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
A Heartfelt Cry for Help 2008-01-08 13:18:00 Most of you know that the Guppy was born at home, in a birthing tub in my living room.During my labor, the birthing tub and the water it held was a godsend. While in transition, sliding into the warm water, I felt relieved of much of the pressure and intensity of the contractions. It truly was Nature's Epidural.The water held me buoyant, helping my mind as well as my body float through each contraction and relax between pushes. After only thirty minutes of soft, gently pushing, the Guppy emerged softly and sweetly into the water and into our hearts. For me, choosing to give birth in the water was the best decision I ever made. I loved it. She is forever my water baby.During my pregnancy, there was one wonderful website that I kept referring to time and time again for some birth inspiration
Year of Action 2008-01-04 06:46:00 The year of 2007 was a great year for our family. The Knight and I call 2007 the "year of enlightenment." It was the year that we realized that life could be different, that we could live however we wanted, and the way that we wanted to live was with as much freedom as possible.Our first area of learning was in finances. We decided that the only thing between us and financial freedom was debt. After the Mermaid was born, we got into some serious credit card debt, on top of our student loans. We learned that getting out of this debt was the key to being able to set aside money for a savings, and to being able to afford a house on just one income. So, we went on the Dave Ramsey Total Money Makeover Plan. From March to December, we paid off about $12,000.00 worth of debt and saved up for a do Read more:Action
Holiday Cheer 2007-12-26 07:01:00 This past week has been a whirlwind of holiday cheer.We've been pretty busy shopping for gifts, wrapping gifts, and attending family holiday parties. I've been really careful to make sure that the Guppy nurses as much as she normally does. I definitely want to avoid the holiday wean.Christmas Eve is a big night in my family. We all gathered at my aunts to open our Secret Santa presents, eat a delicious meal, and play Yankee Swap. It was so nice to see everyone in the family, especially my cousin and his wife who live out of state.Christmas Day was wonderful. The Mermaid woke up incredibly excited to see what Santa brought her. The Guppy woke up a little overwhelmed. Santa spoiled both girls this year, but the big gift for both girls was a toy kitchen, complete with all the accessories. Bot Read more:Holiday
, Cheer
Birthing Goddess 2007-12-20 07:12:00 Tuesday night a dear friend of mine went into labor and I was honored to attend the birth. This was her second baby, and her first homebirth.I arrived and the midwives greeted me. They were so nice, so wise, and so in their element. My friend was a birthing goddess. She did so incredibly well during the labor and birth. She was not very vocal, instead she was very focused inwards on what her body was telling her.After a while she labored in the birthing tub and pushed her baby out in the tub as well. What a Goddess
she was, unaware of anything else except for what her body was doing to bring her baby into the world! The baby's arrival was met with smiles, joy, and laughter. A beautiful, healthy, baby boy!I was so honored to be able to participate in this event. The atmosphere was of pure s
Beware of the Holiday Weaning 2007-12-18 06:56:00 The holidays are an extremely busy, and at times, stressful time of year. Most people are running around shopping, cooking, baking, partying, and doing other holiday errands that must be done. For a nursing mom, this chaos can wreak havoc on her nursing schedule.Yup, one minute you are running to the mall, to the bank, to the holiday party, and the next you realize that your little nursling has not nursed all day. Or, at times, you even realize that your little one has weaned.Now, if you are ready to wean your child, the holiday season might be the best time to start. However, if you and your child are not ready to end the nursing relationship, then this accidental weaning can be heart wrenching.Nursing moms have to remember to take time to make sure that they are meeting the needs of thei Read more:Holiday
, Beware
Bisphenol A Found in Formula 2007-12-18 06:36:00 First in plastic baby bottles, now in formula. According to an article I read recently, bisphenol A is found in the lining of cans of liquid formula and often leaches into the formula itself. The article states:New research from a U.S. environmental group reveals the potentially carcinogenic chemical bisphenol A is in the lining of most cans of liquid baby formula and often leaches into the liquid at what they say are dangerous levels for babies."Because they eat so much relative to their small size, theirexposure is intense," said Sonya Lunder, lead researcher on bisphenol A for the Environmental Working Group, a research agency based in Washington. "We can't use endocrine-disrupting chemicals in a baby's first food. The formula companies need to take action."The response of the formula c Read more:Formula
Where in the World Have I Been? 2008-03-19 07:00:00 Well, it has been a while! This month has been crazy!The day after I wrote my last post my client went into labor. It was a long labor that resulted in an absolutely beautiful 9lb 15oz baby boy! They are such a wonderful family and I felt so honored to be present at the birth.I have one client who is due next week but I have a feeling she will be "early" (third baby, both prior babies were born "early").I've done another belly cast and I am looking into doing henna body art and Mother Blessing ceremonies. My SIL's wedding is coming up in three weeks (gulp) and I've been running around to prepare. I got my shoes ordered last night but I still have to get my dress hemmed and set up appointments for my hair, etc.The girls have been sick a little this month as well, which keep me busy all in i Read more:World
