About Sara

My first child is due Feb. 8th 2012. As I wait with anticipation for my breastfeeding adventure to begin, I feel so lucky to be able to be a part of the breastfeeding blog world. For more about me read the About Us section of the blog! This blog is intended to be a place of inspiration and information. It is a place to share stories and ideas. I love hearing from you!

Momzelle Nursing News

Archive for October, 2011

Bon Voyage!

Friday, October 28th, 2011

I spent fifteen hours traveling yesterday to get from Montreal to Nelson, BC.  I came to the beautiful Kootenays to visit my dearest friend.  My mentality when booking my flight (and bus…) was that I needed to treat myself to a getaway before the baby arrives.  I have read many times that the second trimester is the time get out there and go on a trip.  It seems to be true.  I was quite comfortable and only had to pack for one!  It made me think of my impending parenthood.  Will flying be quite so fun then?

When I think of all the upcoming challenges of having a child, flying with them seems to be the one that really makes you brave.  Breastfeeding in public is nothing compared with the sighs of disdain from a plane load of people when they see you board with baby.  It is a shame that strangers are not more supportive, considering most likely they’ve done it too! 

My first experience traveling with children was when I accompanied my sister and nieces to visit my grandmother.  Zoe was 2 1/2 years old and Avery was seven months.  My sister and I were prepared with a battery of books, toys and songs.  One of my all time favourite memories with my nieces was Zoe sitting on my lap on that plane as we quietly sang every nursery rhyme I knew until she stopped singing and snoozed.  The girls required our full attention, but as long we kept them busy everyone had a good time.  I found the whole trip wonderfully fun and I hope that I take this attitude with me when it is my own children!

What advice to do you have for flying with children?  How do you keep them entertained?  Would you rather have a root canal :) ?

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Sugar, sugar!

Tuesday, October 25th, 2011

At least five people have asked me if I’m craving pickles and ice cream now that I am pregnant.  Until now I have said “nope, no cravings”.  While I have definitely noticed a heightened sense of smell and taste, nothing has really turned me off or on.  I have always had a sweet tooth.  Long before pregnancy and long after the age of seven, a candy store has been a favourite place of mine.  I’ll take almost anything, chocolate, cake, etc, but my favourite things are often brightly colored and of the gummy persuasion.

So when I got pregnant, I didn’t think much of my sweet tooth craving.  But in the last few weeks, (in the middle of my second trimester, when they say things normalize…) this hankering for refined sugar has hit a new level.  Every time I go to a convenience store, drug store, or grocery store I have a battle with my will power.  Most of the time my will power wins (I swear!)!  I think of how absolutely useless it is to eat the junk and try to list all the bad things about it (tooth decay, etc).  I’m pretty impressed with myself.  About once a week though, I grab those gummy bears (or sour kids or skittles or fruit slices or swedish fish, you get the idea) and eat them one at a time as if each is the finest morsel on earth.  The ironic thing is that I usually get a headache or general feeling of awfulness after I’ve eaten them and still the next time I pass them on the way to the cashier I feel the pull!

I don’t think there is anything wrong with giving into cravings.  Pregnancy throws hormones, aches, emotions, and sensations at us that require a little extra comfort sometimes.  I do, however, think making an effort to keep a balanced diet is worth a little bit of a battle with our will power.  I have something sweet everyday, but it’s only once a week that it’s truly junk food.  Yogurt and frozen blueberries, honey nut cheerios, chocolate granola bar, I don’t consider them bad!

Did you have pregnancy cravings?  Did junk food play mind games on you, too?!

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Baby signs and breastfeeding

Friday, October 21st, 2011

I read a very interesting blog post on bestforbabes.org today.  A mother was describing how communicating with her children through baby signs enriched their breastfeeding relationship, click here to read the article.  She was able to discover the different reasons her child wanted to breastfeed.  Having insight into how her child viewed breastfeeding, the mother was able to adapt to her child’s needs.

