Category Archives: Dr. Mary’s Take

Dr. Mary's Take Family Kid's Health Nutrition

Hey baby, How about a nighttime snack?

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When Moms ask me how long I breastfed my daughters, I look up to the sky as if I’m counting the years and then I say jokingly, “Right up until they started middle school?” Having three daughters all roughly two years apart, I was breastfeeding for about a 6 year period of time and breastfeeding was one of the best experiences of my life. Think about how amazing is it that our bodies are designed to not only carry and birth people but to give them all of the nutrition they need to thrive and survive. I could write about ALL of the great benefits of breastfeeding however, I’m going to take it up a notch and just talk specifically about breastfeeding at night.

An article that was written for Breastfeed Chicago entitled ‘5 cool things no one ever told you about nighttime breastfeeding’ stated this.  Are you ready?

1) Breastfeeding moms get more sleep.

2) Breastfeeding women have a higher level of  hormones at night therefore produce more milk at night.

3) Nighttime breast milk contains melatonin (a sleep inducing hormone) which babies don’t develop in early life.

4) Nighttime breast milk is rich in brain boosting substances, mood affecting hormones and helps with sleep/wake cycles.

5) Keeps mom’s long term milk supply steady and strong which can lead to less pumping during the day.

For anyone who wants to be blown away by how intelligent our bodies are, I encourage you to click here for the article  to get the “why and “how.”

The gift of MORE sleep, lowering your postpartum depression risk, building and developing babies brains, possibly reducing their risk for long-term mood disorders,  developing their own circadian cycles, ensuring your long-term breast milk supply, giving you an opportunity to pump less at work are just a few reasons to make you want to wake up at night to nurse your baby. Honestly, the Greatest reason is because you love your baby and yourself and want what is best for both of you! Cheers!!

 

 

Dr. Mary's Take

Where is Your Happy Place?

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colorful beach

 

I am blessed. I live in La Jolla California.  La Jolla translation:  The Jewel. Throughout my travels, I have found fewer places that are more beautiful than where I live. I have never considered myself a beach person, I feel like I’m more of a mountian person however, the fact that I live five minutes from the beach, my HAPPY PLACE” is anywhere I can look out at the massive ocean, listen to the waves and smell the salty air that permeates through my body and cleanses my soul. I go to my HAPPY PLACE when I need perspective. Sometimes, I just need a visual representation of BIG. You think you are faced with a BIG challenge? Go to the ocean. All of the sudden, you see what BIG looks like and your challenge seems alot smaller.

What did you say? You don’t live on the coast. That’s OK. Your Happy Place can be anywhere that you feel FREE! Free to breathe deeply, clear your mind, get centered and remember what is most important in LIFE.  Where is your HAPPY PLACE?  I’d love to know.

Dr. Mary's Take Kid's Health

Why Women Shouldn’t Fear Home Birth

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I recently read an article, Why Women Shouldn’t Fear Home Birth,  in TODAY Moms written by the actress, Ph.D Mayim Bialik who is an advocate for home births and it was as if I wrote the article myself. Having had two of my three daughters born at home, I have spent the last 26 plus years discussing, lecturing about and even at times defending why Ron and I chose to deliver our babies at home. Some people thought we were crazy while others were inspired and went on to have beautiful home-birth experiences of their own. I have been to over two dozen home births as a friend/supporter and can tell you first hand that BIRTH IS A NATURAL PROCESS and women’s bodies were created to birth babies. I love talking about babies and birthing so if you have any questions, please ask or you can leave a comment.

Dr. Mary

If you want to read the article you can find it here.

Dr. Mary's Take Kid's Health

Chiropractic for Kids

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The most common question I hear from parents when I speak about chiropractic and children is, “why do kids get adjusted?” The simplest answer to that question is because they have a nervous system just like adults and that nervous system works better and more efficiently when there is no interference (vertebral subluxations). When their nerve systems are not functioning at the highest level, it can decrease their immune system, among other things, causing their bodies to function in a weakened state. The result? Ear infections, colds, viral infections, skin issues, etc. Kids who get adjusted have stronger, healthier nerve systems.

Dr. Amy Horn does a great job explaining chiropractic and kids in this segment. She and I have a passion for chiropractic pediatrics and LOVE sharing what we do with everyone. Great job Dr. Amy!!!