I respect that many people do not feel comfortable with cosleeping and, therefore, should not do it. But we, who do it, should not be made to feel it is anything less than perfect...people have been practicing this since...umm...forever! If you are interested but so too nervous, check this out:
Humanity Family Sleeper
http://humanityorganics.3dcartstores.com/
It's less expensive if you get it at Abe's
http://www.abesmarket.com/
Also, you might want to read about infant sleep positioners http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10358.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4ca4df7d04750559,0
Thursday, September 30, 2010
the next best after breast
So I have been wondering what milk I will introduce to my son once he finally weans. Being lactose intolerant myself and being aware of the sick things done to dairy cows today, I am leaning towards Almond Milk or Rice Milk. Here is some research. What do you think?
http://curezone.com/blogs/fm.asp?i=984989
http://curezone.com/blogs/fm.asp?i=984989
Friday, September 24, 2010
loving these links
Promoting Breastfeeding
http://tensteps.jbpub.com/?utm_source=Publicaster&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Promoting%20Breastfeeding%20%e2%80%94%20One%20"Click"%20at%20a%20Time&utm_term=tensteps.jbpub.com
should we be drinkning cow's milk?
http://www.babble.com/kid/kid-health-and-safety/nutrition-kids-milk-raw-lactose-intolerance/?utm_source=Babble&utm_campaign=ae1e33c556-9_24_2010&utm_medium=email
Blacktating: breastfeeding news and views from a mom of color
http://www.blacktating.com/2010/09/why-african-babies-dont-cry.html
Science and Sensibility
http://www.scienceandsensibility.org/
Be a Star
http://www.beastar.org.uk/
I breastfeed because...
http://www.ibreastfeedbecause.ameda.com/
InfantRisk Center
http://infantrisk.org/
The Liedloff Network
http://www.continuum-concept.org/
The Connected Mom
http://tensteps.jbpub.com/?utm_source=Publicaster&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Promoting%20Breastfeeding%20%e2%80%94%20One%20"Click"%20at%20a%20Time&utm_term=tensteps.jbpub.com
should we be drinkning cow's milk?
http://www.babble.com/kid/kid-health-and-safety/nutrition-kids-milk-raw-lactose-intolerance/?utm_source=Babble&utm_campaign=ae1e33c556-9_24_2010&utm_medium=email
Blacktating: breastfeeding news and views from a mom of color
http://www.blacktating.com/2010/09/why-african-babies-dont-cry.html
Science and Sensibility
http://www.scienceandsensibility.org/
Be a Star
http://www.beastar.org.uk/
I breastfeed because...
http://www.ibreastfeedbecause.ameda.com/
InfantRisk Center
http://infantrisk.org/
The Liedloff Network
http://www.continuum-concept.org/
The Connected Mom
ecobuns
Joyful Tie Dyes
Labor Creations
Organic Mama's Shop
Thursday, September 23, 2010
What Does It Mean To Be GOOD???
I was speaking with some mothers about their reactions to the common question "Is he a good child?" Man oh man. I was reminded of a paper I wrote in grad school; I have posted it here. The word "Student" needs only be replaced by that of "Child."
You have to copy and paste the link in order for it to work.
C:\Users\Murphy\Documents\The Good Student.pdf
You have to copy and paste the link in order for it to work.
C:\Users\Murphy\Documents\The Good Student.pdf
tell me if the ads are bad
hey all- please do let me know if you see any bad ads on this blog. i recently saw one for scientology...hmmm...
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
listening to what my child wants and needs even when my feelings may be hurt by those wants and needs
My son is now approaching one year, and he has rarely used a bottle. From the outset, he nursed when physically and emotionally hungry.
I recall buying a package of bottles prior to his birth- thinking I should be prepared to bottle feed at times. My mother delicately snickered at my purchase and asked how many bottles I planned on using in a given day. Hmm...I decided two bottles would suffice. And they have- I have sparsely used them. My son actually preferred a cup to a bottle when he couldn't have the breast.
Anyways, I digress...
Today Declan was too busy for me. This is becoming a regular thing- the world offers too many possibilities- he is letting me know he is ready to explore- he is not missing out on the goings on even if it means a hungry belly.
Not wanting him to starve...well, you know...I pumped into a bottle and handed it to him. I honestly did not think he would accept it- really, in my heart of hearts, I did not want him to accept it. But he did. He grabbed that bottle like it was the holy grail and went on his way merrily.
Well, my heart broke a little at that moment. But in listening to his wants and needs instead of my own, I had taken a new step in motherhood and so too given him the freedom to take a new step in childhood.
And don't worry- my broken heart was soon mended when he later approached me, reached up longingly, and dropped the bottle. Oh sweet victory.
