angelita, as a proud heart ambassador, will sponsor a series of Go Red! forums online every Friday in February. This Friday's forum will talk about the GO RED! system for maintaining heart health. She will also take questions from the general San Jose community regarding heart health. To connect with her or with the San Jose Heart Association, send an email to: sanjosecommunitydoula@gmail.com.Doula6Angelitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07977908417546059783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177131534760852947.post-73927538633729012462010-01-18T08:31:00.000-08:002010-01-18T08:49:31.296-08:00Am I my brother's keeper?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgId7xp4_tuTbz__W0rea2g6Hp6Lwpu3E9qK2n_6bW9dG9pBSmDFZrRhHac0ozAtlDGHxSl5GzNch35WMeoNVdkK8zJKW95WjDmnnRlRzT7JpETm1LDFIQ7jWPa2cGicNM3DmmO_zVCTSM/s1600-h/haitianwomanstuckinrubble.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgId7xp4_tuTbz__W0rea2g6Hp6Lwpu3E9qK2n_6bW9dG9pBSmDFZrRhHac0ozAtlDGHxSl5GzNch35WMeoNVdkK8zJKW95WjDmnnRlRzT7JpETm1LDFIQ7jWPa2cGicNM3DmmO_zVCTSM/s400/haitianwomanstuckinrubble.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428122959217894482" /></a><br />It is a question as old as time, as relevant as today, as urgent as tomorrow. Am I my brother's keeper? Am I responsible for the welfare and upkeep of my neighbor? Just who is my neighbor?How much should I help?<br /><br />These questions are the very same questions that great men throughout history have wrestled with, from Jesus, to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to Eli Wiesel. Great men and women throughout history have always pondered this question, and as long as man is on the earth it will always be with us.<br /><br />On this day of contemplation of the man Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the meaning of his life and legacy, and in view of the recent tragedy in Haiti, it is good, well, prudent and just to ponder these and other questions.<br /><br />Many are worried that committing aid to Haiti will bankrupt this already fragile economy of this country. Others worry about an increase in immigration. Still others are apprehensive over the potential for violence. Scores are predicting that things will never change, that Haiti will continue as the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere, etc.<br /><br />Today, let us all go forth, with humility and good will. Let us think upon the words of Dr. King:"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope. We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools." With Haiti, as with all the other countries of the world, neglect, abuse, intolerance, indifference will reap a whirlwind. Let us all sow peace, love, understanding, and rebuild Haiti with a will, and a purpose: to keep and maintain our brother in safety, with love and respect.Doula6Angelitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07977908417546059783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177131534760852947.post-5242958766989365502010-01-06T17:06:00.000-08:002010-01-06T17:20:19.567-08:00#WednesdayWisdom on Twitter!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgevgzO1v6Pco38_9ec01ASzhrYk7xqXIWi2qMCPLUOuE7cO25SuJYG26cG6fRI3DJVCY518-uxVAil7kY4so1Vn59tWRBDdZNg74vLzQrGkKwtkXeDNZQBqQjFsg7AScCjLZAKWCLfCXI/s1600-h/hibiscuspsychedelicus.bmp"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 389px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgevgzO1v6Pco38_9ec01ASzhrYk7xqXIWi2qMCPLUOuE7cO25SuJYG26cG6fRI3DJVCY518-uxVAil7kY4so1Vn59tWRBDdZNg74vLzQrGkKwtkXeDNZQBqQjFsg7AScCjLZAKWCLfCXI/s400/hibiscuspsychedelicus.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423801576215190578" /></a><br />TO: EVERYONE!<br />FR: DOULA ANGELITA<br />DT:06 JANUARY 2010<br />RE: #WEDNESDAYWISDOM<br /><br /><br /><br />This announcement is to let all know that on the first and third Wednesday of each month, Doula Angelita, San Jose's Community Doula, is launching a new initiative, #WednesdayWisdom, on Twitter.<br /><br />The purpose of #WEDNESDAYWISDOM is to discuss a topic and disseminate easy-to-use tips on how to incorporate the topic into your life. Additionally, Doula Angelita does a QnA session during #WEDNESDAYWISDOM in which she personally addresses issues concerning the audience.<br /><br />#WEDNESDAYWISDOM is a way for Doula Angelita to reach out to people in a comfortable way, and is a good way to demonstrate why she is San Jose's Community Doula and a leading expert on birth, parenting, nutrition and women's issues.