Handmade Mama (PREVIEW)

— THE —

HaNdMaDE SIMPLE CRAFTS, HEALTHY RECIPES, AND NATURAL BATH + BODY PRODUCTS FOR MAMA AND BABY

MARY HELEN LEONARD p h o t o g ra p h y b y

K I M B E R LY D AV I S

— THE —

HaNdMaDE

— THE —

HaNdMaDE SIMPLE CRAFTS, HEALTHY RECIPES, AND NATURAL BATH + BODY PRODUCTS FOR MAMA AND BABY

MARY HELEN LEONARD photog raphy by

K I M B E R LY D AV I S

Text © 2018 by Mary Helen Leonard Photographs © 2018 by Kimberly Davis All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electric or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the Publisher.

The opinions expressed in this book are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Spring House Press.

Publisher: Paul McGahren Editorial Director: Matthew Teague Editor: Kerri Grzybicki Design: Lindsay Hess Layout: Jodie Delohery Illustration: Mary Helen Leonard Photography: Kimberly Davis Spring House Press P.O. Box 239 Whites Creek, TN 37189 ISBN: 978-1-940611-71-6 Library of Congress Control Number: 2018935271 Printed in the United States of America 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Note: The following list contains names used in The Handmade Mama that may be registered with the United States Copyright Office: American Academy of Pediatrics; American Felt and Craft; Baby Boot Camp; Baby Earth; Bee Well Pediatrics; Birch Organic Fabrics; Bob's Red Mill; Campaign for Safe Cosmetics; Care Calendar; Celebration Nutrition; City Moms Blog Network; Columbia University; Consumer Safety; Cookistry; Cookistry Reviews; Cool Mom Eats; Cool Mom Picks; DEET; Eco-PUL; Elephant Journal; Environmental Working Group; Etsy; Facebook; Fit 4 Mom; Fluff Love University; Fred Rogers; From Nature with Love; Granny Smith; Great Moments in Parenting; Hello Glow; Hike It Baby; Hilah Cooking; Honey Be Good Fabric; Honeycrisp; How to Talk So Kids Will Listen; India Tree; International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant ; International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists; International Lactation Consultant Association; Jennifer Pierce Health; Kelly Mom; La Leche League; Lemon Tree Supplies; Make Ahead Bread; Make It Easy: 120 Mix-and-Match Recipes to Cook from Scratch—with Smart Store-Bought Shortcuts When You Need Them; Mama Natural; Mary Makes Good; mason jar; Meal Train; Meetup; Mighty Nest; Mommypotamus; Mother Rising; Mountain Rose Herbs; Munching on Books; Natural Beauty Workshop; Nutella; Organic Consumer's Association; Organic Cotton Plus; ParentAbility; Picardin; Scary Mommy; Seinfeld; Spoonflower; Sriracha; The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy; The Natural Baby Company; Thought Catalog; Velcro; Vermont Soap; Wellness Mama; While She Naps; YogaDork.

The information in this book is given in good faith; however, no warranty is given, nor are results guaranteed. Your safety is your responsibility. Neither Spring House Press nor the author assume any responsibility for any injuries or accidents.

To learn more about Spring House Press books, or to find a retailer near you, email info@springhousepress.com or visit us at www.springhousepress.com.

acknowledgements This was a very hard book to write. I’ve

like I could perhaps pull the project off

always been a fairly confident person

after all. During the course of writing,

when it came to my own knowledge and

our family suffered four more pregnancy

creativity, but parenthood has been a

losses—including the loss of a twin during

humbling experience. I knew from the

my most recent pregnancy. All in all, it

start of this project that I was no parenting

has taken almost two years to write this

expert, and at times that made finding

book. I want to thank my editor, Matthew

the courage to share tips from my own

Teague, and my agent, Sally Ekus, for their

experience quite difficult.

kindness, patience, and understanding

As I researched parts of the book, I learned a lot—but not nearly as much as I’ve learned firsthand settling into life as

during what was an incredibly painful time in my personal life.

I have to say some special words of

a mother. The biggest truth I’ve come to

thanks: To my sister Heather, for providing

is that all moms are different; all families

editing and feedback every step of the

are different; all babies are different.

way. To my Mom, for testing out recipes

As such, there is hardly ever one “right”

and sewing patterns, and, of course, for

answer to any parenting question. I’m

teaching me to sew in the first place. And

thankful to all the wise and wonderful

a big thanks to everyone who took on

parents in my life for sharing their

toddler-wrangling duty so I could bury

experiences with me. It helped a lot.

myself in writing a book (my husband

I started this project in the afterglow of having my first child, and while I was

Scott, my parents, and my sister Sarah).

I also want to thank the many fabulous

utterly exhausted, I was happier than I

contributors who provided recipes,

had ever been in my life. Shortly after

projects, and words of wisdom. Hilah

my son’s first birthday I got pregnant,

Johnson, Donna Currie, Sarah Kamalsky,

and almost three months later, lost the

Tanja Knutson, Stephanie Darby, Stacie

baby. I was heartbroken, of course, and

Billis, Dr. Suzanne Van Benthuysen, Sara

wondered how I would ever write a whole

Kleinsmith, and Jennifer Pierce, I’m thrilled

book on baby care.

you are all a part of this book. Last but not

With time, patience, and the loving

least, a huge thank you to everyone who

support of my family, I was able to get

has read my blog, bought my first book,

back to work, and with a generous

and shared my work. This would not be

extension granted by the publisher, felt

possible without your support.

THE HandmaDe MaMa

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5

contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

KITCHEN TIPS & TECHNIQUES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Why Go Natural for Feeding Mom & Baby? . . . . . . . . 28 Feeding Mama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Feeding Baby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

chapter 1

materials & techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 SEWING TIPS & TECHNIQUES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Why Go Natural with Fabric for Baby? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Types of Fabric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Basic Kitchen Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Prepping Finger Foods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Freezing & Storing Baby Food . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 RECIPE: All-Purpose Gluten-Free Flour . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Prepping Fabrics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Notions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

chapter 2

How to Use the Patterns in This Book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

recipes & projects for mama . . . . . . . . 32

Starting and Finishing a Seam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

BODY CARE FOR MAMA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Basic Machine Stitches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Hand Sewing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Turning Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 BATH & BODY TIPS & TECHNIQUES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Why Go Natural with Bath & Body for Baby? . . . . . . . . 21 Less Is More . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Fresh Is Best . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Dried Herbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Food Ingredients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Other Ingredients

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Vegetable Oils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Vegetable Butters

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Waxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Basic Equipment & Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 How to Approach Home Remedies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 RECIPE: Herbal Body Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

RECIPES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Head to Toe Mama Wash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Whipped Belly Butter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Postpartum Herb Bath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 PROJECTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Buckwheat Sleep Mask . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Buckwheat Pillows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Nursing Pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Nursing Necklace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Moon Pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 FOOD & NUTRITION FOR MAMA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 RECIPES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Icebox Elixir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Fruit Teas for Mama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Ginger Syrup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Hydration Smoothies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Iron Woman Chopped Salad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Heat & Eat Rice Bowls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Mama Bars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

chapter 3

chapter 5

RECIPES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

RECIPES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166

Baby Powder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96

Homemade Bubble Solution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166

Diapering Ointments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Yogurt Finger Paints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168

