Yesterday, on twitter, a coffee shop in Tulsa, OK posted that they saw a woman breastfeeding and that there is no breastfeeding in their store. Of course, they quickly said they were joking (how convenient). In Oklahoma, there are 2 very specific laws regarding breastfeeding. The Oklahoma State Health Department gives cards to women, after they give birth, with the laws on them. I happen to carry one in my purse.
HB 2102 (since 2004) gives women the right to breastfeed wherever they have a right to be AND they shall be excused from jury duty upon request.
HB 2358 (since 2006) allows moms to use unpaid (boo!) break and meal times to breastfeed or pump at work. This law also urges employers to provide a place for women to pump, other than a toilet stall.
When my daughter was a newborn, I always used a cover-up to nurse her. I was modest. Of course, I'm not entirely comfortable with my large breasts. And, there is hardly a way to nurse without exposing half of my upper body. So, I use a cover-up. I'm not sure what I'll do with the my next child, but I will breastfeed it public. Maybe I'll cover up, maybe I won't.
It's frustrating that women are being harassed to either not breastfeed in public at all or to cover-up. For one, we don't eat our meals on the toilet. And two, we don't eat under blankets. Babies, of all people (and yes, they are people), should be afforded those same rights.
Perhaps next time I'm in Tulsa, I'll stop by the Double Shot. It's not that I'm against them, I just think it's a sad example of how our society views breastfeeding. The ultimate reward would be for them to have a "Nursing Mothers and Babies Welcome Here" sticker from the Oklahoma State Health Department.
Maybe I'll take them one!
Showing posts with label breastfeeding. Show all posts
Showing posts with label breastfeeding. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
Why I Chose to Breastfeed
Welcome to The Breastfeeding Cafe Carnival!
This post was written as part of The Breastfeeding Cafe's Carnival. For more info on the Breastfeeding Cafe, go to www.breastfeedingcafe.wordpress.com. For more info on The Carnival or if you want to participate, contact Claire at clindstrom2 {at} gmail {dot} com. Today's post is about Importance of Breastfeeding. Please read the other blogs in today's carnival listed below and check back for more posts July 18th through the 31st!
I've been a little SWAMPED with school, so I didn't post the previous two days. Here's what you missed:
Wordless Wednesday...ironically, I have two pictures of myself breastfeeding. TWO! And, they're both mostly head shots of me. One is at a restaurant and you can only see my face. The other is an extremely adorable picture of my daughter's head and me. Her foot is up on my chest. That's it. Maybe with baby #2, I'll be brave enough to take more pictures!
Yesterday's Carnival post should have been about how my birth experience impacted nursing...
I really thought I had written about my "birth." I guess I have not shared that here. But, that goes along with the importance of breastfeeding and why I chose (and committed fully) to nursing my daughter.
When I was pregnant, and even before, I knew I'd nurse. I have an awesome sister-in-law who was an excellent example. She nursed her first daughter for a year. It could be done. Women in Oklahoma do breastfeed for more than 6 weeks!
Then I got pregnant. I did not take breastfeeding classes. I thought I knew it all (yeah, right!). No one prepared me for how hard breastfeeding is. It's truly an art. Then came A's birth. A. was born via c-section after 24 hours of labor (induction for pre-eclampsia) and 2.5 hours (included in the 24 hours) of pushing. I was devastated. Heartbroken. Fortunately, I had the most awesome nurse, who, despite my post-partum hemorrhage (the real deal, lots and lots and lots of blood) got Addison to latch on. Not only did she did A. to latch on within, probably, less than 1 hour from her birth, she did so as I was actively bleeding. That simple act helped me so much. The bond was formed. The connection was made.
The next 48 hours were a totally different story. I got 2 units of Hespan (a starch that is used as a volume expander...trying to avoiding getting blood), was on Magnesium Sulfate, was out of it, and got 2 units of blood. My blood pressure was 140s/40s...for real. That's because my hemoglobin dropped dramatically. I felt awful. A. got very little, if any, of my milk in that first 48 hours. Daddy (and the entire family) learned to syringe feed (formula) during this time.
At 48 hours, I went to the mom/baby unit. I struggled over the next 48 hours. I got 2 more units of blood. I saw every lactation consultant (almost) employed at the hospital. I pumped. I resigned myself to being okay with formula and breastfeeding. My nurses (who happened to be my employees, as I was their manager) comforted me, consoled me, told me formula was okay. I was heartbroken.
But, somewhere...maybe the ride home...maybe the first morning we woke up to a room full of bottles...I don't really know.....somewhere though, it hit me. It hit me like a ton of bricks. I did NOT have the birth I wanted. In fact, I despised the way my daughter was born. I felt respected. I loved (and still do) my OB. She was so awesome and encouraging and supportive. She told me I'd VBAC next time. So, it had nothing to do with the way I felt during surgery. I hated my recovery. I hated having MY child cut from me. So, I decided I would NOT give up on breastfeeding.
Then, I had milk supply issues. Huge issues. As in, my milk didn't "come in" for 2 weeks. For 2 weeks, I breastfed, pumped, and fed A. formula. No wonder I was exhausted and had a horrible recovery. I was always feeding or preparing to feed my daughter! When I saw my OB at my 2 week visit, I nearly begged for her permission to quit breastfeeding. After all, I thought, if she thought it was okay, it would be okay. Well, she told me it would be okay...but to keep breastfeeding. Grrr, not what I wanted to hear. But, I did not want to disappoint her. Or myself. Or my daughter. (Probably in reverse order!)
Little A did not get the birth she deserved. She would get the food she deserved. So I nursed. And nursed. I took fenugreek (per my OB's recommendation). At about 6 weeks, it all sunk in. Nursing was suddenly easy. I vowed quitting at any time, was still indeed quitting. And I vowed never to quit. (On a side note, I think it's okay to quit at 3 years...where we are now!)
Other than psychologically mending my relationship with my daughter...it has helped her health. She has been a healthy little girl. Compared to my nephews, who only got a little breast milk (less than 1 week), she is absolutely healthy!
And, I'm frugal. And green. Think of all the money I saved! And water!
And, that, is how breastfeeding became so important to me.
Here are more posts by the Breastfeeding Cafe Carnival participants! Check back because more will be added throughout the day.