<br /><br />Join Doula Angelita's new 2010 launch today and get inspired to best health! Bless!Doula6Angelitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07977908417546059783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177131534760852947.post-61457131111218609612010-01-04T17:10:00.000-08:002010-01-04T17:18:27.836-08:00No excuses, a new start.Many people are so excited for the New Year. This is the time when people are eagerly looking forward to having a new start and turning over a new leaf. Diet, exercise, personal characteristics, new ways of doing things are examined and mulled over. When it comes down to it, the best thing to do is to get to the brass tacks of what it is that you want to do with this new energy.<br /><br />One thing that I want to do is to help organize people in terms of diet and nutrition. My belief is that it is not enough to make a resolution to lose weight, one must implement a strategy in order to ensure that what is being revamped is a lifestyle, not just a food choice. For example, it is not enough to say "I must add vegetables to my diet"; how are you going to accomplish this, especially if vegetables and you have never gotten along?<br /><br />Using a commonsense approach, a few gentle recipes and some humour, this becomes less of a burden and more of an adventure. Looking upon change as a positive thing and not a colossal hassle helps tremendously in having a more successful outcome.<br /><br />So, my advice for today:<br /><br />TIP: WRITE DOWN WHAT YOU WANT TO CHANGE/ADD/SUBTRACT/ FROM YOUR DIET-AND WHY.<br /><br />There, now that wasn't that hard, was it?<br /><br />####################<br /><br />Doula Angelita is a trident doula, parenting coach, nutrition guide and women's issue advocate. She is in tune with the New Year and ready to help you become attuned as well.Doula6Angelitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07977908417546059783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177131534760852947.post-11760022990497395202010-01-01T19:24:00.000-08:002010-01-01T19:45:14.561-08:00Are you ready to breathe?Here's a fast and easy way to get your mind right, increase your awareness of your body systems, improve your homeostatic condition, and the amount of oxygen flowing to your brain. It is perfect for those on the go, those with limited time, limited mobility and limited patience for a whole series of complicated exercises. It is both portable and affordable, and a lot of training does not need to be done. What is this wonderful thing? It is breathing.<br /><br />A deep mindful breath is a way to cleanse and center. It is a way to focus yourself when in the grip of stress and strain. It is a simple manner in which to bring yourself back into yourself when the events of the day threaten to overwhelm you.<br /><br />Inhale deeply. Hold it for a count of five. Exhale deeply for a count of five. Repeat as necessary in order to bring your heart, mind, body and soul into proper alignment.Doula6Angelitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07977908417546059783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177131534760852947.post-51160920426800100012009-12-23T22:22:00.000-08:002009-12-24T00:54:27.449-08:00Happy Christmas!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWMiX9CSvDosjMpjsW5Mqc33X_NMS2pehtaEEiFx-4hddxEJTY45vE9uqHjnYP-LhzG2aS0Wj8Lo8FzEv9HulReuhETAdYMLxj8zETwVSAFy1uvMVBQ-6Ymxwa0_Rm9ZSXvyOD7VNYhvE/s1600-h/Christmas+tree+thru+window.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 219px; height: 211px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWMiX9CSvDosjMpjsW5Mqc33X_NMS2pehtaEEiFx-4hddxEJTY45vE9uqHjnYP-LhzG2aS0Wj8Lo8FzEv9HulReuhETAdYMLxj8zETwVSAFy1uvMVBQ-6Ymxwa0_Rm9ZSXvyOD7VNYhvE/s400/Christmas+tree+thru+window.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418723419004736354" /></a><br />This is the time of year when family and friends become more preeminent, when food, fun and merriment are the order of the day, and when there is a general interest in renewing and refreshing of the body, mind and spirit.<br /><br />In this season, let a spirit of calm tranquility and an eveness of temprament prevail. Getting into fights, arguing about small and useless things, these eat into your own personal tranquility and ease of mind. <br /><br />Take care of you this season. Do not lose your mind, nor your soul in harried trips to the mall. Rather, keep a cup of good cheer nearby, and sip on it liberally to refresh your soul. Rejoice and celebrate that which is good, mourn that which is lost, and let the Star which guided the Wise Men in their quest guide to to an oasis of quiet.Doula6Angelitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07977908417546059783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177131534760852947.post-81046898048735943312009-12-18T17:17:00.000-08:002009-12-18T18:18:50.426-08:00Pregnorexia: A cry for help....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLxNv2x1mEpvGFEGNKD_GD_1au7bz4PnC-C-5qFSU8X8s10mlclMExjC8w3ZdCjyPGIM3wKPrACPKsuUgWxV07TEgRVMPCkPcOMsPC342ywnesH3pJoFcIdu6Z-siOyIhdgIDxEnwqEeA/s1600-h/yummymummies.