Apologies

My apologies for such a late post this week. It has been a very challenging 2.5 weeks.

I have been incredibly sick. Usually I get a cold, some sniffles, no big deal. This time, however, has not been the same. I’ve been into the hospital twice, been prescribed codeine twice, had a whooping cough swab, influenza swab and I’ve had a cervical swab twice (to make sure my hard coughing didn’t break my water…don’t worry, it didn’t. I just keep peeing myself.) I’ve been off more days in November than I’ve worked. It has been absolutely brutal.

And its going around.

My oldest has been sick off and on with a fever & a cough. My middle child had croup for a few days and my youngest, has had a runny nose and nothing else *knock on wood!* I’ve talked to a few other moms who have also said their kids are unwell. Puking, fevers, coughs, etc. Its a crap year for illness! My suggestion: Get your flu shot! We already got ours – so the chances of the flu are minimal. But I’ll tell ya, even this cold is kicking my butt. I’m so exhausted all the time and I can’t stop coughing. I coughed so hard I puked up my lunch one day in a shopping mall parking lot – sorry if you were in Starbucks watching me toss my cookies.

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DIY Cough & Cold Remedies during Pregnancy

This past week has been incredibly hard for me – I’ve been hit by a cold. Not only a cold – but it feels like the plague. Because I’m expecting, it makes remedies much more difficult to find and use.

However, I did find this information that may prove to be useful.

”

What are natural cold and cough remedies for when you’re pregnant?

There are many effective, safe, and natural remedies for cough and cold during pregnancy, many of which can be used during a flu as well. Here is a list of things you can keep on hand in case you become sick:

Garlic – Part of the onion family, garlic is a powerhouse against the cold during pregnancy! In fact, in one study, daily consumption of a garlic supplement reduced people’s chance of a cold by over 60%! For those who did get sick, garlic helped them get better faster. During pregnancy, it’s best to consume 1 crushed, raw garlic clove with each meal. If your cold is acute, you could increase your garlic consumption to 1 crushed, raw clove per every 2-3 hours. I like to smear in raw honey for taste and added benefits.

Apple Cider Vinegar – Raw preferably. ACV alkalinizes the body and most illnesses can’t thrive in alkaline environments. It also contains good bacteria which helps to fight of infection.

• Mix 1-2 tablespoons of ACV into water or tea and drink 3 times a day.
• Gargle ACV to soothe a sore throat.

Honey – raw, local honey is antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antiseptic. Take 1 tsp., three times a day

Onion – raw onion has phytochemicals that help keep the respiratory tract open.. You can make a black bean or beef burger and top with lots of onions and mustard. You can add sauerkraut for an extra dose of probiotics!

Lemon – antibacterial. Also helps alkalinize the body. Rich in vitamin C. Take two lemons, juice and add to a quart Mason jar. Add filtered water and 1 TB of raw honey and a dash of sea salt for added minerals. Drink throughout day.

Asian Mushrooms (maitake, shitake, reishi) – Antibacterial and antiviral. I love this mushroom blend supplement! Check with your midwife or doctor to see if it’s safe for you.

Coconut oil – Antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal. You can add 1/8. tsp. of Peppermint extract to 2 TB of raw coconut oil. Mix well and add either 10 drops of stevia or 1 TB of raw honey. Mix well. Then spread thin on a piece of parchment paper. Put in freezer for 15 minutes. Eat as a yummy, Peppermint bark dessert!

Vitamins and minerals – especially vitamin D, vitamin A from cod liver oil or liver only, vitamin C, zinc and selenium. I love mixing 1 teaspoon of camu camu powder mixed in a 1/4 cup of yogurt with 1 teaspoon of raw honey. Mix well and eat. The yogurt provides probiotics to boot!

Clear, unsweetened liquids – Dehydration is more of a concern in pregnant women than in non-pregnant women so being diligent about staying hydrated is important. Homemade lemonade, bone broth, herbal teas, coconut water and this special electrolyte drink are all fantastic. Stay away from caffeine as this can further dehydrate you.

Homemade chicken soup – take your bone broth and cook in a pot with onion, carrots, celery, mushrooms, parsley and cut up chicken. Add sea salt for taste and mineral boost.

Warm salt water – use as a gargle for a sore throat or with a neti pot for congestion.

High quality probiotic – supports general health and good immune response. I like this one best.

Elderberry syrup – Many pregnant mamas have great success with elderberry syrup to relieve cough and cold symptoms. It’s an immune booster which can help speed up recovery. You can often find it in the natural section of your local grocery store or you can make your own fairly easily.

The following herbs can be helpful for cold symptoms but should only be used in food/beverages and not in concentrated supplement form.

• Cayenne powder – antimicrobial, analgesic, and expectorant.
• Garlic – antiviral, antibiotic, and antiseptic.
• Ginger – antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. Good for upset tummy.
• Thyme – antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiviral, expectorant, and astringent. Great for respiratory infections, coughs, and upset tummy.
• Cinnamon – antiviral, and antibiotic.”

  taken from: https://www.mamanatural.com/cold-during-pregnancy/

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source http://www.surrogacyincanada.com/diy-cough-cold-remedies-pregnancy/

Let it Snow!

I’ve lived in Edmonton for way too long. Every year, without fail, it snows on Halloween.

This year, was no exception. It snowed on Halloween. It also snowed the day after aannndddd the day after that. We went from zero snow on Halloween day to well over 3″ of snow by Nov 2. Now I’m not one who enjoys Winter. In fact, I’d even go so far as to say I hate Winter. I hate the cold more specifically. I’m cold to start with, and Winter just makes it 10x worse.

But.

The snow has turned our northern city into a beautiful work of art. The way it sits on the trees, the pristine, crisp, clean look of it on rooves & fences. It can be a very stunning landscape. Its breathtaking to look it from my kitchen window with a cup of apple cinnamon tea in my hand.

Now my children have already asked to participate in Winter activities. Things like sledding, skating and building a snowman. These are not my idea of a fun evening. Yet, the joy that they get from rolling up snow into a head or body makes the freezing cold worth it. We just make sure to layer up and have some hot chocolate when we come inside with frozen fingers & frozen toes.

These are memories that we create for our kids. For our families. The things they will grow up and reflect back on with excitement & fondness. The memories that they will want to recreate with their own children one day. Sometimes, the things we don’t like ourselves, are the things that our children take incredible delight in! And sometimes, its worth it for them. To learn to be adaptable and to give our children the gift of love, sacrifice & memories that are irreplaceable! Even if it is -20C outside.

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source http://www.surrogacyincanada.com/let-it-snow/