Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Trusting Tuesday: Preterm Labor

It is hard to trust your body when it isn't doing what it is supposed to do.
Have you experienced preterm labor? How about a preterm delivery?

Many women have had scares with preterm contractions. You know, the Braxton-hicks contractions that get you worked up. You start counting contractions and then you drink a bunch of water, lie down on your side, take a warm bath, and they are gone. Often these are nothing to worry about, usually it is your body telling yourself to "take it easy" or "slow down and relax."

Other times you start contracting because of a bladder infection or a vaginal infection such as bacteria vaginosis.

Not quite as common are contractions that actually put your body into labor. Often if things are caught early the labor is able to stop. We do tests to assess your risk for preterm birth, we give medications to prolong labor or stop contractions, we give IV fluids to rehydrate a possibly dehydrated mother. But guess what? Sometimes we can't stop preterm labor.

We often can't find a reason why women go into preterm labor. I personally had "preterm contractions" with my first daughter, spent a week using terbutaline** every 4-6 hours and on bedrest. Eventually they mellowed out and my body adapted. I took it easy and continued to take my terbutaline twice a week or so until 34 weeks. I went on to have a 38 week delivery.

Fortunately I didn't experience any bad outcomes because of my preterm contractions. I never went into labor, I never dilated, and I am even sure that bedrest was excessive and probably unnecessary. Did I trust my body after that? Sure I did. I knew it knew how to keep a baby inside of me.

But what about the women who have their baby prematurely? Do they/you trust your body after that? Should you trust your body after that?

I don't have the answer for those questions. I wish I did.

**I will post at another date the newest information about Terbutaline and the FDA warning

Monday, May 30, 2011

Mommy Monday: No More Breastfeeding

Today was my first full day of not breastfeeding my baby (22-months-old). I have spent the past 2 months attempting to cut back on breastfeeding. I had this great idea that I would just keep feeding her at night but this was an unsuccesful attempt.

Today, was hard on both of us... somehow we made it through the day... I redirected her attention numeous times, read her books, took her to her first day of gymnastics, handed her off to Daddy and even left early for work tonight. I called my mom on the way to work, a mix of emotions. Usually when I get off work, I get home just in time to get Addie out of bed, cuddle & feed her, then sleep for the day before heading off to work again... tomorrow morning I will be skipping that feed.

My husband asked me today, "do you think we should wean our next baby earlier so it won't be as hard?" My answer, "absolutely not ~ I am so happy to have breastfed her for the past 22 months ~ I am just ready to stop."

I am a lucky mama ~ many women have a much more difficult time feeding that I did. I have an excellent support system. I have a job that gives breaks for breastfeeding and a husband that is behind me 100%. I have a midwife sister (Brittani, who does most of these blog posts!) that always told me that she admired that I was still breastfeeding, that she thought it was amazing and she was proud of me. I have coworkers that said, "are you still breastfeeding that baby girl? GOOD FOR YOU!" But of course, there were still so many people that said, "when are you going to wean her?" "Isn't she getting too old for that?" and "You're going to have to go feed her at recess when she is in Kindergarten."

So, take the chance, whether is be a coworker, friend, sister... and let them know that you support their efforts. The benefits of breastfeeding are enormous for both mom and baby but in case you need just a little reminder... this is from the American Academy of Pediatrics website...

Breastfeeding is good for your baby because...

It's easier for your baby to digest.
It has all the nutrients, calories, and fluids your baby needs to be healthy.
It has growth factors that ensure the best development of your baby's organs.
It has many substances that formulas don't have that protect your baby from many diseases and infections. In fact, breastfed babies are less likely to have
Ear infections
Diarrhea
Pneumonia, wheezing, and bronchiolitis
Other bacterial and viral infections, such as meningitis
Research also suggests that breastfeeding may help to protect against obesity, diabetes, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and some cancers.


and my favorite

Breastfeeding provides warmth and closeness. The physical contact helps create a special bond between you and your baby.

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Special Guest Sunday: Military Man

With Memorial Day tomorrow I wanted to say "Thank You" to my brother in law Ron for his service in the military.
Ron is a very big part of Laborlooks. He ships off most of your gowns!
Besides doing all the work for us, we appreciate everything he has done for our country. We love you and appreciate you and are so thankful that you are apart of our family.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Fashion Friday: Ergo Meet Petunia

Just in case you are late tuning in... I am shamelessly in love with the ergo carrier. I got mine used because I totally couldn't afford a brand new one. When I got it I wasn't sure if it was as good as people said it would be, but TOTALLY. WORTH. IT.


