According to an NIH study currently, there are over 80,000 chemicals used in the toy market, most of which have not ben regulated or studied. A study by the UN Enviorment Program, 25% of childrens toys contain harmful chemicals. In an Enviormental Protection Agency toy toxicity study, “it was reported that toxic chemicals, including BPA, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury, were noted in their report over 11,000 times.” Health prblems linked to these chemicals include reproductive, immunity, and neurological problems, childhood asthma, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease, just to name a few.
QACs are chemicals that kill bacteria and therefore are widely used in detergents, toothpaste, shampoo, and cosmetics, to just name a few. Dr. Gina Cortopassi, one of the EHSC Pilot Award recipients, has studied QACs and concluded these chemicals are responsible for lung toxicity. Yet another study published in Science direct states “QAC exposure if extensive and there is significant potential for health ramifications from exposure to these compands.”
Not only are toys and daily hygein products like make-up, shampoo, sunscreen, and cleaning products laced with chemicals, there are also dangerous chemicals found in our clothes (including dipaers, strollers, carseats, begging, etc), disposable packaging like storage bags and water bottles. Among some of these chemicals are pestisides and ‘Forever Chemicals’ (a family of over 4,700 highly persistent chemicals that don’t occur in nature). Occording to chemtrust.org, “Forever Chemicals are the most persistent synthetic chemicals to date, they hardly degrade in the natural enviorment and have been found in the blood and breastmilk of people and wildlife all round the world.” How harmful are these chemicals? They interfere with homonal disruptors, interfere with the development of the fetus, and promotes cancers such as kidney and testicular cancer.
These are just a few examples of the tens of thousands of chemcials that are found in the products that our children and families are coming into contact with every hour of every day. I strongly feel it is our responsibility to actively eliminate these toxins from our daily lives and remove them from our body. Max Mamas was born out of necessity and the desire to make this process easier on families. If Max Mamas and the SWEET gals can make health the easy button, I know we can change the health of generations. We strive to get healthier products to your family in a easy, cheaper, and delicious way. Reach out to a SWEET gal today to help get a step by step plan to start getting your family on a healthier path today!
]]>Hey! This is Alashandra one the the Sweet Gals here at Max Mamas. I am a mother of six and the head babywearing educator here at the store. If you have ever stopped by on Saturday we have probably met. Today I want to help you understand more about babywearing.
You have probably seen people with their babies strapped to them in a baby carrier before but you may not understand how helpful a baby carrier can be. I know when I tried my first carrier over 10 years ago I didn’t. I was just looking for a way to keep up with three kids under four. Since then, I have learned so much about babywearing. Let me share just a small portion of what I have discovered.
Stretchy Wrap: a long piece of stretchy fabric wrapped around the wearer and tied, then baby can be placed in and out of the carrier as needed. It is great for newborns to around 15 lbs, and a great option for skin to skin.
Ring Sling: a smaller piece of fabric with 2 rings sewn on one end. The opposite end is then threaded thru the rings to form a circle. This is placed over the head and one are of the caregiver with the rings at the shoulder and the tail falling in front. The sling forms a hammock type seat for the child and the wearer tightens the fabric thru the rings till the child is tight against them (Tip: When tightening the sling it is often helpful to place the rings higher than you want them to end up). It is a great carrier for a small baby or for quick trips when they are bigger. This one shoulder carrier can cause more discomfort as baby grows if used for an extended period.
Woven Wrap: a piece of woven fabric in varying lengths used to wrap around wearer and child in a wide variety of ways. It is very customizable to each person and child. The fabric can be made of cotton, silk, wool, linen and more.
Mei Dai: has a panel with 2 straps at the bottom used to tie around wearers waist and 2 straps at the top used to tie over their shoulders. It is easy to use and customizable to the size of wearer every time you use it.
Soft Structured Carrier: has a panel with a waist strap & buckle and shoulder straps often with buckles. Often the waist and shoulder straps are padded and very structured. It is quick to put on and off and simple to use and is a very popular choice. Each brand and style fit differently so it may take some trial and error to find the Soft Structured carrier that fits your best.
