natural weaning

so no animal milk for cal yet
am thinking of introducing a small amount starting at 16mths.
we'll see
i don't want him to wean early
came across an interesting bit of research on the age of natural weaning in humans

http://www.kathydettwyler.org/detwean.html

"In societies where children are allowed to nurse "as long as they want" they usually self-wean, with no arguments or emotional trauma, between 3 and 4 years of age."

my sweet boy

just hanging out on the deck

varicose veins and treatment

i have used horse chestnut in the past
both my parents have varicose veins and i was noticing the tell-tale bulge in the great saphenous vein, urging me towards my heredital fate!
thankfully, they haven't been yet realized and some of that i place in the success of using horse chestnut - a few drops in water for several months a few years ago (pre pregnancy)
now, finally it seems that studies are catching up and acknowledging its efficacy in treating several vascular conditions
cheap and non patent-able, this natural remedy is finally getting some more cred!

http://herbalmedicine.suite101.com/article.cfm/treat_varicose_veins_naturally

"Researchers in Switzerland reviewed five clinical studies that used horse chestnut seed extract in people who had chronic venous insufficiency and found that the herb was effective in relieving symptoms of varicose veins and reducing lower leg edema, leg pain, heaviness, and itching."

natural remedies

this post from mothering dot com has tonnes of natural remedies
love it!

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showpost.php?p=7116703&postcount=2

it includes many natural product ideas as well as recipes to make your own cough syrup and probiotic

i wasn't going to do it...

...but i am watching big brother again this summer
get back from ireland and there it is starting up, my fave summer fluff

i love this site for bb updates and chat - http://www.bbchatter.com/list.php?1

Breastfeeding cuts arthritis risk

i like to post things that remind me that nursing callum not only benefits him, but my health too. 15 months of human milk and counting!

http://www.irishhealth.ie/index.html?level=4&id=13572&ss=breastfeeding

The study found that women who breastfed for longer had a smaller chance of developing RA. In fact, those who breastfed for up to 12 months were 25% less likely to develop it, while those who breastfed for 13 months or more were half as likely to develop it.

yea! didn't even know i was getting this benefit!