Total page views: 857,220
Published Content: 198
Fans: 107
On AC since: 01.05.07
Bio:
I'm young single mother of two boys, a liberal Democrat, and a born again Pagan witch for 12 years. I write about natural family living, pregnancy, homebirth, attachment parenting, and religion or politics once in a while.
Education/Experience:
GCHS c/o 2003
Motto:
Soft is the heart of a child. Do not harden it.
Heather B.'s Favorites
View All Favorites »
Heather B.'s Fans
View All Fans »
 
Showing Results 1 - 198 of 198
Where does witchcraft fit into the religion of Wicca? What do Wiccans believe about the source of magic and proper usage? Are their laws governing what Wiccan witches can and can't do with their magic?
A poem about finding oneself in memories
Is a coven a circle? Many people confuse covens with circles. Find out the difference between each of these concepts and the roles they play in Wicca and witchcraft.
Are Wicca, Paganism, and witchcraft the same things? Do Wiccans worship nature? Are all Pagans polytheistic? What does the pentacle symbolize? Come see if you know as much as you think you do.
The Wiccans don't follow the Ten Commandments, so what law does determine their mortality? What do they believe about right and wrong?
Some baby carriers have so much fabric that they can make you even hotter in the summer. Here's how to choose the right carrier made of the right fabric for comfortable baby wearing in the summer.
Staying warm while baby wearing in the winter can be difficult, because thick coats can interfere. Not all baby carriers are made equal; some are better for winter wear than others. Learn how to pick a baby carrier that will keep you both warm!
Before buying a Motorola 490, learn what distinguishes it from other phones on the market including its cousin the RAZR.
While this webcam is more expensive than basic webcams, it has a lot more to offer in functionality, quality, ease of use, and fun features!
Do Wiccans believe in Heaven or Hell? If not, what do they think happens to us in death? I have the answers.
Are Wiccans polytheistic or monotheistic? Do they worship nature or the same god as Christians? I will answer these questions and more.
New sash baby carriers are just emerging. They are quick and easy to use, like a pouch, but like a wrap, they have the comfort of two-shoulder support! No straps, buckles, ties, or snaps - just a simple, beautiful, comfortable carrier!
Closer2Nature.net is a new website and forum about attachment parenting and natural family living. Stop on by for a minute!
We all know babies have soft skin, but there are a hundred other small things you will love about your baby as you get to know him. Here's some of the reasons I'm in love with my own son.
We all know that spinach is the source of Popeye's superhuman strength, but why not some other nutrient-packed vegetable? The answer to that and more (like the truth about the source of other superheroes' powers) is right here!
If you prefer your vegetables fresh not frozen, but can't make frequent trips to the grocery store, then Debbie Meyer Green Bags are for you!
For a carrier more versatile, snug, and comfortable than a sling, the Moby Wrap is an affordable, stylish alternative for babywearing parents.
Getting your child to quit cosleeping and start sleeping in a toddler bed doesn't have to be a battle. There is a gentle way to make it easy on everyone involved. Here is a step by step plan for taking it slow.
Most parents have fond memories of cosleeping and enjoy it, but at some point, it has to end. The transition will go more smoothly if your toddler is as ready as you are. Here's how to tell if it's time for a toddler bed.
Our birth story has been met with surprise, fear, even delight by strangers. It has had positive effects on all of our loves and our relationship as a family, forever altering the perceptions of all involved.
Recently a woman was arrested for leaving a sleeping toddler for a few minutes in a car that she could see the whole time. This has prompted people to ask "Is it ever ok to leave a child unattended in the car, and what exactly does unattended mean?"
If your current wardrobe is drab and uninteresting, then take a trip to the Color Farm to support a work-at-home mom whose creativity can transform ordinary into extraordinary and foster a child's imagination.
Information abounds about the practices, benefits, and goals of attachment parenting, but what are the real reasons parenting are choosing this approach to child-rearing?