Want to know what is even more worth it?
The new Petunia Pickle Bottom Ergo carrier.
They partnered to created some of the cutest print Ergo's you will ever lay your eyes on.

http://www.granolababies.com/ergobaby-peaceful-portofino/prod_1207.html

No joke, I am not even pregnant but I might start a baby registry to so that it will be the first on my list when the time comes.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Thankful Thursday: Cell Phone Cameras

I am thankful today for many things. I am thankful for this sweet mama who requested me to be by her side during her labor and birth (not as her midwife, but as her doula and friend). It was incredible and intense and a little unexpected considering she was 6 weeks early.

I am thankful for cell phone cameras when you realize too late that this picture can make an amazing blog post and you have already forgotten your camera.

Keep watching and waiting for me to get her birth story approved by her and get it posted!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Wild Wednesday: Facebook

Why is the international breastfeeding symbol so similar to the Facebook logo?
Facebook hates breastfeeding moms.
Okay, so I don't actually know if they hate us... I just know that I had a good friend who had her account deleted after multiple removal a breastfeeding photographs.
I think the breastfeeding logo should be an awesome color- like purple tie-dye. Because, after all, hippies like tie dye and only hippies breastfeed their babies, right??
p.s. how do you spell tie dye? is it tye dye? one word? two words? tie die? tyedie? <---- totally not the last one.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Mommy Monday: Crock Pot Cooking


How often do you use the crockpot as a mom? As a working mother I try to use it once a week. That is one time a week I KNOW my family will have a home-cooked meal.

Isn't that sad? When I say home-cooked I don't mean macaroni and cheese- because obviously that is prepared in my home, but not really a meal.

I am always on the search for new crock pot meals. Do you have any? Any websites that have been helpful to you?

In my search today I found A Year of Slow Cooking
I am thinking I will search this site for my crockpot meal tomorrow.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Special Guest Sunday: Milkies

How many disposable nursing pads did you use a day when you were breastfeeding in those early months? I think I used 4 changes of breast pads a day for the first month, then maybe 3 changes for the next 2 months, and then finally one set of pads a day until 6 months. Finally after 6 months my breasts stopped leaking every time I nursed and I was able to use the same disposable pad as a "back up" for almost a week at a time.

I never thought about the amount of packaging and waste that I was going through. Now I know you don't have to use nursing pads when you breastfeed, you can use a wash cloth or a burp rag or just leak onto your clothes or baby. You can also use reusable nursing pads, but I always felt I soaked through those to fast and they weren't as easy because they didn't have the sticky backing to keep them in the right spot.

However, with my next baby and nursing process I think I will try to be even more green and go with this "green company" and use Milkies. Here is a description from their website:
Our patented design allows you to breastfeed anywhere without worrying about embarrassing leaks or uncomfortable nursing pads. Slim and portable, no one will even know you are wearing it. Best of all — it collects your leaking breast milk when you nurse, allowing you to store extra breast milk effortlessly.

As an environmentally conscious company, we give breastfeeding moms an alternative to disposable products. The Milk-Saver has exceeded all expectations for functionality and simplicity. It has received accolades from lactation specialists, pediatricians, and breastfeeding moms the world over.

Friday, May 20, 2011

Fashion Friday: Ginger Baby

I love having a "ginger baby"
Her cute red hair makes me smile.
I don't know why I was surprised her hair was red when she was born.
My hair was red when I was little.
My brother has red hair.
Tons of my cousins have red hair.
I know Cara isn't the only baby in the extended family with red hair.
I am sure there will be more too!
For my family, and for all of you moms with Ginger Babies, check out this site!




Check Out the Ginger Baby Shop
They make onesies with cute little sayings for ginger babies. I LOVE IT!
Now I just need to search out a shop for Ginger Toddlers.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Thankful Thursday: Private Practice



"I took having kids for granted because a 13-year-old girl can do it, because a 75-year-old man can do it. You know who can't do it? ... An overeducated, talented, strong, powerful woman in her 40s. How ridiculous is that?"

I <3 Private Practice (and Gray's Anatomy)... and I really loved Addison's quote from last weeks episode.

It's hard to wrap my head around the thought that some people, for so many different reasons, are not able to have children. I'm thankful today that I have two beautiful children.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Wild Wednesday: Botox Mom

I am sure you heard the news about the mom in California giving her 8 year old daughter Botox injections: HERE is the original article.

