Pumpkin Pie 

½ cup Greek Yogurt (sub with ice cream in labor) ½ cup soy milk ½ cup fresh cooked pumpkin Dash of Nutmeg Dash of Cinnamon 1 cup ice As Halloween rolls around the corner and Thanksgiving season approaches, hang on to those pumpkins for more decoration and cheer.  Pumpkin is an excellent coronary addition to add to the menu and can be used in a number of ways beyond the traditional pumpkin pie.  Not only is pumpkin pleasing to the palate, but is a great way to pack in some healthy nutrition.  Pumpkin is high in beta-carotene—an orange pigment called a carotenoid that provides over 50% of vitamin A in the American diet.  Beta-carotene is used to decrease a number of symptoms, such as high blood pressure, and helps maintain eye health (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/999.html). Pumpkin also contains important anti-oxidants that help fight cancer and is loaded with potassium, zinc, and high amounts of fiber.  In the past, Native American tribes used pumpkin to create emulsions to heal wounds and powders to help urinary function.. So, pair your pumpkin with Greek yogurt and soy milk for a healthy and festive smoothie!  In addition to all the health benefits of the pumpkin, the yogurt and soy will boost your protein for the day in over 16 grams.  Remember, pregnant women should consume at least 75 grams of protein per day (www.americanpregnancy.org).  And next time you are picking out a pumpkin for the menu, look for the heavy whitish-gray ones!  They contain a much heftier portion of meat. Happy pumpkin hunting (and even happier pumpkin eating)! Calories: 182 kcal Protein: 16.5 g Fiber: 5 g Sodium: 270 mg Potassium: 400 mg Calcium: 33% Iron: 17%

Open House this Sunday, October 16 from 2:00-4:00. You are in for a treat; not only will you see  the beautiful NBC , birthplace of  2 boys and 5 girls just since opening, you will also taste lots of yummy foods and sweets, receive gifts and put your name in the basket for a drawing every 15 minutes. Listed below are many of the folks who will be here to help us celebrate…many of them bringing gifts for our drawings. Of course our Certified Nurse Midwives, RN’s, Medical Asstistant and even yours truly, your senior scribbler who keeps you updated on our facebook and twitter.

Wonder what is Baby Planning? An Itsabelly Baby Planner will be on hand to answer questions and explain how we help parents relax and enjoy their pregnancy. We will also be displaying a large range of well researched, safest and Itsabelly-recommended products for mama and baby. You will definitely want to put your name in the basket to win their beautiful basket of mommie/baby gifts. Also you might win a great baby shoe rack, organic body products & baby bath goodies.

 Enjoy a piece of Bo Lings celebration cake. Bo Ling’s Custom Cakes and Cupcakes! “Let your imagine go wild – we create a cake to match!”Bo Lings, Chinese Please!

Freedom Chef, Becky Ross,  is bringing treats to taste too, gluten & sugar free You will find her in the kitchen at NBC, serving up treats and ready to visit with you about her services and any food allergies you or your child may be experiencing.

Dr. Kezia Shine, Align, Chiropractic care for mommies and babies, has donated 2 $85 gift certificates. Dr. Shine sees patients at New Birth Company on Tues. Wed., & Thurs. She will be in her room at NBC to answer all those questions about how your body is changing.

Smooth Labor Smoothie Bar will be opening and churning out some piña colada  smoothies. You have heard alot about our wonderful smoothie bar…opening at all hours of the day or night. For those of you wondering, that is a little signal that a mommy is in labor. She is offered wonderful smoothies supplying her with an amazing amount of energy…after all she IS running a marathon.

Costco will be here to share some delicious cookies and visit with you about their programs. Whatever your needs, a 52″ TV, a diamond ring, a multitude of diapers, a car,  churros, they have it!

Peaches and Cream

½ cup Greek yogurt (ice cream for labor)
½ cup soy milk
½ banana
½ cup frozen peaches
1 teaspoon flaxseed
1 cup ice

This smoothie is peachy, creamy, refreshing and loaded with health benefits, too!  The Greek yogurt packs a punch of protein.  In just ½ cup of Greek yogurt, there are 11 grams of protein!  Increased amounts of protein during pregnancy are crucial to the baby’s growth and development, as well as in aiding the development of your expanded blood supply.   Experts recommend at least 75 grams of protein per day for pregnant women(www.americanpregnancy.org).  Flaxseed is another nice addition to this peachy keen smoothie.  Flaxseed is a good source of Omega-3, fiber, and ligans, which contains estrogen and antioxidant properties.  Flaxseed has been cultivated for its medicinal properties since 3000BC.  In the 8th century, King Charlemagne had such faith in the powerful healing effect of flaxseed that he required that all of his subjects consume it.  Flaxseed is thought to have a protective effect against cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and inflammation (www.webmd.com).  Some studies suggest that it might also prevent hot flashes and mood swings spurred by hormonal changes in the body (very common in pregnancy).  For postpartum mama’s, flaxseed is also a lactogenic food, meaning that it will help promote breast milk production.   Pair this smoothie with some good flaxseed muffins, and you’re on your way to great lactation! Enjoy the end of the summer with a tasty peach smoothie and remember to squeeze in some essential R&R.  You and your baby deserve it!

by Heather Wurtz, RN, New Birth Company

Last week Cathy and Kendra met with Teresa and Rebecca (mother and daughter) of    Bo Lings Chinese Restaurants & Catering.  Over tension reducing Dragon Pearl Jasmine tea, the foursome discussed how Chinese cultural traditions support pregnancy, birth and birth recovery.  Food is a very important part of supporting pregnancy and birth recovery.  Specific dishes and ingredients are recommended that include ginger, red dates and chicken soup made from stock simmered from the bones of a free ranging black feathered chicken.   One tradition that we agree with whole heartedly is that pregnancy and birth are one of the most important times in a woman’s life.  The habits we develop during our pregnancy have the power to protect us from disease for years after the birth of our baby.   Keep it up mamas !