To Cover or NOT to Cover.....that's the question
Recently I wrote to Micky and http://mochamilk.blogspot.com/ and told her that I loved her blog and her mission to help spread the news to mothers about breastfeeding awarness and support. You see, Micky is especially concerned with educating and helping in the breastfeeding movement in the African-American communities. I really feel the same about my own hispanic community here in San Diego and all over.
Minority women all over our country are in the low numbers when it comes to breastfeeding. This to me just sounds so backwords. If breastfeeding gives better health to mommy and baby, costs absolutely nothing, helps our environment and is just really convenient then why is this so? I believe this is and will continue to be researched and with the knowlege we will be able to tackle the challenges. Until then I'm with Micky on wanting to help women with this subject and making it my mission to help spread the word on this wonderful gift we can give our children.
Micky was wonderful to mention my nursing cover on her blog and discussed her mixed emotions on the subject of covering while breastfeeding. If you have read my blog before then you'll read a repetition of my words that I really believe that this has to be the choice of the mother. We are all so very different. We have been raised differently with different religious backgrounds, different cultures, and experiences that have shaped us as well. I know this because I was one of those nursing mamas that needed to be covered while nursing. I can not blame it on just one thing for the reason that I need to cover while nursing. I can only say that I am one that just feels the need to be modest while doing so.
For women that may feel the need to argue or acuse a woman like myself that I am ashamed of myself or my body I can only say that I don't feel ashamed of my body or myself. I really feel okay with my decision to be modest and I also respect those that choose to not use a cover while nursing. It never has been an issue for me that I choose to cover while nursing, it only became one once I ventured out with my business and discovered so many diverse opinions and strong feelings on the subject. I feel that we need to stop the groups we women place ourselves in and just suport one another. The subject of breastfeeding needs support no matter which way a woman chooses to do it, afterall it's about the baby eating and that need to remain the focus.
Evie
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Merry Christmas to all you busy Mommies
Here's a really cute and honest letter to Santa. Believe me, this is what I've been feeling lately. Have fun reading.
Evie
Dear Santa,
I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned and cuddled my children on demand, visited their doctor's office more than my doctor, sold sixty-two cases of candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school playground. I was hoping you could spread my list out over several Christmases, since I had to write this letter with my son's red crayon, on the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles, and who knows when I'll find anymore free time in the next 18 years.
Here are my Christmas wishes:
I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache (in any color, except purple, which I already have) and arms that don't hurt or flap in the breeze; but are strong enough to pull my screaming child out of the candy aisle in the grocery store.
I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh month of my last pregnancy.
If you're hauling big ticket items this year I'd like fingerprint resistant windows and a radio that only plays adult music; a television that doesn't broadcast any programs containing talking animals; and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone.
On the practical side, I could use a talking doll that says, "Yes, Mommy" to boost my parental confidence, along with two kids who don't fight and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools.
I could also use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting "Don't eat in the living room" and "Take your hands off your brother," because my voice seems to be just out of my children's hearing range and can only be heard by the dog.
If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury of eating food warmer than room temperature without it being served in a Styrofoam container.
If you don't mind, I could also use a few Christmas miracles to brighten the holiday season. Would it be too much trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable? It will clear my conscience immensely. It would be helpful if you could coerce my children to help around the house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime family.
Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is ringing and my son saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think he wants his crayon back. Have a safe trip and remember to leave your wet boots by the door and come in and dry off so you don't catch cold. Help yourself to cookies on the table but don't eat too many or leave crumbs on the carpet.
Yours Always,
MOM
P.S. One more thing...you can cancel all my requests if you can keep my children young enough to believe in Santa.
*Santa has asked that this gets passed on to all the mommies you know.
Here's a really cute and honest letter to Santa. Believe me, this is what I've been feeling lately. Have fun reading.
Evie
Dear Santa,
I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned and cuddled my children on demand, visited their doctor's office more than my doctor, sold sixty-two cases of candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school playground. I was hoping you could spread my list out over several Christmases, since I had to write this letter with my son's red crayon, on the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles, and who knows when I'll find anymore free time in the next 18 years.
Here are my Christmas wishes:
I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache (in any color, except purple, which I already have) and arms that don't hurt or flap in the breeze; but are strong enough to pull my screaming child out of the candy aisle in the grocery store.
I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh month of my last pregnancy.
If you're hauling big ticket items this year I'd like fingerprint resistant windows and a radio that only plays adult music; a television that doesn't broadcast any programs containing talking animals; and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone.
On the practical side, I could use a talking doll that says, "Yes, Mommy" to boost my parental confidence, along with two kids who don't fight and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools.
I could also use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting "Don't eat in the living room" and "Take your hands off your brother," because my voice seems to be just out of my children's hearing range and can only be heard by the dog.
If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury of eating food warmer than room temperature without it being served in a Styrofoam container.
If you don't mind, I could also use a few Christmas miracles to brighten the holiday season. Would it be too much trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable? It will clear my conscience immensely. It would be helpful if you could coerce my children to help around the house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime family.
Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is ringing and my son saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think he wants his crayon back. Have a safe trip and remember to leave your wet boots by the door and come in and dry off so you don't catch cold. Help yourself to cookies on the table but don't eat too many or leave crumbs on the carpet.
Yours Always,
MOM
P.S. One more thing...you can cancel all my requests if you can keep my children young enough to believe in Santa.
*Santa has asked that this gets passed on to all the mommies you know.
Monday, December 18, 2006
To all Mommies
Some days I have to admit that I get a bit frustrated with the fact that I repeat so many things over and over again. For instance, picking up clothes off the floor, emptying the trash cans, cooking and cleaning the kitchen and not to mention going after my three precious little ones trying to teach them all about cleaning up after themselves, after all I'm raising three individuals I hope one day will be productive, independent and self reliant. This can really get to me and there are days I wish I sat in a office and worked using a degree making a great income BUT then I realize that I can and will have that some day and that this is all temporary.
When I received this email today, I have to admit that I teared up and really wanted to share it with everyone. I've been there before feeling really disrespected and also disrespecting my own role. Weather you've stayed at home raising children, are a part time or full time mother we have all been faced with the role of a stay at home motherhood and have wanted it and could not financially afford it. It's a constant debate but much respected job in my eyes. Hope you like it and please pass it on when you can.
A woman, renewing her driver's license at the CountyClerk's office
was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation.
She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.
"What I mean is," explained the recorder,
"do you have a job or are you just a......?"
"Of course I have a job," snapped the woman.
"I'm a Mom."
"We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation, 'housewife' covers it,"
said the recorder emphatically.
I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the
same situation, this time at our own Town Hall.
The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised,
efficient and possessed of a high sounding title like,
"Official Interrogator" or "Town Registrar."
"What is your occupation?" she probed.
What made me say it?
I do not know.
The words simply popped out.
"I'm a Research Associate in the field of
Child Development and Human Relations."
The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and
looked up as though she had not heard right.
I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words. ;
Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written,
in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.
"Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest,
"just what you do in your field?"
Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice,
I heard myself reply,
"I have a continuing program of research,
[what mother doesn't)
in the laboratory and in the field,
(normally I would have said indoors and out).
I'm working for my Masters, (the whole darned family)
and already have four credits (all daughters).
Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities,
(any mother care to d isagree?)
and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it).
But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money."
There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she
completed the form, stood up and personally ushered me to the door.
As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career,
I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3.
Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model,
(a 6 month old baby) in the child development program,
testing out a new vocal pattern.
I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy!
And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than
"just another Mom." Motherhood!
What a glorious career!
Especially when there's a title on the door.
Evie
Some days I have to admit that I get a bit frustrated with the fact that I repeat so many things over and over again. For instance, picking up clothes off the floor, emptying the trash cans, cooking and cleaning the kitchen and not to mention going after my three precious little ones trying to teach them all about cleaning up after themselves, after all I'm raising three individuals I hope one day will be productive, independent and self reliant. This can really get to me and there are days I wish I sat in a office and worked using a degree making a great income BUT then I realize that I can and will have that some day and that this is all temporary.
When I received this email today, I have to admit that I teared up and really wanted to share it with everyone. I've been there before feeling really disrespected and also disrespecting my own role. Weather you've stayed at home raising children, are a part time or full time mother we have all been faced with the role of a stay at home motherhood and have wanted it and could not financially afford it. It's a constant debate but much respected job in my eyes. Hope you like it and please pass it on when you can.
A woman, renewing her driver's license at the CountyClerk's office
was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation.
She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.
"What I mean is," explained the recorder,
"do you have a job or are you just a......?"
"Of course I have a job," snapped the woman.
"I'm a Mom."
"We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation, 'housewife' covers it,"
said the recorder emphatically.
I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the
same situation, this time at our own Town Hall.
The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised,
efficient and possessed of a high sounding title like,
"Official Interrogator" or "Town Registrar."
"What is your occupation?" she probed.
What made me say it?
I do not know.
The words simply popped out.
"I'm a Research Associate in the field of
Child Development and Human Relations."
The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and
looked up as though she had not heard right.
I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words. ;
Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written,
in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.
"Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest,
"just what you do in your field?"
Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice,
I heard myself reply,
"I have a continuing program of research,
[what mother doesn't)
in the laboratory and in the field,
(normally I would have said indoors and out).
I'm working for my Masters, (the whole darned family)
and already have four credits (all daughters).
Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities,
(any mother care to d isagree?)
and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it).
But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money."
There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she
completed the form, stood up and personally ushered me to the door.
As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career,
I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3.
Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model,
(a 6 month old baby) in the child development program,
testing out a new vocal pattern.
I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy!
And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than
"just another Mom." Motherhood!
What a glorious career!
Especially when there's a title on the door.
Evie
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
EPIDURALS
I was sent a email the other day from my sister on epidurals being linked to breastfeeding difficulties. It's amazing how fast news travels because by today it's everywhere. Well, I personally gave birth to my three children MOSTLY medication free. My first baby was a 17 hour laboring experience as most first babies are. Once the pain set in my husband and I were very adamant that we were not going to take medication until we started getting tired. I did have a lot of pressure to take medication from the nurses where I delivered and after a uncomfortable confrontation between a nurse fighting for women's rights (she really wanted me to get the epidural) and my poor husband trying to follow through with my orders we buckled and had 2 shots of Demerol. The first shot really took the edge off the pain and allowed me to relax mentally, the second shot was all in my head. I felt light headed while experiencing a horrible contraction. After the second shot I refused anymore medication. I labored a while longer and then pushed out my beautiful baby girl. I was so concerned that she was pretty doped up although she passed all tests fine. The one thing I can say though was her want to sleep and my difficulty keeping her awake to nurse. The whole first week was crying and sleeping, crying and sleeping and then my breasts were on fire from engorgement and inconsistent feedings. I can say that the experience was completely different with the next two medication free babies. These next two came out ready to eat a full course meal. They were very alert and always ready to eat after napping a bit.
This is what is stated in the research conducted in Australia on 1300 women stated at News Target.com. Strong evidence indicates that the component Fentanyl in epidurals may be associated with sleepy infants which makes it difficult to establish breastfeeding. My pediatrician had her directions ready when I told her my first born was falling asleep at the breast, she simply said to undress her and take a cold washcloth to her head if she persisted to sleep. Yeah, that did the trick plus pissed off my infant leading to horrible crying spats. It was so hard...... can you tell?
One thing that helped me succeed at breastfeeding was a support team to answer my questions and help me along the first transitioning months. I also changed the location of giving birth! Lastly, I read up on natural chidbirthing, took private classes and successfully gave birth tow my next two children med. free. This was just the way I wanted to do it and I don't want to put down others for choosing medication because we all deal with pain differently. The good thing about this research is that it does stress the issue that more support is needed after childbirth, more classes, resources, private in home lactation consultations, and also gives the mother that knows she will choose the epidural during labor the knowledge that her breastfeeding experience may be difficult and to set up her support system and breastfeeding plan prior to childbirth.
Research and knowledge is great!
Evie
I was sent a email the other day from my sister on epidurals being linked to breastfeeding difficulties. It's amazing how fast news travels because by today it's everywhere. Well, I personally gave birth to my three children MOSTLY medication free. My first baby was a 17 hour laboring experience as most first babies are. Once the pain set in my husband and I were very adamant that we were not going to take medication until we started getting tired. I did have a lot of pressure to take medication from the nurses where I delivered and after a uncomfortable confrontation between a nurse fighting for women's rights (she really wanted me to get the epidural) and my poor husband trying to follow through with my orders we buckled and had 2 shots of Demerol. The first shot really took the edge off the pain and allowed me to relax mentally, the second shot was all in my head. I felt light headed while experiencing a horrible contraction. After the second shot I refused anymore medication. I labored a while longer and then pushed out my beautiful baby girl. I was so concerned that she was pretty doped up although she passed all tests fine. The one thing I can say though was her want to sleep and my difficulty keeping her awake to nurse. The whole first week was crying and sleeping, crying and sleeping and then my breasts were on fire from engorgement and inconsistent feedings. I can say that the experience was completely different with the next two medication free babies. These next two came out ready to eat a full course meal. They were very alert and always ready to eat after napping a bit.
This is what is stated in the research conducted in Australia on 1300 women stated at News Target.com. Strong evidence indicates that the component Fentanyl in epidurals may be associated with sleepy infants which makes it difficult to establish breastfeeding. My pediatrician had her directions ready when I told her my first born was falling asleep at the breast, she simply said to undress her and take a cold washcloth to her head if she persisted to sleep. Yeah, that did the trick plus pissed off my infant leading to horrible crying spats. It was so hard...... can you tell?
