There's no snakes in New Zealand

Zealand turns 4

2011-10-26T00:22:00.002-04:00

I'm amazed at how fast time goes by.
I remember begging the seconds to tick when I was younger.
Days seemed like years and years seemed like infinity.
I'm saddened that I haven't been keeping better notes and records of his days. I am going to regret it even more with each passing year.
If there is one and only one piece of advice I would give to moms-to-be,
it would be to document every morsel you can.

Because my wish has come true...the seconds are ticking faster....and I want to take it back.

Pursuing your Child's Potential

2011-09-12T22:04:00.000-04:00

I remember watching and playing with my nephew and niece when they were little. I remember being in awe in what and how they learned....I also remember that I took it all in and believed that when I was my own parent that I would do it "so" much better.
That day has come and passed and I do take the things that I have learned from how my sister has raised her kids and apply my own versions. First of all I am having a really hard time realizing that I can't change my children. They are who they are and that I have to teach them in separate way. I have to harness their own natural abilities and run with those.....which is a hard thing for me to do.
Examples are that my oldest has a very difficult time with speech. He has been in speech for two and half years. Where my daughter started speaking and signing at 7 months.
Kingsley loves to sing her ABCs and her coloring is very intense and specific whereas Zealand prefers to goof off and I have yet to hear him sing his ABCs in order past the letter D and his coloring is flippant and disorderly.
I put Zealand into preschool even though I have a deep longing to homeschool because I need someone to show me how to harness his potentials. I know that he loves taking things apart and putting them back together. I know that he loves glue and building art projects. I love to watch him bop his head to music and play his air guitar.
I enjoy his creative side but know that academically he will need to meet goals as well. Getting past his verbal delays will be a huge progression and I have faith that we will be there in the next two years.
I think it's important to discuss goals with your child's teacher(s) to make sure that everyone is on the same page. I think supporting all your child's creative needs is imperative to showing them that academically they can be equally as successful. Kumon Academic Enrichment Program unlocks such potential so that your child can achieve more on their own. I have recently discovered Junior Kumon which focuses on children ages three to five. Junior Kumon builds fundamental skills in reading and math and by building such skills gives children a self confidence and a passion for learning.
Instilling a desire to learn for life is a motto that Kumon has for this program and it's clear that their programs work with the amazing statistics that they show.....46 countries and 16 million students enrolled since opening.
It's all about the LOVE of learning in and out of the classroom.
I hope to pass that on.....do you?

Disclaimer:
This is a "sponsored" post...I was paid to write my own thoughts and opinions on this program.
I would not have blogged this opportunity if I did not believe
it to be in the best interest of my readers.
I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

To School and Back to School

2011-08-30T21:19:00.000-04:00

It's hard to write a post about "Back to School" when we haven't been before!

I say "we" literally of course as I did go to school.
I don't really remember having any anxiety or nervousness accompanied with the first day of school. I was always excited and eager to learn (a trait I hope my children inherit).
I know that not all kids were the same as me and I know that not all parents felt the anxiety-ridden sleep I had preparing Zealand to go to pre-school for the first time.

I always like to share tips so here is how my family transitioned Summer-time into School-time:

1. Bedtime rituals!!! Starting bedtimes early is really hard with the hustle and bustle of summer time activities and a sun that seems to never want to set. The sooner you do it the smoother it makes the days leading to the "Big Day"

2. Eating balanced meals. WHAT? Our school has a criteria as to what should be packed in Zealand's lunch. At first, I was a tad upset that they were telling me what to pack...then I realized it wasn't directed to me per se but to the millions of parents who have obese children. Preparing balanced lunches will help in the transition to school lunch time. McDonalds and Pizza Hut isn't accessible, so this transition might be more for the parent than the kid! ;)

3. Discipline. I started telling Zealand weeks before we started school that "His teacher wouldn't like that...or this" often. Not that I wanted to use his future teacher as a tool or lever but to make sure that he comprehended that he was to have guidelines and rules. Being that Zealand has never been under the care of anyone but family, rules is something new to him. Zealand has an aversion to the word "No" to a humiliating fault.... something we are working on, as we tend to not use the word in our home.

4. Bathroom Breaks. Sure, sure they have to be potty-trained but are the clothes you are sending them to school potty-ready?
This is something I should have shared with my friends earlier, as my dear friend already had to go and re-do her school clothes shopping. I have one quick and easy word: ELASTIC. I'm not a fan (mostly for myself....just tacky) but it truly is a must to make sure that your preschooler has the ability to drop those drawers in no time flat or they will be the talk of the class....and not in a good way!

5. Being Prepared. I'm sending Zealand to preschool because I already know that he is not prepared for VPK (Florida's Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten). I'm taking the steps early to ensure that he doesn't fall behind because quite frankly I don't know how that feels and can't imagine. My sister took summer classes at Kumon because she fell behind in lots of subjects.

Kumon is an Academic Enrichment Program that drives students to perform at their highest potential. If you are looking for a fresh year of learning and need a place for your child to be motivated to achieve more on their own.....then look no further! Since 1958, Kumon has helped more than 16 million children and is a valued and trusted company to my family.

Here's to a successful and fulfilling learning journey this year!

Disclaimer:
This is a "sponsored" post...I was paid to write my own thoughts and opinions on this program.
I would not have blogged this opportunity if I did not believe
it to be in the best interest of my readers.
I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Forever and a day

2011-08-28T16:53:00.003-04:00

It's been forever and a day.
It sure feels like it anyway.
Both the kids are potty trained....so I don't have any cloth diaper news to give.
Kingsley has finally self-weaned...so I don't have any boobie news either!

I moved my shop (Peace Love Play) to a new location and it is doing AMAZINGLY well.

Zealand started pre-school last week and has already told me numerous times how much he loves his teacher....oh boy!

We stay busy that is for sure. Every extra penny I make goes towards the extras that I give the kids. Mostly trips to Disney and stays at the beach....we also have a Disney cruise we paid for, for next May!

I'm actively involved with a new church now, that my kids and I love.

My husband loves his job (as much as anyone can love a job, i guess).

And that's it!

I'll be posting on things in the future about how we will pack healthy lunches, how we feel about some of the pressures and rules of pre-school and of course Disney (tips of the trade, I guess you could say!)

I hope to stay in touch more now that my store has moved and now that I've established a more regular bed-time routine for the kids and I hope you stick around and leave feedback so I don't feel like I'm talking to myself!!

Disney's bringing the memories TO you!

2011-05-28T00:10:00.002-04:00

No one has to tell a parent how quickly kids grow up. But memories are the secret to keeping them forever young. And Disney memories? They're magical things filled with color, wonder and laughter. The kind of memories that dance for us in our dreams and live happily ever after in our hearts. We're sharing those kinds of memories across America with the Let The Memories Begin Tour. It's taking Disney memory making into towns across America where children and adults of all ages are enjoying a sample of the magic and fun that people enjoy every day in the Disney Theme Parks. You can also pick up a commemorative Disney Parks photo below as well as enter for your chance to take home memories of a lifetime on a Walt Disney World ® Resort or Disneyland ® Resort vacation that you could win by entering below. So don't wait a moment longer. There's a Disney memory waiting for you right now.

Chicago, IL	5/30 - 5/31/11	Houston, TX	7/12 - 7/13/11	Seattle, WA	8/20 - 8/21/11
Boston, MA	6/5 - 6/6/11	Phoenix, AZ	7/19 - 7/20/11	Calgary, Canada	8/26 - 8/27/11
New York, NY	6/10 - 6/12/11	Denver, CO	7/26 - 7/27/11	Toronto, Canada	9/2 - 9/3/11
Washington D.C.	6/18 - 6/19/11	Salt Lake City, UT	7/30 - 7/31/11	Puerto Rico	9/23 - 9/24/11
Atlanta, GA	6/24 - 6/25/11	San Francisco, CA	8/5 - 8/6/11
Dallas, TX	7/8 - 7/9/11	Portland, OR	8/16 - 8/17/11

This is a media plug for, and written by, Disney

Disney advice

2011-05-16T21:54:00.002-04:00

I doubt Disney reads my blog but I have a piece of advice for them and 3 pieces for you!
(short and sweet and to the point)
Let's get them out of the way ......
I think its safe to say that a least 50% of their phone calls for resort reservations have children involved...right?
So, why OH why is their phone system VOICE activated?
So that each and every time I call, "they" can't process "that" request.
So, Disney, how about the first thing you ask your callers is if they would prefer touch or voice answers....cause I would really appreciate it. Since all moms know that no matter what, kids don't have a thing to say (or scream) until we get on the phone!!

OK....now on to advice for you. (Take it or leave it!)
On a mom board I saw someone searching out advice for Disney with toddlers and I saw many replies that begged the mom NOT to do it!
Totally DO IT!

Here is 3 things I say will help with the trip:
Bubbles and lollipops.
They are amazing to waste away the minutes while you are waiting in line.
Snacks and drinks.
Pack a cooler. Yes you CAN! Bring all their favorites. AND if you need a drink you can get FREE ice water anywhere!
Mark your stroller.
I swear everyone has the SAME stroller as you. AND they actually pay employees to keep the stroller area neat and tidy, which means they move strollers ALL over the place. So bring a bright cup for the cup holder OR buy an awesome Mickey balloon from Dollar Tree and tie it on!
(That's a double tip...thank me later)

Welch's Harvest Grants Program

2011-04-27T19:59:00.003-04:00

Meet the Winning Schools in the 2nd Annual Welch's Harvest Grants Program

Nearly 7,000 teachers applied this year for the 2nd annual Welch's Harvest Grants Program! 100 schools (2 per state) were chosen to receive their choice of either an indoor or outdoor customized package that included: variety of tools, seeds, educational materials, and more.

5 schools were given a package worth $1000 (with a flip camera included)
and
95 were given $500!!

The benefits these children will receive by winning these gardening packages will affect all subjects.
Math: estimating and measuring
Art: dyes and coloring
PE: digging and planting
Health: nutrition education and source of food
Social Studies: economical and environmental issues
plus more.....

You can find green thumb activities to help grow your family fun time here
You can sign up for the Welch's newsletter here and keep up with the programs they have and next year's application process
and

drumroll....
you can see all 100 winner's HERE

Disclaimer:
This is a "sponsored" post...I was paid to write my own thoughts and opinions on this program.
I would not have blogged this opportunity if I did not believe
it to be in the best interest of my readers.
I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

if i could turn back time...

2011-04-24T22:54:00.002-04:00

I love this Cher song.
I sing it often...but just the chorus, cause that's all I really know.

Anyways, so there's always that moment you wish you could do-over.
As a mom I agonize that one day will be too late.
One day, I'll know if I messed up.
One day my KIDS will know if I messed up.

What are you afraid of?

War and Peace

2011-04-19T23:34:00.002-04:00

There are days that I'd like to just muzzle them, like putting a silencer on a gun.
It's safe to say that the sounds I hear throughout the day are similar to the wails of missiles and the thudding of buildings collapsing.

Then those sweet times after the storm, where I'm holding one in my lap, snuggled. Smelling wafts of pure heaven, the white flag raised....I think that I have won the battle.

Until the alarm of screaming awakens me the very next morning and I don my shield of armor once more.

Re-Introducing my loves and our love for Disney!

2011-04-03T21:00:00.002-04:00

Breastfeeding a toddler

2011-03-22T21:11:00.002-04:00

I know there is alot of support out there for us "toddler nursers"....but where is the real support in every day life?
Yes, Kingsley is walking. And talking.
And yes, she likes to scream "bewbie" when she wants it.
I decided the moment we knew she was coming, that I would let her decide, I am even comfortable with my decision. I just feel like I need some kind of speech prepared when she asks loudly, in the middle of a show at Disney World...When I'm not always prepared to undress or sitting next to a smelly man.
Do, I remind her that "now's not the place" or do I wiggle the girlies out to nurse?
Is there an age where she should wait? I mean, they are made for HER...and technically she uses them more than I do.

I'd love to hear your thoughts and opinions.

A fresh start to #BfCafe

2011-03-01T21:39:00.002-05:00

Pardon me as I blow dust off the keyboard....

As some of you may know, I took a month off to spend some quality time with my family and gather fantastic sponsors for our 2nd year of #BfCafe.

I did manage to spend the time with my family and even headed to bed before midnight, 85% of the month!

I spent a considerable time thinking up new sponsors and following some leads....but as the month progressed, I found that my lack of internet time, caused me to miss some perspective tweets and emails...and the days turned into weeks.

I want this chat to be able to help women so incredibly bad and I know I have the passion and the compassion to share it....what I don't have is the time nor the energy to really give what I believe the nursing mom deserves.....so I want to give #BfCafe a fresh start with a fresh face and fresh perspectives!

Meet Katy.
Katy is the owner and blogger for The Stylin' Momma.
She is currently nursing her 26 month old daughter and nursed her oldest daughter for 40ish months.
She has charisma and she has a passion.

Katy will run the weekly posts and advice from her blog here and will take over the facebook page.

Here what Katy would like you to know about her:

As a mom, I started following the #bfcafe twitter chats from the beginning. The time of the chats didn't work for our family for a while, but I would catch up and interject when I could. When our schedules changed and Thursday evenings were free again for me, I started joining in. I love meeting and chatting with the moms and learning from each other. Support for moms is so important.

I am a mother to mother breastfeeding support person, and I am passionate about helping moms. My blog and website are mom focused. I want to help other moms know that they can reach their goals, they are amazing women, they are still beautiful, and they can be great moms in the process. I love the community that is found on twitter, and it is my hope to help foster the breastfeeding community by continuing the #bfcafe chats.

I will track the hashtag outside of chat times, and you can always reach out if you need support at other times! I can't wait to get to know everyone and chat with you all more regularly!

I am still around...please feel free to email me or tweet me if you have any questions or concerns!
I will still be popping into chats and maybe even entering to win some stuff myself ;)

I have loved getting to know you and love being able to say that maybe I was a part in your breastfeeding success!

Facts and Fiction sponsored by Motherlove

2011-01-18T22:12:00.003-05:00

I overheard moms talking about breast milk today. I have to draw the line about how much I can interfere when the discussions are at my own store....as to not piss anyone off enough to not come back.

Moms talking.

Talking about not having enough milk.

Talking about how in some "milk analysis study" that if mom doesn't eat healthy enough, that formula is more nutritious.

Talking about how iron and fluoride are needed in supplement forms to breastfed babies.

If these are truths....then we would cease to exist.
I can assure you that 100s of years ago they did not have formula. They did not have supplements and they did not analyze milk's nutritional value.

So...I thought we could talk truths this week.

You can bring those burning questions....and we can all try to get the truth's known!

Does breastfeeding raise or lower sex drive?
Does the nutritional value of breast milk dwindle with age?
Do you need to quit breastfeeding while pregnant?

Bring them!

If you know your question now, ask in the comments below, so I can do some research!!

Hello.....2011!

2011-01-07T16:12:00.002-05:00

2010 was not my best year.....but I sure had a good one.

I know, I have been neglecting my followers and fellow online friends but after turning off the internet (due to a local monopoly and ridiculous price gouging) I have been super M.I.A.
I'd love to recap 2010 and say goodbye. I'm really looking forward to 2011 and sharing with you success and happiness!

January- Christian had just lost his job in December and we had just been declined re-admittance into the Coast Guard. We just started the hiring process with the Sherrif's office, so we decided to up and move ASAP.
Moving now places us near family!!

February- We signed a lease with my sister's MIL (soon to be ex..Thank GOD) and she rented us a house with promises to fix NUMEROUS things. Tiffany (my sister) and I started looking at spaces to rent for a store to open.
Being short on $, we luckily had to pay NO deposit! LUCKY!

March- Christian started training. Toby my beloved dog, ran away (never to come home).
We start painting our new store!!

April- I opened up my playroom.
Business was great.

May- July Great business...repetitive days!
Get to meet some GREAT friends!!

August- My sister's husband of 14 years has an affair and all things fall apart. Business starts to dwindle, bad energies and fights amongst families begin.

September- More drama. More sad, tearful days. Energies are depleted and very depressed.

October-Christian graduates from the academy. His mom comes to visit. Decision to put new, fresh, positive energy into my store starts.

November- Business starts to pick up again..slowly. We do however become behind in rent. My sister although still beyond depressed, starts to pick up pieces.

December- Drama commences again with sister's bat-shit crazy MIL (never really ended). My beloved other dog is killed by car...
yet Christmas ends the year with an amazing dinner with BOTH Great-Grandmother's by my children's side.

So....2011 will bring new found happiness and peace for us all. My husband will soon be on his own at work. My business, will either bloom or die....but regardless I have met some wonderful, caring local moms, dads and grandmas!

Here is to YOUR 2011...may you have wonderful goals and dreams and may they all be fulfilled!

I love you all! Thanks so much for your love and support!

Advice for new breastfeeding moms from #BfCafe

2010-12-21T21:39:00.002-05:00

Trust your instincts and surround yourself with supportive people.

Make connections before you need them (# for an LC, LLL, twitter

Every drop counts!

Your supply, especially in those first few days IS enough!!

Always get lots of opinions if someone advises you to quit. There is almost always a better answer!

Don't confuse a crying baby for a starving baby. I know so many who quit because they assume a baby who is crying is hungry

Set small achievable goals. latch. 6 weeks. 3 mo 6 mo 1 yr. beyond. don't think in years at beginning!

Breastfeeding in the news...Pediatric SuperSite

2010-12-17T12:33:00.000-05:00

Healthy People 2020 goals include support of breast-feeding

The barriers to breast-feeding are being addressed at the highest level of government, with the release of Healthy People 2020. The US Department of Health and Human Services has targeted the new 10-year goals for the nation’s health, and among these goals is supporting breast-feeding.

“This is a major step forward for mothers and babies,” Gerald Calnen, MD, president of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, said in a news release. “For decades, we’ve been telling mothers to try harder. With the Healthy People 2020 goals, we are actually helping mothers to succeed.”

The new public health initiatives address maternity care and workplace accommodations for nursing mothers, two major obstacles for breast-feeding mothers.

Findings from a recent CDC survey demonstrated that maternity centers earned an average grade of 65% for infant-feeding care, and only 3.8% of US births occurred in facilities that earned Baby Friendly certification. Baby Friendly facilities meet standards set by UNICEF and WHO for high-quality breast-feeding care, according to information in the news release.

The goals aim to increase the percentage of Baby Friendly hospitals to 8% and to increase the proportion of US workplaces that accommodate working mothers to express milk or breast-feed their infants during the workday from 25% to 38%.

