Librarian Mom

"You want to be where you can see, our troubles are all the same." (Gary Portnoy and Judy Hart Angelo)

2011-05-30T11:28:00.000-07:00

I've recently become involved with the fantastic new online presence for Baby Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador via their Facebook and Twitter pages. Being able to connect with breastfeeding moms from my home province, and practically in real-time, has been a refreshing outlet for my passion. I'm excited to see the online communities grow and to participate in a very important and long overdue conversation.

Even more important to me is the impact that this conversation has had on my own nursing identity. In fact, I'm willing to admit that I've experienced some of the same personal growth that I also realized when I lived in Toronto alone for a full summer. As a small town girl in a great big city, I learned a lot about myself as I blended into the crowds. It's hard to ignore emerging facets of yourself when you're faced with major challenges (and for someone who didn't grow up with subway systems, let me tell you, standing upright on a fast-moving, crowded subway car is no easy feat!).

In the past week, I have come face-to-face with an aspect of my identity as a breastfeeding mom that I can no longer ignore. A few days ago, @ReadilyAParent (Dara Squires), progressive Blogger, writer, and parenting columnist, directly asked me for my opinons on the top places to breastfeed in my town. I chose to remain silent since I could not truthfully and sincerely answer her question. This was not because I hadn't had a good public breastfeeding experience here, or because I hadn't yet had the chance to breastfeed in public since moving back last year. I couldn't answer because I have never nursed in public. So I hid what I saw as my shameful lactivist secret.

Just yesterday, I openly admitted it for the first time when a very different question was posed on the Baby Friendly NL Facebook page. The "biggest breastfeeding challenge" for which it asked, one that I interpreted as a potential barrier, was interpreted by a fellow group member as an insurmountable hurdle: nursing in public. She had never done it. And since she is a very dear friend of mine, I decided to admit the same. Hitting the "Enter" key to post my comment was a difficult decision, but one I'm glad I made.

Why do I feel shame about having never nursed in public? I immediately think of myself as a hypocrite. That word is thrown around so often. In the heat of the moment, I think: How am I any different from the meat eater who would never kill an animal? Or the self-professed devout Christian who never goes to Church? Or the homophobe who swears to "love thy neighbour"? I am the lactivist who has never practiced what I view as one of main tenets of lactivism: nursing one's child anywhere, anytime.

I feel like I have a split personality when it comes to nursing in public. I have breastfed my child outside of my own home. I have nursed him in a parking lot in my car, in a change-room-doubling-as-a-nursing-room at a Wal-Mart, and in the private residences of family and friends. I have simply never mustered the courage to breastfeed my child while out and about. However, I will fight for any woman's right to nurse their child in public, and I will also fight for any child's right to breastfeed when they are hungry, no matter where they might be. I also advocate for the refusal to use a nursing cover, and I support women who would prefer to use one. I agree completely with PhD in Parenting, who writes "I don’t think it is the place of anyone other than the breastfeeding mother to decide whether or how much to cover."

Thus, while I now define my personal lactivism as supporting the decisions of breastfeeding moms everywhere, I did find it difficult to confess my nursing-in-public virginity. And for good reason. There's been a bit of a stir in the online breastfeeding community this past week with two controversial posts from Just West of Crunchy, one which warns what breastfeeding advocates should stop saying, and one which details what they should say. The truth is, breastfeeding advocates can sometimes be each other's worst enemies. To make such an admission as mine in a pro-breastfeeding community is not an easy task, especially for fear that one may be taken to task by those holier-than-thous that seem to lie in wait to pounce at the scent of a potential breastfeeding failure.

I am very thankful that the same virtual space where I came face-to-face with my perceived shame was the same place where I found acceptance and resolution. The voice behind Baby Friendly NL's Facebook page did not chastise us, berate us, or even openly challenge us. She simply said, "Ladies, there's no need to feel ashamed of not breastfeeding in public! You do what YOU are comfortable with." As a breastfeeding advocate who's actively working to become an integral part of both the virtual and local breastfeeding communities, nothing makes my split lactivist personality happier than knowing that there is a place where I can go and own up to my own breastfeeding challenges and pitfalls. In moments like these, what we truly need is support, not information. There is a difference.

To see the difference in action, feel free to drop by Baby Friendly NL's Facebook page or Twitter page! We'll be glad you came.

Unlocking the Secrets to your Nursling's Future Profession

2011-05-13T17:33:00.000-07:00

Ah, the joys of breastfeeding a toddler.

I remember when my son was almost a year old, and I was reading a few posts over at The Leaky B@@b from moms who were comparing the crazy positions their toddlers would get in as they nursed throughout the day and night. For a brief fleeting moment, I felt the acute panic that all first-time moms feel whenever they think, just for a moment, that something isn't ok with their child. My son was still breastfeeding comfortably and without fuss in the cradle hold. He would latch, nurse, and pop off when finished. That was it.

And then it began.

I'm fairly certain my son felt an overnight desire to be a dentist. Either that, or an ophthalmologist. Who may also dabble in Otolaryngology on day. Whatever he ultimately chooses, let it be known that my mouth, teeth, eyes, ears and/or nose were the start of his career.

Then he suddenly moved on to Dermatology. Each of my accessible moles and freckles got a thorough once-over each time he nursed.

Seemingly overnight, he opened his mind and began to explore alternative medicine. Reiki seemed to interest him, as he began to gently lay his palms on my chest or stroke my cheek while he gazed lovingly into my eyes.

That didn't last long. Things went downhill, fast. As a mother, I'm a little concerned. I would love for my son to be a successful doctor. I would love just as much to learn of alternative therapies from him. But now I'm scared for his future.

I think he's going to run away and join the circus as an acrobat. There's just no other explanation for these twists and turns and balancing acts!

“Open confession is good for the soul” (Scottish Proverb)

2011-04-16T15:40:00.000-07:00

I have a confession to make - breastfeeding was easy for me.

Now by easy, I don't mean that it came without some hard work and dedication, and both of those continue to this day. Throw in a little stubborness when cluster-feeding and growth spurts reared their ugly heads, and you've got the jist of my breastfeeding journey thus far.

I've suffered three very painful plugged ducts that each took 24-48 hours to clear. I'll never forget the toe-curling pulling sensation when I worked on perfecting my son's latch in the first two weeks. I remember the sheer agony of engorgement when my milk first matured and on occassions when my son refused the breast. I can still feel the burning tears of frustration when I had no idea if he was getting anything those first few days (of course, now I know all those wet and poopy diapers meant he was!).

