Top NYC Chef and Nutritionist Amy Melms of Mmmunch guest blogs for Mamatini with a super summer salmon salad recipe!
Having a baby is one of the most monumental experiences in one’s life. It’s exciting, overwhelming, emotional and exhausting. As soon as they arrive, you’re focused on your new addition round the clock, non-stop.
But who’s taking care of you?
Most new moms are strapped for time and their diet is sometimes an afterthought. So here’s a quick, nutrish and delish recipe for salmon salad that is especially good for nursing moms. Salmon is a win-win because it is chock full of DHA crucial to baby’s nervous system and at the same time helpful in preventing postpartum depression.
I like to think of it as Mommy prozac.
Salmon Salad
2 cups of cooked flaked wild salmon (leftovers or you can use canned)
2 organic hard boiled eggs
1 diced red pepper
1 cucumber
1/3 cup onion
mayonnaise, mustard, nayonnaise
lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste
any type of leafy green or fresh lettuce
In a large bowl gently mix salmon and eggs together. In another bowl mix pepper, cucumber, onion, mayo or mustard and salt and pepper. Pour over salmon mixture and add lemon juice and toss lightly. Serve over leafy greens or put it between two pieces of whole-grain bread.
(note: FDA guidelines say breastfeeding women should limit consumption of fish to 12 ounces per week due to mercury.)
- Amy Nelms Mmmunch
Friday, July 23, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Stress Relief for Children
Did you know that children experience stress just as much as adults? Children as young as three years, can experience anxiety, fear, sadness, loss, etc., in connection with everyday occurrences around them. Today especially, our children pressured to compete and succeed intellectually and socially right from preschool. For this reason most children live in a state of constant stress. We, as adults are able to recognize our stress and seek outlets for stress relief, such as introspection, meditation, yoga, and prayer. But are we able to recognize stress in our children? Better yet, are we able to help our children learn to cope?
When we meditate, practice yoga, Qi Gung, or pray we are acknowledging a part of ourselves that needs replenishment in order to continue with life’s struggles. Children, being human, are no less in need of this replenishment than are adults. Children as young as three can be guided to learn more about themselves and find that solace that comes with self-awareness. Yes, children can learn to meditate for very short periods and practice mindfulness especially if they are given an opportunity to connect with nature.
A few minutes of quiet time outdoors before or after playing in the park or in the back yard suffices to bring a child’s internal compass to balance. It helps open the child up to the wonder of life which is very far removed from the daily societal pressures that we have created and live in, almost like mice on a wheel. One can also create a ritual of five to ten minutes of quiet time before bed to allow a child to ask and receive answers to questions that may be on his or her mind. These are very brief but extremely valuable moments for your child’s spirit. Try it and see the result for yourself!
Dr. Ifeoma Ikenze, MD
When we meditate, practice yoga, Qi Gung, or pray we are acknowledging a part of ourselves that needs replenishment in order to continue with life’s struggles. Children, being human, are no less in need of this replenishment than are adults. Children as young as three can be guided to learn more about themselves and find that solace that comes with self-awareness. Yes, children can learn to meditate for very short periods and practice mindfulness especially if they are given an opportunity to connect with nature.
A few minutes of quiet time outdoors before or after playing in the park or in the back yard suffices to bring a child’s internal compass to balance. It helps open the child up to the wonder of life which is very far removed from the daily societal pressures that we have created and live in, almost like mice on a wheel. One can also create a ritual of five to ten minutes of quiet time before bed to allow a child to ask and receive answers to questions that may be on his or her mind. These are very brief but extremely valuable moments for your child’s spirit. Try it and see the result for yourself!
Dr. Ifeoma Ikenze, MD
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Pregnancy and Motion Sickness
Q. I suddenly developed severe motion sickness during my pregnancy and it has continued even though my baby is now 3 months old. I never had motion sickness before and now I can’t ride in a car for long periods especially on winding roads.
A. Severe motion sickness may be caused by anemia, which can occur during and after pregnancy. You should have your doctor check your blood count. If you prove to be anemic, I would recommend a liquid iron supplement with folic acid and Vitamin B12. Most iron preparations tend to cause intestinal distress. I have found the liquid combination preparation sold by Integrative Therapeutics to be effective and well tolerated, and easily purchased on line. You should notice an improvement in your motion sickness as soon as your anemia is corrected.