All-Over Baby Wash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Sensory Play “Mud” Pies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170

baby bath & body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Oatmeal Scrub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

playtime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160

PROJECTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172

PROJECTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

One-Yard Play Mat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172

Changing Mat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Ribbon Softie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175

Washcloth Hand Puppet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Soft Sweater Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178

Cloth Baby Wipes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Upcycled Shakers & Drums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182

Upcycled T-Shirt Touk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Wishing Tree Mobile

chapter 4

appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188

feeding baby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 RECIPES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Easy Baby Food Purees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 Squeezy Pouch Smoothies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 Hilah’s Banana Pancakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 Slow-Cooked Apple Butter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 Oatmeal Carrot Thumbprint Cookies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134 Donna’s Basic Sandwich Bread . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137 Savory Sammie Spreads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140 Healthy Smash Cake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144 PROJECTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

Burp Cloths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147 Bottle Cozies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150 Terrycloth Teethers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153 Sarah’s Snack Envelope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184

PATTERNS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188 RESOURCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193

Baby Gear and Diapering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193 Breast-Feeding Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193 Favorite Blogs and Informational Web Sites . . . . . . . 193 Further Reading on Ingredient Toxicity in Consumer Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193 Health Food and Natural Home Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194 Local Community Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194 Supplies for DIY Skin Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194 Supplies for Sewing and Crafts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194 CONTRIBUTORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195 INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196

introduction

Mamahood ma·ma·hood [ˈmäməˌho͝od/]

noun: The state of being a mama.

A lot of cliches are thrown around when people talk about becoming parents. Expecting mothers and fathers are often showered with a strange blend of congratulations and vague warnings as they deliver the news to friends and family. People tell you that everything will change, that your life will never be the same—in many ways, they are correct.

Becoming a parent is one of the single most life-altering experiences many people will ever have, and like any transformation, it doesn’t always come easy. From pregnancy to birth and for years beyond, a parent’s life is peppered with challenges, sacrifice, and sometimes even physical pain—but it is also infused with a sense of joy and satisfaction that somehow makes everything worthwhile.

To devote oneself to another in such a way, to experience the bliss of unconditional love, and to watch the creature who you nurture blossom into someone you love more with every passing day is more than transformative. Simply put, it makes life worth living.

From the moment you feel that spark of love in your heart that sets you on the path to finding your baby, you are a mama, and you always will be. Welcome to mamahood, beautiful sister. It’s good over here.

+ 9=

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Mamahood | introduction 

•

why go handmade?

Typical families are buying and discarding things like toys, clothes, and

A HEALTHY START

baby gear every day. Tossing out a

Making your own food, skin care

cracked plastic sippy cup may not seem

products, and everyday objects allows

like a big deal, but when you consider

you to choose exactly what you put on

the resources consumed and carbon

and into your body. While the popularity

emissions created just to make that cup,

of green and natural products is on the

it hurts a little.

rise, and it is becoming easier to find

Creating and cherishing handmade

natural store-bought items, these are

items and using sustainable materials is

often expensive, and sifting through the

one small thing that you can do to avoid

brands to find products that are truly

consumer waste and inspire the next

as healthful as advertised can be an

generation to make better decisions when

exhausting process. Many of the everyday

it comes to our environment.

products we rely on through pregnancy and baby’s first year are actually quite

CUSTOMIZE SOLUTIONS

simple to make at home, giving mama

TO YOUR FAMILY NEEDS

and baby a safe and natural alternative

Sure, you could spend hours scouring the

to the confusing and sometimes even

Internet for a snack pouch in your child’s

toxic big-box baby industry.

favorite color or a diaper cream that only contains the specific ingredients you’ve

CONSUMER WASTE

deemed hiney-worthy, or you could spend

AND THE NEXT GENERATION

that time making it with your own two

When you consider the fact that plastic

hands. You pick the color. You choose the

didn’t become an everyday material until

ingredients. You make adjustments to

around the 1940s, it’s fairly astounding

suit your own tastes and needs. There’s

to see how much plastic waste has been

nothing better than custom-made, and

accumulated in our landfills, oceans, and

when you do it yourself, it can actually

wilderness. Unfortunately, our society’s

be affordable!

dependence on nonbiodegradable materials like plastic doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon.

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THE HandmaDe MaMa

introduction  | Mamahood

THE VALUE OF PRACTICAL ART

everyday life gives me a sense of comfort

As a busy working parent, I base many

and joy. Whether it’s a handthrown coffee

of my buying decisions on practicality.

mug or a homemade quilt, that little

Which item will last the longest? Which

touch of beauty can enrich our everyday

costs loss? How bad is it for us? These are

experiences in a way that is hard to

the questions I tend to ask while shopping

quantify. I find that handmade objects

for necessities. Rarely do I have the luxury

possess an inherent beauty, adding a

of picking the object that speaks to me

unique value to the practice of making

on an artistic level; yet, I’ve come to find

things yourself.

that the presence of beautiful things in my

THE HandmaDe MaMa

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11

12

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THE HandmaDe MaMa

chapter 1

M at e r i a l s & Techniques When it comes to caring for mamas and babies, I like to keep things as simple as possible. That means choosing whole foods for cooking, natural ingredients for body care, and plantbased fabrics for sewing whenever possible. Of course, shortcuts and exceptions are a fact of life—all the more when one is juggling the many responsibilities of motherhood.

In this book, I like to recommend my favorite ingredients and materials for each project, but I also encourage you to embrace other solutions that work for you. If making all-purpose gluten-free flour from scratch seems like too much work, go ahead and buy a bag from the store. I love using wool and canvas to make my changing pads, but if you need something more resistant to liquids, give polyurethane laminate (PUL) diapering material a try.

Making your own food, body care products, and everyday objects can be a very rewarding endeavor! With a little practice, I think you’ll find that the techniques used in this book are easy enough to make cooking, formulating, and even sewing a breeze. As you become familiar with natural ingredients and materials I hope that you’ll gain the same deep appreciation I have for their wholesome nature and vast benefits.

+ 13=

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Materials & Techniques | chapter 1

sewing tips & techniques

•

choice for breast pads, diaper liners, and washcloths.

WHY GO NATURAL WITH FABRIC

Batting: Usually made from cotton,

FOR BABY?

wool, or polyester, batting is a fluffy

Conventional cotton is often farmed using

layer of material that helps to soften, fill,

extremely heavy loads of fertilizers and

or insulate between two other layers of

pesticides—two substances that cause

fabric. Quilts typically contain a layer

major concerns for both human health

of batting. This technique used to make

and environmental well-being. Just like

quilts and blankets fluffy can also be used

food or skin-care products, materials

in other kinds of projects, like eye masks

made from plants farmed with heavy

and moon pads.

pesticide may contain concerning

Cotton Canvas: Canvas is a thick,

residues. Just think about how much time

durable material often used for utility

we spend with our clothing or bedding

items such as lunch bags, outdoor play

touching our skin. Yuck! Since buying all

mats, or tote bags.

organic clothing and bedding isn’t always

Cotton Flannel: The soft, fuzzy texture

an affordable choice, I suggest picking

of flannel makes it very popular for baby

your battles. An organic crib sheet, for

care, pillows, and softies. The material

example, is a small investment that you

has a fairly thin texture, so it is also very

can feel good about.

easy to work with.