Mom Gives Botox to 8-Year-Old Daughter: How Young Is Too Young?

PHOTO: Mom Gives Botox to her 8-Year-Old Daughter:  How Young Is Too Young?

Botox injections and leg waxing on an 8-year-old girl, all in the name ofbeauty pageant success, all done by her own mom.

It sounds too unreal to be true, like a storyline straight out of "When Stage Moms Go Bad."

It's not.

It's real life for an 8-year-old California girl.

We spoke with the girl, Britney, and her mom, Kerry, to learn exactly why they turned to Botox, and exactly how young is too young when it comes to using medical treatments for the sake of beauty.

Kerry, who asked that her family's last name not be used, told "Good Morning America's" Lara Spencer that it was actually her daughter, Britney, who wanted to try Botox, a beauty treatment more normally requested by aging women than growing girls.

"We were getting into the pageants," Kerry recalled. "I knew she was complaining about her face, having wrinkles, and things like that. When I brought it up to Britney she was all for it."

So Kerry, a San Francisco, Calif.-based, part-time aesthetician and no stranger to Botox herself, having done the treatment on her own face, began injecting her daughter with the anti-wrinkle solution.

"She had watched me do it before," said Kerry. "So when we first did it she was fine with it."

Kerry typically administers the Botox to Britney through a total of five shots, in three different locations on her face.

But can Botox really make a difference on a young girl who has not even had time in her life to develop the "worry" lines or age creases Botox is typically sought out to erase?

"The few times that we did it, it would lessen the lines," said Kerry. "They wouldn't completely disappear, she's a kid. And we don't do so much to where it's going to make a big difference."

But it's enough of a difference for Kerry and Britney to continue on with the treatments, despite the pain.

"It hurts sometimes," said Britney. "It makes me nervous. But I get used to it."

While Britney thinks about the physical pain, critics in the medical community contend that administering Botox this early raises another type of more lasting pain: the potential for permanent psychological damage.

"Well, when I first heard this story, I think my initial reaction is to be a little bit in disbelief, and a little bit horrified," said Dr. Charles Sophy, a psychiatrist. "There's a lot of psychological damage that can be caused."

Responding to Critics: How Young is Too Young?

Kerry, however, argues that her daughter is a normal 8-year-old, not fazed emotionally, or physically, by the cosmetic procedure.

"Do you see anything wrong with my daughter, psychologically?," she asked. "I don't see anything wrong with her. I have a normal child. It's not breaking her spirit. She's happy. She runs around. She's smart."

And Kerry also takes point with critics in that same medical community who say the Botox could cause adverse reactions in her young daughter.

"I don't do enough on her to make a big difference," she said. "Just on the lines."

The potential for both emotional and physical damage makes critics like Dr. Sophy hesitant to prescribe or administer Botox to children, so Kerry must rely on her own methods to gain access to Botox for Britney.

"I do have a trusted source where I get it. He is a behind-the-scene doctor," she said.

And where there is one "trusted source" for Kerry and Britney's Botox, there must be more. Kerry says she is not the only mother giving Botox to a child.

"I got influenced by some of the moms when we went to one of the pageants," Kerry said about what prompted her to begin Britney on Botox. "They were telling me about the lines on her face. A lot of the moms are giving their kids Botox. It happens."

Beyond Botox?

The tough competition of the pageant world also prompted Kerry to try another type of cosmetic treatment on Britney, one that even middle-aged women find painful: waxing.

"I just don't think it's ladylike to have hair on your legs," explained Britney. "I did that one time. It was super, super hard. It hurts."

"They call it little fluffy hair," said Kerry. "They get judged on all that stuff. It's a tough world, the pageant world, I'm telling you. The kids are harsh."

But even the toughness of the pageant world can't persuade Britney to continue waxing.

Asked if she would do it again, the normally talkative 8-year-old was ready with a one-word answer: "no."

And Britney's mom, Kerry, is similarly defiant when it comes to defending herself against critics who question what she is doing as a mother to her own daughter.

"I'm a great mother. I've taken care of her by myself my whole life," she said. "And nobody can really tell me what I'm doing is wrong. Because it's me. I live in my shoes. And she lives in hers."

"She's a happy kid," she added. "And that's the bottom line."