A. Severe motion sickness may be caused by anemia, which can occur during and after pregnancy. You should have your doctor check your blood count. If you prove to be anemic, I would recommend a liquid iron supplement with folic acid and Vitamin B12. Most iron preparations tend to cause intestinal distress. I have found the liquid combination preparation sold by Integrative Therapeutics to be effective and well tolerated, and easily purchased on line. You should notice an improvement in your motion sickness as soon as your anemia is corrected.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Breastfeeding Questions
Breastfeeding Questions from PressClipTv on Vimeo.
Are you pregnant and wondering if you should breastfeed? There are so many breastfeeding questions that moms-to-be are faced with. Mamatini founder and mother of 3 Erica Duignan Minnihan talks about how you can get the answers to your breastfeeding questions, such as "how do I get breastfeeding help?", "how long should I breastfeed?", and "how can I get prepared to breastfeed for as long as I choose to?". Find the answers to these breastfeeding questions and more.
Fenugreek for Breastfeeding
Fenugreek For Breastfeeding from PressClipTv on Vimeo.
Have you ever wondered how you can increase your milk supply using fenugreek for breastfeeding? Mamatini founder and mother of 3 Erica Duignan Minnihan talks about how you can maintain your milk supply even in challenging conditions (like going back to work!) using fenugreek. This miracle spice can help increase milk supply by several times, making Fenugreek a key aid in breastfeeding. Learn how you can get the optimal amount of fenugreek for breastfeeding in just 2 bottles of delicious Mamatini each day.
Breastfeeding Tips
Breast Feeding Tips from PressClipTv on Vimeo.
Check out this video from Mamatini founder and Mom of 3 Erica Duignan Minnihan containing breastfeeding tips for new moms and the secret to better, easier breastfeeding with Mamatini. Learn how you can use these little known breastfeeding tips to increase your milk supply and meet your breastfeeding goals. Breastfeeding is vital to the health of you and your baby. Learn how to do it easier, better, and for longer with Mamatini.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Dry Eyes and Breastfeeding
Q: I was wondering if other mothers have experienced dry eyes after pregnancy
and breast feeding. If so what have you done to treat it?
A: Dry eye syndrome following pregnancy is not as rare as you may think. It is often caused by the drop in estrogen that follows the delivery. Changes may occur in the mucus membranes of your eyes, and sometimes in the mouth, which persist beyond the immediate post-partum period. Do not despair of a cure. You can help yourself with a homeopathic remedy called Natrum Muriaticum 30C, which you can buy at most health food stores. You should put 3 pills under your tongue 3 times a day and let it dissolve. Do not take eat or drink anything, including water, for 15 minutes before and after each dose. I also recommend that you avoid coffee while taking a homeopathic remedy since coffe tend to antidote the remedy. But you can drink tea of any kind. You should notice an improvement after a few weeks, at which point you can go to taking the remedy once a day or as needed. This problem may not necessarily occur with your next pregnancy. But you're worried, you can start taking the same remedy after your next delivery if you notice any signs of dryness at all. Homeopathic remedies are safe during pregnancy and lactation, and do not require a prescription.
and breast feeding. If so what have you done to treat it?
A: Dry eye syndrome following pregnancy is not as rare as you may think. It is often caused by the drop in estrogen that follows the delivery. Changes may occur in the mucus membranes of your eyes, and sometimes in the mouth, which persist beyond the immediate post-partum period. Do not despair of a cure. You can help yourself with a homeopathic remedy called Natrum Muriaticum 30C, which you can buy at most health food stores. You should put 3 pills under your tongue 3 times a day and let it dissolve. Do not take eat or drink anything, including water, for 15 minutes before and after each dose. I also recommend that you avoid coffee while taking a homeopathic remedy since coffe tend to antidote the remedy. But you can drink tea of any kind. You should notice an improvement after a few weeks, at which point you can go to taking the remedy once a day or as needed. This problem may not necessarily occur with your next pregnancy. But you're worried, you can start taking the same remedy after your next delivery if you notice any signs of dryness at all. Homeopathic remedies are safe during pregnancy and lactation, and do not require a prescription.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Croupy Cough Cure
Q. My four year old son gets frequent attacks of croup ever since he was a year old. I give him the cough medicines that the doctor prescribed but they don’t seem to help. He sometimes has a constant barking cough that drives him crazy. Now my two year old is following the same pattern. What can I do to help the cough?
