Thursday, December 13, 2012
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Breastfeeding in Public
I'm a breastfeeding advocate. Period. I don't care how, when or where you feed your baby. Babies have a right to eat and women should choose how they want to breastfeed. They should be free to do so uncovered without a single hint of someone telling them to be "modest" or "discreet." Very interesting article!
"There is a wide range of opinions on what constitutes good judgment with regards to how women dress themselves and how much they should or should not cover up. Any time a woman is told to cover up or told to undress, I see that as an attack on her person. Telling women to cover up and telling women to strip down are frequently used tactics for oppressing women. There are both practical and philosophical reasons why no one other than the woman herself should decide how covered or uncovered to be. It is easier for onlookers to avert their eyes than it is for a woman to dress in a way that makes her feel uncomfortable."
http://www.phdinparenting.com/2010/01/27/covering-up-is-a-feminist-issue/#.UJK-xcWdOtM
"There is a wide range of opinions on what constitutes good judgment with regards to how women dress themselves and how much they should or should not cover up. Any time a woman is told to cover up or told to undress, I see that as an attack on her person. Telling women to cover up and telling women to strip down are frequently used tactics for oppressing women. There are both practical and philosophical reasons why no one other than the woman herself should decide how covered or uncovered to be. It is easier for onlookers to avert their eyes than it is for a woman to dress in a way that makes her feel uncomfortable."
http://www.phdinparenting.com/2010/01/27/covering-up-is-a-feminist-issue/#.UJK-xcWdOtM
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Responding to Your Baby
Thought this was a great article about responding to your baby - and how to respond when someone tries offering "helpful" advice.
Gentle Swimming Programs
This was shared to me on one of my like minded mama groups - I thought this was a great article about how to teach swimming gently - perfect in time for summer!
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Crying: The Boob is Magic!
I was having a conversation about babies and crying with my BFF Gaby, who is expecting her first baby in September and I thought I'd share a few thoughts about how I respond when baby cries.
Babies do cry and they fuss... sometimes you don't know what to do! Sometimes it seems like they are crying for no reason - but they are crying because they are trying to tell you something. They don't cry because it's fun to cry! It's because they are unhappy - usually that they are hungry, sleepy, have wet diaper, have burp, have gas, uncomfortable (hot, cold, something hurts, scared) or just want to be picked up and held.
My routine when babies cry is this:
1.) check diaper
2.) put boob in mouth (usually that does the trick... it's comforting, feeds them and helps them sleep so you tackle more than one problem here!)
Sometimes moms don't offer the breast because they think, "Baby isn't hungry; he just ate!" It's hard to remember sometimes that babies don't just nurse because they are hungry - they nurse because they they are thirsty, because they want to cuddle, because they know mom is warm, and they want to smell her and be close - comfort nursing. And that's ok - they need comforting and they don't quite understand this new world they are in. The only thing they do understand is that the boob is awesome. The boob is their best friend. Baby is not going to eat too much. You can't force them to eat more than they want to eat. They know when to stop eating. Sometimes it seems like baby is nursing an "empty" breast - but what they are really doing is stimulating the breast to make more milk - because baby is prepping you for the growth spurt that's coming in a couple of days! Newborns hit growth spurts every 2 weeks until they are 2 months and then it's every two months after that. And as they get older, they need more milk! No wonder it seems like baby is forever on the breast!
Ok, back to my list - if baby is rejecting the boob and is still crying, then:
5.) pick them up and see if they are they too hot, too cold, is something uncomfortable scratching them? is there a hair wrapped around a little toe cutting off circulation? if they are on formula maybe the formula was hard on their stomach and it hurts? if they were circumcised or if recovering from tongue tie surgery, maybe they're sore or in pain? Check to make sure it's healing properly. Check their diaper area - do they have a diaper rash? It can sting. (Sitting in a wet diaper is what causes diaper rash. Make sure baby is changed often.) Is the perfume someone is wearing too strong? Is a light too bright? Babies are very sensory and if there is too much of something, it can agitate them.
6.) sometimes they just want mommy - and you can't fool them! They know who mommy is!!! Cuddle.
7.) If all else fails, check temperature - maybe they are sick and have a sore throat or something! Call the doctor.
Just know that if they are really hungry or really sleepy (if they have been awake for an extended period) they WILL be very fussy and hard to settle. Just being prepared for it makes it easier to deal with. Boob always helps though. After having two kids, I have learned The Boob is the magical answer to everything. If only all of life's problems were solved with a little bit of mommy milk! LOL!
Babies do cry and they fuss... sometimes you don't know what to do! Sometimes it seems like they are crying for no reason - but they are crying because they are trying to tell you something. They don't cry because it's fun to cry! It's because they are unhappy - usually that they are hungry, sleepy, have wet diaper, have burp, have gas, uncomfortable (hot, cold, something hurts, scared) or just want to be picked up and held.
