Breastfeeding apparently is whole boob out in the open and equal to peeing in public.

You know, I have NEVER seen a lady breastfeeding in public.  At least not that I have EVER been able to tell, and believe me, I look... on purpose. Always have. Is it because I want to see boobies? Nope. It is because I hate to see a mom whip out a bottle or a can of formula. Back to my point though...I see ALL of these anti-boob folks protesting the sight of a nursing babe and their bosomed mommy and yet, in all my 35 years of life AND looking for a nursing mom I have NEVER seen one. So, I have to ask, where are all of these exhibitionist mom's with their boobs on display for all to see while they latch on their kids? I mean, how do these folks even know if they would be grossed out or offended or able to see the entire breast with nipple and all? I *KNOW* folks aren't sickened, outraged or offended by breast in general, so what makes having a small baby head in the way turn folks so much?

My other question is why compare breastfeeding to peeing in public? Urine is NOT food the last time I checked and if we really want to compare apples to oranges... Maybe we should ban eating in public at all because it makes me sick to watch some people perform oral sex of their food. Yeah, I compared eating food with oral sex, see? Because they both involve the mouth. Because that's that exact same thing and all right? Sure it is. Eating=Oral Sex and Breastfeeding In Public=Peeing In public. *Note the strong sarcastic tone*.

The point is, Breastfeeding is nourishing a child and you don't even see the breast when it's happening. So, stop flipping out about something that NEVER happens and stop equating things that aren't even quasi-related.

Song Of The Little Ones(An Original Poem)

Please hold your babies,

so dear and so sweet.

Don't leave them to cry,

for they are the meek.

Treat them with kindness,

compassion, respect.

Remember that they,

are yours to protect.

So kiss them hello,

good morn' and goodnight.

Don't ever tell them,

wait, the timings not right.

By Leslie LeCompte/The Mom: Informed

Baby Sign...links and resources!!

Baby signing is an wonderful way to communicate with your little one. You can start from birth and before too long, most babies will pick it up and "talk" to you. It can cut down on a lot of frustrations if baby can tell you what he wants. The important thing to remember is to ALWAYS speak while doing the signs. In this posting, I will give you some great sites for learning signs along with some info and even some signs so you can get started right away.


Excellent site HERE if you don't know ANY signs and if you want to learn off of the computer. It is mostly for baby sign and not complete ASL. Here is a sample:

There are also videos that show exactly how to do the signs, bigger individual pictures and a whole dictionary of signs.
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This site is for DVD's! If you prefer to own and watch DVD's to learn how to sign with baby and baby can also watch with you. Here is an example:

This is a VERY popular series and can sometimes be found to check out from your local library for free.
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This site is more advanced and shows tradition ASL learning and signs. Here is an example;

            

It contains a LOT of words, phrases, quizzes and more.

So, depending on how deep you want to go with learning, there are plenty options out there for you. Like I said, you can use the first link and get started right now.

Some signs:

Signing: The milk sign is a lot like milking a cow (or goat), but without the vertical motion – you are just squeezing the udder. You take both hands, make them into a fist, relax, and repeat.
You will notice most babies have trouble moving all fingers together at uniform speeds, but any kind of repeated squeezing and relaxing of the hand is likely milk.

Signing: To do the sign for more, flatten out your hands then bring your thumbs under to make an O shape. Then, bring your hands together and separate them repeatedly.
Your baby will often simplify more, gleefully clapping their fists together. As they get older and more proficient, you may want to encourage the more correct form of flattening out their hands and creating the “O ” shape with their thumbs as a fun way to help them develop fine motor skills.

                                               

If It Didn't Come In The Box With Your Carseat, It Probably Isn't Safe!!!!

    When buying a car seat, bypass all of the car seat accessories and installation aids. If an item didn't come with the car seat, it's not safe to use it with the car seat. After-market car seat products aren't crash-tested with each car seat and could cause injury during a crash. This includes head positioners (unless it came with the car seat) and seat belt ratchets, which aren't needed if you install the car seat properly. Use of after-market products often voids the car seat warranty. Car seat accessories packages are sneaky, claiming to meet all federal car seat safety standards. The problem is that there are no standards for these car seat add-ons. Federal standards govern only the car seats and LATCH systems. Car seat safety experts say toy bars, neck rolls, fabric covers, seat belt ratchets and other after-market accessories should not be used. If it didn't come with your car seat, leave it off.
More info HERE! and HERE!

This means:

This didn't come with the seat

No infant head supports unless they were included in the box with you carseat.

Pretty sure baby can't breathe right

No carseat inserts. They also interfere with the straps=very unsafe!

Those straps will no longer hold baby in with those covers attached

No strap covers. They interfere with the chest clip(It should be armpit level)

This is a bad as a HUGE coat

No Bundle-Me. It is too thick behind baby and that interferes with the straps.