I was introduced to the idea of baby signs when I worked in a daycare center.  One of our infants had a very large “vocabulary” of signs.  It was quite amazing (once his teachers learned the signs!) how easy it was to communicate with a child that wasn’t speaking yet.  This boy was able to tell us exactly what he wanted.  He even created his own signs.  He would point to his shoes, which had school buses on them and we would know he was requesting a sing-along of “wheels on the bus”!

from the book Baby Signs®

I became very curious about how the signing relationship worked and had many talks with his mother.  She explained that she integrated signs with her words.  Every time she would say “milk” or “all done” for example, she would simultaneously do the sign for that word.  Her son began signing back to her when he was around eight months old.  I would guess this little guy knew at least fifty different signs.  His mother advocated how much easier it was to deal with any fussiness because she could narrow down exactly what it was her son wanted or needed.

A concern among some of the staff at the daycare was that this boy may be delaying his speech development.  He was over one year old and seemed to rely on his signs instead of learning to say the words.  His mother was not concerned and when he moved into the toddler room just before he was eighteen months old, he was nearly speaking full sentences!  As far as I can find, there is no research to say that signing impedes speech.

Here are some of the benefits of signing according to babysignlanguage.com

  • Bonding.  Baby Sign Language gives you an sneak peak into the head of your baby. It allows your baby to show you some of the things she is thinking and let you share some of your thoughts with her.
  • Reduced Fussiness.  When your baby can’t communicate, he gets frustrated and has little fussy spells. This can leave you frustrated because you want to help but don’t know what to do. When your baby can tell you when they are hungry, thirsty, need a diaper change, or are hurt you can help. Even when there is nothing you can do – like if your baby’s leg hurts – it seems to soothe their pain if they can just share it with you.
  • Development.  Baby sign language is a good structured activity to help babies develop mentally.  Studies shows that babies who have early exposure to signing, have larger speaking vocabularies earlier.

Did you communicate with your child through sign language?  Did it impact your breastfeeding relationship?


https://www.babysigns.com/

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What’s in a name?

Wednesday, October 19th, 2011

We have passed the half way mark!  I am twenty four weeks pregnant now.  Although I feel like we have a long way to go, I am in planning mode.  What kind of stroller should we get? Disposable or cloth diaper?  Do I go with a sling or a carrier?  All of these things seem far less important than the simple task of naming our child.  Oh, but it is not so simple!  I feel a bit overwhelmed having the power to name a person.  It is a big responsibility.
We want to be surprised with the gender so we have to have two names at the ready on delivery day.  My husband and I have thrown around a few names and have actually agreed on most!  Maybe this won’t be so hard…

I have some particular criteria:

We would like the name to be French, but easy for the anglophone to pronounce (my husband is from Quebec and I’m the anglophone).  I have always loved French names, but I don’t want to mispronounce my own child’s name!  It’s a bit tricky.

I would like it to be popular but not that common.  I was always one of four Sarah’s in my class.  My name was “Sara without an H” for ten years!  I don’t need it to be completely original, though.  While I appreciate interesting names, I think the person brings character to any name.

Well, that is really my only criteria.  This should be a breeze…

When choosing a name, did you tell people your ideas before your little one came? I am finding that I do blurt out my ideas to friends and family and on more than one occasion I have had a name nixed by someone.  ”Oh, I knew a Sophie and she was a real so and so”.  Names are so personal!

Where did you find ideas for names? I have looked online, in books, asked family (the french side!) and taken ideas from my personal life.  My favourite name of the moment, for a girl, is from my favourite movie.

 

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Who is your biggest supporter?

Thursday, October 13th, 2011

When it comes to breastfeeding, it seems that a woman is on her own.  She is solely responsible for feeding and nourishing the baby.  It is her breast milk that will ensure her child grows and flourishes through infancy.  That’s a bit of pressure!

Of course, if it goes swimmingly, breastfeeding is one of the most satisfying, calming, and loving parts of motherhood.  I am preparing for the birth of my first child in February.  I am so excited to breastfeed.  I want it to be the magical bond I have read about, heard my sister talk about, and can imagine it to be.