Denim: Like canvas, denim is a great

TYPES OF FABRIC

choice for items that require extra

There are many fabrics in the world to

durability. Its tight weave and thickness

choose from, but my favorites for baby

can also help repel moisture.

care and everyday use are found in

Jersey Knit: This soft, stretchy material

this book. I tend to lean toward natural

is popular for use in clothing. You are

fabrics. Materials like cotton, hemp,

probably most familiar with it in the form

and bamboo offer eco-friendly and

of a T-shirt. It makes a great choice for

sustainable options. They also tend to be

baby clothes, hats, and pajamas.

more comfortable and durable than their

Microfleece: Though microfleece can

synthetic alternatives. However, there are

be made from natural materials, synthetic

synthetic fabrics that can come in very

microfleece is often less expensive and

handy for baby care, like polyurethane

easier to find. Synthetic microfleece can

laminate (PUL) and microfleece.

be used in mama and baby projects, but

Bamboo Fleece: This amazingly soft

it will lack the breathability and comfort of

and absorbent fabric can help act as a

microfleece made from bamboo or other

moisture barrier, making it an excellent

natural fibers.

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THE HandmaDe MaMa

chapter 1 | Materials & Techniques

Muslin: Muslin is a thin fabric often

Terrycloth is typically made of cotton,

made from cotton. It comes in both white

but can also be made from other natural

and natural colors and is usually used as

materials like hemp, bamboo, or flax.

a simple lining or backing.

Polyurethane Laminate (PUL): This

Waxed Canvas: Waxed canvas is a food-safe water-resistant material used

synthetic material has a water-resistant

in lunch boxes, snack bags, and totes.

coating that makes it an incredibly

It is available in a range of prints and

popular choice for cloth diaper covers,

colors. Waxed canvas resembles another

wet bags, and changing mats. For food

common material called oilcloth, but

projects, like snack bags or lunch boxes,

these two fabrics are quite different;

look for Eco-PUL. Eco-PUL is a food-safe

oilcloth is not considered to be food safe,

fabric, while regular PUL is not.

and in some cases is not considered to be

Quilter’s Cotton: This thin, easy-to-use material (also referred to as calico) comes

child safe either.

Wool Felt: Wool felt is a thick, fuzzy

in an impressive variety of prints and

material that is somehow both soft and

colors and can be used for many everyday

scratchy. This dense fabric makes an

projects. Its most common use is for

excellent moisture barrier for changing

quilting, but this versatile fabric can also be

pads and diapers, but it is also a popular

used to make clothes, toys, or crafts.

material for making toys, puppets, and

Terrycloth: Terrycloth is a highly

home crafts.

textured fabric used most commonly in washcloths and bath towels. It is highly

PREPPING FABRICS

absorbent and perfect for tubby time.

Brand-new fabric can sometimes shrink or change texture slightly after being

ASK AN

expert

Q: Which materials do you like best when sewing for babies?

A: I am a big fan of cotton knit. Soft and stretchy, it feels good and keeps movement free and easy.

Birch Organic Fabrics, in particular, hits it out of the park with a line of super-soft, baby-friendly fabrics in crazy-adorable prints. I mean, Charley Harper on fabric? Yes, please!

—Sarah Kamalsky, SarahJayn.com

laundered. This makes it important to prepare new fabrics by washing and drying them before use. This helps make sure that your projects will still look great after you put them through the wash. To prepare flannel, jersey, quilter’s cotton, denim, canvas, or terrycloth, wash in cold water with a gentle detergent and dry with low heat. Iron if necessary, as folds and wrinkles can make fabric harder to work with. Delicate fabrics like wool or silk should be washed by hand with gentle detergent and air dried.

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NOTIONS

is used to fasten clothing, seal bags, or

More than just a great idea, notions are

make pretty much anything stick shut.

what we call all the little bits and baubles

Look for standard-backed hook-and-loop

that go along with sewing projects.

tape (as opposed to adhesive-backed)

Bias Tape: Bias tape is a pre-cut and

for sewing projects.

folded strip of fabric that can be used

Sewing Needles: Whether you are

to add bindings to seams on blankets,

working by hand or by machine, you

clothing, and crafts. It is sold in a variety

can’t sew without a needle. When hand

of colors at most fabric shops, but

sewing, look for a general-use needle.

ambitious sewers can make their own

For machine sewing, my favorite all-

from quilter’s cotton or broadcloth.

around needle is a universal point in size

Elastic: Elastic is basically a stretchy

14/90. While a basic needle will get you a

rubber band woven with knit material,

long way, projects tend to go easier and

and is used to provide stretch to clothing

turn out better when using a needle that

and crafts. Elastic comes in a variety of

matches the material.

sizes and shapes, so be sure to find the

Snaps and Fasteners: There are lots

specific type called for in your project.

of different notions used to fasten things

Fiberfill: The fluffy stuffing packed into

shut. Some of the most commonly used

stuffed animals and cushions is fiberfill.

devices include buttons, buckles, snaps,

The most common type of fiberfill is

toggles, and hook and eye fasteners.

made from polyester, but recycled or

Most of these items can be sewn on by

natural alternatives are gaining popularity

hand, but sturdier adhesion is possible

and becoming more widely available.

with tools like snap pliers.

Hook-and-Loop Tape: You probably

Straight Pins and Safety Pins: Straight

know this material best by the brand

pins are essential for careful, meticulous

name of Velcro. Hook-and-loop tape

sewing. These tiny, sharp little pieces of

SEWING NEEDLE CHART NEEDLE TYPE

NEEDLE SIZE

FABRIC

Ballpoint

10/70, 12/80

Jersey knit, single knit

Ballpoint

14/90

Doubleknit, sweatshirt, sweater knit

Ballpoint, Universal

70/11, 75/11, 80/12

PUL

Denim/Jeans

16/100

Canvas, denim

Universal

14/90

Flannel, terrycloth, quilter’s cotton

Universal

9/70, 11/80

Microfleece

Universal

16/100, 18/100

Wool felt

Universal

100/16, 110/18

Waxed canvas

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T H R E A D I N F O R M AT I O N THREAD MATERIAL

THREAD WEIGHT

FABRIC

Cotton

All-purpose

Flannel, terrycloth, quilter’s cotton

Cotton, Polyester

All-purpose

Microfleece, PUL, wool felt

Polyester

All-purpose

Doubleknit, knit jersey, sweatshirt, sweater knit

Cotton, Polyester

Heavy, denim

Canvas, denim, waxed canvas

wire are sharp on one end and flat or

noted, all patterns use a 1/4-inch (6mm)

capped on the other. Their job is to

seam allowance.

hold fabric together as it is sewn. It’s a good idea to have a tidy little supply of

STARTING AND FINISHING A SEAM

pins handy as you sew, ideally located

Whenever you begin a new seam it is

in an adorable pin cushion. Safety pins

important to start and finish that seam

are capped pins that remain in place

to secure it. Otherwise, it can unravel. To

even as the project is jostled around.

start your seam, make your first stitches,

These are great for quilting, turning out

then put the sewing machine in reverse

projects, and securing particularly tricky

and stitch back over what you’ve sewed

sewing projects.

so far (this is called a backstitch—how

Thread: An all-purpose weight cotton

appropriate!). Set the machine back to

or polyester thread will work for most

forward, sew over those stitches, and

projects in this book. However, taking the

continue the rest of your seam. Finish

time to make sure you are using the best

the seam using the same method of

thread for the job can help sewing go

backstitching over those stitches to

more smoothly and ensure that the final

secure them.

product will be both sturdy and beautiful.