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Trusting Tuesday: A Baby Story

Do you trust these shows? Do you watch these shows?

I tend to encourage my patients to NOT watch these shows. I feel that they fill expecting mothers with fear and anxiety for their upcoming births. They are shows that are made to entertain. They need a story, drama, and some way to continue to have people watch the show. Have you ever watched a perfectly normal healthy birth on A Baby Story? I have... BUT... it was full of the narrator pausing for dramatic effects, flashing LARGE words on the screen like UNMEDICATED or RISK OF CESAREAN, and constant pictures of the large clock on the wall ticking. All of these things are put on the show because it can increase ratings because of the suspense but it also teaches mothers that these are things they should be afraid of. Time passes in labor, but in most healthy women there should not be a deadline.

Every women will labor differently.

Some women labor for 24 hours and everyone is perfectly healthy and happy. Some women labor for 3 hours and everyone is perfectly healthy and happy. Was the 24 hour labor more dangerous than the 3 hour labor? Not necessarily. If a mother stays hydrated, gets rest, the baby is moving well, and everyone is in good spirits then a 24 hour labor can be a wonderful thing. A woman who has a three hour labor might have a baby with a lot of bruising or with stress but just because it was 3 hours doesn't make it better or more safe. I have seen my share of women having 3 hour labors because they were high on meth and having an abruption... that turns the tide a little bit. Shorter labors do not mean safer! So why does A Baby Story focus on the clock??

Another flaw in the Baby Story idea is that it encourages women to share their birth with the world. There is no more of the parents quietly going to the hospital and the next morning calling their families and letting them know that the baby was born. We tweet our first contraction, we facebook status update when we leave for the hospital, our doula gives a play by play to the world, and then if you don't update your status every 10 minutes you start getting text messages and phone calls. Families want webcams, skype updates, and pictures instantly.
I am not saying all of this social media is bad when it comes to pregnancy, labor and birth; I am just saying find out what is right for YOUR birth. Don't feel like you have to share one of the most intimate moments of your life with the world unless you want to.

My first birth had about 20 people in the room. It was wonderful and memorable, but a little chaotic. My second birth was my parents (did I mention my dad is an OBGYN? Totally not weird in my situation), my husband, midwife, and doula. Much more intimate than my first birth. I did post on facebook that I "hoped" these contractions were real. My husband made some updates, but I was not focusing on updating my status, I was focused on birthing my baby. This is what was right for me and my birth. A Baby Story would not have been right for my birth.





a baby story
New Episodes Premiere Weekdays at 2/1c
send to a friend
a baby story
About the Show
small text

A Baby Story takes viewers on an intimate and emotional journey by profiling couples' experiences from the final weeks of pregnancy through the first weeks of a new life.

Go inside the delivery room for a voyeuristic peek at the drama of labor and the sheer joy and relief of the unforgettable birth moment. Share in the experience and all the emotions parents feel when they first greet their newborn.



A Baby Story would not have been right for my birth.Enough of my ranting about the show- I don't trust it. You may if you wish., just please keep your eyes open and educate yourself- Watching A Baby Story should not replace childbirth classes!!

Monday, May 16, 2011

Mommy Monday: Taking Away Rewards

Are you against rewarding your children?
I am not talking about rewarding with praise and hugs, but with prizes, treats, toys, and more?
I am not. I am not above "rewards" or bribes. :)
In order to potty train my daughter she got M&Ms. For months she got M&Ms. She doesn't get M&Ms anymore, she is finally expected to go on her own.

The past 2 nights she has kept her diaper dry the entire night.

My 4 year old still gets up every night to go to the bathroom, she can't hold her bladder that long.... anyway, back to my story...

My little Cara kept her diaper dry for 2 days so I told her I would let her pick out a prize. We walked around and around the store and she picked out a $1 pack of princess markers. She doesn't have any of her own markers and she was soooo excited to get these.

She held tight to them the entire shopping trip. She barely let the cashier scan them so we could pay for them. She was not letting these markers go.

When we got in the car she was happy as can be. A few minutes later I hear the 4 year old saying, "uh oh mommy, look at Cara."
Thats right, I ended up taking away her freshly earned reward. I hate when I have to do this.

We will try tomorrow to let her play with them again. This time I will supervise and give her paper to color on. Thankfully they are washable!

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Special Guest Sunday: Run Lucas Run


Did anyone notice the cute updated blog background?

Oh, you did? Thank you for noticing. It is quite lovely.

