A Gift From Your Baby - a guest post by Trudi Goels

I was contacted by Trudi, of the Canadian Blood Services, who is trying to spread awareness around the National Public Cord Bank.  It is a great program that allows women to donate the cord, which is used to save lives already. I was, myself, interested in this program when I was delivering at BC Women's, so I was happy to have Trudi write a guest post here.

Please read on to learn more about this amazing program.

A Gift From Your Baby

When we think of babies and gifts, we think of giving them to newborns. But have you ever thought about receiving a gift from a newborn?

At birth, you and your baby share an amazing lifesaving gift: umbilical cord blood. Cord blood is rich in stem cells, which can be used for life saving transplants. There are more than 80 illnesses that can be treated with a stem cell transplant, such as leukemia and aplastic anemia.

Canadian Blood Services can collect cord blood after a healthy delivery at BC Women’s Hospital & Health Center, and if the cord blood unit meets all of the criteria for storing, it will be listed on a database that makes it available for a patient in need of a transplant. A patient like Aaryan. http://www.match4aary.com/


Aaryan is only 11 years old and for more than a year he has been living with aplastic anemia.  It’s a condition where the bone marrow fails to produce enough new blood cells. In a healthy body, the stem cells in our bone marrow mature and become healthy red cells, white cells, and platelets.  Aaryan’s stem cells aren’t doing that for him.  This is why he needs a transplant.

Aaryan has an added challenge. He is has a multi-ethnic background, with Vietnamese and Afghan heritage.  For a patient to find a compatible donor, they are matched through Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) typing.  Patients are more likely to find a match from someone who shares the same ethnicity.  The number of people who share Aaryan’s unique ethnic background are few, and even fewer have registered to donate stem cells or have donated their cord blood.

You have a unique opportunity to help Aaryan and patients like him by donating your cord blood if you meet the following guidelines:

-Healthy (mother and baby) with no medical conditions that could be passed on to a patient;
-Mothers must be 18 years of age or older, and have a signed consent form prior to labour starting (you can download the form here https://blood.ca/en/cord-blood/how-do-i-donate
-Mothers reaching 34 weeks or later in their pregnancy
-Mothers not having a multiple pregnancy (i.e. twins, triplets)
-Mothers fluent in English or French
-Mothers delivering at one of the five designated collection hospitalswhere the Canadian Blood Services Cord Blood Bank is operational

At the time of delivery your physician or midwife will determine if the cord blood collection may proceed. There is no cost to donate your baby’s cord blood

Like Aaryan, Nate needed a stem cell transplant.  His mom would like you to consider donating your cord blood, so that you can help people like her son.
Click here to watch a video about this.

For more information visit https://blood.ca/en/cordblood


Trudi Goels is the Stem Cell Territory Manager for Canadian Blood Services in British Columbia/Yukon. She has a deep passion for helping patients by providing education and opportunities for people to save lives through blood donation, registering as a stem cell donor, donating cord blood or becoming an organ and tissue donor.  She’s the mom of one amazing teenaged son and step-mom to her two fabulous bonus-kids. 
She can be reached at Trudi.goels@blood.ca if you’d like to know more or you can always visit www.blood.ca   She’d be remiss if she didn’t tell you – it’s in you to give.

The Gift of Giving by "Green Gifting"

This time of year can easily get away with us. We are asked, "momma can you buy me this," or "can I please open gifts now please please please."

Although my kids are quite little, it would be nice to start some tradition to reinstate the meaning of Christmas, in our house. This could be a little gesture, perhaps it will stay and carry on. I had this in mind and contemplating what those could me. I want to exemplify that it is great to do for others, vs only expecting gifts. But what?

By luck, my niece stayed over. I grabbed her and Caiden and took them both to Value Village for some "green gifting" inspiration. En route, she told me how her school had some books from Value Village. And then it hit me. I will get the kids to choose as many books as possible and we will gift them to a cause that would love some books.

The kids loved it and so they set out in Value Village's book section to find books and books and books. And books they found, that's for sure.

There are so many walls and shelves of books at Value Village, all in good shape and in need of kids imaginations. Because they are so low priced it is easy to gather and purchase a lot. Giving a lot feels great and to my surprise, the kids were excited about giving lots and lots of books to kids in need.

I was so proud of these guys, they didn't once ask to keep them all to themselves and took time to choose books they thought other kids would love. 