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 252px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLxNv2x1mEpvGFEGNKD_GD_1au7bz4PnC-C-5qFSU8X8s10mlclMExjC8w3ZdCjyPGIM3wKPrACPKsuUgWxV07TEgRVMPCkPcOMsPC342ywnesH3pJoFcIdu6Z-siOyIhdgIDxEnwqEeA/s400/yummymummies.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416766020597280610" /></a><br />In consulting with a new mother-to-be, I asked her what her concerns were. To my surprise, her calm exterior dissolved into a torrent of scalding tears. As I comforted her, and prepared a cup of tea, I braced myself for the worst: is her husband abusive? is she concerned about finances? maybe she doesn't have any food or clothing...<br /><br />The problem was revealed through hiccups. "I gained ten pounds! I am so fat, I will never lose this weight!" This set off a red flag in my head. It is normal to have some concern over weight, and in this country of weight consciousness, somewhat acceptable. The warning to me was of the utter hysterics posed by the idea of losing her perfect figure for even a few months.<br /><br />To this client, gaining weight was the negative of pregnancy, and she fought every step of the way to keep slender: she exercised for an hour a day, she drank slim and non-fat milk, she tightly regulated her snacks and was rigid on her portion controls. Any deviation from her plan(one pound a month) made her desperate. She spent hours on the internet, researching low-calorie foods that she could eat and looking for tips of the trade on how to keep her weight down.<br /><br />When she calmed down somewhat, I asked her when her next appointment was with her OB/GYN, and asked permission to accompany her, along with a professional friend of mine. She agreed.<br /><br />At the next appointment, I and my friend, who is a psychiatrist, showed up. We listened as the client told the doctor how everything was fine, she was eating "loads and loads" and she nodded vigourously as the doctor admonished her to eat nutritious meals in order to have a healthy baby. Again, the client agreed.<br /><br />There was a short pause. I gently said, "Is there something which you want to share with Dr._________? A concern that you raised with me?" The client stared at me, a mixture of fear and anger on her face. She denied vehemently that she had something to add.<br /><br />I again said gently, "Don't you know that if your health or the health of the baby is in jeopardy, I cannot stay quiet?" At this point, Dr.__________ let the client know that I had sent a report, indicating that there might be some trouble regarding eating, and that I was very concerned with her nutritional balance.<br /><br />The client was, to say the least, not happy.<br /><br />This is when the doctor took over and asked if the client wanted to continue with my services. Livid,...well, we can all picture what happened next.<br /><br />Would I change it again, perhaps hinted and prayed that the client would come to her senses? Surely I could use the retainer fee, especially in this season of Our Lord's birth, and hardly anything in the house. I could have just shrugged and let it pass from my eyes.<br /><br />I could not, and cannot. This woman needed help, and I, as San Jose's Community Doula, could not turn my back on that fact, no matter what the consequences....Doula6Angelitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07977908417546059783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177131534760852947.post-46645548239155080572009-12-06T20:57:00.000-08:002009-12-06T21:08:11.983-08:0099 Luft balloons: well, only ten...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMYxExb3rxF7mdj46iZ6bBqcOH3VR97dEM78z8F_eCXgzeLhF2-nVhUsHV_82SXWGxXzFU0hnlRhYlO9988_kJeMj7sR2-xCi2yZYQWZcijHRGosMMJp7HjZqRhi-fLFyPFXHz1jwvwWQ/s1600-h/one+red+balloon.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 125px; height: 94px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMYxExb3rxF7mdj46iZ6bBqcOH3VR97dEM78z8F_eCXgzeLhF2-nVhUsHV_82SXWGxXzFU0hnlRhYlO9988_kJeMj7sR2-xCi2yZYQWZcijHRGosMMJp7HjZqRhi-fLFyPFXHz1jwvwWQ/s400/one+red+balloon.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412356051410929938" /></a><br /><br /><br />Massachusetts Institute of Technology researchers beat out five hundred of their closest competitors and correctly identified the location of ten red balloons released in select areas around the country.<br /><br />Using the MIT website, text message advertising and other social media tools, the researchers received input from over 4,000 volunteers to accurately pinpoint the location of the cheery globules. The project was an exercise in determining the speed, accuracy and reliability of information culled from social media. In addition, the feasibility of using alternate communication in national emergencies or during situations such as Amber Alerts or interstate kidnappings was probed.