One thing that helped me succeed at breastfeeding was a support team to answer my questions and help me along the first transitioning months. I also changed the location of giving birth! Lastly, I read up on natural chidbirthing, took private classes and successfully gave birth tow my next two children med. free. This was just the way I wanted to do it and I don't want to put down others for choosing medication because we all deal with pain differently. The good thing about this research is that it does stress the issue that more support is needed after childbirth, more classes, resources, private in home lactation consultations, and also gives the mother that knows she will choose the epidural during labor the knowledge that her breastfeeding experience may be difficult and to set up her support system and breastfeeding plan prior to childbirth.
Research and knowledge is great!
Evie
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Dripping Wet
I am so envious of women that drip wet with breastmilk! Although I am now past my breastfeeding days with my DS I really envy women that give birth and then have to pump because they are loaded with this great stuff! I mean MAN did I try every trick in the book to get my supply up but nothing worked plus the tea was gross.
I need to create a better tea.
So when reading about milk donation I just really have to say that it is such a great thing these women do for babies. If I was loaded I'd probably share too. I wish I could have but I seriously think I have just the right amount of milk producing machinery for one child at a time, at one feeding at a time and that's it! With my first born I couldn't even pump out 1 ounce until 4 months. I really had to rush home from school when she was on a every hour schedule. It was tough. Then baby #2 came and I pumped 2 ounces at maybe 3 months and my husband and my eyeballs were bulging out of our heads in disbelief. It was a celebrated proud moment...it meant we could go out on a date! Same scenario with baby #3. So it makes me wonder if there's something wrong with my chee-chees. :-( Well I know they work but not enough.
Well, back to the subject, you need to check out Human Milk Banking Association of America and educate yourself on the topic. Your milk could save a life yet alone nourish so many babies. Right now if you visit The Lactavist Blog and purchase a tee, she (Jennifer) will donate proceeds to the HMBNA helping in their mission to provide human breastmilk to hospitals in the United States and Canada.
Check it out and learn what it's all about!
Evie
I am so envious of women that drip wet with breastmilk! Although I am now past my breastfeeding days with my DS I really envy women that give birth and then have to pump because they are loaded with this great stuff! I mean MAN did I try every trick in the book to get my supply up but nothing worked plus the tea was gross.
I need to create a better tea.
So when reading about milk donation I just really have to say that it is such a great thing these women do for babies. If I was loaded I'd probably share too. I wish I could have but I seriously think I have just the right amount of milk producing machinery for one child at a time, at one feeding at a time and that's it! With my first born I couldn't even pump out 1 ounce until 4 months. I really had to rush home from school when she was on a every hour schedule. It was tough. Then baby #2 came and I pumped 2 ounces at maybe 3 months and my husband and my eyeballs were bulging out of our heads in disbelief. It was a celebrated proud moment...it meant we could go out on a date! Same scenario with baby #3. So it makes me wonder if there's something wrong with my chee-chees. :-( Well I know they work but not enough.
Well, back to the subject, you need to check out Human Milk Banking Association of America and educate yourself on the topic. Your milk could save a life yet alone nourish so many babies. Right now if you visit The Lactavist Blog and purchase a tee, she (Jennifer) will donate proceeds to the HMBNA helping in their mission to provide human breastmilk to hospitals in the United States and Canada.
Check it out and learn what it's all about!
Evie
BREASTMILK to the Rescue
Reading this story fromABC NEWS made me so happy that a mother was able to nourish her children while trying to survive. Please check it out and also pray for the family while they await the safe return of their daddy/husband.
UPDATE: I am so sad to report that a search crew did find James Kim's body today, two days after his family was rescued. The family was on vacation for the Thanksgiving holiday and had decided to take a senic route on their way home back to San Francisco. Once reaching high elevation it bagan to snow. The couple decided to turn around and wanted to rest two miles back down the road. When they woke up the car had been snowed in and they could no longer leave the mountain. Days into being stranded and after running out of food, James Kim left his family to find help. His wife Kati did state that her husband James was a bit weak when he left on foot to find them help. You can read more at ABC News.com.
Reading this story fromABC NEWS made me so happy that a mother was able to nourish her children while trying to survive. Please check it out and also pray for the family while they await the safe return of their daddy/husband.
UPDATE: I am so sad to report that a search crew did find James Kim's body today, two days after his family was rescued. The family was on vacation for the Thanksgiving holiday and had decided to take a senic route on their way home back to San Francisco. Once reaching high elevation it bagan to snow. The couple decided to turn around and wanted to rest two miles back down the road. When they woke up the car had been snowed in and they could no longer leave the mountain. Days into being stranded and after running out of food, James Kim left his family to find help. His wife Kati did state that her husband James was a bit weak when he left on foot to find them help. You can read more at ABC News.com.
The Best Gift for a new Mommy
If you're thinking of what to get a mother for her baby shower or if you want to gift a new mommy here's something I received that benefited not only me but my whole family! FOOD!
When I was given my second baby shower my sister put a meal sign up list together and had it passed around. The women were so happy to sign up and bring me a weeks worth of meals once the baby arrived! This gift was so nice as it gave my family and I time together to just enjoy our new little addition. It also gave the person that gifted us with our meal a chance to visit and enjoy the new baby.
There are so many ways to gift a mommy with this idea. Simply by making up a meal coupon and placing it with her baby shower gift. Let her know that you will make a meal for her once the baby has arrived and to notify you of that special date. I have also had neighbors come to our door and place a meal with a note there for us. Online boutiques also have roasts and meals they will deliver to the new family, so have fun online shopping without having to leave your home.
So if you're thinking of a gift idea, FOOD is such a sweet and wonderful gift.
PS Make sure to let the family know what is in the food-the new mommy may have a baby that has a sensitive tummy :) Breastfeeding mommies can experience this temporary challege while nursing a colic baby.
EVIE
If you're thinking of what to get a mother for her baby shower or if you want to gift a new mommy here's something I received that benefited not only me but my whole family! FOOD!
When I was given my second baby shower my sister put a meal sign up list together and had it passed around. The women were so happy to sign up and bring me a weeks worth of meals once the baby arrived! This gift was so nice as it gave my family and I time together to just enjoy our new little addition. It also gave the person that gifted us with our meal a chance to visit and enjoy the new baby.
There are so many ways to gift a mommy with this idea. Simply by making up a meal coupon and placing it with her baby shower gift. Let her know that you will make a meal for her once the baby has arrived and to notify you of that special date. I have also had neighbors come to our door and place a meal with a note there for us. Online boutiques also have roasts and meals they will deliver to the new family, so have fun online shopping without having to leave your home.
So if you're thinking of a gift idea, FOOD is such a sweet and wonderful gift.
PS Make sure to let the family know what is in the food-the new mommy may have a baby that has a sensitive tummy :) Breastfeeding mommies can experience this temporary challege while nursing a colic baby.
EVIE
Monday, November 27, 2006
Shame on Delta Airlines!
On October 13th, 2006 Emily Gillette was on board a 3 hour delayed New York bound Freedom Airline plane in Burlington, Vermont. While waiting on the plane her 1 year old baby wanted to nurse and so naturally Emily breastfed her baby discretely in her seat. Emily was then approached by a flight attendant who handed her a blanket and asked her to cover up while nursing. Emily rejected the blanket and later was removed from the plane along with her husband and child. WHAT????????
What year do we live in? How is it possible for people to be so wrong? I have made a cover up for women who CHOOSE to nurse modestly in public and I believe it has and will help women who need to nurse in this manner BUT I am a 100% breastfeeding advocate and support women to nurse anyway she choose to-ANYTIME and ANYWHERE!!!! There were times I forgot my Nursing Curtain at home or in the car and I would have been outraged if someone would have rejected me service or kicked me out anywhere.
Delta Airlines needs to do something about this horrible event. Although they did choose to later discipline the unknown (unidentified) flight attendant, it's still not enough. They need to correct this bad,wrong, uneducated, mistake this attendant made. Apologize-YES! Give the Gillete family round trip airline travel-YES! Let the public know that DELTA AIRLINES is going to educate its employees on what they can and can not do-YES! All of the above and more. PLUS keep up on the laws! In the state of Vermont it is a woman's legal right to nurse anywhere she may need at anytime! Yes, that means this attendant broke the law!
So, what effects has this event had on communities in the U.S? Many women have organized nurse outs in airlines near Delta ticket booths all over the nation to show their support to Emily Gillette and for the cause. Although I support both sides (women that choose to nurse covered or uncovered)I really am thankful for these women as they fight for ALL nursing women everywhere.
Too all nursing mommies especially those that have and will stand up for our rights!
Evie
Update: For more details on this story go to MSNBC.com
On October 13th, 2006 Emily Gillette was on board a 3 hour delayed New York bound Freedom Airline plane in Burlington, Vermont. While waiting on the plane her 1 year old baby wanted to nurse and so naturally Emily breastfed her baby discretely in her seat. Emily was then approached by a flight attendant who handed her a blanket and asked her to cover up while nursing. Emily rejected the blanket and later was removed from the plane along with her husband and child. WHAT????????
What year do we live in? How is it possible for people to be so wrong? I have made a cover up for women who CHOOSE to nurse modestly in public and I believe it has and will help women who need to nurse in this manner BUT I am a 100% breastfeeding advocate and support women to nurse anyway she choose to-ANYTIME and ANYWHERE!!!! There were times I forgot my Nursing Curtain at home or in the car and I would have been outraged if someone would have rejected me service or kicked me out anywhere.
Delta Airlines needs to do something about this horrible event. Although they did choose to later discipline the unknown (unidentified) flight attendant, it's still not enough. They need to correct this bad,wrong, uneducated, mistake this attendant made. Apologize-YES! Give the Gillete family round trip airline travel-YES! Let the public know that DELTA AIRLINES is going to educate its employees on what they can and can not do-YES! All of the above and more. PLUS keep up on the laws! In the state of Vermont it is a woman's legal right to nurse anywhere she may need at anytime! Yes, that means this attendant broke the law!
So, what effects has this event had on communities in the U.S? Many women have organized nurse outs in airlines near Delta ticket booths all over the nation to show their support to Emily Gillette and for the cause. Although I support both sides (women that choose to nurse covered or uncovered)I really am thankful for these women as they fight for ALL nursing women everywhere.
Too all nursing mommies especially those that have and will stand up for our rights!
Evie
Update: For more details on this story go to MSNBC.com
Happy Holidays!
Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and weekend. I cooked a Turkey for my family, something I don't usually do but I did pretty good this Thanksgiving if I do say so myself. Everyone contributed to the feast and it turned out very nice. The following day, "Black Friday" I decided not to shop and to take a long drive to visit Julian, a really cute town located in the San Diego county mountains. BIG MISTAKE! Everyone who was ditching "Black Friday" was there. You couldn't find parking and forget even strolling along the sidewalks, there was no room! After several attempts to eat lunch without waiting 45 minutes to an hour we decided we would just have some Julian apple pie and then go. The place was very crowded! We also had eight children between myself and my sister so this was challenging BUT apple pie in the park did the trick.
The best thing was the crisp 52 degree air and the feeling of fall. Christmas's approach was very evident everywhere you turned. Red ribbons, lights and even dressed up horse carriages were all around us and the sign of first snow felt close by. Unfortunately in San Diego we have one season and that's 75 degrees all the time. If it gets down to 65 degrees we swear we're going to die of the cold and when it's 90 degrees we think we're going to dehydrate and faint. Happy medium San Diego is what we mostly have. I can get pretty sick of tees and sandals so the cold weather was very inviting.
So the Holiday season is here and the upcoming weeks will be filled with baking and gifting and we can't forget the ugly part-SHOPPING. Don't get me wrong, shopping can be fabulous until you can't find that special, unique gift OH and not to mention when you forget what the season is all about. For me and my family it's JESUS.
So whatever the season holds for you and yours take it slow and remember what it's all about!
Happy Holidays to you.
Evie
Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and weekend. I cooked a Turkey for my family, something I don't usually do but I did pretty good this Thanksgiving if I do say so myself. Everyone contributed to the feast and it turned out very nice. The following day, "Black Friday" I decided not to shop and to take a long drive to visit Julian, a really cute town located in the San Diego county mountains. BIG MISTAKE! Everyone who was ditching "Black Friday" was there. You couldn't find parking and forget even strolling along the sidewalks, there was no room! After several attempts to eat lunch without waiting 45 minutes to an hour we decided we would just have some Julian apple pie and then go. The place was very crowded! We also had eight children between myself and my sister so this was challenging BUT apple pie in the park did the trick.
The best thing was the crisp 52 degree air and the feeling of fall. Christmas's approach was very evident everywhere you turned. Red ribbons, lights and even dressed up horse carriages were all around us and the sign of first snow felt close by. Unfortunately in San Diego we have one season and that's 75 degrees all the time. If it gets down to 65 degrees we swear we're going to die of the cold and when it's 90 degrees we think we're going to dehydrate and faint. Happy medium San Diego is what we mostly have. I can get pretty sick of tees and sandals so the cold weather was very inviting.
So the Holiday season is here and the upcoming weeks will be filled with baking and gifting and we can't forget the ugly part-SHOPPING. Don't get me wrong, shopping can be fabulous until you can't find that special, unique gift OH and not to mention when you forget what the season is all about. For me and my family it's JESUS.
So whatever the season holds for you and yours take it slow and remember what it's all about!
Happy Holidays to you.
Evie
Monday, November 13, 2006
Toddler Size Tees!
Check out Mommy's Little Monkey to order your "Little monkey" a cute Tee from Mommy's Little Monkey. We now have short and long sleeve tees in toddler sizes!
What about Thanksgiving?!!!!