While there, I noticed that there are many items people can benefit from, so many opportunities to give used items to those in need or on low or fixed incomes. This green gifting program is fantastic, and we all should be aware all we can do our part when we can, as we can.

So books in bags, smiles and excitement in our hearts, I tasked my niece to find a charity to donate these books to. 

Green gifting and giving back...such a great way to say Merry Christmas!

Cheesy Chicken and Rice

I love comfort food, especially this time of year. One of my faves...is a chicken, broccoli and cheese casserole, with rice. Oh so delicious and warm and awesome.

I always thought about making a similar, not as calorie rich, version. I finally did and excited to share it with you, because it turned out great. As always, I test it with the kids...it checked out.

So here is a one-pot meal your family will be sure to enjoy.

Ingredients:
2 cups cooked rice al dente (I opt for brown rice or basmati here)
2 chicken breasts, chopped in bite-size pieces
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
3 pieces of crushed garlic
1 teaspoon of non-hyrogenaged margarine
1 finely chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup to 1 cup finely chopped broccoli
1 teaspoon curry powder
1 teaspoon hot sauce of choice
1/2 cup grated low fat cheddar cheese
1 cup whole milk
Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

Sautee the chicken with the onion, garlic and margarine. 

Add the curry powder and hot sauce to the chicken and continue to sautee until the chicken is fully cooked.

Add the peppers and broccoli, cover and let cook for about 3-5 minutes (do not overcook or let the veggies go soggy). 

Add the whole milk and allow everything to simmer.

Mix in the cooked rice and allow to simmer until all the liquid is absorbed. At this point, mix in the cheddar cheese and salt and pepper.

Turn the heat off and add green onions or any garnish of choice.

That's it...easy, cheesy, yummy goodness.

Tip:  For extra cheesy comfort food-like goodness, put into a baking dish and top with breadcrumbs and more cheese. Then back at 350 until golden on top.

Holiday Must-Try Treat Recipes

Snickerdoodles by My Recipe Magic

I admittedly love eating at this time of year. I enjoy all the treats, the dinners and the appies, and beverages.

It's so fun to see creative creations. I often think about what I would serve up and, thanks to Pinterest, always getting inspired.  This year, I am a little more on the "homey" feeling, so instead of being fed...I may try my hand at a few of these delectable recipes I have found online. I tend to gravitate to the cookies, and what I loved growing up...shortbread, snickerdoodles, oatmeal chocolate chip...so naturally I looked for fun cookies and treats. 

Here is a perfect round-up of some must-try and doable, I might add, Holiday treat recipes.

Peppermint Mocha Cookies from Sally's Baking Addiction

These look amazing, over the holidays I love Peppermint Mochas...combine that into a cookie...talk about a win!

Sally's Baking Addiction Peppermint Mocha Cookies

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies from My Recipe Magic

Shortbread is like a Christmas cookie staple, and I love the zest of orange, so this is the perfect cookie to signify the holidays...for sure.

The World's Best Snickerdoodles from My Recipe Magic

I grew up making and always trying snickerdoodles, ok, I also just loved saying it. I definitely want to be that mom that makes her kids snickerdoodles on the holidays. However, this recipe makes a chewy, soft version, which one has got to try.

Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups from Butter with a Side of Bread

These look too darn cute not to try, what a fantastic idea...the kids and adults will love them, 

Hot Chocolate Cups from Butter with a Side of Bread

Chocolate Sugar Cookie from Sweetopia

My sister always loved sugar cookies, she was the one to make the sugar cookies. She always stuck to the traditional, but I saw this chocolate recipe and thought, yes I may get her to make this one, or I will.

Melt In Your Mouth Egg Nog Cookies from Cooking Classy

Ok, when I saw this, I thought, "hello...where have you been all my life?" This is a must-try to stick with the holiday theme. 

Egg Nog Cookies from Cooking Classy

Micky and Minnie Mouse Christmas Cookies from Living Locurto

Ok, I admit I had to throw these in there because they are so darn cute, even through you are using pre-bought Oreos. My kids love Micky and Minnie Mouse right now, so I thought it was a fabulous idea and it has to be around this year on the treat tray.

Buckeyes (Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls) from Chocolate with Grace

I love chocolate, I love peanut butter, I love the two combined. I love this simple treat and this recipe is awesome. I have also tried it with dark chocolate and natural peanut butter and it's still amazing.