BASIC MACHINE STITCHES HOW TO USE THE PATTERNS

While most sewing machines these days

IN THIS BOOK

come with a dizzying array of fanciful

The patterns in this book are all fairly

stitches, you typically will only need a

simple and suitable for beginner to

handful for everyday sewing. In this book,

intermediate sewers. Patterns for the

we only use two!

projects in this book are located on page

Straight Stitch: This is your machine’s

188. Several of the projects in this book do

most basic everyday stitch. It goes

not include patterns. These projects have

forward and backward in a line as

measurements for cutting included in

straight as you can steer it. Unless

the tutorial instructions. Unless otherwise

otherwise noted, this is the stitch you will

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use in every project in this book. Your machine will probably allow you to adjust the length of this stitch. In general, you’ll want to use a shorter length for thinner fabrics and more detailed stitching (sewing curves, for example) and a longer stitch for thicker fabrics and less detailed stitching (like quilting a play mat).

Running stitch

Zigzag Stitch: Mastering the zigzag stitch instantly kicks a beginning sewer up a notch. This versatile stitch can help

HAND SEWING

you tidy up seams to discourage fraying,

Stitch Sewing machines areRunning fantastic inventions,

applique layers of fabric together, or just

but there are still many times when a few

add a cute detail to projects. You should

stitches of hand sewing are necessary.

be able to adjust both the width and the

One thing I’ve learned through a lifetime

length of this stitch, going from a wide

of sewing is that the smaller and finer you

geometric pattern to a smooth, tight

can make your stitches, the neater the

satin stitch like you’d see in embroidery.

final product will be. There is a wonderful

I recommend test-driving this stitch on

art to hand sewing and though it can

scrap fabric before using it in a project.

involve many kinds of marvelous specialty

In fact, I use a scrap of fabric to get my

stitches, I really only use three on a

length and width just right every time I use

regular basis.

Running Stitch: This is a very basic stitch

the zigzag stitch.

for hand sewing that mimics the straight stitch a sewing machine makes.

1. Thread your needle with a generous portion of cut thread. Pin the two pieces of fabric together, then push the needle through both. Pull the needle out until only a short tail remains, then repeat that stitch over itself two times to anchor the thread.

Think of this as the manual version of a backstitch.

Straight Straight Stitch

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stitch

Zigzag Stitch

Zigzag stitch

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2. Weave the needle in and out of fabric in 1/8 to 1/4-inch (3 to 6mm) stitches.

3. To finish, repeat the last stitch over itself two times, pulling the thread snugly. Snip excess thread.

Slip/Ladder stitch

Slip/Ladder Stitch: This stitch is used to form a (mostly) invisible seam between two pieces of fabric. It is perfect for finishing up items that you have turned out, like the ribbon softies (page 175) or

Slip/Ladder Stitch

chapter 1 | Materials & Techniques

Overcast stitch

5. Continue moving down and stitching across theStitch fold until the opening is Overcast completely closed. To finish, repeat the last stitch over itself two times, pulling the thread snug. Snip off excess thread.

buckwheat pillows (page 53) in this book.

1. Thread your needle with a generous portion of cut thread. Open the two pieces of fabric and sink your needle into a piece of the finished seam’s raw edge.

2. Pull the thread through until only a short tail is left, then pull it through two more times to secure it. Push the needle through the top of the fabric just before the opening begins.

3. Fold (and pin if possible) the two pieces of fabric in toward each other, mimicking the look of a finished seam.

4. Push the needle into one side of the folded fabric and out directly across the fold, stitching across and beneath the fabric. Move down the fold just a little and repeat the stitch.

Overcast Stitch: The overcast stitch, or whipstitch, helps tack down wild edges and keeps loose fabrics from fraying. It’s a great choice for stitching felt shapes onto fabric, sewing patches on a stuffed animal, or adding a simple binding to a no-sew project.

1. Thread your needle with a generous portion of cut thread. Pin the two pieces of fabric together, then push the needle through both. Pull the needle out until only a short tail remains, then repeat that stitch over itself two times to anchor the thread.

2. Make a diagonal stitch that loops over the edge of the fabric and repeat that stitch down the length of the fabric edge. Space the stitches according to your preference.

3. To finish, repeat the last stitch over itself two times, pulling the thread snugly. Snip excess thread.

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TURNING OUT

If you take a close look at your clothes, you’ll notice that the edges of seams are usually hidden inside garments. This little magic trick is often accomplished by sewing the item inside-out. When the majority of sewing is finished, the item will need to be turned right-side out again.

If you are working on something large, like a shirt, this is as easy as can be. If you are working with something smaller or more complicated, like a stuffed animal or a long cord, the process can be a bit more tricky. These are my two favorite techniques for turning out tricky bits of fabric.

Safety Pin: This method works especially well for long, rectangular pieces, such as cords, belts, or tubes.

Fasten a large safety pin to one end of the inside-out tube, then push it through the middle until it comes out the other side.

You can then roll the remaining fabric until the entire piece is right-side out.

Chopstick: I love chopsticks for turning out tiny or oddly shaped pieces. One end of the stick is thicker than the other, giving you two different shapes to poke around with. The key to using a chopstick to turn out fabric is moving gently and having patience. You don’t want to push so hard that you rip through the fabric. Take your time, but be thorough and make sure to turn out every little fold with care.

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bath & body tips & techniques

FRESH IS BEST

One drawback to making your own products is that they don’t often have

WHY GO NATURAL WITH BATH

the super-long shelf lives we’ve grown

& BODY FOR BABY?

accustomed to with commercial products.

Babies really don’t need much in the way

This means you’ll need to make small

of bath and body products. A little natural

batches of product and use them quickly

soap and water goes a long way. A touch

in order to avoid spoilage. Most of the

of apricot kernel oil or mango butter is

recipes in this book will last for at least

just enough to keep their skin moisturized

three months unless otherwise noted.

and happy. So why are commercial baby products usually packed with artificial

DRIED HERBS

fragrances and colors? Babies smell

Dried herbs allow us to add special

sweet enough on their own, and synthetic

botanical benefits to homemade products

additives come with a laundry list of

in a gentle way. Unlike essential oils, dried

possible health concerns that just don’t

herbs add their benefit at a very low

seem to be worth the risk. Save your

potency. This often makes them a safer

money and your peace of mind by sticking

and more cautious choice for homemade

to a simple, handmade natural bath and

mama and baby products.

body routine for your wee one instead.