So this year Halloween came by as expected. I felt it was here right on time. I had been wanting the weather to change from warm summer days to cool crisp breeses and the leaves to start falling off the trees. This to me is the grand opening to fall! So what did I get? Hot weather and teasing orange leaves stuck to tree branches.
And what about every holiday? Just when Halloween ended the stores filled up with christmas stuff and everyone forgot about Thanksgiving! What about Thanksgiving!!!! The grand opening to fall is kicked off with Halloween, baking and candy then the roasting of turkeys and pot roasts celebrating thanksgiving. Next week, November 23rd is Thanksgiving and I want it to come and last. I want to give thanks for several things in my life. I want to reflect and enjoy every moment and then to take in every pasing day with my children to celebrate the Christmas season. Can we please slow down and enjoy Thanksgiving first though?
To all of you who want to slow down and enjoy Thanksgiving first, Cheers!!!!!
Evie
So this year Halloween came by as expected. I felt it was here right on time. I had been wanting the weather to change from warm summer days to cool crisp breeses and the leaves to start falling off the trees. This to me is the grand opening to fall! So what did I get? Hot weather and teasing orange leaves stuck to tree branches.
And what about every holiday? Just when Halloween ended the stores filled up with christmas stuff and everyone forgot about Thanksgiving! What about Thanksgiving!!!! The grand opening to fall is kicked off with Halloween, baking and candy then the roasting of turkeys and pot roasts celebrating thanksgiving. Next week, November 23rd is Thanksgiving and I want it to come and last. I want to give thanks for several things in my life. I want to reflect and enjoy every moment and then to take in every pasing day with my children to celebrate the Christmas season. Can we please slow down and enjoy Thanksgiving first though?
To all of you who want to slow down and enjoy Thanksgiving first, Cheers!!!!!
Evie
Friday, October 20, 2006
So Blue
So, have any crying spells while you were pregnant? Did you feel sad all of a sudden and then have to cry it out? Did you feel weird about it, guilty, or confused? Well, I have a little secret to share with you, it doesn't always stop after pregnancy. Some women , like myself, develop the Baby blues others can go into a deeper blues they can't shake also known as postpartum depression (I've had this as well).
I remember with my first child feeling like I didn't belong in the hospital. I had my baby and I wanted to go home. I had absolutely no desire to attend the so very corny class on taking home your baby, but I went anyways. While there waiting for the class to start I distinctly remember this really pretty new mommy that had a glow radiating from her face. I swear she wore a glowing crown around her head. She had a permanent smile on her face as she gazed at her baby then to her husband/partner. I really wanted to feel this but I couldn't. I wanted to sit there and cry my heart out. Why? Why did I feel so blue? Why couldn't I feel happy and great? Why couldn't I wear a damn glowing crown on my head? I wanted my glowing crown but I just couldn't force myself BUT I could force myself not to cry. So I sat and watched a nurse teach us all how to place a diaper on a baby and listened to her lecture us on the right temperature to bathe our baby in. The whole time I stared at glowing mommy who was oblivious to my stare.
Once we were home I immediately took a nap and rested with my new baby. I knew I needed rest due to a very long, sleepless and stressful night with this new colicky and screaming baby. When we woke up I went downstairs and a little later visited with my best friend. My 2 year old niece who was very used to my attention was there as well. While visiting with my friend, my niece wanted me to put my baby away and play but I was in no shape to get up and play with her and she did not like this at all and started to cry. While her mother was trying to explain the situation to her the cry became even deeper and painful. When I saw this I broke down and the flood came down my face. I wept and then cried for several minutes and I could not stop. My body shook and my throat choked. I cried a uncontrollable cry I had never cried in my adult life before. My heart also felt the bluest it had in a long while. I forced myself to look the other direction and then eventually the startled look on my best friend's face made me laugh. I broke out into a laugh and my best friend joined me later asking if I was okay. I had experienced a really weird overwhelming wave of emotions. Crazy hormones! The baby blues.
The baby blues usually don't last very long, it can last up to a couple of days. The wave of emotions come and go and eventually you shake it and go on with motherhood. If you can not shake the emotions and it persists then it is considered postpartum depression. The symptoms of postpartum depression are: Loss of interest or pleasure in life, Loss of appetite, Less energy and motivation to do things, A hard time falling asleep or staying asleep, Sleeping more than usual, Increased crying or tearfulness, Feeling worthless, hopeless or overly guilty, Feeling restless, irritable or anxious, Unexplained weight loss or gain, Feeling like life isn't worth living, Having thoughts about hurting yourself, and Worrying about hurting your baby. If you are going through any of these symptoms then please talk to someone and get help. There are ways to cope and deal with postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is treated much like any other depression. Support, counseling and medicines can help. To read more on postpartum depression
check it out here. If you have no one to speak to then lean on your doctor, church, or women's groups:local or online (check out connecting moms to find other mommies to connect with that have experienced the same emotions as you). Postpartum depression can be treated. You are not alone.
To all mommies: lean on eachother and love, help eachother and teach, support one another and grow strong.
Transitioning to our new lives
Evie
So, have any crying spells while you were pregnant? Did you feel sad all of a sudden and then have to cry it out? Did you feel weird about it, guilty, or confused? Well, I have a little secret to share with you, it doesn't always stop after pregnancy. Some women , like myself, develop the Baby blues others can go into a deeper blues they can't shake also known as postpartum depression (I've had this as well).
I remember with my first child feeling like I didn't belong in the hospital. I had my baby and I wanted to go home. I had absolutely no desire to attend the so very corny class on taking home your baby, but I went anyways. While there waiting for the class to start I distinctly remember this really pretty new mommy that had a glow radiating from her face. I swear she wore a glowing crown around her head. She had a permanent smile on her face as she gazed at her baby then to her husband/partner. I really wanted to feel this but I couldn't. I wanted to sit there and cry my heart out. Why? Why did I feel so blue? Why couldn't I feel happy and great? Why couldn't I wear a damn glowing crown on my head? I wanted my glowing crown but I just couldn't force myself BUT I could force myself not to cry. So I sat and watched a nurse teach us all how to place a diaper on a baby and listened to her lecture us on the right temperature to bathe our baby in. The whole time I stared at glowing mommy who was oblivious to my stare.
Once we were home I immediately took a nap and rested with my new baby. I knew I needed rest due to a very long, sleepless and stressful night with this new colicky and screaming baby. When we woke up I went downstairs and a little later visited with my best friend. My 2 year old niece who was very used to my attention was there as well. While visiting with my friend, my niece wanted me to put my baby away and play but I was in no shape to get up and play with her and she did not like this at all and started to cry. While her mother was trying to explain the situation to her the cry became even deeper and painful. When I saw this I broke down and the flood came down my face. I wept and then cried for several minutes and I could not stop. My body shook and my throat choked. I cried a uncontrollable cry I had never cried in my adult life before. My heart also felt the bluest it had in a long while. I forced myself to look the other direction and then eventually the startled look on my best friend's face made me laugh. I broke out into a laugh and my best friend joined me later asking if I was okay. I had experienced a really weird overwhelming wave of emotions. Crazy hormones! The baby blues.
The baby blues usually don't last very long, it can last up to a couple of days. The wave of emotions come and go and eventually you shake it and go on with motherhood. If you can not shake the emotions and it persists then it is considered postpartum depression. The symptoms of postpartum depression are: Loss of interest or pleasure in life, Loss of appetite, Less energy and motivation to do things, A hard time falling asleep or staying asleep, Sleeping more than usual, Increased crying or tearfulness, Feeling worthless, hopeless or overly guilty, Feeling restless, irritable or anxious, Unexplained weight loss or gain, Feeling like life isn't worth living, Having thoughts about hurting yourself, and Worrying about hurting your baby. If you are going through any of these symptoms then please talk to someone and get help. There are ways to cope and deal with postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is treated much like any other depression. Support, counseling and medicines can help. To read more on postpartum depression
check it out here. If you have no one to speak to then lean on your doctor, church, or women's groups:local or online (check out connecting moms to find other mommies to connect with that have experienced the same emotions as you). Postpartum depression can be treated. You are not alone.
To all mommies: lean on eachother and love, help eachother and teach, support one another and grow strong.
Transitioning to our new lives
Evie
Monday, October 16, 2006
Melting Off the Baby Weight!
So it took me three babies and still working on it to get my prepregnancy body back! So how is it that you look into a magazine and see that so and so looks great one month postpartum? And Why are so many celebrity mommies going in for scheduled c-sections? A nip and a tuck here and there maybe? I really never understood the c-section coincidence in Hollywood until recently! Call me naive but can it be true that maybe a little Dr. 90210 stuff be going on? I mean who wants to do something like that when you just gave birth? What about natural time and healing and then if you're into it loosing just do it the natural way:EXERCISE and DIET? Also, what if you want more kids and you've chosen nipping and tucking? Do you grab the extra skin from your butt? I don't get it.
So if you don't believe in that, don't have the money or just forgot to mention this procedure to your Dr. the last time you had your baby then here are some little tips to loosing postpartum baby weight: The natural, non surgical way.
Breastfeeding will help you out. You probably have heard about this little tip but it is very true. You can really use this great gift to your advantage and towards your safe weight loss goals.
To be a breast milk producer you have to consume 500 calories extra per day. What does this mean? Well, that on top of the recommended daily caloric intake of the suggested 1800 to 2000 calories you need to ingest 500 extra calories. So if you exclusively breastfeed and light exercise you could really see where the whole program would work.
If you should decide to cut out a bit of calories to loose weight as I did, then here is some more information. Now, you can do a very simple mathematical equation to get your exact caloric intake and then add 500 extra by using this formula I found in the Better Homes and Garden New Dieter's Cookbook:
1. Begin with a base of 655 calories
2. Multiply your weight (in pounds) by 4.3
3. Multiply your height (in inches) by 4.7
4. Add numbers from #1,#2, and #3
5. Multiply your age by 4.7
6. Subtract the total of #5 from the results of #4 to get your resting metabolic rate(RMR)in calories. This is what you need just to maintain your bodily functions.
7. To determine your daily maintenance calories, use your RMR (#6) and multiply it by one of the following:
1.2 if you don't exercise
1.3 if you exercise 2 to 3 hours a week
1.4 if you exercise 4 to 6 hours a week
1.6 if you exercise 7 hours or more a week
Then add 500 calories to this and then you have your caloric intake for your milk production and weight maintenance. If you would like to loose baby weight slowly and safely then watch what you eat, work up to exercising 4-5 hours per week and limit your caloric intake never going below your calculated daily maintenace calories. Also use common sense! If you need a certain amount of calories to function and your body is producing milk (which takes 500 calories) then use the calculation and cut out slowly. For example, at the age of 28 my intake was calculated at 2,643.8 calories. there was no way I was going to consume this many calories....at least when I found out how much I was ingesting to stay at my weight I safely decided to cut out and consulted my very good friend who is a Registered Dietician and she told me not to go below 1800 cal. because of my milk production. After calculating your caloric intake consult with your doctor or a RD and they can safely tell you what is best for you.
#2 Small Calorie restriction and Journaling
Next, the best way I lost weight and the way many programs are built upon is calorie cutting plus journaling. I was able to view daily what I was ingesting and my progress. I did this by purchasing a small pocket calorie book "Calorie King 2005". This book broke down food calories by category and also had a large section for fast food calories and fat grams. I made better choices on what I was eating and started to loose weight. This was great to see. Journaling taught me a bit of self control plus I also tracked my exercise progress and rewarded myself when I reached my goals.
#3 Exercise
Depending on how you feel physically I suggest small steps when getting back into activity. Remember the more you do the more you pay for it physically. Too much can lead to exhaustion, heavy bleeding, headaches and fatigue. So listen to your body. Small brisk walks outdoors can be uplifting and great to start off with.
When you are ready to take it to the next step there are many options. A gym of your choice and many include childcare, outdoor activities with your family or friends and indoor videos, TV workouts and indoor equipment choices as well. I encourage partners or your children work too,they motivate you to meet up and exercise. I started three weeks postpartum and took my other two children with me for walks while they rode their bikes.
Once you have decided on your exercise start up then start out slowly and exercise for about 30 minutes. Every other day make sure to do weight lifting. Small weights are a good start if you're not used to lifting. I started out with 3 lb. Dumbbells and worked up to 5 lbs. and then 8 lbs. Weight training not only sculpts your muscles but it also raises your metabolism aiding in the weightloss process. You'll see a difference, mixed with breastfeeding and smart eating you're sure to see a difference very soon. Remember with all activity to consume plenty of liquids.
*Focus on mental well being. Exercise helps you clear your mind, releases endorphins helping you feel better about yourself and your new situation. It may also help ease the baby blues.
Rewarding Yourself
Once my goals were met I rewarded myself with a new garment! I loved this part. There's nothing as rewarding as getting back into your pre-pregnancy clothes but add pre-pregnancy clothes to a couple of new garments and you have a great smile on your face, a new body your happy about, and good health.
Caution: This may lead to a very attracted husband/partner BE CAREFUL!!!! :-)
Happy Transitioning to your New Life,
Evie
I do want to empahsise that dieting is not encouraged during your breastfeeding term, although exercise, and taking care of yourself is. Please consult with your physician if you should decide to diet.
So it took me three babies and still working on it to get my prepregnancy body back! So how is it that you look into a magazine and see that so and so looks great one month postpartum? And Why are so many celebrity mommies going in for scheduled c-sections? A nip and a tuck here and there maybe? I really never understood the c-section coincidence in Hollywood until recently! Call me naive but can it be true that maybe a little Dr. 90210 stuff be going on? I mean who wants to do something like that when you just gave birth? What about natural time and healing and then if you're into it loosing just do it the natural way:EXERCISE and DIET? Also, what if you want more kids and you've chosen nipping and tucking? Do you grab the extra skin from your butt? I don't get it.
