Owner: Adventures of a Breastfeeding Mother URL:http://adventuresofabreastfeedingmother.blogspot.com/ Join Date: Mon, 27 Nov 2006 18:26:03 -0600 Rating:0 Site Description: Mother of a beautiful 2 year old and newborn, I use this blog to sort out my thoughts and feelings on both every day life and events in the world. This blog will mostly focus on breastfeeding, homebirth, mothering, and attachment parenting. Site statistics:Click here
In the News 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Just a few things that I've seen in the news lately and wanted to share.First, if you know a breastfeeding mom or if you are a breastfeeding mom in need of a gift, I would suggest the 2007 Beauty of Breastfeeding Calendar. What a great way to promote breastfeeding within your home or office :o)Second, dentists now recommend that sippy cups be used for water only, outside of mealtime. They are saying that kids are getting more cavities due to the prolonged use of sippy cups that contained sugared beverages. I know in our house, the Mermaid receives only water in her straw cup except during meal times, and then she has rice milk.And finally, something very positive and uplifting that I saw over at The Lactivist's blog. A post in craigslist that actually supports breastfeeding, yay! :o)Well, that's it for now :o)
I'm an Addict 1970-01-01 00:59:59 There are many things I am addicted to. Yarn. Fabric. Cloth diapers. And baby carriers. But with these addictions, my limited funds keeps me under control. I don't have drawers and drawers of these things because I can't afford to buy them. Which is a good thing, for the sanity of the people I live with.But, there are two addictions I have that are out of control. One is Yahoo groups. That's right, I am addicted to Yahoo groups. I currently belong to 85 Yahoo groups. Can you imagine what my inbox looks like everyday? I have all my Yahoo groups set to Daily Digest, so it isn't so bad, but it still takes me a while to get through them all. And half the time I don't have time to reply to any. But I keep subscribing to more. I just can't help myself, I can't figure it out.The second thing I am addicted to is free patterns. These can be either knitting patterns or sewing patterns. I have a special folder in my favorites for the links to free patterns. I am never going to have enough
Say Cheese! 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Yay, I finally got my camera back! So, for your viewing pleasure, proof that the Mermaid has finally realized that the Guppy is a permanent member of our family and has begun to accept her. Read more:Cheese
, Say Cheese
Look What I Made! 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I've been busy this past week.... The Guppy wearing the sweater I knit for her. The pillowcase I made for the Mermaid's bed. The pocket diaper I made with materials from DiaperCuts. The Guppy modeling her diaper.The MT I made two years ago.The pocket dipe I made doesn't fit the Guppy around the waist, and I don't know if it was because the pattern I used isn't good for her body shape or because I messed up making it. But I got these really cute tab extenders from Deb's Designs so she'll still be able to wear it.:o)
I've Been Tagged! 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Mama K NJ has tagged me for this cute meme.0) What's your name and website URL? (optional, of course)My name is Shelly (not Michelle), and you are on my website. The only other sites I have are the girls' birth stories, over to the right.1) What's the most fun work you've ever done, and why?When I worked at my University's library, I worked with some very fun people, including my good friend and my superviser. My superviser knew everything, and we were constantly trying to stump him.2) A. Name one thing you did in the past that you no longer do but wish you did? (one sentence max).Ride horses.B. Name one thing you've always wanted to do but keep putting it off? (one sentence max).Write a novel.3) A. What two things would you most like to learn or be better at, and why? (two sentences max).1.I would love to be better at sewing and knitting. 2. I would love to speak German fluently, even though it was my minor in college I don't remember much.B. If you could take a class/works Read more:Tagged
Let's Look It Up....Together 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I haven't been posting much lately and that's because the girls are still trying to kick this cold that they've had for a month. I think the Mermaid is finally over it completely and the Guppy is doing better as well, today is the first day in a while that I have been able to put her down without her crying.I was thinking this morning about the meme I did and how I answered that the most fun job I had was working at my University's library. I would work the night shift with my friend and our supervisor, whose name was Julio.Julio grew up in Puerto Rico and was raised by his mother. He is one of the most open-minded and kind man I've ever known. He is also extremely smart. Julio knew the answer to almost any question we would ask him...our favorite game to kill the time was to try to stump him with a question. In the rare times when he didn't know the answer he would answer, "Well I don't know...let's look it up together" and we would.I once asked Julio how he came to know so mu