Q: How do you know what carrier to get and how do I learn how to use it correctly?
A: There are babywearing experts all over the world who help caregivers with all of that. Here at Max Mamas we have 3 certified babywearing educators who are ready to help you! You can set up an appointment to meet with one in person or over a video call.
Q: How can I try a carrier out before I buy one?
A: Search for a local babywearing groups or stores that sale carriers, many have carriers you can try before you buy. Max Mamas has a rental program that you can take advantage of and help you feel confident in getting the best carrier for you.
Babywearing may seem like a fad but it has been around for centuries and has helped numberless caregivers. It has the ability to change your life and help you level up your parenting game. Give it a try and experience the difference.
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I’m going to say this extremely clear for the people in the back: According to the global healing center, the average person could be exposed to over 2,100,000 toxins EVERY. SINGLE. DAY[1]. That’s insane! Toxins are damaging to your organs, enzymes, and even your DNA. There are many different kinds of toxins, all which are have different damaging effects on the body including (but not limited to) disrupting hormones, increases your risk of certain diseases like cancer, and causes impaired function.[2] Statistics like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes are trending upward which makes it your responsibility to be aware of toxins and their damage.
I’m just going to say it……I’m a bit of a control freak! I really do not like people telling me what to do and how to do it so when it comes to deciding which products to use in my house and on my family, I like to know exactly what I’m getting. I question EVERYTHING (and for good reason)! I don’t think anyone should do anything simply because someone told them to do it. You should make a decision based on what’s best for you and your family.
But be careful. Do you truly know what you’re getting? Do you stop to question the norm? Do you really know both sides of the coin?
We can do two basic things with toxins: avoid the ones we can avoid, and detox from the things we can’t. If you’re going to buy it anyway, you might as well get a healthy version. Honestly, that’s one of my favorite things about Max Mamas, we do our very best to make it easy for you. You’re going to buy laundry detergent, storage/travel food bags, cosmetics/hair care, diapers, balms, lotions (the list goes on and on), you might as well buy the healthy option. The health of my family comes before any feel-good marketing mascot like fluffy teddy bears, polar bears, bald headed tough guys, and cute baby faces.
There are 6 things you should do when ‘Spring Cleaning’ your home and your body.
Before we learn how to spring clean our home and body, we first must learn where toxins are found.
Toxins can be found in a variety of places such as food, water, environment, cosmetics, cleaners, and containers. This is virtually everything that we interact with daily, leading to the consistent exposure of so many toxins. Each room in the house holds potential harmful toxins. I like to consistently evaluate each room in my house for potential harmful toxins. I then exchange it out if I can, or plan to detox from it if I can’t.
The backside of the product/food! It’s always a good habit to read all sides of the box. Usually, the more inviting marketing happens on the front. All Natural, Naturally-derived, and Chemical Free are among the most common terms used by companies (especially beauty products) to make you think something is maybe healthier than it actually is. Make sure you turn the product on all side to read the truth behind the label. But always keep in mind, they don’t always have to tell you!
It’s extremely difficult, if not impossible, to know all of the chemicals on the market that have toxic affects to the human body. The rabbit hole is long. I like to live by the rule of: if I can’t pronounce it, it’s probably not good for me! Chemicals usually have a big, long scientific name that’s extremely difficult to pronounce. You’re better off being safe than sorry!
Not only should you be able to pronounce what’s in your product, less is sometimes more when it comes to ingredients. We have been using nature for hundreds of years to disinfect, clean, grow, store, build, etc. Why is it suddenly not enough? I use a chemical free brand for all of my families bathroom supplies and my cosmetics. I know every ingredient listed and let me tell you, the list is short. It’s made mostly of fruit and veggies!