<br /><br />The researchers, basically were glad of the opportunity to use their skills to prove their work, which reflects on themes of social media in society. They plan to divide the money amongst charities and the top spotters.Doula6Angelitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07977908417546059783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177131534760852947.post-90721402787592852042009-11-28T04:23:00.000-08:002009-11-28T04:36:17.815-08:00Shaniya Nicole DavisI am tired, weary, heartsick of reading the stories of parents who become monsters. Shaniya Nicole Davis was sold to a man who, through his forcible violation of her five year old body, choked the life out of her. Her mother, who carried her for nine months, who had other children, sold her precious daughter, who loved earning high marks in school, for drugs.<br /><br />The time has long since come for all of those involved in birth to take a stand. We have all seen mothers and fathers too incompetent, too unaware, too monstrous to be caregivers. Their black hearts are full of poison and their children are their prey.<br /><br />No more.<br /><br />It is well-documented somewhere that there were problems in the family, problems with drugs, problems with maturity, etc. There were relatives who loved and cared for little Shaniya, relatives who returned her to her mother, who consigned her to a horrible, cruel, twisted death.<br /><br />Shaniya Nicole Davis. <br /><br />This is the focus. Her life was taken by the one who gave her life, and the one who gave her life is no longer human, she is strung out on drugs and not in her right mind. Once a human has committed such a monstrous act, there is no human redemption. <br /><br />If there were true justice, the woman who procured the death of Shaniya Nicole Davis would be walled up in the cask of amontillado.<br /><br />Let God forgive her. I spit upon her who deliberately deprived her own daughter of both innocence and life and my heart is cold toward her.<br /><br />I only have tears for the prey, Shaniya Nicole Davis. Poor angel, rest now, far from the ravaging hands and clawing horror of your final hours...Doula6Angelitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07977908417546059783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177131534760852947.post-89759588872253287032009-11-23T20:22:00.001-08:002009-11-23T20:23:45.281-08:00Thanksgiving is no reason to go to pieces...Many clients are calling, emailing and coming by to ask for hints and tips for surviving this holiday season. Frazzled, jangled, at loose ends and ready to throw in the towel, they are trying to balance the perfect meal with the perfect house with the perfect baby with the perfect husband. <br /><br />Some have physically recoiled when I simply, cheerfully, say to them: "Sit down, have a hot cuppa, and by the way, not happening, lovey. "<br /><br />One client burst into tears, convinced that she was a wretched failure.<br /><br />This set me to write upon this subject. The time has come, as my grandmother says, for some good, solid facts and hard home truths.<br /><br />First, let us be frank. If you are not an octopus, you will not wake up and just magically have a sitcom-worthy house with all of the Norman Rockwell trimmings. <br /><br />Second, no one does it by themselves, with no help, with no planning and with a squalling newborn.<br /><br />Third, if help is offered, DO take it, with as many thanks as possible.<br /><br />Fourth, a small, well-cooked dinner is better than a disasterous six-course meal.<br /><br />Fifth, if you have never prepared Thanksgiving before, for heaven's sakes, get help.<br /><br />Sixth, restaurants are accepting your reservations for Thanksgiving dinner.<br /><br />Seventh...calm yourself, dry your eyes, and be thankful for what you do have.<br /><br />Eighth...have a wonderful, calm, peaceful, safe Thanksgiving!Doula6Angelitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07977908417546059783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177131534760852947.post-78574004415260689712009-11-20T14:08:00.000-08:002009-11-20T14:29:30.054-08:00How to handle Thanksgiving's TemptationsFor many, Thanksgiving is a time of good food, good drink, good times with family and friends. It is also a time when overindulgence and relaxed rules on dieting overcome the usual common good sense and moderation. This is why it is important to have both an entrance and an exit strategy for the upcoming holiday season.<br /><br />One strategy that I prescribe for my clients to combat the holiday stresses and rich food is PREVIEW. With this plan in mind, the holidays become more manageable and more enjoyable.