At Frank's Hamburgers you can have a Buster Burger, the best hamburger available in Clarksville, TN or some of the best pecan pie in the country. Next time your downtown, stop by and say hi to my Pawpaw. Tell him I sent you.
It can be frustrating when toddlers are first learning to walk, because they want to use their new skill but don't know how to hold hands or stay close. Here is how to teach your child to walk beside you on the street or in the store, step by step.
Some children refuse to get in the tub, and others make a huge mess splashing about. There are some toys that can make bath time more fun for children of all ages while also encouraging them not to splash so much.
Coloring with markers and crayons and painting with finger paint and even water colors can be messy for children of all ages, but thankfully there are some toys and activities that will allow your child to color without making a mess.
If you're looking for a functional phone with music capabilities, this is the one one for you!
Cloth diapers save money and the environment but make more laundry, whereas disposable diapers are more convenient but are less economical and environmentally-friendly. You can strike a balance, though.
When your toddler is running amuck, usually he's just trying to exert his energy. Give him constructive ways to release his energy appropriately with these toys!
Cribs can cost upwards of $200 these days, which is a good incentive to find another more affordable alternative for your baby's sleep quarters.
How do you know when to push? What if something goes wrong? How do you cut the cord? The answers to these questions and more!
Christmas is about giving and family, but it's also a chance to relax and have fun. Here are some fun Christmas drinking games to play when the kids are in bed!
Those with aquagenic pruritis knows what it's like to have such intense itching that we feel we'll lose our minds. Luckily, there are some ways to prevent and deal with the attacks.
Aquagenic pruritis is characterized by water reactant itching without visible skin lesions. Find out how to tell if you have it.
When I was a little girl I became having mysterious itch attacks after bathing and showering. After many years finally I was diagnosed and have been able to live with this condition.
One night as he headed home from work, my husband was accosted by a man with a knife who wanted his car.
This is a reflective piece about the laughter and tears we've shared as a family this year, as well as my hope for our future.
Decorating evergreen trees and eating a ham for dinner has very little to do with Jesus, so why are these customs part of Christmas celebration? I'll tell you!
Does your toddler hate brushing his teeth? Do you know why? Do you want to know how you can make him more cooperative? I have the answers!
Gift cards may send the message that not a lot of thought went into the present, but that doesn't have to be the case!
Accepting that Santa Clause is not a real person is a milestone on the way to adulthood, but be sure to tell your child the whole story so that he or she will not feel deceived.
One of the best ways to keep your Christmas party from being boring is to have some fun activities planned so that your guests can cut loose and really enjoy the gathering.
Christmas is the time of giving, not just to your loved ones but to the world. Get your family together, and celebrate Christmas by giving together.
In times when Christmas celebration is mostly secular, it is easy for the true meaning to get lost. Here are some practices that will help you remember what it's all about.
Christmas is indeed the best time of the year, but what makes it memorable and special are the traditions and customs unique to your family.
After an amazing unassisted homebirth, my placenta did not emerge, and so six hours later, we went to the hospital to have it removed.
On September 24, 2007, Cedric Orin was born into his father's hands at home in our bed with his older brother watching. Here are the details of our amazing labor and birth experience!
RateMyTeachers.com allows users to rate teachers and leave comments, in hopes of providing insight about teachers' abilities. But not everyone is in favor of this rating website.
For any occasion or for no reason at all, there is always somewhere wonderful you can take the woman in your life for a good time without burning a hole in your wallet!
Everyone knows money can't buy love. Some people use it to say "I love you" but there are much better ways of putting that smile on her face and those butterflies in her stomach!
Not everyone can afford diamond jewelry and flashy gadgets, but with a little knowledge and creativity, you can stretch that dollar a long way and get her something she'll love without splurging!
Pregnancy is wonderful, but it's not easy or free of discomfort. You can make your wife's pregnancy much more enjoyable with a little tender loving care. It's not much work at all.