But don't take our word for it, here is what the car seat manufacturers have to say about aftermarket products. These excerpts were taken directly from the child safety seat instruction manuals.

* Baby Trend


o Do Not dress your child in bulky clothing or other garments that will hinder the harness from being snug around your baby and properly latched between your child's legs.


o Accessory products for use with the Safety Seat are acceptable for use provided that they do not interfere with the harness assembly, or the proper adjustment of the harness such that it remains tight on the child's shoulders at all times. Thick, soft, or other compressible material in excess of 1/4 inch thick should not be placed behind or under the child or between the child and harness straps. Examples of accessory products are head support pillows or rolled blankets to add additional head support.

* Britax

o The use of non-Britax Child Safety, Inc. covers, inserts, toys, accessories, or tightening devices is not approved by Britax. Their use could cause this restraint to fail Federal Safety Standards or perform worse in a crash. Their use automatically voids the Britax warranty.

* Chicco

o NEVER use clothing or blankets that interfere with fastening or tightening the harness. An unsecured child could be ejected in a sudden stop or crash! To keep child warm, place a blanket over child and restraint AFTER you have properly secured child in harness.

o DO NOT use any accessories, pads or products supplied by other manufacturers with this Child Restraint.  Items not tested with this restraint could injure your child.

* Dorel (Maxi Cosi, Cosco, Eddie Bauer, Safety 1st):
o Dorel Juvenile Group does not recommend the use of any child restraint accessories except those recommended by DJG.

* Evenflo

o In cold weather, DO NOT dress the child in bulky clothing like snowsuits if the child is riding in a child restraint. Bulky coats/ snowsuits make it difficult to properly tighten the harness to the child, which may allow the child to be ejected from the restraint during a crash.

* Graco

o DO NOT use accessories or parts other than those provided by Graco. Their use could alter the performance of the car seat.

* Orbit
o Do not modify your Infant Car Seat or Base. Only use products and accessories approved by Orbit Baby to ensure the safety of your child. This limited warranty does not apply to: defects resulting from use with covers, inserts, accessories, tightening devices, or other components not supplied by or expressly approved in writing by Orbit Baby.

* Peg Perego

o Use only approved parts. Use of unapproved parts can affect the safety of the car seat and cause serious injuries in an accident.

* Sunshine Kids

o Using any non-Sunshine Kids product with this restraint; or any product not specifically approved by Sunshine Kids for use with this restraint is not allowed. Use of such products voids manufacturer's warranty and may seriously impact the products ability to perform properly in an accident.


So, I suppose you are now wondering, "What can I use?" Well, here it is:
Blankets beside baby's head to hold it upright!

A Car Seat Poncho to keep baby warm!

A BabbaCo. Snuggle Fleece can also work!

I hope this helps everyone and I hope if you are using an aftermarket product, it is a safe one. If you are using an unsafe one, I encourage you to discard it and exchange it for a safe one.

100 Words about my journey as a breastfeeding mother

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These 100 words are what I wrote in response to the blog post I linked below:
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http://www.ambermccann.com/blog/100-words/


I was young and uneducated on breastfeeding. I was the first in my family to try it. My son would nurse for two hours or more straight and only stop for thirty minutes before wanting to go again for another two hours. I was very confused and thought he wasn't getting enough or wasn't satisfied with it. I made the decision to quit. I thought it was a good decision. He was happy and full on formula and slept for hours afterwards. I really wish I had understood better. The next baby won't miss out. I know what to do.

Your kid may have grown up healthy, polite and successful, but, that doesn't mean you raised them right.

    Yep, it's true. Your child might be the most healthy, polite and successful person around, but, that doesn't mean that you did everything right when you raised them. 


     I see this every time there is an article written on that shows the dangers of certain ways of doing things. For instance, cereal in bottles, bottle propping, CIO, premature forward facing....there is always those mom's that did all of those things commenting on how they did it and their kid is healthy, polite, successful, wonderful, advanced, blah, blah, blah. These parents refuse to read further or research or try to see another way. They will not accept that their way of doing things may not be the best. I do not understand this way of thinking. 


     Let's talk about cereal in the bottle first...What keeps some of you mom's from seeing another side or way of doing things? What keeps you from trying another way just to see? If research and studies say another way is safer or that your way is unsafe, why keep risking it for your pride? Just because you kid hasn't choked doesn't mean that all the scientific evidence is wrong. Obviously some poor babies have choked on it. If research proves that it doesn't keep your kid full, that if they can't eat the food off of a spoon yet, they don't need food, that they need to be 6 months old before they get food...why do you insist that it is none of those things just because YOUR kid is ok? Why not accept that perhaps it isn't a good idea and try something different with the kids?


