The Sanity Spot: Advice for the New Mom

New Blog URL for The Sanity Spot

2011-05-06T10:24:00.001-07:00

The Sanity Spot has a new URL. I have finally switched over to Square Space to host my beautiful new web site and blog. Now you will be able to find out about all of our fabulous breastfeeding and parenting classes, support groups, and consultations, as well as follow our weekly blog! Please join us at our new home: sdbfc.com/blog.

I look forward to reading your comments on our upcoming blog post!

Happy Mother's Day!

Warmly,
Robin

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's Off to Work We Go: Part 3

2011-04-14T21:30:00.000-07:00

Your First Week Back at Work

After weeks of pumping and storing breast milk, making plans with your employer for pumping breaks while at work, and preparing yourself to leave your little one behind, the day has finally come: You are going back to work! Yowza!

I remember crying during the entire drive to work that first day (actually, who are we kidding...the first WEEK back at work), wondering how I was going to make it through the day without my sweet little Ben. How was our caregiver going to meet his every need? Would I make enough milk while I was away from him? Was it time to go home yet????

Well, ladies, the emotional part of going back to work can be quite stressful.... I can definitely empathize. I have been there and ,initially, it can be difficult. So, let me help you the logistics of getting through your first week back at work....let's make that a no-brainer.

Start in the Middle of the Week

There is nothing that says that you have to start back to work on a Monday. Who needs a double case of the 'Mondays?' Not you, that's for sure. Instead, set yourself up for success. For your first week back, start on a Wednesday or Thursday. This way, you can ease yourself in to your work schedule, without it being completely overwhelming. Those few days closer to the weekend (and uninterrupted time with your baby) will make this transition so much smoother and less daunting.

Pack Your Bag the Night Before

Rather than scrambling in the morning, which only adds to your stress, pack your bag the night before so that you will feel even more prepared in the morning. Wondering what to pack? Here's a short list of some items you might want to include:

Pump and pump pieces

Freezer packs to hold your pumped milk (unless you have a fridge in your office)

Extra batteries for your pump or a plug to connect it to the wall

Photos of your baby

Extra breast pads, just in case you leak while at work

Diaper bag for your baby (if he/she is not being taken care of at home) - full of bottles, extra clothing, diapers/wipes, etc.

For even more ideas about what to pack the night before and the day of, check out the list at workandpump.com

When Should I Pump?

Ideally, you want to pump at work as often as your baby is getting a bottle while you are away from him/her. I tried to breastfeed my son before I left for work every morning. Then, he usually took a bottle around 11am and 2pm while I was at work. I always had an extra bottle, just in case I didn't make it home in time before the late afternoon feeding. My goal was to get home just in time to breastfeed my son around 5pm. If I got stuck in traffic, I would sometimes have to pump when I got home, which was always a bit of a bummer. Best case scenario, I pumped twice at work, using a double electric pump, for about 15 minutes each time. This gave me enough breast milk for the next day, plus a little extra sometimes. I also pumped once or twice over the weekend, just to have a little surplus for the following week.

I hope that this series of posts was helpful for all of you brave, dedicated mamas who are breastfeeding and going back to work. If you have other tidbits of advice, please add them to the comments so that other moms can benefit from your wisdom!

2011-04-11T10:24:00.000-07:00

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It’s Off to Work We Go…. Part 2

Making Plans with your Employer

So, now you should have mastered the pump, built a small supply of milk in your freezer, and introduced a bottle to your little one. No problem, right? Next step, get your employer on board for giving you your well-earned break to pump while at work. Sometimes, this is a no-brainer. If you live in a state like California, businesses with more than 50 employees are mandated to give breastfeeding moms pumping breaks and supply a clean, private space to pump (which cannot be a bathroom stall.) Other states do not have such laws in place, so you might be paving the way in your business for you and future breastfeeding moms. Either way, it is helpful to know your rights and how to be proactive to get what you deserve: time to pump so that you have something to feed your breastfeeding baby. Let’s get all of your ducks in a row so that this is an easy process for you.

Reasons Why Pumping at Work is Good for Your Employer

Sometimes it is helpful to have a list of reasons why allowing a mom time to pump at work is beneficial for her employer. Bosses like to look at the bottom line. Here’s a handy-dandy list of reasons to share with your boss:

• A study of multiple companies with lactation support programs found an average retention rate of 94.2%

• One-day absences to care for sick children occur more than twice as often for mothers of formula feeding infants.

• Businesses with lactation support have lower turnover rates, higher employee satisfaction, and additional health care savings.

All of this information, and more, can be found in the Business Case for Breastfeeding: For Business Managers

What You Would Like for Your Employer to Provide

A pumping mom needs very few things from her employer to continue making milk for her baby. Really, all you are looking for is a private, clean space (that is not in a bathroom) with outlets, a comfy chair, and a lock. An optimal break time is about 20 minutes: 15 minutes to pump, 5 minutes for set-up/clean-up. You should be able to take a break every few hours, since you will need to pump as many times as you are missing that breastfeeding session with your baby. It is amazing how efficient you will become in your pumping space. The supplies you will probably have to provide will be a pump/pump pieces and freezer bags (in which to keep your pumped milk.) Some savvy employers may provide a small fridge to keep your milk in and a super comfy space. Others may provide the bare minimum. Regardless, it is your right and you can make it happen!

What Should You Do if Your Employer Does Not Provide Pumping Breaks for You?

Check out your federal rights at the Workplace Support in Federal Law web site. All of your rights are there in front of you. You can make it happen!

Next time: Your First Week Back to Work

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It’s Off to Work We Go…. Part 1

2011-03-30T20:47:00.001-07:00

The time has come. Your maternity leave is slowly coming to an end. Whether you are sad to be leaving your little one for a portion of the day, excited to have some adult interaction, or a combination of the two, it is now time to consider how and what you will feed your baby during this time of separation. I remember feeling somewhat overwhelmed about this whole process. What was my son going to eat when he was away from me? How was I going to stockpile enough breastmilk before my first day back to work? Where was I going to pump while at work? The list went on and on in my mind and made me a little crazy. Yet, once I sat down and made a plan for myself, everything seemed less daunting and more feasible.

Well, ladies, my plan for the next few blog postings is to help make your 'back to work transition' easy and manageable. Are you ready? Here we go:

Starting the Pumping Process

As soon as your baby has gone through his/her growth spurt (around 2-3 weeks old) and if breastfeeding is going well, you can start pumping to get breast milk for bottles and your stock pile. Now you may ask, if I am exclusively breastfeeding, how I am going to have extra breast milk to pump? Well, usually your baby will remove about 75%-80% of your breast milk during a feeding, so there should still be some milk in there to pump out. Also, you may find that there are certain times of the day where you feel fuller, even after your baby has had a full feeding. I found that this time for me was in the morning. Even though I wasn't sleeping THAT much at night, my body was resting and replenishing while I was sleeping.

After our first mid-morning breastfeeding session, I would pump afterwards and save the little I got (usually .5-1oz) in the fridge in a milk storage bag. After pumping at this time for a few days in a row, I had about 3oz in the fridge….a perfect amount of breast milk for my 3 week-old son.

Introducing the Bottle

So, mamas, how do we introduce this first bottle of liquid gold???? Have someone else do it! Yes, you read correctly. Your baby can smell you from practically a mile away (well, maybe not that much!) and will probably have no interest in a bottle if he can have the real boob. Instead, hand your bundle of joy to dad, grandma, etc and immediately leave the room. And wait. And wait. Caution: Do not pump in place of this feeding session until you receive the 'All Clear' that your baby happily drank the bottle of milk and is as happy as a clam. I made the HUGE mistake of pumping as I THOUGHT my hubby was giving our son the bottle. Long story short, my son didn't take the bottle the first day. I had pumped because I thought he was drinking from the bottle. We ended up with a screaming little boy, empty breasts, and a frustrated mama. Moral of the Story: Wait until your baby takes the bottle and then pump in place of the breast feeding session. Now baby is full, mom has empty breasts, and now you have breast milk for your next bottle.

How Often Should I Give a Bottle?

If you are going back to work, I would recommend giving your baby a bottle a few times a week. That way, she/he gets used to going back and forth between bottle and breast and will continue to take a bottle once you return to work.

For a great resource about the different types of pumps and which ones are best for moms going back to work, check out one of my favorite web site: Breastfeeding for Working Mothers. As for bottles, always choose a slow flow nipple that looks most like your own anatomy.

If breastfeeding is still a challenge by 2-3 weeks, please see a lactation consultant before starting this process, as it could cause more difficulties if breastfeeding is not going well.

Next Time: Making Plans with Your Employer

How Your Breastfeeding Life Changes from 1mo - 6mos

2011-03-18T16:05:00.000-07:00

As your baby transitions from a sleepy few-week old to a more alert few-month old infant, you may notice that your baby's feeding patterns and behaviors change. You might be introducing a bottle and watching a family member enjoy taking part in the feeding routine. You may be going through growth spurts at 6 weeks and 3 months that throw you for a loop. You might also notice that your baby has inconsistent sleeping patterns and may sleep 6 hours/night one week and then go back to every two hours the next.

The following article, written by one of my favorite lactation consultants, Denise Altman, describes some common patterns you may notice in your 1mo - 6mo old baby. I love this article because it really helped normalize my son's behaviors at this age.

Enjoy!

Milk Supply and Intake / The First Six Months by Denise Altman RN, IBCLC, LCCE/All The Best

Why Does My Baby Cry while Feeding? - Part 2

2011-03-15T12:28:00.001-07:00

Last week we wrote about thrush, which may be one reason why babies cry while breastfeeding. This week we will discuss two more reasons that can cause babies to cry while breastfeeding: reflux and fast let-down.