Ok, you’ve rounded up all the chemicals in my house but you don’t have a budget to replace them all at once (as most people don’t). Or maybe you don’t even know where it start as it can be very overwhelming. Think about what you use the most often. Things like hair products, cosmetics, household cleaners, food storage, laundry detergent. Starting with things that expose you to toxins on a daily basis can drastically reduce you chemical exposure load really quickly.
Just when you think you have it all under control, you suddenly realize there’s a new ingredient in your favorite lipstick! Yep, it happens. Companies start cutting corners in production, companies get sold, or for what seems like no apparent reason, a company will just change the formula. Always be checking your products even if it seems healthy. New companies emerge often, and they can sometimes outperform your leading non-toxic product. Expect to never be “done” becoming non-toxic and always assume you need to “level-up” on your current products. I like the app called Think Dirty to check my products. It’s a simple scan of the barcode. You could very well be using the best products, but it’s worth a check! Your health and your family with thank you!
[1] https://worldwidewisdomdirectory.com/directorylistings/global-healing-center--live-healthy.html
[2] https://naturemed.org/how-toxins-cause-disease/#:~:text=Toxins%20damage%20enzymes%20and%20thus,minerals%2C%20resulting%20in%20weaker%20bones.
[3] http://www.pollutionissues.com/Te-Un/Toxic-Substances-Control-Act-TSCA.html
[4] https://www.nrdc.org/issues/get-risky-chemicals-out-food
[5] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1541-4337.2011.00166.x
[6] https://www.epa.gov/iaq-schools/why-indoor-air-quality-important-schools#:~:text=EPA%20studies%20of%20human%20exposure,percent%20of%20their%20time%20indoors.
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Thinking back on the time when I started to date my now husband, it was such an exciting time! The butterflies, the romance, the spinning slow-motion camera that spun around us as we kissed for the first time! Ahhh, it was just like the movies!
We spend so much purposeful time dating and getting to know our partners but have you ever stopped to think about getting to know your kids with as much personal one-on-one time? There are countless developmental benefits your child receives from spending one-on-one time with a caring adult. I highly recommend starting very young when dating your kids. My husband and I started taking our daughter on individual dates when she was only 6 months old.
The first thing that you get to do is meet them where they are at. Days are exciting, playful, happy, but can also get long, frustrating, overwhelming, and even stressful for your kids too. It only takes a couple of minutes a day to personally connect with your child. Make time to get on their level and ask about their day. Our kids are always watching especially when they are in a state of uncertainty. They look to us to know what to do. When we can get on their level and ask about their day and walk through with them how to direct their emotions, they ultimately build more security in life. I feel that it’s vital to instill great values into my daughter early in life. By connecting with her on a daily basis I’m giving her opportunity to learn and develop her set of great values.
Regular play in a child’s life can help to regulate stress hormones. As a prenatal and pediatric chiropractor one of the number one question I get is how can I get my child to focus more, or sleep better. Toxic stress can interfere with normal development. High levels of stress hormones such as cortisol can interfere with a child’s mood, sleep pattern, immune system, focus ability, and much more. In as little as 8 minutes a day you can radically change your child’s development. Studies show that shared communication, with happiness and purpose with a parent can regulate a child’s stress response, help them do better in school, have higher self confidence and increase communication skills.
Collett Smart, a registered psychologist, educator, and author of They’ll be Okay says, “Countless studies indicate one of the key factors that builds resilience in young people is a sense of being connected to adults.”
When dating your kids as babies or toddlers, it takes less then 10 minutes to change the course of their day and developmental journey. As they get older there are a couple of things to keep in mind when connecting one-on-one to achieve the best benefits.
Only focus on one child at a time. One-on-one time is usually never a one size fits all. As each child is so different so is their connecting style.
Eliminate all distractions including time. Dates are not for multi-tasking. Your little will very much notice if they are not the center of your attention. You are making time in your day for the date, allow it to be of max benefit with all your focus and don’t cut the date short!
Make dates unique but don’t forget to make room for chatting. Picking something that your child loves to do is usually a safe idea but don’t loose focus on the purpose of your date. Giving adequate opportunity for connecting through talking can be the key to leveling up your success. But don’t push too much. Our kids will open up when they feel safe enough to do so.