This post was written as part of The Breastfeeding Cafe's Carnival. For more info on the Breastfeeding Cafe, go to www.breastfeedingcafe.wordpress.com. For more info on The Carnival or if you want to participate, contact Claire at clindstrom2 {at} gmail {dot} com. Today's post is about Importance of Breastfeeding. Please read the other blogs in today's carnival listed below and check back for more posts July 18th through the 31st!
I've been a little SWAMPED with school, so I didn't post the previous two days. Here's what you missed:
Wordless Wednesday...ironically, I have two pictures of myself breastfeeding. TWO! And, they're both mostly head shots of me. One is at a restaurant and you can only see my face. The other is an extremely adorable picture of my daughter's head and me. Her foot is up on my chest. That's it. Maybe with baby #2, I'll be brave enough to take more pictures!
Yesterday's Carnival post should have been about how my birth experience impacted nursing...
I really thought I had written about my "birth." I guess I have not shared that here. But, that goes along with the importance of breastfeeding and why I chose (and committed fully) to nursing my daughter.
When I was pregnant, and even before, I knew I'd nurse. I have an awesome sister-in-law who was an excellent example. She nursed her first daughter for a year. It could be done. Women in Oklahoma do breastfeed for more than 6 weeks!
Then I got pregnant. I did not take breastfeeding classes. I thought I knew it all (yeah, right!). No one prepared me for how hard breastfeeding is. It's truly an art. Then came A's birth. A. was born via c-section after 24 hours of labor (induction for pre-eclampsia) and 2.5 hours (included in the 24 hours) of pushing. I was devastated. Heartbroken. Fortunately, I had the most awesome nurse, who, despite my post-partum hemorrhage (the real deal, lots and lots and lots of blood) got Addison to latch on. Not only did she did A. to latch on within, probably, less than 1 hour from her birth, she did so as I was actively bleeding. That simple act helped me so much. The bond was formed. The connection was made.
The next 48 hours were a totally different story. I got 2 units of Hespan (a starch that is used as a volume expander...trying to avoiding getting blood), was on Magnesium Sulfate, was out of it, and got 2 units of blood. My blood pressure was 140s/40s...for real. That's because my hemoglobin dropped dramatically. I felt awful. A. got very little, if any, of my milk in that first 48 hours. Daddy (and the entire family) learned to syringe feed (formula) during this time.
At 48 hours, I went to the mom/baby unit. I struggled over the next 48 hours. I got 2 more units of blood. I saw every lactation consultant (almost) employed at the hospital. I pumped. I resigned myself to being okay with formula and breastfeeding. My nurses (who happened to be my employees, as I was their manager) comforted me, consoled me, told me formula was okay. I was heartbroken.
But, somewhere...maybe the ride home...maybe the first morning we woke up to a room full of bottles...I don't really know.....somewhere though, it hit me. It hit me like a ton of bricks. I did NOT have the birth I wanted. In fact, I despised the way my daughter was born. I felt respected. I loved (and still do) my OB. She was so awesome and encouraging and supportive. She told me I'd VBAC next time. So, it had nothing to do with the way I felt during surgery. I hated my recovery. I hated having MY child cut from me. So, I decided I would NOT give up on breastfeeding.
Then, I had milk supply issues. Huge issues. As in, my milk didn't "come in" for 2 weeks. For 2 weeks, I breastfed, pumped, and fed A. formula. No wonder I was exhausted and had a horrible recovery. I was always feeding or preparing to feed my daughter! When I saw my OB at my 2 week visit, I nearly begged for her permission to quit breastfeeding. After all, I thought, if she thought it was okay, it would be okay. Well, she told me it would be okay...but to keep breastfeeding. Grrr, not what I wanted to hear. But, I did not want to disappoint her. Or myself. Or my daughter. (Probably in reverse order!)
Little A did not get the birth she deserved. She would get the food she deserved. So I nursed. And nursed. I took fenugreek (per my OB's recommendation). At about 6 weeks, it all sunk in. Nursing was suddenly easy. I vowed quitting at any time, was still indeed quitting. And I vowed never to quit. (On a side note, I think it's okay to quit at 3 years...where we are now!)
Other than psychologically mending my relationship with my daughter...it has helped her health. She has been a healthy little girl. Compared to my nephews, who only got a little breast milk (less than 1 week), she is absolutely healthy!
And, I'm frugal. And green. Think of all the money I saved! And water!
And, that, is how breastfeeding became so important to me.
Here are more posts by the Breastfeeding Cafe Carnival participants! Check back because more will be added throughout the day.
- Sylko @ Chaotic Mama—http://chaoticmama.wordpress.com/2010/07/23/breastfeeding-carnival-importance-of-breastfeeding/">Breastfeeding Carnival: Importance of Breastfeeding
- Sara @ The Covered Wagon—http://thecoveredwagon.wordpress.com/2010/07/23/nursing-a-food-allergic-child">Nursing a Food Allergic Child
- Shelly @ Lousy Mom—http://lousymom.com/content/importance-breastfeeding">Importance of breastfeeding
- Timbra @ Bosoms & Babes—http://bosoms-and-babes.blogspot.com/2010/07/importance-of-breastfeeding-carnival.htm">The best non-decision I ever made
- Shary @ Mama Fish—http://www.blog.sharylove.com/?p=193">Why Breast Milk is Best
- Claire @ The Adventures of Lactating Girl—http://wp.me/pDcm9-kQ">I Breastfeed For Me
- Lauren @ Hobo Mama—http://www.hobomama.com/2010/07/why-breastfeeding-is-important.html">Why breastfeeding is important
- Kate @ KateIsFun—http://kateisfun.blogspot.com/2010/07/importance-of-breastfeeding.html">The Importance of Breastfeeding
- Kaitlin Rose @ Bring Birth Home—http://bringbirthhome.com/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-came-naturally/">Breastfeeding Came Naturally
- Brooke @ Milk Maid Mamma—http://milkmaidmomma.blogspot.com/2010/07/why-i-chose-to-breastfeed.html">Why I Chose to Breastfeed
- Lexi @ Life as a Mommy—http://dennyandlexi.blogspot.com/2010/07/special-bonds.html">Special Bonds
- Whitney @ According to Waddlebug:The (Un)Balancing act of Motherhood—http://theunbalancingactofmotherhood.blogspot.com/2010/07/importance-of-breastfeeding.html">Importance of Breastfeeding
- Natasha @ naturalurbanmama—http://www.naturalurbanmama.com/2010/07/importance-of-breastfeeding-x-men-and.html">Importance of Breastfeeding:X-men and Faberge Shampoo
- Shelly @ Lousy Mom—http://lousymom.com/content/wheat-allergies-and-working">Wheat allergies and working
- And of course the guest poster on the Breastfeeding Cafe’s Blog today is Jen Karsbaek—http://wp.me/pwUtv-j9">Breastfeeding Helps Me Love My Son
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Pumping Sucks
Welcome to The Breastfeeding Cafe Carnival!