My routine when babies cry is this:
1.) check diaper
2.) put boob in mouth (usually that does the trick... it's comforting, feeds them and helps them sleep so you tackle more than one problem here!)
Sometimes moms don't offer the breast because they think, "Baby isn't hungry; he just ate!" It's hard to remember sometimes that babies don't just nurse because they are hungry - they nurse because they they are thirsty, because they want to cuddle, because they know mom is warm, and they want to smell her and be close - comfort nursing. And that's ok - they need comforting and they don't quite understand this new world they are in. The only thing they do understand is that the boob is awesome. The boob is their best friend. Baby is not going to eat too much. You can't force them to eat more than they want to eat. They know when to stop eating. Sometimes it seems like baby is nursing an "empty" breast - but what they are really doing is stimulating the breast to make more milk - because baby is prepping you for the growth spurt that's coming in a couple of days! Newborns hit growth spurts every 2 weeks until they are 2 months and then it's every two months after that. And as they get older, they need more milk! No wonder it seems like baby is forever on the breast!
Ok, back to my list - if baby is rejecting the boob and is still crying, then:
3.) burp them
4.) do gas massage to help them pass gas (rub their tummy with open palm, in clockwise motion 3 times and then push babies knees up to their chest. This helps get gas out.)5.) pick them up and see if they are they too hot, too cold, is something uncomfortable scratching them? is there a hair wrapped around a little toe cutting off circulation? if they are on formula maybe the formula was hard on their stomach and it hurts? if they were circumcised or if recovering from tongue tie surgery, maybe they're sore or in pain? Check to make sure it's healing properly. Check their diaper area - do they have a diaper rash? It can sting. (Sitting in a wet diaper is what causes diaper rash. Make sure baby is changed often.) Is the perfume someone is wearing too strong? Is a light too bright? Babies are very sensory and if there is too much of something, it can agitate them.
6.) sometimes they just want mommy - and you can't fool them! They know who mommy is!!! Cuddle.
7.) If all else fails, check temperature - maybe they are sick and have a sore throat or something! Call the doctor.
Just know that if they are really hungry or really sleepy (if they have been awake for an extended period) they WILL be very fussy and hard to settle. Just being prepared for it makes it easier to deal with. Boob always helps though. After having two kids, I have learned The Boob is the magical answer to everything. If only all of life's problems were solved with a little bit of mommy milk! LOL!
Cindy's Natural Birth Story in Photos
I posted this on my website and I had to share this here, as it's birth related!!! My little nephew is here!! I don't typically do birth photography (my specialty is newborn photography) - but I couldn't miss my sister giving birth!!! Cindy and I talked on the phone on Tuesday and she was telling me she was feeling some contractions and even said to me - "I think this baby is going to be born tonight!" and sure enough, she texted me within an hour and said, "My water just broke!" It was already passed dinnertime and we were putting my oldest to bed - I got my things together to meet her at the hospital and thought for sure I would be back before breakfast the next morning... little did I know this little guy had other plans!
A full 34 hours later - on Thursday, May 10th at 5:59am - little Blake Thomas Cooper was born. He is the sweetest little man and I'm just so happy he's part of our lives! He is already so loved! Here are a few shots from the birth... It was such an honor to not just witness her birth, but to be a part of it as well! She was so wonderfully supported by her husband Justin and her doula, Monica. Cindy continues to inspire and impress me - it was such an extremely long labor - yet she delivered naturally, without medication! This is one amazing mama!!! At more than one point in her labor, I got teary-eyed with her determination to do it on her own. My heart just bursts with pride and admiration for her!
A few days after the birth, I of course did Blake's newborn pictures - he was a dream to photograph! You can see more of my sweet little nephew on my photography website. This auntie is just so proud of her sister and her first nephew! Love this little man!!! <3
Monday, June 4, 2012
Vaccines: Then and Now
Despite the fact that I have partially vaccinated my kids, I subscribe to a Facebook page called Proud Parents Of Unvaccinated Children. Very informative group! It's so much more than just autism. I encourage you to read and learn as much as you can about vaccines and weigh the risk of the disease vs. the complications and side effects of the vaccines, as well as the controversial ingredients in each. And if your argument is, "I was vaccinated and I turned out alright" things have changed greatly in the last 30 years!! Be informed and educate before you vaccinate, please don't just do it blindly.
Another great source of info is Dr. Sears book, "The Vaccine Book." It lists each vaccine, all of the ingredients, how each is made, side effects and risks so you can make your own informed decision.