Who do we credit our new design to?

The wonderful Lindsay at Run Lucas Run



Not only is her blog simple, beautifully designed, and creative, she can help you design yours!
Go on over and take a look at her blog and comment.
Let her know how impressed you are with the way our blog makeover turned out!

Friday, May 13, 2011

Fashion Friday: EcoMaternity


I am branching out---- leaving Etsy searches this week and I have moved over to Big Cartel? Heard of it? Yeah, I am slow to the game too.

I found this cute little store called EcoMaternity. They have some cute t-shirts for sale now.

My favorite shirt they have is this one, "Sing for Joy" shirt. Very simple and cute and it reminds us to cherish the sweet moments of pregnancy.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Wild Wednesday: Rubber Duck

No joke- A representative from the county health department dropped this Rubber Duck off at my office.


This cute rubber duck just smiling, just reminding you that "syphilis happens.
As if we really forget to test our patient's for syphilis... But I guess if I did before, I wouldn't now.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Trusting Tuesday: "I have to PUSH!"


This week is National Nurses Week.

Most of the people reading this blog have or plan to have their baby born in a hospital. If you are having your baby in the hospital in the United States you are going to hope for an excellent labor and delivery nurse.


My labor nurses were AMAZING! It did help that they were close friend's who I previously worked with when I was working at the hospital. My darling nurse April, missed my birth with Cara. I called her when I was on my way to the hospital. She got in her car at the same time and she came in a few minutes after I had welcomed my sweet girl earthside.

Fortunately I had another wonderful nurse, Amy, who was there to help me out. She was quiet, she let me labor, she respected my wishes for a natural childbirth, free of an IV or pitocin, and guess what else? SHE TRUSTED ME! She knew I was prepared, she knew I knew what I wanted and she listened when I said, "I have to push!!"

Ask any nurse, when you hear the words, "I HAVE TO PUSH" your ears perk up. Labor and delivery is very unpredictable business. A first time mom, barely having contractions, who has been in labor for 3 hours... if she says "I HAVE TO PUSH!" you go running. Even though every part of your mind is screaming saying, "No way is that possible!" It has happened to every one of us.

So please thank your nurses during this Nurses week. The work long hours, they work hard, they keep you safe, and they trust you when you yell, "I have to PUSH!"

Monday, May 9, 2011

Mommy Monday: No Mommy is Perfect

This cute tidbit was taken from
I think it is quite comical and made me think about all the times I was NOT a perfect mother.
© 2010 www.modernkidsphoto.com | Sarah Wert

Thanks to all the Boonies that submitted their "No Mommy is Perfect" stories. Here are our top 5 picks - now you get to vote for your favorite! The winner will receive a $200 Spa Gift Certificate. Congrats and good luck to the finalists.

