Homemade Natural Deodorant That Works!

When we first started out the road to living more naturally... one of the first things to go was the deodorant.

The Stinky Story
It was a bold step for us at the time and we were really nervous about the stinky body odor that was surely going to follow us around for a while.

We learned that eating a good, clean diet and drinking plenty of water can help cut down the BO, but sometimes you need a little extra help. We all know that the commonly used antiperspirants work pretty good for the most part, but that's if you don't care about all the aluminum that is being soaked into your body via the stinky armpits and how it prevents you from detoxing naturally through your sweat.

For those of us who care and want a more natural option... the choices are many, but very few actually work. Some even have aluminum and other yucky ingredients even though the product is supposed to be "natural".

I share this from personal experience, as a woman who rode (and still does when not pregnant!) horses, loves to work hard and likes a good sweat.

Sweat is not something I gross out about, but body odor... I do.

When Jon and I first threw away our conventional deodorants, we started out trying the Thai Crystal Deodorant Stone and it worked great... but for only a year or so before we started to really stink enough to try something different.

Out went that deodorant and in came the Crystal Body Deodorant... same idea as the first one, but supposedly better.

Same results... we still stunk like BO and it was getting really embarrassing.

Saved by the Powder
What were we gonna do?!  Sweat like a stinky horse?! Thankfully, I learned of a homemade version using baking soda, arrowroot or cornstarch and essential oils.

This powder deodorant saved us from the embarrassment of BO. It was kind of messy getting it on, but we weren't complaining!

We used it for a couple years, but just recently I decided to change it up and add in coconut oil because we were tired of getting powder everywhere.

After trying different variations... I had to make two different kinds. We found out the painful way that my hubby cannot have essential oils in his deodorant because it causes him to break out in a rash. As for me, I use essential oils with no problems... the rosemary is my favorite! Word of advise, try a small amount before making a batch to see if you can tolerate essential oils on your armpits.

Through that whole process I found that using plain coconut oil works fairly well. You can do that if you don't really want to make your own deodorant. My hubby did that for a while to let his pits heal up, but he felt like he need a little more power and so I made him a plain version of mine.

Try and see what works for you.

The Ingredients
I will share the powdered recipe along with the recipe for the solid form of deodorant below. Both work great, but we prefer the solid deodorant for obvious reasons.

A few things to keep in mind when making your deodorant... where we live is cool enough that we can keep the deo in a deodorant stick without worrying about it melting. If you are in an area where is it hot or concern about it melting... simply pour it into a small jar OR add a couple tablespoons of beeswax and/or shea butter. You will have to melt them all together using the double boiler method before adding in the dry ingredients and essential oils.

Essential oils... I highly recommend that you use a little bit of tea tree along with your favorite essential oil(s). The tea tree is anti-bacterial and paired up with coconut oil makes a nice double kick against the stinky odor-causing bacteria.

I like to buy all my ingredients from Mountain Rose Herbs, Amazon, Vitacost and/or Tropical Traditions. I know my essential oils shown in the pictures are not from Mountain Rose Herbs... they were gifts from friends and I appreciate them!

I have found that Mountain Rose Herbs' essential oils are of excellent quality... I still have some that I bought over 2 years ago and they work great!

Alright, enough chatter, let's get to work making...

Homemade Natural Deodorant that Works!

Solid Form:

6 - 8 Tbsp coconut oil (NOT melted)

1/3 cup arrowroot powder (or non-gmo cornstarch)

1/4 cup baking soda

essential oils (optional)

2 Tbsp beeswax and/or shea butter (optional)

1. Mix arrowroot powder & baking soda together in a medium bowl.
2. Mash in 6 Tbsp of coconut oil with a spoon until well mixed. It should be creamy with a slightly dry texture. If you need more, add 1 Tbsp at a time.
3. Add in essential oils, if desired. You will need about 10 - 15 drops total for each batch.
4. Store in a small glass jar or deodorant container (will need to melt gently first and pour in).