Another great source of info is Dr. Sears book, "The Vaccine Book." It lists each vaccine, all of the ingredients, how each is made, side effects and risks so you can make your own informed decision.
image credit: Proud Parents Of Unvaccinated Children
HepB Vaccine, Autism and Boys
Check out this article from the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health that discusses evidence that newborn boys vaccinated with HepB vaccine at birth were three times more likely to later be identified as autistic, than boys who did not receive the vaccine. And that is just one of the 49 doses of 14 different vaccines that are given to young children and infants. :(
Hepatitis B vaccination of male neonates and autism diagnosis, NHIS 1997-2002
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21058170
Hepatitis B vaccination of male neonates and autism diagnosis, NHIS 1997-2002
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21058170
Why Moms Stop Breastfeeding Earlier than Planned
Just goes to show you that while nurses may have good intentions, they don't realize how topping up with formula can make breastfeeding more difficult. That's why it's so important to read and learn about breastfeeding BEFORE baby is born so you are aware and can communicate your wishes and preferences.
Why Moms Stop Breastfeeding Earlier than Planned
http://vitals.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/06/04/12034767-why-many-breast-feeding-moms-quit-earlier-than-planned?lite
Why Moms Stop Breastfeeding Earlier than Planned
http://vitals.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/06/04/12034767-why-many-breast-feeding-moms-quit-earlier-than-planned?lite
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Just. Say. NO.
If you deliver at a hospital, a nurse may come in and say your baby "needs" to go to the nursery. This is not the case. Tell them that you would prefer the baby stay with you in the room. Your baby does not need to be taken away from you, ever. This is YOUR baby. Hospitals can't make you do anything. Any baby care and tests can be done in the room with you, it's just more convenient for the nursing staff to have the babies in the nursery. But they can keep your baby for hours! If they insist that baby must go to the nursery for a procedure, then you can always insist that you or your partner go with the baby. Your little one was just brought into this world. Why send them off with complete strangers??
To prepare for this situation, a good idea would be to tour the maternity ward at the hospital that you are planning to deliver at. Ask questions. Ask LOTS of questions. Not sure what to ask? Start with my Hospital Tour Questionnaire! If you're not happy with their responses, find a new hospital! I toured my hospital twice and realized I was not happy with them. At 32 weeks, I realized my OBGYN and I were not on the same page about me having a natural birth. She scoffed at me when I told her my plans for an unmedicated birth and was not encouraging at all. I toured 6 hospitals before I found one that I was comfortable with, was very family friendly and was in agreement with my wishes for baby staying in the room, lactation support, etc. I found an amazing practice with 3 midwives and 8 OBs - of which I chose to see a midwife - and I was more than willing to do the 45 minute drive from Fort Lauderdale to Boca Raton, (past 3 hospitals that would have been closer) just so I could go to this midwife and deliver at this hospital! It can be done!! You can do it too!
If you're in South Florida, I highly recommend:
- Terry DeFilippo, CNM at Women's Healthcare Partners
- Rachel DeVaney, CNM at Women's Healthcare Partners
and Boca Raton Regional Hospital. They will let the baby sleep with you in your room, all newborn procedures are done in the room and should baby need to go anywhere, dad can go with the baby to nursery and stay by baby's side the whole time.
To prepare for this situation, a good idea would be to tour the maternity ward at the hospital that you are planning to deliver at. Ask questions. Ask LOTS of questions. Not sure what to ask? Start with my Hospital Tour Questionnaire! If you're not happy with their responses, find a new hospital! I toured my hospital twice and realized I was not happy with them. At 32 weeks, I realized my OBGYN and I were not on the same page about me having a natural birth. She scoffed at me when I told her my plans for an unmedicated birth and was not encouraging at all. I toured 6 hospitals before I found one that I was comfortable with, was very family friendly and was in agreement with my wishes for baby staying in the room, lactation support, etc. I found an amazing practice with 3 midwives and 8 OBs - of which I chose to see a midwife - and I was more than willing to do the 45 minute drive from Fort Lauderdale to Boca Raton, (past 3 hospitals that would have been closer) just so I could go to this midwife and deliver at this hospital! It can be done!! You can do it too!
If you're in South Florida, I highly recommend:
- Terry DeFilippo, CNM at Women's Healthcare Partners
- Rachel DeVaney, CNM at Women's Healthcare Partners
and Boca Raton Regional Hospital. They will let the baby sleep with you in your room, all newborn procedures are done in the room and should baby need to go anywhere, dad can go with the baby to nursery and stay by baby's side the whole time.
Military Mamas
Can't we just be proud of our soldiers that are moms? They are serving our country while still trying to balance motherhood - let's encourage these ladies instead of bringing them down!!