All that said, I did not suffer a lot of the issues that many breastfeeding moms, new or otherwise, experience. I had no cracked nipples and no bleeding. I've never had mastitis (knock on wood ...). Thanks to the help of the Lactation Consultant for the region where I gave birth, we were quick to fix my son's latch and get the ball rolling. I've never had supply issues, and the only real bump in the road to date is a recent excess of lipase which renders my expressed breast milk unpalatable for my son after a day or two in the fridge (or immediately upon being frozen). Thankfully, I am still a stay-at-home-mom, so I've never had to store milk for use when I can't be with him.

I realize that I've been very lucky. I don't mean to negate my role (or even my son's role) in our success with the word "luck." There was a lot of learning involved and I tried very hard to be a good student. The fact remains, however, that when I try and give advice to new moms, or when I try and ecourage those who are having problems to hang in there, I feel a little bit of guilt. I fear that if those women knew, for just a second, what I didn't go through, they might be quick to brush my advice or encouragement aside since, in some instances, I haven't been "there."

I'm very passionate about breastfeeding. I know that isn't news. I recently had a friend apologize to me because after I brought up an election topic, she announced she was about to launch into a speech. You see, she's very passionate about Canadian politics. I knew exactly where she was coming from, because I am the same way when I speak to someone about breastfeeding. In fact, I recently tried giving breastfeeding advice (through a Facebook private message, no less) to a mom-to-be who was scheduled for a caesarean section in a few days. My goal was to let her know that breastfeeding after a c-section was possible, and to inform her of some of the "booby traps" that like to pop up in those first few days and weeks. When I was done furiously typing and I hit send, all I could think was, "What if I've overwhelmed her and scared her from even trying at all?"

It comes down to this: information is power. Yes, we have to be careful of the words we use when we choose to share information. And what's more, I think we need to be willing to be open and honest about our own situation when we decide to impart our wisdom. Do I need to start each conversation with "I've never had cracked nipples, but ..."? I don't think that's necessary. Do I need to wear a shirt that says "I found breastfeeding easy!" No. In fact, doing so might cause more harm than good. Who wants breastfeeding advice from the girl who never had to fight for it?

But I did have to fight. I had to fight the booby traps. The formula ads, the formula samples, the backwards health professionals, the baby bottle gifts. So although I (admittedly and openly) may not have experienced as much blood, sweat, and tears as some, I truly hope (and believe) my gentle words can help another mom. And I promise to learn from those moms, as well!

Review & Giveaway: Mama Cloth from Moms Crafts 4 U

2011-04-13T09:44:00.000-07:00

{CLOSED! WINNER: Sunflower Joy!}

Mama Cloth???

Two words: mama cloth.

The first time I saw that phrase in a shop’s Facebook celebration giveaway album, I had no idea what item was up for grabs. I entered for the chance to win a variety of WaHM products, including blankets, reusable wipes, and jewellery. But “mama cloth?” I skipped over that one, lest I be the winner of something for which I had no use.

Then I noted a post on another group’s Facebook page asking how fellow mama cloth users went about storing and cleaning their mama cloth. One replied that she washed hers with her child’s cloth diapers. Wait now. I have a child. I know what parts their cloth diapers touch. What in the world is mama cloth if it’s being laundered with baby poop catchers?

There was my light bulb moment! But you probably already know that mama cloth refers to reusable menstrual pads made of various materials.

Waste Not ...

During her lifetime, a woman will throw away approximately 300lbs of disposable menstrual products. Moreover, while there are various estimations of how much an average woman will spend on disposable menstrual products, but most sources agree that this amount is anywhere from $300-600 every 5 years. Since most women begin menstruating between the ages of 10 and 14, and will continue to menstruate until the age of 45-55, a single woman could spend nearly $1900 on disposable products, if not much more!

The answer to this horrible financial and environmental nightmare: mama cloth.

Moms Crafts 4 U

I was recently given the chance to try out some mama cloth made by an Atlantic Canadian WaHM. Moms Crafts 4 U is owned and operated by Veronica Perrin. She claims that “once you try [her mama cloth], you will never go back to those store-bought, disposable pads.” Well, Moms Crafts 4 U, I think you might be on to something!

Veronica sent me three pads to try: an 8” Light Coverage pantyliner (cotton-topped), an 8” Normal Coverage pad (also cotton-topped), and a 10” Normal Coverage pad (cotton knit-topped). Veronica uses the following fabrics in her mama cloth: 100% Cotton, 100% Cotton Flannel, ZORB (a super absorbent layer that holds 10x its wright in less than half a second), PUL (an anti-leak fabric that does not allow liquid to go through), and Fleece (the fleece is not only used as an anti-leak layer, but it also helps them to stay in place well, so they don't slip around). One thing is for sure: this is some gorgeous menstrual wear! Who says mama cloth can’t be pretty?

Review

This is what I loved about my mama cloth by Moms Crafts 4 U:

•    Ease of use: They were super easy to put in place thanks to the poly resin snaps. The 10” Normal Absorbency pad even came with two snaps so that I could choose the appropriate width. And Veronica “labels” each of her pads (1-Pantyliner, 2-Regular, 3-Heavy) so that you always know at quick glance which absorbency you’ve grabbed. These pads are idiot-proof!

•    Comfort: These pads feel amazing against your delicate skin. They are soft, and do not chafe like disposable pads. What’s more, they absorb without being overly drying. They are breathable. They do not crinkle or bunch, and you can’t even feel them! And no sticky backing necessary -- the soft fleece holds them in place nicely. I went for a walk and my pantyliner didn't budge!

•    Portability: They fold up very easily to fit in your purse, no matter how small a clutch you might be carrying.

•    Absorbency: Let’s just say they wick moisture away, protect your underwear, and you only have to change them as often as you would change a disposable pad of similar absorbency.

•    Zero “ick factor”: To remove the soiled pad, you simply unsnap it, and then put it in a waterproof bag. If you’re stuck, you can use a plastic baggie like I did, but you can also use a wet bag (which Veronic also makes). You don’t have to wash them right away, but when you’re ready, you can throw them in with your towels or you can launder them with your child’s cloth diapers. Check out Veronica’s detailed washing instructions.

