Hydrate Naturally

Pregnant women go though several physiological changes during pregnancy. As a result of these changes, they can dehydrate quickly, especially in the summer. Dehydration can happen rapidly in women at any gestation. It can even happen to women who are generally well hydrated and have great diets. A lot of pregnant women will drink water to hydrate, which is great, but if a woman feels dizzy, weak, or is having several bouts of braxton hicks contractions, she may need to drink something containing electrotypes. While Gatorade, Poweraid and Vitamin water offer a great sources of electrolytes, they can also have excess sugars or artificial sugars. Here are some great, natural alternatives to helping women stay hydrated in pregnancy.


Coconut Water: The water found in the center of a coconut is rich in electrolytes and low in sugar. Some like to drink it mixed with other fruit juices likes pineapple or orange.

Mangosteen juice: This fruit comes from Southeast Asia and is very high in antioxidants like xanthones.  It is a popular drink as part of alternative cancer therapies and also has been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria. It's low in calories and sugars.   

Noni Juice: Also low in calories and a bit bitter is high in antioxidants. It comes form the South and North Pacific Islands of Polynesia and Indonesia. It's also been said to boost immunity.

Goji Juice and Acai- Similar to mangosteen, Goji and Acai. They are high in antioxidants and low in sugar. Goji comes from the Himilayas. Since it does not contain carbohydrates, it is low in sugar. It also has chlorophyll that aids the body in cellular production and helps fight anemia.   

Aloe vera - Aloe vera is a long healing ago healing plant that was used for all kinds of treatments. It is great for soothing the digestive tract and aiding in heartburn and indigestion or irritable bowels. It also has cancer fighting and diabetes fighting properties. It is aslo great for the skin, hair, and nails.

 So drink up, gals and hydrate naturally!

The Wide Spectrum of Mothering

 Amy Young wrote this. Thank you

• To those who gave birth this year to their first child—we celebrate with you

• To those who lost a child this year – we mourn with you

• To those who are in the trenches with little ones every day and wear the badge of food stains – we appreciate you

• To those who experienced loss through miscarriage, failed adoptions, or running away—we mourn with you

• To those who walk the hard path of infertility, fraught with pokes, prods, tears, and disappointment – we walk with you. Forgive us when we say foolish things. We don’t mean to make this harder than it is.

• To those who are foster moms, mentor moms, and spiritual moms – we need you

• To those who have warm and close relationships with your children – we celebrate with you

• To those who have disappointment, heart ache, and distance with your children – we sit with you

• To those who lost their mothers this year – we grieve with you

• To those who experienced abuse at the hands of your own mother – we acknowledge your experience

• To those who lived through driving tests, medical tests, and the overall testing of motherhood – we are better for having you in our midst

• To those who have aborted children – we remember them and you on this day

• To those who are single and long to be married and mothering your own children – we mourn that life has not turned out the way you longed for it to be

• To those who step-parent – we walk with you on these complex paths

• To those who envisioned lavishing love on grandchildren -yet that dream is not to be, we grieve with you

• To those who will have emptier nests in the upcoming year – we grieve and rejoice with you

• To those who placed children up for adoption — we commend you for your selflessness and remember how you hold that child in your heart

• And to those who are pregnant with new life, both expected and surprising –we anticipate with you

This Mother’s Day, we walk with you. Mothering is not for the faint of heart and we have real warriors in our midst. We remember you.

Pubic Symphsis Pain

Pubic Symphsis Pain is pain at the center of the pelvis at the symphysis pubis joint.  It is also sometimes called Pubic Symphysis Dysfuction (PSD) or Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP). It is a result of an influx of the hormone relaxin. The benefit of the influx of the hormone relaxin is that it relaxes the pelvic ligaments aiding in easing the baby out during delivery. The downside is that, at times, it can cause a misalignment of the pubic bones and cause inflammation and discomfort.  It is most commonly felt in the third trimester, but can begin as early as the first. It can also begin in the postpartum period, usually felt most commonly in the days immediately after birth and slowing resolving thereafter. It is often described as:

• A sharp pain right at the pelvic brim
• A shooting sensation associated with movement, like getting up from the car or a chair or turning in bed
• A general pelvic soreness or ache that originates in the center of the pelvis

 It is often felt upon:

• Prolonged periods of standing or sitting
• Turning over in bed or rolling side to side
• Long walks
• Walking up and down stairs

Relief is usually not complete until after delivery and therefore symptomatic or temporary relief is where treatment is focused.  Some ideas for symptomatic relief include.

• Pelvic support girdle. Can be purchased online or in a surgical supply shop
• Brace the pelvic floor muscles before performing any activity which might cause pain
• Rest the pelvis
• Sit down for tasks where possible (e.g. preparing food, ironing, dressing)
• Avoiding heavy lifting
• Avoiding steps over things.
• Avoid straddle movements especially when weight bearing.
• Bend the knees and keep the legs 'glued together' when turning in bed and getting in and out of bed.
• Place a pillow between the legs when in bed or resting.
• Avoid twisting movements of the body

Yoga is another great way to relieve some of the aches with pubic symphsis pain. Always consult your healthcare provider before doing any exercise routines

For further resources see

• Pelvic Girdle Pain in Pregnancy