<br /><br />P is for pacing. This means think about what is important and necessary for you to do this season; many invitations can be tempting, but leave you drained. Balance what you have to do with what you need to do.<br /><br />R is for resting. Naps are not just for little kids;adults often suffer from sleep deprivation and need to compensate. This in practice is to allow yourself a period of 15-45 minutes to relax, put your feet up, place a cool compress on your head and collect yourself before racing off to the next holiday fete-or struggling in the kitchen with a holiday meal.<br /><br />E is for energy. Take your vitamins, do your yoga-whatever it takes to naturally keep your energy levels optimal and even. Do not skip snacks nor overrely on caffeine.<br /><br />V is for vitality through vegetables. Many are robbed of it this holiday season due to lack of planning and overcommitting. Save your vital energy for what is vitally important: vegetables, vegetables, vegetables. At the least, pack in a case of V8 and drink it all through the day.<br /><br />I is for integrity. Keep your schedule intact. Keeping to a schedule, more or less, will help keep your equalibrium intact. One or two late nights are okay-so long as you maintain rest periods for yourself.<br /><br />E is for exercise. Do not gleefully abandon exercise; in fact, keeping to an exercise routine will help to ground you and keep you from overindulgence.<br /><br />W is for water. Water is vital to maintaining health, keeping digestion going strong, and eliminating waste from the body.<br /><br /><br />Give PREVIEW a try and you will have a holiday to remember!<br /><br />Have a wonderful, happy and safe Thanksgiving! Thank you to all my faithful readers and I thank you for supporting me!Doula6Angelitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07977908417546059783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177131534760852947.post-8742009943789568122009-10-25T05:55:00.000-07:002009-10-25T06:10:44.449-07:00Have a Happy Monday!<a href='http://www.d1nt.com'><img src='http://www.d1nt.com/_banners/D1NT-mondays_120x90.gif' width='120' height='90' alt='Nice Monday'></a><br /><br />If you, like me, are a fan of the classic movie "Office Space", you groan along with our hapless worker bee when a co-worker cheerily and cheekily says, "Looks like a case of the Mondays." Well, take heart and pluck courage, no longer will anyone accuse you of having a case of the Mondays when you log onto the site http://www.doonenicething.com<br /><br />No, that bit of code at the top of the post is not random bits of scrambled nonsense. Rather, it is information to paste onto your own blogs and to pass along to others. Do one nice thing is a call to arms and action: let's not gather around the water cooler and have a moan, let's get to work and help others, for a few minutes at least.<br /><br />From sending postcards to wounded soldier to purchasing new underwear for the homeless, founder Debbie Tenzer and her team keep on top of the best and most expansive ways to help others. Recommending good deed ideas as well as profiling those who do them is one way that Debbie does good for the world, one small act of kindness at a time.<br /><br />So, dropkick those Monday blues and put on your kindness shoes and log onto http://doonenicething.com now!Doula6Angelitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07977908417546059783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177131534760852947.post-28509548993674098402009-10-21T20:51:00.000-07:002009-10-21T20:52:09.547-07:00Doulas are an investment, tooDoulas are an integral part of the new mothers life, yet many mothers reject the aid, assistance and comfort that having a doula can bring.<br /><br />Anyone who has experienced the joys of a new baby can also attest to the steep learning curve that comes with the responsibility of the new little one. Pile on the lack of sleep, the getting to know your baby's personality and clues, the struggle to heal after childbirth and to adjust to your new body and new role, and this can be a delicate time for the new mother.<br /><br />At this time, a doula is equipped to provide immediate relief and to lend a sympathetic ear. Her experience with babies proves invaluable when applied to the situation of the new baby at the home.<br /><br />It is prudent to be careful with resouces, but weigh carefully being overly cautious against getting a best start to motherhood.<br /><br />Doula Angelita writes a column for the San Jose Examiner on birth, parenting, nutrition and women's issues.<br /> <br />Please visit my column http://ekahnav.notlong.com, subscribe and comment!