Calendula: A type of dried marigold petal, calendula has long been used

LESS IS MORE

in herbal medicines for its healing and

Bath and body products tend to have very

soothing benefits.

long ingredient lists, but really, we only

Chamomile: Tiny chamomile flowers

need a few healthy ingredients to keep

are prized for their anti-inflammatory

our skin and hair happy. Using simple

properties. This makes them ideal for

handmade products allows you complete

soothing dry, itchy, or irritated skin.

control over what goes on your body. By

Lavender: A quintessential herb for

making these basic products at home

use in bath and body care, lavender not

you won’t have to worry about synthetic

only smells wonderful, it may also help to

preservatives, fragrances, or additives

soothe, heal, and cleanse when added to

that have questionable reputations when

herbal recipes.

it comes to health.

Plantain Leaf: In herbal medicine, this dried herb is believed to help reduce pain and swelling.

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Vanilla Bean: The comforting scent of

•

Liquid Castile Soap: This versatile

vanilla is added to recipes for the pure

natural soap can be used for everything

pleasure of it. I’ve found that its aroma

from shampoo to dish soap. It is truly an

blends well with almost any combination

all-purpose wonder and usually made

of herbs or ingredients.

with just a handful of ingredients. Liquid castile has a thinner consistency than

FOOD INGREDIENTS

most commercial soaps, but it does not

Apple Cider Vinegar: When properly

lack potency. In fact, it can be diluted with

diluted, apple cider vinegar helps to

water, herbal tea, or aloe vera to make

balance skin’s pH, tame troublesome

a quick body wash or foaming soap.

bacteria, and soothe itchy, irritated skin.

Zinc Oxide: Traditionally used in a

It is an essential part of any natural

variety of ointments, you may recognize

hair care routine, and acts as both a

the bright white color of zinc oxide

conditioner and detangler. Buy raw,

from sunscreen and diaper creams.

organic, and unfiltered apple cider

Used to soothe skin and speed healing,

vinegar when you can, as this will be, by

zinc makes an excellent additive to

far, the most potent type available.

diapering recipes.

Oat Starch: Starch is used to add softness and silkiness to the feel of many

VEGETABLE OILS

skin care products.

Also commonly referred to as carrier

Whole Oats: The soothing benefit of

oils or nourishing oils, vegetable oils are

oatmeal is well-known in folk medicine.

usually pressed from the seeds or nuts of

Using whole oats allows us to also make

a plant. Look for virgin, cold-pressed, and

use of this ingredient’s gentle exfoliation.

organic varieties to find the highest quality oils with the most potent benefits. These

OTHER INGREDIENTS

oils can be used as-is to moisturize skin

Arrowroot Powder: This dried and

and hair, for massage, or incorporated

powdered herbal product adds a silky slip

into bath and body recipes.

to powders, lotions, and milk baths.

Kaolin Clay: Also known as China clay,

Apricot Kernel Oil: This light and moisturizing oil is extremely versatile. It

kaolin clay is one of the most gentle

is an affordable, easy-to-find choice for

cosmetic clays available. Unlike many

almost every homemade bath and body

other types of cosmetic clay, kaolin is

product, so I buy it in pretty big bottles!

not overly drying to the skin, making it a superb choice for mama and baby care.

Avocado Oil: Avocado oil has a thicker, heavier texture than apricot kernel oil, so it’s great for recipes that need a little extra conditioning power, like belly butter.

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Argan Oil: Argan oil is packed with

•

Shea Butter: This classic beauty

vitamin E, fatty acids, and antioxidants

ingredient comes in several varieties. Raw

that can help skin stay soft and elastic as

shea is touted as the most effective, but it

it grows. It can be a bit pricey, so I only

has a strong nutty aroma. Refined shea

use a little bit in my most special recipes.

butter is nearly odorless and colorless,

Look for 100% pure virgin argan oil so you

and tends to be easier to work with than

aren’t paying for a diluted version.

raw shea.

Castor Oil: This super-sticky and greasy carrier oil helps form a barrier between

WAXES

the skin and outside moisture.

Wax is used to harden balms and body butters.

VEGETABLE BUTTERS

Beeswax: Beeswax is the most common

Vegetable butters are far thicker and

and easiest wax to use, having a relatively

heavier than carrier oils, and are used

soft and pliable texture. Look for natural

to add rich conditioning benefits to body

cosmetic-grade beeswax. This wax is

and skin care recipes. These rich butters

naturally golden or yellow in color but is

can also be used as-is on dry skin as

also available in a white variety that has

intensive moisturizers.

been bleached with light.

Cocoa Butter: Pure cocoa butter has a

Candelilla Wax: This plant-based wax

characteristic aroma that you will instantly

is a good choice for vegans, or those

recognize as the rich, creamy chocolate

who prefer not to use animal-based

of your dreams. This super-hard butter is

ingredients. It has a much harder texture,

an intense conditioner—perfect for helping

so you’ll need to add just a pinch less of

skin stay supple and elastic.

wax when working with candelilla.

Cupuacu Butter: A treat from the Amazon, cupuacu butter has a texture

BASIC EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES

and moisturizing quality similar to shea

Double Boiler: These specialty pots

butter. This makes it a great alternative for

allow you to melt fragile ingredients,

people with latex sensitivities, as they can

like vegetable butters and waxes, using

sometime find shea butter to be irritating.

indirect heat. They are also great for

Mango Butter: Mango butter is a

warming oil or water to make infusions.

wonderful choice for baby care because

If you don’t want to invest in a double

it agrees with almost every skin type and

boiler, try placing a stainless-steel bowl

rarely causes irritation. Its texture is a

over a pot of hot water or placing a large

bit lighter and softer than shea or cocoa

mason jar into a pot with 1 to 2 inches of

butter, but it still moisturizes quite nicely.

simmering water. Just be careful!

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Electric Mixer with Whisk Attachment:

HOW TO APPROACH HOME REMEDIES

Whether you use a handheld mixer or a

I like to think of myself as a fairly crunchy

stand mixer, you will appreciate the extra

mama, but when it comes to home

help when making whipped body butters.

remedies and natural medicines, I

Mixers are also quite handy for baking!

tend to approach them with a healthy

Empty Bottles and Jars: You can find

level of skepticism. This isn’t because

most of the packaging items you’ll need

I prefer conventional medicine or

at the grocery store. Mason jars come in

pharmaceuticals. In fact, I fully support

almost every shape and size you need

trying a natural and gentle solution as a

for baby and mama care, and plastic

first choice. My years in the natural living

squeeze bottles are usually easy to

industry have granted me a deep respect

find. Specialty items, like plastic bottles,

for the power of herbs and natural

foaming soap bottles, and powder

medicines, which is exactly why I know

shakers can be ordered online, or they

they must be used with care.

can be saved, cleaned out, and re-used from commercial products.

Kitchen Scale: While you usually can get

I’ve also learned that botanical substances like herbs and essential oils can be extremely potent, and can carry

away with measuring spoons and cups,

serious side effects and contraindications.

I find a kitchen scale to be much more

This holds especially true when it comes

accurate and consistent for making body

to treating babies and kids. Their tiny

care products at home.

systems don’t always process substances the way that adults do, and they can easily be overdosed, leading to serious

handmade mama tip

illness and injury. Before trying out any

PARABENS

herbal remedy, I urge you to first clear

Paraben-based preservatives help to keep commercially produced bath and body products stable on the shelf for long periods of time. In recent years, concern over the safety of these ingredients has been on the rise as possible links have been discovered between paraben use and skin irritation, hormone disruption, and cancer.

that remedy with your pediatrician.