Easter Celebrations *Pic Heavy!* 2008-03-25 07:53:00 I hope everyone had a great Easter
/weekend! The girls had a lot of fun. We decorated our easter eggs Saturday night and sent the girls to bed. The Mermaid was soooo excited when she woke up in the morning and saw what the Easter bunny had left her! Ready to decorate eggs! The Mermaid's first egg, with Daddy's help The Guppy looks on patiently Okay, the Guppy's turn! All done coloring! Now it's sticker time! Drawing a picture for the Easter bunnyShe drew a bunny and then wrote her nameWe put out the picture with some carrots and water and we were all set! After our basket openings and easter egg hunt, we dressed the girls up and headed over to my IL's where we had dinner, then headed to my mother's where we had supper and dessert. I was stuffed! All in all, a great Easter.Holidays are so mu Read more:Celebrations
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April is Cesarean Awareness Month 2008-04-04 07:10:00 What is Cesarean AwarenessMonth
? An internationally recognized month of awareness about the impact of cesarean sections on mothers, babies, and families worldwide. It's about educating yourself to the pros and cons of major abdominal surgery and the possibilities for healthy birth afterwards as well as educating yourself for prevention of cesarean section.Cesarean awareness is for mothers who are expecting or who might choose to be in the future. It's for daughters who don't realize what choices are being taken away from them. It's for scientists studying the effects of cesareans and how birth impacts our lives. It's for grandmothers who won't be having more children but are questioning the abdominal pains and adhesions causing damage 30 years after their cesareans.CESAREANS are serious. Read more:April
Whirlwind 2008-04-04 06:55:00 This past weekend, I was able to go to the LLL Area Conference in Chelmsford, MA. I left the Mermaid at home but took the Guppy with me since I was staying overnight and she still wakes up to nurse.The conference was amazing! I learned to much from the session I took, and really, it was just so incredibly relaxing and amazing to be surrounded by mothers who share a similar parenting style. Slings were everywhere, breastfeeding in public was no problem, and everyone was just generally happy and positive towards each other. I also got a new ring sling that I absolutely love!I did attend one session with Dr. Sears about his new book "The Vaccine Book". I wasn't able to sit through the entire session because the Guppy started to get fussy, but what I heard gave me a lot to think about. I'm goi
How Do I Say No? 2008-04-10 07:14:00 I am finally going to admit it: I think I have taken on more than I can chew.These past couple of weeks I have been completely overwhelmed. Completely. Besides homeschooling and my Arbonne business, I've also:~ been working to get WomenAid up and running with the other ladies of the board.~ signed up for a CBE certification course and have started my reading and assignments~ have started the application process to be accredited for another position that I am not supposed to announce until I am actually accredited.~ have been really busy with my doula businessNot that I am complaining about any of these things. I love homeschooling and being a mom to my girls, I love being a part of WomenAid, love my Arbonne and Doula business, etc. But I think it is too much at once, I am stretching myself
Breastfeeding is Not a Crime! 2008-04-11 07:00:00 I've been forwarded this email several times through different groups and I think it is important to share. Get the word out! :o)Just a couple of months ago, a mother was kicked out of a museum in New York for breastfeeding, a perfectly legal act in that state. [1] Mothers continue to suffer discrimination and humiliation for breastfeeding, even though doctors recommend breastfeeding for all infants. Clearly we need Congress to pass the Breastfeeding Promotion Act (H.R. 3799) now--before more mothers are stigmatized and humiliated for breastfeeding. But this Act is currently stalled in Congress, and isn't going to move forward without increased citizen pressure. You can supply that pressure.CONTACT YOUR CONGRESSPERSONNOW: ng.org/CosponsorBreastfeedingAct(And forward this email to frien
Feeling Better.. 2008-04-11 06:50:00 Yesterday the weather was absolutely beautiful, so after the girls and I picked the Knight up from his work, we drove to a nearby trail and went for a family walk. The Guppy was on my back in the Mai Tei, and the Mermaid did pretty well walking on her own for that long.I think the walk was just what I needed. It was a great time for the Knight and I to reconnect, and for us to talk about my being overwhelmed together. The Knight feels I should cut back on some things, and we talked a lot about how hard it is for me to say No and to prioritize my time. Most of all, it was just nice to walk in the sun, holding his hand and having a conversation with him.After we got home we played a little more outside with the girls. Then the Knight made dinner and then ordered me to bed. I put up a little Read more:Feeling