Buckeyes from Chocolate with Grace

So that does it for treats this holiday season, or this round-up at least. Enjoy your hand at these tasty treats, that I'm sure everyone will love.  

Happy Holidays!

This Life.

This life is a cycle, full of ups, downs, ins, outs and turns.
This life will surprise you, give you goosebumps, warmth, and sometimes even burns.

I have experienced all these emotions, throughout different phases in my life.
It is a natural part of growing, not just into adulthood, but even now as a mom and wife.

This life is unpredictable, as each phase comes you learn more and more.
It is never a game, it's to be self aware and learn as you go, no need to keep a score.

This life is interesting, full of new meetings, adding to your family, and sometimes sad goodbyes.
You can never say never, or take things for granted...as we all know, time flies.

This life has given me my biggest blessings and changed in so many ways.
There were times I would've never imagined being me now, not in my hay days.

This life moulded me to do exactly what was expected of me, to make everyone happy and never think of me.
How crazy was that, because I'm a better person now, and I finally feel so free.

This life is a journey and you trod along for years, trying to find what aspect feels just right.
There is no age upon which it will come to you, you just know because in you, you feel no flight or fight.

This life is different for every person, as each is unique has their own views.
It is about respecting and not judging, not knowing what it's like in anyone elses shoes.

This life is about appreciating all the good and even the bad.
I am thankful for all the things I've learned, be it happy, sad or mad.

This life is surreal, as I often say over and over, and over again.
The realizations growing daily and being open to learning should never come to an end.

This life is about enjoying who I am, in all that I am in this moment in time, here and now.
It is ok that things may change, so create memories, make goals, but cherish and be present, that is how.

This life is love. This life is for me. This life is a journey...and I am happy to BE.

Essentially Essential Oils for Me

I have always been interested in health and wellness, and never really great at taking medicines. I do love to pester the people in my life (and definitely is following suit in my children) about how to better take care of themselves too, hopefully, avoid or prevent some ailments and/or issues.  Of course, not everything is preventable, and as a parent, some things are completely unavoidable.

So it wasn't too much of a surprise when I took to trying out essential oils. To some degree, I used to use it aromatherapy, and have always used coconut oil with the kids in massage, and also for myself. I always felt that there was so much to say about how the massage, scent, or even the effect of the oil made me feel, or my kids feel, either calm, relaxed, or fixing a nasty cold...the use of oil and/or massage revolved around that. 

So when I was introduced to DoTerra oils, I immediately felt that there are some I just need to have. 

I chose DoTerra as a brand, for a few reasons:

a) Purity - there is absolutely no other fillers, additives, etc. the oil is exactly what it says it is

b) Potency - because there is nothing but the oil of the ingredient, these babies are potent and so you need very little, in the case of the kids you actually dilute with coconut oil. So buying one, lasts you a long time.

c) Reliability - there is something for everything, and so much information and research behind it, as a science major, this is extremely important to me - it is backed up scientifically, not just holistically.

Here are the oils that particularly resonated with me, but I kid you not, there are so many out there that you will need to discover this for yourself (your needs).

Serenity

I originally got this for sleep...days where Ray was up all night, using it as a calming scent in the room. However, I found for myself, I love this. I rub a little on my chest on days I am feeling overwhelmed or a bit nuts...and the scent of it just is so soothing and clears my head a little better. I love this scent.

On Guard

This is a daily at my house. It is a daily with the kids, diluted with coconut oil. We rub it on our feet (I sometimes forget for myself, I admit), and it just boosts immunity and gives a sense of boosted health, ready to fight the cold season. I wanted to try it, after hearing about it, and other than some runny noses here and there, generally the kids have been pretty good. 

Citrus Bliss

This is just something that really spoke to me, well what I mean by that it is, it seems like MY scent. I needed energy, writing, embarking on a new career path...and when I smelled it, I immediately felt a boost. When I read about it, that is exactly what this envokes, it's strong citrus blend and aroma is meant to give you a spark...that it does. I use this when I need to feel inspired and less sluggish, especially to write.

Breathe

This one is a must-have. If you love Vicks, use camphor at all when you are sick...this is for you. The smell is camphor (for my Indian friends, kapoor). Just a few drops in the diffuser or vaporizer and it's amazing. Diluting it with coconut oil and rubbing it on your back and chest and feet, if you have a bad cold, works wonders. I haven't needed it a lot, due to the On Guard, but I'm not kidding, it's awesome.