The goals also call for formula supplementation for healthy newborn infants during the maternity hospital stay. In 2006, 26% of healthy breast-fed newborns were fed formula in the hospital; the 2020 goals aim to decrease this rate to 15%.

The new 2020 public health goals also set targets for initiation and continuation of breast-feeding. Currently, 75% of babies born in the US are initially breast-fed, but rates decrease to 43% by 6 months and to 22% by 12 months. The AAP recommends that infants be fed only breast milk for the first 6 months of life, but only 13% of American infants meet this standard.

Healthy People 2020 aims to increase breast-feeding rates to 82% “ever breast-fed,” 61% at 6 months and 34% at 1 year; exclusive breast-feeding goals are set for 44% by 3 months and 24% at 6 months.

“By making maternity care and workplace support part of the Healthy People 2020 goals, policymakers are recognizing what mothers already know,” Calnen said. “We need to change the system so that hospitals, employers and the general public work together to empower mothers to achieve the best infant-feeding goals.”

Breastfeeding in the News....virtual web

2010-12-16T21:22:00.001-05:00

Booby trap: Caffeine and breastfeeding

Nursing infants don't get much say when it comes to choosing what's on the menu. If you're breastfeeding, whatever you're selecting, so is your baby. When it comes to selecting caffeine, babies are sensitive, so mothers may need to cut down to make sure it doesn't cause any damage to their baby's health. After all, caffeine is a drug, and if it can jack you up before a big day at work, imagine how strong it is for a tiny little person.

Psychoactive sensation

It's well established that the drug caffeine is a popular sensation – but it's also a psychoactive one. This means it works by stimulating the nervous system, which is why it's so great at relieving fatigue. Unfortunately, new mums are probably the most tired of us all, and if mums are breastfeeding, too much coffee or energy drinks won't be worth it in the long run.

How much is too much?

Breastfeeding mums can still have the occasional cup of coffee, but should limit the amount of caffeine they consume to no more than 300 mg per day. This equates to 2–3 cups of filtered coffee per day, and should be even less if you're smoking, which has been shown to increase the health risks associated with caffeine.

Caffeine Calculator
Caffeine is a stimulant which can temporarily increase alertness and improve mood. However, when consumed in excess it may have negative health affects. You can use this tool to calculate your daily caffeine intake.
Click here to complete the Caffeine calculator

The Mum-to-bub caffeine express

Caffeine is a smart drug; it can work its way into breast milk and right into your baby's mouth within 15 minutes of a cuppa. The concentration of caffeine in breastmilk actually peaks about an hour after you have consumed it.

The levels of caffeine in your breastmilk gradually lower in the next 14 hours. But even though the levels are lower, they will still be large enough to affect your baby. Tough gig, huh?

Baby boom: Caffeine in an infant's body

Very young infants have 'immature' metabolic systems. This is the newborn equivalent of an adolescent not cleaning their room, except the baby's room is their liver. This means they can't process and expel drugs from their body – they certainly haven't had as much practice as us oldies, either – so it takes about 8 days to metabolise most of the caffeine passed on in breastmilk from 6–8 cups of coffee.

If you're thinking that's a long time for caffeine to be knocking 'round in your baby ... it is.

Luckily, by the time a baby is 6 months old, the same amount of caffeine can be cleared in about two and a half hours. The younger the baby, the longer it takes to metabolise.

Grumblebums

Whatever their age, if there is more caffeine in a baby's system than they can metabolise, the caffeine will start building up in their system and stimulate their nervous system, just as it would with any adult.

The effects of this for your baby will be agitation, being jittery or unsettled, and sleeping difficulties. Mothers know that when it comes to sleeping, babies are tough customers as it is, so cutting out the caffeine is one way of limiting the long nights.

Dental cavities and intestinal problems may be more common in infants of breastfeeding mums who are consuming too much caffeine too, so give your baby a break. No one likes being constipated!

What about me?

All this might sound like a bit of a bummer for new mums, especially when all you want is a hot cup of coffee and a big block of chocolate. But you're also doing yourself a favour by cutting down on the caffeine.

Firstly, caffeine consumption may inhibit the production of breastmilk – as if you didn't have enough worries! This means you may not produce enough to feed your baby properly, so you both suffer.

High caffeine intake also affects the quality of your breastmilk and can reduce the iron content by a third. You may also experience uncomfortable breast inflammation and difficulty breastfeeding.

Say no to drugs

As you can see, caffeine might be common, but it's still a very strong drug that can affect both you and your baby. By cutting down to just 2 or 3 cups a day, you can keep your milk running like a tap and keep baby sleeping like a ... well, baby.

If you have any problems, then just book in with your GP to talk about techniques for getting off the black stuff.

More information
Caffeine and breastfeeding

For more information, see Caffeine Consumption While Breastfeeding.

calendar icon Article Date: 16/12/2010

#BfCafe as this week's sponsor

2010-12-15T23:12:00.002-05:00

This week will be a catch-up week for all past Motherlove weeks. We will touch up on all our previous topics and have a question and answer trivia for prizes!

To win all you have to do is COME and ANSWER questions.
Winners will be chosen randomly from answers received.

Natural Transition as this week's sponsor 12/9

2010-12-06T19:56:00.003-05:00

What I love about #BfCafe is that I get to support so many moms. Moms that have their own companies and moms that are looking for support in breastfeeding and a natural start.
Moms helping moms.

Natural Transitions' website header is:
"embracing motherhood naturally"

I'd like to think that MOST moms want the natural and healthy lifestyle for their babies but unfortunately that is just NOT the case.

But for those of you that do...I have found a great resource for you.

This site is the epitome of support.
Whether you need recipes, fertility advice, breastfeeding or loads more.
Not only is a GREAT amount of this site free there is a new members area where personalized support from a trained teacher.

We all know that most things cannot be done without support..this site can help with a beginning and a transition into a more natural lifestyle using tools geared directly at what you want and need the most!

Looking for goodies to help?
Well....there is a shop too!
Although Natural Transition is in Australia, no matter where you are....you can still benefit.
From leg warmers to maternity wear to teething dolls.
The shop isn't huge but I'm sure it will grow!

Natural Transition is run by: Run by Julie Cottle- mother of 3, naturopath, breastfeeding counselor and natural fertility teacher....so she knows her business!!

Julie has a prize for everyone but you MUST RSVP to win!

Let's talk things natural!
From breastfeeding to products we love......

I know I wouldn't be walking down the path I am now, if it weren't for breastfeeding.
One good thing deserves another, right!?

The Organized Disorganized Mom

2010-11-29T11:18:00.003-05:00

I love to make lists....I want to be soooo organized! I write said lists on envelope backs mostly. I usually leave the list laying around, in no particular place and certainly not in the places I return to look for them....and find them missing.
I'm still phenomenal at list making and even better and list losing although I have found THE perfect calendar/organizer for me.
It's cute, practical, has list pages in the back that are perforated, so I can write my lovely lists and take them into the store with me!
This organizer has both a calendar year as well as an academic year.
Need a large wall calendar? Yep! They have this too.
This is the second year that I have gotten a Busy Body Book and I even purchased one for my shop, I love them soooo much.
See...they are gridded. Meaning what, you ask?
Meaning each person can have their own column in your organizer. Mom has an appointment, mark it in Mom's column....therefore keeping her hair appointment separate from son's dentist appointment. Because if you are like me I like to just write "1:30 appointment" on the calendar....and then the week comes and I have NO clue who the appointment is for or to where?!
Great for keeping play dates organized, work schedules and even cleaning schedules!
I think you'll really love to GET this book as well as being a STELLAR gift to give!

Right now, shipping is free AND you get 10% off!
Grab one or two now!
ENTER MOMSBBB to get this deal!

Breastfeeding in the News...Time Magazine

2010-11-23T16:15:00.004-05:00

Move Over, Milk Banks: Facebook and Milk Sharing

By Jennifer Block Monday, Nov. 22, 2010

In one of the photos that keeps getting Emma Kwasnica's Facebook account suspended, the Montreal-based mother and breast-feeding activist is tandem nursing, with a newborn at one breast and a two-year-old at the other. Classical art and public health be damned, Facebook has censored countless breast-feeding photos for violating the company's terms of use, a policy that has inspired more than 250,000 people to join a Facebook group called "Hey Facebook, Breastfeeding Is Not Obscene!" Kwasnica has protested her four account suspensions by e-mailing administrators and keeps doggedly reposting photographs and organizing virtual "nurse-ins" via her Facebook group, Informed Choice: Birth and Beyond. But last month it occurred to her that the global breast-feeding community could use social media to organize real-world, offline "lactivism," in the form of milk sharing.

The result is a new network called Eats on Feets — a play on Meals on Wheels — that uses Facebook to connect women whose babies need supplemental breast milk to women nearby who have extra milk to give away. Shell Walker, a midwife in Phoenix, came up with the name and created the original page to facilitate local matches. But Kwasnica, who had already made several matches via her Informed Choice page, took the idea global, and in just a few weeks the network has grown to 98 local groups, spanning all 50 states in the U.S. and 22 countries. More than 70 matches have been reported so far, with milk coming not only in bags and jars, but also sometimes directly from the source.

Women have been sharing breast milk for eons (remember wet nurses?), but the practice has been stigmatized in modern society, especially in the age of HIV. Milk banks screen and pasteurize donated milk and give priority to premature and very ill babies, essentially preventing most families from accessing the milk. And for those who can get banked milk, it is often prohibitively expensive: $3 to $5 per oz., upwards of $100 for a day's supply.

Although informal milk sharing is not standard practice in the U.S., the World Health Organization recommends "raw" donor milk if a mother's own supply won't suffice. "Milk from another human in any manner that's safe from disease is the logical and healthiest next best," says Miriam Labbok, a professor of maternal and child health at the University of North Carolina and director of the Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute.

Most women in the U.S. try to breast-feed, but many hit roadblocks. Facebook, however, is helping women turn to each other before they turn to formula. Jeannine Fisk of Eau Claire, Wis., knew she wasn't producing enough milk for her son when he was 4 weeks old and still not gaining weight. When a midwife suggested that she use donated milk, another mother who was at the birth center offered to pump some milk for Fisk right then and there. Fisk got another 5 oz. from a neighbor and found three more donors via the "Hey Facebook" page and Craigslist. She saw her son grow from wan to chubby, and within three months she was able to increase her own milk production. Now, she's donating her oversupply and administrating the Wisconsin Eats on Feets page.

Eats on Feets encourages women to make informed choices and provides information about risks and precautions, like flash-heating the milk. Research out of the University of California at Berkeley shows that a simple stove-top method kills bacteria and HIV. This makes milk sharing not so different from other feeding methods. "We need to be concerned with safety however we're feeding, whether we're using formula, goats' milk, breast milk," says Walker. "All of those need care and attention."

As more and more women recognize the benefits of breast-feeding, experts predict there will be more demand for human milk, particularly in the U.S., which is the only industrialized country that does not guarantee paid maternity leave — and thus makes it difficult for working moms to breast-feed their babies. In December, the FDA will hold a meeting on milk banking. "There are quite a few of us [in the public health community] who believe that we need to face it and do something about it," says Labbok. The virtual village, it seems, is one step ahead of them.

Motherlove as this week's #BfCafe Sponsor (Nov 18th)

2010-11-15T09:07:00.003-05:00

Lot's of my online breastfeeding mamas are also cloth diaper users!
Stick around even if you don't use cloth because although breastfeeding and cloth diapers run in the same circle, Motherlove has products that work for either, or both!
This week we are going to talk about the dreaded.....THRUSH!
I had it BAD. Worse than bad. With Zealand, being my first, I had little (if any) support. Tears would silently fall from my eyes as the pain was unbearable. I searched out information all over the internet.
There were NO visible signs on either of us. By the time I dragged my butt to the hospital's lactation consultant....my nipples were purple. Besides the coloring change, we both still have no signs. I had my OB call in a script, telling him that our Pediatrician had recommended it. I tried gentian violet, olive oil, vinegar, bleaching my bras and breast pads, hot water on ALL towels & clothing....you name it...I tried it.
If you have been around on my blog for awhile, you know I also have battled HUGE diaper rashes with my babies. I even sought out a rash specialist (see my post here about that conversation)!
Not only is is difficult to diagnose a rash, but when you use cloth, you have to be careful about which creams and ointments you use!
After months.....and I mean MONTHS and creams after creams, I came to find out that they had ammonia burn from the diapers just not getting clean enough....see my post here about how I got the ammonia out.
I had thought the kids had thrush on their hineys and since I am still nursing Kingsley, I needed to treat myself for thrush, if perhaps we were exchanging it back and forth!
I tried EVERY cream, mix of creams imaginable!
(Often Doctors will NOT treat mom, if child had thrush & still nursing....but for the life of me I cannot understand why. TREAT mom and baby together....always!)

Motherlove has ONE product for this debacle. ONE! Not jars and jars but one single jar.
Diaper Rash and Thrush.
Great to use on both cloth and disposable diapers.
As always this is an organic product!
This can be used on baby's rash as well as mother's nipples. No need to wash off prior to nursing!
(My main advice for using this product as well as others when dealing with thrush is:
DO NO DOUBLE DIP!
Use different fingers when applying generously!

Motherlove will be giving a jar of their Diaper Rash & Thrush to 3 winners!

RSVP to win below
and
For additional entries please leave a comment per entry below if you:
Fan #BfCafe in Facebook
Fan Motherlove on Facebook
Follow @motherloveherb on twitter
Leave a review of one of their products on their site!
Tweet Thursday's chat & let's get a HUGE group together (1 entry per tweet)

Breastfeeding in the News...Taipai

2010-11-13T22:13:00.001-05:00

Breastfeeding act passes into law

RIGHT TO FEED:Advocates have sought the right for women to nurse their children in public since 2005, when mothers were asked to leave a Taipei attraction

By Flora Wang / Staff Reporter

The Legislative Yuan yesterday passed the Act Governing Breastfeeding in Public Places (公共場所母乳哺育條例), which makes it illegal for anyone to prevent women from breastfeeding in public.

The act stipulates that anyone who prohibits a woman from breastfeeding in public or asks that she leave a specific area to do so will face a fine of between NT$6,000 and NT$30,000.

The act also requires that department stores, megastores, government agencies, train stations, airports and public transit areas provide a breastfeeding room. Failure to abide by this requirement could result in a maximum fine of NT$30,000.

Those establishments will have one year to make breastfeeding rooms available from the time the act is promulgated.

Legislators also passed an additional resolution calling on the Department of Health to actively promote breastfeeding.

The resolution nevertheless said the department should abide by the WHO spirit of respecting a mother’s decision about whether to breastfeed.

“Breastfeeding is how a mother shows her love for her children as well as a woman’s right,” Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Huang Sue-ying (黃淑英) told the legislature after the bill was passed.

“This country should create a breastfeeding-friendly environment so that women can feel comfortable nursing their babies,” she said.

Prior to passage of the bill, Taipei City on April 1 became the first city in Taiwan to implement the Public Breastfeeding Regulation (公共場所母乳哺育自治條例) guaranteeing a mother’s right to breastfeed in public.

Under the regulations adopted by Taipei, anyone who tries to prevent a mother from breastfeeding in public is subject to a fine of between NT$5,000 and NT$30,000.

Advocates of breastfeeding had been fighting for the right to breastfeed in public since a number of women in October 2005 were asked by Taipei Story House to leave because they were nursing their babies.

Breastfeeding in the News....Sydney

2010-11-07T00:13:00.002-04:00

Breastfeeding - what makes women give up?

November 2, 2010

It’s the mother of all myths – that breastfeeding puts paid to perky breasts. But if you want the real culprit for any post-baby droop, it’s pregnancy itself – mainly the effects of gravity, weight gain and stretched skin followed by weight loss after the birth, says lactation expert Dr Jennifer James. Other factors could be older age, having a higher BMI or a history of smoking, according to a small 2008 study by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery which concluded that breastfeeding wasn’t to blame.

But rather than working against reclaiming your shape after pregnancy, breastfeeding is an ally, helping to shed extra fat stores laid down for breastfeeding, adds James, senior lecturer in Midwifery, Breastfeeding and Human Lactation at RMIT University.

Along with the breastfeeding-ruins-breasts myth there’s what James calls the ‘yuk factor’ – the attitude of 18 to 24 year olds who, in a survey commissioned by the Australian Lactation Consultants’ Association last year, were the age group that was least supportive of breastfeeding in public. James believes this younger age group finds it hard to reconcile breasts as both sexual assets and sources of baby food.

But she doubts these attitudes are the main reasons why so few Australian women do what the World Health Organisation and Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council urge women to do - give babies no food other than breastmilk for the first six months.

If there were pills conferring the same benefits as breastfeeding, they’d be hot sellers. Besides giving babies the best nutritional start, breastmilk lowers the risk and severity of common illnesses like ear infections, gastroenteritis, respiratory and urinary infections, thrush and conjunctivitis, says James. According to the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, babies who aren’t breastfed have a higher risk of asthma, insulin dependent diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease – so it’s no wonder health authorities want women to keep it up for six months and then continue for two years or more if they can. As for women themselves, breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancers, while some research also suggests that women who breastfeed are less likely to develop diabetes.

Yet although about 90 per cent of first time mothers start off breast feeding, only about 20 per cent are still feeding their babies with breastmilk alone at six months. The rest have either given up or are combining breastmilk with other foods – even though breastmilk provides all the nutrients a baby needs until six months.

“I think body image is low on the list of reasons why - the real barriers are a lack of understanding of how breastfeeding works, its importance for babies’ health, and how breastfed babies behave. There can be unrealistic expectations that babies sleep a lot and regularly wake for feeds and then sleep some more. That’s not the way babies are designed, but if a baby’s more wakeful then breastfeeding can get the blame. There’s also pressure to return to work and the fact that women don’t get enough support to keep on breastfeeding,” James says.

You might think breastfeeding comes as easily as breathing, but one of the shocks of new motherhood can be discovering that some babies take a while to ‘get’ breastfeeding. That’s fine if you’re in hospital for a few days with professional help, but many women are discharged in 48 hours and may go home not knowing what to do if breastfeeding doesn’t go smoothly. Nor can new mothers just walk into their local maternal and child health centre for advice and reassurance as they did in the past – they now have to make appointments, James says.

We’ve come a long way since 1950s when breastfeeding was seen as something nice women didn’t do. The pro-breastfeeding movement that swept in on a wave of feminism in the 70s promoted a more natural approach to both childbirth and feeding babies, and since then breastfeeding’s approval rating has grown. But with more women returning to work and lack of support to put it into practice, breastfeeding hasn’t got any easier, says James.