Update on the girls *pic heavy* 2008-04-15 06:58:00 I thought I would just post a little update on the girls....The Mermaid is doing so incredibly well with schooling. She now participates in almost everything at her homeschooling group, and I am so glad I hung in there and did not quit the group when we were experiencing week after week of her running around and not participating.Lately we've been learning about the moon, about ducks, and about the weather. The Mermaid is LOVES rainbows and gets so excited when she sees one!She made a rain gauge in her homeschooling groupand loves to see how much rainfall we get. The Mermaid also LOVES doing puzzles. She is up to a 24 piece puzzle but it bores her and she finishes it within five minutes.What really amazes me is that she can write her own name now, without help. The other day I gave her som Read more:Update
And she actually walked down the aisle!! 2008-04-15 06:19:00 These are pictures from my lovely SIL's wedding two weeks ago. I know I am biased, but isn't the Mermaid the cutest flower girl you have ever seen? She did so well too, she walked and didn't run down the aisle
! She kept telling me she was a princess! Her hair took FOREVER to curl! The flower girl and the beautiful bride The Guppy with the bride Both my beautiful angels.The funniest part happened right after she and the bride had finished walking up the aisle. The music had stopped and the minister hadn't started speaking yet, so it was eerily quiet. All of a sudden, everyone heard the Mermaid's voice ring out, "Nana, I like your shoes!" Too funny!
More Updates! 2008-04-21 07:57:00 The past few days have been absolutely gorgeous out, so we've been spending a lot of time outside. I thought that going outside would encourage the Guppy to walk more, but apparently she is happy crawling through the grass. The Mermaid has also been doing more writing besides her name. The other day she wanted to draw a picture of the Knight and when she finished she asked me how to spell Daddy. I wrote it out for her in the corner and she wrote it herself perfectly, at the top of the paper.In other news.....The Mermaid has finally started to use the potty!!!!! I'm so thrilled. Thursday afternoon, I watched as the Mermaid changed her own diaper. That was kind of the kicker for me; obviously if she can change her own diaper, she's ready to use the potty. She has been ready for a while, she
Crazy Sexy Cancer Trailer 2008-04-30 08:30:00 I really want to see this. With cancer rampant in both the Knight's family and my family, cancer is a concern for us. Let me know your thoughts on this trailer. Read more:Crazy
, Cancer
, Trailer
Choosy Moms Choose Cesareans?!? 2008-04-30 08:18:00 April is Cesearean Awareness Month. So, of course, this article appeared, Choosy Moms Choose Cesarean. From the article:Some of the rise in C-sections can certainly be attributed to women with routine pregnancies, like Chung, who make a pragmatic decision to keep their deliveries just as uneventful. Preliminary data suggest that such cases account for anywhere from 4% to 18% of the total number of caesareans. On the medical side, better anesthesia and antibiotics are making the procedure safer. Add to that the growing number of women delaying childbirth, those having twins or triplets as a result of in vitro fertilization and America's exploding obesity epidemic--all of which increase the risks of vaginal delivery. Doctors are alsobecoming better at picking up the slightest signs of distre
Gaining Confidence! 2008-04-30 08:13:00 Just some pictures of the girls. The Mermaid is getting so creative with her blocks, I love seeing what structures her imaginations dreams up! The Guppy is getting more confident with her walking as well, and I can't get over how much older she looks when she is walking! Read more:Gaining
, Confidence
Update on WomenAid 2008-05-02 08:06:00 Here is a little information about an event we are doing tomorrow to raise funds for WomenAid. If you wish to make a donation, please email me at roxanne600@aol.com with WomenAid in the subject line. We are seeking to raise funds to pay the fee for filing the proper paperwork and to get the word out about our organization.Here's the information about the event:Help a Family in Need!Help Raise Funds for Blackstone Valley WomenAid!Saturday May 3rd9am to 1pm5-mile course295 Visitors Center, Lincoln RIWellness Walk-A-ThonA Journey of Discovery along the Blackstone River BikewayBlackstone River Valley Corridor KeepersSponsored by Whole Foods MarketHonorary Co-Chair Senator Jack Reed (D-RI)Did you know that low income children's overall health, education, and family structure in Massachusetts is Read more:Update
Finding a Caregiver for Your Pregnancy, Labor, and Birth 2008-05-08 07:57:00 Finding a caregiver who shares a similar philosophy surrounding labor and birth is key in achieving your goals. While choosing the right caregiver can be a timely process, in the end it will be worth it to find a caregiver who is supportive of your choices. The following are questions you may want to consider asking your caregiver to help you decide if he or she will be best suited to care for you.Click here to read more... Read more:Pregnancy
Review: Mothering the New Mother 2008-05-08 07:54:00 Becoming a mother is a truly powerful and transforming event. A woman's pregnancy is filled with hopeful expectations, knowledge, and preparation for the birth. With all the attention and excitement focused on the upcoming birth and arrival of the baby, often times the importance of preparing for the postpartum period is overlooked. Placksin's book, "Mothering
the New Mother: Women's Feelings and Needs After Childbirth" is an incredible resource for every family expecting a baby. Filled with information, advice, and resources, it truly is a valuable guide for all expectant parents.Click here to read more.....