So if you don't believe in that, don't have the money or just forgot to mention this procedure to your Dr. the last time you had your baby then here are some little tips to loosing postpartum baby weight: The natural, non surgical way.
Breastfeeding will help you out. You probably have heard about this little tip but it is very true. You can really use this great gift to your advantage and towards your safe weight loss goals.
To be a breast milk producer you have to consume 500 calories extra per day. What does this mean? Well, that on top of the recommended daily caloric intake of the suggested 1800 to 2000 calories you need to ingest 500 extra calories. So if you exclusively breastfeed and light exercise you could really see where the whole program would work.
If you should decide to cut out a bit of calories to loose weight as I did, then here is some more information. Now, you can do a very simple mathematical equation to get your exact caloric intake and then add 500 extra by using this formula I found in the Better Homes and Garden New Dieter's Cookbook:
1. Begin with a base of 655 calories
2. Multiply your weight (in pounds) by 4.3
3. Multiply your height (in inches) by 4.7
4. Add numbers from #1,#2, and #3
5. Multiply your age by 4.7
6. Subtract the total of #5 from the results of #4 to get your resting metabolic rate(RMR)in calories. This is what you need just to maintain your bodily functions.
7. To determine your daily maintenance calories, use your RMR (#6) and multiply it by one of the following:
1.2 if you don't exercise
1.3 if you exercise 2 to 3 hours a week
1.4 if you exercise 4 to 6 hours a week
1.6 if you exercise 7 hours or more a week
Then add 500 calories to this and then you have your caloric intake for your milk production and weight maintenance. If you would like to loose baby weight slowly and safely then watch what you eat, work up to exercising 4-5 hours per week and limit your caloric intake never going below your calculated daily maintenace calories. Also use common sense! If you need a certain amount of calories to function and your body is producing milk (which takes 500 calories) then use the calculation and cut out slowly. For example, at the age of 28 my intake was calculated at 2,643.8 calories. there was no way I was going to consume this many calories....at least when I found out how much I was ingesting to stay at my weight I safely decided to cut out and consulted my very good friend who is a Registered Dietician and she told me not to go below 1800 cal. because of my milk production. After calculating your caloric intake consult with your doctor or a RD and they can safely tell you what is best for you.
#2 Small Calorie restriction and Journaling
Next, the best way I lost weight and the way many programs are built upon is calorie cutting plus journaling. I was able to view daily what I was ingesting and my progress. I did this by purchasing a small pocket calorie book "Calorie King 2005". This book broke down food calories by category and also had a large section for fast food calories and fat grams. I made better choices on what I was eating and started to loose weight. This was great to see. Journaling taught me a bit of self control plus I also tracked my exercise progress and rewarded myself when I reached my goals.
#3 Exercise
Depending on how you feel physically I suggest small steps when getting back into activity. Remember the more you do the more you pay for it physically. Too much can lead to exhaustion, heavy bleeding, headaches and fatigue. So listen to your body. Small brisk walks outdoors can be uplifting and great to start off with.
When you are ready to take it to the next step there are many options. A gym of your choice and many include childcare, outdoor activities with your family or friends and indoor videos, TV workouts and indoor equipment choices as well. I encourage partners or your children work too,they motivate you to meet up and exercise. I started three weeks postpartum and took my other two children with me for walks while they rode their bikes.
Once you have decided on your exercise start up then start out slowly and exercise for about 30 minutes. Every other day make sure to do weight lifting. Small weights are a good start if you're not used to lifting. I started out with 3 lb. Dumbbells and worked up to 5 lbs. and then 8 lbs. Weight training not only sculpts your muscles but it also raises your metabolism aiding in the weightloss process. You'll see a difference, mixed with breastfeeding and smart eating you're sure to see a difference very soon. Remember with all activity to consume plenty of liquids.
*Focus on mental well being. Exercise helps you clear your mind, releases endorphins helping you feel better about yourself and your new situation. It may also help ease the baby blues.
Rewarding Yourself
Once my goals were met I rewarded myself with a new garment! I loved this part. There's nothing as rewarding as getting back into your pre-pregnancy clothes but add pre-pregnancy clothes to a couple of new garments and you have a great smile on your face, a new body your happy about, and good health.
Caution: This may lead to a very attracted husband/partner BE CAREFUL!!!! :-)
Happy Transitioning to your New Life,
Evie
I do want to empahsise that dieting is not encouraged during your breastfeeding term, although exercise, and taking care of yourself is. Please consult with your physician if you should decide to diet.
Monday, October 09, 2006
Don't POP the Little Pimples
Why does my baby have tiny pimples on her face? This was what I thought when I saw little acne spots on my daughters face BUT popping them was never a thought that came into my mind. I know people who have actually popped the acne on their baby's face. Don't pop the baby pimple!
Baby acne is pretty common. It can be present at birth, but more often it shows up after a couple of weeks, usually on the cheeks and sometimes on the nose, chin, and even the back and legs. My babies usually had them at birth that were inverted and then came outwards after a couple of weeks. They would turn into small whiteheads. I found that some baby acne can become more pronounced when your baby is hot or fussy but this may also be heat rash. I also personally found that my little ones would get these little suckers when they would fall asleep on my breast while nursing. A little breast milk on their skin for a couple of hours caused the problem. In your situation it could be saliva, spit up, mommy's milk, or maybe a little rash could appear if you switch your detergent. Some blame baby acne on what mommy eats, drinks and the medication she is taking while nursing. Researchers still can't point it on one thing. Just keep a watch on all that you do and use on your baby. My solution that worked pretty good was clean the area with a clean, wet cloth and then dry the area afterwards and that did the trick. Just please, please don't pop them! Popping them could lead to other problems like pain, or infection. You don't want that for your little one.
Happy transitioning to your New Life,
Evie
Why does my baby have tiny pimples on her face? This was what I thought when I saw little acne spots on my daughters face BUT popping them was never a thought that came into my mind. I know people who have actually popped the acne on their baby's face. Don't pop the baby pimple!
Baby acne is pretty common. It can be present at birth, but more often it shows up after a couple of weeks, usually on the cheeks and sometimes on the nose, chin, and even the back and legs. My babies usually had them at birth that were inverted and then came outwards after a couple of weeks. They would turn into small whiteheads. I found that some baby acne can become more pronounced when your baby is hot or fussy but this may also be heat rash. I also personally found that my little ones would get these little suckers when they would fall asleep on my breast while nursing. A little breast milk on their skin for a couple of hours caused the problem. In your situation it could be saliva, spit up, mommy's milk, or maybe a little rash could appear if you switch your detergent. Some blame baby acne on what mommy eats, drinks and the medication she is taking while nursing. Researchers still can't point it on one thing. Just keep a watch on all that you do and use on your baby. My solution that worked pretty good was clean the area with a clean, wet cloth and then dry the area afterwards and that did the trick. Just please, please don't pop them! Popping them could lead to other problems like pain, or infection. You don't want that for your little one.
Happy transitioning to your New Life,
Evie
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Golf Balls!
Yuck, I know that sounds horrible and disgusting but it's true. You think that you've seen it all during your menstruating career BUT not until your first baby will you experience big ole clots (sometimes golf-ball sized). Okay, so you think this is a bad topic to write about but who else is going to tell you the details? No one told me! Believe me I was shocked and scared (maybe not as shocked as what I saw as I delivered my baby-I'll give you a hint....it was brown :-( Whole other topic posting)
Okay, so now you know and you'll have these golf ball sized gifts for a couple of days. While in the hospital they'll actually want to check your progress with these not so nice passings and make sure you're doing okay. This is where you get the great long, extra thick pads (make sure you take some for home).
Hope this gets you ready or helps you feel like you're not the only one.
your friend getting you ready or helping you along your new life,
Evie
Yuck, I know that sounds horrible and disgusting but it's true. You think that you've seen it all during your menstruating career BUT not until your first baby will you experience big ole clots (sometimes golf-ball sized). Okay, so you think this is a bad topic to write about but who else is going to tell you the details? No one told me! Believe me I was shocked and scared (maybe not as shocked as what I saw as I delivered my baby-I'll give you a hint....it was brown :-( Whole other topic posting)
Okay, so now you know and you'll have these golf ball sized gifts for a couple of days. While in the hospital they'll actually want to check your progress with these not so nice passings and make sure you're doing okay. This is where you get the great long, extra thick pads (make sure you take some for home).
Hope this gets you ready or helps you feel like you're not the only one.
your friend getting you ready or helping you along your new life,
Evie
Post Partum Contractions
So you delivered your precious baby and you think that the contractions should be over with? Well, not exactly. Our body has a way to get our over stretched uteruses back into pre-pregnancy shape...it's called contracting. Contracting to get rid of a foreign, oversized melon ball to contacting back into regular shape to get ready to hold another foreign object. :) The shrinking of your uterus can cause contractions that worsen when your baby nurses or when you take medication (Pitocin) to reduce bleeding.
Right after you deliver you're observed by your nursing team. They want to get you to the postpartum floor to heal as soon as you're ready. My nursing team was very concerned after baby #2 was delivered to get me to the bathroom because they felt my bladder was very full. I was not ready and really would not have cared if the darn thing filled up and exploded. I did not want to get up to go to the bathroom at all. I felt no sensation to go nor did I feel like getting up to walk to it. Right as I was getting up to go, on came on this horrible contraction that led to a dosage of Pitocin. This contraction was the worse ever and I needed my hubby to help me breathe through them all over again.. Not Fair, my baby was over on a table being examined and I was going through contractions again! All ended up being okay but I want to share with you that you probably will go through contractions afterwards and during breastfeeding for about a week or so. Don't worry, the pain fades with every day that passes and with Tylenol. Hey, maybe you won't go through this at all. I didn't with my first born. My sister tells me it gets worse as you have more children!!! That's all you have to tell me and I'm scared :(
Remember TYLENOL!
Evie
So you delivered your precious baby and you think that the contractions should be over with? Well, not exactly. Our body has a way to get our over stretched uteruses back into pre-pregnancy shape...it's called contracting. Contracting to get rid of a foreign, oversized melon ball to contacting back into regular shape to get ready to hold another foreign object. :) The shrinking of your uterus can cause contractions that worsen when your baby nurses or when you take medication (Pitocin) to reduce bleeding.
Right after you deliver you're observed by your nursing team. They want to get you to the postpartum floor to heal as soon as you're ready. My nursing team was very concerned after baby #2 was delivered to get me to the bathroom because they felt my bladder was very full. I was not ready and really would not have cared if the darn thing filled up and exploded. I did not want to get up to go to the bathroom at all. I felt no sensation to go nor did I feel like getting up to walk to it. Right as I was getting up to go, on came on this horrible contraction that led to a dosage of Pitocin. This contraction was the worse ever and I needed my hubby to help me breathe through them all over again.. Not Fair, my baby was over on a table being examined and I was going through contractions again! All ended up being okay but I want to share with you that you probably will go through contractions afterwards and during breastfeeding for about a week or so. Don't worry, the pain fades with every day that passes and with Tylenol. Hey, maybe you won't go through this at all. I didn't with my first born. My sister tells me it gets worse as you have more children!!! That's all you have to tell me and I'm scared :(
Remember TYLENOL!
Evie
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Officially Coming Out of THE CLOSET
So today I am officially coming out of THE CLOSET to all of you and letting you know I'm a SCRAP EATER!!!!!!!!! Ha, I said it! It's something that I've been thinking about for the longest time and although I should be writing about new mommy stuff I just wanted to jump ahead and give you a glimpse at what busy motherhood has done to me, and maybe you someday.
I'm a scrap eater. I never was before having children. I simply had my own plate of food every meal. When I wanted to share or someone to share with me, of course from those I knew, especially my Hubby, I would simply ask and satisfy my curiosity or craving. Coming from a family of six, me, my brother and sisters did this all of the time. Then I found out all about SCRAP EATING once I became a Mommy.
When my first born came, little did I know how fast you have to eat sometimes. One minute she would be fast to sleep in her bed and me sitting down in the kitchen listening to her through the baby monitor, and then the rustling of blankets and her little snorts would start. Seconds later the whaling and demanding cries for attention and food would begin. There would sit my lunch with a bite in it getting cold and stale by the minute. I would pick her up and then take her to the table as I nursed her. Some days I would eat over her and bits of my sandwich would fall on her head or chest...So the co-eating had to stop, and of course it had to be from me! When she started to eat solids she would share with me or get her own plate full.
Then baby two arrived and the scrap eating started!!! My little MR was almost 4 yrs. when little NM was born. Once the crazy little schedule set in it was official that I was a scrap eater. I would feed MR and she would sit at the table and barely touch her food. Once NM would nurse and fall to sleep it was time to place MR down for her nap and then I had a little time to eat. Walking into the kitchen I would pass the table and see a hardly eaten plate of food, so I would eat it instead of making my own new plate. Pretty bad.
So you wonder what I do now with three children and my own business? Forget it!!! Some days, I don't even make myself food. I know my kids will eat breakfast no matter what, but lunch, I'm happy if they eat half the plate. Sometimes I get so frustrated that I went out of my way to make them a great lunch and then to have them eat one bite. So instead of making myself a plate, sometimes and only sometimes, I eat the leftovers. It all depends on the day and if they went by my rules in my head:
Scrap Eating Rules:
1.) Food can not be touched by boogers, dirty hands, or saliva
2.) Food can't be bread with nothing in it but Mayo.(My kids are notorious for eating the ham and cheese and leaving the bread with Mayo.)