“Mothers and babies need two to three months to establish breastfeeding and feel they have it under control. The proposed 18 weeks maternity leave for all women is good – but we’re still lagging behind Scandinavian countries like Sweden which offers six months.”

What’s been your experience with this? Has breastfeeding been difficult, a breeze – or just impossible because of pressure to return to work?

Mommy Breastfeeds my Baby Brother #BfCafe

2010-11-01T22:40:00.004-04:00

Mommy Breastfeeds my Baby Brother by Istoria House is this week's sponsor for #BfCafe.
Zealand was only 14 months old when Kingsley was born, so he obviously didn't have many questions for me. He has however shown some signs of jealousy throughout these past 22 months of me nursing Kingsley.
I am in awe of breastfeeding books. I love that we can take a story and that it can really truly hit home. I love that my children see this book, when we sit down and read and re-read and re-read it and they feel this is a completely normal book to read!
The author uses the terms breasts and booby in the book to show that terms are loosely yet commonly interchanged. He also (yes! HE) notes points on pumping and having a special "Feeding Time Toys".

I think the story hits home with the majority of the moms that come to chat during #BfCafe. I think this book would be an AMAZING baby shower gift for a mom who is expecting her second child. I really, really love this book. It is so simply written, that any toddler would not only understand that concept but as a Mom, you can see that these exact conversations probably happened within your own home. The colors and illustrations are definitely eye-catching and page turning!

This week I wanna talk about how to nurse when you have an older sibling.
What about tandem nursing, when you have to offer breast more
with a newborn than with the older child?

I know with me, even though I was no longer nursing Zealand when Kingsley came, when he asked to nurse, I let him.
When he wanted to sit on my lap, we all sat together.

Let's also talk about the importance of teaching our children the benefits of nursing at a young age and how we can do it.

3 winners will win a copy of Mommy Breastfeeds My Baby Brother by Istoria House

THIS JUST IN!
ISTORIA HOUSE WANTS TO CELEBRATE THE KICK OFF OF THEIR RELEASE TO BUY ON FACEBOOK BY OFFERING THEIR FANS THE BOOK FOR ONLY $9.99 $ FREE SHIPPING!!!!
Become a fan on facebook and receive MORE of a deal when you order!
This deal is ONLY for November...so pick up a book or two for baby showers!

For a chance to win 1st RSVP with the MckLinky below:
enter your twitter name like: @zealandsmom
and the link should link to your twitter name like: www.twitter.com/zealandsmom

For additional ways to enter please enter ONE comment PER entry:
Follow @mommybreastfeed on twitter
Fan Mommy Breastfeeds My Baby Brother on Facebook

Welch's Harvest Grants

2010-10-30T16:50:00.004-04:00

Among my many dreams, I want to grow my own garden. I want my children to know what it's like to create something and then be able to really reap the benefits.
My dream for my family, is the same dream that Welch's has for EVERY family.

Amazing how a company that SELLS garden products wants
to encourage families to grow their own.

Here is the lowdown on this amazing program they have started:

Welch’s Harvest Grants gives thousands of children the opportunity to learn the importance of incorporating fruits and vegetables into their diet and gain a heightened awareness of what they eat and where it comes from by planting and growing fruit and vegetable gardens at school.

In the first year alone more than 12,500 students got to partake in this program within the 100 schools that were awarded. Not only did the students get this opportunity, their parents, their teachers and local members of their community were able to participate and learn.

Of course the program aims at building a positive relationship with healthy foods, what they may not have realized was that test scores would improve in some 17% of the students participating!
The science and math that correlates with growing your own farm is just the beginning of a lifetime of learning.

Welch's facebook page where they encourage families to incorporate fruits and vegetables more regularly in meals at home by taking a Healthy Eating Pledge. The page also showcases A Harvest Time game that participants can win a garden of their own (one given out daily in September and October) and a grand prize winner will win a chance to visit the Welch's family farm and get first hand and hands on experience.

"Starting September 15, 2010, K-8 teachers nationwide are invited to apply for one of 100 grants that can be accessed through their facebook page. Entries will be judged by experts who will select two schools in every state to receive a Welch’s Harvest Grant. Welch's will award garden packages, together valued at more than $50,000, to 100 winning schools. Each package will include tools, seeds, and educational materials that will help students plant and grow gardens at school. The deadline for submission is February 11, 2011." (An excerpt taken from the program's informational page)

I encourage you to tell your children's teachers about this truly amazing program. If not only for the chance to WIN, but if they don't win, to gain knowledge on how to implement a similar program on their own accord.

How many children in your community besides your own would flourish
and learn with a program like this?

Disclaimer:
This is a "sponsored" post...I was paid to write my own thoughts and opinions on this program.
I would not have blogged this opportunity if I did not believe
it to be in the best interest of my readers.
I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Motherlove: October 28th's #BfCafe Sponsor

2010-10-26T20:35:00.003-04:00

There's not anything I don't love about Motherlove Herbal Company.
They are there to support you from the very beginning.
Oh...and they are organic!

I wanna talk about all things baby related. Why? Isn't this a breastfeeding chat?
Yes, yes it is. But isn't there a product on the market or a tip you learned about something else, that made you able to breastfeed with more ease or comfort?

I wanna talk about all sorts of products from the Belly Bandit that I wore immediately after I had Kingsley (which I did NOT have for Zealand) that gave me such support and eased so much discomfort, I immediately was able to sit up and nurse Kingsley with so much confidence.

I also LOVED my Arm's reach co-sleeper that..once again I only had the 2nd time around.....allowed me to easily pull Kingsley close to me to nurse at night and I worried so little about her falling, with the attached bed.

Every small detail can hinder or help your breastfeeding experience, so let's share it with others in hopes that they too have a wonderful start, right out of the gate.

Motherlove Herb has some wonderful products that help ease many discomforts like:

Sitz Bath
Rhoid Balm
and
Nipple Cream

Three winners will be chosen from the RSVP list and the additional entries allowed:

Additional entries:
Follow @Motherloveherb on twitter
Fan Motherlove herb on facebook
Subscribe to the Motherlove Blog

Breastfeeding in the news...San Francisco

2010-10-22T17:30:00.002-04:00

LifeCare(R) Issues Special Report: Best Practices, Business Benefits of Workplace Breastfeeding Programs

Federal law now requires employers to support breastfeeding mothers in the workplace, yet more than 70 percent of employers still need to make the appropriate accommodations. For those seeking guidance on this important issue, LifeCare®, Inc., a leading provider of health and productivity solutions for employers nationwide, has issued a special report, "Workplace Breastfeeding Support: A Legal and Business Imperative," that is available for free download at www.lifecare.com/docs/Breastfeeding_SpecialReport_2010.pdf.

The report contains facts about new federal requirements, timely research to support the business case for implementing a support program, and best practices that have been proven to be successful for employers across the nation. According to research contained in the report, employers who support breastfeeding mothers in the workplace reap a number of compelling business and financial rewards including:

-- Reduced health care costs: $13 billion in direct health care costs could be saved annually if 90 percent of women would breastfeed exclusively for six months.
-- Decreased absenteeism: Women who continue to breastfeed after returning to work are absent less often due to baby-related illnesses and they have shorter absences when they do miss work, compared with women who do not breastfeed.
-- Faster return to work: Working mothers who continue nursing after returning to work typically take shorter maternity leaves and have higher morale overall.

"In addition to these advantages, employers who support workplace breastfeeding also enjoy enhanced employer-of-choice status, which is a tremendous advantage in the competition for talent," said LifeCare's CEO, Peter G. Burki. "Many employers are surprised to learn how small the cost is to implement a workplace breastfeeding program, especially given their significant return on investment. Without question, implementing a support program is not only the right thing to do but it's the smart thing to do as well."

LifeCare provides employers across the nation with comprehensive workplace breastfeeding support services including its award-winning Mothers at Work® program, the industry's premier workplace breastfeeding program. Through Mothers at Work, nursing mothers have access to board-certified lactation consultants 24/7, discounted breast pumps, prenatal/breastfeeding classes, a special kit filled with educational breastfeeding products and materials, and referrals to lactation consultants and childcare/parenting resources nationwide.

Download your free copy of the LifeCare special report, "Workplace Breastfeeding Support: A Legal and Business Imperative," here.

About LifeCare®, Inc.
LifeCare is a leading provider of health and productivity solutions for employers nationwide, offering cost-saving benefits that help clients reduce their most pervasive absenteeism and productivity drains, including child and elder care, caregiving support, health and wellness issues, and more. For more than two decades, LifeCare has led the work/life industry in the creation of high-quality, results-oriented programs designed to improve clients' bottom lines. LifeCare serves 1,500 client companies with 4.5 million individuals within corporations, health plans, government agencies and unions. For more information, visit www.lifecare.com.

Notes to Editors:
LifeCare's CEO, Peter G. Burki, is available for interview.
Media contact: Catherine Futoma, 203-291-3756, cfutoma(at)lifecare(dot)com

This press release was distributed through PRWeb by Human Resources Marketer (HR Marketer: www.HRmarketer.com) on behalf of the company listed above.

###

For the original version on PRWeb visit: www.prweb.com/releases/prweb2010/10/prweb4680874.htm

October 21st #BfCafe Sponsor Bye Bye with Baby

2010-10-20T15:13:00.005-04:00

Special guest post by Michelle...owner of Bye Bye with Baby

It’s funny how as I sit here trying to recall the first time I nursed in public – that sweet, infantile, trembling cry comes into my mind and I instantaneously place both palms to my breast (it’s happened to me a few times in the years post-breastfeeding, I call it “the phantom let-down.”) It’s actually very comforting to have such a vivid memory of something that was over for me a year or so ago, however cupping my own breasts in public was obviously such a common occurrence it has seeped into my subconscious and even with no milk left, I still check to see if I’m “leaking.”

With that introduction, it’s safe to say I produced TONS of milk! Enter the first reason nursing in public (from here on out, NIP) started out a bumpy road for me and baby Cammie. (And yes, I’m giving her just as much credit for all my nursing success and woes; she was there with me through it all… a partner of sorts who had to learn everything for the first time just as I did!) I very vividly remember sitting in a dressing room at Target, attempting to latch a 4-week-old baby rooting around blindly, pleading with her “Please, Cammie – just figure it out already… oh no… ahhhh it’s in your eye! It’s in your hair! Oh NOOOO!” Within twenty seconds, I had gotten milk EVERYWHERE: the shopping cart, all over my hands and my baby – my SHIRT – one huge sticky mess…. Once she was finally latched, I peered through the milk splatters on the mirror and started bawling my dramatic-hormonal eyes out.

I couldn’t believe how hard it was to nurse when it had been so easy in my recliner at home! Was it that stupid Boppy pillow that I cursed for 4 weeks straight about not serving any purpose what-so-ever (but still used…) – was it the other three couch pillows my husband arranged around my body to prop everything up just right… I mean what on EARTH could possibly be so hard about nursing outside of my house?! I wanted to get good at it really soon… this was my first trip out with the baby in four weeks and I was desperate it wouldn’t be my last!

On that very same trip to Target, I picked up one item that changed NIP for me – a nursing tank! Someone had suggested to wear a nursing tank under my shirt, that way I could lift my shirt up – the tank would keep my post-baby-body from being exposed to the world – and the baby could nurse : all at the same time. After a few tries, I wondered how anyone could possibly do it any differently – I didn’t even have to cover up with a blanket or nursing cover (or hide my big belly in the dressing room!), I would make sure Cammie was latched then let my shirt cover her face a bit… it took a very large load of stress away knowing I could be modest and still leave the house…

I started to get braver, putting Cammie in the sling and shopping while doing some hands-free nursing… and I got better and better at it. Don’t get me wrong, there were PLENTY of days scattered in there when we’d be out at a restaurant (I always sat in a booth so I could nurse her while eating and no one would be distracted by my actions) and she would completely forget all of the progress we had made. She would turn her head to look and see what everyone else was doing, she would latch on juuuust long enough for let-down then smile and leak milk completely down my clothes.

It’s so important to keep everything feeling natural when you’re NIP – if I was trying to force her to nurse in the sling, she’d fight me tooth-and-nail… the more stressed I would get about getting her situated, the more restless she would get. It was 100 degree weather in South Texas for the first 3 months I was nursing– so A LOT of the time I would stop by a boutique near my house that had a nursing lounge area. There is nothing worse than dressing in layers (think: nursing tank, shirt, baby, sling) in the ridiculous heat, getting sweaty and uncomfortable – so I would make a few planned stops into places I knew had special little nursing areas.

All in all, NIP grew to be second nature for us… it was never made an issue by anyone we came across, actually we got a ton of smiles and positive comments! I was very unsure in the beginning – it took a while to figure out what worked for us. If you’re having issues, I suggest you find places to stop in while you get used to nursing outside of the home… as time goes on, you’ll get more comfortable and so will baby… soon you’ll be nursing in the middle of Mardi Gras (and getting handfuls of beads, I’d imagine….)

Michelle
Owner & Mom Squad Member
www.byebyewithbaby.com

This week Michelle and Bye Bye with Baby is hosting while we talk nursing in public. We can give each other: support, advice and secrets of the trade!

While we chat...someone will win a $25 gift certificate to Tiny Prints!

RSVP to win:

and for additional entries just leave a comment(s) below!

Follow Bye Bye with Baby on twitter

Follow Bye Bye with Baby on Facebook

BabyMilkAction.org email

2010-10-19T22:55:00.001-04:00

Here is the email I received today from Milk at BabyMilkAction.org:

This is to inform you that the 2011 issue of the popular breastfeeding calendar from the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN) is now in stock. You can view the 12 full-colour pictures from around the world online and order by clicking here.

Also in stock, Saggy Boobs and other Breastfeeding Myths by Valerie Finigan with embroidered illustration by Lou Gardiner.

Our popular hand-made Brazilian pregnant and breastfeeding fridge magnets are back in stock. Order online while stocks last.

Don't forget it is International Nestlé-Free Week from 25 - 31 October. This is an opportunity for those who support the boycott of the worst of the baby food companies to do more to spread the word and for those who don't boycott to give it a go. So if anyone has said to you they would boycott, but like Nestlé product X, Y or Z too much, suggest they support the boycott for a week - and they send Nestlé an email. You never know, they may find an alternative product they prefer to give their support long term. See our press release for further information at: http://info.babymilkaction.org/pressrelease/pressrelease10oct10.

Best wishes,

Mike Brady
Campaigns and Networking Coordinator
Baby Milk Action
Baby Milk Action, 34 Trumpington Street, Cambridge, CB2 1QY
http://www.babymilkaction.org/

Breastfeeding in the news....Sweden

2010-10-18T09:36:00.002-04:00

Substance in Breast Milk Kills Cancer Cells, Study Suggests

ScienceDaily (Apr. 23, 2010) — A substance found in breast milk can kill cancer cells, reveal studies carried out by researchers at Lund University and the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.

Although the special substance, known as HAMLET (Human Alpha-lactalbumin Made LEthal to Tumour cells), was discovered in breast milk several years ago, it is only now that it has been possible to test it on humans. Patients with cancer of the bladder who were treated with the substance excreted dead cancer cells in their urine after each treatment, which has given rise to hopes that it can be developed into medication for cancer care in the future.

Discovered by chance

HAMLET was discovered by chance when researchers were studying the antibacterial properties of breast milk. Further studies showed that HAMLET comprises a protein and a fatty acid that are both found naturally in breast milk. So far, however, it has not been proven that the HAMLET complex is spontaneously formed in the milk. It is speculated, however, that HAMLET can form in the acidic environment of the babies´ stomachs. Laboratory experiments have shown that HAMLET kills 40 different types of cancer, and the researchers are now going on to study its effect on skin cancer, tumours in the mucous membranes and brain tumours. Importantly, HAMLET kills only cancer cells and does not affect healthy cells.

Studying the integration of the substance

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg are focusing on how HAMLET can be taken up into tumour cells. The researchers, Roger Karlsson, Maja Puchades and Ingela Lanekoff, are attempting to gain an in-depth understanding of how the substance interacts with cell membranes, and their findings were recently published in the journal PLoS One.

Editor's Note: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Breastfeeding in the News....Sydney, Australia

2010-10-08T11:41:00.000-04:00

Breast feeding for over six months could aid mental health

SYDNEY | Tue Jan 12, 2010 6:52pm EST

SYDNEY (Reuters Life!) - Children who are breastfed for longer than six months could be at lower risk of mental health problems later in life, according to Australian research.

A study by the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research in Perth looked at 2,366 children born to women enrolled in a pregnancy study in the state of Western Australia.

Each of the children underwent a mental health assessment when they were aged two, five, eight, 10, and 14.

The researchers found that breastfeeding could help babies cope better with stress and may signal a stronger mother-child attachment which could provide lasting benefits.

"Breastfeeding for a longer duration appears to have significant benefits for the onward mental health of the child into adolescence," researcher Dr. Wendy Oddy, who led the study, wrote in The Journal of Pediatrics.

Of the children in the study, 11 percent were never breastfed, 38 percent were breastfed for less than six months, and just over half were breastfed for six months or longer.

The mothers who breastfed for less than six months were younger, less educated, poorer, and more stressed, and were also more likely to be smokers than the mothers who breastfed longer.

They were also more likely to suffer from postpartum depression and their babies more likely to have growth problems.

At each of the assessments, the researchers found children who were breastfed for shorter periods of time had worse behavior which could translate into aggression or depression.

But for each additional month a child was breastfed, behavior improved.

The researchers said breastfeeding for six months or longer remained positively associated with the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents even after adjustments for social, economic and psychological factors as well as early life events.

"Interventions aimed at increasing breastfeeding duration could be of long-term benefit for child and adolescent mental health," the researchers concluded.

(Reporting by Reuters Health, Editing by Belinda Goldsmith)

Breastfeeding in the news...New York

2010-10-07T11:33:00.000-04:00

Breastfeeding for a month cuts mom's diabetes risk

By Rachael Myers Lowe

NEW YORK | Fri Sep 10, 2010 1:29pm EDT

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Mothers who don't breastfeed their newborns for at least one month are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes at some point in their lives than women who do, a Pennsylvania study finds.

Previous research demonstrated health benefits to moms who breastfed as long as six months or a year. The Pennsylvania results suggest that even a month of breastfeeding can have positive, lasting effects.

"What we found that was somewhat surprising was the pretty dramatic benefits for moms who breastfed as short as a month after the birth of their child," the lead author, Dr. Eleanor Schwarz of the University of Pittsburgh, told Reuters Health.