Laid-back Breastfeeding - The Ultimate Position!

Reflux: Heartburn! How many of you had heartburn while you were pregnant? If you have ever felt this burning in your esophagus and chest, you know how absolutely uncomfortable this is. Most babies have some sort of reflux, as their digestive systems are still immature until they are about 3 months old. Babies with reflux often feel this pain in their chests while feeding, which may cause them to arch their backs, pull off and on, or just pull off and start crying. It is important to work with a lactation consultant if your baby is exhibiting these symptoms. Sometimes reflux can be managed with feeding your baby in a more laid-back position and keeping him/her upright for 20 minutes after feeding. Sometimes reflux can actually be a symptom of a food intolerance, which will drastically improve once the food is removed from the mom's diet. Other times, reflux can be a sign of a more challenging condition called gastro-esophageal reflux (GER), which sometimes needs to be treated with medication. A certified lactation consultant should be able to watch your baby feed and help you solve this issue based on your baby's symptoms and your medical history. You may also need to meet with your pediatrician. Whether it is reflux or food intolerance, formula is not the answer, so keep on breastfeeding and seek the help of a lactation consultant.

Fast let-down: Picture turning on the garden hose and trying to manage swallowing the liquid while dealing with the fast flow. This is the best way I can describe to a mom what it feels like when she has a fast let-down. Sometimes a baby will clamp down on the nipple to slow down her/his mom's flow. (Like kinking the hose to stop the flow) Other times, a baby will pull off and gasp for air. You may also hear your baby gulping super-fast and seem to sputter a little, which may lead to him/her swallowing a lot of air and becoming gassy later after the feeding session is over. Or, your baby might just pull off and cry if he/she sucked in a lot of air. Dealing with a fast flow can be fairly simple with just some small positional changes. Mom can lean back so that gravity can help to hold the milk in her breasts, rather than pouring into her baby's mouth. Also, a baby placed in a more upright position, either sitting on her/his mom's lap or lying on her chest, often can tolerate a fast flow a little better, as gravity will assist her/him in swallowing mom's milk at a more comfortable pace. Check out more information about this positioning at Biological Nurturing.

I cannot stress enough the importance of working with a certified lactation consultant if your baby is crying while breastfeeding. The stress on you, as the mom, can become overwhelming….and it doesn't have to be. Use your community resources and get the support you need so that you can continue to meet your own personal breastfeeding goals.

Why Does My Baby Cry While Feeding?

2011-03-10T12:19:00.001-08:00

Babies have this amazing ability to let you know when things just aren't right….they wail like a fire engine! Yes, they sure know how to get our attention. So, when a baby consistently cries while breastfeeding, a mom's maternal instinct kicks in and starts to hypothesize a thousand reasons why her baby is crying at breast. Could it be that my baby doesn't like the taste of my milk? Does my baby not enjoy breastfeeding? Do I not have enough milk? And the list goes on and on….. It is enough to drive a mom crazy, which often exacerbates the initial issue.

So what is a mom to do if her baby is consistently crying while feeding?

First of all, I would recommend meeting with a lactation consultant. Sometimes it is the position that is causing the baby to cry while feeding. Sometimes it could be thrush in the baby's mouth. A lactation consultant will watch your baby feed and should be able to figure out what is going on. In the meantime, here are a few reasons why a baby will cry while breastfeeding and a few quick ways to remedy the situation. This is in no way an exhaustive list, nor should it be taken as a substitute for professional lactation assistance from a lactation consultant or pediatrician….it is just a little glimpse into why your baby might be crying while breast feeding.

Thrush: The beasty-yeasty! Oh, the amount of thrush I saw this past summer could last me a lifetime. Sometimes when a baby has thrush, s/he will have white patches in her/his mouth which may itch or burn. Ouch! Look for white patches on your baby's tongue, inside cheeks, roof of his/her mouth, or on her/his gums. If it cannot be rubbed off, like milk tongue, it is probably thrush. Sometimes a baby will have a diaper rash. Sometimes there is no visible yeast at all. Check your nipples to see if they are pink and/or burning while feeding. A yeast infection can make it very uncomfortable to feed, which can explain lots of crying at breast. If your baby has thrush, you can start taking probiotics to fight off the 'bad' yeast and get your body back in check. Definitely make an appointment with an LC or your baby's pediatrician as a follow-up. Babies usually don't need to be placed on medication when they have thrush, as there are many herbal remedies that can take care of the yeast situation.

Check back next week when we discuss reflux and fast let-down.

10 Steps for Effective Pumping

2011-02-21T21:19:00.001-08:00

Whether you are going back to work, trying to increase your milk supply, or just need a little break from your baby, there are some great strategies for ways to maximize your pumping session(s). While your baby is usually your most efficient 'milk extractor', there are some definite tricks to help get your milk out with a pump. Denise Altman offers some amazing tips for pumping in this article. Hopefully these tips will help to make your pumping session(s) quick, easy, and painless!

Enjoy the article: Ten Steps for Effective Pumping

I’m Sick! Should I Continue to Breastfeed?

2011-02-17T17:13:00.001-08:00

Many moms will ask me if they should continue to breastfeed when they have a cold or the flu. The answer is: ABSOLUTELY! Whether it be a mild virus, a bacterial infection, the flu, mastistis, you name it, the best thing you can do for your baby is to continue to breastfeed.

By the time your symptoms begin to appear, you have already been contagious for several days, therefore your baby has already been exposed to your illness. Since you started to come down with your illness, your body has been creating antibodies to fight off this illness. These antibodies, which are specific to your illness, have been transmitted to your baby through your breast milk and will continue to protect your baby throughout the entire time your body is fighting your illness. If your baby does happen to catch what you have, most likely it will not be nearly as severe as what you are dealing with. How amazing is that?

So if you find yourself feeling under the weather, wash your hands often, stay hydrated, breastfeed often, and stay away from medications (such as antihistamines) that may increase your risk for lowering your milk supply.

For more information about medications that are safe to take while breastfeeding, check out LactMed or call your local Lactation Consultant.

The Breastfeeding Mom’s Most Important Cheerleader

2011-02-05T22:14:00.001-08:00

When I teach my prenatal breastfeeding classes, I often rate my success as a teacher by how well I am perceived by the significant other who attends the class with the pregnant mom. If a dad comes up to me and thanks me for the great class, I know that I have done my job. You see, if the pregnant mom signed up for the prenatal breastfeeding class, she has already made up her mind that she plans to breastfeed her child(ren). The significant other usually attends the class to show his/her support for the pregnant soon-to-be mom. This support is absolutely imperative in the mom's success to reach her breastfeeding goals. A mom needs her cheerleaders….significant others, friends, family members, yahoo-group friends, etc. …. to help her feel successful as a mother. Motherhood if challenging, especially the first time around; which is why we need our cheerleaders. If breastfeeding poses some challenges, it is this cheerleader who can either provide support and build confidence or slowly begin to offer that the mom give up.

This is why my prenatal breastfeeding class focuses more on creating support systems than positioning and latch. Lactation consultants can help to fix positioning and latch, but the cheerleaders are the ones who give the mom strength to meet her personal breastfeeding goals. It is the cheerleader who brings the mom water during the night and makes sure she eats enough healthy food throughout the day. It is the cheerleader who rubs mom's back and massages her shoulders as she feeds her baby 8 or more times in a 24 hr. period for the first few months of life. Again, it is the cheerleader who makes all the difference.

Wondering how to be the best cheerleader for a new mom? Here's your list to follow:

Before breastfeeding challenges arise, have a list of lactation consultants, La Leche League leaders, and breastfeeding support groups that you can contact to get help, if needed.
Breastfeeding a baby can take up a large portion of the day and night. Offer to help make dinner and take care of the home so mom can focus on getting breastfeeding off to a great start.
Find your own special ways to bond with the baby: snuggle after feedings to help the baby's milk digest more easily, hold the baby skin-to-skin, sing to the baby….these are just a few.
Discuss with mom what her breastfeeding goals are and do everything you can to support her and these goals.
Be proud to be a cheerleader! You role is irreplaceable!

The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding

2011-01-21T22:17:00.001-08:00

FACT SHEET

The Surgeon General's Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding outlines steps that can be taken to remove some of the obstacles faced by women who want to breastfeed their babies.

How many American women breastfeed their babies?

Three out of four mothers (75%) in the U.S. start out breastfeeding, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 2010 Breastfeeding Report Card.
At the end of six months, breastfeeding rates fall to 43%, and only 13% of babies are exclusively breastfed.
Among African-American babies, the rates are significantly lower, 58% start out breastfeeding, and 28% breastfeed at six months, with 8% exclusively breastfed at six months.
The Healthy People 2020 objectives for breastfeeding are: 82% ever breastfed, 61% at 6 months, and 34% at 1 year.

What are the health benefits of breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding protects babies from infections and illnesses that include diarrhea, ear infections and pneumonia.
Breastfed babies are less likely to develop asthma.
Children who are breastfed for six months are less likely to become obese.
Breastfeeding also reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Mothers who breastfeed have a decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

What are the economic benefits of breastfeeding?

Families who follow optimal breastfeeding practices can save between $1,200–$1,500 in expenditures on infant formula in the first year alone.
A study published last year in the journal Pediatrics estimated that if 90% of U.S. families followed guidelines to breastfeed exclusively for six months, the U.S. would annually save $13 billion from reduced medical and other costs.
For both employers and employees, better infant health means fewer health insurance claims, less employee time off to care for sick children, and higher productivity.
Mutual of Omaha found that health care costs for newborns are three times lower for babies whose mothers participate in the company's employee maternity and lactation program.

What obstacles do mothers encounter when they attempt to breastfeed?