  Have you ever heard of Dave Pelzer?  Here's a quote from his website: "Dave has experienced a truly extraordinary life. He nearly died several times by the hands of his mentally disturbed alcoholic mother. Years later it was determined that Dave’s case was identified as one of the most gruesome and extreme cases of child abuse in California ’s then history."


Now, here's a quote about him as an adult: "As a member of the Armed Forces, Dave was hand-picked to midair refuel the highly secretive SR-71 Blackbird and the F-117 Stealth Fighter, which played a major role in Operations Just Cause, Desert Shield and Desert Storm. While serving on active duty and maintaining a rigorous flight schedule, Dave made time to give of himself. In 1990, Dave was the recipient of the JC Penney Golden Rule Award, making him the California Volunteer of the Year.

Some of Dave’s distinctive accomplishments have been recognized through a number of prestigious awards, as well as personal commendations from Presidents Reagan, Bush, Clinton and George W. Bush. In 1993, Dave was honored as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Americans. He joins a distinguished group including: John F. Kennedy, Anne Bancroft and Christopher Reeves. In 1994, Dave was the only American to be honored as The Outstanding Young Person of the World! In 1996, he carried the coveted Centennial flame for the Olympic Games. Dave was paid tribute as the recipient of the 2005 National Jefferson Award. Other alumni of this award include Colin Powell, Sandra Day O’Connor and Bob Hope.

Dave is the author of seven inspirational books. Dave’s latest book, Moving Forward deals with helping people take the lead in their lives. Dave’s first book, A Child Called “It”, was on the New York Times Best Sellers List for over 6 years and Dave’s books have been on the same Best Sellers List approaching 13 years combined. As an author Dave is the first to have four # 1 International Best Sellers and to have four books simultaneously on the New York Times Best Sellers List.

Dave is a living testament of a self-made man, who as an optimist strongly exudes resilience, service to mankind, personal responsibility and faith in humanity. Dave’s unique and intriguing outlook on life, coupled with his “Robin Williams” like wit and sense of humor entertain and encourage all of us to truly commit to overcome any challenge, while living life to its fullest.

For over two decades, Dave has dedicated his life helping others . . . to help themselves. While many make excuses and seem pessimistic, Dave carries the banner in a nation where opportunities are endless in what he calls “The Greatness of America”. And through his work, you will too. "

So, let's see...Dave grew up in one of the MOST abusive houses around. His childhood was a living hell and he nearly died, he barely survived childhood. As an adult however, he has done more and accomplished more than most of us. Which all goes to prove, just because your kid survived it, doesn't mean it was safe. 

     My point is not to put down mom's, but, to maybe help some understand that when I post that something is unsafe, it isn't to put you down or to make you do things "MY" way...It is to give you the info so that you won't possibly harm your kid by continuing an unsafe practice. I want you to read the articles and research and decide for yourself if you want to continue to risk it or not. No one needs you to defend yourself and the unsafe practice. You don't have to tell me your kid survived it to be a healthy, polite and successful kid. To me, that's insulting to Dave Pelzer...always remember him. Perhaps remember that you want you kid to be great because of you , not in spite of you. 

Wii Are Getting Fit!!

So, our family decided to buy a Wii and also bought Wii Fit Plus. I knew I was overweight, but, the Fit let me know exactly how much. LOL We have been using the Wii every night for 30 minutes a piece. Maybe by next summer, we will all be super fit. Of course, my son and husband are both very normal weights. I am the only chunky one. I have decided to keep you all up to date on my progress and maybe by doing so, it will keep me in check. I won't lie, I will let you know how much I weigh and let you know where I stand every week. I hope if any of you need some support, you will join in with me and we can all encourage each other.


I will edit this weekly and repost...


MY CURRENT WEIGHT:
7/27/11 I am 226lbs.



So, maybe you all can give me some helpful tips and pointers that I can share with my readers...


(UPDATE)
8/11/11 I am 225lbs. -1lb 
I really hate that I can't even have a soda or a cookie. I exercise 30mins just so I don't gain more weight and also have to eat less than most folks. I would have to devote a LOT of time and energy to exercising if I wanted to eat anything not healthy...sigh. Apparently, 30mins of light exercise is not gonna enough. LOL I guess I need to up my game.


8/16/11 I am 224lbs. -1lb.

Turn off the TV's, throw out the junk and send your kids outside to play.