<br /><br />Looking forward to hearing from you! http://ekahnav.notlong.comDoula6Angelitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07977908417546059783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177131534760852947.post-82550625585777114172009-10-05T19:16:00.000-07:002009-10-05T19:31:51.949-07:00Pink Thoughts for Health and Breast Cancer SupportAs a trident doula/parenting coach/nutrition guide/women's health advocate, I urge all women to take a moment during this month of Breast Cancer Awareness and do these few things for your health:<br /><br />1. Check yourself, from top to toe. If you feel ill, run-down or just not right, make an appointment to get to the doctor.<br /><br />2. Reach out to your female family and friends to do the same thing.<br /><br />3. Donate pink items to your local pregnancy research shelter. They can always use baby things for the new little ones, and the pink colour will evoke a reminder to be in the pink of health for the new little one!<br /><br />4. Resolve to drink more water. Start with one full glass in the morning, and one full one at night.<br /><br />5. Get up, every morning and do 2 minutes of exercise. Touch your toes, walk around the block, stand up and sit down in a chair. Just get the blood moving, to bring pink to your cheeks.<br /><br />6. Eat some tomatoes, and some cauliflower at least one time this week. Red and white make pink!<br /><br />7. Now that colder weather is settling in, invest in some good moisturizer to keep your glowing pink skin at its loveliest.<br /><br />8. Pick up a pink Sharpie. The specially made Sharpie with the pink ribbon will donate a portion of the proceeds to City of Hope.<br /><br />9. Yogurt is good for you; buying Yoplait's pink lid yogurt will not only be good for your health, it will benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation.<br /><br />10. volunteer. Even if it is donating books, holding a hospice patient's hand, or teaching a youngster to read, you will get a pink glow all over at the good will you have generated.Doula6Angelitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07977908417546059783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177131534760852947.post-85323895359539663382009-09-30T07:33:00.000-07:002009-09-30T07:47:07.615-07:00A doula is worth a bag of gold...I recently read an interesting quotation from Ms. Indra Nooyi, chairwoman of PepsiCo, Inc. regarding prenatal care:<br /><br /><blockquote></blockquote>"Where I was born in India, pregnant women receive months of pampering from their mothers and other family members. Because my mother received this care during her pregnancy with me, she was there to give me the same treatment when I gave birth to my two children in the United States."<br /><br /><blockquote></blockquote>How interesting. Pampering and nurturing the mother, ensuring that she is well-looked after, is an integral part of Asian culture. This watchfulness, as well as good medical care in the form of access to healthcare providers and prenatal vitamins, pays off with the reward of a healthy baby and healthy mother.<br /><br />Yet, many women are quite resistant to prenatal pampering. They insist on going it alone, working despite tiredness, trying to be a superwoman through morning sickness, pushing themselves when they need to rest. Many will argue that they do not want, have time for, or need any additional help.<br /><br />My response is this: if you cannot accept and cherish help at this special time of your life, when will you?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Be informed. Be confident. Be empowered.<br />Birth into motherhood with Doula AngelitaDoula6Angelitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07977908417546059783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177131534760852947.post-48681583507191727672009-09-28T20:41:00.001-07:002009-09-28T21:02:26.962-07:00Homebirth in OhioThe following is an open letter to the birth community from a family that is under fire for a homebirth-even though the child was born whole and healthy. It is a terrible indictment for the birth community at large, and never think that just because this example occurred in Ohio, that it will not happen in all parts of the United States.<br /><br />This issue is so important to me that I am broadcasting it on my blogs, and tweeting about it. I ask all those concerned with birth and motherhood pass this information along, and please find a way to help. The family is requesting HELP ONLY; further antagonizing the prosecutor with fiery letters is NOT a useful idea.<br /><br /><br />### #### ####<br /><br /><br /><br />Update<br />As many of you may know, we had our pre-trial hearing this morning. We were hoping once the lawyers got a chance to hash things out, the charges would be dismissed. That was not the case. The prosecutor offered us a plea-bargain for the charge of disorderly conduct, a fourth-degree misdemeanor. As much as my husband and I would love to close this horrible chapter of our lives and put it behind us, we didn't take the plea. First of all, we are not guilty of anything, and don't want a guilty plea following us around for the rest of our lives. Second of all, we felt that a guilty plea would validate the charges against us. Also, I thought that a guilty plea would give the impression that homebirth is wrong, and possibly open the door for other families to be prosecuted.