There are plenty of tried-and-true home remedies that can be really helpful for babies, kids, and expecting mamas, but it’s crucial that they be administered safely. Remember, just because something is natural, doesn’t mean it’s safe.

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w RECIPE

Herbal body oil YIELD: 8 ounces (240 ml)

O

f all the recipes in this book, this one is my favorite by far. In

INGREDIENTS

our house we call this stuff Magic Oil. We use it for bedtime

JJ1/2 vanilla bean JJ8 ounces (240 ml) apricot

massage, to soothe dry or irritated skin from head to toe, and even as a hair conditioner when our tresses are feeling a bit too crispy.

kernel oil

This super-versatile oil also serves as a base ingredient for more

JJ2 tablespoons (4 g)

dried lavender buds

advanced skin care recipes like balms, body butters, and diaper

JJ2 tablespoons (4 g)

ointments. Infused with a blend of soothing herbs and sweet-

dried chamomile

smelling vanilla bean, this moisturizing oil really can feel magical

JJ1/4 cup (4 g) dried calendula

as it makes rashes, dry skin, and even frowns disappear.

DIRECTIONS

1. Using a small paring knife, split the vanilla bean open by slicing it down the middle.

2. Combine the vanilla bean, apricot kernel oil, lavender,

chamomile, and calendula in a double boiler over medium heat for 60 minutes.

3. Remove the mixture from the heat and let cool for 30 minutes.

4. Strain the oil through fine mesh, cheesecloth, or a nut milk bag

(used to strain solids out of homemade nut milk). Discard solids and store the infused oil in a bottle or jar at room temperature for up to 6 months.

TO USE

The oil can be applied directly to the skin as a body oil or massage oil. It can also be dabbed onto hair to serve as a leave-in conditioner or used as an ingredient in other recipes.

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kitchen tips & techniques

•

you’d like, making sure the food you do consume is dense in nutrients can be a

WHY GO NATURAL FOR FEEDING

big help. For me, the trick to a nutritious

MOM & BABY?

pregnancy and postpartum period was

Growing a baby is hard work. From the

creating goals for myself each day.

moment of conception to the day your

Instead of focusing on what not to eat, I

child graduates high school (and often

chose to prioritize key foods like protein,

for years to come), parents do their best

leafy greens, healthy fats, and vegetables.

to keep kids safe, happy, and healthy. A

The mama recipes in this book are those

huge part of that job is making sure that

that I leaned on heavily before and after

mom and baby get plenty of nutrition

having my son.

from the very start. Being mindful of what we eat allows us to make the most of

FEEDING BABY

every bite. Once you start learning about

Feeding baby can be a real adventure,

what goes into making food, you will soon

and a feat that is sometimes easier said

discover that, like so many things, less

than done. Setting goals for what you’d

is more. Overly processed foods often

like baby’s first year of feeding to look

contain more salt, sugar, and unhealthy

like is a healthy and proactive way to

additives than we should be consuming.

get started. If you choose to breast-feed,

Sticking to whole natural foods is a simple

make sure to get plenty of education and

strategy for a lifetime of better health.

support before baby arrives. Think about when and how you plan on introducing

FEEDING MAMA

things like formula and solid foods. As you

The typical symptoms and the additional

get to know your child and yourself in your

nutritional needs of pregnancy present a

role of mama, you may end up needing to

bit of a challenge for many women. Your

adjust the goals you have set, but having

body needs a steady diet of healthy food,

a plan and a support system in place will

but our bodies don’t always cooperate.

help give those goals a fighting chance

Fierce cravings, aversions, and bouts of

and provide you with the tools you need

nausea can make eating well a difficult

to tackle challenges along the way.

task to accomplish. After baby arrives, our body still has plenty of work to do healing

BASIC KITCHEN EQUIPMENT

itself and caring for baby. Still, many

Baby Dishes and Utensils: If going green

women are simply too tired or busy to

is a priority for your family, you’ll be

make eating well a priority. Since you may

thrilled to know that sustainable baby

not be able to eat as often or as much as

basics are becoming more and more

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easy to find. Look for products made from bamboo, stainless steel, silicone, and tempered glass.

Blender or Food Processor: A highpowered blender or food processor can be a real boon to the handmade mama.

You’ll need one or the other to make purees, fruit butters, smoothies, and other chopped, diced, or liquified foods.

Food Mill: A true wonder of kitchen technology, the food mill is a handoperated device that pushes soft foods through a fine strainer while separating harder sections like peels, seeds, and stems.

Steamer Pot: Steaming is a quick and easy way to prepare simple fruits and veggies for purees and baby recipes.

You can slide a steamer insert into a

also crucial that babies and little kids

large saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, or

be supervised as they eat.

purchase a steamer pot made exclusively for this purpose.

FREEZING & STORING BABY FOOD

Baby’s first forays into solid food will PREPPING FINGER FOODS

involve shockingly small portions. Babies

When preparing food for babies and very

often start out with just one teaspoon or

young children, it is always important

tablespoon of food at a time. Because

to keep their capabilities and limitations

making such a small amount of food is

in mind. Certain foods, like grapes, are

pretty much impossible, storing baby food

notorious choking hazards for wee ones.

becomes a big part of the baby-feeding

This is because their size and shape

process. Green mamas will prefer using

mimics the size and shape of a child’s

glass storage containers, like screw-top

throat. Grapes should always be cut

jars, to store small portions of baby food.

into small pieces (at least in halves or

Silicone ice cube trays are also great for

quarters) before being given to little ones.

storing individual portions in the freezer.

Keep that size and shape in mind while

As a general rule, baby food lasts three to

preparing bites and snacks like cookies,

five days in the refrigerator or about three

veggies, or fruits. For the same reason, it is

months in the freezer.

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w RECIPE

all-Purpose Gluten-Free Flour Y I E L D : 5 cups (1.2 L)

I

f you plan on baking gluten-free recipes regularly, making your

INGREDIENTS

own all-purpose flour can save you a considerable amount

JJ1 cup (240 ml) brown rice flour JJ1 cup (240 ml) potato starch JJ1 cup (240 ml) sweet rice flour JJ1 cup (240 ml) white rice flour JJ1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon

of money. This flour works well for most basic recipes, such as muffins, cakes, and cookies. However, it does not do terribly well in traditional bread recipes. When using this flour as a substitute for general all-purpose or whole wheat flour, keep in mind that the product may require between 10 to 20% extra baking time.

(35 ml) xanthan gum

DIRECTIONS

1. Whisk ingredients together until thoroughly blended.

2. Store in airtight container for up to 6 months.

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chapter 2

Recipes & Projects for Mama You are the perfect mama for this baby. Even more apparent than the words “jumbo shrimp,” the phrase “perfect parent” is the ultimate oxymoron. We all have our moments of greatness and our unavoidable faults, and since parenthood is an experience that can leave even the greatest among us feeling naked and vulnerable, most moms and dads would have to admit that “perfect” just isn’t an attainable goal when it comes to raising children.