In type 2 diabetes, the most common form of the disease, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin that the body needs to turn food into energy. An estimated 10 percent of American women have it.

To see how long a new mom needs to breastfeed to reap later benefits to her health, Schwarz and colleagues analyzed a large database of patients treated by Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program of Northern California.

They compared the incidence of type 2 diabetes in 2,233 women between the ages of 40 and 78, divided into three groups: those who had never had children (405 women), those who had children but never breastfed them (703 women) and those who had breastfed (1,125 women).

The researchers found that 188 (26.7 percent) of the study mothers who didn't breastfeed their infants later went on to develop diabetes compared to 202 (18 percent) of women who exclusively breastfed their newborn at least one month and 71 (17.5 percent) of women who never had children.

The findings "highlight the importance to maternal health of consistent lactation after each birth" and add to the growing body of evidence that not breastfeeding might add to health risks.

"Women who give birth but do not breastfeed face an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes," the authors conclude in the September 9 issue of the American Journal of Medicine.

Why this is so, they point out, is not known. Animal studies have shown that the formation and secretion of milk by the mammary glands (lactation) may itself start biological processes that increase sensitivity to insulin and reduce the formation of belly fat.

"Breastfeeding is part of the normal recovery process" from pregnancy and giving birth, Schwarz said.

Yet only about 14% of new mothers in the US managed to follow the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendation to exclusively breastfeed their infants for the first 6 months.

The study results tell new mothers that they can do something for their own health by breastfeeding for at least a month, Schwarz said. The authors also have a message for moms who, for whatever reason, never breastfed their children.

"They should talk to their doctor about what steps they can take to modify their own risk of developing diabetes, because it seems they are probably at higher risk than other women in the community," Schwarz said.

The authors urge "ongoing support of breastfeeding" from doctors, legislators and employers.

SOURCE: link.reuters.com/fas72p The American Journal of Medicine, September 2010.

Breastfeeding in the news....Spain via India

2010-10-06T11:06:00.000-04:00

LONDON: Working dads may wish to take Spanish citizenship after reading this.

Europe's top court has ruled that working fathers in Spain are entitled to take " breastfeeding leave" daily even if the child's mother is not employed.

The new ruling by the European Union Court of Justice in Luxembourg means that both the mother and father are allowed to leave work for an hour during the day or reduce their working day by half an hour during the first nine months following the birth of a child, the Telegraph reported.

In Spain, fathers are currently only allowed to apply for breastfeeding leave if the mother is employed full time.

But, the top court ruled last week that the Spanish law, which was instituted in 1900 to facilitate breastfeeding by the mother, caused an "unjustified discrimination on grounds of sex" as fathers do not have the same rights as mothers.

The Spanish man who challenged the law, Pedro Manuel Roca Alvarez, said his request to take breastfeeding leave from his job in Galicia was rejected because the mother of his child was self-employed.

Such a refusal, the court said, could have the effect of forcing self-employed mothers to limit their work because the father cannot share the burden.

Not giving dads the same right as mums in this case "is liable to ... keep men in a role subsidiary to that of women in relation to the exercise of their parental duties," the court ruled.

Breastfeeding leave should now be considered as "time purely devoted to the child" in order to reconcile family life and work after maternity leave, the court said.

Read more: Spanish dads can now take 'breastfeeding leave' - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/mad-mad-world/Spanish-dads-can-now-take-breastfeeding-leave/articleshow/6683894.cms#ixzz11XoGLbH3

Breastfeeding in the news...in Ireland

2010-10-05T23:01:00.002-04:00

NO NEED TO GET IN A PANIC, IT'S ONLY A BREAST

THAT'S MEN: Discomfort over breastfeeding is irrational, writes PADRAIG O'MORAIN

BACK IN the last century, a female colleague threw her male co-workers, including myself, into a state of alarm by announcing that she would be taking her baby to the Christmas party. She needed to breastfeed the baby every two hours, so if she was at the party, baby had to be there too.

Why were we alarmed? I suppose because having a mother sitting at a table and breastfeeding amid the turkey, ham and stuffing seemed incompatible with the night of serious boozing we had in mind.

The trouble was, it would be politically incorrect to raise this issue with her, and we were a very politically correct bunch of people.

In the end, it was other mothers who worked with us who saved the day. They explained to the new mother that they got enough of babies and children in their own homes and that they simply did not want to have a baby around when they were trying to enjoy a good knees-up.

The mother relented and stayed away while the rest of us went on to murder trillions of brain cells with alcohol as planned.

I was reminded of all this when I got a press release from the HSE promoting National Breastfeeding Week, which is under way as you read this. The week features breastfeeding art exhibitions and also coffee mornings, though the babies, I presume, will be sticking to milk.

But why did the idea of a woman breastfeeding at our party spook us all back in the day? I don’t think it was really to do with the booze – I think we would have been equally spooked if we had all been going to, say, a coffee morning.

What’s more I think that a similar announcement by a mother today would have the same effect on quite a lot of people.

It’s all totally irrational. A woman’s body is not actually a bomb and it is safe to let it out in public. Moreover, we are used to seeing breasts exposed in newspapers and on television – so used to it that we don’t actually notice half the time.

We still hear lots of stories from the US of women being thrown out of supermarkets and other places for breastfeeding on the go.

American women with their wonderful feistiness tend to respond, not by ringing Joe Duffy but by holding nurse-ins where lots of them turn up at the offending institution and breastfeed in protest.

When Barbara Walters said on TV five years ago that sitting beside a breastfeeding mother on a plane made her uncomfortable, 200 mothers held a breastfeed-fest outside the studios.

I notice that the HSE’s Lisa Corbett urges us, the Irish people, to “ensure breastfeeding mothers feel more confident in responding to the needs of their breastfeeding babies when outside home”.

That suggests that we, or some of us, continue to be spooked by public breastfeeding – that’s probably why you can go from one end of the year to the next without seeing anyone doing it. Even the pyjama brigade who go to the shop, the school and everywhere else in their PJs seem to shy away from being seen to breastfeed, though they may not be into it in the first place given that smoking and breastfeeding at the same time can be tricky.

Why are we still discombobulated by the sight of a mother breastfeeding in public? I don’t know but I think it’s fascinating that the question even arises.

Are we paying for sexualising the female breast in Western society? After all, in some societies breasts are just for feeding babies, though I have to admit that I derive this information entirely from National Geographic.

Perhaps we dislike the reminder that, after all, we are not the divine creatures we sometimes like to make ourselves out to be?

Whatever the answer, good luck to the breastfeeding cohorts of mná na hÉireann. And everyone else, keep calm.

Padraig O’Morain (pomorain@ireland.com) is a counsellor accredited by the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. His book, Light Mind – Mindfulness for Daily Living, is published by Veritas. His mindfulness newsletter is free by e-mail

October 7th #BfCafe

2010-10-05T20:16:00.005-04:00

This week will be a bye week as I don't have a sponsor!
I will also try to get our resident IBCLC here to answer questions.
I need to gather up some future sponsors, I have 2 lined up...just waiting on the dates to finalize!
See ya Thursday for bewbie talk!
10 EST

Guidelines

2010-10-02T00:31:00.000-04:00

#BfCafe Sponsorship Information & Guidelines

Thank you for your interest in supporting moms in making the decision to breastfeed.

Below is the details of #Bfcafe

What: A weekly twitter chat that brings in roughly 150 tweeters (around the world) and 1000 tweets by using the hash #BfCafe. You can see last week’s chat by clicking here: http://wthashtag.com/Bfcafe it will give you stats as well as the transcript.

Who: @zealandsmom tweeting a topic of choice directly related to breastfeeding and your product. Your product should be WHO code compliant and your tweets should be medically factual should you be providing breastfeeding information. A post with an RSVP link will be on my blog “There’s No Snakes in New Zealand” the Monday before your chat.

Where: Twitter. I prefer to use tweetgrid which is set up like tweetdeck. Others care to use tweetchat which is similar in streaming like twitter. By using the hash #BfCafe your tweets will show up in a stream of other #BfCafe tweets, making a “chat room”of women talking about breastfeeding.

When: Thursday nights at 10pm EST

How: I am currently charging $50 for a sponsorship. This price includes my time working on getting your topic and post up. I include information about your product and how it directly affected me or could have possibly helped me, in my current nursing situation. I am now, also asking for a product to “test” along with the payment. I think this will be a great asset in our relationship and will help me further promote your product amongst my friends and breastfeeding circle. I will place your button (that you send to me) on my blog for one month, as advertising to the many moms that come and seek breastfeeding information. For a small fee of $25 I will include a year of such advertising! I will also, compile the winners into an easy to use spreadsheet for shipping. The spreadsheet will arrive in your email the Monday after your chat, considering all winners have filled out the form. I will tweet your RSVP link numerous times throughout the week and market your product to the best that the chat will allow, on the night you are sponsoring. Remembering that the chat is always an open forum to discuss all issues that may arise, and to give support wherever needed. Winners may be from numerous countries, I will need to be advised ahead of time, if there are any restrictions on shipping.
I will need the payment, the product and any information you think imperative that I post, two full weeks before your chat, so that I have time for a fill-in if in case you have a last minute schedule conflict. Payment should be sent via check or paypal. Payment becomes a binding contract that you are complying with this informational document.
If you want to be the sole sponsor for your product that may have competition, you may, by adding an additional $100. This will ensure that any product that is identical in use as yours, will not be marketed by me during #BfCafe.

Should you have any questions please email me at zealandsmom@gmail.com

Once again, thank you for your support!

September 30th #BfCafe with MamaPear Designs

2010-09-27T20:40:00.002-04:00

Sharing is caring, right?

I'd say MamaPear Designs thinks so too!
Lara believes that sharing with the world that you are a breastfeeding mama means that you care enough to help spread that love!

I bought a bumper sticker from her store that I can't wait to add to my car.
Her items are unique as well as adorable!

Her items are a way to express just how you feel about the thing that means the most for you and your little nursling.
With bumper stickers, t-shirts, mugs, hats and MORE!

As always any topic and question is up for discussion during #BfCafe....
just ask away!

This week I want to bring into light some important breastfeeding milestones.

I will tweet some facts on how breastfeeding has made an impact in our history.

I will share some information about breastfeeding in our country and others with statistics and averages....as well as some trivia!

I would love for you to do some research and bring some findings to the party as well!

As always our wonderful sponsor will have some amazing prizes so RSVP to win!

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES:
Follow @mamapeardesigns on twitter
Buy something from MamaPear Designs' shop
Write a letter for her "Breastfeeding Blitz" (see her site for details)
Fan MamaPear Designs on facebook
GFC this blog
FB fan #BfCafe
subscribe to this blog via email

Mama Pear Designs Guest Post on Public Displays of Affection

2010-09-26T20:39:00.003-04:00

I'm still copying and pasting ALL the wonderful advice you mamas gave to future our breastfeeding generation!

SO.....Since Lara from Mama Pear Designs will be our amazing sponsor this week, I thought I would start the week off with a personal post she wrote for us about Public Displays of Affection!

Thank you Lara!
*Make sure you check out her GREAT site for lactivist wear before I write all about it tomorrow!

PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION
By Lara Audelo
www.mamapearsdesigns.com

I can do it just about anywhere. In a car, in a park, on an airplane, on a bed, on the couch, at a pool, on the beach, standing up, sitting down, while cooking dinner, while eating dinner, really the possibilities are endless. What am I talking about? Breastfeeding of course. I never imagined that when I started breastfeeding my oldest son in January of 2007, that I would be feeding him in so many various places, and positions for that matter. I am now breastfeeding my second son, I have been nursing for 40 months and counting, and I am still amazed at how wonderful this part of motherhood is.

Breastfeeding is the best relationship; it always feels even, not as if one person is taking without giving. I have gotten, and still am getting, so much from breastfeeding my children. For me, it makes the toughest part of motherhood, the feeling like I am being pulled in a million different directions, bearable. Personally for me, motherhood requires more emotional stamina than physical strength, and the calming chemical reactions that take place when I breastfeed, make the job doable. Without fail, every time I feed my baby, I utter the words, “Oh I love you so much” and snuggle him for a smooch on the head. I cannot help it, it is involuntary, and I love it!

As I mentioned I have been breastfeeding for a long time, and I have pretty much committed the act everywhere possible. What I do not understand, and never will, is how feeding my baby can be offensive to anyone. Unfortunately, I have been laughed, sneered, and pointed at while breastfeeding in public. It has never stopped me from feeding my child, obviously his needs come first, but it certainly has made me think and wonder, why women who breastfeed in public are sometimes shamed for doing so. For me breastfeeding is not just about giving my child a meal, it is about affection, the two are inseparable. Breastfeeding is intimate, and not because it involves a breast, but because it is ultimately a display of affection. If you have breastfed your baby, you know that when you look at that sweet face as they are latched on, or as they give you a little smile between swallows, you as a mother melt a little bit, and at that moment really little else matters. Is this intimacy between mother and child what bothers people? I know that some say they are offended by a breast being partially bare in public, but is that really all that bothers them? Or does breastfeeding make them feel uncomfortable, as seeing two people kissing in deep passionate manner, does. I have to think that the discomfort and negative attitudes are about more than just a slight show of skin because we are surrounded by half naked women at all times through the media and in public.

I would love to see the discrimination toward breastfeeding moms disappear, and for no mother to ever feel that she should have to cover up or hide while breastfeeding her baby, all in an effort to make others comfortable. We as a society need to re-evaluate our social norms, and start accepting and embracing one of the most natural displays of human affection there is: breastfeeding.

This week's Motherlove RSVP linky

2010-09-21T20:02:00.004-04:00

I gave ya'll a couple days to send some words of encouragement, advice and do-wells.....but I only have 2 comments!

SO......this week if you wanna chance at winning some great prizes from Motherlove....you're gonna have to work for it!

Motherlove is ALL about support. They have amazing resources on their website & they are always available for support, so let's follow in their footsteps and do the same

Before you RSVP:
Go the post below titled "What to expect when you're nursing"
Leave words of wisdom to future moms of breastfeeding

THEN

put in your twitter ID & link

If you are a preggo mama or gathering information for the future...simply go the comments below in the same post & write "preggo" or "info" or something like that!

We are here to share love and information to the world!
You, each and every one of you, that comes and chats shares your experiences across hundreds of thousands of twitter computer screens. I have YOU to thank for continuing to show up and chat! See ya Thursday at 10 EST use the hash #BfCafe

FOR ADDITIONAL ENTRIES TO WIN:
GFC this blog
Fan #BfCafe on Facebook
Follow me on twitter
Follow @motherloveherb on twitter
Fan Motherlove Herbal Company on Facebook

*Winners must have a US address*

What to expect when you're nursing

2010-09-19T21:02:00.003-04:00

This week we are linking up with our monthly sponsor Motherlove.

In celebration of Birth Month.....this month has the highest percentage of births
we wanna give out advice to the mamas to be about what to expect.

Advice, concerns, helpful thoughts ALL wanted!
Please take the time to write out your love to the mamas who need the support!

I will bookmark and sidebar this post with the AMAZING comments I am sure you will write so that all the future breastfeeding moms can peruse and learn!

Motherlove will have great prizes again and I will set up an RSVP linky tomorrow night with extra chances to enter for fans/subscribers and those who gave advice!

Tupperware recap and storing your breastmilk

2010-09-19T20:34:00.003-04:00

We talked about storing this past week.
Lots of mamas have lots of ways they do things.
I prefer my method....well simply cause it's my method!
I used ice cube trays and then emptied the ice cubes into freezer bags(which I re-used upon consumption of the bag).
I was able to defrost EXACTLY what I needed as each cube is one ounce!
No mess. No waste. No trash.
A totally green way to store milk!
With the Tupperware ice cube trays, they have a seal tight lid, keeping the freezer yuck out of the milk.
Once frozen, we believe that if the cubes were then transferred into a Freezer Mate made by Tupperware that the life of the cubes would prolong the life they normally have!
Regardless of if you cube or not, if you bag...you can simply store your bags inside a Freezer Mate to keep the milk fresher!
*If you're interested in these AMAZING ice cube trays....you will need to email Angela as they are on a super secret sale not available through her website even. They're $12.75 for TWO!*

Moving on to how long:
Do the smell test.
Your baby won't take a sour bottle.
Trust me when I say: YOU'LL KNOW!
You will totally know if your milk is bad...totally.
YUCK.
Here is the kellymom.com link on storing

We talked about SHAKING and MICROWAVING!
Both are no-nos.
Shaking and microwaving causes damage to the live cells in the breastmilk.
Just don't do it...kay?
Swirl the bottle.
I liked to cup the bottle in the palms of my hands to warm the fat deposits that stuck to the sides.
Between the warmth and the swirling, give it 30 seconds and you'll be good to go.

My lactation consultant gave me amazing advice.
She told me not to warm my bottles.
If a baby never has a warmed bottle, they will never long for a warmed bottle.
Isn't one of the great reasons to breastfeed, the simplicity of it?
Just thaw the milk out on the counter for an hour before a feeding and voila'!

Catch us this week with MotherLove again!

New kellogg's Rice Krispies 'Love Letters' Wrapper

2010-09-17T16:35:00.005-04:00

Bologna.
There are only 2 things I really remember about the days when my mom packed my lunch.
One was bologna.

I assume at one point I loved it. So....my mom kept packing it. I think she must have packed me a bologna sandwich every day for 5 years.
I now hate bologna.

The other thing I remember is how my mom would write love letters to me on the napkins packed along side my lunch.
I never, remember being embarrassed and I don't remember even saying anything to
my fellow friends but
I'll never forget the comfort and words of encouragement written on my napkins.

I felt so strongly about the 'love letters' that I now write them to my husband!

Funny enough on his 1st day of macho Sheriff's training....I snuck in a love letter.
And wouldn't you know ANOTHER man at his lunch table had a lover letter in his lunch box too!

Well, the next day I did not add a letter and while he was "searching" through his box for his letter the other man was searching for his letter too!

My husband says "I didn't get one today....did you?"

As if they were saddened to not have one!
My husband the 33 year old child.

Needless to say, we now pack re-usable napkins so it's great that I found the new
Kelloog's Rice Krispies with their write on packaging....so I can sneak my letters in more often.

We can have less waste this way and I can still send my daily words of affection.
*If I can manage not to eat them all before I get them packed in his lunch!*
(Maybe I'll just use the write on label to mark which ones are MINE!)

What will you write on your Rice Krispies package?
Any fun or new ideas?