DigestZen

I wish I knew about this a long time ago. However, this is the tummy oil. I always use asafetida powder (hing) and coconut oil to help with this department, with the kids. But this oil serves the same purpose, without the strong smell/taste. I used it on our trip to Mexico and no one had any issues...so far so good.

There are actually quite a few others that I want to try, and have in my arsenal.  One of them being Lavendar and Balance. Lavendar for relaxation/sleep, and Balance on days I feel I need some grounding and clarity. So I still have to try those ones out. 

At any rate there are soooooooo many out there, so many that you really need to just talk to someone who knows about this and is able to recommend one that you may need. I know for me, I'm happy having these on-hand. I also feel comfortable knowing it's completely natural and safe and clean. Caiden loves them...he knows he uses On Guard daily on his feet, and says "momma I put tickle oil on myself" (the diluted oil is in a roller bottle which tickles his feet). 

In the end, I just want to feel revitalized when I need to, slowly etch towards living more natural, and feel healthy and well and balanced. I mean...don't we all?

For any questions on essential oils, how to use or even all the many uses please contact Carsen of Metamorefit Wellness by visiting the site 

http://www.metamorefitconsulting.com/

You can also follow and connect with her on Instagram  @metamorefit_wellness . 

I always like to tell moms things that just work for me, this is one of those "things".

Ok time for me to run on some serenity and totally zen out and sleep.

Xoxoxo

This Halloween I Realized My Babies Are Not Babies

How did this happen? How did time pass so fast that I feel this feeling and realization has come out of left field? How did it not sink in before that this baby phase is slowly fading?

Ok maybe I'm being a tad dramatic.

I was just a bit taken aback, mostly in awe, of watching the kids on Halloween. We took them both trick-or-treating, thinking they will tire quickly, that we would need to carry both at some point,  and that they would be timid or scared at some points (they are only 1 and 3 after all).

But no.

Caiden had a big day, dressed as IronMan. He embodied the whole character. He went to a party at school, had a blast, and then came home to rest...he knew he had big plans in the evening. Sure enough, when the time came, he was eager saying to the rest of us "C'mon!!" 

Rayna was her favourite character, Minnie Mouse. She looked adorable and once given her pail, was walking around signaling for her shoes.

As we all, dressed, headed down our block, it hit me. We have hit the years where we don't just dress them up for pictures and visits to family. We have entered the age of them actually wanting to partake in activities and us enjoying it with them. Where they know what's to come and actually look forward to it and it become a known family venture. I love it. At the same time, I an taken aback at how quickly it seems to have come.  As we walked house to house, Caiden would turn to us at each house and say "wait...I go myself", wanting for us to go to back off and let him be a big boy. With the same token, I would follow suit with Rayna, who, shockingly, would stand there and reach for the candy then say "that tu" as she received her treat.

This was all super cute, so amazing to be out with my family and watch my kids reach this stage...yet so unfathomably crazy surreal it feels to have two walking, semi-talking toddlers enjoying Halloween.

Toddlers...not babies...soon they will be kids...sigh.

So of course I must chronicle and take pictures!

What a great one. Our other festivities included the pumpkin patch, Vandusen Glow and a family Halloween party!

One for the books!

Reflections From Our First (Official) Vacation

I must admit I was a little nervous, abeit excited as anything, for our first family flying vacation. I got mixed reactions, some saying it would be difficult while others saying it will be fantastic.

Well...it was...fan-fricking-tastic!

We went to Riviera Nayarit, a little off of Puerto Vallarta, in Mexico. It was beautiful, not too long of a flight (so the kids mainly slept), and just what we needed/wanted.

Our resort, Dreams Villamagna, was perfect - family friendly, great food, awesome staff, VIP service to the max, 24 hour room service, great view/room...and drinks and pools were perfect.

We went with no expectations, and aimed to make it about the kids, so with them playing in the pools and water, us having our cocktails...things went rather smoothly. Of course, vacation with the kids is different, but I truly think Vick and I are ready for these vacations. We want to experience life through their eyes...seeing them frolic in delight, swim to their heart's content, seeing animals and dolphins and even geckos in amazement, all made us so happy.  Honestly, as bedtime came around and they passed out...we often found ourselves exhaused too.

The kids loved it. Caiden learned how to swim (with floaties) and literally would want to swim until evening. Rayna only walked...no crawling...and loved to point out every bird and iguana we saw. They grew up so much in one week...amazing.