Despite this, I do cling to the rosy-colored belief that even with my (cough, cough) many shortcomings, I am a perfect parent just as I am.

And so, my dear friend, are you! If you can entertain the notion that God, or fate, or whatever you may like to see as destiny, placed this very specific soul in your care, than you’ll see my point.

You are meant to be this baby’s mother. Not some other, more perfect version of you. Just you—flaws and all. I think back on life with my own parents, two people who couldn’t be more real if they tried, and I know that it isn’t just their strengths who made me who I am today. I grew up watching them struggle as well as succeed. We loved each other. We fought each other. We lived together and saw each other laid bare as the perfectly imperfect people we were. They helped me become the woman I am today, and that’s a person I have grown to take pride in.

While it isn’t always as simple as this sounds, you are meant to be this baby’s mama. So as you begin your journey as a parent, try to remember to start this relationship off like any other. Relax. Take heart, and just be yourself.

o

+ 33=

Recipes & Projects for Mama | chapter 2

body care for mama

•

expert

The transformation of your body during

ASK AN

and after pregnancy is an amazing thing

Q: What are some gentle prenatal yoga poses

to watch. Treat yourself gently by creating your own personalized and natural bath and body products, and be mindful of the changes you’re undergoing. As your baby grows, take the time to think through what will happen during the delivery and after you get your baby home. With some preparation, the postpartum transition is easier to manage.

BIRTH MANTRAS

Some of the best advice that I foolishly ignored before having my son came from a midwife during our birth class.

She encouraged all of us to pick a birth mantra—a short phrase that we could repeat (either out loud or in our minds) during labor. The purpose of a birth mantra is to help mama focus, set her intentions, and remind her that she is strong, courageous, or simply that this, too, shall pass.

When our midwife asked the class for suggestions all I could think of was “Serenity Now” from a favorite Seinfeld episode. The rest of the class did not think I was funny and I pretty much forgot about the whole mantra thing until the night I went into labor. At some point during the middle of the night I found myself repeating the words “just one minute” during my contractions. It wasn’t just the words that comforted me, but the reminder to keep myself present 34

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THE HandmaDe MaMa

I can do?

A: Doing yoga in the months leading up to and following labor can be beneficial for a number of reasons. Yoga helps improve flexibility and breathing capacity, reduces stress, builds strength, and enhances calm. Yoga techniques for mindfulness learned during pregnancy can also help through the pain of labor and postpartum anxiety. Prenatal yoga can include anything you feel comfortable doing, and if you already have an established practice, feel free to continue and modify as the teacher suggests. The following postures are perfect for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike, and take into account the needs of a pregnant woman’s changing body. Always consult your doctor before engaging in new forms of physical activity, and stop if you don’t feel well.

—Sara Kleinsmith, certified yoga teacher, www.sarakleinsmith.com

chapter 2 | Recipes & Projects for Mama

Wall-Facing Dog

Wall Facing Dog

Downward dog is a beautiful, elemental pose of yoga, but pregnancy can cause some to feel dizzy when the head is down. This dog is a sensible alternative and providesmany of the benefits of downward dog, while also gently working the core. Place both hands on the wall at chest height. Walk the feet back and lean the hips away from the wall (stick your butt out). We’re aiming to make an L shape with the body; think flat back, straight (ish) legs.

Breathe deeply.

This is a lovely stretch for the back and hips, as well as shoulders and backs of the legs, and can be done easily on a lunch break or flight layover.

Wall Lunge

Wall Facing Dog

Ankle Over Knee

Seated Twist

Wall Lunge

Wall Lunge

This posture is a gentle version of low lunge.

It is designed to stretch the hip flexors and front of the body. Because the belly stretches in pregnancy, deep back bends may feel too intense. This is an accessible and effective alternative. Stand facing a wall and place both hands at chest height. Keep the left leg close to the wall and step the right leg back. Feet should be parallel, so that as you step the right foot back, the heel is off the floor. Deeply bend the left knee toward the wall and lift the chest to keep the upper body straight. Breathe deeply. At least three long breaths are recommended, but stay for as long as you'd like. For a challenge, lift arms away from the wall, reaching them to the ceiling. Hold and breathe. Switch legs when finished.

Wall Facing Dog

Wall Lunge

Wall Facing Wall Facing Dog Dog

Seated Twist

Lunge WallWall Lunge

This can be done seated on the floor or reclined. I prefer the chair variation for pregnancy, since being reclined is, at times, uncomfortable and not recommended. Sit tall at the front of your chair and take a deep breath. Remaining tall through the spine, cross your right ankle over your left knee. This is meant to stretch the external rotators of the hip, or outer hip, and may help to stave off sciatic nerve pain often associated with pregnancy. Gently lean forward with a “diagonal,” not rounded, spine. Take several breaths. Make sure to leave space for the belly; you need not fold completely down to feel the stretch.

Ankle Over Knee

Seated Twist

Ankle Over Knee

Seated Twist

This twist can be done sitting on the floor or in a chair. Spinal twists in pregnancy can be done, but care must be taken so that mommy and baby have space to move and breathe.

This twist focuses on the upper trunk, thoracic spine, and shoulder blades. Sitting up tall in a chair or cross-legged on the floor, take a deep breath in. Lift both arms above your head and rotate the spine (twist) to face your right. The right hand comes to the back of the chair, and the left hand can rest on top of the right knee.

Look over your right shoulder behind you.

Working on “growing tall” and deeply breathing, hold this posture for several breaths.

Ankle Over Knee

SeatedTwist Twist Seated

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Recipes & Projects for Mama | chapter 2

•

and focused on the moment at hand.

be rather than dreaming about what kind

My mantra helped keep me from feeling

of child I’d like to have. I took this to heart,

panicked or overwhelmed, and I’m

and spent countless hours thinking about

grateful that I was able to come up with

how I would care for and raise my child.

something so helpful to me—even if it was at the last minute!

My goals were incredibly idealistic, and the reality of being a mom brought

Some other suggestions (that are

many of my loftiest ambitions down

probably more helpful than a Seinfeld

closer to earth. For example, before

quote) for birth mantras:

my son was born I read everything I

am strong. I am brave. I am okay. ++IOpen. ++Release.Open. Open. ++Down. Down. Down. ++I can do this. ++ It doesn’t have to be especially brilliant

could on a practice called elimination communication. Inspired by seeing the practice in action while living abroad, I was determined to have him potty trained from birth. As of this writing, he is now 3 years old and flat-out refuses to toilet train. So you see, we can’t win them all!

or creative, but picking positive words

Even if you can’t reach every goal you

to focus on can be a good alternative

set as a new parent, I think it’s healthy to

to other things you might be thinking

have an ideal to reach toward. Just don’t

like “This hurts” or “I can’t do this.” If you

be too hard on yourself if it doesn’t work

are religious, finding a short and simple

out exactly the way you pictured. For

prayer or verse can be a great choice

every goal that falls short, another will

too. Do you have a favorite quote that

succeed, and every attempt was surely

makes you feel calm and confident?

worth the effort.

