New Tinctures

This morning I made some new tinctures:
Pau D'Arco which is antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic and anti-cancer.
Eyebright which I am making for my friend's cat's eye issues.
Lungwort for chest infection, asthma, cough and wound healing.
Olive Leaf is an antiviral beneficial for the immune system, cardiovascular system and blood pressure.

They will be ready in six weeks!

Birth is beautiful.

                                                               Image © 2010 LMB All Rights Reserved

Cord

                                               Image © 2010 LMB All Rights Reserved

Even though this method of drying the cord takes longer, it makes a much prettier cord to present to the mother.This cord took about a week to completely dry.

Inspiring Quote

"Birth is not only about making babies. Birth is about making mothers--strong, competent, capable mothers who trust themselves and know their inner strength." ~Barbara Katz Rothman

Sewing

There are lots of posts I want to write since my trip to the 2010 MANA Conference in Tennessee. I got to meet Ina May Gaskin! I also learned many new tidbits of information and a few skills. One piece of advice I received from DeAna Durbin was to start sewing and doing needlework for suturing practice. I decided to update one of  my couch pillows with a new cover. I am so proud of it! Besides getting to practice the evenness of my stitches, I think the main benefit is that I experienced an extended period of time sewing. This way my hands and my back will be used to it before I use these skills at a birth for the first time.

                                        

website update

Our new home on the web is www.mothertreecare.com!

My First Birth Experience

Nine years ago, I supported my friend Jane in the birth of her first child- the first birth I ever witnessed. It was my senior year in college but his birth changed my life's path. As Gabe began to crown, I wondered what to expect. I remembered televised births on sitcoms and soap operas where dads fainted or got sick.  Still, I held Jane's leg and watched. To my amazement, Gabe silently and peacefully slid out. The moment was serene and beautiful. Jane didn't scream. I didn't faint. My next thought was, "I can do this!" I knew I had to become a midwife no matter what.


(*Have to mention how cool it was that Stone Temple Pilots were having a concert across the street from the hospital!!!)

Image © 2010 LMB All Rights Reserved