This post was written as part of The Breastfeeding Cafe's Carnival. For more info on the Breastfeeding Cafe, go to www.breastfeedingcafe.wordpress.com.
For more info on the Carnival or if you want to participate, contact Claire at clindstrom2 {at} gmail {dot} com. Today's post is about breastfeeding and employment. Please read the other blogs in today's carnival listed below and check back for more posts July 18th through the 31st!
This post was written as part of The Breastfeeding Cafe's Carnival. For more info on the Breastfeeding Cafe, go to www.breastfeedingcafe.wordpress.com.
For more info on the Carnival or if you want to participate, contact Claire at clindstrom2 {at} gmail {dot} com. Today's post is about breastfeeding and employment. Please read the other blogs in today's carnival listed below and check back for more posts July 18th through the 31st!
I had a very demanding job when my daughter was born. I was the nursing manager of a very busy unit in a large hospital. I had over 100 employees that reported directly to me. I was acquiring more responsibility when I went back to work. The deck was stacked against me. When I returned to work, I had only been breastfeeding comfortably and easily for 6 weeks.
Within the first few weeks of returning to work, I attended a breastfeeding symposium. I learned, in Oklahoma, a very small percentage of women still breastfed at 1 year of life. My heart was broken. I really felt I was up against all odds. I was determined though. I was NOT quitting breastfeeding for my job. Fortunately, my boss was incredibly supportive. No questions asked, I pumped when I needed to. Actually, I think it made her a little uncomfortable, so she let me do it when I needed! It doesn't matter, I got to pump.
Also, very luckily for me, I had a private office. I was able to close the door and pump. I also worked with a great group of lactation consultants, so they totally supported me. I quickly learned, although the statistics and my job (sort of) were against me, I had a lot on my side. So, I pumped. I pumped and pumped and pumped. When I returned to work I pumped 3 times a day (and that was in only 8-10 hours). It decreased to 2, then finally to once per day. I actually started enjoying my pumping time (although I never enjoyed hooking myself up to pump). It was nice to close my door and have some peace. It was lovely. Quiet...except that stupid sound pumps make!
Now, actually breastfeeding after returning to work was a different story. I was so exhausted from working so much, I could hardly stay awake when my daughter wanted to nurse at night. We, out sheer exhaustion, began to co-sleep. It saved my sanity. My daughter began to cluster nurse at night. She would take a bottle during the day, but much preferred momma to that bottle!
I was also finishing graduate school during my daughter's first year. I remember sitting in our living room with her nursing and me reading article after article. What fun that was! Breastfeeding while working is completely possible. If you're returning to work, pumping provides you some quiet time. Some time to think about your baby. Some time to get away. Think about that while you're pumping, don't think about that silly pump!
Here are more post by the Breastfeeding Cafe Carnival participants! Check back because more will be added throughout the day.
- Emily @ Baby Dickey—http://babydickey.com/2010/07/20/im-a-working-breastfeeding-mama">I’m a working and breastfeeding mama
- Sylko @ Chaotic Mama—http://chaoticmama.wordpress.com/2010/07/20/breastfeeding-carnival-wohm-breastfeeding/">Breastfeeding Carnival: WOHM Breastfeeding
- Claire @ The Adventures of Lactating Girl—http://wp.me/pDcm9-k5">Breastfeeding Student
- Veronica @ Crunchy VT Mommy—http://www.crunchyvtmommy.com/2010/07/business-boobies-breastfeeding-todays.html">Business Boobies: Breastfeeding & Today’s Workplace
- Whitney @ According to Waddlebug: The (Un)Balancing Act of Motherhood—http://theunbalancingactofmotherhood.blogspot.com/b/post-preview?token=hPqB7ykBAAA.rpL5vTOCm959XOeIBIstfw.6RM2FvDk2_YxziTSXshxHg&postId=4170124354150495212&type=POST">My Perfect Job
- BoobiesNBabies @ Num In Mind—http://numinmind.blogspot.com/2010/07/I-Remember-Baby-Friendly-Workplace.html">I Remember a Baby Friendly Workplace
- Claire @ Geeky Gaming Mama—http://geekygamingmama.blogspot.com/2010/07/breastfeeding-and-employment-my.html">Breastfeeding and Employment
- Natasha @ Natural Urban Mamas—http://www.naturalurbanmama.com/2010/07/breastfeeding-at-work-in-canada-is-this.html">Breastfeeding at Work-In Canada is this an issue?
- Brooke @ Milk Maid Mamma—http://milkmaidmomma.blogspot.com/2010/07/pumping-sucks.html">Pumping Sucks
- And of course the guest poster on the Breastfeeding Cafe’s Blog today is Christy Porucznik—http://wp.me/pwUtv-hB">Maintaining Breastfeeding While Separated from One’s Baby—Often Known in the USA as Gainful Employment
Monday, July 19, 2010
Nursing in Public
Welcome to The Breastfeeding Cafe Carnival!
This post was written as part of The Breastfeeding Cafe's Carnival. For more info on the Breastfeeding Cafe, go to www.breastfeedingcafe.wordpress.com. For more info on The Carnival or if you want to participate, contact Claire at clindstrom2 {at} gmail {dot} com. Today's post is about Nursing in Public. Please read the other blogs in today's carnival listed below and check back for more posts July 18th through the 31st!
I will never forget the first time I nursed in public. It followed the last time I tried nursing in my car in July...with a 6 week old baby. We were in the tiny town of Eufaula, Oklahoma. We were there for the weekend. My mom and I had taken my daughter to a cute little cafe in town for lunch (for us, not her!). This little cafe (sadly, now closed) was also the town flower shop. About half-way through our lunch, like any good little baby would, mine decided she was hungry. I tried nursing her there, but it was awkward. I have large breasts and was just figuring out what to do (yep, it took me about SIX weeks to figure it out!). So, I headed to my BLACK car in July in Oklahoma. On a side note, I'm not sure if you know anything about summers in Oklahoma...but, it's HOT! In fact, yesterday Oklahoma City was the 3rd hottest city in the country, right behind Las Vegas and Phoenix. Now, they're in the desert, so they don't have all the lovely humidity (and mosquitoes) we do. So, it's HOT here! Back to the story....