Fantastic Friday...Week 2 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Well it's Friday
again, and that means it's time for me to look back on the week and see how well I did with my goals.Weight: As part of the Future MILF program, I have to post weight I lost this week and total weight lost. Drum roll, please.....this week I lost......1lb. As you recall, last week I didn't lose any but didn't gain any either, and I figured it was due to the fact that I wasn't following my WW points too well and eating constantly because the Guppy was nursing so much. Well this week the Guppy continued to nurse, and I continued to eat, but I tried to reach for healthier foods when I could. And I also picked up on my exercising. So, I'm happy with the 1lb weight loss, and since I'm nursing, that's the safe amount to lose each week anyway. This brings my total weight loss to 9lbs in 10 weeks. Another fantastic thing about my exercising is that I do a lot of toning exercises, so although I didn't lose much weight, the Knight says I definitely look more toned and th Read more:Fantastic
So Where's The Snow? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 This morning I looked out at our backyard and this is what I saw... Snow. No big deal, right? I mean, it's not even a lot of snow. But that's the problem. I live in New England, it's the middle of January, and this is the most snow I've seen this winter. Normally we would have been buried several times by now.I bet you're still thinking, What's the big deal? And I can understand that. On one hand, I'm glad we haven't gotten snow because I hate snow, I hate driving in it, I hate the cold, etc. But on the other hand, the fact that we've only gotten this much snow scares the crap out of me. With all the information on global warming and an impending global disaster that I've heard about lately, I want snow. I want the winter to be colder. Because then I wouldn't be worrying about global warming, about what type of world my girls will be growing up in.Am I the only one that is worried? Does this bother anyone else, or am I just being paranoid and neurotic?And, just because she i
Winter Wonderland 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Some pics of what went on here this weekend.Because I am following the Compact Life, I'm not supposed to buy anything new. I've made a few exceptions, like PUL to make cloth diapers because I can't find any used, etc. Well I found another exception. The Guppy is just so thick around the waist that although her diaper covers fit around the legs, they don't around the waist. So, I bought these wonderful tab extenders from Deb's Diapers and got them in the mail on Friday. They work great!This weekend I also finished knitting a doll blanket for the Mermaid's doll. See at night she would tuck in her doll with her blanket and then get cold. So I figured I would knit one just for her doll and she could stay warm at night :o)And finally, our *adventures in Winter Wonderland
.* really, our "adventures" lasted only ten minutes, just long enough to take some pictures. The Mermaid asked to go outside, I spent half an hour bundling them both up, we went outside, ten minutes later she decides s Read more:Winter Wonderland
Who Killed the Electric Car? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Saturday we went to the library and I rented the movie Who Killed
The Electric
Car?I was in a very dismal mood after watching it. There are times that I get very exhausted and sick of living in a culture that puts profits over people. We could all be driving electric cars right now, but we're not. Why? Because the oil companies, car companies, etc. favor profits over people and the environment. Who cares that the Earth is dying, we made more money! Who cares that asthma rates in children continue to rise drastically, we made more money!Somehow, I seriously doubt that this is what God had in mind when he created us...
In the News 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Remember this post? Well, now you can get it for free. That's right, you can get An Inconvenient Truth for free. I've already requested a copy, and I've very excited :o)Found this great article on babywearing. I'm part of a NINO group myself, and the group is a really great and fun resource when I am trying to learn about a specific carrier or hold. If you are interested in babywearing, I highly recommend you attend a local group meeting.Celebrity News: Brooke Burke says she babywears. From the interview:Also, Brooke plans to keep Rain close to her but keep her hands free to play with Neriah, 6, and Sierra, 4 1/2, by babywearing. She says, "I wear the baby, [I'm] definitely an attachment parenting person." In the past, Brooke has also been open about co-sleeping, breastfeeding (yes, with implants) and of course, we all know about the placenta!That's it for now!