Off To The Circus We (Don't?) Go! 2008-05-08 05:45:00 The Barnum and Bailey Circus
was in town this weekend. My dear FIL was given four free tickets to go, and he gave them to us.Now, I really didn't want to go. I do have serious issues with the way B&B circus treats their elephants and other animals. I had always planned on taking the girls to see an animal-free circus.However, the Knight really, really wanted to take them. We ended up getting into a little argument about it. But, I realized that it was a stupid thing to argue about. Here is this wonderful man, who supports me in every way possible, who cringed when I said, "I think we should use cloth diapers" but went along with it because he knew it was important to me. Who looked at me like I was crazy when I said, "I want a homebirth. Do you think a birthing tub would fit into the l
I Can Twitch Like Michael Jackson! 2008-05-08 05:30:00 Saturday night we attended my uncle's surprise birthday party. The theme of the party was death, grim reaper, etc. (Yes, my family has a weird and crazy sense of humor, but I have the same humour, so I think it's funny). My mother got this crazy idea that she and all the "kids" should do the dance from MichaelJackson
's Thriller video. The Knight and I took the girls to my mother's house straight from the walk to learn the dance. Then my mother dressed herself up as the grim reapers and the Knight and my sister up as zombies? ghouls? Not sure exactly what, but something freaky.The Knight, My Mother, and My Sister Even the Mermaid got a little face paint.The dance went great and was hilarious. Soon after, the Mermaid completely conked out and we made a bed of chairs for her to sleep on. Nor
WomenAid Walk-a-thon a Success! 2008-05-08 05:21:00 Saturday morning the weather was really cloudy and we did get a little sprinkling, but nothing bad at all. Still great weather for the walk-a-thon. It was a success, we raised $400.00; not bad, considering that we only had two weeks to raise pledges. I want to thank everyone who helped us by donating. We now have more than enough to file our paperwork get our initial funding going. Here are some pictures from the walk; it really was a good time. We talked a lot about our lives, our kids, etc. They had a lot of booths set up along the trail and we got some great information on how they are working to clean up the Blackstone Valley River. We also got to help release fish into the river; they are trying to repopulate it with trout.The Knight and I had brought along the wagon for the girls to Read more:Success
Mother's Day Celebrations 2008-05-14 07:24:00 I hope everyone had a fabulous Mother's Day weekend. The Knight and the girls cleaned up the house for me and I didn't have to change one single diaper all day. Then we went to the mall where I picked out some jewelry, yay! Not a bad day at all....My bleary-eyed angels, waking me up for Mother's Day breakfastReady for the dayRiding at the mall. Read more:Celebrations
Queen of Lazy Parenting 2008-05-20 07:15:00 Yesterday I got hit with an awful migraine.When this happens, I usually only do the bare minimum when it comes to parenting: as in, as long as they aren't doing anything dangerous, I don't care. When it finally went away, I discovered what the Guppy had been up to: Read more:Queen
, Parenting
Update on WomenAid 2008-05-25 07:51:00 Our WomenAid website is finally up and running, so go ahead and check it out. We still have a few more kinks to work out, but it is basically finished.Stay tuned for more updates on fundraising and raising awareness! Read more:Update
Hopscotch: Everyday Learning Tool 2008-05-25 07:25:00 Hopscotch is a great learning tool for the girls. It reinforces counting both forwards and backwards, order and sequence, drawing, writing numbers, and "building" with blocks. It also gets them into physical activity. Plus, and most importantly, it's FUN!The Guppy had fun drawing as well. Lately she has been insisting on wearing dresses, and since I'm behind in laundry, she's wearing one of the Me Read more:Learning
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