 

   I've noticed a trend of overweight kids and I had a theory. We all ponder why or how this came to be. Some blame the food the parents buy, some blame school foods, some blame the media and some blame the fast food joints. I don't think those are the main culprit, I think it started the minute parents got scared to let their kids out of their sight. When I was younger, we could roam the neighborhood all day out of sight of our parents and we had a good time. Hardly any of us were overweight. Some of us DID eat junk, but, that isn't ALL we did. Some of us played a LOT of video games and watched a LOT of TV, but again, it isn't ALL that we did. Once the attitude changed, so did our kids waistlines. Now that a kid isn't allowed outside or sometimes out of the same room as mom, that's when this shift began. It even started to affect babies...how many kids do you know that are   moved from one gadget to another and never just laid on their bellies on the floor to learn to play and develop those muscles. Those same kids aren't worn either which would develop the same muscles. These kids turn into toddlers that stuck in gadgets like the stroller or made to sit down to watch nonstop cartoons because they would "get into stuff" if not, or hurt themselves... These toddlers turn into kids that aren't allowed outside unless mom is there and mom is busy, so kid never gets outside time. He watches more cartoons and eats more junk. That kid turns into the teen that sits and plays video games while mom can't figure out why he doesn't go outside and why he is "always bored". She doesn't see that he never learned imaginative play, never learned how to explore, how to find something to do. He never learned that being active is fun. He never learned how to be active. Those muscles were never worked. His entertainment is something he can do while sitting. Food brings comfort because it is another activity that he knows how to do.


     My son was allowed outside from an early age. He played with other kids making "forts" in the woods, pretending to be a spy outside, running amok. Did he also eat junk and play video games, yes. That's the point though, he got to do those things along with getting to learn the basic skill of outside free play. His school had recess thank goodness. I'm not saying that eating junk is a great thing for a kid, but, it CAN be done and still not create a nation of obese, inactive kids that cannot play outside.


     To add, I really hate that schools are doing away with recess. That to me is a fatal mistake that schools cannot and do not need to make. It is a cause of behavioral problems in class and one more nail in the outside play coffin. It's bad enough kids can't play outside at home, but, now they can't play outside at school. What's a kid to do? I don't lump team sports into this because although it is great that kids are getting some exercise, it is severely structured. It doesn't allow freedom of body and mind and doesn't allow kids to freely learn, think, play and work there muscles. It it structured playtime. Same goes with P.E. although, that is varied and can be a good thing.


    Maybe I am wrong and the rise in obese kids is only because of kids that only eat fast food, but, I'd like to think that this is truly the solution and is an easy remedy. Turn off the TV's, throw out the junk and send your kids outside to play.

Convertible Carseat Comparisons, Rates, Info and More!!!

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Explanation Of the NHTSA "Ease Of Use" ratings & Actual "Ease Of Use" Ratings Of Most Carseats

One lady tried out different popular carseats to measure torso to slot height of various seats to determine length of use possibilities on 6 top carseats. You can find her posting HERE!

Her findings are as follows:
From tallest to shortest...
1. Britax Frontier
2. Graco Nautilus
3. Sunshine Kids Radian
4 & 5. Compass/First Years TruFit & Evenflo Triumph Advance
6. Britax Marathon

Model #1
Aiden is 6.5 years old, 40lbs, 46.5" tall, with a 16.25" torso.

Frontier... in top slots with about 1.5" to grow


Nautilus... in top slots with about 1" to grow


Radian... in top slots with about .75" to grow


TruFit... just over top slots (outgrown)


Triumph Advance... just over top slots (outgrown)


Marathon... over top slots (outgrown)



Model #2
Mikkel is 29lbs, 38.5", with a 13.75" torso.

Frontier... 4th notch from the top slots with at least 4" of growing room


Nautilus... even with 2nd from top slots with about 3.5" of growing room


Radian... even with 2nd from top slots with about 3" of growing room


TruFit... even with 2nd from top slots with about 2" of growing room


Triumph Advance... about 2" of growing room (to the top harness setting - slit in cover goes higher)

Marathon... top slots with about 1.5" of growing room
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There is a whole forum with user reviews of MANY carseats HERE!
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Another comparison listing HERE! from CarSeat.org.

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One from Carseatsite.com HERE!
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Now I will give you a run down of some of the most popular convertible carseats on the market:


 Sunshine Kids Radian XTSL  (Link HERE)
It rear-faces to 45lbs and forward faces up to 80lbs and 53in tall. $299.99 In 6 colors.

Britax Boulevard 70CS (Link HERE)
It rear-faces to 40lbs and forward faces to 70lbs and 49in tall(16.75 seated in. height). $340.00 In 6 colors.

The First Years True Fit Premier Convertible Carseat (Link HERE)
It rear-faces to 35lbs and forward faces to 65lbs and 50in tall. $249.99 In 14 colors.

Evenflo Symphony 65 e3 TruTether All-in-One Carseat (Link HERE)
It rear-faces to 40lbs and forward faces w/harness to 65lbs/50in and as belt-positioning booster to 100lbs/57in. $249.99 2 colors

Safety 1st Complete Air 65 (Link HERE)
It rear-faces to 40lbs/40in. and forward faces to 65lbs and 52in tall. $189.99 6 colors

Cosco Scenera 40RF Convertible Carseat (Link HERE)
It rear-faces to 40lbs/43in. and forward faces to 40lbs. $50.00 2 colors

Graco Smart Seat All-in-One Carseat (Link HERE)
It rear-faces to 40lbs and forward faces w/harness to 65lbs and as belt-positioning booster to 100lbs. $299.99 5 colors

How Much Proof Do You Need And How Much Press Does It Take?