•    PEACE OF MIND: No harsh chemicals. No excess, non-biodegradable garbage each month.

I do not have any true cons or downsides to list. Of course, there are start-up costs to switching to cloth menstrual products. You’ll need about 10-20 pads to go completely disposable-free. But you're in luck -- Veronica carries a few variety packs and starter kits to help you offset your cost. For about $120, you could have 25 pads and a wet bag! And the best part is: the average life of each cloth pad is 6-7 years. Do the math! That's only $17-20 a year!

EDIT: Here is the Moms Crafts 4 U 2011 Price Guide

Giveaway!

You don’t have to take my word for it! Moms Crafts 4 U is generously donating a set of 3 Pantyliners to one lucky reader!

(Actual pads may not be as pictured)

To enter:

Mandatory Entry*:

Publicly follow Librarian Mom via Google Friend Connect
Like Moms Crafts 4 U on Facebook
Comment here that you did both (this is one entry)!

Extra Entries (one comment per entry):

Check out Moms Crafts 4 U's Etsy Shop and tell us your favourite print or product!
Like Librarian Mom on Facebook

Giveaway open worldwide! Contest ends on April 30, 2011 at 11:59pm NST. I will use Random.org to choose the winner. Winner will be announced via email as well as on this post. The winner will have 48 hours to respond. At that time, if there is no response, a new winner will be drawn.

Good luck!

* If your profile is set to private, or if you choose to submit as Anonymous/without an account, make sure to leave your email address so I can contact you!

Disclaimer: Moms Crafts 4 U provided these pads for me to review. I was not compensated in any way for this review. These opinions, and any oversights or mistakes herein, are my own.

When does "Motherhood" begin?

2011-04-12T10:32:00.000-07:00

The following is my entry into the Nummies Mother's Day Contest:

I wish I could say that motherhood began for me the moment we made a conscious decision to start planning to try and get pregnant. I wish I could write that motherhood began that first day that I stopped taking my birth control pills, or when I went to the store to buy prenatal vitamins, or when I decided that not even a social sip of wine would pass my lips from that point forward. I truly wish that motherhood began for me during the month that I took the time to prepare my mind and body for embarking on this exciting adventure to conceive.

I wish I could brag that motherhood began for me when I was crushed to see the blood that meant we hadn’t conceived during the first month. Or when I knew I was pregnant the second month but tested too early and got a negative result. Or especially when I tested a week later, at 5:50pm on Tuesday, June 30, 2009, and told my husband “We’re going to have a baby!” If you asked me at that moment, I would have vehemently argued that I had entered the realm of motherhood.

When I was diagnosed with placenta previa (which persisted during my entire pregnancy and sent me to the hospital 4 times with bleeding), I thought for sure that I was within the realm of motherhood. Every single time I saw my precious babe on the ultrasound machine or heard his heartbeat, I there was no question in my mind that I was experiencing the pride of motherhood. During each daydream when I felt him kicking and squirming inside me and I envisioned my first moments with him, I was convinced I was a part of that special club.

But then the day came. My beautiful, healthy, 8lb 5oz son was delivered at 09:58 on Monday, March 1st, 2010 after a very traumatic scheduled c-section, during which time I lost a lot of blood. I didn’t get to witness his birth. I was in recovery for 3.5 hours. And when I was finally brought up to the floor, I felt about as connected to this child as I did to the IV in my hand – out of necessity, but not out of love.

Once upon a time, I truly believed that the incredible bond between a mother and child began at the moment of conception, and perhaps even before that. I quickly learned that is not the case for many of us. For various reasons, we don’t always bond with our new child in the idyllic way that we imagined we would, or that we imagined we already had. For me, motherhood began on the morning of third day of his life. I clearly remember holding my little guy in my arms. He was wearing nothing but his diaper, and the tears streamed down my face and trickled onto his bare chest as I kissed his fingers, his toes, and his nose. He was perfect, he was healthy, he was here, and he was mine. At THAT moment, “motherhood” began for me. Scientifically, I was a mother-to-be when we conceived, and I was a mother when my son was delivered, but the incredible journey of motherhood, and all the beauty and bittersweet pain that goes with it, began for me at the moment my son and I finally bonded.

I hope that my story helps another mom. We need to hear these stories. We need to know that pregnancy, birth, and those precious first moments don’t always go as planned, and that we don’t always feel that immediate connection with our children. There is no shame in that. Give yourselves time: time to bond and, after the fact, time to heal.

Nummies, thank you for the chance to share my story. Peace.

(Here is the link to my entry: http://www.nummies.com/blog/2011/04/when-does-motherhood-begin-a-mothers-day-contest/#comment-183268497)

You know what they say about making assumptions, Parents Connect?

2011-04-11T11:46:00.000-07:00

When I found out I was pregnant, I signed up for the Parents Connect Weekly Pregnancy Newsletter. I liked reading about how my baby was developing and what was new for him that week. These emails (used to) continue to this day. They sent me news and tips regarding my son's extrauterine development. I usually enjoyed these emails. I found them quirky.

This all changed this past week when I receieved the "Your 13-Month-Old" newsletter. The subject? "Baby Bottle to Cup."

Here is the main portion:

"the baby bottle: It's your kids' best friend. His ultimate comfort object. His ticket to a blissed-out milk coma anytime, anywhere. Yep, it's his beloved bottle and the thought of tearing it away from your kid is tearing you apart. We feel you, but try not to stress. He'll survive–and even thrive–once your toddler says bye-bye to the bottle."

Look at that: an extended breastfeeding booby-trap. How novel of you, Parents Connect.

Here's my response:

The baby bottle is not my kid's best friend. It is not his ultimate comfort object: I am. It is not his ticket to a blissed-out milk coma, anytime, anywhere: I am. The thought of tearing my breast away from my kid doesn't just tear me apart; it scares me (he has teeth! I can't imagine tearing my breast out of his mouth)! My kid may survive without my breast, but I really doubt he would thrive. He is happy and healthy, all without the aid of the formula or cow's milk that you assume he is drinking out of the bottle to which you assume he is attached. Even if you play the "there could be breast milk in that bottle" card, I will call your bluff.

Am I being overly sensitive? I don't think so. Messages like those sent by Parents Connect, whether the meaning is implicit or explicit, serve to further alienate breastfeeding moms. They make breastfeeding seem like an "alternative" lifestyle and, in turn, make bottle-feeding (and, implicitly, formula-feeding) an increasingly mainstream choice.