HAVE FUN! Never forget how awesome your kids are. AND you deserve to play like a kid, too!
As always- all my love & support!
Dr. Jill
]]>One of my favorite things about the new year is creating a new me! A bit of a chance to start again. So for 2021 it’s all about filling my mom and wife cup. No work, no phone, no tv, just me with the love of my life (Brenton, that’s you!!) and my little mini me, Kenzlie! I’m making it my mission to date my husband and my daughter on the regular. I’m looking to have a red hot marriage by dating my husband like before we were married! Set the date, take a couple days to pick out an outfit, hair & make-up, all packaged together with butterflies on top of it all! Eeekkkk, I’m so excited! I’m doing a hubby mega date one a month! Now……I just need to find a babysitter!
Kenzlie is growing up so fast right in front of my face. As I drive down the road and look in the backseat of the car I see her sitting with her legs crossed looking at a book with a big smile on her face! What a doll, I don’t want to miss another second of her life. I see a lot of shopping, nails, and dancing in our future!
No matter if it’s a family date or a one-on-one as a mommy or wife, I’m excited to light my life on fire with family time!9
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1. RIGHT SEAT
Check the label to make sure it's the right seat for your child's age, weight, height and development.
2. RIGHT PLACE
Make sure that the seat you are hooking the car seat into is intended for car seats.
Children should also remain in the backseat until the age of 13, regardless of height or weight.
3. RIGHT DIRECTION
Keep your child rear facing until they reach the highest weight and height limit and are developmentally ready for forward facing. Check your local laws to ensure you are rear facing for as long as the law indicates.
4. CHEST CLIP
Chest clip should always be at armpit level.
5. PINCH TEST
You shouldn't be able to pinch any excess webbing at your child's shoulder when tightened correctly.
Learn more about car seat safety during tomorrow's Facebook LIVE or join us at our Mom Essentials class on October 17th at 10am.
]]>For those looking to go back to a classroom setting, our biggest tip is to START EARLY on a new routine. We all know that getting your kids on a schedule takes time so starting early with things like and earlier bedtime and an earlier wake time can pay off big time when it comes to the first day of school. Just assume your child, like any other, might have difficulty with change. Even if they don’t show it right out the door it might catch up with them throughout the day. Alashandra: “Start now! Get a routine started now. Wake up and get ready for the day just like you will for when school starts.”
Get prepared the night before. This is something we learned early with our daughter. We found she was more functional in the morning (and less cranky if I am being completely honest) if she had to make less decisions. So, the night before we would pick out her clothes (her choice of course), made sure her school bag was packed, and she picked her lunch. As long as we had these things done, we rarely had upset mornings and she could start her day with confidence and less chaos which leads to better learning. Alashanda also highly recommends to “have them pick clothes out and make sure bags are ready the night before.”
Make sure they are getting adequate amounts of sleep. Brain function relies heavily on the amount of sleep you get. Don’t hesitate to set new rules for the school year with it comes to bedtime. Things like limiting screen time, specifically at night, will help your child fall asleep faster and stay asleep. Blue light on screens interrupt normal hormone function in both kids and adults so at the very least wearing blue light filtering glasses will help reduce exposure.
Get started each morning on the right foot with a healthy breakfast. Start feeding your child’s brain and body with foods higher in protein and healthy fats. Carbohydrates are also essential as they give kids energy. Meghan (one of our SWEET gals who currently doesn’t have children) got some great advice some a seasoned mama: “I asked my mom and she said to make sure they eat something in the morning – it doesn’t have to be a lot, but at least something to get their brains going!”
