hello from my soapbox

I love Miranda Kerr. Not just for the obvious reasons, mind you, although I definitely see why she's kind of a big deal. It's more because of her frankness in interviews and the fact that she isn't afraid to speak her mind and say what she believes in. She's a great health advocate and I totally dig her vibe.

@mirandakerrverified/Instagram

So she received some "backlash" this week (don't they all?) for having an informed opinion on epidural anesthesia. While discussing her son's birth, she commented that she had seen videos comparing newborn babies whose mothers had had an epidural to those who hadn't. Miranda described how the babies of mothers without pain-relief often went straight for the breast. "Then they showed ones right after the epidural and that didn't happen", she said. "The baby was a little bit drugged up, and I was like, 'Well I don't want that'...  I had made a decision I wanted to do it naturally... I wanted to give him the best possible start in life I could".

What I find most frustrating about this "backlash" is not only that her comments were clearly on something she had educated herself about, but also because of the fact that her opinion isn't necessarily the mainstream way of thinking. It seems like many people were offended by her comments, perhaps taking it as a personal attack, but there's no denying the fact that when you do some research, Miranda isn't making it all up. As is often the case with many health-related issues, sometimes we need to dig a little deeper than the "truths" the mainstream media and health professionals give us, to find out what exactly we are exposing ourselves to.

While I was pregnant with Noah, I did a whole lot of reading on all aspects of pregnancy and birth (as most expectant mothers do!). This book changed my life:

It really opened my eyes to a lot of things, but what I remember most is that when I finished it I was convinced that I was going to have a natural birth. Now I'm not saying that there isn't a time and a place for an epidural - and I'm not one to judge - but I do think that we as mothers should at the very least take control and be educated about every decision we make in regards to our bodies and that of our families. No one else will.

Miranda has merit in saying what she truly believes was the best for her situation. I ended up having the natural birth that I wanted and that was the best for my situation. Who knows what will happen with my next one, as much as I hope for the same outcome. But at least I'll know what I'm getting myself and my baby into when the time comes. And I really encourage all expectant mothers to do the same.

making changes

Wow, what a week! It's been another busy one and the highlight was most definitely this:

Baby Guinevere

My gorgeous little niece who finally made her way into the world on Wednesday morning after a few false alarms. She kept us all on our toes but was definitely worth the wait. And let me tell you, it's lucky I'm already pregnant because there's nothing that will make you want a baby more than holding a newborn!

In other news, my week of hydration has been a huge success. The weather has been ridiculously warm which works well when you're downing smoothies and coconut water like they're going out of fashion. It's just so hard to keep fluid levels up when its cold!

If anything I definitely feel much more mindful about not only how much I drink but also how dehydrating certain foods can be. The obvious one being anything overly salty, but also meat and caffeinated drinks. I'm planning to focus on this a lot more now, and hopefully it will only get easier if this weather keeps up!

hydration motivation

I was browsing one of my favourite sites today and was completely inspired by this post on hydration. It was a timely reminder for me because recently I've been guilty of some major dehydration. Part of it is because I'm always rushing around and simply forget to have a drink, and part of it is due to being pregnant and the fact that I feel like I need to pee the second I drink anything - not fun!

But I've decided that I'm totally going to give this a go - a week of serious hydration. I want to focus on drinking more juices and smoothies (which is super hard for me in Winter - the last thing I feel like on an ice-cold day is an ice-cold drink), herbal teas and, of course, coconut water! Plus I'll aim to eat more hydrating foods, and less caffeine, salt and meat. Taking on a challenge like this is often exactly what I need to get out of a rut and back into trying some new things in the kitchen again. Wish me luck!

P.S. There are also a few follow-up posts on their site if you're interested in the idea. Just have a looksie here and here.

my food: going coco for cacao

So I just tried out a new recipe for cacao balls and I had to share - they're that good. I'd even go as far as to say that they're as tasty as these. Yep, you need to try them. If you have half as much love for chocolate and coconut as I do then you'll be glad you did.

You can thank me later.

my life 01.08.12

Can you believe that it's August already? It's the best month by far (the end of Winter and my birthday. 'Nuff said).

my food: So I made these cookies for Noah this week and keep getting asked for the recipe. They are super-healthy (wheat and dairy free, naturally sweetened and packed full of goodness) and they taste good too (bonus!) so it's only fair that I share it with you - it's adapted from a Jude Blereau recipe in Wholefood. I've made it before as a slice instead of cookies which works just as well if you feel that way inclined.

Oat Cookies

3 cups rolled oats

1 cup oatmeal (it sticks to the wet ingredients and helps to bind it all together)

1/2 cup sultanas

1/2 cup goji berries

1/2 cup chopped dried apricots or dried figs

1/4 cup sesame seeds

1/4 cup dessicated coconut

2 tbsp chia seeds

1/2 - 3/4 cup coconut oil (melted)

1/2 - 3/4 cup honey or maple syrup

2 eggs

Simply mix all of the dry ingredients together then add the wet ingredients (adding more oil or honey if you think it needs help to stick together). Stir well before shaping into cookies and baking at 180 C for around 10 mins.

my fashion: The combination of dressing for pregnancy and a ridiculously chilly winter (it feels way colder than usual, am I right?) means that I'm not exactly excited when it comes to fashion these days. So to lift the spirits I'm focusing my attention on accessories and online shopping. 

Exhibit A:

Acne sandals

Exhibit B:

See by Chloe bag

I love you both already. I just know we will all be so happy together in the warmer months.

my family : Meanwhile this week I am eagerly awaiting the birth of my niece! She is officially due tomorrow but I have been sitting by the phone for the past few days just in case she couldn't wait any longer to meet her favourite Aunty. Newborn cuddles are on the horizon and just the thought of it makes me giddy. Good Luck EJ!