Lack of experience or understanding among family members of how best to support mothers and babies.
Not enough opportunities to communicate with other breastfeeding mothers.
Lack of up-to-date instruction and information from health care professionals.
Hospital practices that make it hard to get started with successful breastfeeding.
Lack of accommodation to breastfeed or express milk at the workplace.

What can the health care community do?

More hospitals can incorporate the recommendations of UNICEF/WHO's Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative.
Provide breastfeeding education for health clinicians who care for women and children.
Ensure access to International Board Certified Lactation Consultants.

What can employers do?

Start and maintain high-quality lactation support programs for employees.
Provide clean places for mothers to breastfeed.
Work toward establishing paid maternity leave for employed mothers.

What can community leaders do?

Strengthen programs that provide mother-to-mother support and peer counseling.
Use community organizations to promote and support breastfeeding.

What can families and friends of mothers do?

Give mothers the support and encouragement they need to breastfeed.
Take advantage of programs to educate fathers and grandmothers about breastfeeding.

What can policymakers do?

Support small nonprofit organizations that promote breastfeeding in African-American communities.
Support compliance with the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes.
Increase funding of high-quality research on breastfeeding.
Support better tracking of breastfeeding rates as well as factors that affect breastfeeding.

To order a printed copy of The Surgeon General's Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding, call 1-800-CDC-INFO begin_of_the_skype_highlighting or email cdcinfo@cdc.gov and reference the publication title. For a downloadable copy, visit www.surgeongeneral.gov.

Supporting the Sisterhood Part 2

2011-01-14T16:44:00.001-08:00

In my quest to provide healthy, quick, and easy recipes to new mamas, here is the second installment with a fabulous easy recipe for homemade pizza dough. I love this recipe because it is so easy to include a plethora of vegetables to spice up the flavor and add to the health benefits. Think broccoli, red peppers, spinach, etc. Prepare the dough in the morning (when babies like to sleep the most) and roll, add toppings, and bake for dinner (when babies tend to be the most fussy). Add a salad and you have a full, healthy meal! Enjoy!

Ashley Treadwell's Easiest Pizza Dough Ever:

4 cups of flour (I use 1 c whole wheat and 3 cup white)
2 1/4 tsp (or one packet) yeast
1 Tbsp kosher salt
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 3/4 cup warm water

Add all dry ingredients to food processor and pulse to mix. Turn processor on and add olive oil. Add water slowly until dough forms a ball (you may not use all the water)
Let rest for 2 minutes.
Process for an additional 30 seconds.
Turn dough out onto floured surface and knead until elastic and smooth (1-5 min). Put into oiled bowl and cover with saran wrap and leave to rise - 1-2 hours (or all day).

When you are ready to cook the pizza, divide the dough into 2 balls. Roll the dough, on a floured surface, into a circle. Add jarred sauce and pre-shredded cheese.

To cook: place pizza dough of a floured cookie sheet or pizza stone. Precook dough at 425 for 5-10 minutes. Then add the toppings and bane for an additional 10 minutes or so.

Supporting the Sisterhood

2010-12-27T21:14:00.001-08:00

As a mom of a new baby, or a mom with any small-aged children, it can sometimes feel impossible to have any energy left to create a homemade meal. However, the best way to support your health, and your children's health, is with non-processed, homemade, healthy meals. So where can you find recipes for these meals? From the sisterhood! Here is your first recipe. I will be collecting recipes over the next few weeks and posting weekly on my blog, so that you will have a one-stop resource of quick, easy, healthy meals you can make to support your health and sanity. Enjoy!

If you have any to add to the collection, please feel free to post!

Baked Chicken and White Beans

From: Liz Ingle

2 large or 4 small chicken breasts (soaked in marinade for at least 1 hour)

1 can of Great Northern White Beans, rinsed and drained

½ small brown onion, diced

1 teaspoon white wine vinegar

1 tablespoon, plus ½ tsp. olive oil

1 teaspoon oregano

1 tablespoon water

Pinch of salt

Pinch of pepper

For marinade:

½ cup lite Italian dressing

½ teaspoon salt

¼ dry white wine

Directions:

For Chicken: Combine ingredients for marinade in a Ziploc bag, whisk together and add chicken to bag. Soak for at least an hour or up to overnight. Preheat oven to 365 degrees, add chicken to baking dish with a small portion of the marinade, cover with foil and bake for 30 min or until juice in chicken runs clear.

For Beans: In a medium saucepan, add 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent. Add drained canned beans; stir to mix onions and beans. Add remaining olive oil and water. Heat ingredients together for a couple minutes, then reduce heat to low. Add the vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cover and let simmer on low until beans are soft and warm, approximately 5 – 10 min. Add additional water if needed (bean mixture should be moist so as not to burn in the pan).

Book Recommendations for New Moms

2010-12-07T20:48:00.001-08:00

Over the past 5 years, I have been collecting books to help guide my lactation consultant practice, as well as my own journey through motherhood. My passion for practicing holistically has really grown, since I have seen such a benefit of using herbs, homeopathy, acupuncture, and better nutrition with my own family. I hope that you will find a useful resource in this book list to help you along in your own journey.

Breastfeeding:

The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by Diane Wiessinger, Diana West, and Teresa Pitman

Everything you wanted to know about breastfeeding, from prenatal to weaning. This book is easy to read, incredibly informative, and has great web and LLLI resources.

The Breastfeeding Mother's Guide to Making More Milk by Diana West and Lisa Marasco

Find the cause of your low milk supply; discover effective ways to make more milk; learn how to keep up your milk supply.

Mother Food by Hilary Jacobson

Food and herbs that promote milk production and a mother's health, with special sections on colic, allergy, depression, weight loss, and low milk supply.

Mothering Multiples: Breastfeeding and caring for twins and more by Karen Kerkhoff Gromada

A guide to breastfeeding and raising multiples, while maintaining individuality and family.

Sleep:

The 90-Minute Baby Sleep Program by Polly Moore, Ph.D.

Teaches parents how to follow their babies' natural sleep rhythms for better night and naps.

The No-Cry Sleep Solution by Elizabeth Pantley

Gentle ways to help your baby sleep through the night.

Maternal Health:

Natural Health after Birth: the Complete Guide to Postpartum Wellness by Aviva Jill Romm

Herbs, nutrition, yoga and practical wisdom to help moms through the postpartum years.

Mothering the New Mother by Sally Placksin

A support and resource guide to mother's feeling and needs after childbirth.

After the Baby's Birth by Robin Lim

A practical guide to postpartum health, focusing on natural and holistic practices.

Infant/Toddler/Child Health:

Naturally Healthy Babies and Children by Aviva Jill Romm

A guide to herbal remedies, nutrition, and health for your child's ailments.

The Holistic Baby Guide by Randall Neustaedter, OMD

A holistic approach to alternative care for common health problems of newborns, infants, and toddlers.

Child Health Guide by Randall Neustaedter, OMD

A holistic pediatrics guide for parents. Learn how to build a strong immune system, feed your child, and treat ailments at home without drugs.

Happy Baby: The Organic Guide to Baby's First 24 Months by Robert W. Sears, MD, FAAP and Amy Marlow, MPH, RD, CDN

A guide to healthy, green living with your newborn through toddler.

The Vaccine Book by Robert W. Sears, MD, FAAP

Tools to help parents make informed decisions about each childhood vaccine.

Another Delicious Recipe - Roasted Corn Chowder with Chicken

2010-11-22T19:18:00.000-08:00

As a mom of two preschool age boys, I am constantly searching for easy, yummy recipes that don't take a ton of time to make. This recipe was inspired by a recipe I found on the Gluten-Free Goddess web site, one of my favorite cooking web sites. Now, this recipe was a little too spicy for my boys, so I set aside some chicken for them and used the rest in the soup. This soup would be perfect for leftover Thanksgiving turkey, as well. Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving!

Roasted Corn Chowder with Chicken

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp cumin
5 cloves minced garlic
1 medium sweet onion, chopped
1 bag frozen roasted corn, Trader Joe's
1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
1 14-oz can Trader Joe's Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles
1 cup seeded, chopped fresh heirloom tomatoes
1 quart chicken broth
1 14-oz light coconut milk
2 rounded cups cooked chicken pieces

To serve:
Fresh lime slices

Heat olive oil in large soup pot over medium heat. Add cumin and cook for one minute. Added garlic and onion and cook for 5 minutes. Add roasted corn, sweet potatoes, canned tomatoes, and fresh tomatoes and stir for a minute. Add in broth and bring to a high simmer. Lower the heat and simmer gently until the sweet potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes. Add coconut milk and cooked chicken pieces. Heat through gently. Serve with lime slices. Pure heaven! Enjoy!

How and When to Introduce a Bottle to your Breastfeeding Infant

2010-11-12T13:16:00.000-08:00

As a mom of two boys, I know the benefit of having a few moments to myself. Sometimes I forget how necessary a yoga class, a nice walk, or even a relaxed trip to the mall is to repair a tired and worn down psyche. For a new mom, this personal time is even more precious since your baby is extremely dependent on you. While this can be magical and beautiful time, it is also very exhausting. We often forget to take care of ourselves.

Breastfeeding moms also have an even more difficult time finding 'me-time' because our darling babies not only need us for comfort, but also for nourishment. So, how do we find that balance between 'me-time' and meeting our babies needs? One of those ways is to have someone else give our babies their nourishment....expressed breastmilk in a bottle.

