Homemade Yogurt...oh so good!!!

Homemade Yogurt 

 

 

I have seen many many recipes for homemade yogurt...and heard many people say they have failed in making it.  I have been making yogurt for almost 2 years now and never failed.  This recipe is super simple!  Fail proof!  My kids love it!  We add honey and/or jam and it's just oooooooh sooooooo yummmmmy!!!

1/2 gallon of milk (I use raw, farm fresh milk).  let is sit out until it's room temperature.  Get a large pot, add milk and boil/scald it while whisking---(takes about 20 minutes).  Once it starts to froth, remove it from heat and let sit to cool (about 2 hours).  The easiest way to explain how to test the tempature is to stick the tip of your pinky finger and you should be able to hold it there about 10 seconds (very scientific, I know!).  It should still be warm, not cold.  If it's too cold, set it back on the stove-top and heat till you can do the fingertip test.  Whisk in your starter (a little bit of yogurt from you previous batch---OR you can use store bought plain yogurt to start it if you can't get a better starter).  Place in your containers (remember to save out some for a starter for the next time you make it).  Let it sit for 24 hours.  DO NOT MOVE IT, OR PEEK INSIDE TO CHECK ON IT.  Keep the lids on.  After 24 hours, your yogurt is ready to eat!  You will fall in love!  :)

one-of-a-kind childbirth classes...you won't want to miss it!

 We are so excited to finally be offering Childbirth Classes in West Michigan!  Our next session begins Monday August 6th-Sept 17th  (we won't meet Labor Day) from 6:45-8:45pm and will be held at:

 820 Monroe #333, Grand Rapids MI

Please email: Kathy@sbsdoula.com to register!

Serenity Natural Childbirth Preparation is phenomenal program that is unlike any other out there!  We believe that childbirth is a rite of passage, not a medical event.  That every birth is different; and that all parents should be aware of their options for birth.  That every couple should be supported and empowered to make the most thoughtful decisions for their birth.  We strongly believe in the mind-body connection and that preparing you mentally, emotionally and physically are key to a successful birth experience.


"Through soul-searching and listening more deeply to the women I was working with, I finally understood that women have to prepare their heart and soul, not just their heard.  And that giving birth  is something that a women does in her body, not in her head"
~Pam England

Here is what people are saying after taking our class:

"I now feel hopeful & excited about my upcoming birth!"

"I now feel determined to be in charge of my upcoming birth"

"I loved the openness of the discussion.  It wasn't so formal that you couldn't ask questions"

"I have taken another childbirth class before and took this as a refresher---I was amazed at how much I learned!!"

"When I started the class I felt nervous and alone.  It really surprised me  that you ladies really seem to care!  And I now feel so much better about my upcoming birth!"

Classes will be limited to 5 couples.  You will receive 6 workbooks that include Prenatal Wellness, Thoughtful Decisions, The Birth Process, Natural Childbirth, Finding Comfort, and following the Birth Process. 

Class will run 1.5-2hours one night a week in downtown Grand Rapids.

6-week class outline:

Class 1: Introduction, Exercise and Nutrition
In our first class we will do introductions and get acquainted with other class members. We will discuss attitudes and beliefs about birth including cultural influences and begin to focus on ways to stay positive. We will cover things that you can do to stay healthy and low risk during pregnancy. We will introduce important pregnancy exercises and go over the critical role of good nutrition during pregnancy. We will also introduce ideas for relaxation and spend time practicing.

Class 2: Pregnancy and Labor Support
In this class we will look at anatomy and biology of pregnancy and the many physiological changes that happen in a woman's body. We will brainstorm ideas for handling pain during labor and cover the importance of the partner's role in labor and delivery. We will explore and practice various comfort measures for labor, including specific techniques, ideas and tips for partners.

Class 3: Stages of Labor
This class is on how your body works during the first and second stages of labor. We will provide an overall look at the characteristics of each stage, and help partners brainstorm ways that they can determine the stage of labor. We will discuss support techniques and the physical and emotional signs of each stage. We will also name some ideas for positions and comfort measures during the various stages, and will briefly discuss third stage.

