Previous Features

Robyn Smith's Photography I have learnt to watch, to be with .. to watch the light on their skin, the way they walk, the way they hold themselves. It is the same with labouring women too.. to watch ..I have been with so many labouring women in hospital where everyone watches the goddammed machines, ugh. to follow my instincts to be silent and encouraging, being there for them.. to trust. Continued.

Photo Copyright Robyn Smith. All Rights Reserved.

Getting a Good Night's Sleep- another perspective. by Dr Sarah Buckley Advising parents to ignore the cries of a distressed child, for however long, does not produce a loving and trustful parent-child relationship. I wonder how many of us would want our partners or friends to treat us this way, if we were alone at night and feeling upset and frightened. But it is not only the hard-heartedness of these suggestions that concerns me. All of the scientific and anthropological research that I have read supports my instincts and experience. Read On. Is it a Cheetah? by Stephanie S. Tolan It's a tough time to raise, teach or be a highly gifted child. As the term "gifted" and the unusual intellectual capacity to which that term refers become more and more politically incorrect, the educational establishment changes terminology and focus. A cheetah metaphor can help us see the problem with achievement-oriented thinking. The cheetah is the fastest animal on earth. When we think of cheetahs we are likely to think first of their speed. It's flashy. It is impressive. It's unique. And it makes identification incredibly easy. Since cheetahs are the only animals that can run 70 mph, if you clock an animal running 70 mph, IT'S A CHEETAH! Read On. Healing Birth, Healing the Earth by Dr Sarah Buckley Birth, She is dying. This primal and unspeakably powerful initiation, the only road to motherhood for our ancestors, has been stripped of Her dignity and purpose in our times. Birth has become a dangerous medical disease to be treated with escalating levels, and types, of technological interventions. What is worse, perhaps, is that the ecstasy of Birth- Her capacity to take us outside (ec) our usual state (stasis)- has been forgotten, and we are entering the sacred domain of motherhood post-operatively, even post-traumatically, rather than transformationally. Read On. Breastfeeding New studies have confirmed that breastfed babies are smarter. The study, published by the Journal of the American Medical Association, showed a link between the duration of breastfeeding and intelligence in young adults. Continued. Cathy Smith's Photography Cathy Smith & Nigel Duncan have launched their new business, Concept Images. Cathy recently photographed Lara Feltham & Pat Rafter with their new son, Joshua. View some of Cathy's beautiful photography and Nigel's vibrant paintings. Read Cathy's story about her life as a mama, midwife and a photographer. Continued. They're singing your song When a woman in a certain African tribe knows she is pregnant, she goes out into the wilderness with a few friends and together they pray and meditate until they hear the song of the child. They recognize that every soul has its own vibration that expresses its unique flavor and purpose. When the women attune to the song, they sing it out loud. Then they return to the tribe and teach it to everyone else. Continued.

Greenpeace Launches True Food Guide Australia's leading food expert, Margaret Fulton, has launched a new publication designed to give Australian shoppers control over their food. The True Food Guide reveals which food companies may be using genetically engineered (GE) ingredients in their products and which are not. Greenpeace released new market research today, which shows that 68% of Australians would be less likely to buy a food if they knew it was genetically engineered. Continued. Act Now: Join the True Food Network The True Food Network is a growing community of people dedicated to removing GE foods from Australia. It's free to join, and provides the facts and tools you need to create a GE-free future. Join Now! Margaret Fulton with the True Food Guide Copyright Greenpeace/Cole
So What do you do? Why is it that most women on maternity leave, or taking some time out of the work force to raise their children at home, dread being asked 'that' question. Continued.
Pinky McKay's New Book: 100 ways to calm the crying Pinky McKay, author of the popular Parenting by Heart, now has an essential companion volume for the early years. Just like parents and families, each baby is unique. Whether you are desperate to solve your baby's crying puzzle, or whether you just want some quick tips to soothe the inevitable tears that are an everyday part of infancy, this book is a one-stop reference. Continued.
Young Australians ask "how can it be right to lock up children?" Children and young people from around Australia express their concern about the government policy of detaining asylum seeker children. When the Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Commission (HREOC) announced its Inquiry into Children in Immigration Detention, the United Nations Youth Association (UNYA) sent out a request for young people to send their opinions on this issue. The young people who wrote to UNYA and Amnesty International were unanimous in their belief that children who have committed no crime should not be detained. A girl from St Michael's College in Brisbane wrote "As young people we feel accountable and guilty for the young people so similar to ourselves. Why should we be the lucky ones born outside the fence?" Continued.

A Mother's Day Blessing

Read a special Mother's Day message.

The Wisdom of the Elders by Anne Whittingham & Joanna Boileau

Here are some of the things that Auntie Pauline, an elder of the Bundjalung nation, said at the Wollumbin Festival. What really shines through is her sense of compassion and lack of resentment for past wrongs. We have arranged different things she said at different times into a story. This is because, as Auntie Pauline said, "When you're trying to help people to understand about something, about your way of life, tell them a story. Make it a simple story. One that you can tell. Say: that's the track we're talking about." Continued.