Favorite Essential Oil Combinations:
tea tree and rosemary
lavender and orange
lemon, lavender and frankincense
tea tree and lavender
yland yand and orange
peppermint and lemon

Favorite Single Essential Oils:
Tea Tree
Pine
Peppermint
Lavender
Rosemary
Frankincense

Extras:
-- Add 2-3 capsule of probiotics (pull the cap apart and add powder in with dry ingredients).
-- Use cocoa butter or mango butter instead of shea butter.

Powder Form:
6 Tbsp arrowroot powder
4 Tbsp baking soda
Essential Oils

1. Mix arrowroot powder & baking soda in a small bowl.
2. Add essential oils of your choice (recommended amount above).
3. Store in a glass jar and use a blush brush to powder your armpits.

One More Thing...

Something to keep in mind, when you first start out using natural deodorant... your armpits are going to sweat a lot at first, but they will dry out over time has your body adjusts to being able to sweat naturally.

Remember, antiperspirants plug up your sweat glands and the natural deodorant is basically helping "unplug" them. Think of your glands all swelled up like little balloons with yucky toxics that need to get drained out.

So, don't freak out if you sweat a lot in the first couple weeks... that's a good sign that your body is detoxing and getting back to normal function!

Have you tried making your own deodorant with success? What are you favorite scents? Share below!

This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link, your cost will be the same but I will receive a small commission. The commissions I receive goes to support my family, our ministry and helps keep my blog going. Thank you for your willingness to use the links to support us & help me keep Just Making Noise going!

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Pregnancy Notes: Treating Group B Strep Naturally

Hello gals! Sorry that I have been absent the last several weeks, but it has been nice to put aside my computer and enjoy serious family time. We are now settled in my parents' house and awaiting the arrival of baby cuatro! I should post a picture of my belly... remind me to do that before the baby arrives!

Now... let's talk about GBS (Group B Strep).

Have you been tested positive for Group B Strep? Have you been told the dangers of GBS and scared into getting antibiotics when you really don't want them?

The whole Group B Strep business is highly controversial and confusing, but I want to put in my thoughts and hopefully help you make the best decision for you & your baby.

Please remember, as you read through this post, that I am not a doctor... just a pregnant mama sharing from personal experience of being tested positive at one time for GBS and chose the alternative route.

What Causes Group B Strep?
All of us naturally have GBS in our intestines whether we are pregnant or not. It is just a matter of keeping it under control with good gut bacteria... like everything else in the gut system. 

The problems arises when GBS multiplies (colonizes) during pregnancy to the point that it becomes a danger to your health and possibly your babies health.

One of the sure signs that you might test positive for GBS is if you had one or more yeast infections before or during pregnancy. That shows that your good gut bacteria is getting out numbered. It also means you need to take steps to "starve" out the bad bacteria, which means taking out the sugar & refined foods (Yeast & bacteria thrive on them!) as much as possible and increasing probiotic intake.

The Test

If you decide to get the test done... which doctors (and some midwives) normally do around weeks 35-37. The earlier, the better so you can take action to take care of the GBS if you are tested positive. Make sure you know when you will take the test so you are fully prepared!

If you do test positive, be prepared that your doctor (or midwife) most likely demand that you be on antibiotics while in labor. If you choose not to go that route, be ready to stand strong because they won't like it. You have rights to refuse it.

The Risks of Antibiotics
More of us know that antibiotics kill all bacteria (good & bad) in our system and will most likely do the same in your baby.

When given antibiotics for any reason during labor, the chances of your baby developing thrush (yeast infection) is greater and because the good bacteria gets killed... you will not have a defense system working in your favor to protect you from all the germs, bacteria & viruses you will be exposed to if you are having a hospital birth. Antibiotics are creating problems of "super bugs" which are highly resistant to normal antibiotics. One intervention can lead to potentially more need for intervention and take away your ability to bond with your child during the first week of life!

"It's well known that the percentage of babies who actually benefit from intrapartum antibiotics is very small.  And, increasingly, the routine use of chemoprophylaxis (antibiotics) during labor is causing problems with resistant GBS or resistant e. coli." (Source)

Steps to Prevent GBS
Here are some steps you can take to lower your chances of being tested positive (if you decide to be tested).