Here's a suggestion, Parents Connect. Why don't you rethink your mission and re-analyze the way you choose to disseminate your information to consider whether or not these particular assumptions, and any others you might be making, are disrespectful or harmful to your intended audience. And while you're at it, you might want to consider the old adage: "When you assume ..." I'll let you fill in the blank that applies to you. One thing's for sure, though: you won't make an a** out of me.

Signed,

A former subscriber (and recent unsubscriber)

{this moment} - Taking a Spell

2011-04-08T16:38:00.000-07:00

A Friday ritual, inspired by The Leaky B@@b via Soule Mama. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

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"Sometimes the most urgent thing you can possibly do is take a complete rest." (Ashleigh Brilliant)

Review: Better Life Starter Kit

2011-03-27T16:39:00.000-07:00

I recently won a Better Life Starter Kit from ecoSafe, an online group that does "non-toxic reviews." I've been working on being more eco-conscious, and this kit seemed like a great place to "start" (no pun intended ... or maybe it was).

Before I received the kit, I had been using the Clorox Green Works series. Let me be brutally honest: I hate it. The products are ineffective and assault my nose and respiratory system, and I'm not too kean on cleaners that do not list their ingredients or which reportedly use ethanol and other irritants. I later found out that in 2008, the National Advertising Division of the BBB recommended that "The Clorox Company discontinue or modify certain advertising claims for the company’s “Green Works” product line to better communicate product performance and that the products are not disinfectants." Furthermore, when searching for the MSDS for the Green Works cleaners, I found out that those I have been using were subsequently discontinued. No matter -- my use of these products has been discontinued, as well. In fact, it's been replaced by a far "better" product.

Better Life has it all - safety, sass and superiority. The company was born from the desire to incorporate a truly green and safe cleaning regimine into the creators' homes. According to co-founder Kevin Tibbs, "[Better Life products are] safe for our families and our planet. No warning labels necessary." In fact, they challenge us to imagine a world where childproof cupboards and caps are not necessary, and answer that challenge with Better Life.

It's hard to overlook the witty product names. The Starter Kit includes full size bottles of four of their eight producs: what-EVER!, Simply Floored!, Even the Kitchen Sink, and I Can See Clearly, WOW!. The products arrived in a "a natural, durable, collapsing six-compartment Cleaning Caddy," and came complete with a Twist Euro Sponge and a 2-pack Twist Loofah Sponge.

I used the what-EVER! spray on, well, whatever I wanted. I cleaned the "outside" of the toilet, the walls, the sink, the vanity, and, later, the kitchen counter, the kitchen sink, and the stove. I also used the sponge where possible, avoiding cross-contamination (in other words, the sponge didn't touch the toilet). It was a miracle worker. It left everything sparkling and grease/grime/smudge free.

The I Can See Clearly, WOW! was hands-down, without a doubt, the best glass cleaner I have ever used. I used it on the bathroom mirrors and all the spots came clean without any elbow grease. It even removed those dried-on little white toothpaste spots that you need to scrape off with your fingernail -- you know the ones I'm talking about -- and it did so with one quick wipe of the cloth. And what's more important, I feel great knowing that the next time my toddler kisses "the baby in the mirror," he won't be getting a mouthful of harmful chemicals and irritants.

I used the Even the Kitchen Sink cleaner in combination with the loofah sponge to tackle the soap scum on my bath tub. I'll admit, this one was a little tricky. I didn't want to waste too much of the cleaner, and the previous cleaners worked so well with so little. I sprayed the bathtub with the hand-held shower head, poured a little drizzle of the Even the Kitchen Sink on the loofah, and went to work. I worked hard, and the scum didn't appear to dissolve like I expected. In fact, it just moved around. So I used more cleaner, and scrubbed. A little more cleaner, and scrubbed some more. Hmmm. Then it occurred to me that maybe I needed a little more water, and so I turned on the hand-held shower head and sprayed it around. Guess what? The scum immediately washed away, and the tub looked whiter than ever before! This may not sound like much, but if you stop and think for a moment about the incredible staying power of soap scum, then you know that you could aim a shower head at it all day and it wouldn't budge. I expected the cleaner to "eat up" the scum, when it did exactly what it needed to do -- loosened it so effectively that a small, short, spray of water sent it down the drain! How ecofriendly can you get? This product even helps you conserve water!

The Simply Floored! one-step floor cleaner might have been the icing on the cake. My apartment has hardwood floors that seem to attract and show-case dirt and grime like nothing else. Add a messy 1 year old food critic, and you have quite the daily display. Simply Floored! took care of all the sticky and grimy spots with ease, and not having to rinse the floor afterwards made this tired mom's day!

In short, Better Life has saved my life in more ways than one. Using these cleaners means I won't be exposing my small family to harsh and harmful chemicals. You won't find any alcohol, dyes, ethoxylates, petrochemical solvents, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, or VOCs here. But most importantly, they make cleaning my house so much easier that I'm sure not to die from exhaustion any time soon! All that's left now is to find a way to safely dispose of those other "green" cleaners that are lurking in my bathroom cupboard. I guess I'll have to continue to childproof that one for the time being!

Now, if only someone could save me from my paper towel addiction ...

*Disclaimer: I won this Starter Kit. I did not buy it, and was not compensated in any way for this review, neither by Better Life, nor by ecoSafe. These opinions, and any mistakes or oversights herein, are my own.

{this moment} - For the Love of Reading

2011-03-18T05:30:00.000-07:00

A Friday ritual, inspired by The Leaky B@@b via Soule Mama. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

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"Children are made readers on the laps of their parents." (Emilie Buchwald)

Breast Milk or No Breast Milk? That IS the Question

2011-03-17T17:38:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading an article in the April 2011 issue of Today's Parent called "I Didn't Have Enough Milk: Why So Many Canadian Moms Quit Breastfeeding."

It reads: "What's the number one reason moms quit (breastfeeding)? Not enough milk. That's the finding of a recent Toronto Public Health survey of more than 900 new mothers. It was also the most common reason given for stopping nursing and introducing formula in the first two weeks of a baby's life" (Hoffman, p. 62).

