All the Small Things

Article Watch! Strollers, Baby Carriers and Infant Stress | Boba

2014-04-13T16:25:00.000-04:00

Strollers, Baby Carriers and Infant Stress | Boba

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2014-04-13T16:05:00.000-04:00

Sent from my Palm Pixi on AT&T

Article Watch: "Women Are Losing the Capacity to Give Birth - Mothering Community"

2012-10-29T17:16:00.001-04:00

Wonderful article by Dr. Michael Odent about how the overuse of technology is hurt our evolution.
Women Are Losing the Capacity to Give Birth - Mothering Community:

'via Blog this'

Article Watch- Suicide: the silent thief of mothers | Birth Faith

2012-05-17T17:36:00.001-04:00

Oh, wow. This is scary, especially as one who personally suffered perinatal depression, with a prior history of depression. Watch your friends and loved ones closely. Be around to offer your support and encouragement (not judgement).

Suicide: the silent thief of mothers | Birth Faith:

'via Blog this'

Gentler Newborn Recuscitation

2012-04-28T17:26:00.001-04:00

I love coming across information that shows us that a gentler, more loving and family-centered approach is not only possible, but beneficial to the father-mother-infant triad.

Resuscitation Of The Newborn | Homebirth: Midwife Mutiny in South Australia:

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Respecting the newborn during the first bath

2012-04-28T12:52:00.001-04:00

This video will do in five minutes what takes your meditation two hours. | elephant journal:

'via Blog this'

It's just amazing to watch the respect and reverence this care provider has for this baby. The baby actually falls asleep during the bath!

When everything else is a whirlwind storm, one thing is right...

2011-11-09T22:28:00.001-05:00

I love nursing!

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Umbillical Cords Work Overtime With Placenta

2011-11-09T11:45:00.001-05:00

"When baby is born, this cord continues to function, providing the baby with not only blood and oxygen –but providing baby TIME! Time to transition to air breathing, experiencing the changes that babies go through at birth. As long as that cord is pulsing, it’s working for the baby the exact same way it did before the baby came out." -excerpt from article:
NHBS › Magic Umbilical Cords

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Active vs. natural mangement of the 3rd stage of labor (after baby is born until placenta is born)

2011-11-08T22:05:00.001-05:00

Like the article begins, the birth of your baby doesn't end with his/her body leaving yours. Read about how what comes next affects you both. Third Stage of Labour - Benefits of A Natural Approach

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Yoga Practice for Mommies-to-Be

2011-11-08T13:31:00.000-05:00

Great mommy-to-be yogi revelations! Moms are so insightful...

5 Things I've Learned from Practicing for Two | Top Five Tuesdays | Yoga Blog | Yoga Journal

Haunted Houses, Rollercoasters, and Birth

2011-11-07T13:17:00.000-05:00

Halloween just passed, and with all the haunted houses and theme parks boasting about an array of terrifying themes, and death-defying rides they posess, it got me thinking of how backwards we have become as a society. We crave being truly terrified, it seems. We actually go out of our way to be as scared as possible. As a matter of fact, we will PAY hard-earned money in order to achieve this! It makes me wonder if we are so out of tune with the power in just truly living life that we have to create these extreme scenarios to verbal rush. I have no background in anthropology- nor do I want one- but I do have to wonder how we got here. I'm a chicken. I'm the first to admit it! I have no interest in any of that. I like thrilling rides, but nothing that makes me question if I'm going to make it. I don't like going upside-down. Call me boring, that's fine!

I just don't understand the appeal of those things contrasted with the fear of birth. Birth is safe! It can be amazingly thrilling too! As a matter of fact, I would say labor and birth is just as thrilling, exhillerating, terrifying and amazing as any ride or theme park experience, plus empowering, memorable emotional, and life-altering. Just sayin'.

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The danger with wearing a bulky coat in a car seat

2011-11-07T13:08:00.000-05:00

Great visual explanation of why it isn't safe to have babies bundled up and then place in their car seats. Not a huge issue for us in sunny Florida, but for anyone living up North that may happen to read this!