I'm headed out to my car with babe in tow. I attempt to get all cozy in the backseat. Of course, the black leather interior does not help the fact I'm already drenched in sweat. About this time, this cute little woman comes running out of the store. She was one of the waitresses. She told me the owner of the store (a man, no less) saw me going outside with my baby. He knew I was taking her outside to feed her and he thought that was not right. (And, I sit here sobbing, thinking of how his grace and kindness changed my life...and my daughter's...literally.) She told me he insisted I come inside. He would find a private...albeit strange...place to nurse my daughter.
And he did. He brought me a chair to the flower shop part of the store. Strangely enough, the man loved birds. I don't. I sat their among flower, birds, and one lady making arrangements and nursed my baby. What happened that day changed my world. I am forever grateful to him. His beautiful act of kindness made this momma proud.
And so, at dinner that night (on a dock) I nursed my daughter. Now, I was not about to walk all the way back to the car (and down the pier) to feed my child. Other people were eating there. My dad (who was seated across from me) said many women were looking at our table...some in support, some condescending. I don't really care about the naysayers. A kid's gotta eat. But, I was saddened. I had entered the dinner so proud and confident of myself. I thought everyone should be supportive of nursing in public. And, I did use a cover-up...because I exposed no less than half of my upper body when I nursed! Women giving my family dirty looks, like I was some kind of heathen. It was amazing the difference in two meals in one small town.
I learned a lot that day. Unfortunately, I learned people can be mean. People can be unsupportive of women feeding their children the best food possible in public. I learned, more importantly, people care. For every one person that gives a dirty look, there are dozens more that don't give a hoot what you're doing. And, there more supporters than not. People do care. The tide is turning. Nursing in public is accepted.
I have nursed in some crazy places too....the state fair, in a car (she stayed in the car seat!), at Sonic (I took her out of the car seat for those), and many many more! So, go in peace, nurse in peace, nurse where you feel comfortable!
Here are more posts by the Breastfeeding Cafe Carnival participants! Check back because more will be added throughout the day.
- Emily @ Baby Dickey—http://babydickey.com/2010/07/19/baby-eats-when-baby-wants-nursing-in-public">baby eats when baby wants: nursing in public
- BoobiesNBabies @ Num In Mind—http://numinmind.blogspot.com/2010/07/nip-lil-giant-how-we-do-it.html">NIP a Lil Giant, How We Do It
- Sylko @ Chaotic Mama—http://chaoticmama.wordpress.com/2010/07/19/breastfeeding-carnival-nursing-in-public/">Breastfeeding Carnival: Nursing in Public
- Claire @ The Adventures of Lactating Girl—http://wp.me/pDcm9-jQ">My Biggest Advocate
- Timbra @ Bosoms and Babes—http://bosoms-and-babes.blogspot.com/2010/07/public-nursence-carnival-day-2.html">Making it easy for everyone to nurse
- Kaitlin @ Bringing Birth Home—http://bringbirthhome.com/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-uncovered-a-peaceful-protest/">Breastfeeding Uncovered - A Peaceful Protest
- Claire @ Geeky Gaming Mama—http://geekygamingmama.blogspot.com/2010/07/nursing-in-public-what-makes-it-easier.html">Nursing in Public: What Makes it Easier
- Brooke @ Milk Maid Mama—http://milkmaidmomma.blogspot.com/2010/07/nursing-in-public.html">Nursing in Public
- Kathy @ Musings From an Arid Neverland—http://www.kathygrossman.com/writing/2010/07/do-i-need-fancy-nursing-clothes-to-nurse-in-public/">Do I need fancy clothes to nurse in public?
- Shary @ Mama Fish—http://www.blog.sharylove.com/?p=176">NIP: Nursing in Public
- Kimberly @ Monkey Tales Mama Thoughts—http://monkeytalesmamathoughts.blogspot.com/2010/07/nips-not-those-well-kind-of-those.html">Nips: Not those, well kind of those
- Shelly @ Lousy Mom—http://lousymom.com/content/breastfeeding-public">Breastfeeding Public
- Sarah @ Most Revealing—http://mostrevealing.com/?p=71">Nip
- Renee @ Just the 5 of us!—http://yeoman5.blogspot.com/2010/07/no-reservations.html">No Reservations
- Natasha @ Natural Urban Mamas—http://naturalurbanmamas.blogspot.com/2010/07/nursing-in-public-not-big-deal.html">Nursing in Public-Not a Big Deal
- StorkStories @ Stork Stories... Birth & Breastfeeding—http://obnurse35yrs.wordpress.com/2010/07/19/little-old-men-nursing-in-public-back-by-public-demand/">Little Old Men… & Nursing in Public (Back by “PUBLIC” Demand)
- And of course the guest poster on the Breastfeeding Cafe’s Blog today is Heather Hendriksen—http://breastfeedingcafe.wordpress.com/2010/07/19/tips-for-nursing-in-public/">Tips for Nursing in Public
Monday, June 14, 2010
Sometimes
Sometimes I wish....
I didn't care.
I didn't make my own salad dressing.
I'd used formula.
I didn't care about cloth diapers with baby #2.
I didn't care about VBAC.
I loved strollers for newborns.
I didn't know about aspartame, sucralose, or high-fructose corn syrup.
I didn't know about Red-40.
I didn't love to go to the health food store.
I didn't know about hormones in milk.
I didn't care about those hormones.
I didn't know or care about antibiotics in our foods.
I didn't know about BPA.
I didn't care about all the plastic I try not to throw about.
I didn't care about organic.
McDonald's was healthy.
Ice cream made you skinny.
Processed foods were good for you.
The more ingredients, the better.
Eating meat was really good for you.
It was okay to take a lot of medicine.
I didn't recycle.
I didn't compost.
I didn't want to plant my own garden.
I didn't believe in attachment parenting.
Dr. Sears, Dr. Mercola, Dr. Greene, Elizabeth Pantley, & Dr. McKenna weren't smart...or right.