Class 4: Planning Your Birth and Preparing for the Unexpected
This class will focus on the many choices you have and on developing a birth plan. We will discuss the importance of evaluating your feelings and listing your priorities, and meeting with your medical team to discuss your choices in a positive way. We will also discuss various complications and how to avoid them. We will cover cesarean surgery and how to evaluate whether it is necessary to intervene in the natural labor process. We will also discuss how to handle other interventions that become necessary.

Class 5: Active Labor Rehearsal and Final Labor Review
This class includes an active labor rehearsal, giving you a chance to try out all kinds of positions, movements and techniques to put to use in labor. We will spend time on questions, discussion and review of any specific topics that need attention.

Class 6: Breastfeeding, Postpartum and Newborn Care
This class will be on breastfeeding basics: benefits, positions, latch, how to tell if baby is getting enough, and more. We'll discuss the postpartum period: what to expect physically and emotionally, and ideas to ease the transition. We will go over standard hospital procedures for newborns, as well as normal appearance, their needs and care, and challenges you may face as new parents.

You want me to consume WHAT!?!?

 

When people hear that I encapsulate placentas they usually just give me a blank-faced stare.  You do...what now??!  It takes them a moment to realize that I am serious.  To be honest, I used to have that same reaction.  Why on EARTH would any human being EAT THEIR PLACENTA?!?!  Well...for starters we are mammals.  All mammals eat their placenta.  Why do they do this?  Why don't animals bury it in the ground and simply get rid of it?  Well, God created the placenta not just for baby but for mama too!  There is so much nutrition and essential hormones in the placenta and it is vital to our recovery, and the health of our newborn.

Here are just a few of the healing abilities the placenta has:

*it balances your hormones

*enhances your milk supply

*increases your energy

*helps you recover quickly after birth

*brings your body back into balance

*knocks out the "baby blues" 

*shortens postpartum bleeding

*assists the  uterus to return to size

*increases your postpartum iron levels.

If you are wondering how this is possible...check this out!  Here are some of the healing nutrients found in the placenta:

Gonadotrophin: the precursor to estrogen, progesterone and testosterone,

Prolactin: promotes lactation,

Oxytocin: for pain and bonding; produced during breastfeeding to facilitate bonding of mother and infant. In pharmaceutical form this is a very addictive drug because it promotes a feeling of connectedness with others,

Thyroid stimulating hormone: boosts energy and helps recovery from stressful events,

Cortisone: combats stress and unlocks energy stores,

Interferon: stimulates the immune system to protect against infections,

Prostaglandins: anti-inflammatory,

Hemoglobin: replenishes iron deficiency and anemia, a common postpartum condition,

Urokinase inhibiting factor and factor XIII: stops bleeding and enhances wound healing,

Gammaglobulin: immune booster that helps protect against postpartum infections. 

There are several different ways you can consume your placenta

*Raw Smoothies

*Cooked (and eaten like meat)

*Encapsulated into pills

*Made into a tincture

The most popular way to consume the placenta is by encapsulation.  I use Traditional Chinese Medicine method to gently steam, dehydrate, powder and encapsulate the placenta.   I use some healing herbs during the steaming process to enhance the warming and healing properties of the placenta.  Once the placenta is steamed, I place it in a dehydrator.  Dehydrating it at a low temperature allows all of the amino acids, nutrition and hormones to remain.  Next, toss into my food processor along with some more healing herbs.  Once it's ground into a fine powder I put the powder into the capsules.  The amount of pills varies on the size of the placenta but it averages between 80-150 (I have had a placenta that made well over 200!).  I advise that the capsules be kept in the freezer. 

I also have the option to add some healing herbs specifically geared to optimal healing of the reproductive, urinary, & circulatory systems.  I like to discuss your labor and delivery and then personalize the herbs based on the needs of your body.

For the record, yes!  I have consumed my own placenta.  After the birth of my daughter I chose to freeze my placenta.  My initial intention was to bury it under a tree.  After doing MUCH research, I decided to encapsulate it.  And I am SO thankful I did!  I was so surprised at the amount of energy I got simply by taking these every day!  And to a mom of FOUR kids...that was great!!  There was a clear difference in my energy level and my emotions on the days that I took them and the days that I did not.  

I highly recommend placenta encapsulation to ALL moms.  Even if you never suffered from postpartum depression you will still benefit from consuming your placenta!   If you have any questions on placenta encapsulation please feel free to email me at:

Kathy@sbsdoula.com