Nurture the health of your child on a daily basis. Not only does your child need great nutrition in order to function on a daily basis, your they need specific supplements as well. Even the most organic diet today isn’t always sufficient to get your child everything he/she need to grown, develop, and function the way they were intended. I highly suggest what I call the core 4: multivitamin, omega, vitamin D, and a probiotic. Supplements not only bridge the gap between what we lack in our food, but they also help to strengthen our immune system to handle germs/viruses they might come into contact with. Other supplements to take into consideration when strengthening the immune system are; vitamin C, elderberry, colloidal silver, and echinacea. There are many variations of this, of course, so please consult a true health care provider, like myself, for assistance. Other things that really help fight sickness are detox baths and essential oils like lavender, thieves, on guard, eucalyptus, oregano, etc.
Paris: “I think it’s important to have a conversation with your kiddos about how things are different this year but maybe highlight some things that are the same. Express that they aren’t alone, and all kids are expressing similar feelings and changers this year.” I’ve always stated that I when I had children I was always “talk to them like adults”. Now, that’s not exactly how it goes but I am really purposeful on always talking with my daughter about what’s going on in life. For example, when it was time to potty train at 2 years old, we talked about not wearing diapers anymore. She said “ok!” and when on with life. She did poop in the living room once but for the most part, she did fantastic. When it was time to transition out of breastfeeding when she was 2.5 years old, we talked and again I got an “ok!” and never looked back. I completely understand this isn’t as easy as it sounds but I do think we sometimes underestimate the power of communication with our children. Thank Paris, FANTASTIC and HEALTHY advice!!
School isn’t going to look the same for some people this year. A large number of parents have decided to go the homeschool route. If this is your first-year homeschooling or you’re a seasoned vet, our SWEET gal, Janae, has some STELLAR advice!
For those jumping into “traditional” homeschooling.
1. Homeschooling doesn’t need to look like public school at home. Embrace the flexibility of homeschooling and change your expectations to fit your own personal circumstances.
2. Look into doing a period of de-schooling your kids before stating your school year.
3. Find your homeschooling style of teaching and your children’s styles of learning and do your research on homeschooling philosophies (Teach From Rest by Sarah Mackenzie is a good read for all)
4. Your curriculum choices will undoubtedly change as you get to know your kids and your own teaching styles so don’t be afraid to stop and change course if something isn’t working. Use the curriculum, don’t be a slave to it.
5. Relax! Look at YOUR end goal. Is this for a season (1-2 years) or for the long haul? Regardless, each year is a marathon, not a sprint. You can’t teach your kids EVERYTHING they need to ever know so choose only what is most important for you and them during this season.
6. For the younger years; focus on the basics (reading writing, math) and love of learning. They will learn all the rest when they are older.
7. Don’t expect your kids (especially the younger ones) to spend the same amount of time homeschooling as they did in public school.
8. Be flexible. Find what works. Your family is unique so don’t expect your homeschool method/routine/schedule to look the same as someone else’s.
9. Find a support system (other homeschooling parents – locally or online), especially those who have lots of experience!
10. Read lots of good books to your kids (audiobooks are good too!). Talk to your kids. Utilize this time to love on your kids. Relationship is more important than the homework.
]]>I've called on my Max Mamas SWEET Gals (Strong Women Encouraging Excellence Together) to help me give some first-hand advice for new moms who could use some extra support on their breastfeeding journey.
Is it supposed to feel like that? Is it supposed to look like that? Sound like that? Should the baby cry this much? Well, relatively speaking, no! BUT here’s the good news; there are answers to all of your questions, you just need to ASK THE QUESTION! As a doctor I rely pretty heavily on peer reviewed research but sometimes actual experiences for current moms are just as golden. I love to get my patients perspective and nuggets of advice to pass on to other moms. Today I heard some of the best advice when it comes to breastfeeding; “Ask all the questions. Don’t assume someone is going to tell you if something is wrong.”
Here are a few things to think about on your breastfeeding journey.
1. Find your people! Every activity is better with a cheerleader and breastfeeding is no different. Sometimes it’s just having someone tell you that what you are feeling is normal. Other times it’s needing a shoulder to cry on. Your support team is critical in being successful. Husbands are great (and always your cheerleader) but on occasion it takes more to complete your team. Think about your mom, your mother-in-law, girlfriends, postpartum doulas, and lactation consultants, Max Mamas SWEET gals. Anyone who encourages you, can be part of your team!