I just didn't care.
But, then I pull my head out of my ass & realize I made a conscience decision to do or not do those things. I made, and am making, everyday, a conscience decision to make my life better. And more importantly, my family's life. And those who come after us.
So, I'll stick to my baby-wearing, VBAC-believing, organic-eating, junk-food-avoiding, recycling, breastfeeding self.
Suck it up. One person can make a difference. They can. And they do.
I didn't care.
I didn't make my own salad dressing.
I'd used formula.
I didn't care about cloth diapers with baby #2.
I didn't care about VBAC.
I loved strollers for newborns.
I didn't know about aspartame, sucralose, or high-fructose corn syrup.
I didn't know about Red-40.
I didn't love to go to the health food store.
I didn't know about hormones in milk.
I didn't care about those hormones.
I didn't know or care about antibiotics in our foods.
I didn't know about BPA.
I didn't care about all the plastic I try not to throw about.
I didn't care about organic.
McDonald's was healthy.
Ice cream made you skinny.
Processed foods were good for you.
The more ingredients, the better.
Eating meat was really good for you.
It was okay to take a lot of medicine.
I didn't recycle.
I didn't compost.
I didn't want to plant my own garden.
I didn't believe in attachment parenting.
Dr. Sears, Dr. Mercola, Dr. Greene, Elizabeth Pantley, & Dr. McKenna weren't smart...or right.
I just didn't care.
But, then I pull my head out of my ass & realize I made a conscience decision to do or not do those things. I made, and am making, everyday, a conscience decision to make my life better. And more importantly, my family's life. And those who come after us.
So, I'll stick to my baby-wearing, VBAC-believing, organic-eating, junk-food-avoiding, recycling, breastfeeding self.
Suck it up. One person can make a difference. They can. And they do.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Going Green. And being frugal.
I'm on a mission. First and foremost (but not at the expense of my or my family's health), I want to save money. I want to be frugal. But, like I said, not at the health of myself or my family. And, I want to be green (kinda goes hand in hand with the health thing, right?). Here are some things (just a few), we've done to save money and try to be green.
1. Buy as many of A's clothes at re-sales. Just Between Friends is a new lifesaver! The important thing to remember is that you can still get some clothes cheaper & new than some of those designer kids clothes at a resale shop. My most recent purchase included a pair of pajamas for 50 cents! Isn't that crazy?
2. Use what I have. I know that sounds crazy, but I have been the queen of buying things just because I wanted them. So, I'd have three different kinds of shampoo. Really? That's not necessary. It saves money for me to only buy what I need. I have so many bottles of lotion, it puts Bath & Body Works to shame.
3. Breastfeed. I had to throw this one in here. I heard someone say they spent $100/month in formula. Not sure if that sounds right, but it's a lot of money. Twelve hundred dollars a year. Plus bottle. Plus nipples. And all those fancy bottles. Liners. Nipples that (don't) look like my nipple. Changing nipple hole sizes (on a side note, I never got that, since my nipples didn't really change after my daughter was born).
4. Extended breastfeeding. I can proudly say I never had to purchase a gallon of whole milk. When I was pregnant (before I committed to extended breastfeeding), I used to fret over the thought of buying all those gallons of whole milk. I would never drink whole milk and my husband certainly wouldn't. Well, I never had to do it!
5. My newest....making my own laundry detergent. It's super cheap & there are no harsh chemicals. What else can I say? I love it!
6. Using cold water when washing dishes.
7. No caller ID or call-waiting. Saved us $9/month.
So, what's your best frugal yet green tip? I'd love to hear them!
1. Buy as many of A's clothes at re-sales. Just Between Friends is a new lifesaver! The important thing to remember is that you can still get some clothes cheaper & new than some of those designer kids clothes at a resale shop. My most recent purchase included a pair of pajamas for 50 cents! Isn't that crazy?
2. Use what I have. I know that sounds crazy, but I have been the queen of buying things just because I wanted them. So, I'd have three different kinds of shampoo. Really? That's not necessary. It saves money for me to only buy what I need. I have so many bottles of lotion, it puts Bath & Body Works to shame.
3. Breastfeed. I had to throw this one in here. I heard someone say they spent $100/month in formula. Not sure if that sounds right, but it's a lot of money. Twelve hundred dollars a year. Plus bottle. Plus nipples. And all those fancy bottles. Liners. Nipples that (don't) look like my nipple. Changing nipple hole sizes (on a side note, I never got that, since my nipples didn't really change after my daughter was born).
4. Extended breastfeeding. I can proudly say I never had to purchase a gallon of whole milk. When I was pregnant (before I committed to extended breastfeeding), I used to fret over the thought of buying all those gallons of whole milk. I would never drink whole milk and my husband certainly wouldn't. Well, I never had to do it!
5. My newest....making my own laundry detergent. It's super cheap & there are no harsh chemicals. What else can I say? I love it!
6. Using cold water when washing dishes.
7. No caller ID or call-waiting. Saved us $9/month.
So, what's your best frugal yet green tip? I'd love to hear them!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Breastfeeding! Pumping! On TV! Primetime!
Okay, so we're not really sitcom type of people, but I was just hanging out last night when the Worst Week came on. I'm not even sure what channel it's on...but it was great! In the first five minutes of the show, they not only talked about pumping -- THEY FREAKIN' SHOWED A MOMMA PUMPING!!!!!
Well, it went south a minute when the pumping character's soon-to-be-brother-in-law walked in on her. He did go on to say he thought "breastfeeding was beautiful." A little bit later, the momma was breastfeeding!!!!! Yes, on the show -- breastfeeding!!! It went way south here since he had a bird in his pocket, which sort of looked like he was getting too excited.
Overall, I was totally not offended. He ended up punching the bird (sorry PETA, breastfeeding humans wins AGAIN!) because the momma and her mom were getting a little freaked out. But, it really was, I think, just supposed to poke fun of those who think breastfeeding is anything sexual.
This guy did go on to try on momma's pump. By the way, it was a Medela PIS Advanced (the best I could tell from the bag & the pump). Again, not really offensive.
I'm so excited there is a show, however corny it may be, that showed pumping & breastfeeding in it.
