Book Review: Ina May's Guide to Childbirth

Ina May’s Guide to Child Birth was the first birth book I ever read. I remember after finishing it feeling like my eyes had finally opened to the significant and positive journey birth can be for a woman. Not just an "event" at the end of a pregnancy, but an incredible and powerful transformation from woman to mother. 

The layout of the book is perfect. The front is filled with birth stories that are threaded with education, emotion and humour.  I loved reading each unique experience and realized there is no technique, approach, or solution that works for everyone. The back of the book goes into the science of labour and delivery and is filled with valuable information. 

Ina May un-docked all my previous opinions and perceptions I had about birth, and basically "normalized" it for me. I strongly feel that this book was the tipping point that set me on the path to becoming a birth doula. 

I recommend this book to all of my clients, friends and family. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

~ Jamie Kalynuik, Birth Doula

Staying Cool With Pretty Fruit Salad Ice Pops

Swap out the traditional ice cream bars for a healthy, simple and showstopping fruit salad ice pop! Easy to make, the fruit combos for these pretty pops are endless.  What's your favourite type of ice pop?

Fruit Salad Ice Pop Recipe

From Martha Stewart.

• Prep Time15 minutes
• Total Time15 minutes + freezing
• YieldMakes 8

Ingredients

• 1 peach, cut into 1/2-inch slices (1/2 cup)
• 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
• 3 ounces blueberries (1/2 cup)
• 4 ounces strawberries, hulled and halved ( 3/4 cup)
• 1 1/2 to 2 cups 100 percent white-grape juice

Directions

1. Arrange some of each fruit in eight 3-ounce ice-pop molds, making sure pieces fit very snugly. Pour enough juice into each mold to just cover fruit. Insert ice-pop sticks and freeze until solid, 6 hours (or up to 2 weeks).
   
   
   
   
   

Meals For New Mamas

I stumbled upon this super fun gift for new mamas - The New Baby Taco Box.  

The presentation is amazing, the contents are yummy...and any new mama is going to love being given a meal that requires less than 5 minutes to prepare. 

How To Make Your Taco Box

The box itself is a spray-painted wine crate with masking tape used to create the letters. If DIY isn't your thing then go simple and pick up a wicker basket or a colourful plastic tub.  The great thing is the container you choose will come in handy down the road for storing kiddy toys etc.

What To Put In Your Taco Box

You can stick with the taco theme (swap out the beer for bottled lemonade if you feel more comfortable), or find another theme that you think the new mama will like. 

Other Fun Themes

French Breakfast

- French bread

- Small pack of free-run eggs

- Fair trade coffee

- Artisanal cheese 

- Fresh berries

- Jar of local jam

Italian Dinner

- Fresh pasta

- Organic pasta sauce

- Wedge of grating cheese

- Biscotti cookies

- Good instant coffee

- Bottle of red wine (or sparkling water)

The possibilities are endless.  I'd love to hear what ideas you have, or what you make in your welcome food packages for new families.