Tuesday, December 26, 2006

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

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.

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

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

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
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.
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