Well, it went south a minute when the pumping character's soon-to-be-brother-in-law walked in on her. He did go on to say he thought "breastfeeding was beautiful." A little bit later, the momma was breastfeeding!!!!! Yes, on the show -- breastfeeding!!! It went way south here since he had a bird in his pocket, which sort of looked like he was getting too excited.
Overall, I was totally not offended. He ended up punching the bird (sorry PETA, breastfeeding humans wins AGAIN!) because the momma and her mom were getting a little freaked out. But, it really was, I think, just supposed to poke fun of those who think breastfeeding is anything sexual.
This guy did go on to try on momma's pump. By the way, it was a Medela PIS Advanced (the best I could tell from the bag & the pump). Again, not really offensive.
I'm so excited there is a show, however corny it may be, that showed pumping & breastfeeding in it.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Random...mostly breastfeeding...thoughts
Here a couple of thoughts I've had this weekend....
1. Reconnecting with a nursing toddler is probably a lot easier and quicker than a non-nursing toddler.
We were away from the little worm for 5 days/6 nights this past week. I'm quite sure she did totally fine. I hear rumors that she slept all night. When we arrived home late Friday night, we were to meet my parents at our house. I said, as we were walking up the terminal, "I would love it if my parent's could have brought Addison to meet us." It was late...about 10:45 or so. I figured they were all at our house asleep. I saw a man holding a teddy bear. I made a comment of how cute and sweet that was. Then, my little beautiful child comes running out of the crowd to me. I totally dropped my bags & just picked her up. I started crying, my mom was crying. It was so wonderful. DH later said he just had a weird feeling that they would be there. I did too.
On the way home, little worm kept grabbing my shirt...in her car seat, fast asleep. I think she just wanted to make sure momma still had her nonnies.
2. Speaking of nonnies....
Little one has officially, I think, named my breasts. My cousin's kids called her "momma's ba ba's", so I tried that. Then, LO learned she always got milk before bedtime, or night night. This is were nonnies evolved from. We're also teaching her sign language. I usually skip the "milk" sign...I don't like it...it's the motion of milking a cow...plus, little A usually wants to nurse immediately following. Okay, at least she knows what milk is. But here lately, she'll do the sign for sleep (hands under tilted head...like you're resting your head on clasped hands), pant (she's been doing this for some time now when she wants milk or is about to get it...sort of like one of Pavlov's dogs panting for water I guess), and grab my shirt.
3. No matter what frustrates me about my DH, he usually gets it.
We were watching Jon and Kate tonight. I was doing laundry in between sterilizing pump parts. He was playing some stupid game on myspace. He randomly says, "I wonder how you would breastfeed 6 kids. You'd just rotate them all the time." I was struck with awe that he never thought you'd just formula-feed the kids. The thing is, I really don't think you could nurse all 6 exclusively. You'd have to decide who get to nurse when. Twins, I think it's totally possible...two breasts, two babies. I don't really have any idea how you'd nurse higher order multiples.
4. My baby rocks.
Okay, not a random thought. I just totally love her and could stay home with her all the time. I would really love to do that. We would have so much fun. Maybe one day I'll get to stay home with her, or at least part time.
1. Reconnecting with a nursing toddler is probably a lot easier and quicker than a non-nursing toddler.
We were away from the little worm for 5 days/6 nights this past week. I'm quite sure she did totally fine. I hear rumors that she slept all night. When we arrived home late Friday night, we were to meet my parents at our house. I said, as we were walking up the terminal, "I would love it if my parent's could have brought Addison to meet us." It was late...about 10:45 or so. I figured they were all at our house asleep. I saw a man holding a teddy bear. I made a comment of how cute and sweet that was. Then, my little beautiful child comes running out of the crowd to me. I totally dropped my bags & just picked her up. I started crying, my mom was crying. It was so wonderful. DH later said he just had a weird feeling that they would be there. I did too.
On the way home, little worm kept grabbing my shirt...in her car seat, fast asleep. I think she just wanted to make sure momma still had her nonnies.
2. Speaking of nonnies....
Little one has officially, I think, named my breasts. My cousin's kids called her "momma's ba ba's", so I tried that. Then, LO learned she always got milk before bedtime, or night night. This is were nonnies evolved from. We're also teaching her sign language. I usually skip the "milk" sign...I don't like it...it's the motion of milking a cow...plus, little A usually wants to nurse immediately following. Okay, at least she knows what milk is. But here lately, she'll do the sign for sleep (hands under tilted head...like you're resting your head on clasped hands), pant (she's been doing this for some time now when she wants milk or is about to get it...sort of like one of Pavlov's dogs panting for water I guess), and grab my shirt.
3. No matter what frustrates me about my DH, he usually gets it.
We were watching Jon and Kate tonight. I was doing laundry in between sterilizing pump parts. He was playing some stupid game on myspace. He randomly says, "I wonder how you would breastfeed 6 kids. You'd just rotate them all the time." I was struck with awe that he never thought you'd just formula-feed the kids. The thing is, I really don't think you could nurse all 6 exclusively. You'd have to decide who get to nurse when. Twins, I think it's totally possible...two breasts, two babies. I don't really have any idea how you'd nurse higher order multiples.
4. My baby rocks.
Okay, not a random thought. I just totally love her and could stay home with her all the time. I would really love to do that. We would have so much fun. Maybe one day I'll get to stay home with her, or at least part time.
Friday, August 1, 2008
So, how much do you feed her?
So, my MIL & FIL are keeping little A tonight so hubby & I could go on a date. When we got out of the movie, Greg was talking to his mom. She asked how much we feed her? Just curious, but do people really think I measure how much comes out of my breasts? Seriously?! So, I said "I feed her until her eyes flutter, switch sides, and feed until her eyes are closed."
That's about all I could think of! Breastfeeding is way too easy! You just stick a baby on & go. Of course, I'm beginning to know what it feels like to breastfeed a toddler. She would much prefer if I laid in the floor with my top off all day long. She acts like I"m a water fountain! :)
My SIL did comment to me once that breastfeeding should stop when the baby can lift up your shirt. Well folks, I"ve hit that point. But...I"m not stopping. It never hurt the world to have a woman who knows what she wants!
Happy Lactating!
That's about all I could think of! Breastfeeding is way too easy! You just stick a baby on & go. Of course, I'm beginning to know what it feels like to breastfeed a toddler. She would much prefer if I laid in the floor with my top off all day long. She acts like I"m a water fountain! :)
My SIL did comment to me once that breastfeeding should stop when the baby can lift up your shirt. Well folks, I"ve hit that point. But...I"m not stopping. It never hurt the world to have a woman who knows what she wants!