Vick and I would wake up as they would, we would check out our ocean view and get ready for breakfast and then either swim, or plan to go see dolphins...or take a trip to Sayulita...all of which was just awesome to say the least. Our trip was full of tacos, drinks, animal encounters (iguanas at the resort included), braids, and sun...sun and some more sun. The best thing,  was being together,  as corny as that may sound,  and watching our kids really experience and showcase their excitement for things...I mean Caiden held a snake and a crocodile for Pete's sake!!

I know now that this life as a mom with young ones,  is what I revel for. I am in my element and love being with my family.  I love that we take advantage of these precious moments,  because it will pass and life will change once again.  But until then,  I can't wait until our next adventure.

What a blast!

Halloween is Approaching...Let's go Shopping

Now that I have toddlers, I look forward to making sure every holiday or event is well represented, fun, and enjoyed as a family. 

It starts out with decorating at home fo sure.

Halloween is one of those events. It is so fun for the kids. Why not go decorate with some fun, spooky, and festive ways? On top of that, dressing up truly gets you in the spirit...and it brings out the kid in you as well. I think my son gets even more excited when he sees us dress up too.

However, as you must be thinking, trying to do it all...decor, costumes, little touches here and there, it can get costly. This is true, well kind of.

I recently discovered that Halloween stuff can actually come at a good price, if you check out Value Village. We have gone there a couple of times now, specifically for Halloween. I think you would be amazed.

Here's why:

1. Rows and rows and rows of costumes, wigs, accessories and makeup. There's something for all ages, sizes and theme.

2. Ideas galore. If you are stuck, this is a great place for inspiration. There's an idea poster, and just by walking around, I bet you will start putting together something fun.

3. Contrary to what you may think, not everything is used. The Halloween section is primarily comprised of NEW items, fully packaged. 

4. Costumes yes...but also decor! You have your pick of skulls, bones, skeletons, dead roses, you name it! I guarantee you will find tonnes to decorate your place without breaking the bank!

We had a fun time gathering some key items to kick off Halloween preparation.  Check out my haul of a bag of bones, glow in the dark skeletons, cookie cutters, pumpkin carving kit, garlands, window stickers...and so much more.

Caiden had a blast helping put some stuff up.

I will share with you the final look, but wanted to just share how impressed I was with the selection and thrifty prices.  Check out my social media for updates as we finalize our costumes and finish decorating. 

Check out #thriftortreat  and seriously if you want to go all out, or even a little bit, this Halloween, go check out the Value Village spooky selections.

Have fun!

#thriftortreat

What I Want to Teach My Kids About Diwali

Diwali, such a beautiful Indian festival. One filled with light, literally, love, prayer and family...and eating.

As generations go by, it may be that some traditions get changed,  some foods get updated, and things like decor and how we celebrate may evolve.  This is alright, so long as the basic premise and reason why we celebrate isn't lost. 

I want to teach my kids some important things about Diwali, as Hindus celebrate, and hope that a few of these traditions will carry on.

The Story of Ramayan
I grew up learning and loving the stories of Lord Rama. How he came to Earth, a reincarnation of Lord Vishnu, to one day battle evil that was taking place. His journey was one filled with trials and tribulations, but each feat teaches inner control, patience and respect for all things and people. It is a beautiful tale that is full of symbolism and teachings...of good conquers evil.
In one main part of the tale, Rama is sent to exile to live in the forest for 18years. The future King of Ayodhya obliges and is accompanied with his wife and brother as they set out on an epic adventure. It is said that there was a darkness that spread through Ayodhya during this exile. However, after the 18 years and a large battle between Ravan and Rama, where good defeats bad, Lord Ram returns and claims his throne. The entire kingdom is lit with lights and candles and there are celebrations beyond delight. In every corner they shone light to show the immense happiness that came. That marks the celebration of Diwali, the return of King Lord Rama and the end of darkness.
On Diwali diya and candles are lit everywhere to represent this celebration.

Goddess Lakshmi
Light is also representative of Goddess Lakshmi in the Hindu religion. Letting light in is inviting her in, she blesses the home with wealth and prosperity to those who welcome her and offer her prayer and love.
So on Diwali, we light our diyas and pray, pray for an auspicious year and to bless our families.
We also decorate our entrance with Rangoli. This is coloured rice in a pattern. They say those that adorn their entrance with colour and beauty and light are inviting Lakshmi into their lives. 