The article starts out with what appears to be a legitimate low supply anecdote (5 day old child brought to hospital where mom learns she is dehydrated and had lost weight). It then goes on to suggest routine ways to encourage a successful nursing relationship (skin-to-skin contact, no formula unless absolutely necessary, rooming-in and feeding on demand, showing moms how to breastfeed). At no point, however, does the article explicitly mention that more often than not, breastfeeding moms assume low supply when, in fact, that is not the case. This really should have been at the core of the article. Connecting the dots between feeding on demand, supply and demand, frequent nursing in the first few weeks/months, and the popularity of suspected low supply would have been the icing on the cake!

I think the article's heart is in the right place, but the title of the piece needs to be revisited. Breastfeeding moms need to know that although low supply issues can happen (as was the suspected case with the 5 day old mentioned above), they are not as common as we might think. Furthermore, this needs to be explained clearly but sensitively so that mothers who think they might be battling low supply issues do not feel attacked and instead are encouraged to seek out the help they need to reestablish their nursing relationship with their baby or babies.

"A baby nursing at a mother's breast ... is an undeniable affirmation of our rootedness in nature." (David Suzuki)

2011-03-15T17:07:00.000-07:00

By now you know my agenda. I'm all for breastfeeding. I don't think breast is best - I think it's normal. I think that despite the fact that formula is necessary in certain situations (and thank goodness it exists for those situations), people have to wake up and realize that it is not equal to breastmilk -- in fact, there are huge risks associated with artificial infant feeding. I believe that extended breastfeeding is as normal as breastfeeding a newborn. More than anything, I believe in the sabatoging power of "booby traps" and I think that if more women were aware of these, more women might choose to breastfeed.

Today was my son's 12 month developmental/vaccination appointment at our local community health clinic. We don't see our public health nurse often so she doesn't know us well and doesn't know about our nursing relationship. I knew the dreaded "whole milk" question was coming, especially since at our last vaccination appointment at 6 months, I was told that I must introduce cow's milk between the ages of 9 and 12 months so that it would not shock his system. ["Shock his system." This phrase alone speaks volumes! It (a) assumes that I would wean him by at least one year, and presumably overnight, and (b) unkowingly hints at the fact that young humans are not meant to thrive on cow's milk! But moving on ...] I tried to prepare myself with some statistics and facts regarding the benefits of extended breastfeeding, including a neat fact I learned the other day over at The Leaky B@@B: breastmilk contains a lot of cholesterol, which helps develop a baby's brain, but formula contains NONE!

She didn't ask the question until the end of the appointment. And it was phrased in such a way that I felt like I had walked into a giant bear-sized extended breastfeeding booby trap. "Is he on whole milk?" she asked. [Not "Is he on breastmilk, formula or whole milk?" Or, even better, "Is he on breastmilk or whole milk?", leaving formula totally out of the equation. Just a simple-yet-deadly "Is he on whole milk?"] To which I replied "No, he's still on breastmilk." Cue awkward silence. And then a barely audible: "Ok, that's fine. That's fine." Who was she trying to convince? Not me. I already knew it was fine. I knew it was much more than fine. I knew it was normal.

Perhaps I should give her the benefit of the doubt. Afterall, I do live in the province with the lowest initiation rate, so she probably wasn't expecting that answer. Perhaps she even had a mild panic attack that after my initial "No," I might go on to say, "he gets bottles of juice and Pepsi. And sometimes Tetley tea with lots of sugar." I'm sure it's been known to be said. I bet quite a few babies still come through who are reared on Carnation milk. But I know, in my proverbial heart of hearts, that the awkward silence spoke more than any words she might have chosen to fill the silence. She wasn't sure what to make of a 12.5 month old that wasn't drinking baby cow food. So all I got was a "That's fine."

Please know, dear readers, that I was not looking for celebration or shouts of "Hip! Hip! Hooray!" I didn't even want a pat on the back. I'm just trying to keep my babe healthy by doing what's normal -- breastfeeding him for as long as he'll have me.

"People need to understand that when they're deciding between breastmilk and formula, they're not deciding between Coke and Pepsi. They're choosing between a live, pure substance and a dead substance made with the cheapest oils available." (Chele Marmet)

"When people set Booby Traps, I'll be the first to 'spring them' on my own and inform the trapper that this booby is not about to be caught." (Jennie Arnholtz, fellow "Leaky")

{this moment} - Balloon for Mason

2011-03-11T10:48:00.000-08:00

A Friday ritual, inspired by The Leaky B@@b via Soule Mama. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

*** *** ***

"I've told my children that when I die, to release balloons in the sky to celebrate that I graduated. For me, death is a graduation." ~ Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

RIP Mason

10/22/10 - 03/05/11

{this moment} - Joy

2011-02-18T05:30:00.000-08:00

A Friday ritual, inspired by The Leaky B@@b via Soule Mama. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

*** *** ***

Joy

Assisted Caesarean

2011-02-16T07:12:00.000-08:00

I'm not sharing this on my Facebook because I think it might offend/shock some people, but I think the idea of an assisted caesarean is amazing. I truly believe there is a caesarean epidemic in North America, but for those who medically HAVE to have one, this seems like a truly beautiful way to participate in the birth of your child and to maybe avoid some of that birthing guilt that often comes along with a section.

Live a "Better Life!"

2011-02-11T04:02:00.000-08:00

ecoSAFE is giving away a starter kit of Better Life products, valued at $35USD and filled with full-size bottles of their most popular products! All it takes is 2 click and a comment to enter!

Check out the giveaway here!

"Birth is the sudden opening of a window, through which you look out upon a stupendous prospect. For what has happened? A miracle. You have exchanged nothing for the possibility of everything." (William MacNeile Dixon)

2011-02-07T17:11:00.000-08:00

I read something today that brought me to my knees. Everything came to a standstill and I fastforwarded back in time nearly a year, to the day when my son came into this world, and I felt like I very nearly left it. In theory, it was the best day of my life, for the true love of my life was born. Only I didn't realize that right away.