U.S. Government Concedes Vaccines Cause Autism 2008-03-05 07:12:00 This article, published on March 3rd, states:The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the federal agency that oversees the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recently conceded the first vaccine-autism case.This case was filed in the no-fault National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program as part of the Autism
Omnibus proceedings in the U.S. Federal Court of Claims.It was one of the first three cases chosen that alleged Thimerosal in childhood vaccines significantly contributed to a child developing autism. It continues on to say:Furthermore, in 2003, the U.S. House of Representatives’ Government
Reform Committee, after a 3.5-year investigation, concluded that Thimerosal caused the autism epidemic and that the FDA Read more:Cause
WomenAid 2008-03-04 09:41:00 In my past few posts I've mentioned a few times that my dear friend and business partner and I are starting up a new project. Well we've finally been able to take the first steps in getting this project started, so I thought I would share.We're in the process of starting up a non-profit organization called WomenAid. WomenAid is a small group of women who have come together to raise money in order to provide short-term financial assistance to people who need it most in our community. We rely on community leaders such as school nurses, social workers, health care practitioners and clergy members to identify and validate requests. These requests remain totally anonymous. If the request is approved by the board of WomenAid, the money is paid directly to the service provider. Our goal is to mak
I've Been Tagged!! 2008-02-29 07:58:00 I've been tagged by Ayla over at Mother, Lover, Goddess (LOVE her blog, I would definitely head over and check her out).Here are the rules:1. Link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog.2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.4. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.Here are my 7 facts:1. I have a fear of dolls. Seriously, I am deathly afraid of them. I don't know why. And it only applies to those porcelain dolls that you have to keep on a stand and never play with, you know which ones I'm talking about? The girls aren't allowed to have one, because they just freak me out too much. There used to be a kiosk in the local mall that s Read more:Tagged
Our Society and Perfection 2008-02-29 07:25:00 Lately I've been in such a good mood, I surprise myself. I find that I am more centered and calm. Best of all, when the Mermaid or the Guppy start fussing or screaming, I find that I am able to approach them in a calm manner and resolve it a lot quicker and faster than when I approach them with anger or frustration.The reason why my mood is changed is because I had to change some things around in my life. I had to change my perspective of myself as a mother, a wife, and a person in general.You see, lately I had been feeling very overwhelmed. Between running both businesses, having the Guppy and at one point the Mermaid and the Knight being sick, and homeschooling, and the other project that my business partner and I are working on, I started to get buried. I couldn't do it all. No more we Read more:Society
, Perfection
Call to Action 2008-02-20 07:25:00 This is an email I was forwarded. Cytotec is dangerous when used to induce moms! Pass this along to everyone you know and help get the word out!Call to Action
: Childbirth Organizations and Childbirth Advocates, Doulas, Midwives, Health Care Providers RE: Off Label Use of Cytotec for Inducing LaborACOG has pushed the off label use of Cytotec (Misoprostol) for inducing labor for over 13 years. During that time countless babies and mothers have been permanently damaged, suffered uterine rupture, amniotic fluid embolisms; many mothers and babies have died within hours of a Cytotec induction. In Sept of2007, through the Freedom of Information Act, the Tatia Oden French Memorial Foundation requested the FDA to supply the Medwatch Forms they received for the time period Jan. 2001 through Sept. 20
It Sounds Like A Dog Kennel In Here 2008-02-20 07:05:00 I did end up taking the Guppy to the doctor yesterday and she does have croup. We didn't see our normal pediatrician, we saw another doctor, who was so kind enough to examine my daughter for a full three minutes before darting back out to rejoin the birthday party that was going on. @@Anyways, as she was walking out the door she told me that the Guppy will be fine, call them again if she developes a fever. I took the girls home and took out my trusty book, my best friend, the book that every parent should own: Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child. Are you a parent? Yes? Then go get it.Anyways the symptons for croup outlined in the book pretty much match the symptons that the Guppy has perfectly so I'm convinced. The book gave some homeopathic remedies and some suggestions of teas she can d Read more:Sounds
, Kennel
And It's STILL HERE 2008-02-19 06:29:00 The bug is still here. I haven't slept for weeks and I'm going a little stir crazy.The Mermaid has basically gotten over it but the poor Guppy is still stuffed up and miserable. And she has developed this horrible cough that I am not liking at all. I'm going to call her doctor today and see if it is something to worry about.Grrrrr.......So that has been my life for the past two weeks: wiping snotty noses and changing diapers. I've got one client who is due any day now and I've got my workshop coming up this weekend that I have to prepare for. Hopefully once the girls are well again some of my sanity will return to me!