A. It is possible that both your children have asthma or an allergy. Ask your doctor about testing for milk or dust allergy. You may also try eliminating cow’s milk products from their diet for about a month and see if the cough stays away. If you reintroduce milk products and the cough returns you will have your answer. But regardless of the cause of the cough, you can still give a natural remedy for croupy coughs in addition to what ever your doctor prescribes. You can buy Sambucus Nigra cough syrup made from elder berries, at any health food store, and give a teaspoon at bedtime. It will help with the cough and allow your child to sleep better. Sambucus Nigra will not interfere or react with any cough or asthma medicine your doctor prescribes and is quite safe for children as well as adults. Try it and see for yourself.
A. It is possible that both your children have asthma or an allergy. Ask your doctor about testing for milk or dust allergy. You may also try eliminating cow’s milk products from their diet for about a month and see if the cough stays away. If you reintroduce milk products and the cough returns you will have your answer. But regardless of the cause of the cough, you can still give a natural remedy for croupy coughs in addition to what ever your doctor prescribes. You can buy Sambucus Nigra cough syrup made from elder berries, at any health food store, and give a teaspoon at bedtime. It will help with the cough and allow your child to sleep better. Sambucus Nigra will not interfere or react with any cough or asthma medicine your doctor prescribes and is quite safe for children as well as adults. Try it and see for yourself.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Breathe Deeply
When you feel harried, the baby is crying, your toddler is tearing up the house or your boss is having a tantrum you find yourself feeling helpless, there is one thing you can do for yourself … breathe! When you’re stressed there is a tendency to hold your breath. Your heart speeds up and your blood pressure goes up. But worst of all is that your capillaries constrict and you don’t get adequate blood flow and oxygen to your skin and your face. So what happens? You age! This is one of the many ways that stress causes rapid aging. So what can you do? Think “Breathe” and take consciously take a very deep breath, as deeply as you can, and then breathe out slowly and completely. Then do it again and again. You’ll be surprised that the influx of oxygen to your brain suddenly brings calm and often the ability to think more clearly, besides the added benefit of relaxation of your facial muscles and a glow to your skin.
Dr. Ifeoma Ikenze, MD
Dr. Ifeoma Ikenze, MD
Monday, March 1, 2010
Your Child Reflects You
Did you know that your connection to your child is much deeper than a physical heredity of the DNA? The connection between you and your baby is physical, emotional and spiritual already before birth and into the first few years of life. You must have noticed that when you are stressed, anxious, angry or depressed, your baby does not sleep as well and often cries for no apparent reason. That is because your mood, emotions and thoughts affect your baby or your young child.
Once you know, this it helps to look at what is going on with you that you may not be consciously aware of when your child is irritable or moody for no good reason. Taking the time to work through your own angst will often bring immediate relief to your child. Try it and see for yourself how well and quickly it works!
Dr. Ifeoma Ikenze, MD
Once you know, this it helps to look at what is going on with you that you may not be consciously aware of when your child is irritable or moody for no good reason. Taking the time to work through your own angst will often bring immediate relief to your child. Try it and see for yourself how well and quickly it works!
Dr. Ifeoma Ikenze, MD
Monday, February 1, 2010
The Doctor's Strong Bones Broth
Whether you are in your reproductive phase, breastfeeding, or menopausal you need calcium for your bones. While there are all kinds of Calcium supplements on the market, that claim to be easily absorbable, the reality is that most commercial calcium supplements do not readily get assimilated or easily turned into bone. For this reason the form of calcium best suited for assimilation and bone synthesis is, of course, bone.
Don’t throw all those chicken, beef or lamb bones left after a meal. Save them in the freezer until you have enough to make a pot of bone broth. You can also save all your vegetable ends, especially mushroom stems. Mushroom stems add a lot of flavor to the broth. Put the bones in a pot with enough water to cover them. Add your vegetable ends and some onion, salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil and simmer on the lowest setting for at least two hours or more until you have a rich golden brown broth. Pass the broth through a fat separator to remove all the fat. Now you have a liquid that contains pure protein, no fat, and is very high in calcium. You can store it in small containers in the freezer and use it for all your cooking instead of water. Voila!
Don’t throw all those chicken, beef or lamb bones left after a meal. Save them in the freezer until you have enough to make a pot of bone broth. You can also save all your vegetable ends, especially mushroom stems. Mushroom stems add a lot of flavor to the broth. Put the bones in a pot with enough water to cover them. Add your vegetable ends and some onion, salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil and simmer on the lowest setting for at least two hours or more until you have a rich golden brown broth. Pass the broth through a fat separator to remove all the fat. Now you have a liquid that contains pure protein, no fat, and is very high in calcium. You can store it in small containers in the freezer and use it for all your cooking instead of water. Voila!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Is Breastfeeding Making Me Sweat?