Seriously. Does it really matter what they are wearing? I see two proud soldiers not just serving their country, but serving their children and families the best they can. The Air Force should be PROUD to have such dedicated women on their team. Truly inspiring!
Seriously. Does it really matter what they are wearing? I see two proud soldiers not just serving their country, but serving their children and families the best they can. The Air Force should be PROUD to have such dedicated women on their team. Truly inspiring!
shine.yahoo.com
In a country where breast-feeding in public is already controversial, pictures of two military moms doing so while wearing their uniforms is sparking outrage.
Monday, May 28, 2012
What Your Toddler Thinks of Discipline
As a mom of a very spirited 2 year-old girl, sometimes it's hard to be calm and patient when it seems like she's testing my limits. She's so smart and talk so much, sometimes it's so easy to forget that she's still a little girl! I loved this article about toddlers and discipline. Such a great reminder!
What Your Toddler Thinks of Discipline
http://www.janetlansbury.com/2012/02/what-your-toddler-thinks-of-discipline/
What Your Toddler Thinks of Discipline
http://www.janetlansbury.com/2012/02/what-your-toddler-thinks-of-discipline/
Documentary - The Greater Good
Have you heard about this documentary? It recently aired on CurrentTV (I missed it) and I keep hearing about it. It's a documentary that discusses the controversial topic of vaccines and if we are doing the right thing by injecting them into our children. If you've seen it, I'd love to hear what you thought!
The Greater Good
"Back in the 1980s, children were asked to get 23 doses of 7 different vaccines. By 2010, parents are being asked to give their children 69 doses of 16 vaccines. That’s triple the dose of those recommended in the 1980s. And today, many states have made certain vaccinations mandatory… with parents having little or NO say in whether or not their children will receive a vaccine. Are we doing the right thing? Should all of this be stopped? Or, are we completely taking vaccines for granted?"
The Greater Good
"Back in the 1980s, children were asked to get 23 doses of 7 different vaccines. By 2010, parents are being asked to give their children 69 doses of 16 vaccines. That’s triple the dose of those recommended in the 1980s. And today, many states have made certain vaccinations mandatory… with parents having little or NO say in whether or not their children will receive a vaccine. Are we doing the right thing? Should all of this be stopped? Or, are we completely taking vaccines for granted?"
21 Scary Reasons to Say No to Pitocin, According to Manufacturer
When you're in labor, your body makes the hormone oxytocin which is the hormone that controls contractions. As birth gets near, the contractions become more intense and more painful - but your body is in control and it knows how much you can take. Pitocin is artificial oxytocin. Doctors often offer this to "speed up labor" when things aren't going as fast as they would like. When pitocin is control, your body cannot regulate it, it just reacts to the hormone. Contractions therefore become more painful and much more intense! Doctors are very quick to induce or speed up labor using this drug. You never hear them telling you what risks, consequences and side effects are for accepting it. Here are 21 Scary Reasons to Say NO to Pitocin, according to the manufacturer itself! Let's educate ourselves, mamas!
Breastfeeding, Bed-sharing and Infant Sleep
Bedsharing and co-sleeping from an anthropological perspective. Makes so much sense!
BED-SHARING AND CO-SLEEPING: RESEARCH OVERVIEW
http://www.evolutionaryparenting.com/bed-sharing-and-co-sleeping-research-overview/
BED-SHARING AND CO-SLEEPING: RESEARCH OVERVIEW
http://www.evolutionaryparenting.com/bed-sharing-and-co-sleeping-research-overview/
What to REJECT When You're Expecting
When you're pregnant, it's so easy to get caught up with everything you need to do to get ready for baby, that sometimes we forget that the pregnancy itself is an important time. Mamas, please take care of yourselves! Research procedures for yourself - don't just follow doctors blindly. They may have good intentions, but you should be the one in control of what is happening to your body.
Check this article out... Even ConsumerReports.com recommends avoiding these procedures!
"What to reject when you're expecting 10 procedures to think twice about during your pregnancy"
Check this article out... Even ConsumerReports.com recommends avoiding these procedures!
"What to reject when you're expecting 10 procedures to think twice about during your pregnancy"
USA Today - Breastfeeding Toddlers
Great article on USA Today - "Breast-feeding a 3-year-old is normal, anthropologist says."
"Despite a breast-feeding brouhaha kicked off last week by a Time magazine cover photo of a mom nursing her 3-year-old son, that's actually the norm worldwide, experts say. But in the United States, breast-feeding children that old is practiced among a tiny sliver of mothers. Some online are calling it "perverted" and "dangerous" to nurse a 3-year-old, but "it's normal for our species," says Katherine Dettwyler, a professor of anthropology at the University of Delaware in Newark..." Read more.
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