3.) If they're sick forget it...Gross!
4.) Never drinks (They leave Piranas in there! Yeah, backwash is just too dirty for me)
So, you see, I'm mostly a lunch scrap eating mommy. I know that I'm not alone. You may still be in the closet, not a full timer yet or maybe in denial :) I know I was....but now I'm a free scrap eating mommy !!!!!!!
Happy Transitioning to your New Life,
Evie
So today I am officially coming out of THE CLOSET to all of you and letting you know I'm a SCRAP EATER!!!!!!!!! Ha, I said it! It's something that I've been thinking about for the longest time and although I should be writing about new mommy stuff I just wanted to jump ahead and give you a glimpse at what busy motherhood has done to me, and maybe you someday.
I'm a scrap eater. I never was before having children. I simply had my own plate of food every meal. When I wanted to share or someone to share with me, of course from those I knew, especially my Hubby, I would simply ask and satisfy my curiosity or craving. Coming from a family of six, me, my brother and sisters did this all of the time. Then I found out all about SCRAP EATING once I became a Mommy.
When my first born came, little did I know how fast you have to eat sometimes. One minute she would be fast to sleep in her bed and me sitting down in the kitchen listening to her through the baby monitor, and then the rustling of blankets and her little snorts would start. Seconds later the whaling and demanding cries for attention and food would begin. There would sit my lunch with a bite in it getting cold and stale by the minute. I would pick her up and then take her to the table as I nursed her. Some days I would eat over her and bits of my sandwich would fall on her head or chest...So the co-eating had to stop, and of course it had to be from me! When she started to eat solids she would share with me or get her own plate full.
Then baby two arrived and the scrap eating started!!! My little MR was almost 4 yrs. when little NM was born. Once the crazy little schedule set in it was official that I was a scrap eater. I would feed MR and she would sit at the table and barely touch her food. Once NM would nurse and fall to sleep it was time to place MR down for her nap and then I had a little time to eat. Walking into the kitchen I would pass the table and see a hardly eaten plate of food, so I would eat it instead of making my own new plate. Pretty bad.
So you wonder what I do now with three children and my own business? Forget it!!! Some days, I don't even make myself food. I know my kids will eat breakfast no matter what, but lunch, I'm happy if they eat half the plate. Sometimes I get so frustrated that I went out of my way to make them a great lunch and then to have them eat one bite. So instead of making myself a plate, sometimes and only sometimes, I eat the leftovers. It all depends on the day and if they went by my rules in my head:
Scrap Eating Rules:
1.) Food can not be touched by boogers, dirty hands, or saliva
2.) Food can't be bread with nothing in it but Mayo.(My kids are notorious for eating the ham and cheese and leaving the bread with Mayo.)
3.) If they're sick forget it...Gross!
4.) Never drinks (They leave Piranas in there! Yeah, backwash is just too dirty for me)
So, you see, I'm mostly a lunch scrap eating mommy. I know that I'm not alone. You may still be in the closet, not a full timer yet or maybe in denial :) I know I was....but now I'm a free scrap eating mommy !!!!!!!
Happy Transitioning to your New Life,
Evie
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
If you don't have anything nice to say then don't say it at all!
I had an order last week from a Marylander (I guess that's what a person from Maryland would be called) and she was a great customer. I contacted her to let her know that her product was on its way and then she replied today letting me know she loved it. This woman was so nice and was even nicer to blog about it on her blog space Click here! This made my day a really good one considering yesterday was dampered by a not so nice email from a stranger.
Check it out:
I saw your site advertised on my g-mail page. I clicked on it. As a nursing mother who is 100% pro breastfeeding, I am extremely offended by your product.
It's difficult enough for nursing women to do what they need to do in the US, where public breastfeeding is generally considered taboo (over half of the population doesn't think a woman should breastfeed in public), and a product like this only FEEDS the attitude women should cover up and be ashamed of breastfeeding and/or of their bodies. Yes, even the postpartum body. Give me a break.
This is NOT a question of modesty, but a way for YOU to make money off the ridiculous squeamishness of the public and the lack of confidence new moms often have and you will make those mothers who were hesitant to feed in public feel even more like this is something they should be discreet about.
What's worse is that you advocate yourself as supportive of breastfeeding. NO, you're not. If you truly were, you'd empower women to not be ashamed of this completely natural and absolutely vital activity, and you wouldn't sell them a 'shame tent'. Shame on YOU.
Unfortunately, the US is probably the only country where you'd be able to make any substantial profit off this pathetic product, and I'm sure you know that. I hope you're proud about putting up yet another obstacle for new mothers and their babies.
What breastfeeding organizations have shown you support?
One more thing - it's not only conceptually hideous, it's also aesthetically hideous.
Cristina
Breastfeeding in public without 'covering up'
so I replied to her with :
Dear Cristina,
I received your letter today and I understand your viewpoint on my product. You are not the first person to have this view and you will not be the last. Believe me I am 100% pro breastfeeding as well. I do not mean to offend you at all or anyone else who may have your similar views. I will continue to do what I do to help those mothers who feel very uncomfortable while nursing in public. I have been approached by mothers who have told me that they wished that they had something like my product when nursing in public and I also have been recently approached by mothers that shared they do not and will not breastfeed in public due to wanting to maintain their modesty and are so happy to have my product to help them. I believe that I am not hurting anyone nor the breastfeeding movement, and that I am helping women who need and want to modestly breastfeed in public. I also have to say that I do feel that I am empowering women (who feel so uncomfortable to nurse in public using formula instead of breastfeeding) to go out in public and also to help in prolonging their nursing relationships.
I did not invent this product to go into business but it was simply created to help my sisters and myself (a victim of sexual abuse) go out into public and maintain our breastfeeding relationship with our babies comfortably. The demand of my product came to me and I am very proud to help women who need this product.
I respect your view, I respect women who can breastfeed openly in public but we were not all made the same with the same views. We are all mentally shaped differently. I am proud to provide a solution to those women who would stop breastfeeding due to their modesty concerns. Thank you for sharing your view with me.
Respectfully,
Evie Ballesteros
Mommy's Little Monkey
She replied one more time today with :
Thanks for your well thought out reply. Though I still disagree that this isn't helping the movement, I'm pleasantly surprised that someone (let alone you, the owner) addressed and validated my complaint. That's pretty rare. I still wish a product like this wasn't needed and/or available, but at least it seems that your concern for capturing the group that would otherwise turn to formula is sincere, and in that instance, I hope that it helps.
Cristina
PS - one thing is for sure...those kids will end up loving to read under the covers
So I feel that I really answered this letter the best way I know how. Her view point and feelings toward my product is not the first and it will not be the last. All I have to say is open your mind to all different views in life. Also remember what mama taught you (or what someone was supposed to teach you) If you don't have anything nice to say than don't say it at all!
Evie
I had an order last week from a Marylander (I guess that's what a person from Maryland would be called) and she was a great customer. I contacted her to let her know that her product was on its way and then she replied today letting me know she loved it. This woman was so nice and was even nicer to blog about it on her blog space Click here! This made my day a really good one considering yesterday was dampered by a not so nice email from a stranger.
Check it out:
I saw your site advertised on my g-mail page. I clicked on it. As a nursing mother who is 100% pro breastfeeding, I am extremely offended by your product.
It's difficult enough for nursing women to do what they need to do in the US, where public breastfeeding is generally considered taboo (over half of the population doesn't think a woman should breastfeed in public), and a product like this only FEEDS the attitude women should cover up and be ashamed of breastfeeding and/or of their bodies. Yes, even the postpartum body. Give me a break.
This is NOT a question of modesty, but a way for YOU to make money off the ridiculous squeamishness of the public and the lack of confidence new moms often have and you will make those mothers who were hesitant to feed in public feel even more like this is something they should be discreet about.
What's worse is that you advocate yourself as supportive of breastfeeding. NO, you're not. If you truly were, you'd empower women to not be ashamed of this completely natural and absolutely vital activity, and you wouldn't sell them a 'shame tent'. Shame on YOU.
Unfortunately, the US is probably the only country where you'd be able to make any substantial profit off this pathetic product, and I'm sure you know that. I hope you're proud about putting up yet another obstacle for new mothers and their babies.
What breastfeeding organizations have shown you support?
One more thing - it's not only conceptually hideous, it's also aesthetically hideous.
Cristina
Breastfeeding in public without 'covering up'
so I replied to her with :
Dear Cristina,
I received your letter today and I understand your viewpoint on my product. You are not the first person to have this view and you will not be the last. Believe me I am 100% pro breastfeeding as well. I do not mean to offend you at all or anyone else who may have your similar views. I will continue to do what I do to help those mothers who feel very uncomfortable while nursing in public. I have been approached by mothers who have told me that they wished that they had something like my product when nursing in public and I also have been recently approached by mothers that shared they do not and will not breastfeed in public due to wanting to maintain their modesty and are so happy to have my product to help them. I believe that I am not hurting anyone nor the breastfeeding movement, and that I am helping women who need and want to modestly breastfeed in public. I also have to say that I do feel that I am empowering women (who feel so uncomfortable to nurse in public using formula instead of breastfeeding) to go out in public and also to help in prolonging their nursing relationships.
I did not invent this product to go into business but it was simply created to help my sisters and myself (a victim of sexual abuse) go out into public and maintain our breastfeeding relationship with our babies comfortably. The demand of my product came to me and I am very proud to help women who need this product.
I respect your view, I respect women who can breastfeed openly in public but we were not all made the same with the same views. We are all mentally shaped differently. I am proud to provide a solution to those women who would stop breastfeeding due to their modesty concerns. Thank you for sharing your view with me.
Respectfully,
Evie Ballesteros
Mommy's Little Monkey
She replied one more time today with :
Thanks for your well thought out reply. Though I still disagree that this isn't helping the movement, I'm pleasantly surprised that someone (let alone you, the owner) addressed and validated my complaint. That's pretty rare. I still wish a product like this wasn't needed and/or available, but at least it seems that your concern for capturing the group that would otherwise turn to formula is sincere, and in that instance, I hope that it helps.
Cristina
PS - one thing is for sure...those kids will end up loving to read under the covers
So I feel that I really answered this letter the best way I know how. Her view point and feelings toward my product is not the first and it will not be the last. All I have to say is open your mind to all different views in life. Also remember what mama taught you (or what someone was supposed to teach you) If you don't have anything nice to say than don't say it at all!
Evie
Onsies!!!!!
Today I received my first shipment of fabulous onsies!!!!! I had to sweep up my toddler and jet over to my parents house because my stupid camera broke. My Dad has a way nicer camera that takes fantastic photos. I put a tank top on my little monkey and he hesitantly modeled for me. I had to bribe him with junk just to get him to do what I wanted. The best thing though is that he discovered hummingbirds. I know that he's seen them before but today my parents backyard was swarming with them. It was like STARWARS when the space jets are everywhere and fighting one another, barely missing each other. My head was barely missed as well. He loved them though and also was amazed at their wings. He stopped and told me that they were not birds...Maybe he thought they were bugs of some sort. You have to check out the website to see how they came out and to see my model captured in the discovery of Hummingbirds.
cheers to onsies and hummingbirds!
Evie
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Back to School!
So the kids started school last week. My oldest started 3rd grade and NM started pre-school! OMG My babies are really growing up so fast. My youngest is still home with me and was sad that he didn't get to start school with his sisters. NM keeps telling him that he can start school when he goes poop and pee in the potty.....I gues NM just gave me a new job...Potty training!!!
That's a whole other post.
Evie
So the kids started school last week. My oldest started 3rd grade and NM started pre-school! OMG My babies are really growing up so fast. My youngest is still home with me and was sad that he didn't get to start school with his sisters. NM keeps telling him that he can start school when he goes poop and pee in the potty.....I gues NM just gave me a new job...Potty training!!!
That's a whole other post.
Evie
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
HOME SWEET HOME
I loved getting home from the hospital. I know that some women want to stay in the hospital, especially if they have to go home and get back into "work" (cleaning, cooking, washing, taking care of other children). I wanted my bed, my baby's newly washed linens, bassinet, clothes and necessities. I wanted peace and quiet and not a nurse waking me up, taking vitals every two hours!
With baby #1 I was able to take naps, which I normally hate to do. I didn't have to worry about cleaning (you know constantly picking up after tiny individuals) because nothing really got dirty. When baby #2 arrived I didn't take very many naps...In fact I rarely napped at all. I came home and sat on the couch and watched my 3 1/2 yr. old hold her new baby sister. I had food delivered to me by relatives and friends for a whole week! This is one of the best baby shower gifts to receive by the way. If you do not receive this as a gift then make sure to plan meals your hubby or support can make. You can also plan ahead and freeze meals so that you can easily pop into the oven or microwave. (I was never this organized)
Make sure to have your own little couch, corner or place set up to nurse and bond with baby. Remember that this is your transitioning time and you need a place to store your nursing articles. I had a nice rocking chair my mother in law purchased for my first baby. It served as a nursing, storing and bonding retreat. It conveniently had storage pockets to carry my breast pads, breast shields, nipple ointment and burp cloths. I knew that I could always depend on my chair to take care of my needs. Later I even place nail clippers in my storage pockets and this was the place my children knew Mommy would groom them.
Make sure to get rest. Take it easy and never feel pressured to accept company,or answer phone calls. This is your time to transition to your new life.
Happy Transitioning to Your New Life,
Evie
I loved getting home from the hospital. I know that some women want to stay in the hospital, especially if they have to go home and get back into "work" (cleaning, cooking, washing, taking care of other children). I wanted my bed, my baby's newly washed linens, bassinet, clothes and necessities. I wanted peace and quiet and not a nurse waking me up, taking vitals every two hours!