I recall buying a package of bottles prior to his birth- thinking I should be prepared to bottle feed at times. My mother delicately snickered at my purchase and asked how many bottles I planned on using in a given day. Hmm...I decided two bottles would suffice. And they have- I have sparsely used them. My son actually preferred a cup to a bottle when he couldn't have the breast.
Anyways, I digress...
Today Declan was too busy for me. This is becoming a regular thing- the world offers too many possibilities- he is letting me know he is ready to explore- he is not missing out on the goings on even if it means a hungry belly.
Not wanting him to starve...well, you know...I pumped into a bottle and handed it to him. I honestly did not think he would accept it- really, in my heart of hearts, I did not want him to accept it. But he did. He grabbed that bottle like it was the holy grail and went on his way merrily.
Well, my heart broke a little at that moment. But in listening to his wants and needs instead of my own, I had taken a new step in motherhood and so too given him the freedom to take a new step in childhood.
And don't worry- my broken heart was soon mended when he later approached me, reached up longingly, and dropped the bottle. Oh sweet victory.
Friday, September 17, 2010
To watch or not to watch
In response to your post about tv, Ves:
Before I even gave birth to Declan, I swore I would not let him watch any tv until he asked for it (and even then it would be minimal). However, I must admit I changed this for a couple reasons. First, because I have many family and friends with children, it is difficult to keep the tv totally off at all times (so inevitably Declan will be around it when it is on). Secondly, I love some shows and love to share them with my babe. Declan watches only the following: Sesame Street, Yo Gabba Gabba, and Baby Signing Time.
I did, however, find that the AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS had this to say about TV for young ones:
Pediatricians should urge parents to avoid television viewing for children under the age of 2 years. Although certain television programs may be promoted to this age group, research on early brain development shows that babies and toddlers have a critical need for direct interactions with parents and other significant care givers (eg, child care providers) for healthy brain growth and the development of appropriate social, emotional, and cognitive skills. Therefore, exposing such young children to television programs should be discouraged.
http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;104/2/341
I think the concern is that children watch too much tv. Even for the most aware parents, it is easy to lose track of how much tv your child watches. This is why Declan watches only select media- it makes it easier for Chris and me to keep track. Some days he watches none. What do you think?
Before I even gave birth to Declan, I swore I would not let him watch any tv until he asked for it (and even then it would be minimal). However, I must admit I changed this for a couple reasons. First, because I have many family and friends with children, it is difficult to keep the tv totally off at all times (so inevitably Declan will be around it when it is on). Secondly, I love some shows and love to share them with my babe. Declan watches only the following: Sesame Street, Yo Gabba Gabba, and Baby Signing Time.
I did, however, find that the AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS had this to say about TV for young ones:
Pediatricians should urge parents to avoid television viewing for children under the age of 2 years. Although certain television programs may be promoted to this age group, research on early brain development shows that babies and toddlers have a critical need for direct interactions with parents and other significant care givers (eg, child care providers) for healthy brain growth and the development of appropriate social, emotional, and cognitive skills. Therefore, exposing such young children to television programs should be discouraged.
http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;104/2/341
I think the concern is that children watch too much tv. Even for the most aware parents, it is easy to lose track of how much tv your child watches. This is why Declan watches only select media- it makes it easier for Chris and me to keep track. Some days he watches none. What do you think?
Thursday, September 16, 2010
This is not a "Girl's Only!" club
Just wanted to be clear in that this blog is not just for women or mothers. Men and fathers are an integral part of the family unit and, therefore, it is essential that they too be in this dialogue. I just started reading The Continuum Concept aloud to my husband last night- this way we can better our parenting together- we can have a unified understanding of what we want to do.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Sunday, September 12, 2010
what this blog is all about
So I started this blog for three main reasons. The first being that I wanted to create a safe and comfortable environment for mothers to share their experiences. In our current day in age, I think mothers are told what to think and do by people who have no clue. Remember, we are the mothers so we know how best to raise our babes.
The second reason I started this blog is because it is a way to interact with others. I grew up with very social parents. (They are actually at their "Old Lovers" club as I write this!) My parents have both started and joined into all sorts of gatherings (e.g., book clubs, neighborhood orgs., and activism groups). As an adult, I can now truly appreciate the significance of such gatherings. We are a social species and it is fullfilling to be among one another.
My third and final reason for doing this is because I love to write. I love words and the power they have. I appreciate that we own our words. I think the written word is something taken for granted. Too bad.
The second reason I started this blog is because it is a way to interact with others. I grew up with very social parents. (They are actually at their "Old Lovers" club as I write this!) My parents have both started and joined into all sorts of gatherings (e.g., book clubs, neighborhood orgs., and activism groups). As an adult, I can now truly appreciate the significance of such gatherings. We are a social species and it is fullfilling to be among one another.
My third and final reason for doing this is because I love to write. I love words and the power they have. I appreciate that we own our words. I think the written word is something taken for granted. Too bad.
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