Happy Lactating!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
What to do....
Two nights ago, Little A decided she wanted to stay up late. Really late. Well, let me start with how it all began...
I got home and started dinner. Greg got home. She kept saying "bah, bah, bah" (as in bath...so it sounds more like baa, I guess) while standing at the bathroom door. See, she is really a genius. So, he decided to give her a bath. Wo -- did we mess up the routine. Then, we nursed for a bit, because, like any genius child would have thought, nursing comes AFTER bath...not BEFORE we all eat dinner! Then, after a very brief nursing session, we all have dinner.
After this, she finally does settle down. I get her to sleep finally, around 8:45 or so. I take her to her room, where she promptly wakes up AS SOON AS I MOVE HER! Back to nursing, back to sleep, back to the room, awake, back to nursing....and so on and on! It was finally around 10:30 when she finally went to sleep. I go to bed to read at this time. I had just dozed off when my dear Greg came to bed and wanted to chit chat. Dear husbands. Little A wakes up about an hour later, I'm awake, Greg's asleep. The irony.
Last night, we had nearly the same experience. Of course, due to my fatigue & sheer exhaustion, I had spent part of my day researching sleeping in toddlers. I began wondering if we should cry it out (absolutely not is my answer when well-rested!), or perhaps night-wean. We're 13 1/2 months old, it could be time for that. I was so about ready to give up last night. So close. Then, I realized that A kept grabbing her mouth/lip area. I (finally) stuck my finger in her mouth to feel the eruption of tooth #13!!! Holy smokes! Boy did I ever feel like a bad mommy! Duh, it suddenly all added up. She was refusing food and even my milk at day care. She was fussy and irritable. We gave her teething tables (wonderful) and some tylenol, had a banana, and we all went to bed...happily and peacefully.
Tonight, her and Greg had dinner (I had a meeting/dinner for work). I gave her a bath, let her play a bit, gave her tylenol and teething tablets, then nursed her to sleep. She quietly and peacefully went to bed. Of course, it's only been a little while, so only time will tell.
Can I just say what a dunce I felt like? Why didn't I feel in her mouth sooner? She's been teething so fast, I wish I would have known sooner. Anyway, at least I realized what was going on. I'm so glad I didn't let her cry it out -- whatever it is! I just had a feeling she was in pain. That's the problem with cry it out...don't get me started!
Ah, the peaceful bliss of a sleeping baby....
I got home and started dinner. Greg got home. She kept saying "bah, bah, bah" (as in bath...so it sounds more like baa, I guess) while standing at the bathroom door. See, she is really a genius. So, he decided to give her a bath. Wo -- did we mess up the routine. Then, we nursed for a bit, because, like any genius child would have thought, nursing comes AFTER bath...not BEFORE we all eat dinner! Then, after a very brief nursing session, we all have dinner.
After this, she finally does settle down. I get her to sleep finally, around 8:45 or so. I take her to her room, where she promptly wakes up AS SOON AS I MOVE HER! Back to nursing, back to sleep, back to the room, awake, back to nursing....and so on and on! It was finally around 10:30 when she finally went to sleep. I go to bed to read at this time. I had just dozed off when my dear Greg came to bed and wanted to chit chat. Dear husbands. Little A wakes up about an hour later, I'm awake, Greg's asleep. The irony.
Last night, we had nearly the same experience. Of course, due to my fatigue & sheer exhaustion, I had spent part of my day researching sleeping in toddlers. I began wondering if we should cry it out (absolutely not is my answer when well-rested!), or perhaps night-wean. We're 13 1/2 months old, it could be time for that. I was so about ready to give up last night. So close. Then, I realized that A kept grabbing her mouth/lip area. I (finally) stuck my finger in her mouth to feel the eruption of tooth #13!!! Holy smokes! Boy did I ever feel like a bad mommy! Duh, it suddenly all added up. She was refusing food and even my milk at day care. She was fussy and irritable. We gave her teething tables (wonderful) and some tylenol, had a banana, and we all went to bed...happily and peacefully.
Tonight, her and Greg had dinner (I had a meeting/dinner for work). I gave her a bath, let her play a bit, gave her tylenol and teething tablets, then nursed her to sleep. She quietly and peacefully went to bed. Of course, it's only been a little while, so only time will tell.
Can I just say what a dunce I felt like? Why didn't I feel in her mouth sooner? She's been teething so fast, I wish I would have known sooner. Anyway, at least I realized what was going on. I'm so glad I didn't let her cry it out -- whatever it is! I just had a feeling she was in pain. That's the problem with cry it out...don't get me started!
Ah, the peaceful bliss of a sleeping baby....
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Breastfeeding a 1 Year Old
Sometimes it's hard to imagine I've been breastfeeding for 12 and a half months.
When Little Legs (well, her legs ARE short) was born I had extreme difficulties in just about every aspect of breastfeeding. She latched on right away (even after a somewhat traumatic birth) -- thanks only to my awesome labor nurse. I do attribute this early latch, especially for a c-section, the key to my success. My nurse, as I was bleeding a profuse amount (that story later) got little one latched on and she went to town. I couldn't sit up due to complications, so it was imperative that someone else help me. After that initial latch, I just couldn't seem to get Little Legs to eat. We started syringe feeding her about 24 hours after her birth (if I remember correctly). After about 48 hours (still syringe feeding, still trying to latch on every couple of hours), she lost more weight than she should have and she had not had a BM in 24 hours. Her bilirubin was still good, so it wasn't that serious. We started giving her formula in bottles, just so she'd not lose any more weight & she'd poop. Thanks to my awesome mom/baby nurse, she pooped! Yea! This nurse coaxed her a little bit, but we really didn't want that nasty stuff building up!
I had lactation consult after lactation consult...my only conclusion was that Little Legs needed and wanted only to nurse in front of others. She's still quite fond of that. I learned to breastfeeding in all sorts of strange positions and to do all the "normal" interventions to help with low milk supply (skin-to-skin & water were what I was doing most at this point). We went home on day of life 4. Now, we were supplementing quite a bit, actually I think most of her food was formula (some call it artifical baby milk). I knew this was not what I wanted. I really wanted to breastfeed my baby.