Like any mom-to-be, I idealized everything about my son and his entrance into the world. Even when I was told I would have to have a scheduled c-section, I still thought things would go smoothly. I remember lying on the stretcher outside the OR, trying to stay calm and worrying about, of all things, how foolish I looked in the paper shower cap-esque hat on my head. Gordon and I were exchanging nervous smiles and banter. One by one, an L&D nurse, an OR nurse, and my Obstetrician came by to greet us, check my chart, and head into the OR. Finally, the Anesthesiologist introduced himself to me, and recommended that, because of my condition (placenta previa), I seriously entertain the thought of going under general anesthesia. I just stared at him, completely flabbergasted. Go under? And miss the birth of my babe? When I was promised that I would be awake to see him come into this world? No way! The Anesthesiologist reluctantly agreed to give me a spinal under the condition that if something were to go awry, he would be knocking me out, no questions asked. My husband and I agreed. A porter showed my husband where to get changed, and I was wheeled into the delivery room.

The spinal was the oddest, most awful procedure I've had to date. I'll never forget the "thunk" feeling. I remember my right leg shooting off the table when a nerve was hit. They lay me down and proceeded to insert the catheter. I remember thinking to myself "My legs feel fuzzy, but I can still move them. I can still move my toes!" I'm not sure if I actually could, or if I just *thought* I could. Either way, when the procedure began (once my husband was in the room and I was firmly grasping his hand) I could feel it. At this point, you might be wishing to call my bluff, but my OB actually stepped away from me and said "she can feel this -- she's flinching every time I touch her [with the scalpel]" Right before he said that, the feeling was the same as when you cut through a chicken leg, right at the joint. Just before my husband entered the room, I remember the Anesthesiologist telling me that my baby would be born by 9:55am. That was in 5 minutes time. When he administered more anesthetic, it was 9:55am. At 9:58am, my baby was born. Apparently. I don't remember any of it.

What I do remember is an odd, kaleidoscope dream sequence, which in retrospect was likely caused by the huge light above the OR table. My husband tells me that my eyes rolled up into my head and I started to shake. Once my son was delivered (and held up for us, well, my husband, to see), my husband was asked to leave the OR. The next thing I remember is being wheeled from the OR to recovery. I can distinctly see, in my mind's eye, the lights in the ceiling sailing by overhead. I started to realize what had just happened. I had a baby. Or did I? Was he alive? Was he ok? I tried to talk, but couldn't. I felt like I was being smothered. The oxygen mask felt like a gloved hand over my mouth and nose, and was partially covering my eyes. And then, thank goodness, a doctor/co-worker stopped my stretcher to congratulate me. I think I said thank you. I did cry. My son was ok. The doctor wouldn't congratulate me on a dead child.

I spent 3.5 hours in recovery. I had lost a lot of blood. I remember the nurse asking me to rate my pain on a scale of 1-10. I think I said "9." He palpated my stomach, and gave me morphine. This happened numerous times, and I remember thinking "Wow, it sure is easy to get morphine around here!" It took me a while to realize I had been passing out in between. I had no idea what time it was. Finally, an L&D nurse called down, and the recovery nurse who answered the phone asked me if I was "feeling up to a little visitor." Oh thank goodness -- I was about to meet my son! As soon as I saw his little face in that fuzzy oversized hat, I knew he was mine.

First Picture

He had started to cry for me and they brought him down so he could nurse. And then they took him away again. I wish I could say I felt like they were ripping off my arms when they took him, but I was so out of it, I don't really remember him leaving. I do remember telling the recovery nurse I was hungry, which he said was "a good complaint." He was hungry, too, he said. I realized outloud that it must be close to break-time (usually between 10am and 10:30am). I'll never forget his response. "My love," he gently said, "it's almost 1pm."

I remember the trip up to my room vividly, because every uneven seam in the floor, no matter how slight, caused me pain as my bed was rolled over it. I remember that an internal medicine doctor, one whom I had become close to during my time working at the hospital, was waiting for me outside my room. She looked at me, I looked at her, and I started to cry. She didn't say anything, just squeezed my hand, and left me in peace with my family and my new little boy. I don't remember my husband putting my little guy in my arms. To be honest, I don't remember much of my first two days in the hospital.

First Cuddle

I do know that I was not much of a mother those first few days. My baby spent every night in the nursery, and every day with my family as I lay in bed. When I was pregnant, I was adamant that I would room-in. I couldn't imagine leaving my helpless baby at the mercy of strangers. That all changed with my traumatic experience. One morning in particular, I went in to get him from the nursery, and he was the only baby in there out of the 7 or 8 that were on the floor. When I think back to that decision now, I get weak. I shake. I start to panic. And above all, I feel overwhelming guilt.

I distinctly remember the moment when I began the process of bonding with my son. It was my third day in the hospital. I was feeling much better and I was able to shower that morning. I had begun to feel somewhat human again. I was sitting up in bed with my son in my arms. And I cried. The tears streamed down my cheeks as I stroked his face, played with his hands and feet, and kissed his little nose. He was here, he was all mine, and he was perfect. I still sent him off to the nursery for the next two nights, and because I was so sore, I still let my family take care of him the most. Looking back, I can't believe I ever let him out of my sight. He's now 11 months old, and the thought of leaving him with someone else so I can go back to work, even a trusted family member, is enough to cause me renewed panic.

I am grateful from the bottom of my heart for Jennifer Margulis' article. Maybe one day I will forgive myself for my first few days as a mom. For now, I am content to relish in the beauty and life that is my son, and to remember to never take a single moment with him for granted.

Me & My Boy Today

"Enjoy yourself. It's later than you think." (Chinese Proverb)

2011-01-30T17:16:00.000-08:00

This post is not about parenting, or breastfeeding, or co-sleeping. It's about waiting. Or not waiting, as the case may be.

Today Corner Brook is mourning the death of one of its own. A young man was taken all too quickly from this earth, and I can't even begin to think of the despair and anguish that his family and friends are feeling at this time. I hope they find strength in each other and in his memory.

Tonight, a friend posted a video from the current American Idol season that was a real tear-jerker. Her timing could not have been better.

"Waiting for the fish to bite or waiting for wind to fly a kite. Or waiting around for Friday night or waiting perhaps for their Uncle Jake or a pot to boil or a better break or a string of pearls or a pair of pants or a wig with curls or another chance. Everyone is just waiting. " Dr. Seuss

Stop waiting. Live. Love. Laugh.

RIP Jason.

"The distance is nothing; it is only the first step that is difficult." (Madame Marie du Deffand)

2011-01-17T15:35:00.000-08:00

For the past week, my son has been waking me up during the night babbling and laughing away. The catch?

He's not awake.