With baby #1 I was able to take naps, which I normally hate to do. I didn't have to worry about cleaning (you know constantly picking up after tiny individuals) because nothing really got dirty. When baby #2 arrived I didn't take very many naps...In fact I rarely napped at all. I came home and sat on the couch and watched my 3 1/2 yr. old hold her new baby sister. I had food delivered to me by relatives and friends for a whole week! This is one of the best baby shower gifts to receive by the way. If you do not receive this as a gift then make sure to plan meals your hubby or support can make. You can also plan ahead and freeze meals so that you can easily pop into the oven or microwave. (I was never this organized)
Make sure to have your own little couch, corner or place set up to nurse and bond with baby. Remember that this is your transitioning time and you need a place to store your nursing articles. I had a nice rocking chair my mother in law purchased for my first baby. It served as a nursing, storing and bonding retreat. It conveniently had storage pockets to carry my breast pads, breast shields, nipple ointment and burp cloths. I knew that I could always depend on my chair to take care of my needs. Later I even place nail clippers in my storage pockets and this was the place my children knew Mommy would groom them.
Make sure to get rest. Take it easy and never feel pressured to accept company,or answer phone calls. This is your time to transition to your new life.
Happy Transitioning to Your New Life,
Evie
Monday, August 28, 2006
Going Home From the Hospital
If you've already taken your birth class or hospital tour then you probably know that you must have a car seat present when leaving the hospital (Well, in some states)! Each state has their own law but when I went online and researched it a bit it seems that most US states agree: children under the age of 6 must be in a carrier, car seat or booster seat and then after must be in a restraint (seat belt)while riding in a car.
You have to check out Idaho's law though
PASSENGER SAFETY FOR CHILDREN. (1) No noncommercial motor vehicle
operator shall transport a child who is six (6) years of age or younger in a
motor vehicle manufactured with seat belts after January 1, 1966, unless the
child is properly secured in a child safety restraint that meets the
requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 213.
(2) The provisions of this section shall not apply:
(a) If all of the motor vehicle's seat belts are in use, but in such an
event any unrestrained child to which this section applies shall be placed
in the rear seat of the motor vehicle, if it is so equipped; or
(b) When the child is removed from the car safety restraint and held by
the attendant for the purpose of nursing the child or attending the
child's other immediate physiological needs, What the heck?
Very crazy to me now as a mother but hey it's the way things were when I was a child. I remember playing in the back of my parents station wagon and them yelling at me to stay in one place! They couldn't concentrate or see out the rear view mirrors! haha. Now, I gasp at the thought of children riding in cars without seat belts.
Check out http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov to get information and researched car seats. Check out http://www.buckleupamerica.org//CPS/CSSRating/Index.cfm to get information on your states seat belt laws.
Oh, and don't forget to read the sections on proper installation! They have different locations throughout the nation to help you properly install your childs seat.
Happy Transitioning to your New Life,
Evie
If you've already taken your birth class or hospital tour then you probably know that you must have a car seat present when leaving the hospital (Well, in some states)! Each state has their own law but when I went online and researched it a bit it seems that most US states agree: children under the age of 6 must be in a carrier, car seat or booster seat and then after must be in a restraint (seat belt)while riding in a car.
You have to check out Idaho's law though
PASSENGER SAFETY FOR CHILDREN. (1) No noncommercial motor vehicle
operator shall transport a child who is six (6) years of age or younger in a
motor vehicle manufactured with seat belts after January 1, 1966, unless the
child is properly secured in a child safety restraint that meets the
requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 213.
(2) The provisions of this section shall not apply:
(a) If all of the motor vehicle's seat belts are in use, but in such an
event any unrestrained child to which this section applies shall be placed
in the rear seat of the motor vehicle, if it is so equipped; or
(b) When the child is removed from the car safety restraint and held by
the attendant for the purpose of nursing the child or attending the
child's other immediate physiological needs, What the heck?
Very crazy to me now as a mother but hey it's the way things were when I was a child. I remember playing in the back of my parents station wagon and them yelling at me to stay in one place! They couldn't concentrate or see out the rear view mirrors! haha. Now, I gasp at the thought of children riding in cars without seat belts.
Check out http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov to get information and researched car seats. Check out http://www.buckleupamerica.org//CPS/CSSRating/Index.cfm to get information on your states seat belt laws.
Oh, and don't forget to read the sections on proper installation! They have different locations throughout the nation to help you properly install your childs seat.
Happy Transitioning to your New Life,
Evie
Saturday, August 19, 2006
What to Take to the Hospital
If this is your first time having a baby then you may have your mile long list ready. Remember that you will not be there very long but that you may have many visitors. We all want to look, smell and feel our best. So here's my list of what to take to the hospital to achieve all of this.
1. You may take a couple of showers or baths during labor BUT most likely it will be for the relaxing warm water to help through labor pains. Take your favorite shower gel and body lotions for your next shower. If you've been using special products for stretch marks and itching then continue to use them after. Remember when breastfeeding you don't want to use soap on your breasts, this will strip away natural oils needed in this area. Small travel sized shampoo and conditioner will work fine and also take along your comb or brush. Clips and hair ties are a must during labor as well.
2. I've never used too much perfume when close to my newborn because of getting it all over them or causing a reaction with their little nose (sneezing, etc.) You probably don't have to worry about bad odor if you remember to take your arm deodorant and don't forget your toothbrush plus toothpaste. Toothpaste they provide in the hospital is kind of gross but better than nothing. You just labored-the most important thing is to rest.
3. Make-up: It is not likely you'll need much of this. Chapstick is probably a must have during labor so remember to drink water and keep that chapstick near by to avoid chapped lips. Your simple blush, lip gloss (you'll be kissing visitors, your partner and your little one a lot so maybe light or clear shades is the best way to go) and maybe oil controlling or absorbing cloths will work fine. Also, remember you just had a baby, you're probably glowing with beauty anyways.
4. If you wear glasses and contacts forget the contacts all together! Who wants to labor with contacts in? You can fall asleep and then this will lead to headaches later. Just get those good glasses ready. I remember always making sure I shopped for a new pair right after delivering my baby because your eyesight changes slightly when you're pregnant and after it can change again.
5. A good pair of PJ's is a must! I know all women are different but I love built in bra cami's and a pair of cute cotton drawstring bottoms. Two solid color nursing or regular cami's and print bottoms or vice versa plus a little zipped hoodie or cotton sweater works great. Add a pair of comfy slippers and you're good to relax, nurse or even go home in. A cute gown is awesome too. You decide. I always worried about the bunching up and with hemorrhoids who wants to be messing with PJ's bunching up underneath your bottom? UPDATE: Also remember a take home outfit. Something light like cotton capris and a cute shirt or track suit should work fine.
6. Don't forget about baby! This is a whole other bag so I'll touch this later!
Happy Transitioning to your New Life
Evie
If this is your first time having a baby then you may have your mile long list ready. Remember that you will not be there very long but that you may have many visitors. We all want to look, smell and feel our best. So here's my list of what to take to the hospital to achieve all of this.
1. You may take a couple of showers or baths during labor BUT most likely it will be for the relaxing warm water to help through labor pains. Take your favorite shower gel and body lotions for your next shower. If you've been using special products for stretch marks and itching then continue to use them after. Remember when breastfeeding you don't want to use soap on your breasts, this will strip away natural oils needed in this area. Small travel sized shampoo and conditioner will work fine and also take along your comb or brush. Clips and hair ties are a must during labor as well.
2. I've never used too much perfume when close to my newborn because of getting it all over them or causing a reaction with their little nose (sneezing, etc.) You probably don't have to worry about bad odor if you remember to take your arm deodorant and don't forget your toothbrush plus toothpaste. Toothpaste they provide in the hospital is kind of gross but better than nothing. You just labored-the most important thing is to rest.
3. Make-up: It is not likely you'll need much of this. Chapstick is probably a must have during labor so remember to drink water and keep that chapstick near by to avoid chapped lips. Your simple blush, lip gloss (you'll be kissing visitors, your partner and your little one a lot so maybe light or clear shades is the best way to go) and maybe oil controlling or absorbing cloths will work fine. Also, remember you just had a baby, you're probably glowing with beauty anyways.
4. If you wear glasses and contacts forget the contacts all together! Who wants to labor with contacts in? You can fall asleep and then this will lead to headaches later. Just get those good glasses ready. I remember always making sure I shopped for a new pair right after delivering my baby because your eyesight changes slightly when you're pregnant and after it can change again.
5. A good pair of PJ's is a must! I know all women are different but I love built in bra cami's and a pair of cute cotton drawstring bottoms. Two solid color nursing or regular cami's and print bottoms or vice versa plus a little zipped hoodie or cotton sweater works great. Add a pair of comfy slippers and you're good to relax, nurse or even go home in. A cute gown is awesome too. You decide. I always worried about the bunching up and with hemorrhoids who wants to be messing with PJ's bunching up underneath your bottom? UPDATE: Also remember a take home outfit. Something light like cotton capris and a cute shirt or track suit should work fine.
6. Don't forget about baby! This is a whole other bag so I'll touch this later!
Happy Transitioning to your New Life
Evie
Friday, August 18, 2006
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
The Worst Day Of My Life (So Far)!!!!!!!!!
Well, I hope it's the last worst day I ever have because last Friday was pretty horrible. I had my three wonderful, sleep deprived (due to summer), cranky, little monkeys with me last Friday...where else would they be? I like to call all three of them my purse...you always have it with you and never leave a place without it.haha.
Anyways, As some of you know or have read, I have my own business and I do some of my manufacturing at my parents home so I went over to do some work. It was about 12:30 pm when we got there and naturally my children headed for their swimsuits to go into the pool but having a little attitude with me and each other I decided that they would take their naps and then when they woke up they would go swimming. Up the stairs they climbed, each one very irritated with me. With each step they took they were a little more whinny and unbearable to hear. With each step I took the more I wanted them to go to sleep, no getting out of it, not this time. So I told them to lay down and I placed them in their spots and out the door I went.
I sat there talking to my mom for a bit and then it started...The giggles and the laughing. My mom naturally went in and told them to go to sleep, you know, the way grandma's do. Then we went back to talking and she was distracted by the fact that she needed to take in her vacuum cleaner to get serviced because she was headed out of town the next week and it had to get done. So I went off to do my thing and then I heard the giggles and laughing again, so I yelled to the kids to get to sleep. Now, I was just down the hall from them. They could hear me and I them. They became quiet for a minute so I went back to my work.
My mom was getting ready to leave and asked me if she should take one of the kids with her to the vacuum place. The thought went through my mind and I quickly said "No, it's okay, they all need their rest. They've been staying up a little late so I want them to nap for a while then they'll get up and play in the pool." Off she went and in I went into their room and told my oldest(Mia-7 yrs.)to get on the trundle bed and let my younger ones(Nina-4yrs. and Sevy-2yrs.)sleep on the top day bed.
I left the room serious and a bit annoyed. They knew I meant business.....Yeah right. I went on with my work and about 10 minutes later in came Mia telling me "Mom, Sevy is outside" very calmly. I looked at her a little confused. I just thought Sevy sneaked by in the hallway and walked down the stairs into the backyard. Naturally I was concerned because my parents have a pool. I walked out of the room I was in and glanced down the hall where Nina was kneeling on the bed and looking out the window. Nina turned her head and gently said "Mommy, Sevy fell out the window". Okay, now this is where I freaked out! I can't even count how many times I said Oh My God, Shi% and F%$# (not the normal language I use!). I naturally screamed and ran down the stairs, out the back door and glanced at Mia who was leading me. I ran around the corner which led me to Sevy listening for any words, cries,or screams but there was nothing. I thought the worse...Yes I thought he may have been dead. (Oh...I'm all teared up again)
Sevy lay there on his stomach, his face lay to the side and blood was puddled around his head and dripped from his little mouth. His eyes were opened but he wasn't looking anywhere, just straight ahead. I screamed frantically while glancing at Mia then back at Sevy. I didn't know what to do. I yelled at Mia to go call 911 then I heard Sevy groan and then it turned into a cry. At that very second I was reassured that he was alive. Everything was going so fast. I bent down to ask Sevy if I could pick him up...What was my baby supposed to say? No? He had no ability to pick himself up, limp as a noodle I picked him up and placed his bleeding head on my shoulder. I carefully rushed over to Mia who had the phone in her hand but she panicked and didn't know how to use it. I grabbed it from her and pressed TALK. Quickly I was connected to the 911 dispatcher and he calmed me and helped me through it all.
The whole emergency crew got there very fast and assessed Sevy. I was asked questions a couple of times by different people and the police took my daughters over to the side to question them as well. This never made me nervous as some asked me or shared with me in their past experiences. I knew I was the responsible party and if I was liable for his fall then so be it. I felt so horrible I wanted to just die. Imagine watching your baby lay there screaming. I know it was an accident but man did I feel like a really bad Mom.
I called my parents and my mother in law to come and help me with the girls. I didn't want to leave them alone with the police but I couldn't let Sevy go to the hospital alone either. My mother in law reassured me that she was on her way. I called my husband and..well...let's just say I could write a whole other blog entry on this one. He panicked but was okay when he met us at the hospital. I said goodbye to the girls and I went outside into the ambulance. Before I was allowed to go in I was asked to clean myself up with some wipes they carry with them. I realized I was covered in my babies blood and I broke down crying. I was a mess..There's some more crap to add to my therapy list!