     If something is shown to be 500% safer than something else, and proven to save 92 out of 100 lives, why would you not do the safer thing? Doesn't it seem logical to do the safer thing? What if that thing is PROVEN to save your child? Does that change your mind? Would you do it if you were shown that this thing is a very simple and easy thing to do? It takes no more effort than most other things and yet millions of kids don't get the benefit of this thing. Would you like to know what it is?

        Rear-face Beyond One Year Old

That's right. That's ALL you have to do in order to increase your child's chance of surviving a car accident by 500%. EVERYONE would be safer rear-facing, but, it's impractical for us adults whereas it is NOT impractical for kids. Your child needs to rear-face to the MAX of their convertible carseat. Be sure to READ THE SEAT MANUAL AND THE CAR MANUAL so that you will know the specifications of your carseat and the recommendations for carseats in your car. Even the cheapest carseat will safely rear-face a child up to 35lbs. The Cosco Scenera is around $40 at Wal-Mart. I personally like the Britax which will rear-face up to 40lbs. or the Radian XTLS which is now the Diono RXT which rear-faces up to 45lbs.

Now I know, I know...It's time for the "but's":

My child is "TOO" big to rear-face: 

Well, at 2, if your child was in the 95% for height and weight, they would have to be 37in and 33lbs. Hmmm...even the cheap Cosco will still hold your child until age 2, not 1, 2. The Cosco Scenera maxes out rear-facing at 36in and 35lbs. So, even with the cheapest, lowest limit seat and the biggest kid in the neighborhood, you can still safely rear-face your child until at least age 2. If you went for the DionoRXT, your child can safely ride rear-facing even longer. Hopefully to age 4 or 5 like the kids in Sweden where they rear-face until around age 5. They also lowered their child fatalities to almost 0. That's right, their parents can't say they are "TOO big to rear-face". 

Their legs were uncomfortable and they preferred to have them dangle in the air:

As a rather short adult with even shorter relatives, I can assure you, we as adults would rather have our legs folded up in the seat with us instead of dangling in the air. Kids want it even more so. Not only that, there haven't been ANY reports of broken legs due to rear-facing. However, the NUMBER ONE injury reported in crashes involving forward facing kids? Broken legs and pelvises. Kids are more flexible than adults and I assure you, they won't mind their legs being where they are when rear-facing. 

My kid wants to face forward:

If your child ONLY knows rear-facing, they can't "miss" forward facing enough to "want" to do it.

My kid throws a fit when rear-facing so I am turning them forward:

If your child threw a fit wanting to touch a hot stove, would you allow them just so they won't scream anymore? Would you allow them to get their way no mater what it was just because they screamed? So why would you allow them to throw a fit and get something from it here?

Not to mention, your kid is hating to be strapped down in a seat, they don't care that it is not facing the front.



Please Rear-face PAST One Year!

I am still seeing so many kids forward facing at one. If you believe in rear-facing, please help me spread the word so that others can be informed of the risks of early turning...

Lies Told To Nursing Moms and Lies Nursing Moms Tell

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My milk took 3 days to come in and colostrum wasn't enough because he lost some weight:


Milk normally takes quite a few days to some in. Colostrum usually is only a few tablespoons because baby's stomach is the size of a marble and colostrum has WAY more fat, calories and nutrients than regular breastmilk and formula. So, colostrum IS way more than enough for baby for a good bit. If you had fluids through the IV during labor, chances are baby will lose a bit more weight after birth than if you didn't...pair that with normal weight loss, you may think you need to supplement. However, what you really need to do is nurse more. The more you nurse, the more you make. Simple. The second you supplement with formula is the second you told your breast to stop making as much milk. The more you nurse, the faster your milk will come in. Just remember, colostrum DOES have more fat, calories and nutrients than formula...so why would you want to supplement and baby's stomach is the size of a MARBLE regardless of how big they were at birth...so why would you think they need a whole bottle of formula or a whole bottle of pumped breastmilk?




My milk didn't come in so I was told to supplement:

Unless it has been a week+ and baby is getting nothing out(meaning you don't hear him swallowing and he is not making any wet or poopy diapers), then, you shouldn't give formula and assume you haven't got milk. You should from birth be nursing on demand. Which may be VERY often. Baby should increase the amount of wet and poopy diapers daily up to at least 6-8 even somewhat wet daily. Baby should seem content after each feed. Baby should gain weight by each check up(meaning, baby should follow his own curve of growth).