How do I get breastmilk for a bottle when I am exclusively breastfeeding?
Babies go through growth spurts around 2 weeks and 6 weeks of age. By three weeks, if breastfeeding is going well (baby is back to birth weight and gaining well, baby is peeing and pooping appropriately, and mom's breast tenderness has subsided), it is a good time to start pumping. Choose a time in the morning, when you are most full, and pump after your baby takes a full feeding. You probably won't get much (maybe 1/2oz), but you can put that in the fridge. Do this for a few days until you have about 2-2.5oz. Now you have a full amount for your baby's bottle. Once your baby takes the bottle, replace your breastfeeding session with a pumping session, so that you can keep up with your baby's feeding needs.

Which bottle should I use?
Once your baby feeds easily from breast and bottle, it really doesn't matter which bottle you use. Initially, you will want to choose a slow-flow nipple, to help your baby from becoming 'flow-preferenced.' Also, it is sometimes helpful to choose a bottle that comes with a nipple that looks most like your own anatomy. This way, your baby won't notice a huge difference.

When should I introduce a bottle?
The best time to introduce a bottle is between 3-5 weeks, in between your baby's growth spurts. This way the bottle-feeding shouldn't affect your milk supply.

How should I introduce a bottle?
First off, have someone other than you give the first few bottles. Babies can smell their moms and usually will not want to take those first few bottles from mom, since they would prefer to breastfeed. Have dad, grandma, anyone other than mom introduce the bottle. The goal is to do it in a breastfeeding-friendly manner. Have the bottle-feeder hold your baby in a somewhat upright position. Keep the bottle horizontal, so that your baby has to work for the milk, rather than letting it drip quickly into his/her mouth. This will help your baby from becoming 'flow-preferenced.' Help your baby to pause, as he/she would while breastfeeding, rather than guzzling the whole bottle down in 5 minutes.

Hopefully these techniques will help your baby to take a bottle, as frequently or infrequently as you desire. Now, go and get that pedicure you have been wanting for the past few months, but never had the time to get. You deserve it!

Why do you choose to breastfeed?

2010-07-18T15:53:00.000-07:00

Lately, there has been a plethora of articles debating a mother's choice to breastfeed. Do women choose to breastfeed because of the increased health benefits for them and their babies? Do they choose not to breastfeed because they have heard it will hurt and make their boobs sag? Whether a mom has sore nipples, twins, a premature baby, or a difficult birth scenario, it seems like the choice to continue breastfeeding often comes down to whether the mom has the appropriate support system in place, as is described on my favorite new web site, Best for Babes.
I always start my prenatal breastfeeding class by asking the soon-to-be moms to state one benefit of breastfeeding and one concern they have about breastfeeding. While I listen to my moms list the benefit that is most important to them, I haven't really thought about my own reasons for why I support breastfeeding.

Here are my Top 10 Reasons I Choose to Breastfeed

10. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of obesity.

9. Breastmilk is free; formula is expensive.

8. Breastmilk is always available, no matter where you are or time of day.

7. Breastmilk has never been recalled due to manufacturing problems.

6. Breastfeeding protects again respiratory infections and ear infections.

5. Breastfeeding protects against SIDS.

4. Breastmilk provides perfect infant nutrition.

3. Breastmilk provides on-going immunity to the baby, as well as helps to build the baby's own immune system.

2. Colostrum seals the baby's gut closed, providing immediate protection from infection and disease.

1. Breastmilk is what nature intended for women to feed their babies. If I had the milk, then I planned on giving it to my baby.

For 91 more reasons to choose to breastfeed, see the list of 101 Reasons to Breastfeed Your Child at ProMoM, Inc.

Does traveling cause a dip in milk supply?

2010-07-12T13:46:00.000-07:00

A close friend of mine was at a breastfeeding support group recently and was told that many moms see a dip in their milk supplies when traveling with their babies. My friend speculated that this may be a reaction to the stress of traveling with an infant. I told her I would look into this, since I couldn't fathom why traveling would make a mom's milk supply decrease. A mom's milk supply could surely decrease when traveling WITHOUT her infant, but why WITH her infant? After some internet and article searching, I couldn't find any scientific reasons that would cause this phenomenon. But, since a few moms have seen this happen, I thought I would offer some advice on how to make sure that this doesn't happen to you.

5 WAYS TO MAINTAIN YOUR MILK SUPPLY WHEN TRAVELING WITH AN INFANT

1. If traveling by plane, nurse your baby during take-off, landing, and turbulents. This will relieve the pressure in your baby's ears, thereby relieving your stress level.

2. Keep to your baby's regular feeding schedule. If this means you will have to nurse in public, practice before you go on your trip so that you are confident and comfortable. A baby wrap is a great way to nurse discreetly in public.

3. If you plan to go out and have someone else watch your baby, pump before you leave so that you are not full and uncomfortable while away from your baby. A hand pump should suffice for this moderate use.

4. Some babies have a difficult time sleeping away from home, so plan to take a few naps during your trip, so that you can make up for some lost sleep during those restless times.

5. Don't plan too many activities during your trip. Try to keep your stress level down, which will preserve your milk supply, making for a happier, more content baby....maybe even a rested and relaxed mommy!

Happy travels!

When Should I Call a Lactation Consultant?

2010-06-23T21:23:00.001-07:00

For many women, breastfeeding is a breeze. Your baby is born, he is placed on your chest, and soon after he self-attaches to your breast and that is all she wrote. This is how it was for my sister, the second time around. Granted, she had a completely unmedicated home birth, had breastfed her first child for over two years, and her baby was born without any health problems.

Then, there are the rest of us…. 10-hour epidurals, emergency cesarean births, tight frenulums, sleepy babies, etc. With all the right intentions, we get caught in a situation where our nipples feel like they are about to fall off and we cry every time our baby wakes up because we can't imagine having to breastfeed in pain AGAIN! However, there are women out there who can figure out what is going on with you and your baby and possibly improve your breastfeeding situation drastically….. these are the lactation consultants. Plus, the sooner you see a lactation consultant, the sooner you will begin to heal and be able to breastfeed your baby, pain free.

Here is a list of reasons why you would want to call for a lactation consultant:

Sore, cracked nipples
Severe engorgement
Breast infection
Your baby was born prematurely
Your baby has lost more than 7% of his birth weight
Slow weight gain – your baby has not regained her birth weight by 10-14 days
Low milk supply
Painful when feeding, even though your baby looks like she has a good latch
Your baby has severe jaundice
Breastfeeding multiples
History of infertility or PCOS

I hope you are all blessed with beautiful, easy breastfeeding experiences. Both my boys took a few weeks to figure it out, but it was definitely worth the wait. And I have my lactation consultant to thank for thatJ

How Do I Know that my Baby is Getting Enough?

2010-06-08T09:23:00.001-07:00

As a breastfeeding mom, it is difficult to measure how much your baby is getting at each feeding session. Bottles come with ounces written on the side, breasts do not. A new mom, still learning her baby's cues, might think that every time her baby cries that she/he is hungry, therefore leaving mom with a sense that she must not be making enough milk. This is usually not the case. But, to put your mind at ease, here are a few ways to actually know if your baby is getting enough.

For babies 1-6 weeks old:

Has regained his birth weight by 10-14 days old
Has 5 or more wet diapers and 3 or more soiled diapers in 24 hours
Gains 4-7oz per week
You can hear swallowing throughout the feed

If your baby is meeting the above criteria, trust your body, trust your maternal instincts, and continue what you're doing.

If your baby is not meeting the above criteria, I would recommend seeing your pediatrician or a lactation consultant to assess the situation.

FYI, Babies go through growth spurts around 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months old. During these 2-4 days, your baby will be fussy, want to eat constantly, and want to be held all of the time. This is normal. This is nature's way of increasing your milk supply with extra breast stimulation. During these growth spurts, breastfeed on demand; this will make the growth spurt take less time….pacifiers only make them last longer. Once your baby has successfully increased your milk supply, he/she will go back to feeding on a more regular schedule.

Champion Mom

2010-05-16T20:03:00.000-07:00

I have been working with a client for over 6 weeks now and it has definitely been the most challenging case I have had to date. Baby was tongue-tied, mom had severe nipple trauma, and the mom had to supplement the baby so that she could continue to gain weight. I worried about them constantly....I wanted it to work out so badly. My heart was breaking for them every time I got a phone call that things had taken a step backwards. I reached out to colleagues for advice on something I felt I may be missing. We went for a second opinion, just to make sure I had all of the facts correct. Fortunately, the mom was super dedicated to breastfeeding and wanted to succeed so badly. I just was the cheerleader and support system.

Well, after two frenotomies, countless lactation consultations, multiple appointments with a craniosacral therapist, pumping after every feeding session, and a handful of supplements to battle the nipple trauma, mom and baby are now successfully breastfeeding. I was so proud of the duo that I could have cried! I am so in awe of the mom's dedication and how she persevered to achieve what she set out to accomplish. She battled and won! It has been such an incredible learning experience, as well as an amazing confidence booster for me as a lactation consultant. I feel blessed to have met this family!

Obstacles to Breastfeeding

2010-05-04T10:07:00.000-07:00

I just found the most amazing web site, called Best for Babes: Giving Breastfeeding a Makeover. What I love about this site is that the authors candidly talk about all of the ways in which women are sabotaged into failing at breastfeeding. The authors, Bettina Forbes and Danielle Rigg, don't point fingers at moms and shame them into guilt, like so many web sites and articles do. Instead, they explain the barriers and lack of support moms receive, which is so much more productive and accurate. For example, why is breastfeeding viewed to be so difficult now? Why are women constantly worried about milk supply? Why are healthy babies given bottles of formula in the hospital for no medical reason? These "booby traps", as the authors cleverly call them, are what cause moms to lose self-confidence, doubt their intuition, and eventually give up feeding their babies the best nutrient possible....breastmilk.

So how does a mom overcome these "booby traps?"

Become aware of the cultural and institutional "booby traps" and learn how to avoid them.