• Throughout your pregnancy eat lots of fermented food like yogurt, kefir and homemade sauerkraut, to name a few.
• Eat the superfoods throughout your pregnancy.
• Take your supplements, especially raw apple cider vinegar, daily.
• Avoid all antibiotics before and during pregnancy.
• Take food-based Vitamin C (New Chapter is my favorite!)
• A week or two before the test, double your probiotic intake (pills, plain yogurt, fermented foods, etc.) and rub coconut oil in and around your vaginal area every night before bed.
• Insert a raw garlic clove vaginally, every night, for a week or two before the test day. Click here for more instructions (or read below how I did it).
• Wear 100% cotton underwear.
• Shower and wash your vaginal area right before you go in for your appointment.
• If you have a say (which you should, in my opinion!), tell them to only swab the vaginal area. Some swab both the vaginal & rectal area. Which is really unnecessary because the baby is born vaginally.

If you've been tested positive, continue with the program above along with a couple extra things...

• Eat several spoonfuls of coconut oil everyday.
• Swallow a raw garlic clove coated with raw honey twice a day with food.
• Optional 1: Soak a tampon with coconut oil or olive oil and a few drops of Tea Tree essential oil, insert it in for 4 hours each day for 7 days.
• Optional 2: Rub plain yogurt or kefir in & around your vaginal area to build up good bacteria.
• Pray for healing and belief that you & the baby are in God's hands!

My Story
I tested positive for GBS when I was pregnant with my 2nd, BUT I was tested at 2 months pregnant (which is NOT normal). I was VERY surprised by the test and felt that it was possibly a bad test because of two things... 1) she swab both my vaginal area and rectum. 2) I had no history of yeast infections or gut problems. Plus, the doctor didn't give me any heads up... she just decided to do it in the last minute because I was moving out of the country!

Then we moved to Costa Rica and (I was 5-6 months pregnant) found a wonderful midwife. I told her about my GBS positive, but she told me not to worry too much about it. As stated above... all of us naturally have GBS, it is just a matter of keeping it under control with good bacteria and good food.

I did research and decided to go ahead & take some simple steps as precaution, which she approved.

Basically, I rubbed coconut oil in & around my vaginal area a couple times a day, took lots of probiotics (pills & fermented foods) and swallowed some raw garlic every now and then. I also ate lots of coconut oil too (for those who might not know... coconut oil has powerful anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties). 

I also took a raw garlic clove, lightly crushed it, rubbed my vaginal area with coconut oil and stuck the garlic clove up in there. Seriously, garlic is amazing and bacteria can not live in the presence of garlic. If the pharmaceutical companies could patent garlic, they would be even more filthy rich than they already are! I did this almost every night before going to bed for a couple weeks. To get it out, I simply went pee and it would fall out. (Source) 

Honestly, I wasn't too worried about it because my midwife wasn't. She didn't even send me back to get tested again because she found the tests be unreliable and not very accurate. She also believed it created uneccessary worry for the moms. She is the kind of midwife who believes the mind is a powerful tool that can hinder or encourage a good birth. In some degree, I believe that to be true.

With my diet...I didn't really change a whole lot. I was already eating fairly healthy (no refined foods, lots of saturated fats, broths, whole foods, fermented foods, etc.) and took my supplements daily. I stayed away from sugar as much as possible. Because we had just moved to Costa Rica at this time and adjusting to our new life there along with figuring out where to find good sources of food... our food intake wasn't always perfect!

In the end, my 2nd was born healthy and strong.

With my third pregnancy, I completely forgot about GBS... didn't even get any testing done (blood or vaginal) or have a doctor (we had just moved to Honduras). The only time I went to the doctor was to get 2 ultrasounds... which was required by the US embassy to get our baby's birth certificate and passport.

We did the third birth ourselves at home and had no complications whatsoever... it was amazing. It was also my best birth out of the three! I know I need to share that birth story... someday!!!

Now, I am due any day now for baby cuatro and have not, again, done any testing. I've been following the steps above and believing all will be good!

So, my encouragement to you is NOT to worry! Whatever you and your husband decide to do, make sure to take steps to get your gut system healthy with lots of probiotics and pray for the Lord's blessing on your birth.