Disclaimer: I was compensated for my time writing this post
and Kellogg's sent me a package of Rice Krispies for review

Tupperware as this week's #BfCafe Sponsor

2010-09-14T21:45:00.007-04:00

I have stored pumped milk in MANY ways.

I have screwed on bottles & froze directly in the bottles..... and ran out of bottles by doing so.
I have pumped into milk storage bags....that I thought to be SUPER messy when pouring back into the bottle.
I have pumped into ziplock bags, when I forgot to bring containers to pump into...
which was just as awful as it sounds.
I have pumped into bottles and poured the milk into "breastmilk trays".....only to have them warp and be useless after a few rounds in the dishwasher.
I have pumped and poured into ice trays and then placed the cubes into ziplocks....which I have some well over a year old, still in my deep freeze.

So, lets talk storing.
Let's talk pumping and storing and how many ounces to store in a single container and how long milk should be left in freezer, in fridge or on counter.

Tupperware has some amazing ice cube trays (BPA free) that have a virtually seal tight lid!
***Meaning no stinkiness getting into your precious milk***
These trays are only available until mid-September and you can only get them directly through the representative, they are not available online.

These trays are on sale for a set of two for $12.75...originally $25.50

Dish washer SAFE AND....
these have a warranty!
You really get quality when you buy Tupperware and I will never go back to unsustainable products again!

Speaking of storing, I use the Ideal Lit'l Bowl Set to store our snacks on the road, the Sandwich Keeper Set for our crackers and cheese and PB&Js, the Bell Tumbler Set...which the lids also fit our eco-tumblers for a larger sippy!

We just bought the complete Freezer Mates Set, which is how I would store my milk once it was cubed from their ice cube trays.
Since I no longer pump, we store our meats and leftovers!

And lastly, I wanna show you the pie press I bought to make my very own healthy "un-crustables".
I roll out the healthy whole grain bread and put in organic peanut butter and jelly!
I've also made egg and cheese sandwiches and tacos!

SO.....RSVP to prizes from Angela our Tupperware rep.
Must be present to win & tweet at least once during chat.
Must ship winnings to a US address.

For additional entries:
Book a virtual online party with Angela-5 extra entries
Make a purchase through Angela-5 extra entries
Fan #BfCafe on facebook-1 entry
Subscribe via email to this blog-1 entry
Google friend this blog-1 entry

These are a few of my favorite things!

2010-09-13T21:04:00.005-04:00

For now, I've been wanting to tell all the mamas that are new and have been around this past year with me SOME of the TOP items I have reviewed or purchased for my babies! I would love for you to do the same on your blog and we can linky them up!!

I'll start with a list of 10....in no particular order:)

1. Bravado Nursing Tank (well, come on! You knew that was coming!)
2. Baby K'tan (amazing for 1st 6 months of babywearing)
3. Kaboost (loved the product SO much, I purchased another!)
4. Bow Baby Bow (My very first review!)
5. Active Ion (We now have 2 & even DH loves to use it!)
6. Green Acre Designs (Our one true love in cloth diapers)
7. Livie and Luca leather shoes (Amazing quality & workmanship we now have 2 pairs)
8. The Boy's Store clothing (Where the cool moms of boys shop!)
9. Tupperware (EVERYTHING! I love the kids collection & that they have warranties!)
10. Inspired by Finn Baltic Amber Necklace (My lifesaver a MUST for every baby)

Now link your post:

My lack on posts

2010-09-10T11:33:00.002-04:00

Hi mamas.

I am so sorry for my lack of posts and the lack of attention I have been giving to #BfCafe.

My sister is going through a crisis and therefore I, too am going through a crisis.

My sister needs me and I need to be ready for her.

I have asked for guest posts and have some ready to go!

I will work hard on getting a few more sponsors lined up!

Be on the lookout for MamaPear Designs and MotherLove again this month.a

BabyBond Review and Giveaway...CLOSED

2010-09-01T20:53:00.006-04:00

BabyBond sent me a BabyBond flex to review and give one away!

We've talked about nursing in public numerous times and how being confident in yourself can really be a deal breaker.

The BabyBond is soft. Softer than the "normal" nursing cover of a more scratchy cotton.

The BabyBond fits over your head like a sash. The sash consists of two cotton pieces. One piece you put under your breast and the other is placed over your breast making a peek-a-boo for your nipple!

Your breast is completely covered, no matter what kind of top you are wearing! You can still pull your shirt down or if you have a tank on, you can pull your top up!

I know that I always wear a tank, so little breast shows.....BUT Kingsley has been in this mood where she has been pushing my shirt clear up to my neck exposing my breast. I always keep my hand on constant stand-by to cover my nipple when she abruptly pulls off.
However, with the BabyBond, only a sliver shows and only a person who was in a deep staring contest with your nipple would see what you have been trying to avoid them to see.

There is a "loop" that is on the BabyBond right at the shoulder that holds a burp cloth for last second wipes or dribbles.

The BabyBond comes in 3 different styles and within those styles is a plethora of colors!

The only downside I have encountered with the BabyBond is that when nursing a toddler who is quick, efficient AND VOCAL...is that when Kingsley is done with one side she loudly expresses her need for "other side"....So I have to quickly un-sash and re-sash.
With that being said Kingsley would NEVER stand for any cover being placed over her head so the BabyBond really is an INCREDIBLE option and the only non-covering of baby option other than no cover at all....which there is nothing wrong with that, in my opinion either!

BUY ONE:
Check out the online retailers ALL over the WORLD to see where you can buy your own BabyBond!

WIN ONE:
Mandatory entry: Visit BabyBond and tell me WHICH version AND which color you would chose if you won.
(Winner will receive a size 2 turquoise BabyBond)
Follow BabyBond on twitter
Fan BabyBond on Facebook
Sign up for BabyBond's promotions and updates
Follow #BfCafe on Facebook
TWEET! Include @BabyBond and @zealandsmom (1 entry per day)

Nutrition and the importance of Vitamin D recap

2010-08-29T22:49:00.002-04:00

Wellesse was our featured sponsor and the lucky ladies @katladyu18 and @curious_kitty each won a 3 month supply of the liquid vitamin of their choice and a copy of their book!

We talked about how 75% of all Americans (children included) are vitamin D deficient!
Wearing sunscreen, having a darker skin color or even limited sunscreen exposure are reasons that need vitamin D.
Here is a kellymom link on how much vitamin D is in our milk and how much your baby gets while clothed and normal sun exposure.
Don't get me wrong, I'm no saying go bake your bodies in the sun...even a dermatologist will tell you that they prefer vitamins over the harmful sun.

Under 12 only need one teaspoon and over 12 years of age needs only 2 teaspoons!
Easy to drink and because it is a liquid ALL of the vitamin is digested unlike many pill forms.

I tweeted out some kellymom.com links on nutrition and calories for both mom and baby.

1800-2200 is the normal calories for a breastfeeding mom. If you are active, stay on the higher side of that caloric scale.

Here is a link on calories if you are nursing less than normal and liquid intakes.
Drink when you are thirsty and eat when you are hungry......don't push it!

After 12 months you can start offering solids BEFORE breast unlike the opposite before they reach a year.
There is also a HUGE misconception that our now nursing toddlers need cow's milk!
MOM's milk is made for MOM's babies!
Mom's milk is whole milk!
Our milk has not only more fat and calories but also has an enormous amount of emotional and immunological nutrients!
Here is the kellymom link of toddler nutrition and vitamin D

You can substitute the lack of vitamin D but possibly adding Wellesse liquid to their diet!

#BfCafe Welcomes Expert Diana West, IBCLC

2010-08-25T20:48:00.007-04:00

We have an expert on board!

Please welcome Diana West, IBCLC.

Diana has co-written numerous books:
Making More Milk
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding
and
Breastfeeding After Breast and Nipple Surgeries

You can also find a plethora of information on Diana's websites in regards to breastfeeding!

Diana will pop in during some chats while she isn't gallivanting around the country speaking to women about the power of breastfeeding!

Diana will have her very own "Ask the Expert" weeks where she will take questions for the entire chat.

Diana will be available for questions through the blog here and also through twitter.

Let's welcome her aboard!!

Wellesse: This week's #BfCafe Sponsor 8/26

2010-08-24T21:35:00.004-04:00

75% of Americans are Vitamin D deficient
This includes Adults AND Children

This week we should talk about nutrition.
Not only should we be taking supplements when we are pregnant but when breastfeeding it is important to continue the nutrition by eating properly and keeping the vitamin levels necessary to produce the best milk possible.

I am to blame for not keeping a proper diet, yet I can assure you though, that I am meeting my caloric levels and then some ;)

I am also to blame for not keeping up with my postnatal vitamins.

With Wellesse, it is really easy to keep my Vitamin D in check.

If you wear will sunscreen, have limited sun exposure or have dark skin, a Vitamin D supplement can very well be beneficial to you!

I know that with Breast Cancer AND Osteoporosis in my family, Vitamin D can help with my overall health.

So....this week not only will we talk about Vitamin D, but we will talk about nutrition, diets & caloric intake of breastfeeding moms!

Let's get to know what it all really means and how much it really affects our milk!

2 women will win 2 month supplies of any Wellesse product PLUS their book!

1 winner will come from the RSVP list & must be at party to win
and
the second winner will be pulled from the additional ways to enter to win!

Additional Entries:
Subscribe to the Wellesse Blog
Follow Wellesse on Twitter
Fan Wellesse on Facebook
Tweet about this week's #bfcafe chat!
(multiple entries for tweeting)

RSVP HERE:

Weaning vs Strikes

2010-08-23T21:10:00.003-04:00

If you have found that your nursling has abruptly stopped. That is a strike.
Weaning takes time.

Strikes can happen for numerous reasons.....so look for these on top of the onset of a strike:
teething
new growth (milestones etc)
changes in environment
injury to baby (recent fall or accident)

Weaning is not a bad thing.
I think we put so much emphasis on child-led weaning that we tend to negate mother-led weaning.

Tips on how to mother-led wean:
Take out the mid-day feeds.
Go slow.....if baby is resisting. (Some may not resist at all!)
Lastly take away the most important feed to your baby.
(Some may be the 1st in the morning and some may be the night-time session.)

If you have the time, go slow and at your baby's speed.
For me....it took 3 days!
It can be done mamas!
Congrats to how far you've come!

August 19th #BfCafe with Motherlove

2010-08-16T22:28:00.007-04:00

This week our monthly sponsor Motherlove is wanting to talk support.
With a company that is so big, they don't even want to talk about themselves because they know it's all about the support!
Did you know that Motherlove is a family-run business? Mother and daughter? Talk about a Mother's Love!!

OK this week we are going to talk nursing strikes vs weaning again.
This is a huge topic that I think we should address again, mostly because I have seen tweets about Mamas in distress.

I can handle mastitis or massive yeast causing mother-led weaning but when a mom takes a nursing strike and gets confused with baby-led weaning IT breaks my heart!

So let's talk the differences in the two, what to look for, what could cause it
and average weaning age!

Take a look at Motherlove's great product section but also look at their amazing support system of books, links and faq.

RSVP to win prizes:

Wear it with pride

2010-08-16T20:18:00.004-04:00

So, a future sponsor MamaPear Designs for #bfcafe has come up with some new shirts and the are on SALE!
I thought I would nudge you her way to check them out!

She is also on a crusade to get Oprah involved in her final season to do a breastfeeding episode, so check out her Oprah Blitz link on her site.

Her shirts are adorable and she has an array of sizes and shirt types for all bodies!

Run to MamaPear Designs

99 Bottles of milk on the wall....

2010-08-13T10:28:00.004-04:00

I laid in bed last nite while wonderful blog thoughts danced in my head. Smart, informative sentences beautifully executed.

Today, I am not in bed. I sit at work while Zealand hammers the play wood house.

Laurie Berkner sings loudly in my other ear.

I have moms to chat with it and of course Kingsley wants to get in the high chair to eat again.

But I did want to chat bottles and the WHO and the ever so present consumerism.

Lots of Moms complain about the WHO and it's anti-advertising bottles code.

First of all I want to explain that they are not somehow bashing moms who need to pump or have to pump. Pumping is NOT second best. Pumping is an equal and for those who have done it, know that it is MUCH harder and MUCH more time consuming.

As a pumping mom (I pumped exclusively for over 6 weeks with Zealand) I knew I needed a place to store the milk.

It was logical.

I knew I was going back to work.

I never second guessed that I would register for bottles....and I got tons.

Looking back, I really have no idea why I registered for so many, it was like I set myself up to fail almost.

But, my sister didn't breastfeed so I was only getting what she had suggested I get.

Almost.

I happily breastfed Zealand for 8 months until I was given bad advice to wean.

Just like I did with our carseat, I went to my sister for advice.

She used "such and such" brand and therefore, so did I.

Just like what our Grandparents did and their parents...we looked to our friends and family for advice.

Consumerism has taken control of our televisions and life. A one hour show has over 20 minutes of commercials!

Do you think that if commercials did not influence what you buy, that they would still exist?

Have you seen a commercial saying "We're second best"?

All commercials state that their product is the one that YOU want!

If you think you are in control you aren't! Studies show otherwise.

Therefore, why should there be commercials? If you really want to know what bottle is "most like breast".

Read.

Research.

If you plan to feed your child with something that will take up so much of your day, your first year, why would you not research it?

Why would you take some big companies word for it?

We all know that ads wouldn't lie to you....

Breasts are Green!

2010-08-12T16:37:00.002-04:00

Maybe not the way you thought I meant.
I mean green for the environment!
(I know you knew that!)

So, next time someone asks you why you breastfeed or possibly the dreaded how much longer do you plan to breastfeed....

Say "We've gone green!"

Examples include but are not limited to:
No bottle washing
No nipple/pacifier washing
No garbage ultimately filling the landfill
No hormones/antibiotics from injected cows
Saving gas to buy milk
Saving gas when you need to detour because you forgot to pack a backup drink!

Breastfeeding Hotline

2010-08-08T23:41:00.003-04:00

I am pleasantly surprised to have found this while googling breastfeeding today....

A National Breastfeeding Helpline open Monday through Friday from 9-6 EST

Talk with a trained breastfeeding peer counselor
in English or Spanish.

Call 800-994-9662 for support!

The whole page is loaded with information and success stories from the US Department of Health and Human Services!

Pumping, nursing in public, learning to breastfeed and more!

Way to go to our government!

Gisele Bundchen

2010-08-05T20:13:00.003-04:00

Gisele's interview about making breastfeeding law internationally for the first 6 months is attracting tons of attention.

I personally think any publicity is good publicity....so yea for breastfeeding in the news.

However, I am completely disgusted by the reports for her to keep her opinions to herself.

1st off this IS a free speech country.....right?
and
Secondly more people are upset about her wanting what is best for babies all over the world than the things that Mel Gibson and Tom Cruise say?

I do not think Gisele inserted her foot... I do believe however that she is actually using her celebrity for a good cause...
Who am I kidding?
For a GREAT cause!

And right smack dab in the middle of World Breastfeeding Week!

10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding

2010-08-01T21:24:00.004-04:00

Happy World Breastfeeding Week!
Did you even know such a thing existed before you nursed?
Maybe if we each told 5 people about this week, and those 5 told 3 and those 3 told even 1, we could dramatically inspire and educate the people of the Unites States!
How will you celebrate this week?

The WHO (World Health Organization) and UNICEF have together comprised this list and it is used in over 150 countries on the 10 steps to successful breastfeeding.

The Ten Steps for health facilities to take towards ensuring successful breastfeeding are as follows:

Have a written breastfeeding policy that is routinely communicated to all health care staff.

Train all health care staff in the skills necessary to implement this policy.

Inform all pregnant women about the benefits and management of breastfeeding.

Help mothers initiate breastfeeding within half an hour of birth.

Show mothers how to breastfeed and how to maintain lactation even if they should be separated from their infants.

Give newborn infants no food or drink other than breast milk unless medically indicated.

Practice "rooming in" – allowing mothers and infants to remain together – 24 hours a day.

Encourage breastfeeding on demand – whenever the baby is hungry.

Give no artificial teats or pacifiers (also called dummies or soothers) to breastfeeding infants.

Foster the establishment of breastfeeding support groups and refer mothers to them on discharge from the hospital or clinic.

Malnutrition is responsible for one-third of the 8.8 million deaths annually among children under five. It can be a direct cause of death but is also the most important single risk factor for disease in young children. Over two thirds of these deaths, which are often associated with inappropriate feeding practices such as bottle-feeding or untimely and inadequate complementary foods, occur during the first months of life.

“It is estimated that around 35% of infants aged 0 to 6 months are exclusively breastfed in the world today,” says Dr Elizabeth Mason, Director of WHO's Department of Child and Adolescent Health and Development. “But if all babies and young children were breastfed exclusively for their first six months of life and then given nutritious complementary food with continued breastfeeding up to two years of age, the lives of an additional 1.5 million children under five would be saved every year.”

Publish Post

Interesting boob facts! This week's #BfCafe

2010-07-29T21:16:00.002-04:00

I don't have a sponsor for this week, so after scratching my head...I came up with this fun idea!

I have 20 fun and interesting facts on breasts that I am going to share with you tonight!

Don't forget to follow me on twitter, to learn the facts
and
facebook fan #bfcafe in hopes of finding a sponsor for future weeks!

MoBoleez Recap on confident nursing in public

2010-07-23T23:15:00.001-04:00

(TELL ME THIS HAT ISN'T ADORABLE!!!)

Here are the tips Diane Currie Sam had for those that attended.
(She is the inventor of MoBoleez)

Obtaining Confidence in Public:
My first tip for NIP - relax and have a sense of humor!
Start slow if you feel awkward or nervous. i.e. maybe with just women around
If you want to use the MoBoleez hat, put in on babe's head first,
then hook him/her up - easy peasy :)
Talking to a supportive mom or lactation consultant about your concerns helps too

What to say when people ask about your nursing:
I'd say to others "this is what works for me"
To others, just address it calmly, don't ask permission, you don't need it.
I'd also say whatever calm, powerful mommy comment you're going to say, with a smile and a sense of humor
when people ask "how long are you going to nurse" I say "not sure" and laugh or say "you should ask him" and point to baby

Nursing Older babies:
I used to like to go someplace quiet, so if you like that too, just ask, many venues will help you find a quiet spot to NIP
re: active 10 month old - try gently rubbing or swinging his other arm , distracting him/her helps
nursing necklaces are worn by mom and designed to be baby-safe and can be a fun way to keep a baby busy

MoBoleez has New PRINTS coming out!
Check out their facebook page for an exclusive sneak peak!
Follow @dianecurriesam for more wonderful wisdom on NIP

Confidence while nursing in public w/MoBoleez as this week's sponsor!