Aritcle watch: Guess what?! Babies are unhappy and stressed when away from mom!

2011-11-05T23:08:00.001-04:00

Proof that not only can you NOT spoil a baby, but also that not having them close to you causes them physical distress. The things poor babies are put through! As consumers, WE can change things. If we demand better or let practitioners know we will be taking our business elsewhere, they are forced to be different. Let's create a better world for babies. ---> Maternal separation stresses the baby, research finds

If you loved 'The Buisness of Being Born,' there's more where that came from!

2011-11-03T21:27:00.001-04:00

Blissful Perfection, Personified

2011-09-26T23:15:00.001-04:00

I love this picture. It totally captures the serenity of a snuggled older nursling at the end of a day of exploring the world. I wish I could capture this moment and save it forever. I LOVE this.

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Breastfeeding and Child Care : Child Care Providers : Healthy Meals Resource System

2011-07-14T22:54:00.000-04:00

Breastfeeding and Child Care : Child Care Providers : Healthy Meals Resource System

Great information for childcare providers and parents who will at some point have their breastfed baby in the care of another person!

I Was Kicked Out of Church!

2011-07-10T18:25:00.001-04:00

No joke. We were in Miami, visiting with family over the 4th of July weekend.

I had Brendan in the mei tai. He usually likes me to be mobile, & as I expected, he started "the squirms" as soon as I sat, so I got up. First an ushers asked me to go to the back- away from my family-, & was "offered" to sit in a chair along the back wall. I politely declined, telling the guy that the baby wanted to be standing.Then I was asked to move out of the aisle & behind everyone. This one guy kept telling me. Then he called my sister-in-law out & talked to her (she's an active member, involved in many ministries). She then came & told me he wanted me BY THE DOOR because MY SHADOW was distracting to those in front of me. No one in front of me had complained. I was THERE! To me, that is the same as being kicked out. I wanted to scream! I said, "youre kidding..." she said no & was red. I said loudly, "SERIOUSLY?! For that, I'll just go to the lobby. It's the same thing!"

I didn't do or say more, because this was during the gospel message. I wanted the message too! Anyway, they did have speakers in the lobby & some couches, but it's not the same. I like to watch the pastor deliever the Message. To me, that is a major element of it! I was so angry & I kept asking God in my head how to handle this. I'm not a kid anymore. Screaming & making a scene wouldn't change anything. This is a very young congregation, so many members will be starting or growing their families soon. I want to change the attitude.

I stopped going to church when I had Jay, my oldest, at 18 because of this type of attitude. That was a moment in my life that I MOST needed the love & support of a church family. I don't want that to happen to others.

Anyway, while I was seething & trying to figure out what to do next, I saw a box with prayer request cards. I requested prayer for their church & described my situation & that I felt ostracized. I mentioned that they have an opportunity to grow healthy, faithful families with the right support. This isn't it. I told them that my goal as registered nurse and La Leche League Leader is for new moms to find support in the community and to educate the public about the needs of young families. I even said this may be an opportunity for a new ministry within the church. I mentioned my previous experience and leaving my own church.

After a bit, a young girl passed by & asked me if everything was ok & I told her the situation. She was apologetic & in disbelief. Another young girl came out to check on her friend & we all talked a bit. They were both 18. Neither of them wanted to leave me out there alone. We talked a bit about breastfeeding benefits and how to work it into life as I nursed Brendan to sleep. I then went back in for the final blessing. After the service, I talked to the pastor about the situation too. I feel like it's not enough. From what I hear, the guy was the pastor's dad, coerced by his over-bearing mom.

Unfortunately, even though the pastor seemed genuinely sorry and embarrassed for my situation, he later went on to exaggerate and even lie about the situation! He claimed the people in the row in front of me (who could not stop telling me how cute and how well-behaved Brendan is) were complaining about my shadow being cast over them and that I was hitting someone in front of me from behind. I was never even that close to the row!