For more information:
Gentlebirth.org - GBS
Understanding GBS
Treat GBS: Are Antibiotics Necessary?
How to Treat a Vaginal Infection With a Clove of Garlic
Herbal Treatments for Group B Strep

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Pregnancy Notes: Homeopathy Remedies

There are so many things I love about homeopathy... it is safe, aids the body to heal, non-toxic and my kids even think the pellets are like candy because they taste sweet! For those who are not familiar with homeopathy... Please read this great, simple article that explains what homeopathy is and how it works. 

It is so safe that I don’t have to worry about my kids getting sick if they swallow a whole bottle and... ahem... my oldest daughter has done that a few times! As a child, I did that but with a bottle of baby Tylenol and had to go to the emergency room to get my stomach pumped. Yeah, that's why you will never see that stuff or any form of over-the-counter/prescribed medication in my house. I don’t want that to happen to any of my kids!

So, if you take the wrong remedy for something… you don’t have to worry about it making you sicker because it won’t do anything to you if it is not the right kind! You can simply switch to a different kind of remedy better matched to your symptoms. You can’t really do that safely with over-the-counter or prescribed medication.

Below I am going to share a few that I’ve used through each of my births and what they do. Then I want to share with you a new program that I am doing right now (started late, though) with pregnancy #4 that I learned recently from a homeopathic.

Again, this is why I love homeopathy… I do not have to worry about any harm being done to the baby or me while doing this program!

Oh, ahem... again, before you read on, I have to say this for legal reasons... I'm not a doctor, just a pregnant gal who likes to share what she is doing to have a healthy pregnancy & birth. Please consult your midwife or doctor about any changes you make to your diet while pregnant. Homeopathy does not cause interactions with pharmaceutical drugs and are safe for everyone. You can read more FAQs about homeopathy here.

Homeopathy Remedies for Labor & Birth

We all know that childbirth is a natural process and unless complications develop, no intervention is needed. More and more parents are accepting this view once again and choosing to labor without anesthesia and, more so recently, many prefer to have their baby born at home.

Homeopathy can help make childbirth easier with the use of homeopathic remedies to help prevent lengthy, painful labor and soothe sore muscles after birth.

Caulophyllum thalictroides

I first learned about this remedy from Homeopathic Medicine at Home while pregnant with Tobi (#3) and believe it made a difference in my labor & birth. Here’s a soundbite from the book:

"The early settlers first learned about this remedy from the Indians, who called it “squaw-root” or “birth-root”. Indian women chewed the root when they were at full term. The early homeopaths, ever on the alert for curative medicines, potentized this remedy, which they called Caulophyllum thalictroides.

In the event of false labor pains (pains not accompanied by effacement and dilation of the cervix), the remedy stimulates the onset and continuation of effective contractions.

A British homeopath, Dr. Douglas M. Borland, author of Homeopathy for Mother and Infant, recommends taking a daily dose of Caulophyllum during the last 2 or 3 weeks of pregnancy to ease labor. Many mothers (including myself) have reported a rapid, “easy” labor."

I started taking this remedy about a week before my due date and Tobias was born exactly the due date I predicted (he’s the only one I knew for sure when I conceived!). The labor was fast and fairly easy. I was surprised by how quickly it was happening and how smoothly it flowed. Tobi was born in less then 2 hours!

When to use:

You can start taking it, once or twice a day, 2 to 3 weeks before the due date. Or when you start to feel contractions, take it every 15 minutes and stop when contractions become full and steady.

Carbo vegetabilis

I have not needed to take this, but always have it on hand just in case. This remedy is known as the “great reviver”, proved to help restore strength when exhausted.

If labor has been going on for some time and you feel completely depleted and too tired to carry on. Plus, you cravings for cold, moving air… Carbo vegtabilis is the remedy for you. After taking your first dose you should start to feel your strength coming back to complete the job!

When to use:

When you feel completely exhausted, take repeated doses every 15 minutes until you feel your strength come back. Stop taking when you feel strengthened.

Arnica Montana

I was first introduced to homeopathy after the birth of my first baby. My midwife gave me a bottle of Arnica Montana to help with muscle pains and aches from the birth.

I was all for trying a natural alternative to Tylenol or aspirin. I didn’t want to take either, but didn’t know what I could take to help with my sore muscles because I was still very new in the world of natural remedies at that time. Thankfully my midwife took care of that for me!