<br />Right now, we don't have a trial date, and there is still a possibility that the charges could be dropped before going to trial. I want to consult further with my lawyer before involving the media, or unleashing a firestorm of letters and calls to the prosecutor. I just wanted to update everybody with what's going on and let everybody know what they can do to help.<br />This is always the hard part for me, as I'm not comfortable asking for things, but so many people keep asking how they can help, and we do need help, so I'm learning a lesson in humility. Obviously this is affecting us financially since we are a single income family, and my husband's hours at work have been reduced indefinitely. So far this whole fiasco has cost us $6427 in legal and medical bills. To pay our attorney, we took a $4000 cash advance on a credit card (at 20% interest). We have already raised quite a bit through fundraisers and individual donations, and we are grateful to everybody who has helped us so far. Paypal donations can be made to <a href="mailto:sweetchildofmine@live.com">sweetchildofmine@live.com</a> . You can also e-mail any questions to that address.<br />I know some people may be hesitant about sending cash, and I completely understand. Anything that saves us money on things we regularly have to buy would help too. Gift cards for groceries, gas, restaurants, clothes, etc are definitely welcomed. Also we definitely won't turn down local people who feel like dropping by with a pizza, bucket of chicken or a bag of your kids' old clothes!<br />There are also plenty of ways to help that are FREE!-Send us your prayers and positive thoughts!-Help out with a fundraiser.- Be supportive of other families who make choices that may seem out of the ordinary to you.<br />I started a Facebook group page as a means to keep everybody updated. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=140938029710">http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=140938029710</a><br />Please feel free to repost this message on Facebook, e-mail or any forums where it will enlist more supporters for our cause. Please do not alter the message in any way, except to remove anything that may be a violation of the TOS of the site you post it (namely fundraising info).<br />It's time for us to stand up for our rights as women, parents and law abiding citizens who don't want the government trampling on our rights to live and raise our families as we choose! If they succeed with prosecuting us, it won't stop there.Doula6Angelitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07977908417546059783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177131534760852947.post-86679638458649756832009-09-23T18:48:00.000-07:002009-09-23T18:50:51.621-07:00How to get children to try new foods!Here are my tips for getting children to try new things:<br /><br />1. Cook it the way you normally cook it. Put 2-3 on the plate. Admire the colour, texture, smell. Eat it first. Offer it to the child. This may take 5 exposures, but patienct and good humour will always help the process rather than yelling or threats.<br /><br />2. Use a small amount of ketchup or other sauce to aid in the taste. I personally do not like brussels sprouts but with hollandaise sauce and or ranch, they are bearable.<br /><br />3. Cook the food a dfferent way. Sometimes, cooked vegetables do not please, but raw ones taste better.<br /><br />4. Tricky foods, like seafood, often do take repeat offers. One way is to use a building system: most kids like tuna fish. Then move to canned salmon. Cook a white flesh fish. Scallops often are accepted, as are mahi-mahi or chilean sea bass. Again, small portions, and the child not being tired help with the acceptance process, as do the fact that these should not be unfamiliar foods in the household.<br /><br />5. Pair familiar foods with unfamiliar ones. For example, fish and chips is a good dish for introducing seafood. The familiar chips paired with a mild fish, again in small portions should brighten up most kids.<br /><br />6. Eat outside and grill. Of course, weather permitting, but the smell of fresh air, combined with grilled food often induce a heartier appetite and desire to try the food.