Since we bed-share, I'm incredinbly aware of every movement and sound he makes. Chaulk it up to a mother's intuition, I suppose. When he pulls me out of the depths of sleep with some chatter and giggles, I'm ready to plead with him to go back to sleep because it's clearly too early to be awake. But no pleading is necessary since he's still dreaming away.

I've also noticed that his limbs have been doing a lot of hypnic jerks. When I try to cuddle up next to him to sleep, his arms and legs appear to be trying to shake me off, kind of like a cat that got its paws wet.

I asked the Leakies on The Leaky B@@b page if they had experienced something similar with their loved ones. Those who answered responded with a resounding "Yes!" I especially liked this comment:

"It happened with each of my kids whether they were in my bed at that age or not. The way it was best explained to me was that even as adults, when our minds are overwhelmed with a subject, trying to find the solution to a problem, upset by something that occurred that day, we stay up figuring it out. Since babies are just trying to work through their milestones, they might go to sleep, but are not deep enough and toss and turn trying to 'work out' their obstacles."

So true! How many nights have we adults carried a problem into our dreams? If I had a nickle for every time I had a nightmare about book ordering, I'd never have to work again!

My son is so close to taking his first step, it's heartbreaking! On a few separate occasions, he's let go of either my hands or his Daddy's hands, hovered for a moment, but has decided to either fall back against our knees or grab onto our hands again. Just yesterday, he started walking alone with the assistance of his walker. Before I know it, I'm going to be chasing this child around the house. But for now, I'm going to listen to his little giggles and stories at night, and perhaps take the advice of one Leakie and "capture [it] on film to save for later!"

Proud much?

Zoe Organics

2011-01-17T11:44:00.000-08:00

Since I became a mom, I've been more aware of the ingredients in the products I'm bringing into my home, and I'm trying to buy organic, eco-friendly and local where I can. I want to keep my son safe and healthy, and I want to be a part of the movement that is trying to preserve our earth for future generations. I want there to be a world for him to be a part of when he's older!

Thanks to Everything Mom and Baby and her shop, I've been introduced to Zoe Organics. I haven't had a chance to try the line yet, but I'm hoping to make some purchases through Mama Ash, and I'm excited to tell you all about a new giveaway!

Check out the latest Zoe Organics giveaway, where you can win their Love My Belly Butter or Oil!

EcoNuts Giveaway by ecoSAFE!

2011-01-11T13:29:00.000-08:00

ecoSAFE is hosting a fantastic giveaway of Eco Nuts laundry "soap."

Why "soap" in quotation marks, you ask?

Check out the Eco Nuts website to learn more, and then go to ecoSAFE to find out how to enter!

There are multiple ways to enter and increase your odds of winning!

Everything Mom and Baby Giveaways!

2011-01-11T09:39:00.000-08:00

There are two giveaways ending at Everything Mom and Baby tomorrow, one for Auckland Merino Wool Slippers, and the other for Bee's Knees Baby Crawling Pants. There are lots of ways to enter and increase your chances of winning, so go check it out!

"It takes time to language a speak ..."

2011-01-09T17:46:00.000-08:00

While responding to a comment on my Fearless Feeders post, I was reflecting on my nursing relationship with my son, and how lucky we've been during this wonderful journey together. I was lucky not to suffer from any soreness, cracking, bleeding, or supply issues. My son had a perfect, textbook latch from Day 1. However, it didn't come natural to me. I had to learn how to help him. It wasn't until the Lactation Consultant gave me the tools I needed to succeed and I was able to practice them with my son that everything came together. And that took time.

I remember the days (and the nights) when he would eat every two hours for an hour at a time. And by every two hours, I mean two hours from the time he started the nursing session. So, for example, he would start at 2am, finish at 3am, and then be up again by 4am, if I was lucky!
I remember when he struggled to get used to my powerful letdown and would choke on the milk.
I remember when he went through his 10 day and 6 week growth spurts and literally lived at my breast for 24 hours.
I remember when he would have a great nursing session, only to spit most of it back up as soon as he was vertical.
And I also remember when, after taking the occasional bottle of EBM, he vehemently refused to have anything to do with an artificial nipple. I finally had some luck with the Mimijumi bottle, but to this day he has only taken 4oz of EBM on three separate occasions. The rest of the time, he drinks about an ounce, fights with the bottle, and then plays with it. Whatever. He prefers the real thing. Who can blame him?

I think things finally levelled out around 4 months, and we've been going strong ever since.

There's a lovely video by First 6 weeks that likens breastfeeding to learning a new language:

Pretty spot on, I think.

Fearless Feeders

2011-01-08T18:07:00.000-08:00

In my previous post, I mentioned The Leaky B@@b, a Facebook group that offers support to breastfeeding moms. True to its tongue-in-cheek name, it really is a place of overwhelming support and acceptance where there are no holds barred. Tonight, however, one of its new members complained that her daughter, an exclusive pumper, was bullied on the site:

"I can assure you I have seen [the bullying] and so has my daughter. I brought her to this site to help her and encourage her. She was at a point when she was pumping pure blood and had to stop. Someone actually told her that she should get someone else to breastfeed her baby since she did not have the talent. That was on this site. It was 1 person but she felt like such a failure."

The complaint and follow up explanation brought the site to a screeching halt, as various members either expressed disbelief or offered their apologies on behalf of an unknown offender. When I was a member of the group before its multiple suspensions, there were approximately 4,800 Leakies in attendance. Now, the page has swelled to over 11,000 members, and the page owner has had to call in the reserves to try and administer the page and ensure that such bullying does not take place.

***

Just yesterday, I was skimming through various parenting blogs when I came across Fearless Formula Feeder. The Blog is maintained by a "Mom and 'factivist'" who claims to be "standing up for formula feeders, without being a boob about it." I read through some of the submissions by moms who formula feed their children, and my heart broke for them. They felt as if they were looked down upon by breastfeeders for giving their children artificial nutrition. And I have to agree with them: there are many self-professed "lactivists" out there who, rather than celebrate breastfeeding, waste their time berating women who couldn't breastfeed, or who simply chose not to breastfeed.

Not cool. As someone very wise once said, "You have to feed your child." (That goes nicely hand-in-hand with my other parenting mantra, "You do what you have to do.")

