How to set a postitive parenting example....

A Facebook friend posted THIS link to an article about a 4 year old girl who breastfed her doll in a restaurant! This got me thinking and here is some of the thoughts that flew through my caffeine buzzed brain...

I think we should encourage young girls to embrace their womanhood and what their bodies naturally do for babies. I think it's a bad idea to be giving young girls baby dolls that come with a bottle and a crib. I think this instills the assumption at an early age that bottle feeding and detachment are natural, acceptable practices. I think that we should not be afraid to share birth and breastfeeding with our children, there is nothing wrong with that and it should not be sexualized like it is so often. I hope if I have a future daughter that she "breastfeeds" her baby doll, wants to wear them in a sling and co-sleep with them. If in the future my son wanted to attend his siblings birth, I wouldn't bat an eye in allowing him to do so. Our culture lies in telling children and brainwashing adults alike into believing that birth and breastfeeding are something to be ashamed of, something that is a sexual as intercourse. This is simply NOT true! These are natural processes and are part of life. It makes me sad that most Americans will never view a true birth, will put down women for breastfeeding anywhere they need to, and put others down for believing and living the opposite. What message are we sending our children? How will things ever change if our culture continues to do such things as this? Okay rant over, in summary, I thought that the little girl in the article was precious and good for her and for her parents for being such a positive influence! :)

How to explain AP beautifully...

Attachment Parenting: What It Really Means To Be AP

This article contains an amazing interpretation of Attachment Parenting! It is very well written and I very much agree.

"Attachment Parenting is often referred to as "child-led" parenting, and I see a lot of confusion as to what this means. Yes, we ARE the parents. Yes, we set the rules and boundaries. However, what child-led means is that we follow our child's lead. It's about showing your child respect as a person, for their needs, wants, and feelings. It has nothing to do with letting your child rule the roost, and anyone who claims such doesn't really understand attachment parenting in the first place. Child-led does not mean your child tells you what to do. It means paying attention to when your child is tired, and adjusting your routine accordingly, or being able to tell when your child is about to get into the restricted drawer, and gently reminding them that that is not acceptable, and there are better alternatives. We understand that every child is different, and we follow the cues of our child, and respect their individuality while shaping them towards the person we want them to be without squashing who they are or disrespecting them.

We also do not spoil our children -- to the contrary, we teach our children the difference between wants and needs, and to respect when mommy's needs will inevitably override their wants, and that they WILL be tended to -- if they wait patiently."

How to understand true love...

I made Ceaghan a photo video montage thing during my study breaks and some down time. I thought I would share it with you all...

In hopes that one day he can watch it and see how truly loved and wanted he was! I love my baby so much! Thanks for watching...

How everything comes together...

   Life is good. I don't share that enough. But really it is. I get to spend the days with my baby and do my studies at night while he is sleeping, cuddle with my hubby and catch as many play dates as I can.' It's all good' as one would say.
   Currently I am studying the communication portion for school and I am enjoying it much more that I assumed. I am very intrigued by the impact certain things make in a conversation.
  The biggest lesson so far has been that of learning to empathize over sympathize. It seems easy enough, but it comes with great struggle to most. I have been practicing and I am reaping great benefits from utilizing this. It is always good for one to take a step back and examine how their words are being used and interpreted. I hope I can find the right words to say to help and support my future clients.
  There is such a need to revert back to ones own experiences when challenged with another persons', however it is more effective to focus on how they feel rather then how you would. Am I rambling or am I making sense? It makes sense in my mind.  For some however the biggest challenge is excepting another decisions. I too will struggle with this. I will remind myself that I am supporting women in *their* choices and not my own. All you can do is put the information and facts out there to ensure they can make informed and educated decisions. Something that is right for you, might not be right for another.
   Anyway, I didn't imagine I could learn so much within this topic. My next challenge is completely the extensive paper I need to complete. This will be a challenge, mostly from having to reflect on my birth which I found traumatic and such.
  I recently bought a Mei Tai style baby carrier (Kozy brand) and I love it dearly. I have many different types of slings and baby carriers and this one is my favorite and by far the most comfortable I have ever worn. Ceaghan seems to like it as well. I cannot wait to have a reason to use it for an extended period of time!  That will most likely be at next weeks Health Fair. Here is a photo of him in it...

 

Breastfeeding and Birth Control

     I wanted to share with you all my newest Vlog post on Youtube. It is about Birth Control and Breastfeeding. I hope you find this interesting and informative. Please excuse how weird I am being and the bad quality of the camera. I filmed this video once before on a higher quality video camera and the battery died half way through. How annoying, but anyway it is up and that is all that matters. Here you are...

Also know as LAM or Lactational Amenorrhea Method. I might have left some things out or some things I said might be confusing. If so, please check out the wonderful and factual information on this topic at Kellymom.com. 
Look at my little spectator in the background. You have got to love him. :)

How great it is to be loved by you...

   I know, I know... I haven't posted a blog in awhile. I think about what I should write about often. I have to edit myself or I would end up with a blog full of hundreds of birth, breastfeeding, and Attachment Parenting activism blogs and a whole lot of hate mail.
   Today however I decided to write about something important, actually the most important. My family. Since Mother's Day is approaching rather quickly it has got me thinking. I don't think I say enough how much I really love and appreciate my family. I mean the truth is I have it real good. I have a loving, hard working husband and the most amazing, intelligent and sweet little boy. What more could anyone ask for?

   Ceaghan will be 9 months old on the 15th of this month! Wow, time flies when your world is lovingly devoted to someone. He is doing great and I cannot fathom how it is possible for one to harbor so much energy!  I wonder if I will get extra cuddles as a mothers day present? :)
  I am doing well with my training. I have passed all the tests I have summoned up the courage to take so far. I am such a perfectionist and will be disappointed if I don't do even better on the others. I am learning a lot of very useful and interesting things however. I still get excited like a child in a candy store when I study. That's a good sign right?
  Nothing much else has really been going on. I have been extremely busy trying to keep up with everything while trying to soothe my teething child. I do however manage to attend lots of local meetings and support groups with other mothers and their children. Which I find really relaxing and nice to talk to other adults.  I did however meet someone who is only one year younger than me that upon speaking with her, I felt as though I was twice her age. How awkward it was. We had nothing in common other than our motherhood. How interesting is it that women who are in so many different life stages and paths can all be mothers! And even with all their differences, for the most part all we strive for is healthy happy children!
So to all you hardworking, exhausted, and beautiful mothers out there... Happy Mother's Day! I hope someone makes the day go by a little easier for you.

How some stories can imprint on the soul...

The Birth of Grey Forest Walt

This has to be one of the most beautiful birth stories I have ever read. And I have read thousands. The entire website is dedicated to the story. You should go through each tab on the left side, as the story starts with "before the birth" and then ends at "after the birth". You are not simply reading another birth story, you feel as though you are on a journey with this family. Their son comes into this world at home and outside. Just a warning to the squeamish, this story contains graphic birth images.

"Suddenly I felt incredibly vindicated. I knew that no one, not even medical science "authorities" like the doctor who shot through me with fear after Sage's birth, has the power to name or describe the capability of my body but me. My bones moved, I opened up as wide as I needed to birth my big gorgeous son. I've never felt more powerful and sacred and immense."

A lovely photo of the couple with there new son as he enjoys his first meal.

 God bless them!