Pinky McKay's Mummy Matters Blog - In a few days I will be launching my latest book ‘Parenting by Heart’.  You may be asking, what does ‘Parenting by Heart’ mean?  As well as supporting you with a simple, stress-free blueprint to nurture your baby (and yourself) through the awesome first year of parenting, the basic philosophy behind my book is to support you to ‘be the parent YOU want to be’ –rather than ‘the parent you feel pressured to be.’

Each day, in my work as a lactation consultant and baby massage instructor, I meet and receive emails from parents (mostly mothers) who feel confused, frustrated and overwhelmed by immense pressure to live up to unrealistic expectations of themselves.

Having written several articles for Jellyfish Connection about detoxification (which opened a huge can of worms touching on topics like pesticides, air & water quality & heavy metals); overuse of harsh and dangerous chemicals in the home; and the nasty ingredients found in your every day self care products; as well as recently undertaking a major investigation to see if it was financially viable for us to find a block of land and build our ultimate sustainable ‘green’ house, I was automatically attracted to the www.buildingbiology.com.au website when I found it on the ‘Abode’ range of cleaning products. This is how I discovered the ‘Healthy Home Healthy Family’ book written by Nicole Bijlsma who practiced as a Naturopath and Acupuncturist for 15 years. During this time she noticed a correlation between people’s environment, namely their homes and their illnesses. Now practicing as a building biologist, Nicole founded of the Australian College of Environmental Studies in 1999. 

Like Chocolate For Women by Kim Morrison & Fleur Whelligan is the Perfect gift for any woman in your life.

These women are passionate, intelligent, inspiring and motivational. The title tag for the book is "Self-care is not selfish - it's essential" - something I knew before I had children, when I had plenty of time and energy to go out with friends, go to the gym or browse through a shopping centre at my own pace. But I didn't really figure out how important self-care is until I had less time for it, and that there is what makes self-care so special, so indulgent, so essential!.......  

One of my favourite books is A Lavour Love - A Guide to Natural Childbirth Without Fear, by Gabrielle Targett. If you are pregnant, know someone who is or you're supporting someone during their labour, this book is absolutely wonderful. I cannot speak highly enough (not just because it's for sale - seriously!). I'm so grateful that I found this book early on - I was 13 weeks pregnant with my first child and was drawn to it immediately. I always had in the back of my mind that I would like to have a natural birth but, like most of us had an underlying fear of the unknown. I couldn't put this book down, after reading it I was able to go travel through the months with confidence and excitement rather than fear or apprehension, I referred to it throughout my pregnancy and used it to help me assist my husband to be the support I needed in labour, giving him a sense of confidence as well. I don't think people believed me when I told them I was looking forward to giving birth and wanted to do it drug free. I've raved about it to every pregnant woman I've encountered over the last 4 years and am now very pleased to be able to offer it to you here in the Jellyfish Bookshop.