Many people believe that cosleeping ruins a couple's sex life, but with a little effort and creativity, there's no reason bedsharing babes have to interfere with their parents' intimacy.
Everyone is ready for sex at a different time after pregnancy and will have a different experience. There are a few common things that affect most women the first few times, though, and they are nothing to fret over.
Little boys love push and ride on toys, so cars and anything with wheels make awesome toys for toddlers!
Most people associate pregnancy with stretch marks and a bit of nausea, but even for uncomplicated pregnancies, symptoms can be far more uncomfortable and severe!
There are a number of reasons why adopting an animal from the ASPCA is better for animals, the world, and you and your family than buying one from a pet store.
Working from home appeals to a lot of mothers, but it can be hard to tell which are legitimate. The key is to find the career that best suits your needs. I can help!
Homebirth may be expensive especially if your insurance won't cover it, but there are ways of cutting the costs and raising the money!
Almost everyone will have a nightmare while pregnant. Usually these are caused by fears related to the pregnancy. By understanding your dreams and confronting your fears, you'll be better prepared for motherhood.
If you are looking for an affordable and decent notebook, then this is a good purchase, but it certainly isn't right for everyone.
Pregnancy affects women in so many ways. It can be difficult for her partner to understand what she's going through or what she wants. Take heart; here's a guide to satisfying her in the bedroom!
If every woman, doctor, and midwife knew these truths, birth would be much safer and more pleasant for mothers and babies.
The Nokia 6133 may not be the hottest phone on the market, but it has the most features for the least amount of money. This is a great phone!
If you want a water birth but are afraid you can't afford it, let me beg to differ. If you are wondering how you'll fill, empty, & heat your pool, I have answers about that as well!
Sushi is not raw fish; sashimi is. Many sushi rolls don't contain any uncooked seafood at all. Moreover, there's no reason to believe that eating raw fish is unhealthy for pregnant women--or anyone!
There are a lot of things that people warn pregnant women against doing, but much of this is unfounded paranoia.
While many of the things pregnant women are warned against really are okay, there are some things that pregnant women should avoid that can harm the fetus.
Being cooped up in the house is no fun, but there are some ways you can enjoy your favorite backyard activities right in your living room!
Some feel it is mean to let children witness birth...but I think it would be mean not to let our son witness his sibling's birth! Here's why.
Everyone knows that after pregnancy there's less time for intimacy, but there are other surprises waiting for you after you deliver!
Many believe that technology, prenatal care, and hospital interventions are the reason why birth is now so safe (and thus that homebirth & freebirth are not safe)...but how true is this really?
There are strong medications given in the hospital to stop premature labor, but they are not without risks and side effects. Before running off to the ER, try some of these natural methods of halting preterm labor.
There are many natural ways to prepare your body for labor and kick start it when you are tired of waiting, including herbal remedies which are described in this article.
Colorado Springs is a large city at the base of beautiful mountains that features a ton of activities for people of all ages.
As early as a month before labor, your body begins a process known as prelabor to prepare itself. Here is what you may experience.
There are several herbs that can induce a miscarriage in the first trimester than may be preferable to surgical abortion for some women.
If you have decided to try to cope with labor without medication, here's how to get ready!
There are several types of abortion procedures, each performed at a different time during pregnancy. Most are surgical and carry risks to the mother (and to the child if they fail).
A 40-week pregnancy is long enough, but what do you do when you've passed your due date and are still waiting for the big day?
Fetal Doppler rental is very affordable and can be a fun, reassuring way to bond with your baby while she is still in the womb.
Pregnancy lasts a good, long 40 weeks, but don't dismay. There's are many constructive things you can be doing while you wait!
Gestational Diabetes can be a real pain, but thankfully, most of the time it can be controlled by watching what you eat.
Urinary tract infections can be annoying and painful, but thankfully they can often be cleared up without a trip to the doctor's office.