Q. Since I have been breastfeeding, I find that I am perspiring a lot more than I ever used to. Especially at night, and it’s embarrassing. Is there anything I can do for it?
A. Increased perspiration is normal while breastfeeding because of the increased hormones. Dressing comfortably with layers that you can easily shed helps. Especially when you have to look and be confident in the workplace. The homeopathic remedy, Sepia is very helpful for reducing perspiration due to hormonal shifts. You can find Sepia 30C at most health food stores. Take 3 pills and let them dissolve under your tongue once a day until you see a consistent improvement and then stop. After that you can take the remedy periodically as needed. In general, homeopathic remedies are taken under the tongue with no food or drink for about 15 minutes before and after the pills.
A. Increased perspiration is normal while breastfeeding because of the increased hormones. Dressing comfortably with layers that you can easily shed helps. Especially when you have to look and be confident in the workplace. The homeopathic remedy, Sepia is very helpful for reducing perspiration due to hormonal shifts. You can find Sepia 30C at most health food stores. Take 3 pills and let them dissolve under your tongue once a day until you see a consistent improvement and then stop. After that you can take the remedy periodically as needed. In general, homeopathic remedies are taken under the tongue with no food or drink for about 15 minutes before and after the pills.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Ten Tips for New Breastfeeding Moms
1. Be prepared! Some moms have a difficult time getting into the swing of breastfeeding. Being prepared will help you meet your breastfeeding goals, whether it's for 1 month, a year, or beyond!
2. Find a comfortable place to nurse. Having a comfy gliding chair and a nursing pillow can help alleviate the strain on your back and arms.
3. Have resources in place in case you need help. If you used a doula, arrange a follow up visit for nursing support. Or make an appointment with a lactation consultant to get one-on-one help with any challenges.
4. Drink enough fluids! Drinking 2 bottles of Mamatini each day will help keep you hydrated and support your body's ability to produce milk. Drink plenty of plain water as well whenever you feel thirsty.
5. Avoid alcohol and caffeine. A glass of wine once in a while is fine, but overindulgence in either can interfere with your sleep patterns ability to nurse and can be harmful to your baby since these substances will be present in the breastmilk.
6. Maintain a healthy diet. Extreme calorie reduction can interfere with your body's ability to produce milk. A healthy diet and the herbs and micronutrients in Mamatini will stoke your metabolism naturally and allow you to lose weight while still producing sufficient milk for your baby.
7. Be prepared for the pump! If you know you need to return to work before you plan to wean your baby, practice pumping milk in the weeks before you need to return. Having a healthy supply of breastmilk will help you cope with getting used to pumping at the office and any supply issues the stress of returning to work might induce.
8. Nip sore nipples in the bud! Sore nipples can be a common complaint among new moms. Working with a certified lactation consultant from the start to help perfect your technique and baby's latch can help you avoid any tenderness or discomfort.
9. Enjoy this time with your baby. No matter how long you plan to breastfeed, it is one of the most unique and pleasurable bonding experiences you will have with your baby. Enjoy every minute of it!
10. Don't forget how important it is to your baby's health. A major motivator to stick with breastfeeding for the first year is to concentrate on the immeasurable health benefits your baby is getting from your milk. Keep focusing on the fact that you are giving your baby something that no one else in the world can ... milk that is custom designed by your body for your baby!
2. Find a comfortable place to nurse. Having a comfy gliding chair and a nursing pillow can help alleviate the strain on your back and arms.
3. Have resources in place in case you need help. If you used a doula, arrange a follow up visit for nursing support. Or make an appointment with a lactation consultant to get one-on-one help with any challenges.
4. Drink enough fluids! Drinking 2 bottles of Mamatini each day will help keep you hydrated and support your body's ability to produce milk. Drink plenty of plain water as well whenever you feel thirsty.
5. Avoid alcohol and caffeine. A glass of wine once in a while is fine, but overindulgence in either can interfere with your sleep patterns ability to nurse and can be harmful to your baby since these substances will be present in the breastmilk.
6. Maintain a healthy diet. Extreme calorie reduction can interfere with your body's ability to produce milk. A healthy diet and the herbs and micronutrients in Mamatini will stoke your metabolism naturally and allow you to lose weight while still producing sufficient milk for your baby.