2. RELAX! “My biggest advice is to relax. Baby can tell if you are stressed or frustrated and will react in the same way. Take a few deep breaths and try again. It does get easier.” Ya’ll, this golden nugget comes from our SWEET gals, Alashandra. She has ample experience in breastfeeding 6 kids . . . 6 KIDS! When she speaks experience, we listen! Relaxing is great advice in any situation but especially with breastfeeding. Not only does it help with getting baby to relax, it helps with latch, milk let down, and overall hormone regulation.
3. Don’t always assume you’re doing something wrong.
4. Reach out for professional help quickly if you feel like there is an issue. Janae (another awesome SWEET gal) has successfully nursed 4 kids and has some pretty valuable advice; “It is hard at the beginning, even for subsequent babies, but it always gets easier; give it time! If it hurts, there’s a problem that most likely can be solved (lip/tongue tie or latch issues) so getting support to help figure it out is essential.”
5. Give it time. “Don’t give up!” Collectively, that is always the number one answer when I ask experienced mamas to give advice on breastfeeding. L.S., who is currently pregnant with baby number 3; “You might feel very strongly about giving up, but DON’T! It’s going to get better even if things aren’t going perfectly in the beginning.”
]]>In every situation I try to find the lesson and in this one I think about how much one person depends on another for survival. As we walk through the Max Living 5 Essentials of health (Core Chiropractic, Nutrition, Mindset, Oxygen & Exercise, Minimize Toxins) we need to understand that it’s not a menu and we can’t pick and choose which essential to leave out. However, I do understand that each family may need to focus on one above another.
As a prenatal and pediatric chiropractor I find that almost 95 percent of my progress evaluation conversations lead back to one essential, minimizing toxins. Toxins can be found everywhere, from the food we eat, the air we breathe, the stress we carry, the products we choose to put on our skin, in our hair, in our mouth, the medication/shots/ or even supplements we take. To me, there’s no bigger responsibility than to eliminate the toxins we can control and help our body detox from the toxins we can’t. Why? Toxicity or deficiency (more on that in a later blog) is the foundation of almost every disease process we have and it starts in the womb. Toxicity is accumulative and if we’re not doing our part to eliminate it from our family’s life, are we really setting our kids up for health success later in life? An apple today is not the same as an apple was 50 years ago. Toxins today are not the same as toxins 50 years ago.
Figuring out how to minimize toxins can be a big job. I say, start with what you get exposed to the most. For mom it might be make-up, for kids it might be nutrition or skin care products, for dad it might be the shampoo he uses or the plastic water bottle he drinks from. I’ve done my best to set you up for success and have fun while doing it. Check out our Max Mamas health BINGO challenge and dive into making your family 1% better one day/week/month at a time. It’s for the greater good!]]>All of my summers had 2 major things in common: activity and fun (which as an adult translates into exercise and fun)! We all know that we should exercise but we need to understand why we should exercise. There are the obvious benefits like weight loss and increase energy and stamina, but exercise is much more than the obvious. It’s not so much about the health benefits when you do exercise, but more about what happens when you don’t exercise. A lack of oxygen and movement can lead to some major disease processes like diabetes, heart disease, cancer, depression, and more.
My parents definitely led by example. I always saw them working hard and that’s absolutely paid off in my life. As a kid, exercise was just considered fun. As an adult, exercise can still be fun if we come at it from the eyes of a child. You don’t need to spend an hour on the treadmill and another hour lifting weights. It’s summer, get outside. Instill into your kids at a young age that movement is important and it comes in a lot of options; hiking, swimming, rock climbing, playing at the park, running outside, biking, walks around the neighborhood, playing sports, the list goes on. Remember, your kids are watching so lead by example!