After she told me how much to take and how often… I was shocked to find myself feeling great very quickly. I noticed if I missed a dose within the time frame I start to feel sore, but as soon as I took my dose… my pains and aches magically went away! It was amazing!

After that experience, I knew I had to explore the world of homeopathy. Ever since, I have been able to treat my family holistically using homeopathy, among other natural remedies, with great success! I am still learning as I go along in life and have to say that I am not an expert even though I’ve been using homeopathy for over 5 years now.

I’ve used Arnica with all my pregnancies and ALWAYS always have a bottle or two around for my family. I also have a bottle of arnica oil that is wonderful to rub on sore muscles and a bottle of arnica tincture to mix with water for a more potent effect. This is one homeopathy we use quite often with our 3 energenic kids and lots of animals running around!

In addition to relieving sore muscles and bruised parts, Arnica will speedily heal an episiotomy or tear if they happen.

When to use:

Immediately after delivery and repeat the dose every 15 to 30 minutes until you feel comfortable. Keep taking it every hour after that.

Homeopathy Remedies for Pregnancy

A while back I received an email update from Joette Calabrese who is a practicing homeopathic and has a wonderful website, HomeopathyWorks, that I’ve learned much from. The focus of the newsletter was about pregnancy and how to have a healthy pregnancy, quick labor and easy birth by using homeopathy. 

Joette shared her experiences of using these very homeopathies to improve the outcome of her last 2 pregnancies after having a very long (40 hours!), painful labor with her first (all natural too!). The results were amazing… pain was minimal and the labor/birth were quick & easy! She gave birth at home and was over 40 years old at those times.

The following program came not only from her own personal experiences, but also from attending many home births and working with lots of women. She recommends a daily intake of homeopathic cell salts, instead of prenatal vitamins, that will supply the nutrition a mama and baby needs. She says they have a proven record and unlike some prenatal vitamins, carry no side effects.

Remember, no amount of homeopathy or prenatal vitamins will substitute for a poor diet. So, it is vital that you load up on wholesome, nutritionally dense foods... read my note on "Super Foods for Mama & Baby" (coming soon!).

Below is the list of remedies and the schedule she recommends for mamas to follow for the duration of the pregnancy and for as long as the baby nurses:

Calcarea fluorata 6 or 12: Prevents stretch marks, varicose veins and hemorrhoids.  It also builds good tooth enamel in the mother and child as well as strong bones for both.

Ferrum phosphoricum 6: Strengthens blood vessels and arteries and helps prevent anemia.

Magnesia phosphorica 6: Alleviates spasms and cramps, such as leg and abdominal cramps. It can even eliminate the baby's hiccups in utero.

Natrum muriaticum 6: Helps cope with metabolic changes of pregnancy.  Prevents and cures dry skin, heartburn, swollen ankles and helps to eliminate toxins.


Silicea 6: Needed, for blood, skin, hair and nails. 

Schedule

Month 1:  Calc fluor 6x, Mag phos 6x, Ferr phos 6x

Month 2:  Calc fluor 6x, Mag phos 6x, Ferr phos 6x

Month 3:  Calc fluor 6x, Mag phos 6x, Nat mur 6x

Month 4:  Calc fluor 6x, Nat mur 6x, Silicea 6x

Month 5:  Calc fluor 6x, Ferr phos 6x, Silicea 6x

Month 6:  Calc fluor 6x, Mag phos 6x, Ferr phos 6x

Month 7:  Calc fluor 6x, Mag phos 6x, Nat mur 6x

Month 8:  Calc fluor 6x, Nat mur 6x, Silicea 6x

Month 9:  Calc fluor 6x, Ferr phos 6x, Silicea 6x 
(Continue for as long as the baby is nursing)

Take three to four pills of each remedy, three times a day, according to the monthly schedule.

Just like higher potency homeopathic remedies, cell salts (sometimes called tissue salts or biochemic homeopathy) are prepared in highly diluted dosages. This gives them a greater ability to work. 

You can purchase cell salts in most health food stores, Vitacost (this link is my referral link, get $10 off on your first purchase from Vitacost!) or online. They are pretty inexpensive.