7. Be prepared for the pump! If you know you need to return to work before you plan to wean your baby, practice pumping milk in the weeks before you need to return. Having a healthy supply of breastmilk will help you cope with getting used to pumping at the office and any supply issues the stress of returning to work might induce.
8. Nip sore nipples in the bud! Sore nipples can be a common complaint among new moms. Working with a certified lactation consultant from the start to help perfect your technique and baby's latch can help you avoid any tenderness or discomfort.
9. Enjoy this time with your baby. No matter how long you plan to breastfeed, it is one of the most unique and pleasurable bonding experiences you will have with your baby. Enjoy every minute of it!
10. Don't forget how important it is to your baby's health. A major motivator to stick with breastfeeding for the first year is to concentrate on the immeasurable health benefits your baby is getting from your milk. Keep focusing on the fact that you are giving your baby something that no one else in the world can ... milk that is custom designed by your body for your baby!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Help for Varicose Veins
Q. Help! I am developing varicose veins since I had my twins. What can I do to make them go away or at least keep them from getting worse?
A. The most important factor is proper exercise to maintain the muscle tone in your legs and promote proper venous drainage. Regular yoga is one way to strengthen the muscle tone in your legs and improve the blood flow through your pelvis, since stagnation in the pelvis tends to be the biggest factor for varicose veins in women. In addition, you can get a homeopathic remedy, called Hammamelis Virginicus in any health food store that sells homeopathic remedies. Hammaelis Virginicus is excellent for venous congestion, as in varicose veins or hemorrhoids. You should get Hammamelis 30c and take 3 pills under your tongue 2 times a day. You may need to take it for several months to shrink your varicose veins, but you should begin to see some results after about 4 weeks of treatment. The same dosage and duration can be just as effective for hemorrhoids. And you don’t have to worry about safety for your baby, because like all homeopathic remedies, Hammamelis is safe during pregnancy and lactation.
Dr. Ifeoma Ikenze, MD
A. The most important factor is proper exercise to maintain the muscle tone in your legs and promote proper venous drainage. Regular yoga is one way to strengthen the muscle tone in your legs and improve the blood flow through your pelvis, since stagnation in the pelvis tends to be the biggest factor for varicose veins in women. In addition, you can get a homeopathic remedy, called Hammamelis Virginicus in any health food store that sells homeopathic remedies. Hammaelis Virginicus is excellent for venous congestion, as in varicose veins or hemorrhoids. You should get Hammamelis 30c and take 3 pills under your tongue 2 times a day. You may need to take it for several months to shrink your varicose veins, but you should begin to see some results after about 4 weeks of treatment. The same dosage and duration can be just as effective for hemorrhoids. And you don’t have to worry about safety for your baby, because like all homeopathic remedies, Hammamelis is safe during pregnancy and lactation.
Dr. Ifeoma Ikenze, MD
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Mamatini Gets "5 Stars" and "Best of 2010"
Check out our 5 star review and most innovative of the year award from top lifestyle and nutrition site Basil & Spice.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Managing Teething Woes
Q. My baby seems to be teething. He is so restless, won’t sleep at night, crying more than usual, and wanting to be held or to nurse all the time. I find myself giving him a lot of Tylenol and I would rather not. Is there anything natural that can help?
A. Yes, there is help besides Tylenol. You can get a homeopathic remedy from the health food store: Chamomilia 30c in little pellets or in liquid form. You administer it by placing 3 pellets or three drops in your baby’s mouth. Chamomilia can be given up to 4 times a day as needed. It helps calm a restless baby and induce sleep. In general a single dose at night is sufficient to relieve teething pain and help your baby go to sleep. The remedy Chamomilia is much more convenient and acts much faster to relieve your baby’s discomfort than trying to get your baby to drink Chamomile tea.
Dr. Ikenze, MD
A. Yes, there is help besides Tylenol. You can get a homeopathic remedy from the health food store: Chamomilia 30c in little pellets or in liquid form. You administer it by placing 3 pellets or three drops in your baby’s mouth. Chamomilia can be given up to 4 times a day as needed. It helps calm a restless baby and induce sleep. In general a single dose at night is sufficient to relieve teething pain and help your baby go to sleep. The remedy Chamomilia is much more convenient and acts much faster to relieve your baby’s discomfort than trying to get your baby to drink Chamomile tea.
Dr. Ikenze, MD
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