This little babe’s mama had been adjusted during her pregnancy and understood the importance of a functioning nerve system. Prenatal adjustments can help with back, pelvic, or neck pain, sleeping problems, heat burn, headaches and even the baby’s position. But one of my favorite things I get to do is adjust a mama in labor. There are multiple reasons she might get adjusted as she goes through her contractions like pelvic balance, pain, muscle and ligament balance, etc. and I just love being able to help her get that amazing labor and delivery she dreamed about.
All of my patients get access to my personal cell phone number and I expect them to use it! I answer questions from desperate mamas that need help with a sick baby, a mama reporting how their last adjustment really changed their life with no more back pain during pregnancy, baby girl is pooping for the first time in 3 days, a postpartum mama can finally sleep because of neck pain subsiding after getting adjusted, we found an answer for big brother’s ear infections without the use of drugs or surgery, and the list goes on.
As for my pediatric patients,the same concept we have for adults and chiropractic hold true no matter your size or age. Some of the common symptoms I see from nerve communication interruption are nursing issues, colic, cranial/sacral issues, tongue/lip tie, toe walking, neuro-sensory issues, ear infections, immune dysfunction, and this list too goes on. Mom completely understands that the birthing process itself can be a big day even if it’s the most beautiful natural birth. Even though your infant may not be showing specific symptoms, there may still be nerve interference as a result of the birthing experience. If you knew your baby had pressure on his or her nerve system, when would you want it removed? YESTERDAY!
So what should you do first mama? Make an appointment with a chiropractor who is qualified to evaluate pregnant mamas and babies. From one mom to another, you want to ask questions to make sure you’re getting the best care. Adjusting prenatal and pediatric is a little different than other adjustments. For prenatal you want to look for someone who is certified in Webster Technique and your pediatric chiropractor should be able to use a technique appropriate to the age of your baby. After a complete evaluation and appropriate testing like primitive/postural reflex tests, orthopedic tests, thermal scans, range of motion, palpation; you and your chiropractor can discuss an appropriate plan to address any concerns for you as the pregnant mama and/or your baby. Most of my pediatric patients get a sustained hold adjustment that I’ve actually measured in my pediatric diplomate classes at 5 grams of pressure. Did I lose you there? Don’t worry, I speak your language too mama and know that I’m here to support you. I truly believe that through chiropractic care and education on key issues, we can raise the next generation to live a healthier, drug free lifestyle.
Which is where my challenge to you comes in mama! Join my 5 Essentials Health Challenge for ways to find balance for your family through Chiropractic Care, Nutrition, Mindset, Oxygen & Exercise and Minimizing Toxins. ]]>I think it’s built into every mama that she needs to give everything she has to everyone all day. Give. Give! GIVE! I mean, how many hats can one person wear at a time and still function? I’ll let you in on a simple secret my mentor told me right after I had my daughter, the answer is one! “You’re not required to wear every hat, every day. You wake up in the morning, assess the situation and pick the appropriate hat with complete realization that your hat could easily change in 30 minutes.” It’s also important to understand that these are YOUR hats. You don’t care if someone else likes your hat or not. We didn’t ask their opinion, nor do we need it. Rock that hat like you’re at the Kentucky Derby mama!
Hat hair? Don’t care! For like 5 minutes a day, take off your hat! Imagine going hatless. Feel that freedom, the wind blowing through your hair. The most important person on the planet spending time with the most important person on the planet! When you give so much of yourself throughout the day, it’s imperative to reset and refuel frequently and ALONE! It’s far too easy to get sucked into something that drains you more than refuels you. So when you sit down and brainstorm what it is that resets and refuels you, please don’t put down “movie night with my family” or “cuddles with my hubby”. Make it be for you and only you!
Decision time: WHEN will you reset every day? I think this question is worth some thought. To a lot of people resetting in the morning makes the most sense. I could get on board with that . . . the start of a day equals a reset. Personally, I like to reset at the end of the day. I like to bring it all full circle, clean up loose ends, take a walk facing the setting sun (helps to clear hormones for the night), plan for the next day, and then start my new “set” with about 8 hours of sleep, haha! In the morning I start my day with more me time, having coffee in the backyard facing the sun (which resets my hormones for a great day, bonus!), and trying to keep my brain as quiet as possible before the rest of my world, aka my family, wakes up.