Joette’s office also carries a convenient cell salt kit which you can purchased if you are interested.

What about you? Do you use homeopathy during pregnancy, birth and/or postpartum? Please share below!

Linked up at Monday Mania and Simple Lives Thursday.

Note: I am not affiliated with Joette or Homeopathy Works or 1-800-Homeopathy.

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Pregnancy Notes: Soothing Postpartum Pads {recipe}

I made these pads when pregnant with Tobi and it did wonders for me after the birth. It felt so soothing… and cold, but in a good way! They helped a lot with the soreness and swelling associated with having a vaginal birth. Each ingredient has specific purposes for promoting healing of the vaginal area along with bring relief. Read on to learn what each ingredient does to bring comfort in the midst of the postpartum period…

The Ingredients

Witch Hazel: A mama’s best friend during the postpartum healing time. It is a natural astringent, helps reduce swelling and typically used on swollen body parts… birthing does give our bodies quite a beating! This soothing liquid makes a wonderful treatment for two problems that can happen to new mamas – sore perineum & hemorrhoids.

Aloe Vera: Best known for its natural healing of skin, wounds and other skin issues. It’s excellent anti-inflammatory properties help relieve joint & muscle pains. It is SO soothing on a sore perineum and leaves you feeling revitalized.

My choices of essential oils… Lavender, Rosemary and German Chamomile… not only smell wonderful when combined, but all are natural astringents that help with reducing swelling. Each of them also have their own special ways of helping along the healing process:

• Lavender essential oil has a wonderful calming scent which can help in treating nervous exhaustion, restlessness, emotional stress, nervous tension, headaches, anxiety and increase mental activity. It is also an excellent remedy for various types of pains caused by sore muscles, tense muscles, muscular aches, backaches and the lumbago (lower back) area. Lavender oil is good for improving blood circulation in the body, which is essential for complete healing in the perineum area.
• Rosemary essential oil has the ability to strengthen the entire body and relieve pain (like lavender) associated with muscle pains, sore muscles & headaches. It also boosts mental activity, so when your brain feels tired (and we do feel brain-tired after having a baby!)… inhale some rosemary oil to get fresh mental energy!
• German Chamomile essential oil is a workhorse being naturally anti-septic, anti-biotic, won’t let biotic infections (such as bacteria, fungi, etc.) develop, wipes off infections already present, can effectively reduce pain in the muscles & joints, calms all nervous disturbances, is effective in curing inflammation and check swelling of the blood vessels. In nature, it is a tonic that helps tone up the skin, muscles, internal organs and more.

Knowing all this just brings a huge smile of awe on my face because God is so good to give us the resources to naturally heal ourselves! Now you know these cool & soothing pads will help bring comfort after childbirth and allow you to enjoy your new baby without being too distracted by the postpartum healing that can be painful and challenging.

Where to Purchase Everything
Thankfully, all these ingredients are very easy to find and reasonably priced. You will most likely be able to find everything you need at your local health food store. Knowing that prices are always a little more at the local health food store... you can simply purchase the witch hazel at any drug store for cheap and buy your aloe vera (or use your fresh leaves!) & essential oils online for less.

I love to buy my essential oils from Mountain Rose Herbs, they have lasted me a long time! I've also purchased my essential oils from Vitacost.com (this is my referral link, you can get an instant $10 coupon on your first purchase!) and have been happy with the Aura Cacia brand, but quality-wise... Mountain Rose Herbs' essential oils are the ones to get. 

The pads you see in my pictures are from Lunapads and I love them. They don't feel bulky and are very comfortable. There are other companies that make cloth pads and prices varies, but you can easily make your own pads if you are sewing savvy! 

Making the Pads

For pads, I used my cloth ones because they are more breathable and aren’t full of stuff that can irritate the vaginal area (plus, I save so much money using them!). I prefer to put the special liquid on the inserts that slip onto the pads, but you can put it directly on the pads itself. You can use disposable pads, but be sure to get unscented or natural kinds!

I would prepare 15-25 pads and put them all in a plastic container to store until ready to use. 