<br /><br />Good luck and let me know how these tips work for you!Doula6Angelitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07977908417546059783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177131534760852947.post-4447977089186646792009-09-11T21:41:00.000-07:002009-09-11T21:42:38.162-07:00The recent answer to "Who Am I?"I am a trident doula/parenting coach/nutrition guide/women's issue advocate firmly committed to helping women wherever they are along the childbearing continuum. I pride myself on being San Jose's Community Doula! and love to offer all my knowledge and expertise to them, and love working with other birth professionals to help women blossom into the mothers they secretly want to be.<br /><br />Born to a Caribbean family of healers and women's advocates, I have found my path and vocation as a doula. I am also studying to be a midwife; have EMT training and nurse assistant experience, constantly learn/lecture/write about birth and have a wonderful time being both wife and mother in beautiful sunny San Jose!Doula6Angelitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07977908417546059783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177131534760852947.post-28918447957792660462009-09-11T13:29:00.000-07:002009-09-11T13:30:46.288-07:00SNACKS ON THE GO FOR THE PREGNANT WOMANAs a doula/parenting coach/nutrition guide/women's issue advocate, these are the top snacks/drinks I recommend for moms on the go:<br /><br />1. juice boxes. do not need refrigeration, can keep for one to two months or more, compact.<br /><br />2. homemade trail mix in a ziploc bag. Fruits, berries, cereal, little chocolate chips: easy to keep energy on the go.<br /><br />3. EmergenC. Keep a box or two in the car; just add water, which is also a necessity.<br /><br />4. Water. A case of small bottles or one jug, whatever. Cups as well. Warm or cold, water is good for your body.<br /><br />5. Cereal bars/protein bars. There is a balance of nutrition and taste in there.<br /><br />6. Dried fruit. There are many varieties and they give you a quick burst of energy and health.<br /><br />7. Vitamins. Many people forget to take their vitamins, but keeping them in the car usually ensures that they will take it.<br /><br />8. Pita bread, especially wheat pita,can keep in the car for up to a month.<br /><br />9. Natural popcorn(already popped) Low sodium, low fat, good snacking.<br /><br />10. peanut butter/cashew butter. I have clients who keep some type of nut butter with them in their cars. A spoonful of these is filling and nutritious.<br /><br /><br />BE INFORMED. BE CONFIDENT. BE EMPOWERED.<br />BIRTH INTO MOTHERHOOD WITH DOULA ANGELITA,<br />SAN JOSE'S COMMUNITY DOULA!--Doula6Angelitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07977908417546059783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177131534760852947.post-46949611309363916082009-09-11T12:32:00.000-07:002009-09-11T12:35:07.647-07:00What pregnant women should do to avoid the flu!MOST IMPORTANT THINGS TO DO TO AVOID THE FLU WHIILE PREGNANT<br /><br /><br /> Talk to your healthcare provider about any measures that you need/want to take to reduce you/your baby's risk.<br /><br />Keep hydrated. Water is cleansing and a moist, cool environment does not harbour germs.<br /><br />Take your prenatal every day. Your body needs all the help it can get to be as strong as possible during your pregnancy.<br /><br />Have a flu shot ASAP. The sooner you take even the "regular" flu shot, the better your body will be prepared to fight off infection.<br /><br />Air out your house/apartment twice daily, once in the AM, once in the PM for 15 minutes each time. Stale air retains germs.<br /><br />Limit the traffic in your home in terms of visitors; the fewer the number of contacts, the decrease in the opportunities for infection.<br /><br />Pack a travel kit: hand sanitizer, plenty of tissues, gloves, extra plastic bag for used tissues, mask. Put one in every bag.<br /><br />Checklist yourself every day; if you have a fever greater than 100F, cough, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose-STAY HOME.<br /><br />Stay home if you feel run-down but have no symptome. Rest and fluids can sometimes turn the tide if your body is on the borderline of illness.<br /><br />Wash your hands for at least one minute, scrubbing front and back, up to the wrist. EVERY TIME YOU WASH THEM.<br /><br />If you do get sick, stay home for at least seven days until the symptoms disappear.<br /><br />Think positively: you are doing all you can to bring a happy, healthy baby into this world!<br /><br /><br /><br />BE INFORMED. BE CONFIDENT. BE EMPOWERED.<br />BIRTH INTO MOTHERHOOD WITH DOULA ANGELITA,<br />SAN JOSE'S COMMUNITY DOULA!<br />-- Doula AngelitaResurgam BirthingWell8899760 458 7070mobiledoula4hire@gmail.comhttp://doula6angelita.blogspot.comhttp://resurgambirthingwell.wetpaint.comtwitter.com/doula6angelitaDoula6Angelitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07977908417546059783noreply@blogger.com1