Vaccines may contain live virus, poisons, even aborted human fetal cells. Knowing what ingredients each vaccination contains can help in your decision about vaccination.
Fathers are often forgotten, overlooked, and undervalued today, but they are of immense worth and should be honored.
Freebirth is nothing new, but much ignorance surrounds this practice. The act of birthing without a medical professional is not only gaining in popularity but in media coverage.
The greatest gift I got for Mother's Day was the exceptional treatment I received at this outstanding branch of the Golden Corral restaurant chain.
Associated Content is a wonderful way to get paid to have your voice heard. You can make quite a bit without having to put in more than a few hours a day, and it's totally free to use.
Are you a mother? Sit back, relax, and be inspired remembering why you do all that you do for your litle ones.
There are many safe, natural preservatives out there, but for some reason, potentially dangerous artificial chemicals are still more commonly used.
Natural substances are usually considered safer, but all flavorings--artificial or natural--are chemicals that may have harmful effects on our health.
Artificial sweeteners have been linked to cancer and many health problems, yet we are still using them instead of natural sweeteners.
Dealing with an abusive parent as a child is difficult, but the abuse doesn't end when adulthood begins--nor does the pain relent.
These are two great toddler toys, each very affordable, sturdy, popular, and entertaining. Which one is best for you will depend on your needs!
I'm not just a mom. I am many things in my child's life. Why not buy me something to help me feel more like a mom and less like an inaniminate object?
Women experience a lot of new sensations during pregnancy, none so weird as the sexual side effects. Learn what may happen and how you can deal with it.
Contrary to popular belief, the vegan lifestyle is very healthy for babies. In fact all babies who are only breastfed or fed soy formula are vegan!
These are two different kinds of baby wearing devices, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. This article will help you decide what's right for you.
Meow Mix and Alley Cat are both great products. Meow Mix has more flavor, while Alley Cat seems to help more with my cats' health issues. Which is right for you?
One product is more well-known, and they cost about the same amount...but the less popular product is the superior device for prenatal heart listening.
Going organic is really easier said than done, but it doesn't have to be a struggle. It will take time to adjust, but it's worth it!
Many parents believe that spanking is the only way to get through to a young child, but this is untrue. There are many gentle ways of disciplining young children.
Anticipating and preventing "bad" behavior is one of the best ways to discipline your child.
Not everything you've heard is true. In fact, most of it is completely false.
Many people worry that something will go wrong during pregnancy, especially if they are going unassisted. Most complications are actually rare and can be managed at home by the mother.
New evidence shows that the risk of HIV transmission from mother to child today is minimal and that breastfeeding greatly reduces risk of HIV infection for the infant.
Colorado Springs is just full of things to do. Even if it's not so nice outside, the weather is great inside!
There are many misconceptions about this approach to child-rearing. Learn the truth about this philosophy and the people who identify with it.
Are vaccinations safe or effective? Is the risk of not vaccinating higher than the risk of vaccinating? Here are the facts.
Many dyes that are banned in other countries are prohibited in the US, despite a possible link to hyperactivity, Cancer, and other health problems.
It's not dangerous, it doesn't create dependant children, and it doesn't interfere with intimacy! It does promote bonding and decrease risk of SIDS!!!
Doctors sometimes have very valid concerns about your choices, but they may also be misinformed. Some will even manipulate you to get you to do what they feel is best.
Even at-home parents often end up enrolling their children in daycare at some point for one reason or another. Here are some alternatives to daycare.
As a Wiccan, I have a very different view on abortion than many people. Mine is based on my translation of the Wiccan Rede.
There are a few things that you should know that will help your relationship with your daycare provider and make the experience easier on everyone involved.
This is the big question with homebirth in general. The simple answer is that the mother prepares herself to handle anything that may go wrong!
Parents don't appreciate unsolicited advice, but there are times when you should speak up. Always remember to be polite and courteous, though.
Many labor interventions are dangerous and unnecessary. Learn the risks and find out how to know when intervention is truly needed.
