Thank you for joining Anna & Alisa in PAM 2009, as we finish our final week of the month, don’t forget to check out PAM's Blog.

Letter from Anna Getty

Roma & India

"Welcome mothers to newsletter number four and also our last newsletter for PAM 2008. This last week covers nurture. A topic I feel is so important for all mothers. Nurture comes from the Latin word nutrire meaning to nourish. Although it may seem obvious to nurture our young ones, sometimes in the process of taking care of our children we forget to take care of ourselves. I truly believe that when we stop for a few moments everyday and take some time to love and adore ourselves ultimately our children will learn to love and adore themselves as well, and not just from the way we love them. They model us and it is important that they see us valuing ourselves. There are so many ways to do this from a beautiful massage, a warm bath with lavender oil, a cup of tea and the morning paper to a quick walk around the block jut to recharge. Find the thing that nourishes you. Love yourself, your children will love you more for it."

Be Well,



Anna Getty
Founder, PAM

Enlightened Self Care While Pregnant

These 5 easy things are guaranteed to bring about the good habit of taking time for nurturing yourself before the baby comes, so that it's not so hard to keep up after you give birth:

1. Massage - not only does it increase circulation, relieve back pain, and help reduce swelling in the extremities, it also helps the lymph system move toxins out of the body, and releases endorphins - those feel good hormones.
   
   
2. Dead Sea bath salt soaks (for whole body or swollen ankles) mix with some essential oils of lavender (relaxing) or Atlas cedarwood (deeply soothing and grounding). It's the ritual of bathing that gives perspective on the day.
   
   
3. Blend organic kale and organic lemonade, with purified water for a super charged drink: super vitamins, great source of calcium, great for the liver - you'll notice the whites of your eyes begin to completely clear up and your skin glow radiantly.
   
   
4. Deep breathing - great for pulling the mind away from stress and worry, brings clarity and focus, settles the body into the "mindfulness moment".
   
   
5. Keep a Dream Journal - you'll be amazed at how the richness of your interior life develops as your pregnancy progresses.

And for your baby... Baby Massage

Massage is a nurturing expression of love that offers many benefits for your baby's healthy growth and sensory development. Movement over the skin, and even the aroma of oils you choose, can strengthen and enhance your baby's mood and immune function, and help her respond positively to stressful situations. For a new mom, massage can relieve fatigue and muscle soreness to help with the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and nervous tension. It can improve circulation and help achieve a relaxed state that is nurturing for both baby and mom. Massage provides family members with a beautiful opportunity to support each other and share even more love through the trials and triumphs of new baby care. For more information, visit www.episencial.com and use this coupon code for discounts on Epicuran Baby: EPI10OFF

© Kim Walls, MS, Epicuren Baby Skincare

Who's Going to Win this Week???

What can you win this week just for forwarding this newsletter to 5 or more friends? 1st 25 people only!

· A 20 oz bottle of Baby Daily Lotion from Epicuren Baby

If the Maternity Fashion Fits....Wear It!

During pregnancy, your primary focus is the health and well-being of the growing baby inside of you. You choose the most nutritious foods, and drink plenty of water. You do Pilates and yoga to strengthen the muscles surrounding your child, keeping him or her warm and secure inside. But the other crucial part of pregnancy is looking and feeling your best on the outside. Maternity fashion has come a long way from your mother's tent dresses and overalls. Black tie gowns, designer denim, career wear, and date tops all specially fit to the pregnant body allow you to keep the great style you had pre-pregnancy. Don't throw on your husband's shirt just because it's the only thing that fits. Invest in a few key pieces that make you feel confident and beautiful. After all, these are the most stylish nine months of your life!

- Rebecca Matthias, President and Chief Creative Officer, Destination Maternity®

Trust Your Body

In our tech-focused world, we sometimes forget that nature has given us all we need to nurture ourselves, our baby and even the ability to breastfeed. Above all, confidence and commitment that you can do it will help tremendously. It is important to trust the process and your body post delivery and to take the time to learn how your new body is working so you can nurture your own new needs and those of your baby. One of the many decisions you may make, is to breastfeed. The long-term benefits of breastfeeding are amazing as it offers babies a multitude of real health and nurture-related benefits and it is a bonus that it offers mom long-term benefits as well by helping her body function overall and may even aid weight loss.

In addition to offering moms protection and a reduced risk of illness while breastfeeding, we are flooded with the "love hormone" oxytocin which gives us the warm and fuzzies when we are nurturing ourselves and our nursling. It is nature's way of ensuring we take time to slow down, take a break and bond with our babies and our own bodies. Given there can be some challenges along the road, there are items that can be helpful to have on hand to make the process a little easier. Wearing a quality nursing bra will provide you with the support you need for your larger than usual breasts and give your baby easy access. Disposable nursing pads help to avoid embarrassing leaks and cushion tender nipples. And, while breastfeeding should not hurt, some moms experience sensitivity or soreness and it is helpful to have a supply of HPA® Lanolin or Lansinoh Soothies® Gel Pads while the underlying causes are addressed. Do it for your baby; do it for yourself. It is nature's way to nurture both you and your nursling! We commend and support you!

Gina Ciagne, CLC
Director, Breastfeeding and Consumer Relations
Lansinoh Laboratories
www.bymomsformoms.net

PAM Mom's Green Essentials Giveaway

Winning is as EASY as signing up! When you sign up for the PAM Newsletter you are automatically entered to win one of our weekly Giveaways as well as the incredible Grand Prize worth over $1500! Each week one person from our newsletter list will win a gift from one of our sponsors, simply by being signed up to receive our newsletter.

This week someone will win a $100 gift certificate for A Pea in the Pod.

On May 31, 2009, we will draw one last name from our newsletter list, and that lucky person will win over $1500 in prizes:

and counting... Learn more

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