My baby eats a lot, I must not have enough to feed him:


This falls back to the first myth...if baby IS satisfied after his feed and IS gaining weight and IS wetting/dirtying diapers, rest assured, he is getting exactly what he needs. Eating frequently is what babies do. Breastmilk digests well and growing babies eat small amounts often. Growth spurts also cause babies to eat more often. Even if baby is nonstop nursing at the breast, it doesn't mean he isn't getting full or you aren't making enough. He may be having a growth spurt, teething, feels sick...anything.

My baby was big, I couldn't keep up:

This is the craziest. Even the 16lb baby doesn't need 4oz+ in a sitting. Look at your baby's fist...their stomach in no bigger than that fist. I am grown and my hand cannot hold more than 4oz. Your baby is born with a stomach the size of a marble...even if they are huge. The stomach grows to shooter marble size after a week or two. then, it finally gets to fist size...it is supposed to STAY FIST SIZED for life. You stomach should never become bigger than your fist.

Many women do not produce enough:


NOT TRUE! Most women not only make enough, they make TOO much. Only a TINY few truly cannot make enough. The problem is NOT that mom isn't making enough, it is that baby isn't getting out what mom has. This could be from a poor latch, a tongue-tie or any number of reasons. That is why mom's need someone to show how to properly latch baby on from the first feed on the first day.


Pumping will give you a good indication of how much you are making:


It is a well known fact that babies can get out WAY more milk than ANY pump can. Not only that, but, most women don't respond well to the pump. Most women can get .5-2oz MAX per pumping session. Some women can pump loads, but, the output will NEVER equal what is truly coming out when baby feeds.


I will be tied down to baby if I breastfeed:


Actually, baby can be nursed about anywhere. You don't have to warm the milk up or carry a bag to hold it all or wash bottles, make formula, store pre-made bottles...only need you and baby. Bottle feeding requires you to carry a lot of stuff if you are going to be gone all day or weekend.


My breast stopped feeling full, so I needed to switch to formula:


Breasts don't ever have to feel full. That is NEVER a good indicator of milk production. It only means that your body is regulating your milk production properly. Even if they have felt full and suddenly stopped, it's ok as long as baby is still growing and wetting enough diapers.


My child refused to latch, he didn't like the breast:


Chances are if baby's latch is bad, you can work to help him learn to do it properly by changing positions, using a shield or consulting an IBCLC. Now, baby could have a tongue tie or lip tie that needs diagnosed or it may even be a posterior one that is harder to diagnose and getting it clipped may be the trick. Or baby could have a lazy latch and needs practice...any number of things. Sometimes, it can be fixed. Sometimes...it cannot.

If You Don't Like It, Don't Look At It

                                    Stop reporting Facebook pictures. Really. 

   Yeah, I bet you thought I was going to be talking about nursing in public huh? Well, not today. Today is all about FB pics. Why? Because EVERYWHERE I turn, someones picture is getting reported. Most aren't even nursing or birth pictures either. Most are normal everyday pictures that we all have on our pages. Except it doesn't matter. Junior High antics about in the mothering blog worlds. Apparently, if you get irritated with someone because of their stance or comments, in the FB world, you don't talk to them or debate them or discuss, you report their pictures or page. That way, you hope to stall them and prevent them from spreading their word. I can guarantee though that not only does it not stop them, it mostly irritates everyone else and makes you look bad. It's a very childish road to take. Especially when you can simply "Unlike" their page and be free from them. 

     My philosophy is this...I will tolerate you and debate with you, but, I will not play petty games with you. I will simply "Unlike" your page and ban you from mine....that way, we have severed ties and no destructive behavior can exist. Perhaps if everyone can also subscribe to this philosophy we can maintain some harmony and peace in this community of women.

     Maybe today, I can get everyone to pledge to do better as women and stop pulling each other down, but, to instead try to lift one another up. It doesn't matter which side of the parenting fence you fall on, but, your attitude while on it goes a long way in getting others to hear what you have to say.

Natural Cleaners You Can Use Around Your Kids

   As a mom, I can understand the desire for safer cleaning products around the house. So, in honor of that, today's post will be a collection of recipes for safer cleaners for your home. I will provide a link to the pages I pull the recipes from just prior to the listing.

The first set of recipes comes from: "The Family Homestead"


If you are wondering what this list of “basic ingredients” are, I will show you:
Baking Soda
Vinegar
Rubbing Alcohol
Washing Soda (can be found near laundry detergent in most stores)
Borax (also near the laundry section)
Mild Dish Detergent

Homemade Floor Cleaner
1 cup white vinegar
1 gallon warm water
Mix in your cleaning bucket and use this to clean vinyl type floors.

Wood Floor Cleaner
½ cup vinegar
1 gallon water
The most important thing to keep in mind while cleaning wood floors is that they can not get overly wet.  When you use the above mixture, dip your sponge mop into the solution and squeeze until almost dry.  Then mop.  Never put the cleaner directly on the floor. Dry any streaked or wet area with a clean towel as you go along the floor.