A discussion of the risks and complications associated with C-sections, as well as a lesson in how to tell when they are/aren't necessary
I have made mistakes and have regrets. Some of my actions would disappoint other attachment parents, shock mainstream parents. But I'm doing my best.
If you love cherry and strawberry Twizzlers and fruit twists, you should try Twizzlers Rainbow Twists. They come in a variety of new flavors!
Have you heard of these? If you haven't tried them yet, you definitely should. They taste great, melt slow, and are very affordable!
When you find a good daycare, hold onto it. Here are some tips for building a healthy relationship with your provider.
Breastmilk continues to be best even for toddlers, and there are benefits for the mother, too!
You'll be surprised what you don't know about infant circumcision.
It can be hard to stay positive while you're dealing with morning sickness. Here are some things to smile about.
Many people want to try cloth diapers, but they don't believe they can afford it. There are many ways to make cloth diapering fit your budget.
My son and I have learned so much from our experiences with home daycare. They have prepared us for life and the birth of a new child.
A detailed account of my teenage experiences and advice from a former cutter.
See the world of the military through the eyes of a military wife, unconventional as this one may be!
Most of my favorite videos are related to parenting, but some are about religion. I included many of those I find to be most humourous, so if you want a laugh, check this out!
written for my son and unborn child
Everyone has an opinion on parenting, and sometimes it seems the ones that are considered least valuable are those of the actual parents!
Most of what doctors do during pregnancy can be done at home at the mother's convenience. Learn how to create a routine to do your own home prenatal care.
A humorous piece about the creature once believed to be mythical. He does exist!
This is a wonderful device. It is a webcam, camcorder, camera, mp3 player, and voice recorder all in one. And it is so affordable!
There are some drawbacks, but overall Kushies are a great basic AIO cloth diaper that I would recommend.
Bumkins All-in-One Cloth Diapers are one of my favorite AIO diapers. They are comfortable, easy to use and wash, absorbant, and very sturdy. They are well-worth the money!
A song about how I wash diapers!
We all know that it benefits the environment and save money, but do you know about the other 'perks' of cloth diapering?
:)
Doctors order so many tests for pregnant women that she can feel like a lab subject under glass. Here are the ones you can decline.
If you are ready to make changes in your life, but you don't know what or how, then read on! Let me show you how to make it easy to set and achieve goals, using nature's energy.
This contains information about how I run my "business" as a home daycare provider, tips for starting and running your own, and a run-down of how I spend my days.
If you are interested in the health benefits of going organic, but aren't sure you can afford it, find out how!
Learn how this work-at-home mom manages to balance work, chores, family, and play. I describe the ups and downs of my careers and a typical day in our household.
Find out how easy it is to stay warm this winter without spending too much money.
Limiting water consumption is good for the environment and easy on your wallet.
Circumcision is said to make a penis easier to keep clean, but even a circumcised man needs to wash up.
One of the so-called medical reasons for circumcising a male is a decreased risk of UTI. Rate by which its lowered is from 1-10%, but risk of complication is 2-10%. Risk of UTI is only 1% for intact males anyway.
There are many alleged benefits of circumcising, but the risks are very rarely mentioned. The rate of complication may be as high as 10%, and even death can occur.
We spend the bulk of the day caring for the kids and doing the laundry, but those little tasks such as gathering clothes and dishes are time-consuming, too.
Anesthesia isn't always used and is often used improperly. It cannot completely eliminate the very real pain of circumcising. Please don't put your baby through this procedure.
If you have a cough or a headache, but you're out of medication and have no time to go to the store, check your pantry! The cure may be right in your kitchen.
Minimum wage is hardly keeping up with the rising cost of living, so how do you make up for the difference? Learn how to save money and squeeze a penny.
When you don't call the police after an accident, you're at risk of being lied to by the other individual or having difficulty proving your side of the story to the insurance company.
Kids may say the darnedest things, but parents do, too!