But what if it doesn’t go so smoothly?  In my research, I have also heard of the many, many things that can be obstacles to successful breastfeeding.  Things such as blocked ducts, cracked nipples, mastitis (which I witnessed my sister endure, she had a rare case that involved pus, an abscess and surgery, yikes!), poor latch, low supply.  The list seems long and intimidating.

Luckily, I am surrounding myself now with people I can call on if trouble comes.  I want to be sure I try everything possible and that I am ready to ask for help because I am not on my own in this.

Here is my (ever growing) circle of support:

  • My husband – he’s a big believer in breastfeeding and I know he will be there for me every step of the way.
  • My sister and mother – It’s always good to have experience to call on.
  • My sister-in-law – She has been trained in lactation management.
  • My local La Leche League - I plan to attend at least a meeting or two before I have this baby.
  • Online communities – It is amazing the support and information I have found already on facebook and twitter, forums and blogs.  Of course, it is my responsibility to discern facts from opinions, but there is definitely support out there!
  • A lactation consultant – I haven’t found them yet, but I imagine I will have their phone number memorized by the time my milk comes in!
  • Prenatal classes – We haven’t started them yet and it is only one of the six classes that discusses breastfeeding but I plan to have lots of questions and my notebook ready.  There is also a breastfeeding workshop offered at my hospital which I plan to attend.

Who or what else should be on my list?  Where do you turn for breastfeeding support?

This post was written as a part of a blog hop! Check out the other blogs listed below that are on the same topic of breastfeeding support.

Life With Levi

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International Babywearing Week!!

Wednesday, October 12th, 2011

I love how there is a week for just about everything these days.  Here is one I look forward to celebrating when I have my little one (due in February); International Babywearing Week!  This year it is being held this week, Oct. 10th-16th.

I am really looking forward to “wearing” my baby.  I was always stealing my nieces from my sister anytime she took out her sling or carrier.  I love the closeness and functionality of it.

I’m looking for the perfect sling/wrap/carrier.  Any suggestions!?  I want to be able to breastfeed easily, have lots of back support, and the two of us to be very comfortable.  From my research, I think I want a wrap for the first few months, then a carrier around 6+ months.

What is your favourite baby sling/wrap/carrier?

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Desiring a Doula

Tuesday, October 11th, 2011

I am in research mode.  I have hit twenty-two weeks in my pregnancy and I am devouring any and all information I can to help me with my plan to have a natural childbirth.  I have discovered that I want a doula.

Here is the role of a birth doula from DONA International:

  • Recognizes birth as a key experience the mother will remember all her life
  • Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor
  • Assists the woman in preparing for and carrying out her plans for birth
  • Stays with the woman throughout the labor
  • Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping the woman get the information she needs to make informed decision
  • Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and her clinical care providers
  • Perceives her role as nurturing and protecting the woman’s memory of the birth experience
  • Allows the woman’s partner to participate at his/her comfort level

Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily.  That sounds good to me!

It seems imperative to have a doula in my situation: wanting a natural birth in a hospital.  A doula can help me make informed decisions in the moment, based on my true desires.  Ideally, I would like to be in a birthing center with a midwife (I’m on a few waiting lists…), but I feel confident that if everything is going well in my labour that I can have an intervention-free birth in a hospital.  I just have to be prepared.  That is why my husband and I have asked my mother to take on the role of our doula.  Luckily for me, my mother has recently trained to be one!  I was going to have her in the room anyway!  But, trust me, she is going to be my doula, not my mother in this instance.

A postpartum doula provides service to the family after the birth.  The role of a postpartum doula is to “do whatever a mother needs to best enjoy and care for her new baby. A large part of their role is education. They share information about baby care with parents, as well as teach siblings and partners to “mother the mother.” They assist with breastfeeding education. Postpartum doulas also make sure the mother is fed, well hydrated and comfortable.” – DONA International.  This extra support could be instrumental in making the transition from couple to family.  I am making sure my mom sticks around for a few days!