  1. On a rainy day, I had to rush out of the house with my two boys in tow. I fumbled out of the front door, toting my plump two month old in his carrier and my two year old by the hand, I tried to race down the walkway to the car. My toddler seemed resistant and focused more on dragging his feet than scurrying to the car. I reminded him that we need to move quickly in the rain and wondered out loud why he kept looking down. Once I got him in the carseat, I realized why. My poor little guy was wearing nothing but soggy socks on his feet! I managed to put his dress him in a hat and coat but forgot his shoes!
  2. After my daughter was born as all new moms know, it’s VERY hard to get a good night sleep. One night during a diaper change, I must have been so tired that I was half asleep while changing her diaper. When I woke up in the morning I remember feeling the sheets and they were damp. Then I looked at my hands and there was crap on it! Yes “number 2”!! I put her diaper on inside out so all of her “number 1” and “number 2” came out the side, on the sheets and on my pajamas! I couldn’t help but to laugh and run the both of us into the tub.
  3. In the past almost 9 years I have had plenty of Mommy moments, but one in particular stands out. In the wee early morning hours of Christmas Day, 2005 I went into labor with my second second daughter, Meghan. We were very surprised since I wasn’t due until January. My then 3 year old, Tara, was home in bed expecting the next morning to be Christmas- complete with Santa and presents. We had called my Mom to come and stay with her at our house while my husband and I went to the hospital. My husband and I decided that when Tara woke up, we would have my Mom explain to her that we were at the hospital having the baby and that it wasn’t Christmas yet. When she woke up she was shocked to find my Mom at the house without us. When she said Merry Christmas to my Mom my Mom told her it wasn’t Christmas yet- thankfully, she was just confused and said, but Nana I had the strangest, really, real dream that today was Christmas and Santa came! Biggest lie ever. And it came from her parents.
  4. Back in January, our family was under a lot of stress (death in the family, a miscarriage & changing jobs). I was trying to handle it, along with my husband, as best as possible. He was working late one night, and that left me at home for one of the first times in awhile with all three of our children. The night started out okay- with our not-so-healthy dinner from the freezer section of Trader Joe’s, and hanging out. Then, my 6 year old daughter fell and cut her head- while trying to handle the wound (and blood pouring out), I hadn’t realized our 1 year old had gotten my sleep-aromatherapy spray off my night stand. I noticed as she was holding it, spray nozzle popped off & attempting to drink it. As quick as I could, snagged it way, took her to the sink to wash her mouth while calling poison control. If calling poison control, handling a wound and juggling still trying to hold it all together wasn’t enough… my 9 year old son interrupts to say he broke his TV. At that point, I couldn’t do anything else, except cry & laugh at the same time. I’m not perfect… I don’t always keep it together emotionally, but I try to be as good as a mama as possible. Luckily, my husband was able to come home shortly after and all was fine. No trips to the ER…(from the wound or aromatherapy spray!!) and the TV was able to be fixed.
  5. I’d spent my day dropping my daughter off at school, taking my son to a zoo playdate, having a meeting, and doing errands. I had a volunteer meeting that evening, after feeding and bathing the kids and putting them to bed. I was tired but satisfied because I thought I had the two kids thing down, finally. I brushed my hair back and realized that there was a lollipop stuck in it. We’d had lollipops at the zoo, which meant that it had been there all day and no one had mentioned it. Such a mommy moment.

To place your vote:

Select the story you liked best (1, 2, 3, 4 or 5) and vote via the poll question posted on the Boon Facebook wall.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Special Guest Sunday: Mother Dear

What kind of daughters would we be if we didn't celebrate our very own mother as a Special Guest on Mother's Day?
Happy Mother's Day to a wonderful mom. She teaches us, inspires us, had 5 of her 6 beautiful babies unmedicated (she always wonders why she didn't get 6 of 6 medicated), and she was the first person to start sewing our Laborlooks gowns.

She has faith in us, she taught us how to work hard, she supports us in what we do, and if someday we become half the mother she is then we will consider ourselves blessed.

We love you mom,
Love,
Ashley and Brittani



Friday, May 6, 2011

Fashion Friday: Smart Mom Jewelry

http://www.smartmomjewelry.com/
Have you seen this? Teething Necklaces that are cute! I actually have the one below and I used to wear it ALL THE TIME. Not only did my girls bite and chew and play with it, but when they were nursing it was something to entertain them.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Thankful Thursday: International Midwives Day


Want to know more? Check out:

http://mana.org/IntMidDay.html


Did you know that May 5th is International Midwives Day? Yes yes yes, in America it is also Cinco De Mayo, but I am thankful for a day that recognizes midwives and all the services that they provide for women throughout the world. I am a midwife. I love being a midwife. I am busy and life is crazy but I LOVE the women that I serve. It is a calling, sometimes a hard one, and sometimes my family misses me. But I am a midwife and I love what I do.



One of the reasons we celebrate International Midwives Day is because that we need to recognize all the good that trained midwives can do for women around the world. There are many countries where they cannot deliver their babies at a hospital. They don't have access to the healthcare that many of us have. A trained midwife can save thousands of lives. Knowing these life saving measures and using them as needed is what saves women and children in childbirth.


Some day I hope to help train foreign midwives. I think my first trip will be to Haiti. I want to also spend time in other areas. I have been blessed with such a great passion for knowledge and I need to share what I know. And that is why I posted a picture of myself for you today (sorry- it was when I was getting ready for work this morning!), so that you can say you saw a midwife on International Midwives Day and you celebrated with her!


Thank you.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Trusting Tuesday: Babysitters

Do you trust your baby sitters?

I could go for a long time about how to pick the best babysitter... and maybe I will... but seriously, Aunts do not always make the best babysitters.

Look what my sister taught my daughter!

Monday, May 2, 2011

Mommy Monday: Returning to Work and Breastfeeding

Have you ever wondered how to manage it all? As a mom sometimes it is hard to be able to figure out how to get it all done.