Assemble, what the authors term, your A-Team - breastfeeding-supportive OBGYN/Midwife, pediatrician, Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Hospital/Birth Center.

Prepare yourself - Create a birth plan that is conducive to breastfeeding, practice skin-to-skin once the baby is born, plan to feed on demand, know who to ask for help.

Find your local and cyberspace resources - Have a list of breastfeeding support groups, lactation consultant referrals, and non-sabotaging web sites that can offer assistance and support, without the "booby traps."

Check out all of the other articles and blog entries on Best for Babes.

The only way we, as women, will be able to overcome the institutional, cultural, and familial obstacles to breastfeeding is by supporting one another and educating those who sabotage our goals. Rock on, Best for Babes! I am so happy you exist!

Breastfeeding 101 Classes

2010-04-29T14:12:00.000-07:00

I am so excited! I finally have a place to teach my Breastfeeding 101 classes. I have been volunteering, teaching my class at Best Start Birth Center, for over 4 months. Now, I finally will be teaching there and at the Whole Family Wellness Center on a regular basis.

I have always loved teaching, which is one of the reasons that I got into this profession. I love sharing knowledge, brainstorming best practices, and collaborating with others. While teaching elementary school-aged children was a blast, now that I have my own kids, I prefer to teach adults, particularly new moms. Also, thanks to my brother and sisters who have been passionate about holistic medicine for over 15 years (one sister is an herbalist, another has celiac disease, and my brother is a vegetarian, mountain-man), I have been exposed to more natural, traditional ways to eat, treat illness, and live a healthy life. I am still learning everyday, not just to improve my quality of life, but for my husband and my two young children.

In Breastfeeding 101, I combine western philosophies with traditional naturopathic beliefs to make breastfeeding natural and easy for each and every mother and family. This class covers the benefits of breastfeeding, what to expect in the first 2 weeks of breastfeeding, breastfeeding positions, and common misconceptions about breastfeeding. I also discuss baby self-attachment, ways to build a healthy milk supply, and holistic methods for treating common breastfeeding concerns.

Breastfeeding 101 will be offered at the Best Start Birth Center and the Whole Family Wellness Center, at least once a month. Please see my calendar for dates and times at http://www.sdbfc.com/calendar.html
To register for one of these classes, please see http://www.sandiegohypnobirth.com/Breastfeeding_Classes.html and fill out the registration form.

Please pass this information on to all of your pregnant friends:)

Best chili recipe EVER

2010-03-16T14:01:00.000-07:00

My friend, Bree, is an absolutely amazing cook. She is also the queen of easy dinners that can be made super fast with no fuss. This chili is outstanding and can be made around lunch time, so by dinner time your house has a wonderful aroma and all you have to do is set the table. Enjoy!

Bree's Awesome Chili

1 yellow onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 lbs ground beef (although I love to use bison meat....super low in fat and delectable!)
28oz canned diced tomatoes
1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can great northern beans, drained and rinsed
1 tsp dried parsley
chili powder (to taste)
1/2 jar of favorite bar b q sauce
1/4 cup instant coffee
honey (taste)
Salt and pepper (to taste)

Saute onions, garlic, and olive oil over medium high heat until onions are soft. Add the meat and cook until browned. Add the rest of the ingredients and simmer over low heat for 1-5 hours. Taste the chili 1/2 way through and adjust seasonings, bar b q sauce, coffee, and honey to taste.

Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream (or greek yogurt), and chips (or corn bread.)
Freeze and left overs for up to a month.

Why is my baby so fussy in the early evening?

2010-03-09T14:48:00.000-08:00

The "witching hour" is what my mom calls it.....that span from 4pm-7pm when babies just fuss and complain and want to be held nonstop.

Why does this happen?
During the first few months of life, babies can be very fussy right around dinner time. Some studies say that this is because young infants become overstimulated very easily and that by the late afternoon they are just completely exhausted from the day. Others hypothesize that this is one of the most energy-filled times of the day. Partners are coming home from work, siblings are home from school, dinner is being made, the TV might be on....that is a lot of commotion for a baby to process. For breastfeeding moms, excess breast milk that accumulated while "sleeping" at night has dwindled and now the baby is removing the milk as it is being made, which may slow down the flow of milk. Lastly, babies are fussy during these hours because they want to eat....they are trying to load up on calories, so that they can sleep for a longer chunk of time at night.

What can I do to get through it and still keep my sanity?
1. Breastfeed often. Lots of small meals during these hours may equal one large feed, which will allow your baby to hopefully sleep a little bit longer.
2. Wear your baby. My son hung out in a baby carrier from 4-8pm every night from 6 weeks until 3 1/2 months. This way, I could bounce him, sing to him, soothe him, and feed him while still preparing dinner, eating dinner, and bathing my older son.
3. Prepare dinner in the morning. Babies are usually calmer in the morning before overstimulation sets in. Use your crockpot, make casseroles and chili, make larger portions and freeze the left-overs. This way, dinner is one less thing you have to think about during your baby's fussy time.
4. Take a breath. Your baby's late afternoon fussiness should subside between three and four months of age. Then she/he will begin to enjoy attention and engagement during these hours.

Calling All Moms!

2010-02-02T11:02:00.000-08:00

Did you receive some invaluable advice that just 'saved your sanity' after your baby was born? As moms, we receive unsolicited advice (sometimes daily!) from everyone ranging from family members to doctors to the cashier at the grocery store. Most of it can be seen as patronizing or irritating, however some advice can be extremely helpful.

I would love if we, as a community of moms, could create a list of those 'sanity-saving' gems for all of those moms who could use the nonjudgmental, caring advice.

Please post your advice to the comments after this post and let's create a 'sanity-saving' support system for all moms out there in the cyberspace world.

My 'sanity-saving' advice:
Allow your husband/partner/baby's father to parent in his/her own way. Allow him/her to make mistakes without judging him/her. If you step in every time parenting gets difficult, he/she will always require you to solve the parenting problem....that means more work for you in the end. Plus, you never know when you may learn something positive from his/her parenting style.

Babywearing 101

2010-01-27T12:46:00.000-08:00

By: Kim Kaplan, Guest Blogger

I think any discussion of new motherhood and breastfeeding should include information on babywearing. I know for me, wearing my babies is not only an incredible time-saver, but it’s also an essential part of my whole parenting style.

If you do a little research, you’ll quickly see that the benefits of babywearing are numerous and wide-ranging. Dr. Sears will tell you that worn babies cry and fuss less (I know for me, both of my girls would instantly fall asleep when they were wrapped for the first several months of their lives). Babies who are worn spend more time interacting with people at eye level, helping them to develop speech and social skills, and the rise and fall motion of their wearer’s gate helps them to improve their balance.

Babywearing can be especially helpful right when your baby is born. Kangaroo care, or wearing your baby skin to skin, can help regulate a newborn’s body temperature and encourage milk production. Having your baby right next to your breast will encourage her to nurse more frequently and will help you learn to respond to her signs of hunger quicker. And babywearing gives you free hands to get things done and feel like you’ve accomplished something more than surviving those first few weeks and months. It also gives other caregivers a chance to have a close physical bond with the baby and really feel connected. Parents, grandparents, older siblings, and friends can all safely wear the baby and have some special snuggle time.

Plus, babywearing allows you to take your child places a stroller just can’t go, like on a hike through the mountains or on a long walk down the beach. For me, wearing my babies has become a part of life. It’s a way for us to feel more connected, for me to nurse on the go, for my husband to get some work done around the house while still helping with the kids, for us to keep the kids safe while we navigate a busy airport or famers market, and a million other reasons.

CHOOSING A CARRIER

So, if you’re convinced that babywearing is for you, the next step is choosing a carrier. The main types of carriers are pouches, ring slings, wraps, soft structured carriers, and mei tais. Below I’ve given some information on the different types of carriers. Different people prefer different carriers, so if you can, it’s best to try out a few before deciding on a carrier.

Pouches

A pouch is just a loop of fabric that goes around your body and has a pocket to nestle the baby in. Pouches are best for young babies because they only go over one shoulder. The bigger your baby gets, the less comfortable one-shoulder carriers are going to become. However, for small babies, pouches are good because they are easy to put on and provide an easy pop-in/pop-out for baby. Be careful with pouches, though. They must be fitted properly and you must make sure that your baby’s airflow is not limited. See the section below on safe babywearing for more info.

Brands: Peanut Shell, Kangaroo Korner, Hotslings

Ring Slings

A ring sling is a long piece of fabric that is looped around 2 metal rings. You pull the fabric through the rings to create the pocket for your baby. Like pouches, ring slings usually go over just one shoulder, so they can get uncomfortable with a bigger baby. Ring slings take a little more time to put on, since you’ll need to adjust the rings, but they don’t need to be fitted so they’re easier to share. Ring slings can be very pretty and the tail of the fabric is great to use as a nursing cover or a sunshade.

Brands: Maya Wrap, Sakura Bloom, Sleeping Baby Productions (SBP)

Wraps

A wrap is just one long piece of fabric that you tie around yourself and your baby. Wraps are probably the most versatile of all carriers. You can use a woven wrap from the newborn stage all the way up through toddlerhood. If you can survive the wrapping learning curve, a wrap can be your best friend. There are actually 2 varieties of wraps: stretchy and woven. Stretchy wraps are made of stretchy material such as cotton interlock. They’re great for newborns because they’re super comfy and snuggly and the stretchiness of the material allows you to wrap safely even if you maybe tied a little too tight. However, stretchy wraps will only last you until your baby is 15-20 pounds. After that, you may start your walk with your baby nicely nestled under your chin, but you’ll end your walk with his feet banging against your knees. Not comfy. Woven wraps are a little bit harder to tie because they don’t have much “give” if they’re tied too tight, but with a little practice, you can become a wrap-tying pro. Tying a wrap obviously takes more time than tossing on a pouch or buckling a soft-structured carrier, but some carries can be pre-tied.