All Purpose Cleaners
In a clean, empty gallon milk jug put:
2 Tablespoons ammonia
1 teaspoon dish detergent
1 pint (2 cups) rubbing alcohol
4 drops food coloring – optional
a few drops of your favorite essential oil for a nice fresh scent, I use Orange
Fill the rest of the gallon jug with hot water.  Pour into spray container to use.

Here is a cleaner you make right in your spray bottle:
All-Purpose Cleaner
2T vinegar
1 t Borax
Hot water
a few drops of a mild dish detergent
10 drops of essential oil, optional
In a 16 spray bottle put vinegar, borax and  hot water.  Swish around until borax has dissolved.  Add the drops of dish detergent and fill the rest of the bottle with water.  Add the essential oil (I like using orange or lavender).

All Purpose Cleaner in a Bucket (for big jobs like walls)
½ cup ammonia
¼ cup vinegar
¼ cup baking soda
Mix the above ingredients with 1 gallon of warm water and use for basic cleaning jobs around the home.  Double the above ingredients for cleaning shower walls or other extra heavy duty areas.

Soft Scrubbing Type Cleaners
Here is one of my favorites for cleaning counter tops, sinks or any area that needs some scrubbing without the worry of scratching the surface.
Homemade “soft scrub” Type Cleaner
There are no measurements necessary for this one. Simply put a small amount of baking soda in a bowl and add liquid dish detergent until you have smooth paste or frosting like substance.  This very well on sinks and counters and won’t scratch the surface.

Window Cleaner
Homemade Window Cleaner
This one can be made right in your spray bottle.
½ t mild dish detergent
3T vinegar
2 cups water
Put all these ingredients into a spray bottle.  Shake this up some and use it just like the commercial variety.

Homemade Window Cleaner #2
3T Ammonia
1T vinegar
Put in spray bottle and fill the rest of the way up with water.

Commet Type Scrub Powders
This is an easy one.  You can use baking soda!  Sprinkle on sinks, counters or anywhere you need to get rid of build up or stains.  Dampen slightly and scrub with a soft cloth to prevent scratching.


****A word of caution on making homemade cleaners: never mix bleach with any type of acid such as ammonia or vinegar.  It will cause toxic fumes that are very dangerous.
                                                               

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This next set comes from "TipNut" (I use recipe #4)

First Some Tips:

For the bar soaps required in the recipes, you could try Fels-Naptha, Ivory soap, Sunlight bar soap, Kirk’s Hardwater Castile, and Zote. Don’t use heavily perfumed soaps.

Washing Soda and Borax can normally be found in the laundry and cleaning aisles.

Some people with really hard water or well water may have to adjust the recipes if the clothes look dingy.

Although several of the recipes have the same ingredients, the measurements are different–some contain a higher soap to water ratio. Test and see which works best for your laundry needs.

You can make huge pails of this at once, or smaller quantities. Also if you can get your hands on a few empty liquid laundry detergent bottles they work great for storing the detergent. Just make a big batch and pour in bottles, cap then use as needed–shake before use.

Some of the recipes call for large amounts of water. Check with a local restaurant to see if they have any empty large pails from deep fryer oil–that’s how many restaurants buy the oil. See if you can have one or two of the pails after they’ve emptied it–just wash them out really well before using. They’re big, heavy plastic and very sturdy when stirring the soap and hot water.

10 Homemade Laundry Soap Detergent Recipes

Recipe #1

1 quart Water (boiling)

2 cups Bar soap (grated)

2 cups Borax

2 cups Washing Soda

Add finely grated bar soap to the boiling water and stir until soap is melted. You can keep on low heat until soap is melted.

Pour the soap water into a large, clean pail and add the Borax and Washing Soda. Stir well until all is dissolved.

Add 2 gallons of water, stir until well mixed.

Cover pail and use 1/4 cup for each load of laundry. Stir the soap each time you use it (will gel).

Recipe #2

Hot water

1 cup Washing Soda

1/2 cup Borax

1 Soap bar

Grate the bar soap and add to a large saucepan with hot water. Stir over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.

Fill a 10 gallon pail half full of hot water. Add the melted soap, Borax and Washing soda, stir well until all powder is dissolved. Top the pail up with more hot water.

Use 1 cup per load, stirring soap before each use (will gel).

Recipe #3

Hot water

1/2 cup Washing Soda

1/2 cup Borax

1/3 bar Soap (grated)

In a large pot, heat 3 pints of water. Add the grated bar soap and stir until melted. Then add the washing soda and borax. Stir until powder is dissolved, then remove from heat.

In a 2 gallon clean pail, pour 1 quart of hot water and add the heated soap mixture. Top pail with cold water and stir well.

Use 1/2 cup per load, stirring soap before each use (will gel).

