What a Craze for some Java!

Today marked the Grand Opening of a great new coffee shop here in San Diego. Java Mama was on the news this morning and received great coverage. I intended to make it there by 9:30am or so but ended up there at around 10:30am.

I had my two youngest monkeys in tow and once we walked in it was crazy, a good crazy though. Arm to arm with mommies and toddlers there for some Java and fun. The Bump gave away great bags of freebies, which some of my own products were in there :) and Java Mama gave away free Java and goodies too. The play area, which is designed with little monkeys in mind (ages 1-3), was crowded with toddling toddlers and of course my 2 year old had to be the roughest one there. He was everywhere! Up on the slide, down in the train table play station, then away to the soft blocks where he piled and destroyed on top of very young monkeys. I really felt like I was in the wrong place at the right time. This place is great, it was just the opening day and there was so much excitement. Okay, so I'll blame his wildness on the fact that there were so many other excited little ones and hope that he's one of the best ones next time we go out.

So am I the only one who cringes every time out with the kids. Hoping that they behave and then being a bit disappointed once you're in the moment? Am I the only one who feels like you want to control your child and expect your two year old to behave and mind everything he is told? I have two girls older than this little monkey and they were a different experience. I mean this boy can be wild and I feel like I don't have the tools to tame him and then I also feel like he's little and I need to just kick back. What about you?

Overall, Java Mama was a great hit today and I know my products will do great there. There were so many mommies with itty bitty ones, nursing up some healthy greatness. If you're in San Diego and want some time with your girlfriends, yourself and of course your little monkeys then remember Java Mama. www.javamam.com

Breastfeeding Etiquette

After reading a really great blog topic post by http://www.mamaknowsbreast.com/ I decided to check out the link she posted for The Today Show and breastfeeding etiquette. Susan Kane , the editor and chief to Baby Talk Magazine, was interviewed by Ann Curry on the great topic of breastfeeding statistics and the declined percentage of breastfeeding mothers at 6 months. Besides the help women need to succeed at breastfeeding, the problem at the work place and breastfeeding, etiquette was the focus and the attitude public has towards the act.
This week ivillage.com took a survey on the topic, which is a Internet site particularly targeted towards women, and the results were

57% responded breastfeeding should only be done in discreet places and all covered
30% responded anywhere-anytime
10% never in public

57% was the result from the national dietetic association's national survey for people who disapprove to public breastfeeding

It is wonderful to see this is becoming such a hot topic and that people are helping to make changes. Susan embraced that it is a very difficult challenge for many women to go out into public and breastfeed due to their own feelings and the way the public treats nursing mothers. Also discussed were the rights to feeds anywhere, anytime defending nursing mothers "what woman do you know wants to show her, sane woman, wants to show herself in public?" in defense to public attitude towards a woman exposing herself while breastfeeding.
Women are able to breastfeed discreetly and continue their breastfeeding relationship in public whether doing so with a cover up (which was emphasised a couple of times in the interview) or anyway a woman can do so. I am very happy this was on the Today Show because it is something so many women are faced with everyday. The choice when faced with this issues is just like Susan said on the show, either stay locked up in your home because of your feelings or go out and do what you have to-breastfeed in public. Check out this interview http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032633/ and click on breastfeeding etiquette.

thanks to Andi at mamknowsbreast.com

Java Mama

The best thing is coming to San Diego, a coffee shop for mommies and their little monkeys! If you're a mommy you know that you've been there, wanting a place you can go and have a cup of coffee with the girls while the kids play. Time to talk and bond with other adults without the worry of your monkeys hanging on everything they're not supposed to. How about a place to do some work at while the kids play? They have laptop stations with free wifi and specialty drinks while you work away. Well, it's here and it's opening very soon. Check out Java mama's website and be there! http://javamama.com

The Grand Opening to Java Mama in La Mesa, Ca. will be held on February 15Th from 7am-12 pm and Mommy's Little Monkey will be there!!!!
Go to the grand opening and the first 35 mommies will receive a goodie bag from The BUMP San Diego stuffed with greatness. Also one big diaper bag filled with goodies will be raffled off as well.
Enjoy free drinks for mommy and children and take their classes as well. Enjoy and explore this great new facility!

Trademark Watchdog Barking at a SAHM blogger!!!!!