And the Bug Goes 'Round.... 2008-02-13 06:52:00 There's a nasty bug going around in my area. Playdates are being cancelled, children are staying home from school, moms are cancelling their meetings to take care of their children.The bug has now hit our house. Thankfully, I got it before the Guppy, so at least my breastmilk will work to help protect her. Stuffy nose, sore throat, and a terrible cough. In all the other cases in my area, a stomache bug was thrown in for good measure, so I'm hoping that part skips our house.Having all of us get sick has made me realize how blessed I am. I work from home, doing what I love, and I'm here for my kids. That's the bottom line, right there: I am here for my kids. That's my priority.I look at how other countries, and how they value family. I look at how, in some countries, the mother gets paid mat
Spills and Splatters of My Day 2008-02-08 06:39:00 ~Well, the Guppy is doing much better. I think most of her teeth has popped through, but there must be one or two that haven't because she is still slightly cranky and clingy. But she did let me get some sleep last night again, yay!~The Knight is so incredibly upset that the Patriots lost. He took the Monday after the game off from work so he could mourn.~ I've been really busy with my doula business and with my Arbonne business. My doula workshop is coming up fast and I am so excited! I also have some other things going on with my Arbonne business. I love that I'm able to have a career while staying home and homeschooling the girls.~ The Mermaid has been doing great with her schooling. Sometimes I think that she may not be picking some things up, but a week later she will completely surpr
Excuse Me, Sir, But Have You Seen My Sanity? 2008-02-03 09:22:00 It's been a while.Things have been a little overwhelming in our house the past two weeks. I had been blogging a little about how the Guppy is teething and is very clingy and cranky, and also how she is not sleeping at all.Well, it only went downhill from there.The Mermaid came down with this mysterious cold/slight stomache bug. It was frustrating because it was one of those ones that we simply could not get rid of. It wasn't too horrific, she was able to continue on to play and learn, but it was enough of a nuisance that she was cranky and that we missed our homeschooling and playgroups for two weeks.Add to that the fact that the Guppy's teething got worse more than I ever realized it could get. One day this past week she was screaming so much that I was convinced she was dying and took he Read more:Excuse
, Sanity
Weird and Spooky, But More Weird Than Spooky 2008-01-23 12:59:00 Last night I had a nightmare about changing the sheets of the family bed.Our family bed is a large waterbed. When the Guppy was born we took the water mattress out and put in a nice firm conventional mattress in order to co-sleep safely. So with this odd configuration, and the fact that the bed is up against the wall, changing the sheets is no easy feat, and something I do not look forward at all to doing every week.In my nightmare, every time I changed the sheets, as soon as I would go to put the comforter back on, I would look down and the sheets would be dirty. So I would have to change them again. Then again. And again. Then the pillowcases began to wrestle with me when I began to change them, as if they were alive and were trying to eat me.It seems like a silly dream now, but at the t Read more:Weird
, Spooky
Who Needs Sleep? 2008-01-21 07:05:00 Who needs sleep?You know you're never gonna get it.Who needs sleep?Now tell me what's that for.Who needs sleep?Oh be thankful for what you're gettingThere's a guy who's been awake since the second world war. (Barenaked Ladies).The Guppy is teething. Again. I feel like she's been teething since she was born. She is cranky, angry, and extremely clingy. Now, I know she is in pain. I get it. I have no problem holding her all day, nursing her, etc. But when she stops crying only if I hold her in a certain specific way, and only if I am holding her in that specific way while standing (as in, as soon as I try to walk or sit down she screams), then my nerves get a little rattled.Twice this week I've had to put her down and walk out of the room to save my sanity.She isn't sleeping, either. Last nig Read more:Needs
, Sleep
This is Labor Without Fear. 2008-01-21 06:58:00 I wish every pregnant woman out there could watch this video. I wish they could all realize that this is what labor has the potential to be like: without fear, without intervention. Just pure heart and soul.This woman is about to give birth to her ten pound son. She is having contractions while she is singing. Amazing.I found this video through another birthing blog, but for the life of me I can't remember which one. I haven't been sleeping much.