I have never bullied a fellow mom for how she chooses to feed her child. So long as you're not spoon feeding your kid mashed up McNuggets, I've got your back. But I do post a lot of links to pro-breastfeeding articles and news items on my Facebook and sometimes wonder if I am alienating those moms on my friends list who didn't or couldn't breastfeed. I hope I'm not. Unlike the haters above, I don't publicly humiliate non-breastfeeders. But I do celebrate breastfeeding, I do promote it, and I do (in my own way) fight for it.

Fight for it, you say?

Yes. According to a 2006 joint position paper, Newfoundland and Labrador has the lowest initiation rate, and only 11% of infants are still exclusively breastfed by 6 months. Why? It ain't easy to breastfeed, folks. Here are a few reasons:

There is nothing natural about it.
Not everyone gets the support they need, from either their healthcare team or their family & friends (especially in NL, where our healthcare system is severely behind the times).
It can be difficult to get up the courage to do it when you're out and about, and not every baby will take a bottle of expressed breast milk (and you may not always have one at the ready).

I could write a post about each reason (and may just do so at a later date), but reason #3 is the one that gets me worked up the most, because even if a woman was confident about nursing in public, she may not be able to. Women worldwide are being ridiculed, ostracized, and abused for nursing their babies in public. They are being asked to leave restaurants, are being kicked out of shopping centres, and are made to feel like criminals, all for trying to feed their children. Essentially, breastfeeding moms, and the act of breastfeeding itself, is being labelled obscene. When was the last time a formula feeding mom was leered at for feeding her child in the middle of the park? Or told to go feed her child in the public washroom at the mall?

Fearless formula feeders, I salute you. All I ask is that you realize where we breastfeeding moms are coming from, and understand that when we band together and celebrate, we are not doing so to attack you. We are simply looking for strength in numbers, whether virtual or real, when we venture outdoors into the public world with our (apt to be hungry) little ones.

Next time you see a breastfeeding mom nursing her child on the bench in the mall, give her a little smile. Your mother-to-mother support, well hidden amongst all the leers and jeers she received, might just be the push she needs to continue feeding her child the way she has chosen to do so.

A Purpose

2011-01-05T18:35:00.000-08:00

I haven't written since my first post because I was trying to decide on what exactly to write. I've been reading so many fantastic blog entries lately on why Facebook needs to allow breastfeeding pictures, why we moms need to stick together, and why babies aren't soldiers. Most of my online time has been spent trying to spread the word about the fantastic support over at The Leaky B@@b amid the controversy regarding the suspensions of their Facebook account yesterday and today. I have so many thoughts rumbling aroud in my head as to how I can make this Blog a worthwhile read amongst all the other fantastic voices out there.

A portion of the Soft Laundry post is my muse for tonight. The blogger writes:

It seems to me that we women are crippling ourselves and missing out on some rich opportunities by insisting that each of us as an individual must possess a complete Holy Grail of All That Is Womanhood.

Immediately upon reading this passage, I had my seed for a post.

I think there's more to the way in which we mothers are crippling ourselves. We truly have "become so sensitive and divided" that we are constantly in fear of being judged. Our parenting styles, if they are not "textbook," are hidden. And so I have decided to come clean.

My name is Lisa, and I follow Attachment Parenting. While there are many definitions (and it sometimes follows the more user-friendly title of "Peaceful Parenting"), Attachment Parenting generally consists of the following principles:

Preparation for Pregnancy, Birth and Parenting
Feed with Love and Respect
Respond with Sensitivity
Use Nurturing Touch
Ensure Safe Sleep, Physically and Emotionally
Provide Consistent Loving Care
Practice Positive Discipline
Strive for Balance in Personal and Family Life

I bed-share. Not just with my husband, but with my 10 month old son. He no longer has a "nursery" where he is expected to sleep. In fact, Daddy's computer and desk have been occupying that room since late November. My son's crib was moved into our room as a last ditch effort to get him to sleep where he "should" sleep, but it's now an expensive clothes hamper/storage unit/sometimes play area. We recently purchased a bed rail that fits our Queen size pillow-top mattress, and the bed was moved from the middle of the room to the corner so one side is against the wall. When my son goes to sleep at night, he is placed in the middle of our bed without a whimper or a sound. There are no pillows around him, and he is safe and secure. And when it is time for my husband and I to turn in, we lie on either side of him, breathe in his sweet scent, and all of us have a wonderful night's sleep. Don't worry. I'm told he won't still sleep with me when he's 18. Which is fine -- he probably won't smell so good, then.

I am practicing baby-led weaning. My son has had solids, but I have no intention of weaning him from breast milk any time soon. And while we're at it, I might as well tell you that my son does not use a pacifier. I am his source of comfort and security when needed. He will take a few ounces of expressed breast milk (EBM) from a bottle if hard pressed, but at the moment, bottle-feeding is hardly necessary and therefore is not a concern. When I head back to work, he will take either a bottle or a sippy-cup of EBM. My son is not stupid. He will not starve himself.

I respond to my son's cues. I don't give in to his every whine. I am his mother -- I can tell the difference between his cries. I know when he is hungry, when he is in pain, when he's frustrated, and when he needs comfort. But I do let him know that I will answer when he cries out to me, and act accordingly. Is he spoiled? Hardly! Does he feel secure? I hope so.

I refuse to allow my baby to cry it out. Parents are often asked if their babies are sleeping through the night yet. First off, what business is it of the asker? And secondly, why is this, of ALL things, deemed the indicator of successful parenting? Did you know that there are actually reasons why we should not want our babies to sleep through the night (and good reasons as to why they may not be)? In any case, "crying it out" (CIO) is often purported to be the way to get your child to sleep through the night. And yes, it often works. But I don't support the reasons why it works, nor do I want to put my child through this unnecessary form of torture. Why am I against CIO? This blog post sums it up rather nicely.

Again, don't fret on my behalf. I'm also told that someday, I won't be able to get my kid out of bed for anything. Until then, I'm going to snuggle up next to his warm little body and bid you all a good night!

Should've Started This Earlier ...

2010-10-28T06:37:00.000-07:00

I've caught the blogging bug, if only to use it as another outlet for venting my joys and frustrations of first-time motherhood. It's quite the rollercoaster ride, and I like reading posts by other moms, so I though I'd add to the banter and babble.

Some posts may just be personal pieces, but many will likely discuss anything and everything I've come across online related to motherhood, breastfeeding, childcare, etc., including articles, other blogs and/or blog posts, items and contests.

Enjoy!