Brands: Moby (stretchy), Wrapsody (stretchy and woven), Didymos (woven), Girasol (woven), Neobulle (woven), and many many others.

Soft-Structured Carriers

Soft-structured carriers are terrific carriers. They’re made of a more structured fabric with straps and a waistband that buckle closed. They’re fast to put on and great for bigger kids. Plus, dads really gravitate towards them. Some SSCs come with “infant inserts” but this makes them pretty bulky, and trying to use an SSC for an infant without the insert can leave your baby a little lost in it. Some newer SSCs come with an infant harness, which if you get the hang of it, can make it an awesome little baby carrier. However, for me, I think SSCs are really better for bigger kids (like 6 months and older).

Brands: Ergo, Beco, Pikkolo, Calyx, BabyHawk “Oh Snap,” Dream Carrier, KinderCarry

Mei Tais

Mei Tais are similar to soft-structured carriers, but they have long straps that you tie rather than buckles. Mei tais take longer to put on than SSCs because you have to tie them, but the tying gives you more flexibility for your carries. For example, when I was pregnant, I would wear my daughter in a mei tai tied at my shoulders (called “Tibetan carry”) when I couldn’t deal with having anything on my tummy, and then tied under my belly when that became more comfortable. If you have a situation where the standard configuration of an SSC does not work for you, a mei tai might be just right. Plus they’re really pretty.

Brands: Babyhawk, Mei Tai Baby

SAFE AND COMFORTABLE BABYWEARING

Successful babywearing is safe and comfortable for you and your baby. When you’re wearing your baby, safety has to be of the utmost importance. When you’re learning to wear your baby, try practicing with a doll or a bag of rice first, and then second, try carries over a bed or couch with a spotter. Check your carrier from time to time to make sure that there are no rips and that it’s not worn to the point that it’s compromising the integrity of the carrier. Also make sure you’re using an appropriate carrier - NEVER use a stretchy wrap for back carries and NEVER use a “bag sling” like the Infantino Sling Rider.

Make sure your baby’s airway is clear. His chin should not be pressed against his chest or kinked uncomfortably upwards. His mouth and nose should have a clear pathway to fresh air – not tucked completely under fabric or pressed into your chest. Your baby’s legs should be “froggy position” (legs bent with knees above bum) and not in the “crotch dangle” position made infamous by the Baby Bjorn carrier. Support the head of small babies still learning head control by keeping them facing you rather than facing out. This will also protect them from overstimulation.

Also, make sure you’re comfortable when wearing your baby. Adjust the straps/rings/fabric so that you are distributing your baby’s weight and not creating any pressure points. Skip the “front face out” position as it will kill your back and most likely overstimulate your baby. Also, to protect your back, keep your baby high and tight to you. You should be able to kiss your baby’s head without much effort.

Finally, use common sense. If you or your baby seems uncomfortable, stop and fix it. Don’t do anything dangerous while wearing your baby – your carrier is not a force field. Make sure you take the addition of your baby into account when going through doorways or through grocery aisles. Keep sharp or dangerous items out of reach.

MORE INFO

For more info than you could possibly want on babywearing, and to find some amazing used carriers, check out http://thebabywearer.com . Also, for hands on assistance, try to find a local babywearing group (check out thebabywearer to find a group near you). Most groups have a carrier library that will let you try out carriers before you buy and have plenty of moms who’d love to help you learn to use your carrier properly.

Holy Growth Spurts!!!

2010-01-19T13:52:00.000-08:00

Feel like your child has been possessed by the devil himself? Crying, fussy, constantly wanting to feed and be held? Is s/he about 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, or 6 months old? Well, hello growth spurt!

I was in New York City this past weekend, visiting one of my closest friends and her new 6 week old baby. According to my friend, her sweet little bundle of joy had turned into a crying mess in the past day or two....which, in turn, induced some bouts of crying in her as well. At first glance, I thought maybe this sweet babe was a little overstimulated with me being there. Not so much the case. Over the next 48 hours, sweet NYC baby ate almost every 1 1/2 hours, slept for about 20 minutes, and then fussed until the next feeding. It was almost impossible to soothe her and becoming quite challenging for adorable NYC mommy. Then the tide turned....NYC babe completely hibernated. For about 24 hours, she slept for 3-hour stretches, woke up to eat, and then fell into another deep sleep. She was definitely making up for her marathon eating frenzy that occurred the 48 hours before. By the fourth day, sweet NYC baby had returned to her normal self....eating, sleeping, pooping, cooing, repeat! NYC mommy had survived the growth spurt and all was back to normal in their 800 square-foot apartment.

Now, I talk about these growth spurts all of the time with my new clients, however, I hadn't personally experienced one myself in about 3 years. Talk about some perspective! While these growth spurts typically last 48-72 hours, they are absolutely exhausting. Thank goodness my friend knew that this was a temporary occurrence and that it served an important purpose....to help build her future milk supply. Many mothers think that this growth spurt behavior is an indication that they have no milk, which is not the case at all. Growth spurts happen so that your baby can help increase you milk supply as s/he continues to grow and flourish. And let me repeat....they are temporary!

So, if your baby is going through a growth spurt, hang in there..... it won't last forever. In the meantime, find a friend who can give you a break for a few minutes so that you can take a shower. Breastfeed often and frequently...remember, this is to help increase your future milk supply. Order take out or ask someone to bring dinner over. Wear your baby in a sling/carrier/wrap so that he/she can feel close to you and be easily soothed. Celebrate once the growth spurt is over and give yourself a pat on the back for surviving one of parenthood's more exhausting moments!

Hi-ho, hi-ho, it's off to work I go.....

2010-01-10T12:07:00.000-08:00

With lunch in my hand, heels on my feet, and a dress to complete the outfit, I stepped out of my house at 8:30am on Monday morning to drive, by myself, to work for the first time in 2 1/2 years. My kids were baffled, my hubby was ecstatic, and I was somewhere in between. Now, working part time is the best gig a stay-at-home mom can ask for. I work 3 days a week and the rest of the time I am with my kids and taking care of the regular mundane chores of being the leader of the household. This is in stark contrast of when I went back to work 6 weeks after my boys were born and I was there full time. That was a lot more stressful for me. Plus, in this job, I am privileged to assist breastfeeding moms all day long and help them to become more confident and empowered women....

I think this part time gig is going to work out just fine:)

Here is my Top Five List of Ways to make Returning to Work Easier

5. Plan your dinners by the week and use that crock pot like it is going out of style. Plus, leftovers are great to bring for lunch the next day.
4. Don't get dressed until right before you are going to leave for work....nothing is worse than saying 'good morning' to you boss, covered in your child's breakfast.
3. Go to sleep on the early side, especially if your kids have a tendency to wake you up in the middle of the night. Mine are 4 and 3, but they still wake up pretty regularly throughout the night, which really throws off my mojo in the morning.
2. If you love coffee or tea in the morning, invest in a really good travel mug....you will be able to enjoy your drink in peace and quiet on the way to work, which is more than I can say for the days when I am at home.
1. Try to leave all of your work stress at work so that you can be present when you are with your kids. They are going to be so happy to be around you when you are together, so cherish and enjoy those moments!

The Simplest Presents are the Most Cherished

2009-12-26T14:38:00.000-08:00

Since my boys were born, we have searched for the perfect educational gifts to keep them entertained while they learn. After almost five years, we are continually surprised by how the simplest gifts are the ones they adore the most.

Today, my three and four year old watch the Nightmare Before Christmas while drawing with their new $.99 sharpie pens, which they are totally enamored with. So, for all of you new and seasoned mommies out there, here is my list of top 5 presents that my kids have receives that are cheap and easy to find.

5. Their own drawer of wooden spoons, whisks, towels, and spatulas in the kitchen.

4. A step stool, to help wash the dishes and cook dinner.

3. Dry erase boards with a 'special' eraser.

2. A mini broom and dust pan

1. Photo album that they have helped make.

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday season! Thanks for keeping up with the Sanity Spot. I look forward to offering more advice for the new mom in the new year.

How do I know if my baby is feeding well?

2009-12-15T08:53:00.000-08:00

As a lactation consultant, I get asked this question all of the time..."How do I know if my baby is feeding well?" First of all, it all depends on the age of the baby because feeding and weight gain patterns change as the baby grows and gets older.

For a 1 day old to 14 day old newborn:

How do I know things are going well?

Your baby nurses 8 or more times in 24 hours and is vigorous for at least 20 minutes of each feeding.
Your baby’s urine and stool output increases daily, and by 1 week of age he/she is urinating 6 or more times and has yellow stools 4 or more times in 24 hours.
Your breasts start to feel full 3-5 days after your baby was born.
Your baby settles after most feedings.
Your breasts may be tender, but it is not painful to breastfeed.
Your baby regains his/her birth weight by 10-14 days old.

How do I know that I need to meet with a lactation consultant?

Your baby nurses less than 8 times a day (during the first few months)
Your baby seems hungry all of the time, yet consistently eats for a few minutes and then falls asleep at breast.
Your baby has not regained his/her birth weight by 10-14 days old or has very slow weight gain.
You have very sore and/or cracked nipples and it is painful to breastfeed.
You are worried that you do not enough milk.
Your baby is increasingly getting yellow from jaundice.