2010-07-19T10:43:00.006-04:00

It can be daunting. Especially as a first time mom.
The sometimes dreaded nursing in public.

If you're like me, you freely nurse wherever you need to. But even as a seasoned NIPer, I still look around, look to see who is looking at me. Not that I really care, but I feel like I want to have a game plan and a speech prepared for just in case the ignorant approach.

It happened to me and I am pretty sure that I have blogged it before but for those of you that are new here is my story:
I took Kingsley to get her ears pierced. I, of course wearing my favorite nursing tank, had the buckle undone. So, that immediately after the first punch, I could attach her to my breast. After the first ear, I think she was in shock, no tears....so the piercer went on to the second ear.
Jackpot! Immediate tears, so I brought her to my breast. Tears subsided instantaneously and Kingsley stayed latched for comfort and possible hunger.
Then it came. The day, I guess I thought would never happen to me.
The piercer told me I needed to stop because women got in trouble for doing "that". I calmly laughed and said "Well that is illegal!" (I thought she might have been looking out me for)
She continued "Well, you need to be doing that in your own home and you can't be doing that back here, it is immoral". (I was at a Piercing Pagoda, inside the circular kiosk)
I said "Immoral? For feeding my child with the breasts that God gave me?"
It continued, I was heated up. I left in pure anger....mostly because I didn't want for Kingsley to be around the stupidity and for fear of what I just might have said, if I had stayed. My day ruined. Christian, who had taken Zealand to Sears, missed the whole thing. When I told him, he said it was her right to be offended, which of course turned into more heated debate.

What should I have said?
Could I have been more forceful & stayed?
Should I have had a better speech planned?

Here is a blog post about a friend of mine's (Pamela Dayton: from the datyon time) sister who was harassed while NIP at her local emergency room. Read how she handled it & see if you would have responded the same way?

Let's talk about ways to be confident & get some ideas of what kind of verbiage to have on hand for just an incident!

What if you had a product that wasn't so noticeably a nursing cover?
What if you had a product that was multi-functional?
Protect baby from the sun, lightweight, not cumbersome, easy to tote & cute?
Would you be interested?

Let me introduce you to MoBoleez....the multi-functional breastfeeding hat!
With adorable fabric options and easy to use, I can imagine this hat becoming a HUGE rage amongst moms that don't care for traditional covers!

You're really gonna love MoBoleez!

RSVP HERE FOR THE CHAT TO WIN:

or
Leave comments for these additional ways to win:
Follow this blog via google reader
FB fan #bfcafe
FB fan MoBoleez
Follow MoBoleez on twitter
Subscribe to the MoBoleez newsletter

Why your milk may decrease & how to boost it back up!

2010-07-17T10:21:00.006-04:00

This past Thursday we talked supply....again.

I think it is important to understand why and how your supply can decrease in an effort to control & manage it.

We talked about emptying your breast. Pumping after each feed, if you feel that the baby did not finish. Example: baby falling asleep or too distracted during a feed. We talked about hormonal issues that cause milk supply to diminish or be low from the start such as: high estrogen, testosterone, thyroid issues and PCOS.
(There are plenty more issues that can affect supply)

Breast tissue damage & scarring is another issue to be aware of.
Nipple piercing, reductions and biopsies can cause decreases, to name a few.
There are anti-galactofuges that cause milk reduction.
Such as peppermints, parsley and thyme...to name a few!
Birth control, and medicines that dry up nasal/sinus issues and alcohol and tobacco use.

On the bright side there are numerous ways to boost back and make supply!

Water and diet, first and foremost.

If tissue damage has occurred, Motherlove has Goat's Rue that helps restore and build tissue. This product can even help for adoptive moms to lactate.
Oats. Oatmeal, oat tea or oat bread!
Motherlove has the number one selling product for supplements. More Milk Plus. I prefer the capsules to the liquid.
Herbal Galactofuges. Such as fenugreek, blessed thistle and many more.

(This is a recap of the #BfCafe as I remembered it while typing this post from my phone!)

For more information click on any of the links above that will direct you to the Motherlove website.

I knew I liked this lady: Michelle Obama & breastfeeding

2010-07-13T20:28:00.006-04:00

I'll be honest with you...I voted Democrat in the last election. I don't care "where" you stand or how strong your loyalty lies.....if you are a human, a woman and a mother...
it is impossible to not agree with Michelle Obama on this.

She may be some 15 years older than me but her childhood sounds similar to mine and I can only hope that my children say the same thing. I teared up a tad while reading...I really did!

Check out her latest speech on childhood obesity and breastfeeding.
Happy Reading!

Introducing: Motherlove this week's #BfCafe sponsor

2010-07-12T20:16:00.007-04:00

The number one topic on the minds of breastfeeding moms is supply. It is really hard to trust ourselves and what we cannot see.
As a new or even experienced mom, we stress about the ability to produce the amount of milk our child needs.
I mean, everywhere we turn, TV, random people at the mall and EVEN our doctors are telling us that formula is the way to go. Jandice? Formula. Lower side of the growth chart? Formula. Baby needs to eat while you are shopping? Formula. Commercials say closest to breast and actresses are bottle feeding on TV and movies....so why should we trust our self?
Because you know. Deep down no matter why or how, you know that breast is best and that with the proper support you can and WILL do it!

So, you feel like you need to boost your supply?

Have you tried Motherlove?

I have purchased their products before when I was nursing Zealand and pregnant with Kingsley. Motherlove makes products for all kinds of supplement needs.

Motherlove is organic, holistic, herbal remedies that help moms and moms to be in their journey of a nurturing life.

Motherlove Herbal Company is a member of the following organizations:

Motherlove has numerous products and this Thursday we will talk about the More Milk Plus capsules that I received and am currently taking to help with my own supply.

We will talk about what causes low milk supply and of course how Motherlove can fix it!

So bring your questions and definitely RSVP to win some Motherlove products!
(Must be present during chat to win from RSVP list)

If you want MORE ways to win and/or you can't make it to the chat here is additional ways to enter to win...just leave a comment per additional entry:

Subscribe to Motherlove's blog
Follow @motherloveherb on twitter
Like Motherlove on facebook
Like #BfCafe on facebook

The secret is about to be revealed..... Getting the ammonia out of your cloth diapers!!!

2010-07-12T19:55:00.005-04:00

I REALLY think I have done it.
I have tried every single suggestion.
I have tried every single product marketed towards this issue.
BUT....
I have been stink free for over a week!!!

Are you ready to hear my secret?
Are you ready to NOT have to buy anything special?
Are you ready to just get in your car and drive around the corner to your local grocery store or Wal-mart and pick up these 3 products?

Are you ready for me to shut the hell up and just tell you already?
OK OK

You will need:
Dawn original (I used Dawn with oxy)
Tide (I used original powder)
Washing Soda (made by Arm & Hammer)

Here is how I did it:
Largest load setting you have.
Hot/Cold wash with an extra rinse setting

1st wash:
Squirt freely the Dawn in the running water
measure roughly 1/8 cup of Tide and put in wash
Insert dirty diapers.

2nd wash:
Largest load and Hot/Cold setting w/extra rinse again.
measure 1/4 cup washing soda and 1/4 cup of Tide

I hang dry my pockets and throw my inserts in dryer.

Voila!

This is my new wash routine and like I said...I have been ammonia free for over a week now!!

I really truly hope that this will work for you too!

Lopsided boobs?

2010-07-09T11:03:00.001-04:00

Undercover Mama was our sponsor and we gave out three tanks!
She also sent out a very generous coupon code "CAFE" that will give you 20% off your order!
These ingenious tanks attach to whatever bra you have on, instantly making it a nursing tank! *love this idea*

We talked about milk.
How in the beginning while preggo and until you deliver your placenta that milk is a given. That it is not supply and demand made but instead hormonally made. If you are preggo and you have a baby, you will most likely (unless you are the 2%) make milk.
30-72 hours after you deliver the placenta, your breasts will feel fuller and your milk has officially "come in".

Supply and demand is how you will build and maintain your supply from now on.
With each emptying if the breast, more milk will fill. The MORE empty the breast, the faster it will fill. if you do not completely empty the breast, your body will not feel the instant need to fill it, and this will affect your supply. Empty more and empty more frequently. Nursing on demand (not every 3 hours like the hospital tells you) will ensure that you make exactly what your baby needs. Pumping will ensure that you have MORE of a supply however, you may end up with an oversupply that can be harmful to the relationship down the line.

The size of your breasts does not necessarily equal the amount you are able to store.
With that being said, if you do have smaller breasts that has a smaller fullness, you will need to feed even more frequently to keep up with the supply and demand. Kellymom.com compares it to drinking from a cup. You can drink from a large or a small cup and still drink the same amount by the end of the day....BUT you will have to refill that small cup more often.

We also talked about lopsided breasts. WHY?
Well as a nursing mom, certainly you have your favorite side, as much as your nursing baby does. The smaller side is the side less taken, the side less emptied therefore the side less filled. IF the lopsidedness is an issue there are 4 ways that kellymom.com recommends & should help withing 4 days!

*offer smaller side 1st (more vigorous sucking)
*nurse preferred side until letdown then switch to smaller (try to avoid moving baby)
*pump smaller side 5-10 minutes AFTER each session
*pump smaller side in between feedings

Next week we have Motherlove supplements!
**I know we ALL love to talk about BUILDING our supply**

Heather Armstrong Photography

2010-07-07T22:39:00.004-04:00

I saw this picture of Heather Armstrong's on facebook and KNEW you ladies (and a few of you gents) would love it!
Heather and her company is based in Vancouver and here is her news on this picture:

Heads up New Zealand birth educators and advocates! One of my images from the last birth session, "Auri on the Outside" featuring newborn baby curled up on mother's tummy, is going to be on the cover of CENZ effect midwifery magazine in their upcoming edition. :)

#BfCafe with UnderCover Mama

2010-07-05T20:18:00.004-04:00

This week I want to talk about milk.
Of course we talk about it every week but this week I want to talk about HOW we produce milk!
I want to discuss how the milk production process changes during the day and how it is stored inside the breast.
I want to talk about size vs amount and lopsided breasts.

This week's sponsor is Undercover Mama.
Everyone should know how much I love my "specific brand" nursing tanks. However, I love them because not only do I get great support from them, they also cover all that needs to be covered.
With that being said however, I do own nursing bras. I have worn my very expensive nursing bras less than 10 times in the last 2 years.
When I received my black Undercover Mama shirt, I really liked the softness of the material. I was worried that it may not fit since it was a medium and I wear a 36 F/G.
I made excuses not to wear it a few days, until my big adventure to the aquarium. I thought, if I could wear it here and wear it comfortably, I could wear it anywhere!
I attached it to the strap part of the bra, instead of below the nursing clasp, which would have helped with making it a one snap process.....but even though I didn't attach it correctly, I still fell in love with this shirt.
(Now that I think of it, I didn't even attach it to my BLACK nursing bra
but my cream one! DOH'!)
The shirt fit wonderfully, I never had to pull it down or tug it from riding up. It was long enough to cover any flaws and Kingsley and I nursed twice during our aquarium adventure!
I think another great thing about this, is that you could wear it even after you are nursing, if you needed to cover up cleavage or under a shorter shirt.

Undercover Mama will be giving away some shirts to some mamas!
So, if you are attending the chat RSVP!

If you would like more chances to win and/or you can't make the chat
simply visit the Undercover Mama site and come back here and leave a comment on which color you would like to own if you win!

Additional entries:
Become a facebook fan of Undercover Mama
Follow Undercover Mama on twitter
Become a fan of #BfCafe

Recap of last week's BfCafe

2010-07-04T20:36:00.004-04:00

I've literally just realized that some of my readers might not tweet! So, from now on (hopefully the day after) I will provide details, info and facts from the previous chat. I will from now on, chose a winner from the comments to the #BfCafe RSVP post to win one of the products being given away, in case there is a reader who does not have access to twitter.

This week we talked about pumping. Simple Wishes was our sponsor and she provided 3 bras to the participants.

Our first topic was how much baby needs when you leave her/him behind.
I was even surprised by the numbers that I found on Kellymom.com. I have always told my peers that it was an ounce per hour and that breastmilk changes to the baby's needs. This is true. However, I did not know that between 7-11 months babies are actually eating about 30 oz. (Maybe because they are getting so active?) Babies between 11 months and 2 years only consume/need 14-19 ounces!!! Only 10-12 oz per day for a 2-3 year old!
Kellymom..com offers a pumping calculator to determine how much milk to leave behind, but I can assure you, an ounce per hour the first year of life, should be fine for your baby.
Make sure your caregiver knows the importance of using super slow flow nipples, Stopping often to burp, avoiding using bottle the instant a baby seems upset and have them try to soothe other ways besides giving a bottle of milk.

We switched topics to pumping and dumping. New research shows that it is not necessary. Pumping and dumping does not fasten the amount of time that alcohol will leave your body. If you are sober enough to drive and neurologically normal. Consuming two or more drinks may inhibit a let-down and could inhibit milk production and volume. We didn't really touch on medications and breastfeeding but kellymom.com has a chart of all approved medications.

We moved into how to use pumping as a way to increase supply. We talked about power pumping, weekend nurse ins and breast massage.
We suggested pumping early in the morning when hormone levels are the highest. Possibly checking tubing and flange size. I also pumped one breast while feeding Z on the other. I had it set up on the ottoman in his room, ready to go.

Our last topic was about oversupply and how to donate. Lots of moms during the chat have donated to friends and I can't tell you how much my heart sang! I didn't hear from any moms that jumped through the hoops of having their blood checked. Here is a link to information about milk banks.

Next week we will have Under Cover Mama as our sponsor....I was sent her product and I must say I REALLY like it!

Getting my CLC

2010-06-30T23:07:00.002-04:00

I am searching high and low to find a way to take the the certified lactation course. I missed the closest one (was still an hour away) because we had just opened up Peace Love Play.

I didn't realize at the time, that the classes were so few and far between.

I was hoping that if I put some feelers out to my readers that I might be able to get some suggestions on what I should do?

There is no schedule up for 2011 yet, meaning I still don't know how far away I still might have to travel to procure one.

(I'm in the Tampa area)

#BfCafe with Simple Wishes

2010-06-29T15:03:00.005-04:00

**We've done a pumping bra before & I love her designs**
However Simple Wishes is this week's sponsor and here is another option, which I find quite fascinating, although I have not tried personally. From what I can see, this bra gives you the options to have straps and the holes that hold the flanges are tighter, looking to give less wiggle room if you need to be active while pumping.The Simple Wishes bra is completely adjustable, with the ability to zip up an extra width panel between the breasts after using the velcro panel on your back to perfect the size. SO as your breast grow or shrink, you will continue to have the right fit!
This bra was invented by 4 women...sisters, who felt that they had to fill a void with this product. Celebrities like Camila Alves and Nicole Sullivan have raved this product. It has also won numerous awards and been featured in People magazine.

With that said let's re-visit pumping this week.
Let's talk once again about how much you need to leave behind when you go out, alcohol/drugs and pumping and dumping, how to use pumping to build or maintain a supply & how to donate if you find that you have an oversupply!

WHEW....that sounds like a lot!
I will divide the topics up in 15 minute intervals but like always please feel free to direct your questions to the CLCs and IBCLs that are on hand for the evening.

Simple Wishes will be donating 3 bras to our fabulous #BfCafe chat followers.
To win: make sure you RSVP, follow me on twitter and follow @simplewishes

My Nifty Nappy Review and Giveaway! BY BETSY

2010-06-27T14:00:00.008-04:00

I found My Nifty Nappy cloth diaper site online while searching for diapers with cute prints not just solid colors. I certainly found them here! Vilate was kind enough to send me a Peachykeen pocket diaper for review. She also makes the most fabulous fitteds for you ladies who love fitted diapers!
When my diaper first arrived, my reaction was "Wow! This is such a cute print! How did she know that my husband worked on a boat?" Apparently by coincidence, I received a blue diaper with lobsters and anchors with rope all around it- the perfect nautical dipe for my little sailor!

Then I saw the insert. Super soft, yummy bamboo! My favorite material for inserts! I could hardly wait to prep it and get it on his bum. I put it on G and loved the fit! The peachykeen diaper is super comfy and the bamboo insert is super absorbent. It works better each and every time I use it (that is the nature of bamboo after all!).
The snap closure is always a plus for those of us tired of fighting the dreaded diaper velcro chain and the snaps can crossover the band for those babes with a skinny waist.
I love this diaper and it is one I reach for every time it is clean. The print makes me smile and I can be sure that I will have no leaks with the bamboo. I love My Nifty Nappy!
Now for the good stuff- Who wants to win a $35 gift certificate to My Nifty Nappy? I know you do!
Here's how:

Go to My Nifty Nappy website and tell me what fabric you would choose for your diaper and if you would choose a fitted or a pocket diaper
Follow this blog - No Snakes in New Zealand
Follow my new blog- Garrick Goes Green
Follow My Nifty Nappy's blog
Follow Danielle on Twitter @zealandsmom
Follow Me on Twitter @betsyssi
Follow @myniftynappy on Twitter
Suscribe to My Nifty Nappy's newsletter
Tweet about this giveaway!! Tweets allowed once per day, using @betsyssi, @zealandsmom, and @myniftynappy with the hashtags #clothdiapers and #giveaway.

Product provided but honest review given.
Contest ends July 11, 2010 at midnight EST
Betsy Knight

The direction of my blog!

2010-06-26T22:38:00.004-04:00

So, obviously I cannot blog daily. I promised myself a 30 days of blogging and I just can't do it. I was handed a $385 verizon bill which included $190 in overage charges for hotspot. SO....that is one of the main reasons I have avoided my computer and stayed primarily on my phone. The 2nd and most important reason is that we have been kicking serious ass at Peace Love Play! We have had busy day after busy day after busy day!

Blogging news is that I have been seriously contemplating what BfCafe means to me and how what I say can help or hinder a breastfeeding mom. That is why I have decided to turn my blog into a breastfeeding blog. I will still continue to do product reviews and giveaways for the products that are near and dear to my heart.

I will start reviewing the products that are sponsored on BfCafe. I will make sure that they are suitable for the mamas that join our chats.

I also want you to know that I am considering asking for money for the sponsors for my time. I think I should be honest with you but I want you to know that by doing so, I will ensure that the products are a perfect fit and that they in some way will help the journey of the breastfeeding mom. If after reviewing the product, I feel as if it is not a good match, I will NOT bring it to our weekly chats.
Also know, that it is my promise to you, to make sure that in my best ability, I will not showcase a product or a company that is not WHO code compliant.