Delurking Week: Better Late Than Never 2008-01-21 06:51:00 I know I'm late with this, but I am insanely curious. Make me feel loved, people, and leave a comment! :o)p.s the great graphic is from here.
Prenatal Workshop 2008-01-21 06:42:00 My favorite part of being a Doula? Having the ability to reach out the community.Remember how I mentioned that a dear friend of mine and I were planning a prenatal workshop? Well, it's all set up. Now we just have to get women to sign up. So, feel free to spread the word ;o)Presenting the Buddhaful Movements for Pregnancy and Birth Workshop
Join us for a day of relaxation and movement!· Explore techniques for deep breathing and relaxation tailored towards pregnancy. · Experience yoga techniques proven to help you relax and relieve muscle soreness and common discomforts during your pregnancy.· Learn positions and movements to help make your labor a shorter and smoother process.No matter what type of birth you are planning, these techniques will help keep you relaxed, flexible, and toned
Unassisted Childbirth on Good Morning America 2008-01-14 07:09:00 Good MorningAmerica
recently did a story on Unassisted Childbirth
.You can read the article here. I'll keep my opinion of the "expert doctor" to myself, but I'm wondering what you think of his statement. The article also states:The baby could be born in a breach position, or with the umbilical cord wrapped around its neck. The mother could suffer from significant tearing or from a maternal hemorrhage and bleed to death in as little as five minutes. As for the baby being born in a breech position, the fact is that doctors nowadays are not really taught how to vaginally deliver breech babies. Only in certain situations is it not possible to vaginally deliver a breech baby. Many women give birth to breech babies at home, without any complications. As for having the cord wrapped around the bab Read more:Good Morning
, Good Morning America
Belly Dancing During Pregnancy 2008-01-14 06:50:00 Good Morning America recently did a great story on the benefits of belly dancing during pregnancy. I think belly dancing is a great way to stay fit while you are pregnant. Not only does it work the core muscles and prepare muscles that you will be using during labor, but it is fun! And like the article says, many of the dance moves can help to make labor a smoother and shorter process. The article states:According to one anthropologist, belly dancing actually originated as a ritual of childbirth as well as seduction.One doctor said the sway of belly dancing actually can aid during childbirth by helping to position the baby. You can watch the video for the story here.So, if you are carrying a belly bean, look into taking a local belly dancing class. Read more:Dancing
, Pregnancy
, Belly Dancing
Soundbites From Our Life 2008-01-12 06:51:00 My goal was to start posting to this blog more often, at least once a day. Unfortunately the Guppy has been teething like mad and a teething baby = a very clingy and cranky baby! I am still going to strive for posting once a day. I love this blog, getting all my thoughts and opinions written out in such a way is very therapeutic to me.So, quickly before the Guppy wakes up, some little soundbites from our life:~ I'm on week two of my diet. I'm doing a combo of Arbonne Figure 8 products and Weight Watchers. Last week I lost 3 lbs, my official weigh in is on Mondays. Woot woot!~ My dear and lovely Sister-in-law is getting married this spring. I am a bridesmaid and the Mermaid is going to be the flower girl! We're going to get her dress today and while I know she is going to be an adorable flo
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