That Last Teething Tooth

I have written a lot it seems, about teething.  Every baby or toddler differs in how teething affects them.  The only teething remedy that has really worked for little M is The Healing Hollow’s “Tooth Fairy Tea” for teething and toothache.  I found these essential oil blends though Crystal Di Domizio, she is  also known as the prenatal coach.  Crystal is a birth doula, hypnobabies childbirth educator and now mother.   After reading about her experience with her own daughter’s teething (it sounded similar to little M’s), I knew I needed to give The Healing Hollow a try.  Let me tell you, these essential oil blends work!  One of the ingredients is clove oil, which has been used for centuries to treat tooth ache and pain.

In my repertoire of teething remedies, I rely mostly on The Healing Hollow’s Toothfairy Tea, which is simply rubbed on the jaw line and ear lobes.  If little M seems to be more bothered by the pain of his teething, I will use Hyland’s teething gel, in addition to the Toothfairy Tea.  When he seems to have more difficulty sleeping, then I add a bit of the Healing Hollow’s “Rest Assured.”

Quite honestly the difference has been dramatic.  He is able to sleep for longer periods and is less fussy.  In short, if you are looking for a natural alternative to pain medication for teething, then I highly recommend ordering a batch through their online shop, which by the way is located in Fernie, British Columbia.  You can order just the “Toothfairy Tea” or the “Pain Free Baby” pack Which is what I have and really love.  If you live in the Vancouver area, you can also order through Crystal (Prenatal Coach), as this will give you the option of picking it up in person.

I no longer dread teething.  When I see little M showing signs of teething, I know that the remedy I am using is both safe and effective.  No more guesswork.  So, to the new parents who are wondering what they might use or the seasoned parents in search of a good remedy that actually works, I recommend giving The Healing Hollow a try.

Everyday Babywearing

As a mother, especially as a single mother, babywearing has been invaluable to me.  In the not too distant past, when little M was getting his first few teeth (also known as round one of teething), there were many days where I found myself sleep deprived and behind on my household duties. Most mornings during this time, I would put little M on my back and make a batch of Anita’s Ancient Grain pancakes for breakfast.  There on my back, little M found comfort and finally some sleep.   Some days, I would add bananas to the pancake batter, while other days bananas and semi-sweet chocolate chips, but mostly I made blueberry pancakes.    Babywearing has allowed me to take care of my son, while at the same time tending to my own needs especially during the first few months.

Babywearing for me is part of my everyday, not just for the occasional or demanding days. Whether grocery shopping, doing errands or travelling on an airplane, using a wrap or soft structured carrier just makes things easier.  This means when I am out and about, I can climb stairs rather than search for an elevator and I can navigate crowded spaces with ease while having little M safely on my back.

While I do own a jogging stroller, I use it only for jogging…and sometimes to carry my groceries in.  Truthfully, I just find strollers to be cumbersome.  

My woven wraps and my Ergo carrier have been more than a way to carry or transport my son; they have acted as an extra set of hands, especially when the nights have been long (due to illness or teething).  Motherhood is not always easy, but having having the right [babywearing] skills can certainly make a positive difference.

Balance: a Visit with the Naturopath

It has been over ten years since I last saw a naturopathic doctor.  After getting mastitis more times than I would like to admit, due to lack of sleep and some stressful circumstances in my life, I needed to address the roots problems and not the symptoms.  I will not go into the details about my visit, although I will say I found my appointment rather encouraging as my doctor is a mother too.

After my appointment with the naturopath, little M and I went to the health food store where I bought some vitamins for me and a hazel wood necklace for him.  The last couple of days, people have been commenting on his rosy cheeks and how he must be teething.   If this is round three, then I might as well try a hazel wood necklace in addition to the amber necklace he already wears.  I do think that the amber has helped to some degree, and most likely the hazel wood will too.

Now, here I am going on about teething when all I meant to do was write a little about my visit to the naturopath. When I think about it though, a mother’s health is often altered by sleepless nights caused by teething, amongst other things.  This is part of what it means to be a mother, however it is vital to take time for one’s self even if it is just one hour, a few times a week. Taking time for me means leaving my to do list at home, and enjoying something as simple as a cappuccino in a cafe or a picturesque run, sans baby.  I am now beginning to understand the value of this.  My visit to the naturopath is part of my quest in restoring balance to my life as a mother.

On that note, bonne nuit!

Thoughts for Tuesday

I have been working on a few different blog posts which I hope to have finished within the next week or two but mostly I have been trying to take better care of my health.  This means trying to sleep when baby M naps, which means less writing here.  Baby M’s molars have almost all but appeared except for one.  And when this molar finally does appear, I hope to celebrate with a long stretch of sleep.  In the meantime, baby M’s nap time means sleep-catch-up-time for me.

Other than that, baby M is becoming better and better at walking. Watching him learn to walk never ceases to make me smile. I love watching him attempt longer distances and learn to adjust his speed and balance.  I feel excited that he has reached another milestone and seriously, how cute is he walking around with this soup ladle.