It’s your turn. Ready, set, RESET! Commit your mind to a healthier lifestyle by making small changes that matter. Make health your first priority, download our 5 Essentials Health Challenge!
]]>Statistically mamas make about 80% of all health decisions for the family. So yes, pretty much every decision from which organic or eco-friendly products to use, what food to feed your children, the battle to breastfeed or bottle feed, when/if you go back to work, when to babywear, what toys are considered educational, the balance of screen time vs. outside play, bedtime and the list goes on and on. All the while, asking yourself, “Is everything I’m doing creating the healthiest lifestyle for my family?”
As a prenatal and pediatric doctor of chiropractic at DeLong Family Chiropractic, I work with families to build or rebuild their health through the MaxLiving 5 Essentials. It is my firm belief in these essentials that gave birth to Max Mamas and our 3 pillars of education, connection, and resources.
1. CORE CHIROPRACTIC
Problem: Spinal misalignment diminishes nerve supply and weakens the body.
Solution: Aligning your spine and correcting abnormalities caused by stress or injury maximizes your nerve supply and clears pathways to optimize wellness. Happiness here I come!
Dr. Jill’s 2¢: You’re never too young, or too old, to be in alignment. I’ve adjusted babies only minutes old while my husband has adjusted grandparents well into their 90s. Then of course, my pregnant mamas! Chiropractic can not only help pregnant women stay healthy, active, and pain free, but it ultimately helps to achieve the birth story she wants (and deserves) including postpartum.
2. NUTRITION
Problem: An unhealthy diet can compromise your overall health. Our body uses food as fuel and if you are not ingesting the proper foods that are full of the nutrients that your body needs- it will not perform at its God given potential.
Solution: A diet that focuses on natural whole foods sustains your mental and physical well-being, aids in disease prevention, and helps to maintain an ideal weight.
Dr. Jill’s 2¢: Nutrition is the building block for your growing little one. Eating organic whole foods helps mom to produce milk for breastfeeding and provides the nutrients your family needs to thrive. Super mom to the rescue!
3. MAX MIND
Problem: It is your mindset that will ultimately influence your success or lack thereof.
Solution: Taking time to understand challenges can improve healthy brain function and emotional wellbeing.
Dr. Jill’s 2¢: #momlife is tough and most of the time it takes a village. Self care and self love are vital to the health of the whole family. Remember to fill your cup up first mama!
4. OXYGEN & EXERCISE
Problem: Lack of oxygen and exercise can cause multiple health issues such as: hormone imbalance, weight gain/obesity, mood swings, increased fatigue, diabetes, etc.
Solution: From improving your energy levels to helping you live longer, exercise contributes to a healthier, happier, and balanced life.
Dr. Jill’s 2¢: Everyone benefits from exercise, no matter your physical ability, age, or gender. Whether you choose to get out of the house with the whole family for a walk, or use your workout as “me time,” a fit mom is a healthy mom.
5. MINIMIZING TOXINS
Problem: Toxins threaten our daily health and can even reduce life longevity.
Solution: Minimizing exposure and clearing the toxins from your body resets your body’s natural balance and allows it to function at its fullest potential.
Dr. Jill’s 2¢: I think one of the best and easiest things you can do to reduce the toxic load on your family is to start replacing items you already buy to healthier options.
Do you feel a challenge coming on?
It’s time to kick that healthy lifestyle into high gear mamas! I’m challenging our #mamasquad to BINGO your way to a healthier family. 5 weeks, 5 essentials and 5 times to celebrate your wins! Download our Max Mamas Health Challenge and get your whole family in on the game. What will you do to celebrate a BINGO? Or a BLACKOUT? Comment below and tell us!
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