Did you have a birth doula? How would you describe her role in your labour and delivery?

Did you have a postpartum doula?  What kind of things did she do?

DONA International Birth Doula FAQ’s

DONA International Postpartum Doula FAQ’s

The Doula Guide to Birth: Secrets every pregnant woman should know by Ananda Lowe and Rachel Zimmerman

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Family gatherings. Yay or nay?

Friday, October 7th, 2011

With Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend, I wondered how breastfeeding mothers fair at such family events.  I am not due until February, so I will not be breastfeeding at the two biggest family gatherings this year.  Let’s say I’m preparing for Easter!

It would seem to me (as an eager mom-to-be), that a family gathering should be a welcoming and supportive place to breastfeed.  But then again a part of me imagines it is more comfortable to breastfeed in front of a busload of strangers than while trying to have a conversation with my father-in-law.  Family members also seem far too comfortable putting in their two cents about how you should raise your child.  A mother wrote this plea on a forum recently “Help with opinionated MIL….”  I love the responses.  It’s not just mother-in-laws! Friends and family often offer suggestions (er, criticism) on all topics of parenting.

Norman Rockwell painting

So how do you deal with it?  What are your tips for surviving family events without awkwardness and debate?

Happy Thanksgiving Canada!

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Posted in Breastfeeding Advocacy, Nursing anywhere, naturally. | 3 Comments »

How “crunchy” am I?

Wednesday, October 5th, 2011

As I get further along in my pregnancy (five months now!) and further along at my new job as a blogger of breastfeeding and other mom things, I keep coming across the term “crunchy mom”.  I like the idea of being “crunchy”, from what I understand of it.
Here is one definition I found at urbandictionary.com

Crunchy Mama:
Mother who supports homebirth, breastfeeding, baby wearing, cloth diapering, co-sleeping, gentle discipline, etc. One who questions established medical authority; tends to be vegetarian and/or prepare all-organic foods. See crunchy and hippie.

I have  a hard time committing to one (very general) definition!  I will say I want to be a fairly crunchy mom.  But let me also preface this by saying that I’m not quite sure what all is encompassed in being “crunchy”…
These are my intentions of crunchiness:

  • I will breastfeed
  • I will start with cloth diapers (not sure how long I will continue with them, the poop seems to get quite scary!)
  • I plan to puree my own baby food (but it probably won’t be organic all the time)
  • I want to baby wear as much as possible
  • I will nurse at least a year
  • I am planning a natural birth (zero medical intervention, if possible) with a doula (in a hospital, as I haven’t been called for the midwife clinic waiting list yet, so wish me luck!)
  • I plan to have mostly used/hand-me-down baby things such as stroller, playpen, etc (mostly for my budget, but also for the environment)
  • I am taking a yoga class and am interested in the idea of hypno-birthing (must do more research!)

As you can see with all the above brackets, that I may not qualify as a “crunchy mom”!  But I like the idea of making the world as natural, safe and interesting as possible for my family.

Do you fit into a specific parenting label?

Are you a crunchy mom?  What makes you so?

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Monday’s Breastfeeding Inspiration

Monday, October 3rd, 2011

Instead of a quote or a video, this week I wanted to share an article and an idea!

Let’s laugh.  That is the idea and in England on a weekday afternoon in the back of a pub, you just might find a gaggle of moms with their babies doing just that.  Instead of a matinee movie, why not catch a comedy act?  As more women comedians are rising on the  scene, motherhood and parenting is becoming quite the inspiration for material.

Helen Rutter had the idea for her successful mom and baby comedy show shortly after she gave birth.  Along with making them laugh, she wanted to design a show to support and reassure new mothers “at a time when your emotions are all over the place and you can feel extremely vulnerable”.  To read the full article in the Guardian, click here.

I love the idea of meeting other new moms in your community, being welcomed to breastfeed in public and being thoroughly entertained all in one place.  What do you think?  Are there any comedy acts aimed at motherhood in your area?  Would you be interested in it?

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