Update: New Hope For Handmade Industry in Lead Law Exceptions
In an update to concerns over the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, the CPSC is considering exemptions that will hopefully rescue the US handmade industry from certain doom.
Sample Post-Natal Care Letter of Refusal
For mothers preferring a natural birth, there is much research to be done, not only regarding the birth but also natural post-natal care of the new little life that emerges. Standard post-natal care of newborns in most hospitals includes immunizations and routine procedures such as eye ointment and Vitamin K shots. If you’re like me, [...]
Best Lists of Food Additives and Preservatives
It’s always a challenge to ensure that what goes in our bodies is chemical and preservative free! The following list of great links to food additive lists is becoming one of my new favorite resources. Often, you can just choose another brand and leave out the chemicals altogether, but sometimes there’s no chemical-free ingredient choice! Leading me to wonder, which food preservatives are the real baddies?
Risks of VBAC and Repeat C-Section
How does one make a choice between VBAC and repeat caesarean? Those considering VBAC are advised to consider the risk of uterine rupture. On the other hand, statistics exist pointing to successful vaginal birth after cesarean. I provide this article simply as a starting point for those who hope to make the safest choice on VBAC for both maternal and infant safety.
Natural Teething Home Remedies: 10 Most Popular Recommendations
What’s the best place to turn to find home remedies? Moms! Here is a list of the Top 10 teething remedies by natural moms — popular solutions to ease teething pain and comfort baby’s gums.
Comparing Natural Skin Care Brands (Skin Care Preservatives, Part 2)
More and more companies are producing natural skin care products. What do natural brands use to preserve their beauty products? I surveyed major brands to get a comparison of the preservatives used.
Why DIY is all about Empowerment.
The greatest strength of Capitalism, according to economists, is its ability to self-correct. There is no lumbering government control mechanism dictating what should or should not be produced in a given year. It’s all determined by the people. And the people, to put it succinctly, know what they want. Those who fawn over capitalism’s genius [...]
A Guide to Natural Skin Care Preservatives, Part 1
Natural products based on plant-based ingredients attempt to circumvent the use of synthetic preservatives, but there is a limit to what they can accomplish effectively. In Part 1 of this guide, I provide an overview of “what you need to know” about preservatives in personal care products, as well as methods for “do-it-yourselfers”.
Beauty and Personal Care Ingredients To Avoid
Well-researched ingredient lists are now available in the realm of personal and skin care products. If you’re looking for a clean cut list that matches the ingredient list on labels, I’ve included here a list of the best links on ingredients to avoid, as well as some relevant product lists.
Water vs. Oil in Preserving Homemade Skin Care Products
Here’s some useful information that clarifies the distinction between preserving water-based vs. oil-based skin care products, including some tips on how to use this difference to avoid worrisome preservatives.
A Review of the Halo Sleep Sack: On the Thin Side
It’s spring now and the organic Halo Sleep Sack we’re using now fits the bill. The biggest thing the Halo brand has going for it is that it’s an affordable option for those who want to go organic, a noble choice given the wide use of pesticides in producing cotton. Here’s the problem with the Halo Sleep Sack: it’s not much of a blanket.
Make Your Own Diaper Rash Cream
Here’s a recipe for all natural diaper rash ointment. I’ve had great success this time around dealing with diaper rash (i.e. preventing it!). For baby’s health it’s better to use eco-friendly plant-based salves and creams such as this one. For more of what works for me in preventing diaper rash, read on!