Interview: Jannine Barron from Nature's Child

Nature's Child sells quality, earth-friendly products for natural pregnancy, babies and children. Their products are made from the heart, care for the earth and encourage individuality, self-esteem, trust and creativity. Earth Mamas Web talks to Jannine Barron, creator of Nature's Child and mother of two about what it's like being an entrepreneur, an environmentalist and a mother. Continued.

Raising Media Savvy Children

tv...advertising.....video...playstation...net nanny...palm pilots..DVDs...SMS advertising.........OVERLOAD!!!! Our children consume a daily diet fed to them by marketers, advertisers and media designed for the lowest common denominator. How can we, as parents guide them how to ration their daily consumption and teach them how to consume it consciously with awareness and a questioning mind? "We are all wired. Caught together in a web of resonance... joined to everyone else on the planet by cables, lines, signals and satellites.. the air waves crackle with billions of invisible forms, realities that buzz across the sky..the world mind broadcasts through all of us." wrote Scoop Nisker in 1977. Continued.

IInterview: Sarah Nicholson

Belly is an original Australian made journal for pregnant women, showcasing contemporary literature and visual arts around the themes of pregnancy, birth and early motherhood. We talked to Sarah Nicholson, the editor and publisher of Belly about it's creation. Continued.

Review: Belly - A Birthing Journal

Finally, an Australian publication which honours and celebrates the beauty of the pregnant body and the sacred nature of pregnancy and birth. Sarah Nicholson has created a journal full of inspiring works from artists, poets, photographers and writers all around the country who have been touched and inspired by their own initation into the ancient mysteries and creative power of the female body. Continued

The Children's Voice:
Address to the Plenary Session, Earth Summit, Rio Centro, Brazil 1992

Hello, I'm Severn Suzuki speaking for E.C.O., the Environmental Children's Organisatin. We are a group of twelve and thirteen year olds from Canada trying to make a difference: Vanessa Suttie, Morgan Geisler and me. We raised all the money ourselves to come six thousand miles to tell you adults you must change your ways. Coming here today, I have no hidden agandas, I am fighting for my future. Losing my future is not like losing an election or a few points on the stock market. I am here to speak for all generations to come. Continued.

Mamas & Children during War
Earth Mamas Web has compiled some relevant articles and links to provide you with perspectives on how war affects children in conflict zones. What role do mother's play? Continued.

Health Alert for Parents about PVC Toys for Young Children
Greenpeace has carried out an extensive assessment of soft PVC toys and associated children's products, both in Australia and overseas. The results from this testing are both surprising and disturbing. Continued.

The New Mythology by The Old Gray Wolf
Joseph Campbell in an interview raised the question of how are you going to communicate spiritual consciousness to the children if you don't have it yourself? How do you get that? He believes that "What the myths are for is to bring us into a level of consciousness that is spiritual." Here is a new myth about Coyote and Sun arguing about the Universe. Continued.

Coping with Colic Naturally by Gina Winter
Colic is something that most babies will experience to one degree or another. It appears to be related to a digestive system that has not matured sufficiently and can be recognized by signs such as persistent crying by baby, particularly in the late afternoon and early evening. Continued.

Trees: An excerpt from "Wanderings" by Herman Hesse
For me, trees have always been the most penetrating preachers. I revere them when they live in tribes and families, in forests and groves. And even more I revere them when they stand alone. Continued.

Natural Induction Using Acupuncture by Andrew Orr
With a success rate of 88%, acupuncture is an excellent alternative for overdue Mamas. Andrew has been conducting research on patients at The Royal Brisbane Hospital. Read More.

Yoga for Children by Joanna Gardner
Yoga is appreciated and enjoyed by children of all ages. The child's physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects are subtly brought into balance. Continued.

Crying as Communication by Michelle Meares
Do not be afraid to spoil your child. Young babies only know their immediate needs. They are not trying to manipulate you but just expressing their desires or discomforts in the only way they know how - crying. It is an important form of communication for them.There are many things you can do to help your child - and your sanity! Continued.

What Can I Do? by Marie T. Russell
When one looks at all the things that “need fixing” on the planet, one could very well feel overwhelmed. Where does one start? And can one person make a difference?The answer to that question is an unequivocal “Yes.” You and I can make a difference and the place to start is with ourselves. Continued

Post-Partum Care using Traditional Chinese Medicine by Andrew Orr
In China every women knows how important it is to look after their condition after childbirth. It is drummed into them from a very young age and passed down from each generation. After childbirth in the Chinese culture, the women are made to stay in bed and basically do nothing but feed baby. This is done for a period of one month. They are not allowed to do any work of any kind so that they have every chance of regaining their energy after the demanding period of childbirth. Continued.

The Ultimate Return on Your Childrens Investment
The ultimate return on your investment. I have seen repeatedly the breakdown of the cost of raising a child, but this is the first time I have seen the rewards listed this way. It's sure to put a smile on any sleep deprived or stressed out Mamas face! Continued.

Check out another great article on the Web>>>

The Nipple Effect by Fiona Giles
Breasts are hot. Warrior, pneumatic, torpedo almost anything but the most natural model, the lactating breast, which has become strictly X-rated. Fiona Giles wishes it were different for the sake of our babies. Continued.