The lights, the diyas, the sweets galore, the rangoli, and just being with family on this day...is what I want my kids to carry on. The basic premise, that's all....how and why we decorate our home and being together in that day. 

Photo courtesy of Askideas.com

The next day, after Diwali, is the new year. This is really to embark on the new goals you have set and let anything negative go, a restart...to be taken with positivity and happiness. 

Diwali really, in the end, is about a happy feeling...spreading joy, believing that good things will come, and to feel love in and out.  That is truly what it symbolizes and has always meant to be the bottom takeaway. Even in all the stories...we celebrate because of goodness and love. 

I hope and pray for this beautiful holiday to live on. It may look a little different from year to year, but some things, shouldn't change too much. 

As we prepare this year, I will keep in mind to tell my children the stories and hope they love its meaning and symbolism as much as I do.

Photo courtesy of Indialine.com

She is off...She's a walkin, She's a Screamin'

Oh this little girl of mine.  She is such a little one...so tiny and petite and cute...and LOUD.

Rayna's personality is emerging full-force and what is it projecting?  It's stammering loudly a "Do not mess with me people!"  My little precious angel is quite content playing with my pots and pans, trying to scale the TV stand, and trying to touch anything she isn't supposed to.  Our place is kid-friendly, but this kid will figure out a way to make us gasp.  She knows it's wrong but will ignore our tone and give us a smirk while doing it too.

Oh she's so cute you would never guess she is a menace in the making.

Oh and the biggest feat Rayna has conquered...she is walking.  This is beyond cute as she used to stumble and fall because of walking way too fast.  Now she has mastered taking her steps slower, so she is getting better and better at it.  To be honest,  though I love seeing her develop more and more, I was in no rush.

No rush because she is my baby.  But also, she is going to be trouble...I feel it in my bones.

You know what though,  she is a cute little girl, and maybe being a tough cookie isn't a bad thing.  A matter of fact,  it will serve her well...so I hope that part stays in tact.

Oh Ray...as she balances to stay on her feet, she is definitely keeping us on her toes!

I love you my little menace. 

Easy-Peasy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are a remix of some ideas I  have been seeing floating around. As always I do some trial and error and come up with my own.

I am always into making really great snacks for the kids that are healthy but they will enjoy. However, these cookies could also double up as a breakfast addition.

It's easy, fast and only requires 3 ingredients!!

Yes you heard right.

Give it a go people!

Ingredients:
2 bananas
1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla (optional)
1 cup of rolled oats
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (or raisins or craisins or dried fruit)

Steps:
Cut up the bananas and mash it up good. If you choose, add the sugar and vanilla at this stage. I sometimes add it, I sometimes don't, but it does enhance the taste a tad and also makes for mashing the bananas a bit easier.

Mix in the rolled oats, mix well.

Add chocolate chips and mix.

On a greased cookie sheet, scoop out the mixture in small balls. Pat it slighty to shape as small pucks (it is ok if not all uniform).

Bake at 350°F for about 20 min.

Cool.

Enjoy.

Vama Life Wellness: Doula, Wellness & Beauty for all Moms

I am so excited to share with you this new service available.  It is local,  it is centered around natural health, and focuses on woman health, particularly pregnancy through motherhood. It is a must-know for all moms out there in Vancouver. I must state that this is not a sponsored post, but I truly love letting moms and mom-to-bes know about great local products and services that are super useful.

I invite you all to learn about Vama Life Wellness. If you need a doula or all natural and safe (pre and post pregnancy) beauty care products, this is the company to seek. They are hosting an amazing "Meet the Doula" night as well, read on for more details.


In this post we cover:

• What is Vama Life Wellness

• Learn about Arti, the Doula

• Meet the Doula Event - Sept.20th, 2016

• Vama Life Wellness Beauty & Body Care Products for moms

• Q and A with Arti

Learn about Arti, the Doula

• Goddess Scrub

• Goddess O Bath Salts

• Herbal Sitz Bath (for mommas recovering postpartum)

• Belly butter

• Natural bug sprays (specifically formulated for moms and babies and a natural spray for everyone)

I personally have been using the Goddess scrub and can't live without it now, it is amazing, natural exfoliant and moisturizing. I know that all these products are safe but also effective in terms of skin care, given Arti's passion and interests and knowledge surrounding women and the whole birthing process through to baby care. I had no hesitancy using it while nursing because all the ingredients were natural and known to me.