Now, is the time to decide if you want to continue following me on this journey.
I surely hope you do!

Please help us by voting!!

2010-06-26T18:48:00.003-04:00

Hello fabulous readers! Bamboo Bums cloth diaper company is running a contest on their Facebook page. I have entered a picture of G on there. Please help us win a free diaper and a free shell by going here and voting for G. The pics will either be on the main wall or she may have grouped them in a "note". Thanks for all your help, Mamas!!

Betsy

June 24th #BfCafe Breastfeeding with Comfort and Joy

2010-06-21T21:41:00.006-04:00

(written by Laura Keegan)

Let’s talk about skin to skin contact:

How it can be so helpful for the breastfeeding relationship

How to increase the likelihood of getting immediate skin to skin contact at birth even for Cesarean births

How to ensure plenty of opportunities postpartum for mom and baby and dad and baby to be together and skin to skin.

Food for thought:

Dr. Michel Odent, a French obstetrician and author observes, "It has been my experience, in thirty years of obstetrics, that when a mother and her baby are allowed to be alone together in the first two hours after birth the mother will learn how to put the baby to her breast correctly, without anyone’s help."

This is wonderful but unfortunately mothers and babies are routinely separated at birth. Sometimes the separation is necessary as with a baby born preterm or with problems and needs immediate medical care; but more often it's just hospital protocol and routine that interferes with this bonding and mother-baby time. For more insight into mothers' attitudes and memories regarding having their babies right after birth (or not) see Mothers Yearn for Their Babies at Birth.

While immediate skin to skin contact facilitates ease of breastfeeding; even if mothers don't get this time with their babies, all is not lost! Babies are resilient, and mothers can make up for lost time, although it may take more effort than if they had gotten off to the best start.

Of course bring any breastfeeding questions and comments as usual to add to the discussion.

Laura Keegan, author of Breastfeeding with Comfort and Joy is sponsoring #bfcafe this week. She believes that one of the biggest road-blocks to successful breastfeeding is the lack of good pictures and images of mothers successfully breastfeeding their babies. With so many women choosing not to nurse in front of others (or feeling like they shouldn't), almost the only image little girls and women have of feeding babies is by bottle! So many women just have no idea that babies are held differently when given bottles than when they are nursed from their mothers' breasts. Consequently, when women start to nurse their babies, they often hold their babies and breasts as if they were bottle-feeding. This often leads to painful nursing, cracked and bleeding nipples, and unhappy, unsatisfied babies. Rather than fix the real problem -- the poor positioning that leads to the baby not being able to get a mouthful of breast -- most mothers don't even know that there is a problem, so are forced into feeding formula when they don't want to. Breastfeeding with Comfort and Joy is geared to get to the root of the real problem for most breastfeeding issues. By providing beautiful and accurate images of women nursing their babies the way that works and is imprinted in cultures where breastfeeding is the norm, the book helps to counter the wrong images most women have of "how to nurse a baby." Once women see and understand how to hold their baby to breastfeed with ease, they can implement these changes -- sometimes subtle, sometimes major -- and truly have a comfortable and joyful breastfeeding experience with their babies.

In her over 20 years of working with newborns in her practice, Laura discovered that most of the problems women have with breastfeeding are really poor positioning. She wrote this book to reach a larger audience than what she could reach in her private practice. For reviews and testimonials see her webpage and right panel of her blog. Doulas, midwives, childbirth educators and IBCLCs who loved the book have ordered cases of books to give to their clients. One Bradley Teacher who used the book in class said it was her best class ever on breastfeeding!

Laura is offering three copies of Breastfeeding with Comfort and Joy to be given away at this week’s #bfcafe.

Also for every book ordered from now up until 24 hours after this week’s #bfcafe, she is extending a $5 discount plus will donate another $5 per book to Best for Babes, in order to help with their important work. In order to receive this $5 discount and $5 donation to Best for Babes, just enter #bfcafe in the Customer Code Box on the shopping cart when ordering from her website. The #bfcafe $5 discount per book ordered will automatically be subtracted from your charges and Laura will donate $5 to Best for Babes for every book ordered.

*Due to some twitter issues ALL questions will be answered, rest assured if they aren't immediate. Please send questions directly to @laura_keegan if you need answers from her.

#BfCafe June 17th Sponsor: Peace Love Mom

2010-06-16T16:05:00.004-04:00

I've said it before, I've said it 1000 times breastfeeding moms need support. You know the old saying "It takes a village to raise a child"? It's true! Of course you can do it on your own and you can do it minimally but generations upon generations would cease to have existed if our women did not stick together to love and support each other.
This week I want to have a refresher course....YOU bring the questions, WE'LL bring the answers. A completely open forum. Let's go over things you may have missed or questions you have from previous weeks!
Want to go over nursing strikes vs weaning again? You GOT it!
Want to discuss green poo and over-active let downs? SUPER!
Books and bras that we recommend?
Leaking or lack thereof?
Positions?
Online support?
State laws?

Peace Love Mom is here to support is this week.
I have reviewed their shirts in the past on this blog and the one thing I wishED they had, they now do!
V-neck shirts!
(pair this with a GREAT Bravado Designs essentials tank!)
I love the message and I love the support!
What mom wouldn't feel confident in a shirt that makes them feel good?
They are now offering free shipping if you grab a hat!
(I wish I had one for this Florida sun!)
For that matter....I wish I had the opportunity to throw my name in to win some of the amazing products that ALL of our amazing companies sponsor!

THE LANGUAGE OF PEACELOVEMOM

(taken from their website)

We believe in motherhood.
Mothers have a unique style.
We believe that motherhood does not define us, but that we define it.
Mothers are heart and soul.

We believe that motherhood is life’s most precious work.
Mothers are rewarded with the love and respect of their children.
We believe in celebrating this meaningful and challenging job.
Mothers are lucky 24/7.

We believe in our children’s future.
Mothers are passionate about that future.
We believe that our world’s future is our children.
Mothers are insightful and wise.

We believe in the bond of motherhood.
Motherhood is uniting.
We believe in communicating that bond through messages of love and happiness.
Mothers are tried and true.

We believe that motherhood is empowering.
Motherhood is inspiring.
We believe in a true collaboration and celebration of motherhood.
Mothers are proud to be mom.

Welcome to the Celebration!

Thursday nights at 10 EST
RSVP to WIN!!

Early Bird Gets the Worm!

2010-06-13T23:40:00.002-04:00

Congrats to @simplymerrier for winning the Ely Organics giveaway!
I highly recommend this sunscreen as it is rated a TWO!!
Check your sunscreen to this years charts to see what kind of carcinogens might be in your current sunscreen.

I have a lineup of some great giveaways and reviews....so keep checking in!
Thanks for reading

Great night!

2010-06-10T23:20:00.002-04:00

We had a HUGE turnout for #bfcafe tonight!
It makes me SO incredibly happy to be doing this.
I love supporting women in their fight to breastfeed....because face it, it is a fight.
Let's hold hands and sing kum-ba-ya while we tell formula companies and pediatricians offices to go to hell!
We created and carried a baby for 9 months,
surely if we can make fingernails and hearts
we can make milk.....right?

#BfCafe June 10th with Bamboobies Nursing Pads

2010-06-08T22:41:00.003-04:00

Nursing pads for some are a second thought. With Zealand, I had NO idea I would need them. I don't even know when exactly I bought them....although I totally needed them for about 6-12 weeks (those weeks were all a blur). What I do remember is that they were paper, they moved and shifted around and they were visible through my nursing bras and shirt....perfect circles like Volkswagen beetle head lights.
With Kingsley, I smarted up a bit. I did buy some re-usable ones....but I bought locally from Target. Flimsy and not absorbent at all....and you sould still see them straight through my tops. I dealt with it, because I knew I wouldn't need them much longer.
If I had a 3rd child, this child would have the creme' de la creme! I now know what to buy and when to buy things.
I'm excited to bring you Bamboobies. Although I have never tried these, I think the option of not going with a circle pad, is ingenious! Going bamboo, organic cloth and hemp? INCREDIBLE! The price? AMAZING! No really, 3 pair of daytime or lighter leaks and I pair of nighttime pads with a lingerie bag for only $29.
I have a preggo friend I would love to give these to!

So this week let's talk about leaking, how to deal with and suppress. We can chat about let downs and squirting milk! Who, what, where and why? Join me!
If you're interested in winning one of 3 pairs of bamboobies being given away please RSVP!

Sign Language

2010-06-08T21:54:00.002-04:00

Most people don't know that I sign allot with Zealand.
I started really early with him & he started signing back at about 11 months.
It was a really great decision for us, as it turned out his hearing test showed a flat line. Zealand had ear wax buildup.
Thankfully my mommy-instinct was in full mode when I put him in speech therapy at 18 months. The great thing about the speech therapist was that she signed with him, most words that she spoke verbally. He learned most of his animals this way.
Christian and I had decided early on that we wanted sign language to be our family's second language as hearing loss runs on both sides.
Zealand just finished his 5 week course that was taught at Peace Love Play. He ran around and played with toys for the most part but was quick to pick up on things when he did sit still long enough:)
It was great fun to see him sign all the sea animals at the aquarium yesterday and he was quite pleased with himself when he showed his sign teacher today all the things he had seen!

Tonight as I laid in bed with him, he and I sang and signed "Twinkle, twinkle little star" what a sweet and memorable moment for me:)

Day at the Aquarium

2010-06-07T22:06:00.002-04:00

I'm still grinning from ear to ear.
I love to watch my babies have fun....such sweet amazing fun!
We headed to the aquarium today an early start for the family. Traffic was nice, detours were awful. Heat was incredible as we walked to the entrance.
We became members of the local mall parents club (for free) and that membership saved me $25 off a year pass for 2 adults!!
Plus, we get 20% off food and free parking.
The kids were in awe. Kingsley didn't want to be held on strolled. Zealand signed every animal he saw (which reminds me, I need to look up the sign for octopus...he kept signing giraffe?).
we saw two shows and ended the day in the water area, where the kids ran amuck under the beautiful blue sky!
Happy, Happy Day!
Happy, Happy Mommy!
If you can sign on to twitpic, then you can see some of the pictures I took today!

Where everybody knows your name

2010-06-06T23:26:00.002-04:00

Cheers. That was a great show....I think everyone loved it.
Wouldn't it be nice to go somewhere as a mom, and everyone knew your name? Your kids names? Their allergies, their birthdays, their likes, their dislikes?
And this place was clean for your kids to run or crawl around? And the adults that were there, were supportive and friendly!This place doesn't offer alcohol to buy but a membership to friendship.
A place to call your own and feel comfortable going. Where you could breastfeed uncovered or let your baby run around in just a diaper, if they so wanted.
This place would offer fun things for the moms.....like tupperware, mary-kay, clothdiapers, chocolate and more?

This place exists....it's my dream, it's my store!
So, please tell me why I have people complaining about paying $5 to come?
And these people that think I can support the rent by what?...selling my blood?
Do these people know that I have not paid myself one SINGLE penny since we opened?
Do they think that rent at $1200 divided by $5 per kid/per visit is EVEN feasible?
It makes me sad to think that my dreams and my finances would wash down the drain because the wonderful, caring, genuine services that my sister and I provide should be free.
Anyone wanna buy me out, so I can just come and play?

June 4th

2010-06-04T23:54:00.002-04:00

Turns out, yesterday's post which was posted HERE today, was posted at peaceloveplay.net yesterday. YEP! I'm a dumb ass and accidentally posted on the wrong blog.
And we had 156 hits today.
We did however have a wonderful day at work 11-13 moms came....I didn't actually do the count Tiffany did, so I'm unsure. I actually got to make a pretty nice deposit!
If you build it, right?
We have a few mom groups booked to come and a few daycares booked to bring their kids as field trips, too!
Tiffany and I EACH booked a party yesterday....so turns out I may not go bankrupt after all!
Keep thinking of us.
I need to listen to The Secret that I have on CD....need to push the energies our way!
Have a great weekend!

day 3

2010-06-04T22:36:00.000-04:00

We live in this little bubble called happiness!
(Actually my husband calls it "The wonderful world of Wann"
I truly think we have a great life. Don't get me wrong, we could have more or do more but for the most part we have a great life.
Things fall into our lap, just when we need them the most, we firmly believe in "everything happening for a reason".
I'm happy, my kids are happy and I'm pretty certain that my husband is happy.
(Hard to get a man to talk, ya know?)
We live next door to my sister and my mom, so we see them every day and we have family dinner EVERY night!
I get to be with Zealand and Kingsley all day, every day & I can't imagine anywhere else I would rather be!
I wish my internet was faster. I wish I had my 3 credit cards paid off. I wish I could somehow wake up and be 30 pounds lighter. Besides that....life is pretty damn good.
Know a genie?
How's life for You?

Day 2

2010-06-02T23:05:00.002-04:00

I think the majority of you know that I opened up an indoor playroom for parents and their children.
I am in the presence of my kids playing ALL day.
I try to teach them how to share, how to play fairly and how to get along with each other.
I keep thinking there is something I am missing.
Some stone unturned.
Zealand will be 3 in October.
He thinks that everything is the color pink.
He doesn't count to three let alone sing the alphabet or keep an attention span for 10 minutes.
I have tried to do montessori play with him once in the morning and once in the afternoon but then weeks and months go by and I haven't done it again. I have books upon books to read, to help me be a good parent/teacher and I am stuck here on the internet.
I really wanted to teach BOTH my kids things at the same time, so I don't feel too guilty about it yet. Kingsley is starting to count to three (at 17 months) and she pretends she is signing along with me, when I do silly songs.
I just don't know how to be a business owner and a teacher at the same time. I feel like I am missing a puzzle piece & I really hope it's not the determination piece..... cause I'd rather take a nap these days.
Help?

Teefer Treats June 3rd #BfCafe

2010-06-01T22:59:00.003-04:00

I want to talk about introducing solids to breastfed babies.
I think it is important to know the dos and donts of how to nurse and feed to ensure your baby still gets the most nutrition and calories.
I think we should talk about the many reasons to wait to the 6 month mark .
I want to discuss the other healthy options equivalents to the calories in breastmilk.
I would also like to talk about some things we as mothers can take if we feel at this time our supply is getting low.

I want to introduce you to Teefers Treats.
This is an etsy store (I know we ALL love etsy!). Here is some information on her:

Did you know?:
All of our cookies here at Teefers are made with a dietary supplement called Brewer's Yeast. Brewer's yeast is a great source of chromium, selenium and B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folic acid), and B7 (biotin). These vitamins help break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, which provide the body with energy. They also support the nervous system, help maintain the muscles used for digestion, and keep skin, hair, eyes, mouth, and liver healthy. What a lot of people don't realize is that breastfeeding can inhibit insulin production, making the body retain carbohydrates as sugars. So not only are Teefers cookies good for your mouth, they're good for your body! (And if you are breastfeeding, you'll be passing those great vitamins on to your baby as well.)

She is offering some of her goodies to win if your number is chosen by random.org
Lacation cookies to help build your supply
and
teething treats to help with introducing the solids that your little one's need!
I'm excited to bring you Teefers Treats and help get the word out!

NOW RSVP if you're hungry!:
Thursdays at 10pm EST

30 days of blogging

2010-06-01T16:59:00.002-04:00

I have been busy, with life outside of the computer. Although my lives do link together, I have neglected the reason I wanted to start blogging.
It was supposed to be "me" time.
Time alone to be with my thoughts.
I wanted to talk about issues and thoughts that run through my mind.

I'm starting today! I am embarking upon my one year anniversary and I have goals I have still not met!

Who am I without my kids? Has anyone else thought about this? I was some crazy partying girl who slept all day and went out all night. Even when I met my husband, I still had no focus or ambition. Surely, every woman must feel this way....right? I have had numerous careers and plenty of "friends" but it was like my soul was only half there. Is it possible that I was born and made for my children? Who would I be without them?

Little Lasso Giveaway

2010-05-31T23:27:00.003-04:00

I know you have had this problem.
I cannot even imagine a mom that has not!
You're out, doing whatever you're doing strolling or babywearing along and your little one drops their sippy. You have either picked it up and banished it from entering your child's mouth, while they scream that they NEED it....or you missed the throwing overboard and you lost the sippy forever!
I'll tell you what we do....we use The Little Lasso to tie around Owl's neck. Yes, it looks sorta morbid but if we lost Owl, we would have a very, very sad existence and a hysterical Zealand!
When Zealand is worn in the Sherpani, we tie The Little Lasso to the carrier and it then makes a perfect pillow when he falls asleep!
I know you want one and they are so dang adorable, you'll probably want 2...the fabric choices are TOP NOTCH!

Pick a fabric that you would like to win as your MANDATORY ENTRY!

Additional entries:
Like The Little Lasso on facebook
Follow The Little Lasso on twitter
Subscribe to my blog via email
Grab my button
Tweet once per day using @zealandsmom

Ends June 15th!

Product Provided!

Miessence Reflect Outdoor Balm/Sunscreen by Ely Organics giveaway

2010-05-30T21:26:00.006-04:00

It's almost summertime and I bet you're getting together all the essentials for your pool and camping trips! Swimsuits, towels and flip flops are the easy things to buy.....you can find those anywhere! Sunscreen without carcinogens or chemicals?.....not so much. There a few lotions on the market that I trust to put on my children. Ely Organics has one of those few.
It goes on a tad thick (and I'll tell you why, further down...keep reading) and it is not waterproof but is resistant. The sunscreen does have antioxidants that protect your skin from UV rays as well a the UV blockers.
Here is a video of the reveal of the Misessence sunscreen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVOl7bQJtWU&feature=related
The products that are made by Miessence and sold by Ely Organics feature lists of ALL of their ingredients, no need to worry or second guess.
The products are manufactured by ONEgroup (Organic and Natural Enterprise Group) and the brand is called "miessence"
This sunscreen has zinc oxide which is what my mom used to put on me as a child (remember the bright pink and blue zinc on your nose?) and has been tested up to an SPF of 29.5 although the tube only states 15.
Ely Organics has a SLEW of products...go and check them out put a few in your cart and rest assured that the products you buy are WORTH it.
Ely Organics is an Independent Representative and if someone is interested in learning more they can go to this link: http://elyorganics.mienterprize.com

OH and THIS JUST IN:
miessence was just rated recommended in the 2010 EWG (Environmental Working Group) sunscreen report as one of 39 sunscreens safe to use.... out of 500 sunscreens they reviewed: http://www.ewg.org/2010sunscreen/best-beach-sport-sunscreens/

Wanna win a $25 gift code to Ely Organics?