I couldn't give her the birth I dreamed of, so I wanted to give her my milk. At her 1 week check-up, we were given the obligatory formula by the doctor's office. To this, I was very dissapointed. I immediately called one of our hospital's lactation consultants. I knew I needed to be seen. My LC helped me get LL (short for Little Legs) latched on. We recognized my milk supply was a big issue. The LC recommended a prescription medication for my milk supply. My wonderful doctor, Dr. S, called it in to me. But, when I went in for my appointment with her (a couple days after LL's appointment), she suggested fenugreek. Ah ha! I started fenugreek immediately.
Then, we started following-up every couple of days. We'd take their advice, go home, try it, come back, weigh LL, let her eat, weigh her again. This was not a totally smooth process though. There was a day I gave LL a bottle of formula in the lactation office. I was so tired and exhausted.
Finally, on about day 10-13 (I don't remember) my milk "came in." At this point, I was pumping every two hours, feeding LL my milk, followed by formula, what an ordeal. It took about a month (it was 4th of July weekend 2007) when I gave little legs her last bottle of formula. That is the point when I finally relaxed I think. That was, by far, the worst feeding of her entire life. I sat there and cried as I gave her that bottle. She had been nursing for about 3-4 hours straight when we decided to give her a bottle.
That was a huge turning point for me. Something clicked & I just relaxed. I just began to accept that some feedings were going to take a long time. That my baby loves her mommy and wanted to be close. That some feedings were going to be every 30 minutes, all day! I never used formula again.
I've always known I would breastfeed for one year. Many of my friends have breastfed that long. Extended breastfeeding, however, is something I had never thought of. My goal was to avoid formula. Now, my goal is to wean when LL is ready. To me, it's still quitting, even at a year. Because of my struggles, I vowed, very early on, I would never quit.
Breastfeeding does that a great deal of commitment, perseverance, dedication, and most of all -- love. I have an innate desire to do the absolute best thing for my baby -- whether she's 1 day old, 1 year old, or 10 years old. After deciding to breastfeed longer than 1 year, others who have done this start appearing out of no where. I have a cousin & our pediatrician (not the same one in the beginning) who did so.
Well, LL is ready for naptime...more later.
When Little Legs (well, her legs ARE short) was born I had extreme difficulties in just about every aspect of breastfeeding. She latched on right away (even after a somewhat traumatic birth) -- thanks only to my awesome labor nurse. I do attribute this early latch, especially for a c-section, the key to my success. My nurse, as I was bleeding a profuse amount (that story later) got little one latched on and she went to town. I couldn't sit up due to complications, so it was imperative that someone else help me. After that initial latch, I just couldn't seem to get Little Legs to eat. We started syringe feeding her about 24 hours after her birth (if I remember correctly). After about 48 hours (still syringe feeding, still trying to latch on every couple of hours), she lost more weight than she should have and she had not had a BM in 24 hours. Her bilirubin was still good, so it wasn't that serious. We started giving her formula in bottles, just so she'd not lose any more weight & she'd poop. Thanks to my awesome mom/baby nurse, she pooped! Yea! This nurse coaxed her a little bit, but we really didn't want that nasty stuff building up!
I had lactation consult after lactation consult...my only conclusion was that Little Legs needed and wanted only to nurse in front of others. She's still quite fond of that. I learned to breastfeeding in all sorts of strange positions and to do all the "normal" interventions to help with low milk supply (skin-to-skin & water were what I was doing most at this point). We went home on day of life 4. Now, we were supplementing quite a bit, actually I think most of her food was formula (some call it artifical baby milk). I knew this was not what I wanted. I really wanted to breastfeed my baby.
I couldn't give her the birth I dreamed of, so I wanted to give her my milk. At her 1 week check-up, we were given the obligatory formula by the doctor's office. To this, I was very dissapointed. I immediately called one of our hospital's lactation consultants. I knew I needed to be seen. My LC helped me get LL (short for Little Legs) latched on. We recognized my milk supply was a big issue. The LC recommended a prescription medication for my milk supply. My wonderful doctor, Dr. S, called it in to me. But, when I went in for my appointment with her (a couple days after LL's appointment), she suggested fenugreek. Ah ha! I started fenugreek immediately.
Then, we started following-up every couple of days. We'd take their advice, go home, try it, come back, weigh LL, let her eat, weigh her again. This was not a totally smooth process though. There was a day I gave LL a bottle of formula in the lactation office. I was so tired and exhausted.
Finally, on about day 10-13 (I don't remember) my milk "came in." At this point, I was pumping every two hours, feeding LL my milk, followed by formula, what an ordeal. It took about a month (it was 4th of July weekend 2007) when I gave little legs her last bottle of formula. That is the point when I finally relaxed I think. That was, by far, the worst feeding of her entire life. I sat there and cried as I gave her that bottle. She had been nursing for about 3-4 hours straight when we decided to give her a bottle.
That was a huge turning point for me. Something clicked & I just relaxed. I just began to accept that some feedings were going to take a long time. That my baby loves her mommy and wanted to be close. That some feedings were going to be every 30 minutes, all day! I never used formula again.
I've always known I would breastfeed for one year. Many of my friends have breastfed that long. Extended breastfeeding, however, is something I had never thought of. My goal was to avoid formula. Now, my goal is to wean when LL is ready. To me, it's still quitting, even at a year. Because of my struggles, I vowed, very early on, I would never quit.
Breastfeeding does that a great deal of commitment, perseverance, dedication, and most of all -- love. I have an innate desire to do the absolute best thing for my baby -- whether she's 1 day old, 1 year old, or 10 years old. After deciding to breastfeed longer than 1 year, others who have done this start appearing out of no where. I have a cousin & our pediatrician (not the same one in the beginning) who did so.
Well, LL is ready for naptime...more later.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Naming "the Blog"
First, thanks for reading...whoever you are!
This was much harder to name than I expected. I thought I was creative, but I didn't want just any old wording out there. So, hopefully the name...Milk Maid Momma...isn't too offensive to anyone. I am a breastfeeding mom of the cutest 1 year old little girl. She stole my heart the day she was born. I have been breastfeeding for 12 months, 2 weeks, and 6 days... to be exact. I felt that the wording "Milk Maid Momma" was just right for this.
I'm passionate about breastfeeding, birth, VBAC, and books...well, of course my family too.
So, welcome to my blog.
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