What is Vama Life Wellness

“VAMA” (Sanskrit; For Beautiful Women).

VAMA life is a locally owned and operated Wellness company. VAMA life is committed to providing women and their families with Labor Support Care services from prenatal to postpartum and education. 

Originally the company was created to raise awareness to safe birthing practices through fact-based and holistic strategies, to help women cope in labour, and help partners better support the moms.
Vama Life Wellness, as of now, includes birthing and baby doula services as well as a line of beauty and body care products.

Arti Naidu first started in the Health and Wellness field by working as an aesthetician for many years. She met countless women that would share stories of pregnancy and birth with her. She found their stories to be intriguing and decided to learn more about the process. After meeting a group of midwives, she discovered what a doula decided to look more into becoming a doula; 2 years later she witnessed her first birth and her life changed. 

Arti has been attending births since 2014 and has witnesses 8 births. 
"A part of what I love most about being a doula is educating and raising awareness about the Doula profession. It's still not a common knowledge to most people and I love that it always sparks an interesting conversation", says Arti.

You can find Arti at https://doulamatch.net/profile/13154/arti-naidu

Meet the Doula Event - Sept.20th, 2016

Vama Life is hosting a "Meet Your Doula" night, on September 20th, at Kings Cafe, 2223 Kingsway, from 8-10pm.

This is an event with other birth professionals. It is a free, informal, meet and greet, where expecting parents can come to learn more about how doulas support mothers and their partners prenatally, during labour and postpartum.

Please follow this link to learn more and RSVP:  https://www.facebook.com/events/519960464865428/

Vama Life Wellness Beauty & Body Care Products for moms

Vama Life Wellness Products were designed with pregnant and breastfeeding moms in mind. Although all the products are safe for everyone to use, they were created to ensure safe usage for pregnancy in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters and for moms that are nursing. All products are hand made locally using all natural ingredients.

The line of products includes:

"These products have become my little baby and a passion project. I really feel like I'm in my happy place when I am formulating them. With anything the line is still a work in progress, It's still very new and I am always trying to improve the formulations." - Arti Naidu

To learn how to get these products please read the Q and A or contact Arti directly.

Q and A with Arti

I wanted to bring awareness to Vama Life Wellness because of its unique catering to mothers and the fact that the services and products are truly great. To learn a bit more I sat down to do a little Q and A.

Why did you become a doula?

I truly believe that being a Doula is my calling. I feel like all my experiences and training have lead down the path of being a birth worker. I love that I get to support women and their partners through on the the biggest transformations they will ever go through. That to me is exactly why i became a doula just to offer space and support.

Why is a doula so important these days?

Many families especially in the city may not have that "village" that others might. Nowadays families and extended families might not be near by to offer support. Having a doula can offer some of that support. On the other hand I see families that might be well supported but they simply don't feel like it's an ideal situation to have them present at the birth. Doulas are a great way to relive anxiety for those parents.

What made you want to start your own beauty line?

My product line started as a hobby first. I made scrubs one Christmas for all my friends and they wanted more so I started selling them. Who i started to develop each product i wanted to tie it into my doula work so I decided to first start to develop my products with pregnant women in mind. 

What products do you think new moms or mom-to-bes will benefit most from and why?

A couple of my favourite products are VLW Belly Butter to help minimize and prevent the look of stretch marks for expecting moms. I also love the Herbal Sitz Bath for mother recovering after birth. It helps to aid in a faster recovery to help heal and tears or lacerations. I also highly recommend the Goddess Scrub. its a great way to naturally nourish the skin, brighten and reduce or prevent stretch marks by exfoliation and nourishing at the same time.

Where can people buy these products?

I am currently in a couple of stores and a spa. You can find VLW Products at The Basement by Loyal Coalition in located in the heart of Gastown, Joanna Keller Beautique on West Hastings also in Gastown, Blissful Beauty Lounge in Burnaby, The Brow Vault by Reena Kholi in East Vancouver, Kings Cafe on Kingsway and Mark's Pharmacy on Scott Road in Surrey! 

So there it is, a synopsis of Vama Life Wellness  and how it benefits all mommas.

Again please attend the Meet Your Doula night.  Link here:

https://www.facebook.com/events/519960464865428/

Or to connect with Arti please visit here:

https://doulamatch.net/profile/13154/arti-naidu