Mandatory Entry:
Go to her site and pick another product that you would like to try!

Additional Entries:
Name something interesting about Ely found on her site!
Follow @elyorganics on twitter
Follow the Ely Organics blog
Like Ely Organics on Facebook
Follow my blog
Subscribe to my blog via email
Follow me on twitter
Tweet once per day include @zealandsmom and @elyorganics

Good luck!
product provided

Giveaway ends on June 13th!

baby gooroo This Week's #BfCafe Sponsor

2010-05-24T22:48:00.005-04:00

I wanna talk about oversupply issues, forceful letdowns and green poo. This is an issue that goes unresolved unless you know what to look for and who to ask.
I think by talking about what to look for: gassy, pulling off, fussiness and green poo we can diagnose and fix by: latches, holds and block feeding.
I think a lot of mamas may think their baby is not satisfied and that they aren't making enough milk, when in reality they are making MORE than enough!
baby gooroo is this week's sponsor... this site is fabulous, truly amazing
for support and information.
The site isn't just boobs but more than boobs from birth, sleep, eating and activities.
The Keep it Simple book written by Amy Spangler is by far the best book I have found on how to...keep it simple. It was a blessing to me & I passed it on to my best friend when she had her baby. I HIGHLY recommend it!
They have a store with this fabulous book that I speak of & it's under $6.00!

SO....RSVP for wonderful prizes soon to be announced!

THURSDAYs at 10 EST

Utterly Yours Review

2010-05-21T22:12:00.003-04:00

Strawberry Kids sent me an Utterly Yours breast pillow to review. I had seen these while I was pregnant with Zealand and thought that it truly looked amazing. It seemed to be one of the novelty items to have but not a necessity.
Both my children love to nurse sitting up. As if they are riding my thigh like a horse, straddled but not saddled! Because they love to nurse this way, I in turn have to literally hold my breast in my hand like it is a wafer being passed to someone during communion. Which if you think about it, my breast does produce some miracle stuff.....
Now, the pillow, shaped like a section of an orange, when placed deep under the voluptuous breast causes it to rise like they did at the wonderful age of 17. A miracle bra has NOTHING on the Utterly Yours, now if only they would fit into my bravado tanks...hmmmm
Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoy it. Although Kingsley is a demand nurser now (meaning she actually slaps and yells bewbie, when she wants it) I can't always have the Utterly Yours within my reach. So, I keep it near my favorite place to nurse, just in case....because I really could get carpal tunnel from holding the "girls" up during nursing.
Check out Strawberry Kids and the whole slew of great breastfeeding and cloth diapering goodies. You'll love her! She is super cool and amazingly nice! GO!

Bye Bye with Baby #BfCafe

2010-05-18T16:21:00.006-04:00

I've heard from numerous moms that they are not uncomfortable nursing in public but they don't want to make others uncomfortable.
I have heard moms gather around and tell of the amazing places they have found to nurse.
Example: I love the maternity Gap store in Jacksonville's Avenue of the Oaks. They had a dim light, a table with reading material, a soft rocking recliner and......disposable nursing pads.
And Ikea? Forget about it! I want a room just like that in my own house.
Whether you nurse in a bench in the middle of the mall or you chose to go to the designated "family" room....you have that right. The right to nurse wherever you want, whenever.
So, you decide. You can take Bye Bye with Baby's database of mom friendly places to nurse and change diapers and makes it a bible of knowledge!
Whether you are on the road during vacation in a town you know little about or you are in your own local mall, Bye Bye with Baby has some great places to nurse and have some peace of mind!

Bye Bye with Baby has generously offered 2 Udder Covers Gift Sets to giveaway, one in Jones and one in Laila. www.uddercovers.com
The set includes a nursing cover, Milk Bands™ nursing bracelet and 2 pairs of Udder Covers™ 5 ply washable breast pads!

So come chat with us and RSVP to win:

Update on life

2010-05-17T10:46:00.002-04:00

I thought I would let those of you that are interested in Peace Love Play, some insight on how things are going. We have some amazing days! And we have had some pretty crappy days too.
All in due time, slow and steady, and they will come. These are things, I would tell "my" friend, if the shoes were reversed, so I understand the words of encouragement but when it actually is you, it just feels awful!

We have yet to have a turn-out for our kid's nite out, a huge money maker for us. We have only one child attend the arts and crafts time, and I have only had 3 moms show up for the breastfeeding support time (all 3 on different days).
This past week we started baby sign language. 4 children came, 2 of which are breastfeeding moms! Later that afternoon another breastfeeding mom came in and we had a ton in common...that really makes me love my job. Thursday we had ELEVEN children! Friday we got word that the idiot sales lady for our local free paper jacked up our ad... terribly, and it was too late to fix, they had sent it to press before we proofed it. I am currently in battle with them to right this wrong and I will keep everyone posted. On a fabulous note, later that night, I got an email saying they wanted to interview us for the Tampa Tribune!
So....I'm hoping for a big week. I have a handful of reviews and giveaways in the works, so check back in soon.

I'm planning on starting a 30 days of blogging hop. I want to dedicate all of June to pure blogging. No reviews, no giveaways, just 30 days of feelings, thoughts and deep wisdom;)
Anyone interested in joining me?

Episencial Skin Care Review and Giveaway! by Betsy

2010-05-13T11:19:00.001-04:00

In my continuing search for only the best, all natural products to put in, on and around my DS, I found a fabulous skin care company called Episencial. The first thing to catch my eye was the super cute packaging featuring artwork from the world of Eric Carle. Everyone loves the Very Hungry Caterpillar! His beautiful, vibrant use of color was the inspiration for the fantastic fruity combinations used in this skin care line.

Carri at Episencial was quite generous to send me four of their products to try out and, I must say, after just one use on my DS- I was hooked. This stuff smells soooo good, I almost climbed in the tub with him to use it myself! After the bath in the Sweet Dreams Bubble Bath and a head-to-toe scrub with the Playful Foaming Wash, DS got his post-bath massage with the Better Body Butter. He has nice skin to begin with but after using the Episencial line, I could not stop touching his chubby legs, they were so super smooth and smelled yummy not babyish. DS gets the Protective Face Balm anytime we are headed out into the blazing Georgia sun.
After falling in love with the smells and softness of the Episencial products, I did some more research on them and boy was I impressed! All-natural is just the beginning of a long list of praises that I can sing about this line! This is straight from the company website:

Welcome to Episencial, the first company to develop all natural and sustainable baby skin care specifically for today’s actively healthy families. Our high quality baby skin care products are designed with green values in mind, Episencial products are:

professional quality at an unbeatable price
baby safe for the most sensitive skin – ages 0 to 150
immunity enhancing with doctor recommended, clinically effective formulas
free from all the bad stuff – no harsh chemicals
terrific smelling with real fruit juice extracts – not fragrances
made exclusively with all natural ingredients and lots of organics
beautifully packaged in recycled and sustainablematerials – phthalate and BpA free
adorned with art beloved by children for generations, Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar
manufactured under solar power

Kim Walls, M.S., the creator and C.E.O. of Episencial is a second generation skin care expert and mother to two boys and, according to the website, "she has coupled her innate understanding of the importance of sustainability with her post-graduate work in biochemical and nutritional sciences to establish a new standard in skin care research and products that supports lasting health for today’s families."
Episencial has also offered to one of our great readers, the same package that they sent me! That is 4 full sized products!
Here's what you gotta do to enter:
Mandatory Entry- visit Episencial.com and tell me something you learned that makes this company unique
Additional Entries-use the Target Store Locator on the site and tell me how close you are to a Target that carries Episencial
- "like" Episencial on Facebook
- follow Episencial on Twitter ( @babyskincare )
- follow me on Twitter ( @betsyssi )
- follow @zealandsmom on Twitter
- follow this blog
- subscribe to this blog
- Tweet about this giveaway- one per day- using @babyskincare
@betsyssi and @zealandsmom

Giveaway ends 5/20

Products provided but honest review given

Betsy

#BfCafe Joe and Shari Criso

2010-05-12T16:35:00.004-04:00

I apologize for the last minute posting we have a ton of ground to make up.

This week we are going to get down to the basics.
The 5 things YOU need to KNOW about breastfeeding before you give birth.
Cut and Dry. (Well sorta...)
Bring you paper and pencil (that seems so old school) and bring your questions because we are going to lay it all out.
(Of course others may have advice they would like to share as well!)

Shari and Joe Criso attend our "party" ever Thursday night to support moms coming to chat breastfeeding from all over the world; now this week they SPONSOR!
So make sure you follow both @JoeCriso and @ShariCriso

They have their own website ShariCriso.com that combines their store: The Birth Boutique in New Jersey(which is a 5000 square foot brick and mortar!!), Shari's VIDEO blog and My Baby Experts, that educates new parents with products offered and is a place of support amongst other new parents and families.

Joe and Shari offer live classes to expectant couples & now offer them through DVD, education and private consultations.

Shari and Joe have offered the amazing participants to the chat:

1 "Simply Breastfeeding:The Criso Breastfeeding Method" DVD program (Shari's breastfeeding class on DVD)
1 "Breastpumps and Briefcases" Audio CD program (Shari's class for BF moms returning to work)
1 set of Nurturewear (Shari's unique line of nursing loungewear for breastfeeding in comfort & style)
1 15 minute private phone consultation with Shari =)

*I think the private phone consultation is a gem of a giveaway!!

4 prizes within the 60 minute chat
5 things you need to know about breastfeeding before you give birth!
Chat ya tomorrow!

Gotta RSVP to win!
Please enter like this: @zealandsmom using your twitter ID
and
http:www.twitter.com/zealandsmom as your link

So...I have a friend in need.

2010-05-08T22:35:00.003-04:00

Well..I have never met her but she is still my friend. I met her on twitter and we share my passions in common.
She plans to breastfeed her baby and she wants to use cloth diapers.
Now, the majority of my followers use cloth but I assume the majority has their own washing machine.
She will not.
And to make matters worse, she lost her job and is a single mother.
And she is raising an adorable daughter too!

We have a wonderful lady on our hands. She wants to use one size snap boy diapers but I think that if we could gather up ANY and all the diapers that we aren't using it will be better than Huggies and I am sure we all have a diaper to give!
I'm asking you, my close to 200 followers to give back. If you have one dipe, if you have 20!
Leave me a message here and I will email you the address if you are interested!
(I am also interested in sending her any boy baby clothes or "things" as she has just told me she isn't being given a shower:(...)

Thank you friends for your support!

The Great Cloth Diaper Detergent Debate

2010-05-05T15:08:00.004-04:00

I really wanted this to be a HUGE expose' with tons of literature and facts being thrown at you but I hate secrets and I need to get this one off my chest. SO, I think I will make this a series of posts and we can and SHOULD all get involved and help each other out. Here goes.

I think somehow along the way, we as cloth diapering mamas, got MIS-informed. I'm going to personally blame bumGenius on my information as they were the first diaper I purchased and the biggest name on the market. I believed what they wrote and never questioned or second guessed. bumGenius has a LIST of things that should not be used in a detergent while washing their diapers: enzymes, brighteners, whiteners, dyes, perfumes, and essential oils.
*edited here to state that I believed that the ingredients that were told to use NOT to use was strictly for the sake of the cloth diaper. That is what I assumed "cloth diaper safe" meant.

WHY though?
Has anyone ever asked why? So we all started this huge search for the perfect detergent good enough for our diapers. Has anyone read the other BIG name website's washing instructions? Did you know that the majority of the sites I went to recommended TIDE! WTH? A detergent that I could ACTUALLY buy here locally? A detergent that has a household name? I had this HUGE spreadsheet of all the big name companies, with links to their washing techniques, their detergent brand of choice and what to avoid while washing their diaper (like bleach).
*edited to state that enzymes are being recommended by numerous cloth diaper companies.

I know that a lot of us are buying eco-friendly detergents and looking for something that will "do the job" correctly. Well, why is it then that EVERY single weekly cloth diaper chat, we are discussing stripping and ammonia issues? Why do we keep coming back to this issue? Why are we being asked and made to buy detergents that essentially aren't working (hence our issues) or our warranty will be voided?

Why have all of a sudden diaper companies coming up with detergents that correlate with their diapers to buy? As if we didn't spend enough money on the diapers, now we are being made to feel as if we should buy the matching detergent?!

Enzymes: they are natural! You can find enzymes in eco-friendly detergents like Ecover or Babyganics. Enzymes work with the dirty agents to get them clean. If it doesn't have an enzyme, it is essentially soap not detergent. Enzymes: the reason bumGenius says is a no-go....ready for it? May cause baby's tush to get a red, diaper shaped rash. Well, honestly, I think that is up to me as a parent to decide. Should I not give Zealand milk, because he MAY have an allergic reaction? Would an insurance policy be voided if I gave it to Zealand to try? All the while, shelling out big bucks to buy soy or goat's milk? (This comparison may be a tad different, but you get the point)

So, who started it? Why is it written this way? Why are we not second guessing the system in place? How do we fix this misinformation? How do we fix this ammonia/not clean diaper issue?

(This is not written to piss anyone off, I want to truly find the best detergent on the market for myself and ALL cloth diaper users, whether it be $1 or $100. I want it to be an informed decision though, not one of antics or advertising.)

(I's also like to thank Julie at Rumparooz, for getting me motivated to write this article. She informed me of enzymes and her companies washing routines!)

Dittany Baby is May 6th's #BfCafe sponsor

2010-05-04T19:47:00.003-04:00

This week I would like to talk about nursing in public. There is some VERY strong views on the issue and some pretty heated debates.
I think, daily, we see some ass tweet about how they feel about nursing in public and every day a handful of us go to bat for ALL of us.

I know that with Zealand, I always used my nursing cover. I was diligent about covering up and being "respectful" to others; until I realized, it wasn't about them, it was about Zealand. Now that Kingsley is here (and we're still breastfeeding at 16 months) I just don't give a damn. If she wants "bewbie" she can have it. That's why I have them right? I have breasts to actually use them approximately 2 years per child and once she is done, I really have no use for them, so I better make the most of the time they are useful, right?

I know that many of us breastfeed for other reasons besides health. We breastfeed because, it is cheaper, easier or on demand. I know that whatever reason you have decided to breastfeed, it is the right reason, because it is your reason.

I think, personally that if we all decided to nurse in public more and took a stand that we would slowly break down the barriers and ignorant thoughts of breastfeeding.

Whether you decide to use a cover, use a nursing tank, or whip it out full fledged....it is YOUR right and more importantly, it is your BABY'S right (which I think most negative feedback on the issue seems to forget).

I though this week we could talk about nursing covers vs. not using a cover, we can also talk about alternative options, like nursing in slings, nursing tank tops or using a baby blanket. I think we should cover state laws on breastfeeding in public, so that each mom knows what her right is. We can talk about situations we have been in and how to get through them for new moms!

New owner, Lisa, of Dittany Baby has agreed to sponsor nursing covers for this week's chat!
Please make sure you follow her on twitter and take a peak at the adorableness she sells on her site.

Here is Lisa's bio:
Dedication to providing Dittany Baby customers with the most stylish and functional accessories meets with Lisa's passion for breastfeeding by offering a line of beautiful nursing covers for moms who prefer to nurse with a cover or have easily distractable babies who benefit from the privacy. As a breastfeeding mother, Lisa believes strongly in the benefits of breastfeeding and wants to help even the most shy of mothers realize their breastfeeding goals by helping them feel more confident about being able to nurse anytime and anywhere, and look great doing it. As an avid baby wearing mom of two, Lisa brings her practical experience as well as her designer's eye to designing a line of lightweight and comfortable Mei Tais, Pouch Slings, and H2O slings. Lisa loves that baby wearing gives her the opportunity to hold her children and cuddle them closely, while still having her hands free to get things done. She also loves that baby wearing means a smoother day with calmer kids.

In addition to feeling passionately about breastfeeding and baby wearing, Lisa feels it is important to provide affordable luxury with a conscience. She believes strongly in supporting US businesses, family businesses, and in keeping Dittany Baby products proudly made in the USA. Lisa believes that keeping production in the USA is absolutely vital to maintaining a quality brand. Lisa also believes in doing her part to secure a healthy planet for her children, and is dedicated to continuing to offer organic options for the environmentally conscious baby wearer.

Now RSVP so that we know that you wanna win one of these nursing covers!
ex: @zealandsmom
url: www.twitter.com/zealandsmom

$50 Gift Card to Strawberry Kids WINNER!

2010-05-02T20:26:00.000-04:00

Hannah, who was the very first entry out of 475 won with her tweet entry #55!
WAY TO GO!
Email is being sent!

Prairie Tales Diaper Review and Giveaway!

2010-05-02T08:41:00.010-04:00

Hello again! It's me, Betsy. I came across Prairie Tales diapers while looking for grandparent-proof cloth diapers online and Loralee was gracious enough to send me one to review. My DH was given the huge responsibility of choosing the color and he chose this gorgeous royal purple.It was a hard decision since Prairie Tales come in some of the most vibrant colors that I have seen in cloth diapers. She also makes a few super cute prints.

Prairie Tales diapers are sized, pocket diapers that come with a contoured, 3 layer microfiber insert. The back pocket on these diapers has a unique flap that keeps the insert in place so it doesn't shift around, no matter how active your little one is! The PUL is hidden on the inside of the diaper so there is a nice matte finish on the outside. These are very trim diapers with 2 rows of snap closure (one for waist and one for the leg) so no yucky aplix to worry about! I loved the way this diaper fit my big boy. He is almost 30 pounds and wears the medium size with plenty of room to grow :)

This diaper functioned very well for my heavy wetter and it is simple enough that even the grandparents can get a proper fit on his chunky thighs!

Now for the fun part! Loralee at Prairie Tales Diapers has offered a diaper to one of our lucky readers! The winner can choose any solid color diaper with white microfleece liner from her site OR they can customize it by choosing a contrasting suedecloth and snaps to make a totally unique diaper!

Mandatory Entry:
go to Prairie Tales Diapers and tell me what solid color
you would choose from the available colors.

Additional Entries:
what other color would you like to see offered?

"like" the Prairie Tales Facebook page
follow this blog publicly
subscribe to this blog by email
follow @betsyssi on Twitter
follow @zealandsmom on Twitter

Tweet about this giveaway, be sure to use
@betsyssi and @zealandsmom in your tweets, tweet once per day!

Giveaway ends May 15th

Product provided but honest review given