Books, songs, favorite movies, or historical figures can be great sources of

GETTING POSTPARTUM SUPPORT

inspiration. Most mamas find short and

No matter who you are, what your

simple mantras to be the most helpful.

delivery was like, how healthy your baby is, or what your life is like, there is one

SETTING GOALS

universal truth among mothers. Having a

Even before baby actually arrives,

baby is very, very hard work. It’s true for

parenthood is all about goals. Some of

all of us, and each in our own completely

the best advice I remember getting as an

unique way. The challenges that you face

expectant mother was to spend my time

during your postpartum period may be

focusing on what kind of parent I’d like to

completely different than those of your best friend, mother, or sister.

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chapter 2 | Recipes & Projects for Mama

The first three months of a child’s life

for every mama. If your spouse or partner

can be extremely challenging. Not only is

is present during the postpartum period

your body recovering physically, you may

they are likely to be your number one

find yourself processing a huge amount of

source of daily support. Make sure to take

raw emotion as you bond with baby and

some time before the birth to discuss how

navigate life with a whole new set of rules.

you both plan to approach the workload

And all of this while suffering from a lack

of caring for mama and baby. Be clear

of sleep and going through some pretty

about your needs and expectations.

intense hormonal changes!

Remember that this is a life-changing

During the postpartum period, support

experience for both of you and you’ll need

is key. Before your baby arrives, spend

to be caring and patient with one another

some time thinking about what kind of

as you go through this journey side by

support is available to you and start

side. Communication, both before and

making plans and arrangements to make

after baby arrives, is key!

sure that support is there when you need

Family and Friends: If you are lucky

it. What kind of help should you ask for?

enough to have family who is willing

You’re likely to need help with everything

to help with baby, be sure to take full

from laundry and cooking to babysitting

advantage. Make sure your family knows

and emotional support. Here are a few

exactly what kind of help you expect,

thoughts on where you can get support:

when and where that help is needed,

Your Spouse or Partner: Every family is

and from whom. Make your expectations

different, so having a spouse or partner to

and boundaries clear and have these

lean on after baby’s arrival isn’t possible

conversations well before baby’s arrival.

E S S E N T I A L O I L S C O M M O N LY U S E D D U R I N G P R E G N A N C Y 1 SCIENTIFIC (INCI) NAME

PROPERTIES

USAGE RATE (Less than 1% in any application / 4 drops or less per bath)

Chamomile, Roman

Chamaemelum nobile

Anti-inflammatory, calming, soothing

Geranium

Pelargonium graveolens

Balancing

Lavender

Lavandula angustifolia

Anti-bacterial

Rose Otto

Rosa centifolia

Balancing

Sandalwood

Santalum album

Calming, soothing

Sweet Orange

Citrus sinensis

Anti-bacterial, astringent, uplifting

Tea Tree

Melaleuca alternifolia

Anti-bacterial

Ylang Ylang

Cananga odorata

Balancing, uplifting

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Recipes & Projects for Mama | chapter 2

•

Often family members want to help, but

these are people who can help get you

without clear instructions they may not

the care and resources you need to make

know how!

things better.

Social Circle: Make a habit of calling

Support Groups: Before baby arrives,

or texting your closest friends and family

look up support groups for breast-feeding

and ask them to also check in with you

or new mothers in your area and write

during the first months with baby.

down their meeting dates, times, and

Women can sometimes feel isolated

locations. Sometimes the best way to

during the postpartum period, so simply

get through the postpartum period is by

having someone to talk to can be

connecting with other women who are

immensely helpful.

going through the same thing.

Postpartum Doulas, Night Nurses, and Mother’s Helpers: If family isn’t available

HOW TO ADD ESSENTIAL OILS

and if finances allow, you may want to

TO BATH & BODY RECIPES

consider hiring help for the first few days,

I chose not to add essential oils to the

weeks, or months. Choose a reputable

bath and body recipes in this book for

service with plenty of solid credentials

one very important reason: There is no

and make whatever arrangements you

guarantee that any essential oil is always

can ahead of time. You can schedule

safe for all women in all pregnancies.

interviews, book service, and do research

While there are plenty of essential oils

all before your baby is born. If you find

(the most popular of which I have listed in

yourself feeling overwhelmed after baby

the chart here) that are commonly used

arrives you will know exactly who to call.

during pregnancy without incident, it’s

Meal Trains or Care Calendars: There

important to remember that these are

are quite a few Web sites that allow

highly potent substances with powerful

your family and friends to coordinate

properties and the results aren’t always

easily to provide meals, babysitting, and

predictable. To learn more about essential

household help after baby arrives. If

oil safety, visit The National Association

possible, get a friend to set this up for you

for Holistic Aromatherapy’s Web site

and communicate with contributors on

at naha.org.

your behalf.

Your OBGYN or Midwife: It’s a good

If you have any health conditions, whether they are related to your

idea to keep in touch with your healthcare

pregnancy or not, I urge you to consult

providers so that they can check on your

your doctor or midwife before using any

physical and mental well-being. If you

essential oils, even those listed here. If you

begin feeling overwhelmed or depressed,

do decide to add essential oils to the skin

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chapter 2 | Recipes & Projects for Mama

or hair care recipes in this chapter, be

time baby arrives. According to doctors,

sure to follow the usage rates indicated.

genetics play a huge part in a woman’s

You know what they say about too much

tendency to see stretch marks.

of a good thing, right?

Another very big and totally unpredictable factor is how baby

ABOUT STRETCH MARKS

will grow, and how the womb will be

Well, mama, I’m sorry to tell you this, but

positioned in your body. Some women

you just might get stretch marks. Even

never develop stretch marks, while others

with the very best belly butter applied

see them with every pregnancy. It’s even

systematically, there’s just no way to

possible to skip stretch marks during one

guarantee an unmarred belly by the

pregnancy then be bombarded during the next! I made it all the way to thirty-

handmade mama tip HER EXPERIENCE IS NOT YO U R E X P E R I E N C E While you are preparing for baby, you are likely to be surrounded by a chorus of very different (and often contradictory) voices. Motherhood is pretty intense. For a lot of women, it is one of the most defining and lifechanging experiences of their lives. When something that huge happens, it can’t help but come along with an enormous pile of feelings—feelings that are just dying to come out and be shared with others.

Mamas will want to share their stories with you—to open up and spill out their hard-earned wisdom and well-intentioned warnings or predictions. You’ll hear birth stories that inspire you, and others that scare you. Parents will shower you with their best tips, secret weapons, and trusted techniques for dealing with everything from sleepless nights to stubborn toddlers.

Some people will delight in reminding you that you are in for a challenge while others will paint you a picture so perfect that it’s almost guaranteed to disappoint.

No matter what anyone tells you, remember this—your experience is not her experience. When you hear words like “always” or “never,” stick an asterisk next to the sentence. Every mama is an expert on her own baby.

Every birth story is special. Yours will be too.

eight weeks before seeing a mark, then woke up one morning with tiger stripes across my pelvis.

This might seem a little scary, but if you do end up developing stretch marks, I challenge you to see them as beauty marks instead of scars. Your body goes through an amazing transformation when it makes a child, and the marks left behind are proof of just how incredible you really are. In the meantime, try to focus on keeping your skin healthy by moisturizing it at least twice a day and keeping your body nourished and hydrated by eating well and drinking plenty of water. Take good care of that marvelous body of yours, tiger stripes and all.

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