This experience left me feeling frustrated, angry, and powerless. I am working so hard to improve things for breastfeeding mothers and mothers in general, and this was such a simple situation that I usually take for granted. I've never had anyone take issue with just standing with my child. He never cried or fussed. He never even made a sound. I am still in disbelief.

So many people feel that Christians are a bunch of hypocrites, and that keeps them from a relationship with God. So many refuse to believe in anything spiritual at all, for a variety of reasons. These actions are among those that keep people away. I could have been anyone! A battered woman, seeking help. A wealthy woman looking to contribute largely. A person not raised faithfully and attending out of curiosity. ANYONE.

Attending my own home church today was like a breath of fresh air. It was like being welcomed by your warm, comfortable, cushy bed after a horrible vacation sleeping in a chair or on the floor in the cold (or heat, whatever you hate more). It isn't because my church has a nice building or the best ministries (although they do have nice facilities and pretty great ministries). It isn't because I know people there or because I live here. When you attend my church, you could be a homeless bum or an heiress- everyone gets the same warm welcome and has equal access to hearing God's Word. You feel differently. There's an genuine, upbeat, positive energy about it all that has nothing to do with any material or worldly goods. THAT'S what church services should feel like- regardless of location, denomination, or prevalent culture, gender, or financial status.

I am glad to be back!

Below are some resources on parenting and religiosity:

http://blogs.trb.com/features/family/parenting/blog/2009/09/bringing_baby_to_church.html

http://blog.adw.org/2009/11/crying-babies-in-church-another-reason-to-thank-god/

http://parentingfreedom.com/verses-babywearing/ <--- My fave so far

Has anything like this ever happened to you? I welcome everyone's thoughts, but let's keep it respectful.

Just 3 Things Every Expecting Mom Should Do | Best for Babes

2011-07-09T18:04:00.001-04:00

Just 3 Things Every Expecting Mom Should Do | Best for Babes

Breastfeeding is natural, but doesn't always come naturally, due to a clulture in which few of us have grown up around breastfeeding. Bad advice, myths, and over-generaliations abound these days. Best for Babes makes an excellent to-do list for expectant moms!

Trust Birth - Watch Imagine

2011-07-09T15:43:00.000-04:00

Trust Birth - Watch Imagine

So, so true! I will do everything I can as well to tell the TRUTH about birth. I'm not sure what I'll be able to do as a nurse, but I'll at least support my patient's choices. Maybe one day I'll be "that nurse that's a doula too."

I hope I get some freedom as a childbirth educator, too. Women need support and unbiased information, free from the fears of litigation and "the bottom line." You just can't put a price on a positive, healthy birth experience.

Let's break this cycle of fear and mis-information!

Why a doula is your BFF (BreastFeeding Friend) | Best for Babes

2011-07-01T10:44:00.000-04:00

Why a doula is your BFF (BreastFeeding Friend) | Best for Babes

In case you ever wondered, here it is. A wonderful article about the benefits of having a doula, especially in the hospital!

Bishop Baby Boutique

2011-06-30T22:36:00.000-04:00

This is the full logo. Now I get why they charge so much to design logos! My first logo ever. I am proud of myself!

The email signature! It was a pain to get it on a white background.

A flier! I make pretty fliers. I'm biased, I know. Totally tooting my own horn here!

Did You Know Pregnant Students Have Rights? Neither Did I.

2011-06-30T17:14:00.000-04:00

Did You Know Pregnant Students Have Rights? Neither Did I.

Did you know? I didn't! There is so much we need to know in order to properly advocate for ourselves and our loved ones.

We have the right to a career AND motherhood! Tell the world!

Birth is POWERFUL

2011-06-30T13:24:00.000-04:00

Here is a wonderful quoted, posted by Citizens for Midwifery on Facebook.