What you will need:

Overnight maxi pads (cloth or disposable)

2 cups Witch Hazel (distilled extract, available at any drug store)

½ cup pure, edible Aloe Vera gel/juice (fresh or store bought)

15-20 drops Lavender essential oil

15-20 drops Rosemary essential oil

15-20 drops German Chamomile essential oil

Aluminum foil

In bowl, thoroughly combine everything. Pour into a small spray bottle or simply use a Tablespoon. Unfold the pads and spray each pad until damp or pour 1 Tbsp. (make a vertical line down the center area) on each pad. Wrap each pad in aluminum foil and store in the freezer. When ready to use, take one out and unwrap it. Let it thaw for about 2 minutes before put it on. If you put it on right away, it will be COLD… but it feels great!!

Note: If you are using fresh aloe vera leaves. Simply peel the skin off and lightly rinse it. Then put the clear gel in your blender and blend until smooth.

Enjoy!

linked up at Simple Lives Thursday

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NEW! My Pregnancy Notes Series

Here I am about halfway (about 21 weeks) through! I may not look that big, but I feel big... LOL!

While I haven't been doing a whole lot on my blog and just throwing up a post when I felt like it or found the time... all that is going to change for a while.

I finally found some inspiration!

Ta-da!

Now that I am pregnant with #4 I thought it would be fun to share with you some of my pregnancy "notes" on what I've done in my previous pregnancies and again doing with Bebe Cuatro. That way you can be blessed with some great information and I can have a place to keep all my notes for future references!

My "notes" will be a mixture of recipes, remedies, tips and encouragement... don't expect me to cover every detail or share cures for every pregnancy ailment that is common among us preggy Mamas. There are some things, such as morning sickness, that I did not have a big problem with during all my pregnancies and therefore won't be sharing much on that subject.

Now, if you are not yet a Mama... no problem! This series of "notes" will be excellent for you to save for when that day comes when you are pregnant for the first time. There are some information among these "notes" that actually apply to you now because it is vital to start preparing your body before you conceive, not after.

Think of it has "getting the house ready" for the baby... you want your body to be clean, strong & healthy before your baby moves in, grows in your womb for the next 9 months and drinks your milk for however long you decide to nurse!

For those who are Mamas, have children and done... don't pass this off too quickly. These "notes" may have valuable information for you and your family's health. If you have daughters that are growing up, getting married and ready to have babies... this is great to pass on to them! Plus, this series can be great to pass on to your other Mama friends! Thanks so much for sharing the love  :o)

For those of you who are still planning to have more kids, then you will find much that you can use for your next pregnancy! With each pregnancy I've learned new things and add in one or more things to improve my pregnancy, labor & birth.

Here is a tentative list of "notes" I plan to share over the next few months and are not in any particular order:

• Top 11 Pregnancy, Childbirth, Breastfeeding & Postpartum Books/DVDs
• Super Happy Belly Tea {recipe}
• Whole Food Supplements
• 7 Superfoods for Mama & Baby
• Homeopathy Remedies
• Treating Group B Strep Naturally
• Exercising the Right Muscles for Labor & Birth
• Hospital Birth, Home Birth & Unassisted Birth
• Soothing Postpartum Pads {recipe}
• Mama's Rich Milk Tea {recipe}
• Postpartum Herbal Sitz Bath {recipe}
• DIY Natural Nipple Cream {recipe}

If there is something you would like me to share that I might've missed in my list of notes... please let me know! It helps to get ideas from other Mamas who have been there and done it. With being pregnant, sometimes I forget some very important ones... ah! That's something I could write about! Curing forgetfulness during pregnancy! LOL!!

While I am sharing my "notes" I want you to remember that I am only sharing what has worked for me through each of my pregnancies. Also, please don't feel like you have to do EVERYTHING I do or have done. Find what you think will work for you! I am not a doctor or anything... just a mama who likes to share and has been blessed with 3 beautiful pregnancies, births & babies! Now I am looking forward to making it a fourth one  :)

I hope you will enjoy my notes and if you have anything you would like to share, have questions or want to add more thoughts into the posts, please write in the comments area! Thanks!

PS- in case you are wondering, that is me pregnant with Tabitha (#2). This was taken a few hours before she was born  :o)

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