Sevy ended up being fine, THANK GOD!!!. He ended up with three staples on his head and a hematoma that still hasn't gone away (6 days later). He also bit his tongue pretty good (The source of blood in his mouth which I thought may have been internal bleeding)but it's okay now. The nurse at Children's Hospital told me it happens a lot and that the child that had our room 20 minutes before us was air lifted to the hospital for the same exact thing. She was bandaged up and sent home fine.
Could this whole situation been prevented? Well, I'm a bit done beating myself up but I know now that opened windows and children don't mix...No matter what! A quarter of the bed was placed by the window which I left open because of the warm weather. It was hot in the room and Mia had even come out of the room once telling me it was hot in there. Naturally I felt for a second that I should close the window but I fought my feelings and thought that I was silly and to left it open.
I write this to share with you and to also reach out to anyone who has been tempted lately in this heat to leave their windows open while children are around. The memory keeps playing in my mind. It's the worse thing I've ever experienced and never want to go through it again. By the way, this picture was taken two day s later...he's okay!
Evie
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Lets Get you Ready for the HOSPITAL
Many first time expecting mommies are a little over active in this department...at least I was. I knew a little bit better on baby #2 and was an expert by baby #3! Come to think of it..I absolutely knew nothing with baby #1.
I knew that I was terrified to take my first poop (Oh, I said it! ) in the hospital. (haha :) ) Believe me, it was coming but I didn't want to go, if you know what I mean. I had to open my mouth and share this with the nurse and she made sure to give me a super laxative. I was very concerned though for my baby because I was breastfeeding and they assured me that it would not affect her. So I took it...Naturally. Oh, but I was sure at ease when I went for the first time there. Make sure to tell them you want a laxative once you reach the postpartum recovering floor. This will put you at ease, especially if a nice hemorrhoid is visiting you for a while.
Now, on hemorrhoids!!!!! I didn't get this visit until baby #2. OH MY GOSH!!!! I had a little bit of episiotomy pain, nipples were a bit tender but WOW was my bottom on fire after I pushed out baby #2. I asked the hospital for every medication they had on hemorrhoids. Make sure you ask for this stuff, especially that super cold spray you want to spray down there forever. They will either tell your hubby, partner or family support on what to get you from their pharmacy or supply you with a load of it. Also, take home the sitz bath toilet tub they give you, it will sure come in handy and ease you once you're home. If you don't want to bring up these topics to a nurse or in front of all those visiting relatives that just won't leave you to sleep, then check out natural remedies on the web. One I found that I'm giving every expecting Mama I know with these bugging suckers is Earth Mama Angel Baby Bottom Balm. This soothing,cooling balm made using an organic olive oil base infused with healing organic herbs is made too help shrink and ease discomfort. They have great products! Organic-that's a plus! You can find them at www.earthmamaangelbaby.com
Episiotomy care Now, my first baby gave me the experience of my oh so nice episiotomy. Little did I know back then how I was supposed to feel. Every time I walked, bent over, reached down,oh and when I laughed or coughed, etc... I felt tugging and pulling on the stitches. Ladies, I'm talking weeks of this! I tried to take it easy but it hurt and bled for days, which lead to weeks, that even lasted me years. Yes, I said years! I had my next child 4 years later and they told me then that my last stitch job was sloppy and bad. How was I supposed to know this? They fixed it forever though. After that episiotomy stitching I healed so fast and never bled again. So now you know that you're not supposed to bleed in the parineum area for years :)! Another great solution to discomfort in the perineum location is your peri bottle from the hospital filled with warm water and your sitz bath. Use this with more products from Earth Mama Angel Baby and you're sure to feel better knowing that you're taking care of your healing body. While on this subject, don't forget those kegels. They bug you a lot on this...or maybe I had a huge kegel remider on my chart because every hospital staffer told me this pointer! So do them. This will help with leakage. Every woman out there that laughs and leaks or goes to step, jumps, etc and leaks knows what I mean! Do Them!
Bleeding
We've all had many years of experience on this subject but not on 6 weeks of it. For me it was very heavy for about 2 weeks and then lightened up around week 3-6. I loved the heavy, extra long cotton pads that they gave me in the hospital. Ask for these, they are wonderful and so absorbing. If you like cotton pads check out any Kotex brand pads, they're wonderful. I switched to these once I had my first baby.
Sore Nipples I had this with every three of my children. I really thought that my tender nipples would turn into rough, elephant skinned nothings and would never feel again..Well I was very wrong. Each breastfeeding experience came with the same sore package. I used nipple covers like Lily Padz from my hospital with baby #3 and WOW was I impressed. My healing time was cut in half with these miracle workers. If you experience scabbing, tenderness, peeling of your skin, then I recommend these types of breast covers. You can check them out and purchase them on Supermomz.com under breastfeeding. Another great thing to have is a Nursing Tank. No Wires!!! (Remember, try to avoid bras with wires due to possible mastitis infections) There are a couple out there that you can get. One that is really popular is Glamour Mom from Supermomz.com or glamourmom.com. They carry a variety of colors and patterns, they even have tank dresses. Too cool. If you're on a budget though, then I recommend In Due Time at Target in the maternity department. These nursing tanks are the greatest thing ever. They're really similar and both cover up your postpartum transitioning stomach and sides (plus they cover up stretch marks). In fact, I really loved the security and added reminder to suck in my gut! Nothing like a physical reminder to suck it in, way better than my mom. I can't leave without mentioning to take your Nursing Curtain with you to the hospital as well! (www.mommyslittlemonkey.com) Remember all of those relatives that will visit and never get the clue to leave, you still have to nurse while they're there and believe me they will be starring while you do your duty.
Well, that's enough on Postpartum Recovery 101. Until next time.
Happy Nursing and especially Happy Transitioning to your New Life,
Evie
Monday, August 07, 2006
The Shape of a Mommy: Physically and Mentally
If you haven't seen the new and wonderful site-The Shape of a Woman yet then I ask you to do so. It will really move you, bring you to tears, and possibly motivate you to contribute. This new blog has really motivated me to write about my shape. I don't think I'm ready to post my physical shape yet but maybe soon I will be able to. I am, however, ready to talk about something that has been on my mind for years and that is my mental shape.
We as mommies are all shaped physically different. Of course, before we received our "Mommy shape" we had our "Foxy Lady" shape, you know the cute, tight bottom that caught your partners eyes or your sweet, firm bosom that hypnotized him. With pregnancy, age(slow metabolism) and being the tired mommy that we often are, we gain the extra pound here and there and really have a challenging time getting it off.
What about the mental shape we had prior to mommyhood and what happens to it after we have babies? I personally know that my mental shape was "okay". I really never thought about my mental health (Not to say I'm a wreck or anything...Maybe just need some therapy, but don't we all?).
To make a very long story short, I was molested as a child (ouch!), I started to emotionally eat causing me to be overweight (double Ouch) and I had Alopecia Areata (a highly unpredictable, autoimmune skin disease resulting in the loss of hair on the scalp and elsewhere on the body). So, okay you can imagine my mental shape. Although I state some events That effected me in my childhood in this post it still hurts a little but I consider this a bit of therapy, so it's a good thing.
My hair grew in by my 6th or 7th birthday but you can imagine the comments by friends, relatives and especially school kids (oh, school kids can be so honest and mean :-( ). I often pushed away thoughts and feelings of my insecurities. This really affected me though and little did I know how it would come back to me as a new Mother.
Don't get me wrong, I'm okay. I gained a better self esteem later especially in High School after I lost a lot of weight. I still have my little breakdowns though when I think too much. Maybe some of you may be able to relate. I have issues with men, weight, self esteem, respect, and I could go on and on. Maybe it's due to events in my life. Of course it is. We all have these issues.
So this brings to me my point on mental shapes. I believe we are all shaped differently from the events in our lives. The way we dress, live, eat, give birth, parent our children, breastfeed or not breastfeed, the way we handle situations this is all from the way we've been shaped.
So recently my friend Bonnie at the newly famous "The Shape of a Mother" posted my business website on her blog. A couple of women made comments about covering up while nursing and how it defeats her motivating blog that encourages mothers to accept their beautiful bodies. I agree that we should accept our beautiful bodies but it's not always easy to do this. I do not hold any bad feelings towards these women but only want to address the issue.
Many women do have issues showing their bodies, postpartum areas (lower back, belly, sides and also to mention the big great boobies that nourish our babies) and choose to cover up while breastfeeding. Why should this be viewed as a negative thing? Shouldn't we all be trying to unite, motivate and encourage women to do the one thing that has created a movement? BREASTFEEDING. This is what we need to focus on. Gently support those mommies who will breastfeed in public no matter what way they may do so. If they feel the need to cover with any product, blanket or shawl then they should as long as they feel comfortable doing it. I personally look at women who do not have to cover up with respect and also as liberating. I appreciate these women, for without them much change would not have occurred for all women.
I have to stand strong and represent the many women who can not go out in public and breastfeed for their own personal struggles with their mental issues though.
For the mommy I saw at the mall, when I saw you, you were nursing your newborn baby at a bench and you looked very insecure. I smiled at you with what I hoped would be strengthening and you glanced away. I approached you to tell you how great you were for breastfeeding in public and you then told me all of your feelings towards public breastfeeding. You were embarrassed and could not believe that you were doing what you were doing, that your friend accompanying you was embarrassed that you were nursing in public and she had a baby the same exact age as your baby but she ONLY nursed at home and thought that you should too. You were a bit nervous and closed your eyes for a second as if you wished your feelings could go away or maybe you were wishing away the people you thought were starring at you....For you I write this. I wonder what shaped you to feel this way and I only know that you are not alone.
For all women who need strength to do what is so natural and beneficial I write this. All women need to support one another in this breastfeeding movement in any way she feels comfortable. The important emphasis should be only BREASTFEEDING.
With so much peace and respect.
Happy Nursing and Happy Transitioning to your New Life,
Evie Ballesteros
Breastfeeding
I absolutely love, love, love this topic. It is so close to my heart and is the reason I went into business. Many see the romantic version of breastfeeding on TV or in the movies. Mommies, is there anything physically romantic or painless the first couple of weeks in breastfeeding?
I understand that most books and specialists believe that breastfeeding is not supposed to be challenging or a problem BUT for me, and I have had 3 children so far, I have found it to be challenging each and every time. No time too different than the other, well other than the changing sizes of my children's mouths, but each time similar transitioning, similar scabbing and bleeding (not too much of this), similar engorgement, similar curling of my toes at each latching of my babies mouth, similar feeling of wanting to quit and similar count down each and every day telling myself I can do it and that one more day has passed.
Now, I do not want to discourage expectant mommies from breastfeeding, it's the best thing for you and especially for your baby. I want to reach out to expecting mommies and inform them of what may come ahead and also to inform them of what they can do to succeed. I want to address challenges and some pointers on overcoming them so that women that are expecting or breastfeeding mommies that seek support through reading this blog may gain this support and strength. I encourage women who want to help and share to please send in your comments and I will post them so that other mommies may gain this support and read your tips.
First, read, read, read! Yes, I know breastfeeding is so natural. We are designed to breastfeed. Many think that just being natural and just doing it is what you should just do, but there are women who need to read and want direction and to understand every step of the way.
Remember to ask your lactation consultant questions in the hospital! I delivered at two different hospitals and each one had lactation consultants available to answer my questions and to teach me proper latch on techniques. The hospital also gave me a hand held breast pump. Make sure to utilize this service.
Get support! A breastfeeding class or support group like La Leche League (you can find their info. at my links) is very important as well. When you are going through something that you have not read about, a leader may be able to help you and lead you in the right direction.
Invest in a lactation consultation. If you are very determined to breastfeed and find it challenging in the beginning then investing in a lactation consultation can be very satisfying. A certified lactation consultant will give you her undivided attention and answer all of your questions.
Always remember that your situation is very unique. What works for other women may not work for you. Do not panic and relax. Read and write down any questions and when your baby gets here write down any new questions you may have. Utilize your hospital lactation consultations. Always have the La Leche League leaders, women relatives or friends who have or are breastfeeding phone numbers ready, you may need help while transitioning at home.
I will continue on this special topic.
Happy Nursing your little monkey and Happy transitioning to your new life,
Evie Ballesteros
I absolutely love, love, love this topic. It is so close to my heart and is the reason I went into business. Many see the romantic version of breastfeeding on TV or in the movies. Mommies, is there anything physically romantic or painless the first couple of weeks in breastfeeding?
I understand that most books and specialists believe that breastfeeding is not supposed to be challenging or a problem BUT for me, and I have had 3 children so far, I have found it to be challenging each and every time. No time too different than the other, well other than the changing sizes of my children's mouths, but each time similar transitioning, similar scabbing and bleeding (not too much of this), similar engorgement, similar curling of my toes at each latching of my babies mouth, similar feeling of wanting to quit and similar count down each and every day telling myself I can do it and that one more day has passed.
Now, I do not want to discourage expectant mommies from breastfeeding, it's the best thing for you and especially for your baby. I want to reach out to expecting mommies and inform them of what may come ahead and also to inform them of what they can do to succeed. I want to address challenges and some pointers on overcoming them so that women that are expecting or breastfeeding mommies that seek support through reading this blog may gain this support and strength. I encourage women who want to help and share to please send in your comments and I will post them so that other mommies may gain this support and read your tips.
First, read, read, read! Yes, I know breastfeeding is so natural. We are designed to breastfeed. Many think that just being natural and just doing it is what you should just do, but there are women who need to read and want direction and to understand every step of the way.
Remember to ask your lactation consultant questions in the hospital! I delivered at two different hospitals and each one had lactation consultants available to answer my questions and to teach me proper latch on techniques. The hospital also gave me a hand held breast pump. Make sure to utilize this service.