So Jennifer, at http://thelactivist.blogspot.com/, was barked at today by a trademark watchdog for The National Pork Board and slapped with a threat to sue her for one cute slogan she came up with and sells at her cafe press store. Apparently her t-shirt slogan "the other white milk" is similar to theirs and they claim that it violates their trademark on the phrase"the other white meat".
PLEASE!!!!! Like anyone who reads her blog, checks out and buys her clothing is really thinking "PORK"when they do so. Does breastmilk, which my own was rarely white due to supplements, have anything to do with pork? Sorry, I never have compared nor will I ever, other than seeing a pig nursing her piglets- the expressions on a mother pigs face can be similar to a human mamas. Oh, and once I did see a mother pig run away from her five piglets but you know if I had five that wanted my chee chees I'd probably run too, but other than that I would not compare the two!
I have a business that I protected legally with patents and trademarks prior to launching and so I can understand and respect all the $ (and more $ and more $) and hard work that goes into protecting your products and names but come on! Really, this is bizarre and only proves that the legal team contacting Jennifer really did not do their homework on what they were barking at. If they simply read her blog a little more then they would see that she was doing great things with her Cafe Press earnings and also would see the passion in her mission with this blog. The Lactavist is harmless, she's obviously respectful and passionate about breastfeeding and her mission the help out with non-profit milk banks. The National Pork Board really needs to lay off. It's just a waste of their money to have had lawyers contact Jennifer, not to mention any reputation they have because now people are pretty fired up. Let's all say no to pork!

Mr. Clean Magic Erasers

I have to admit that these babies do work some magic. I love these things but watch your kids with them. I was on a mom site a while back where there was a warning posted by one mommy and what it did to her little boy's face. It was so aweful! Check it out for yourself http://www.bloggingbaby.com/2006/11/03/household-cleaning-erasers-may-cause-chemical-burns/.
Let's start with what this suckers are made of. Melamine foam (formaldehyde-melamine-sodium bisulfite copolymer) is a crystalline chemical compound. It contains microporous properties that remove hard to remove things from smooth surfaces like crayon, markers, pen, nail polish on my wood floors and white molding, dirt and other great things that shouldn't be on my/your walls and hardwood floors! The microporous areas act like sandpaper but on a very small scale, getting into tiny grooves and pits in the subject being cleaned. These little suckers have really been there for me when I've needed them. Just don't leave your kids or your moms alone with them.

My mom will kill me for this entry but I have to write about her story she shared with me. The story of the little boy who burned his face really made me aware of the fact that I need to have them up high like all of my other cleaning agents. I even warned my friends who I raved and hooked magic eraser on. One person I did not warn once I found out was my mother. I mean, why would I warn her? She doesn't have little ones living with her and when the grand kids are over her house it's not like she's cleaning or anything. So I did not warn her and guess what hap pend? Yes, she burned her face!

My mother has this thing with her face. She blames her facial hair growth she has on her last child, which was a son. I'm not certain if there is proof to her theory but she feels that her last child, her son, created a surge of hormones in her body creating hair growth on her face. My last child was a boy and I do admit I've had an increase in hair growth not to mention an increase in smelly underarms and hair growth in various unwanted spots on my body, but you know that's another story. So with this all said let's take you to the point.

I was over their house one day in December and I visited with them for a while. Once they were walking me out to my car I saw my moms face in the sunlight and viewed a whole bunch of little scratches or patches on her face that could have passed for an outbreak of acne. I asked her what had happened and she told me she was under a lot of stress from a little flood they had in their house. Okay, granted, if I had a flood in my house and mold was growing because of it and my kitchen had to be gutted out I would probably be a bit stressed out too (just a little). So I believed her story, why wouldn't I. The truth came out though on New Year's day when we were sitting and talking and the subject came up about magic erasers and the burned little boy. My mom looked at me and told me that that's exactly what had happened to her. She apparently had a little facial hair breakdown and tried to magically erase her facial hair :) leading to facial burn!!! I could not believe this. I asked her why she didn't tell me truth and she just shared that she was embarrassed at the time. She's okay with it now and has gone in the direction of some cool hair removal contraption that she purchased.

So the point of this story is be careful of these wonder workers because they burn. Don't leave your kids or mom alone with them.

Potty Training and #2!!!!

I am very happy to announce that my little monkey man has officially gone #2 on the potty!!!!!!! He has been potty training for a while and has been peeing on the potty for about a week. My potty training mentality is that they're not really potty trained until that #2 has been successfully accomplished. Yesterday he asked to go #2 on the potty and he did it! A big accomplishment that he knows will get him a fun trip to Chuck-E-Cheese (a great healthy reward!!...Oh yeah) .
So I'm happy and a bit sad at the same time because this means my baby has reached a big milestone to independence......yeah I'm mourning the loss of my third baby/toddler. I know he's going to need me for a long time BUT I can't help but feel that loss of my tiny baby.