References: Counseling the Nursing Mother by Lauwers and Swisher

Kellymom website

Infant Massage Rubs San Diego Babies the Right Way

2009-12-07T14:33:00.000-08:00

Infant Massage Rubs San Diego Babies the Right Way

Rachel Rainbolt, M.A., CEIM, ICI

San Diego parents are catching on; research shows that infant massage makes your baby smarter, stronger, healthier, and happier. While most parents are lured to infant massage by benefits like improved sleep patterns and relief from gastrointestinal distress, many find the most rewarding benefit to be the bond that is fostered in their new relationship with their baby.

Are you a new parent? Do you want to give your baby every advantage? Do you want something that makes parenting life easier along the way? Infant massage can give your baby a significant physical, intellectual, emotional, and social advantage that lasts a lifetime.

"Infant Massage promotes an infant’s physiological and neurological development and function, helps soothe common discomforts, promotes restful sleep and increases healthy attachment and bonding," says Infant Massage USA Trainer and Ramona resident, Suzanne P. Reese.

Infant massage stimulates digestion, healthy weight gain, intellectual development, circulation and natural healing. It promotes relaxation, sleep, self regulation, and reduces stress hormones. It relieves gastrointestinal discomfort/pain, tension, and colic. Research shows that infants who are massaged sleep longer and cry less. Even with all these benefits, parents are finding that what they treasure most from their infant massage experience is the strong, close, and healthy attachment that is fostered.

"Our new family bonded through these classes and we found massage to be a very valuable tool for getting to know our son. We loved it and looked forward to it every week!” says Carmel Mountain Ranch mom, Elizabeth Cooper-Shultz.

Infant massage promotes parent-child interaction. Parents and babies learn to read and respond sensitively to each others’ cues. Love, empathy, and respect for each other are cultivated. Infant massage enhances verbal and nonverbal communication, provides interaction through all the senses and communicates your love through nurturing and compassionate touch. Secure attachments are formed which grow into healthy relationships based on trust and security that last a lifetime.

"I would highly recommend this class to new moms and dads. My husband and I really enjoyed the class and were disappointed when it ended. When my daughter got constipated after the classes ended I knew how to make her feel better and the same thing was true when she got a cold. It’s nice and comforting to know how to make your child feel better. Massage is now a part of our bedtime routine. Since massaging in the evenings I’ve found that Reagan sleeps more soundly and longer too! I’d suggest taking the class early so you can take advantage of the colic and calming routines. An awesome experience!” says San Marcos mom, Stacy Reazor.

The short version: if you’re a new parent who is a fan of sleeping longer and less crying, then this is the class for you. The numerous benefits of infant massage are researched and well documented. If you brought a child into this world with hopes of a healthy, happy, attached family, then enroll today. As I go through my night-night routine with my baby, I will follow our bath with a massage and we will both fall asleep with the potential for tomorrow, peace for today, and harmony with each other.

At Ohana Wellness our mission is to enhance the well-being of families, ohanas. We promote health, happiness and growth while fostering attachment between parent and baby. We offer classes in Infant Massage, Babywearing and Baby Sign Language, an informative newsletter, a comprehensive resource list, and a complete line of Baby Signs products. It is our honor to touch your lives, making the transition of birth a harmonious one, easing your job as a parent, and contributing to the formation of a beautiful bond that will last a lifetime.

Rachel Rainbolt, a mother of two with eleven years of experience working with young children and parents has a Master’s Degree in Family Therapy and is featured as a Parenting Expert on KUSI’s “Inside San Diego.” She works passionately to nurture the loving bond between parent and child to foster happy, healthy families. Rachel is a Certified Educator of Infant Massage (CEIM), trained and certified by Infant Massage USA and a Baby Signs® Independent Certified Instructor (ICI).

Crock pot recipe #2

2009-12-04T15:34:00.000-08:00

My friend, Jess, is a wonderful cook. She is also a mother of two toddlers, which means that she is always finding ways to put her crock pot to use....just makes life easier. Here is her recipe for Chicken Tortilla Soup for the crock pot. It is so delicious, incredibly easy, and stores beautifully in the freezer (if you happen to have leftovers.)

Enjoy!

Jess's Chicken Tortilla Soup

4 chicken breast halves
2 15-oz cans black beans, undrained
2 15-oz cans stewed tomatoes
1 cup salsa
4-oz can chopped green chilies
14- oz can tomato sauce

1. Combine all ingredients in slow cover

ADD:
1 clove garlic
1 can chicken broth
1 tsp. cumin
1/2 cup fresh cilantro
1-3 tsp. chili powder
salt & pepper to taste

1. Combine all ingredients in slow cover.
2. Cover. Cook on low for 8 hours.
3. Just before serving, remove chicken and shred into pieces, stir into soup.

To serve-
I slice fresh avocado and place on top along with shredded Mexican cheese and tortillas chips.

Giving thanks to inspiring women in my life

2009-11-23T21:10:00.000-08:00

I feel so lucky to be surrounded by so many inspiring women in my life. And while they all play different roles (mom, wife, girlfriend, daughter, caregiver, etc.) each and every one of them inspires me to be a better friend, listener, caregiver, and woman. Each month, I would like to share one of my friends' stories as a way to inspire and empower other women who are looking for a little light at the end of the tunnel.

The first inspiring woman I would like to introduce is Kim, my sister-in-law. Kim is an incredible woman....intelligent, caring, passionate, and determined. She is also an eloquent writer, which makes her a perfect choice to be highlighted on The Sanity Spot. I am so blessed to have her in my life.

Here is Kim's story....

I sit here today with a nearly 7-month old baby girl who drinks only breastmilk, and I have a freezer full of my milk stored for her for later. If you had told me two years ago, when my first child was around the same age, that this would be the case, I would have laughed… or cried… probably both.

Looking back on my first experience with nursing, I’m almost surprised at how poorly it all went. When I was pregnant, I researched everything: I was going to have an unmedicated birth, I was going to wear my baby all the time, I was going to do “Baby Signs” and read to her every night and on and on and on. Somehow I didn’t see the huge gaping hole in my mommy education where breastfeeding knowledge should have been. I was so sure that it would just happen “naturally.”

After Lily was born, I was so hopped up on hormones and sleep deprivation that I didn’t know which end was up. The nurses in the hospital told me her latch looked good and I believed them. I was completely devastated after four days when Lily was obviously dehydrated and lethargic. We took her to a lactation consultant who told me to put her on formula or she’d have to be admitted to the hospital. A few weeks later, we returned and the prognosis was bad. Any breast changes? Nope. Fullness? No idea. How much are you getting when you pump? Maybe .75 ounces per session. She told me I had “insufficient glandular tissue” and I should just stop. Didn’t even want to see Lily’s latch. I felt so defeated. I finally pulled out the breastfeeding books, but they left me angry and bitter. The only problems they described were “engorgement” – too much milk. Nothing on not having enough. I felt alone - like a total failure. I felt so guilty and ashamed that I had “let my daughter down” by failing to produce enough milk.

I refused to give up. I took supplements that made me sick. I spent hours nursing and pumping with every bottle feeding. My mood was completely based on my pump output – a lot of milk meant it was a good day and a little milk made me so depressed I would cry and cry. My husband didn’t know what to do. He wanted to support me but he could see that the longer I tried to make it work, the longer I would emotionally walk on eggshells. I was completely blindsided. No one had ever told me that it was a possibility to not produce enough milk – and not just for lack of trying.
After six months, I finally decided to throw in the towel.

I got pregnant again when Lily was 13 months old. It didn’t take long for me to start thinking about nursing. Many of my anxieties returned, but I was determined to be smarter and more deliberate this time. First of all, I had some perspective. Lily had absolutely thrived on formula – hitting milestones early, smart as a whip, just awesome. If the worst case scenario was another kid like Lily, that wasn’t so bad. Second, I was going to prepare. I educated myself about supplements, pumping, everything. And I limited my craziness. No thinking about nursing until I was 7 months pregnant.

At 7 months, I met with a lactation consultant to develop a game plan. I asked other moms what they had done and did anything that sounded reasonable. I started taking alfalfa supplements. Two weeks before my due date, I started drinking 1 tsp of roasted ground cumin in warm milk, as suggested by some Indian moms I know. As soon as Maya was born, I added taking goat’s rue to turn fatty tissue into glandular tissue and fenugreek to boost my milk production. I didn’t listen to the random nurses in the maternity ward – I saw certified lactation consultants (5 times in her first 7 days) to help fix Maya’s tight and strong suck so that we could get a proper latch. After every feeding, I would hand express into a cup and would then feed her the milk from a spoon. Once I started to get streams, I switched to pumping after every feeding, except the middle of the night feedings. For those, I continued to hand express to save my time and sanity. I used a home-made Supplemental Nursing System to help supplement her feedings with pumped milk. Finally, I kept her skin-to-skin in a wrap for as long as I could. I stayed calm and didn’t let my hormones get the best of me.

As my milk came in over the first few weeks of Maya’s life, I was just overjoyed. I would wake my husband up in the early morning and make him touch my painful, misshapen, engorged boob as I beamed with pride. I had worked hard and worked smart and it had paid off. The proof is in the chubby cheeks and butterball thighs I get to kiss each day.

Robin and the Terrible, Horrible, No-Good, Very, Bad Day

2009-11-19T20:39:00.001-08:00

Well, it has been one of those days... one that will go down as one of the most frustrating parenting days EVER!!! My kids, Ben (4 years) and Ryan (3 years) did nothing but throw tantrums, call each other names, call me names, fight with kids at the park, fight with each other at home, and just completely drive me crazy. Ryan actually threw a toy tractor at me and hit me in the head. It was one of those days where I wish I could have gone back to sleep at 9am. I had to go to my parents' house by 2pm (we were supposed to be there at dinner time), just to get a little reprieve.

But, this blog entry is not meant to be a complaining session. I do have a point, and it is this. At 7pm (an hour before regular bed time), I told the kids that I would read them each 2 books before bed. They both sat down next to me, Ryan with his head on my shoulder, Ben with his hand on my arm, just quiet, laughing at the stories, and acting like this horrible day had never happened.