Get support! A breastfeeding class or support group like La Leche League (you can find their info. at my links) is very important as well. When you are going through something that you have not read about, a leader may be able to help you and lead you in the right direction.
Invest in a lactation consultation. If you are very determined to breastfeed and find it challenging in the beginning then investing in a lactation consultation can be very satisfying. A certified lactation consultant will give you her undivided attention and answer all of your questions.
Always remember that your situation is very unique. What works for other women may not work for you. Do not panic and relax. Read and write down any questions and when your baby gets here write down any new questions you may have. Utilize your hospital lactation consultations. Always have the La Leche League leaders, women relatives or friends who have or are breastfeeding phone numbers ready, you may need help while transitioning at home.
I will continue on this special topic.
Happy Nursing your little monkey and Happy transitioning to your new life,
Evie Ballesteros
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Our First Breastfeeding Story!
Tina
I grew up in a non-breastfeeding family. My mom did not bf us nor did her mother bf her. When I became pregnant for the first time I decided I was going to give it a shot. I had no expectations of it but I did try to learn as much as I could about it before my daughter was born. I took classes at the hospital and stocked up on all the bf'ing essentials. I even got one of the very first "nursing curtains" ever made from my friend, Evie, as a gift. When Elena was born she latched on and nursed like a champ for 9 months. When I went back to work (when she was 6 mos.) I pumped for 3 months. Then my body stopped making enough milk to sustain our nursing relationship (such is life). I was so lucky to have a baby that nursed well from the time she was just a few minutes old. Even the nurses commented on how well she did. My son had a little more difficulty but once he got the hang of it, he did awesome. Our nursing relationship lasted a little less time than it did with my daughter because I went back to work earlier (when he was just 6wks). I guess my body just doesn't like it when I go back to work and depend on pumping for too long. Oh well. I'm lucky to have so many friends that nursed aound the same time I was nursing my babies. It's good to have that feeling of support. I'm the proud owner of 3 nursing curtains and to be quite honest, I don't know what I would've done without them. As I've told many other moms before, I can honestly say I don't care what others think about my nursing (public or private). I don't wear the nursing curtain because I'm affraid of what others will say, I wear it because I am really modest about showing my skin to anyone. Especially when I was a new mom, getting used to the post partum body and the "jelly belly" as I like to say and the strech marks are really visible. I didn't like showing my body off before I had kids, and I really wasn't interested in showing it off afterward either. The nursing curtain gave me confidence to nurse any and everywhere I needed to. The curtain also came in handy while pumping at work. While I'm lucky enough to have a private office with a door, the door doesn't have a lock. I'd shut my door to pump but always with the nursing curtain over my front. That way, if someone didn't get the "hint" by seeing my closed door and happened to walk in, they didn't get a free show (so to speak). haha.
A funny nursing story that involves my nursing curtain; when my son was a newborn (mabye about a month old) my daughter took a huge interest in nursing. She asked all kinds of questions and wanted to be near me when Andres was eating. One morning I went into the family room and saw one of the cutest things I've ever seen in my life, Elena was sitting in the rocker, nursing curtain around her neck, with her baby dolls feet haning out the side. She was "nursing" her doll. My heart swelled with pride. I knew that I had started a generation of nursing mothers. Even though I don't come from a family of breastfeeders, I feel confident that my daughter will follow in my footsteps, nursing her own children. I don't have a picture of me nursing but I do have a nice picture of me with my babies.
Monday, July 31, 2006
August is World Breastfeeding Month!!!!!!
The first week of August (1st-7th) kicks off World Breastfeeding Month! I am very happy and proud to be a part of this movement and so should you. With mothers all over the world who demonstrate, advocate and educate breastfeeding this world has started to view this topic differently. I am an optimist, so I believe if we stand and unite as women we will make change! Stand up today and demonstrate, advocate or educate on the topic of breastfeeding and we can move ahead.
Send in your thoughts and beautiful nursing photos and I'll post throughout the month!
Happy Nursing Your Little Monkey
and Happy transitioning to your new life!
Evie
The first week of August (1st-7th) kicks off World Breastfeeding Month! I am very happy and proud to be a part of this movement and so should you. With mothers all over the world who demonstrate, advocate and educate breastfeeding this world has started to view this topic differently. I am an optimist, so I believe if we stand and unite as women we will make change! Stand up today and demonstrate, advocate or educate on the topic of breastfeeding and we can move ahead.
Send in your thoughts and beautiful nursing photos and I'll post throughout the month!
Happy Nursing Your Little Monkey
and Happy transitioning to your new life!
Evie
Friday, July 28, 2006
Share your Stories and Photos
If you have a postpartum story, thoughts, photos you would like to share coming home from the hospital with your new baby or breastfeeding (with or without The Nursing Curtain!) then we would like to hear from you. Send me your writing, thoughts or photos and I'll post it on this blog!
Happy transitioning to your New Life,
Evie
Mommy of 3 Little Monkeys
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Mamma's Body Postpartum
My friend Bonnie has created a fabulous new blog The Shape of a Mother. Ladies you have to check this site out! It's wonderful, motivating and will touch your hearts. Finally, confirmation that I am not the only one! I can relate with so many of the women who posted on this blog, I'm just not brave to post yet. Stay tuned, I just might.
You can check her site out by clicking on her link to the left :)
Happy transitioning
Evie
Mommy of 3 little monkeys
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Photos :)
Today we had a photo shoot with little francesca and she had some fun. Check out the great photos she took with The Nursing Curtain (TM)! She's such a cutie pie.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/68037020@N00/
Today we had a photo shoot with little francesca and she had some fun. Check out the great photos she took with The Nursing Curtain (TM)! She's such a cutie pie.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/68037020@N00/
Thankful
Today I am exactly 2 years 3 months and 1 week postpartum with my third child. Well, I guess postpartum isn't the right word but because I feel like it happened yersteday I'll give myself permission to use the word. Yes I delivered my beautiful baby boy some time ago but I look at him and feel like it went by so very fast. I love to just watch him some days, playing with his two sisters and observe how he interacts with them. When he's in the mood to play cooperatively, he is this little boy that is running around independently. In a quick second he can turn right back into my tiny toddler and run to me crying for all of my physical attention.
My other two beautiful girls run the show. They are still so very small but time is passing so very fast. I mourn their births some days and want to hold on to every memory that I can. I do this by telling them their own birth story and from this they frequently ask me to tell them, and describe to them every detail of not only their births but of other events. I know it will go by soon, I'm reminded of this everyday and every celebration, plus my mother will not stop reminding me of this as well. She often tells me to take it in and relax, "they'll grow up and leave you soon". This makes me sad but remembering that I have a job, 1 job, to raise them into the best human beings that I can is this job and after to release into the world to be good, productive individuals. My gift is experiencing being a mother and receiving love, patience and becoming a better person.
I love my three children and thank the lord for bringing them to me. I am so thankful for these beautiful babies that made me the woman I am today. They make me so much stronger, they make me so much more humbled and they have helped me look at life and love so much more than I ever thought possible.
For this I am Thankful :)
Happy Transitioning
Evie
Mommy of 3 Little Monkeys
Friday, July 14, 2006
Post Partum Transitioning
So the built up excitement and curiosity of what will come has passed...You've delivered your baby. You have experienced physical discomfort, pain and the great feeling of pushing out this little watermelon, and the best of it all meeting and holding your little monkey. You've looked over your little one and have studied his/her face, hands, fingers and toes. What a wonderful experience! Just the start of mommyhood.
All was probably to be expected. Your changing body and emotions but no one really got you ready for the actual physical and emotional changes after the birth of your baby.
Do they have a class on all the tiny details of what will happen? I never received that information...Maybe I didn't take that class. I know I was a little angry though. I felt it was just something someone should have talked to me about! The burning episiotomy stitches that killed me when I bent over to pick up my brand new baby. The engorged, burning breasts that felt like they were ready to explode. The sore nipples that I was warned about the possibility of occurring by the lactation consultant but by the time I got home I had no idea I was breastfeeding incorrectly. And the gross feeling of lochia -discharge-that was never ending and made me feel so icky. Call it immaturity, call it ignorance or my fault for not asking many questions BUT how was I supposed to know what to ask? I was angry with my surrounding team of women in my life. I was really angry with my mom but I kept it inside. I was upset they did not tell me of all the physical changes involved with child birth and postpartum transitioning. Come on! We're supposed to stick together and inform eachother of all of the possibilities so that I'm not stuck at home afterwards with a brand new baby having to hit Wal-mart for super powerful numbing hemorrhoid spray! I guess this is why they call it a learning experience.
This is where a little bit of the baby blues hit me. I was very happy to have my baby but I was uncertain, I was in a bit of discomfort and I had a brand new baby to depend on me while all of this physical transtioning was going on. My hormones we very imbalanced and now as a new Mommy I felt expected to know what I had to do and feel. Not the case! So what was the lesson learned? To ask many questions!
Keep checking in with me and I'll do my best to touch those subjects you may want answered that Mom won't cover unless you ask. Sometimes even if you ask they don't want to talk OR they may remember a little differently than occured...."I remeber when I was in labor and I walked to the hospital in a snow storm, I never received an drop of pain medicine....the baby took to my breast and I never had a single problem....I was up making dinner and back to normal the next day....my babies never cried" Yeah whatever!
Come back for great topics I'll be covering: Breastfeeding-physical changes and the ups and downs, Your body afterwards: it's beautiful no matter what you think!, small steps to feeling confident about new mommyhood-don't worry you will get there, baby blues and postpartum depression
See you Soon!!!!!!
Happy Transitioning
Evie
Mommy of 3 Little Monkeys
So the built up excitement and curiosity of what will come has passed...You've delivered your baby. You have experienced physical discomfort, pain and the great feeling of pushing out this little watermelon, and the best of it all meeting and holding your little monkey. You've looked over your little one and have studied his/her face, hands, fingers and toes. What a wonderful experience! Just the start of mommyhood.
All was probably to be expected. Your changing body and emotions but no one really got you ready for the actual physical and emotional changes after the birth of your baby.
Do they have a class on all the tiny details of what will happen? I never received that information...Maybe I didn't take that class. I know I was a little angry though. I felt it was just something someone should have talked to me about! The burning episiotomy stitches that killed me when I bent over to pick up my brand new baby. The engorged, burning breasts that felt like they were ready to explode. The sore nipples that I was warned about the possibility of occurring by the lactation consultant but by the time I got home I had no idea I was breastfeeding incorrectly. And the gross feeling of lochia -discharge-that was never ending and made me feel so icky. Call it immaturity, call it ignorance or my fault for not asking many questions BUT how was I supposed to know what to ask? I was angry with my surrounding team of women in my life. I was really angry with my mom but I kept it inside. I was upset they did not tell me of all the physical changes involved with child birth and postpartum transitioning. Come on! We're supposed to stick together and inform eachother of all of the possibilities so that I'm not stuck at home afterwards with a brand new baby having to hit Wal-mart for super powerful numbing hemorrhoid spray! I guess this is why they call it a learning experience.
This is where a little bit of the baby blues hit me. I was very happy to have my baby but I was uncertain, I was in a bit of discomfort and I had a brand new baby to depend on me while all of this physical transtioning was going on. My hormones we very imbalanced and now as a new Mommy I felt expected to know what I had to do and feel. Not the case! So what was the lesson learned? To ask many questions!
Keep checking in with me and I'll do my best to touch those subjects you may want answered that Mom won't cover unless you ask. Sometimes even if you ask they don't want to talk OR they may remember a little differently than occured...."I remeber when I was in labor and I walked to the hospital in a snow storm, I never received an drop of pain medicine....the baby took to my breast and I never had a single problem....I was up making dinner and back to normal the next day....my babies never cried" Yeah whatever!
Come back for great topics I'll be covering: Breastfeeding-physical changes and the ups and downs, Your body afterwards: it's beautiful no matter what you think!, small steps to feeling confident about new mommyhood-don't worry you will get there, baby blues and postpartum depression
See you Soon!!!!!!
Happy Transitioning
Evie
Mommy of 3 Little Monkeys
The Nursing CurtainTM
We've all been there, a new mommy getting use to the whole experience of motherhood, breastfeeding, sore breasts, and modesty issues in public! Well a great solution to your public breastfeeding fear is The Nursing CurtainTM. You will not feel the need to leave the room to go to the bathroom, back room or your car again.
The Nursing Curtain TM by Mommy's Little MonkeyTM is a nursing essential for mommies who want to modestly nurse in public. With its durable neck ring and secured snap closures your nursing experience is sure to be calm knowing that your little one will not tug it off. Viewing your little monkey is always an option, simply lift the neck ring when necessary and check in to see how they're doing. For those Mommies interested in partial back coverage, The Nursing CurtainTM delivers a wrap around design that partially covers those unwanted exposed areas during post partum transitioning.
The Nursing CurtainTM conveniently comes in two styles-lined and unlined. Choose the unlined version for warm summer days or for those mommies who tend to get hot during nursing time. Choose the lined version for colder seasons, night time events or for those mommies who tend to get cold easily. They both contain a convenient interior pocket and the lined version has an attachment burp cloth for little messes made by mommy or your little monkey.
They both also double up as a blanket once baby is sleeping or to cover up a stroller with.
Check out The Nursing Curtain at the link above
Mommy's Little Monkey TM
Mommy's Little MonkeyTM was created with pampering Mommies and their Little Monkeys in mind. We believe that post transitioning into motherhood is a delicate and gentle time for Mommy. We hope to bring you this blogg to speak and reach out to all mommies about this gentle time and related issues.
Thanks and Happy transitioning with your Little Monkey,
Evie
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