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

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

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 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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Introduction!!!!
I am very happy to introduce to you a contributing blogger: Tina!!!
Tina is a great friend of mine. We actually grew up together and now we're walking together as Mama's. I look foward to all that she has to share with us!
Peace!
Evie

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

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

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