Parenting is such a roller coaster full of ups and downs and there is no way to control anything that happens. Kids can wake up on the wrong side of the bed, just as we can. But, there is hope for us yet because we can recover, move on, and begin with a fresh start each and every morning. Now, I just can't wait to go to bed to put an end to this VERY LONG day!

Happiness is......

2009-11-16T21:26:00.000-08:00

What makes me smile as a mom of two preschool-aged boys:

Happiness is....

Having my 3-year old run all the way to preschool and want to hold my hand the entire way there, just so that I wouldn't trip in my flip-flops.

Having my 3 and 4-year old boys ask for a hug and a kiss every time we part ways.

Watching my sons sigh while they sleep.

Having my 4-year old lean his head on my shoulder while we read books together.

What about your kids warms your heart? Share your moments with other moms by sending me your comments. Help another stressed-out mom smile:)

Top 3 Tips to Getting Breastfeeding off to a Great Start

2009-11-11T16:35:00.001-08:00

One of my best friends in the entire world, Michelle, is having her first baby at the beginning of December. Unfortunately, she lives across the country, so I will not be able to be there when her little one arrives. Nor, will I be able to be there in the hospital to help guide her during those few first days of breastfeeding. So, in honor of Michelle, I have created a list of my Top 3 Tips to Getting Breastfeeding off to a Great Start. I figure, I might as well share the wealth with all new moms out there. Love you, Michelle, my belle:)

#3 For the first two hours after your baby is born, kick out all extraneous people from the labor room. Your baby will be extremely alert during this time and then will mostly likely sleep for most of the next 24 hours. During these first two hours, she/he will study you, listen to your voice, and will want to breastfeed. Give her/him this quiet time to get to know you and to feed for as long as she/he wants to. If she is healthy and requires no medical attention, then you can postpone all baths, Vitamin K, and measurements until after this momentous two-hour period.

#2 Keep your baby skin-to-skin (in her/his diaper, upright on your bare chest) and covered with a warm blanket as often as possible. Babies who are held skin-to-skin cry less, stay warmer, breastfeed better and longer, have less risk of jaundice, and have a reduced risk of illnesses. Moms who hold their babies skin-to-skin are more relaxed, often produce more breast milk, and have increased confidence in parenting. Dad can also hold the baby skin-to-skin.

#1 Feed your baby on demand for the first couple of weeks. The more stimulation your breasts get, the more milk you will have in the future. Babies do not know how to read the "Baby Handbooks", so feeding every three hours is unrealistic. Feeding 8 or more times in a 24-hour period allows your baby to eat frequently during certain periods of the day and to go longer stretches during other times (hopefully at night.) You cannot spoil a baby....nor can you expect a baby to be on a schedule in the first few months. Those schedules will make more sense for you down the line.

Crock pot recipe #1

2009-10-28T13:08:00.000-07:00

Now that it is getting cooler out, and the 'Summer of Bar BQ' is over, I feel the need to cook hot dinners for the family. But, with two boys running around the house, and often needing a referee, who has the time to cook a big, healthy meal? Well, that's where the crock pot comes in....what an amazing invention. I think all new moms should receive one as a baby shower gift. So, to make life easier for all of the moms out there who are in the same predicament as I am, I have decided to include some tried-and-true crock pot recipes on The Sanity Spot. Your kids will thank you... your husband/partner will thank you...and everything can be done in the morning while the little ones are napping or at school:)

Enjoy!

The first recipe is from my friend, Pam

Beef Brisket and Couscous

3.5 - 4lb beef brisket (cut in half to fit in the crock pot)
1 can beer (she used a bottle of Pacifico)
2 cups tomato sauce
2 tsp prepared mustard
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp ground allspice
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 small green or red bell pepper chopped
1 medium onion chopped
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
Couscous (follow directions on box)

1. put brisket in slow cooker
2. combine remaining ingredients and pour over meat
3. cover and cook on low 8-10 hrs
4. remove meat and slice thin
5. serve on rolls or over couscous

Top 10 Sanity Savers for Moms

2009-10-17T21:29:00.000-07:00

This list is for all of the moms out there who are looking for a little sanity...

10. Clean Well All-Natural Hand Sanitizer - clean away playground dirt and other gross residue without poisoning those kiddos with nasty toxins.

9. Fruit smoothies with kefir - my friends call it 'bug juice.' If you have a picky eater, fruit smoothies with kefir pack quite a protein punch with much less sugar than adding yogurt. Get all of those vitamins and minerals in before 9am.

8. Dinosaur Train and Little Einsteins - I don't feel so bad plopping my kids in front of the TV for an episode (or 5!) when they can now recognize a Van Gogh painting, hum multiple classical tunes, and point out a Stygimoloch.

7. Date night with your partner - no kids, uninterrupted dinner, maybe a movie. Your partner will thank you!

6. Strong coffee - changes a grumpy mommy into a peppy mommy! Your kids will thank you!

5. Trader Joe's - "Find the Monkey and Get a Treat"... must have been thought up by a mom who really needed to get the grocery shopping done. Thank you!

4. Good crock pot recipes - greatest invention EVER. Seriously, my house is "Crazy Town" at 5pm...like I could even attempt to cook a meal at this hour.

3. Play dates with friends who have kids as crazy as yours - I can only truly relax when I am with friends whose kids are as embarrassing as mine.

2. Girls' Night Out - Mom or not, all women need a little TLC from their friends. No Kids Allowed!

1. Diapers.com - the greatest time-saving web site out there (they even keep track of previous purchases and have a completely 'green baby' section)

Memo from a football-season widow

2009-10-11T10:06:00.000-07:00

After your baby is born, it is always a challenge to find ways to continue doing the things you did pre-baby.... going to the movies, shopping, finding time to yourself, etc. My hubby's biggest challenge is finding a way to watch football without being interrupted. Our first son, Ben, was born in July....right before football season. This first year was awesome. Jason would stay home, watch football all day, and snuggle with his baby boy. Once Ben was mobile and Ryan was born, it became a constant battle over the TV, who changes the diapers, and anything else that interrupted 'precious' football-watching time.

Now I know that I am NOT alone. Most of my friends are also 'football-season widows' - women who have no visible husband from Sunday morning through Monday night. After all week with the kids, all I want is a few moments to myself during the weekend and football season totally robs me of this personal time. It is BUNK!

So, I have found a few solutions, that I would like to share with all of you other 'football-season widows' out there.
1. Hire a cleaning lady. Now you may wonder what this has to do with football. Well, it is simple... the weekends were usually a time for me to clean my house. Now that I am in charge of the kids on the weekend, during football season, I don't have the time nor the desire to clean my house on the weekends. Now I don't have to and I don't feel a bit guilty about it.
2. If your kids nap, sneak out of the house during nap time. Your husband is still in the house so it is not like you are leaving your kids home completely alone.
3. Find a bunch of friends, with kids, who are also 'football-season widows.' On Sunday night, send all of the husbands to one house to watch football and have all of the moms and kids go to another house for dinner and hanging with the kids. As moms, we will be happy for the company, help with the kids, and good food. The kids will be happy to have some playmates and different toys to play with. The dads will be happy to have some uninterrupted time to watch football with some noisy guys. It is a WIN-WIN situation for everyone!

Lastly, as soon as football season is over, take a much-deserved moms' weekend out-of-town with your 'football-season widow' friends and have the dads stay home to take care of the kids!

A little breastfeeding-support advocacy

2009-10-05T13:32:00.000-07:00

How many of you out there needed the help of a lactation consultant or rented a pump? How many of you actually had those services covered by your health insurance? I know that my lactation consultations were absolutely invaluable, considering I saw my LC with both of my boys and attended her support groups multiple times....so valuable that I paid out of pocket! Well, we in California are in the process of trying to pass a bill that would make insurance cover:

lactation consultation by an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
the provision of quality breast pumps, as part of their health care service plans or insurance policies that provide maternity coverage.

Hello??? That is a no-brainer!

We are still waiting for the Governor’s signature on our bill AB 513. He has until October 11 to either sign the measures into law, let the bills become law without his signature or veto the bills. I know that we all are super busy....hey, we are moms....but we also know how to rally behind a very important cause. Please send a letter of support as soon as possible. We need to have our bill files full of support letters!

Hopefully one day all women will have free access to professional lactation consultants and pumping equipment!

Here is a fact letter about AB 513

Here is where to find a sample letter of support

Secrets of Baby Behavior

2009-09-30T12:35:00.000-07:00

One of the best trainings I have ever attended was taught by Jane Heinig from UCDavis. She teaches a workshop about understanding infant behavior. Check out her department's blog at http://www.secretsofbabybehavior.com/. Great advice for all moms about reading your baby's cues and understanding infant sleep patterns.

Welcome to The Sanity Spot

2009-09-30T11:43:00.000-07:00

Sleep deprivation, diapers, feeding, crying.....sound a little familiar? And not just describing your baby??? All within a matter of minutes, your life has completely changed and sometimes all you want is for it to go back to the way it was.... pre-baby! But then, that sweet little baby of yours (or your three and four year olds, in my case) just look at you with those adoring eyes and you are brought to tears as your heart fills with so much emotion that it is impossible to describe. Welcome to motherhood... the most rewarding and, definitely, the most difficult job you will ever have in your life!

So sit back, put your feet up, lay your baby (infant, toddler) on your chest, and smell his/her sweet scent while he/she sleeps for a few moments. It is all about being present, in the moment (if you will), and taking a deep breath. For it is those moments you will remember the most. Hey, if we remembered all of the difficult times, we would never have any more kids.