Don't even say it......no, it's not time for another baby!

Mail Delivery

Yesterday I opened the door while getting ready to take two children to a doctor appointment and saw that we had mail waiting in our box. I also looked down and saw a package below the mail box. Now I love mail. I look forward to it everyday. Sad but true it's one of the highlights of my day. I love the mail but hate bills, love birthday and Christmas cards but cringe over sending them, love solicitations that pertain to my life and have environmental attacks over the ones that don't have anything to do with me and my life at this moment. Oh well, that's me. So back to the package....I looked down and saw a little box on the floor and immediately wanted to know why there was a baby picture on it. Was this box a free box of diapers? Did this box have a free sample of greatness inside? It sure did but to my surprise it was a box of FREE FORMULA! How did I get this? I'm still a bit puzzled over this but somewhere along the line of stuff I filled out somewhere, I was obviously placed on their mailing list and sent this package.
The intro. letter welcomed me and stated that this company makes their formula to give my baby a strong start in life. :) The product container claims that it has DHA and ARA, special nutrients found in breast milk. Now, the container does state that breast milk is recommended, which is placed on there in small print (kind of like the warning on alcoholic beverages). Another thing on the container is this,
"your baby's health depends on carefully following these easy directions. Proper hygiene, handling, and storage are important when preparing infant formula. Powdered infant formulas are not sterile and should not be fed to premature infants or infants who might have immune problems unless directed and supervised by your baby's doctor". Now, I am a bit unaware of formula because I did not use it with my children and I understand that some mommies need to use it, so I am not putting down the use, but I am concerned with this warning. It's kind of scary.

One more thing to think about, included in the package were some informational brochures and one insert that invites all mommies to grow strong with their babies: "it's never to early to teach the ABC's of a healthy lifestyle-including making nutrition and exercise a way of life" I thought breast milk was the very best start of life.....maybe I'm wrong :-(.

When your away from baby give them a fake Chee Chee (hee hee :-)

I really have to check out this cool chee chee bottle! It looks so great and exactly what every nursing mommy (at least me when I was nursing) needs to trick that chee chee baby to taking breastmilk from a bottle. It was a challenge to get my babies to take chee chee milk from a bottle while I was away. I would get sweet reports back from Nana and Grandma that they were good but cried a bit which meant a lot. Eventually when they got older they took it without a problem but it's tricking the infant to take their milk when mama's away.
So I ran into this wonderful looking chee chee, the Adiri bottle, on the Internet a while back and told my BF that I would get her one so that she could try it out once she was pumping. Look at how it smothers the baby like a real chee chee http://www.cheekymonkey.ca/Adiri.htm.
!Perfecto!
I'll report back to you once she does to see how great or not it works.
If you have a report on the Adiri bottle let us know.

To the chee chee botella,
Evie

Diaper Review

Today I received a package of diapers for my friend. We're throwing her a baby shower and one great suggestion was to have a diaper raffle. So in the invitation I suggested to bring a pack of diapers to be entered into a raffle for a spa package. When one of our invites could not make it she sent some diapers and wanted to be placed in the drawing. Too cool. I was asked to open the box to see what was in it by the excited mommy to be.
I was happy to see an assortment of great diapers I had to write to you about. Seventh Generation baby diapers make chlorine free diapers. They're Hypo-allergenic, fragrance and latex free too! Most of all I love what is printed on the packaging "In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations." (From The Great Law of the Iroquois Confederacy)
So on the side label it states the effect of chlorine bleached diapers, which most are made of, and the carcinogenic effects plus environmental and reproductive disorders. The friend who purchased these diapers loves them.
I have to say that Seventh Generation Diapers have my Green stamp of approval. Check them out http://www.seventhgeneration.com/our_products/baby.php for a store locator and more information on their products.
Peace
Evie

Little Monkey in Breech Position!!!!

So I know that I've been a little absent lately but I was hit by the nasty plague! You know that one going around? It's awful! I was first hit with a cold then a cough then the flu, mixed all together and it was horrible. I'm better now though so here I go with what's going on right now in Monkey land.
This week is my best friend's 36Th week of pregnancy. We're (her support team) are getting ready for this new little bundle. I have to admit that I am so excited...kind of like an aunt would be. This is new for me, not that I don't have nephews and nieces of my own but that it's a new road for her and I to go down. She has been there for me with my three little monkeys and now it's my turn and I'm so excited.
Well, this little monkey man (yes, it's a little boy) is in a breech position. This is very new for me because I never experienced this. She has been a bit concerned because she does not want a cesarean, or more like it would be nice for it to be the very last resort. Talking a bit about it to my sister she informed me that her last baby was in a breech position for a while and turned at around 38 weeks. I didn't know this little detail. I eagerly asked her for any advice because she is a "Home Birth Mama" and is very natural, she actually helps me with so much natural advice. She informed me of exercises that my BF can do and also other things her own friend had done. Here is some information and advice my sister gave me for breech babies as she was instructed by her midwife:

1. Take an exercise ball and sit on it with your feet flat on the floor and legs in a 90 degree angle. Sit up straight , resting against a wall and legs slightly opened is optional. This is helpful at opening up your pelvis helping baby with room to move. Lounging or laying down at this point is not okay. Sis said you must always use this ball to sit on. Also using the ball in a cat position , where you're on all fours and then place your upper torso on the ball and back legs on the floor rolling back and forth is recommended to help open up the pelvis.

2. Swimming was another recommendation. Now it's not just swimming that you're doing, you're actually going to do hand stands in the water for five repetitions.

3. Acupuncture was not something she told me but is something that I researched on the net and is supposed to be very effective.

4. Walking and exercise is on the net as well and something a mama should do when her baby is in breech position.

So this is what we've done this week, so far. On Monday we took a Step class and then I watched her get into the pool and do hand stands :) Today we walked on the treadmill and then got back into the pool (this time I went in with her) and she did hand stands while I held her legs up. I even massaged her belly while she was under water...or more like pressed gently down on the baby in the direction he needs to go in. Yeah, not so sure I know what I'm doing but I was just trying to wake him up and help him move while his Mommy was on her hands.
Tomorrow we will do Step again and back to the pool we'll go and Thursday the same thing. She has her Doctor appointment on Thursday so we'll do the best we can until then and on Friday she has her acupuncture appointment.

We're doing the best that we can but if you can recommend anything at all please pass on the knowledge.

Evie

I wanted to Cry ....just a little

This has absolutely nothing to do with breastfeeding, postpartum issues, or really mothering at all but I have to share with you that I am so sad. Today the San Diego Chargers, who were picked to win by so many respectful professionals and, of course my husband, LOST. I have to admit that I am usually really busy to pay attention to the games but having a husband who is a die hard San Diego Charger fan I was asked to watch their first play off game while he attended the actual game at the stadium. I did have interest today to watch and pay attention to who would win because the Superbowl is a huge deal and I really wanted to see them go, plus I wanted to avoid a permanent bad mood my husband would have if they lost BUT there's no avoiding it, it's here and it will be a long off season. I do have to admit I wanted them to win because I do love them and anything from my home town.
Well, I have a bottle of beer (Corona) chilling for the hubby and big arms to hug this sad sap when he gets home.


Until next season (it'll be here too soon),
Evie

Spread the Breastfeeding Word !!!!

The Office of Minority Health http://www.omhrc.gov/templates/content.aspx?ID=4493 needs our help to spread the word on the benefits of breastfeeding to all women in our country. Research indicates that 72% initiate breastfeeding but only 40% of women are exclusively breastfeeding at three months and 14% are exclusively breastfeeding at the recommended 6 months.

African-American women are at the lowest breastfeeding rates BUT mothers who are socioeconomically disadvantaged, less educated, and younger are low in breastfeeding rates as well, many minority groups fall under this description.

Educate, demonstrate and advocate the importance of breastfeeding and help our sisters gain the strength to make their breastfeeding experience successful!
Evie

Happy New Year's

Hope you all had a relaxing and wonderful New Year's Eve and Day. My family and I did as we spent the evening at a family party (which I love that the hostest invited all family members including my monkeys). I danced a bit with the hubby and kept telling my daughters to join in and show us some moves with no luck. I also sat for a while with my little monkey man who fell out at around 10PM. As designated driver I was okay with this, I was able to enjoy some family conversation. We were all together to bring in the New Year. I have to admit I was a little amazed that my two girls stayed awake until the big hour and very happy to spend it with them.

New Year's Resolutions are :
1. Make my family first, although I know I already do this I have to remember that my business takes last place and set free the negative feelings that overwhelm me at times. I can do it all but I have to take some time doing it and make sure I take in every minute with my little ones because I can never do it all again.

2. Like always, loose a few pounds and maintain my exercise schedule.
I love feeling healthy and exercising helps me keep up with my busy schedule and energetic kids.

3. I'm going to try hard to keep real and not over do it. I know I want to do it all but have to keep realistic and take on one project at a time and be okay saying "NO".

Cheers to a wonderful 2007! May it go slowly and beautifully.
Evie

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

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.

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

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

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