Citizens for Midwifery
‎"One thing you can depend upon is that your birthing will be *powerful!* Powerful pressure, powerful stretching, powerful pushing sensations and intense joy. Expect these powerful sensations and emotions, appreciate them for what they are; they bring your baby to you.” –Hypnobabies (Official)

So very, very true! As my mother-in-law told me early in my prodromal labor, you just have to let go and give in to the power for those almost consuming contractions to do their job. Sounds simple enough in theory, but the application of such a surrender in such an intense situation is a life and mind-altering experience. Many of us don't even surrender as completely as is needed for the powers of birth to take over while making love. Relinquishing all self-control and letting all the walls come crumbling down is the biggest challenge we face when staring the power of birth in the eye. So many women either decide not to let that guard down or are unable to for whatever deep, personal reason and go straight for the medications. These are not without their own consequences, let us not forget!

Here's another quote I love:

There is a secret in our culture, it's not that birth is painful, it's that women are strong." - Laura Stavoe Harm

YOU can do it. Only YOU can tap into the primal part of YOUR brain that knows how to birth. All the childbirth classes and books in the world cannot MAKE you look birth in the eye, close your eyes, and release...

Here are some other quotes I focused on during labor (although I didn't know I was really in labor):

"I can do all things, through Jesus Christ, who strengthens me."- Philippians 4:13

"Fear and faith cannot coexist and they both demand different conclusions and actions."- Christy Faber

"Don't fight the pain!"

"R.I.S.E.-P.E.A.K.-F.A.L.L."

"Just as a woman's heart knows how and when to pump, her lungs to exhale, and her hand to pill back from fire, so she knows when and how to give birth."- Virginia Di Orio

"One contraction at a time"

"Labor is simply a series of contractions that open the mouth of your womb and push out your baby." -Birthing from Within

"LET GO"

"OPEN"

"Anything that I've ever done that was ultimately worthwhile... Initially scared me to death."- Betty Bender

"A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come, but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world."- John 16:21

Does it hurt? Yes, but it is a pain completely different from any other that you have experienced or will ever again experience. With the added plus of it ending with the highest "high" you will ever experience, IF you let it happen.

Missing My Crazy Big Boys

2011-06-27T21:30:00.000-04:00

My big kids are down in Miami visiting my mother and sisters in law. I know they're having a blast, but I miss them so much! It's so funny: they're here all the time and they fight, make big-kid messes, and keep the baby from napping. Sometimes make funny comments and remarks that flirt with the line of disrespect. They track dirt in the house and occasionally leave the door open and let bugs fly in.

You know what, though? I miss it all. I love my crazy big boys. I love watching them discover the world. I love being the one to teach them the difference between being funny and being rude (even though it's usually rude and funny). They do help out tremendously. For every time they wake the baby up, there are several more times that they play with him and keep him happy. They have gotten to know many of his cues and are incredibly in-tune with him. Seeing the way they interact with their baby brother swells my heart in a way that nothing else ever can. Nothing else even comes close.

So, with all that, I say that I MISS MY CRAZY BIG BOYS!

Growing up...

2011-06-27T21:21:00.000-04:00

Today Mr. Brendan was hanging out with Daddy, playing with some hangers in a basket of laundry I need to work on. He started out sitting on the couch, and the basket was on the floor. Who knows what sparked his interest in these clothes hangers? He noticed them and started lunging his whole body toward them, so Daddy sat him on the floor where he could safely get to them. I guess one must have been on the coffee table, because after a few minutes of taking all my hangers out of the basket (ohhh, and so it begins!), he started lunging toward the coffee table, which was right next to the basket in front of him, and pulling up on it! He just about pulled to standing when he lost his grip and almost *ate* the coffee table. Wow. He'll be 6 months on Wednesday. He scoots, but doesn't pick up his body and *officially* crawl. I know I'm in trouble with this one!

Almost immediately, we set out to lower the crib mattress and remove the bumper, and also remove the mobile and mount it to the wall. He only naps in the crib right now, but all it takes is an unsupervised second for some sort of catastrophe to happen. I guess he definitely won't be taking any more naps in his co-sleeper unsupervised! I'm sure he's probably getting to the weight limit for it, anyway. My plan is to use it until it's unusable for him.

Jeez, time really doesn't mess around, like my brilliant SIL posted a bit ago!