This contains an analysis of the studies associating circumcision with HIV & HPV, dispelling myths and introducing new information.
We all know of the benefits to mother and child, but did you know nursing can enhance the joys of motherhood and your awe of the miracle of life?
Obama is intelligent, educated, articulate, and friendly with a strong personality. Unfortunately, I doubt his compassion and morality.
Flowers, chocolate, and dinner at a nice restaurant are all great, but thoughtful gestures are more apt to impress her on this occasion.
A poem about how love grows, even as we grow older or fall from grace
a poem about a new romance
Having a mother with a mental disorder can take a devastating toll on a child. This is a story of child abuse, neglect, and favoritism. My story.
Usually the cord is cut immediately after birth, but some people never cut the cord. Find out why.
The way some doctors treat their patients is apalling. Is it any wonder considering how impersonal the medical system is?
Had her doctors paid closer attention or heeded her husband's warnings, this young woman might still be alive.
Not all medical practices are adequately tested before being widely used.
Whatever your preconceived notions about those who chose this path are, the truth is here exposed. You decide if it's irresponsible--or empowering!
If you have decided that UC is the best option for you, but are unsure of what to do next, allow me to point you in the right direction.
Birth trauma doesn't only occur in infants but in mothers who have traumatic childbirth expressions. It can affect them for the rest of their lives.
While some books still contain the outdated 4-6 month recommendation, the AAP & other organizations say to wait until at least six months.
Find out if weight, diabetes, an abnormal uterus, anemia, mental problems, asthma, and other uncommon conditions require hospital attention.
Find out the truth about those delivering at a young or old age, birthing a first time baby, or having lucky #7.
You may be able to deliver multiples or breech babies at home depending on the situation.
Find out if preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, macrosomia, small pelvis, VBAC, and other complications should prevent you from birthing at home.
Homebirth can be an empowering experience for a woman, gentle on the child, and bring a family closer together, but it isn't always possible.
a poem about nursing my child to sleep in the moonlight
a poem about nursing my child to sleep at the end of a long day
a poem about tender moments and watching my child grow
A poem I wrote when my son was about seven months old.
This is a poem I wrote for my first child, two weeks after his birth.
We know about the benefits of breastmilk and the risks of formula to the child. Now let's examine how the mother is affected by her feeding choices.
A lot of people think that young mothers are inferior parents who end up on welfare, but they couldn't be more wrong.
Breastfeeding, homebirthing, and cloth diapering are all wonderful ways of saving money, but there is so much more you can do to limit your costs!
Smegma has mistakingly been perceived as dirty over the years, though it actually promotes genital health and cleanliness.
Formula does not have the immunological benefits or digestive qualities of breastmilk, and babies fed formula are less likely to be healthy.
Car accidents are one of the number one killers of children and adults in the US. You can protect your child from injury in a number of simple ways.
Bottle propping can cause choking, ear infections, and tooth decay which can lead to hearing loss, extensive dental work, and even death.
Sharing sleeping arrangements with my entire family gives us a sense of safety and completion as we peacefully slumber together, side by side.
There is surmounting evidence that homebirth is safer for infants. At home he is protected from unnecessary intervention and painful practices.
Those who chose homebirth deliver without the aid of technology and interventions such as pain killers and are proud of that achievement.
Doulas provide caring support to mothers during labor and birth and in the postpartum period. Not only can they make you feel better about your experienced and more prepared for the journey, they can decrease your risk of intervention and help guarantee a pleasant outcome.
By taking good care of a pregnant woman, we are also encouraging good health for her unborn child. Let us never forget that both lives are important.
Birth safety isn't only about live mothers and physically perfected babies. True health means sound body, mind, and soul, and a peaceful birth encourages that.
Women today almost expect to be given an epidural and even a C-section. Is it any wonder that they have so little faith in their ability to birth?
Filter Heather B.'s Published Content:
Search Heather B.'s Published Content:
Permalink: