As September nears, and with it, the whirlwind that is back-to-school, a lot of us feel the flutter of stress and anxiety that comes with end-of-summer blues. Even for us adults, shifting into a different schedule (one that includes more time schlepping the kiddos to school and back, and less time hanging by the river with a picnic) can be challenging – but do you remember what it felt like as a kid? For many kids, the sunny summer months mean endless playtime, unsupervised adventuring with friends and cousins, later bedtimes, possibly more special treats like yummy finger foods..., and did we mention no homework? Yikes! No wonder end-of-summer blues strike at this time of year. So what can you do as a family to smooth out the ride? Read on for three ways to cope, naturally.

FamilyAmanda SlydellAugust 27, 2018Summer, Family, Fun

How to be a Dad

I’m no authority on Dads. As father of five myself I’m probably even a little subjective – but I’m no expert. Saying that, I’ve been a Dad for 20 years, and a son for 46 come Fathers’ Day this year, so I guess I know a little more than some.

Written by Rupert Koyote, MATRAEA COO & Dad to 5 Awesome Humans

FamilyAmanda SlydellJune 14, 2018father, fatherhood, dad, how to dad, how to be a dad, dad tips

Did My Water Break or Did I Just Pee?

Waiting for labour to start has got to be one of the most challenging experiences for pregnant mothers.

There are so many unknowns and questions, like:

“Is it today?”

“Is this a contraction?”

“When do I call someone?”

And, of course, THE MILLION DOLLAR QUESTION: “Did my water break or did I just pee?”

It's totally normal for you to wonder. In fact, we get that question all the time. So how can you tell whether your water is actually breaking, or you're just peeing?

Pregnant in the Summer - 5 Ways to Beat the Heat Naturally

Summer is officially less than a month away! While many of us are celebrating the arrival of the long sunny days and end to the seemingly endless rain - those who are pregnant may be longing for cooler temperatures.

Caffeine During Pregnancy: How Much is too Much?

Caffeine and pregnancy is a contentious issue… or at least it was for me personally. A confirmed and somewhat proud Coffee Addict, I deeply resented those who would try to limit my intake. Particularly as it was very difficult to find an answer that everyone can agree on.

The Best 5 Family Dog Breeds

If you are thinking about adopting a dog and you have children, you might want a breed that is actually good for families, and will get along with everyone, from children to elderly people. As you know, not all dogs are the same around people. Some get along perfectly with children, while others would love nothing more than to be left alone. In the end, it’s all about your little friend’s temperament, energy, and needs.

My Empowering Birth Story

I was cramping but in denial it was anything besides regular pregnancy cramps as it was still 5 days till my due date. I brought my husband lunch and he asked several times "are you sure you are not in labor" and I said "no way, just regular growing pains." I went on about my day. My husband got home from work at 4pm and called our midwife, she said to get some rest just in case it wasn't just "growing pains." I spend the evening watching The Mindy Project and eventually fell asleep.

Shared By Danielle

He couldn’t wait to meet us!

On Friday April 7th I woke up at midnight to a contraction. I laboured in bed for what felt like forever but turned out to only be a few minutes. My lovely doula was in the next room and was quick to come in and help me through these contractions while daddy got some last minute shut eye. He’d be needing it!

Birth Story Shared By Lindsay

5 Tips for a Smooth Adjustment to Life with Your New Baby

With each of our children, there are things that I feel like we did very well in the first month and things that we could have done differently that would have helped for a smoother transition, less stress, and more new baby bliss. Here are five insights on simple strategies that can make a big difference those first 30 days with your sweet, new baby!

Contributed by Kristy Martin Hale, Mother/Writer

DHA & Pregnancy - What you need to know!

The growing body of research in the field of epigenetics suggests that the mother’s nutritional status during and even before pregnancy is a powerful influence on lifelong health. The conditions we encounter in utero shape everything from our susceptibility to disease to our appetite, metabolism, intelligence, and temperament. Adequate maternal nutrition prior to conception and during pregnancy can protect babies from diabetes, stroke, heart disease, kidney disease, and dementia later in life.

If you’re curious to learn more about testing and nutrition for fertility, prenatal, and postpartum health, contact Breanne for more information. Be sure to check the Matraea class and event calendar as Breanne teaches fertility, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition classes alternating months throughout the year.

Written By Breanne Percy - INHC, FDN-P

PregnancyAmanda SlydellJanuary 22, 2018DHA, nutrition, pregnancy, health

Nourishing the New Mama

Growing a baby takes a lot of nutrients! For nine months, you have been supplying your baby with every bit of goodness it needs to grow and prepare for a brand new life. After the birth of your baby, it is important to replenish and give yourself the nourishment you need to embrace motherhood.

Written by Karen Van Dyck Herbalist and Natural Formulator Extrodinaire!

Postpartum, Mama, ProductsAmanda SlydellJanuary 10, 2018new mama, tea, herbs, postpartum

5 Foods That Boost Fertility

Our environment today can easily disrupt our hormone system and cause us to come up against difficulties conceiving. A recent study showed that 11.5% to 15.7% of Canadian couples struggle with infertility, which is close to 1 in 6 couples. That number has more than doubled since 1984, where the estimated percentage was 5.4%.

Written By Breanne Percy - INHC, FDN-P

RecommendedAmanda SlydellNovember 30, 2017fertility foods, pregnancy, nutrition