One of the most important things for me was to be able to continue a breastfeeding relationship with my daughters when I went back to work. I usually did this by pumping. I used my pump in style (medela) pump 3-4 times a day for almost a year. But the super model Miranda Kerr is able to breastfeed and work at the same time!

Check out this article:




Model mother Miranda Kerr breastfeeds baby Flynn behind the scenes of photo shoot

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 2:07 AM on 29th April 2011

Life as a working mother can be quite the juggling act - just ask Miranda Kerr.

The Victoria's Secret supermodel posted a picture on her Twitter page today that showed her bonding with her baby boy Flynn between takes while on a shoot.

The 28-year-old, who is dressed in red high heels and a gaping satin robe, appears to be breastfeeding her three-month-old as she sits in a make-up chair.

Along with the picture, Miranda wrote: 'Another day in the office xxx'

Bonding between takes: Miranda Kerr posted this picture on her Twitter page today

Bonding between takes: Miranda Kerr posted this picture on her Twitter page today

The wife of actor Orlando Bloom, who returned to work two months after giving birth, has been working on several new campaign in recent weeks.

On location: The model at a shoot for Have Faith Swimwear in Malibu last week

On location: The model at a shoot for Have Faith Swimwear in Malibu last week

She was photographed on location in Malibu earlier this week, where she put her post-baby curves on show in a purple bathing costume for Have Faith Swimwear.

Miranda has become quite the advocate for breastfeeding and the first picture she released of the newborn showed her nursing him.

'The photo was one of the first photos Orlando took,' Australian-born Miranda later said.

'We both loved it and we wanted to share it. The pleasant surprise was that it also had the added benefit of promoting breastfeeding which to me is the most natural thing in the world and I love it.

'I intend to breastfeed for as long as I can,' she continued.

Meanwhile, Orlando, who is busy promoting his new films Sympathy for Delicious and The Good Doctor, has revealed the inspiration behind their son's name.

The actor revealed his grandmother Evelyn passed away while his wife was pregnant and Bloom said that they wanted to pay tribute to her.

Appearing on Live With Regis and Kelly on Wednesday, he said: 'I was convinced we were going to have a girl because my grandmother actually passed when Flynn was conceived and she was really dear to my heart.

'Evelyn was my grandmother, on my father's side... I was thinking Evelyn. We're going to have a girl, it's going to be called Evelyn. And it was a boy. And so Flynn! Evelyn, Flynn. Flynn, Evelyn.'



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1381669/Model-mother-Miranda-Kerr-breastfeeds-baby-Flynn-scenes-Victorias-Secret-shoot.html#ixzz1Ksi6kz6d

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Special Guest Sunday: Tender Gifts Doula


During my pregnancies I took way better care of my body than when I wasn't pregnant.
Why do women do that? Why don't we take care of ourselves ALL OF THE TIME?

I always took my vitamins, never drank caffeine, limited sweets, and I exercised regularly.
I drank water until I thought my bladder would explode. I, like most women, wanted to do whatever was best for my baby. I also didn't want to gain a thousand pounds, but that came second to my desire to have a healthy baby.

After I had my baby I soon returned to work and found myself pumping 3-4 times a day, 5+ days a week. I pump before deliveries, I pumped in the nurses lounge, I pumped in my office, some days I even had to pump on one side at a time while driving (thank goodness for hands free pump straps!). I image that would have been hard to explain to a police officer or the person who I rear-ended because I was distracted.... seriously though... don't report me. I was a busy busy midwife.

During the middle of all that pumping my milk supply dwindled. I was soon pumping an ounce or two when I used to be pumping 6-8 ounces! I thought immediately to boost my supply with off label use of medications- Reglan and Domperione. While I have seen success with these, I was hesitant to used because the risk of side effects that hadn't been studied in nursing mothers.

This is when I turned to Tender Gifts Doula.

Tendergiftsdoula.com is a wonderful website of a local Phoenix mama who sells Mother's Milk Tea in bulk. She is super reasonably priced and guess what? Her teas work! I posted on my family blog about the time I used her tea HERE From the ingredients I see are Red Raspberry, Fenugreek, and I can't read the rest- but trust me- it helped. I was able to increase my milk supply and continue nursing past my daughters first birthday.
I didn't know about Althea and her magic teas until after I had my daughter. Had I known about her during pregnancy I would have used her Mother's Life Tea as well (I hear her red raspberry tea tastes much better than her milk tea).

Go ahead moms- check out her website www.tendergiftsdoula.com