Powdered Laundry Detergent – Recipe #4

2 cups Fels Naptha Soap (finely grated – you could also try the other bar soaps listed at the top)

1 cup Washing Soda

1 cup Borax

Mix well and store in an airtight plastic container.

Use 2 tablespoons per full load.

Recipe #5

Hot water

1 bar (4.5 oz) Ivory Soap – grated

1 cup Washing Soda

In a large saucepan add grated soap and enough hot water to cover. Heat over medium-low heat and stir until soap is melted.

Fill a large pail with 2.5 gallons of hot water, add hot soap mixture. Stir until well mixed.

Then add the washing soda, again stirring until well mixed.

Set aside to cool.

Use 1/2 cup per full load, stirring well before each use (will gel)

Recipe #6

2.5 gallons Water (hot)

1 Bar soap (grated)

3/4 cup Washing Soda

3/4 cup Borax

2 TBS Glycerin

Melt bar soap over medium-low heat topped with water, stir until soap is melted.

In a large pail, pour 2.5 gallons of hot water, add melted soap mixture, washing soda, borax and glycerin. Mix well.

Use 1/2 cup per full load.

Recipe #7

2 cups Bar soap (grated)

2 cups Washing Soda

2 – 2.5 gallons hot water

Melt grated soap in saucepan with water to cover. Heat over medium-low heat and stir until soap is dissolved.

Pour hot water in large pail,

add hot soap and washing soda. Stir very well.

Use 1 cup per full load.

Recipe #8

2 gallons Water (hot)

1 bar Soap (grated)

2 cups Baking soda (yes baking soda this time–not washing soda)

Melt grated soap in a saucepan with enough hot water to cover. Cook on medium-low heat, stirring frequently until soap is melted.

In a large pail, pour 2 gallons hot water. Add melted soap, stir well.

Then add the baking soda, stir well again.

Use 1/2 cup per full load, 1 cup per very soiled load.

Powdered Laundry Detergent – Recipe #9

12 cups Borax

8 cups Baking Soda

8 cups Washing Soda

8 cups Bar soap (grated)

Mix all ingredients well and store in a sealed tub.

Use 1/8 cup of powder per full load.

Recipe #10 – (Powdered)

1 cup Vinegar (white)

1 cup Baking Soda

1 cup Washing Soda

1/4 cup liquid castile soap

Mix well and store in sealed container.

I find it easiest to pour the liquid soap into the bowl first, stirred in the washing soda, then baking soda, then added the vinegar in small batches at a time (the recipe foams up at first). The mixture is a thick paste at first that will break down into a heavy powdered detergent, just keep stirring. There may be some hard lumps, try to break them down when stirring (it really helps to make sure the baking soda isn’t clumpy when first adding). I used 1/2 cup per full load with great results.

Liquid Detergents Note

Soap will be lumpy, goopy and gel-like. This is normal. Just give it a good stir before using. Make sure soap is covered with a lid when not in use. You could also pour the homemade soap in old (and cleaned) laundry detergent bottles and shake well before each use.

*If you can’t find Fels-Naptha locally, you can buy it online (check Amazon).

Optional

You can add between 10 to 15 drops of essential oil (per 2 gallons) to your homemade laundry detergent. Add once the soap has cooled to room temperature. Stir well and cover.

Essential oil ideas: lavender, rosemary, tea tree oil

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I cannot condone a practice by which a baby is taught to ignore his human instinct for it's parents comfort.

     I'll admit that with my son, I did what everyone said to do and followed advice from others. I was 19 and there was no internet at home to just go look up anything I desired. I had "What to Expect" books for my pregnancy info and all of those "Baby" Magazines to help guide me through infancy. Don't get me wrong, those WERE helpful when it's ALL you have.

     In spite of all of that, I managed an epidural free vaginal delivery, I nursed for a month, I co-slept, quickly switched to BLW(although I didn't know there was such), and gently potty learned him in 4 days(although, again, had no clue there was a thing).

     However, even with SO much going against me, I never considered letting him CIO, not once. I KNEW about it, but, I couldn't do that to my little baby. I never expected him to sleep all night until he was ready. I never thought, "He MUST" sleep all alone in a separate room and never wake and if he does, I can't do anything. I never said, "Hey, I will let him cry for a minutes before I worry about him." I just do NOT get that kind of thinking. Babies cry for a reason. Babies NEVER need to learn to fall back to sleep on their own. Babies NEVER need to learn that the cold, dark night is their turn to soothe themselves. Babies NEVER need to be taught that crying is for naught.

    How can you walk into a baby's room and merely pat it on the back and walk away again? How can you continue this every night until that tiny baby learns that nighttime is alone time and their basic needs will not be met? Because you need 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep...baby has to learn a lesson.

     I cannot condone a practice by which a baby is taught to ignore his human instinct for it's parents comfort.