By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Julie_A_Harris]Julie A Harris
First and foremost, this list is meant to be a humorous look at some of the best and worst types of moms in the world. Every mom, including myself, is a healthy combination of a few or all of these at one time or another, our personalities honed over time by our individual experiences and unique children. We're all human, so take this list as it was intended to be, an irreverent look at motherhood, and nothing more.
Note: There is a mom type listed for each letter of the Greek alphabet. However, the Greek alphabet only has 24 characters to the English alphabet's 26, and the order is different. For my purposes here, I arranged each mom type alphabetically according to the English alphabet. I've listed 12 of the best moms and balanced them with 12 of the worst. Each mom type symbolized by the Greek alphabet was based on a loose translation of the Greek alphabet.
Alpha Moms: These are the moms who are acutely aware of all current methodologies and topics regarding parenting. While far from perfect, these moms have an intrinsic desire to achieve that level, if for no other reason than to not be persecuted by their offspring when they reach adulthood for having done things wrong when they were little. It's not a bad club to join as long as you don't mind hours of research on all things parenting-related. Plan on lots of self-imposed guilt when you make a mistake because you failed to do what the research dictated. Think Marion Cunningham ("Happy Days"), June Cleaver ("Leave It to Beaver") or Charlotte York Goldenblatt ("Sex and the City"). A sub-group of the Alphas, the Uber-Alphas are the Type-A control freaks who give Alphas a bad name. Think Martha Stewart.
Beta Moms: The balanced moms. More relaxed than Alphas, these moms are laid back in their approach to parenting and easier on themselves when they mess up. They usually make for the best mom friends and you'll be glad that you know a few of these. They throw the most fun and relaxed parties and make you feel like you fit in, even if you don't. Truly kind to all whom they encounter, these moms are the easiest to be around and probably produce the most well-balanced kids. Think Carol Brady ("The Brady Bunch"), Marge Simpson ("The Simpsons"), and even Lois Wilkerson from "Malcolm in the Middle."
Chi Moms: The shopper moms. These moms are either at the mall all day, kids in tow, or somewhere else procuring useless stuff that they don't really need. When discussing the bounty of the day, they marvel at how wonderful the sales were, never pausing to think about how much money they could have saved had they just stayed out of the stores to begin with. Often, there is a hiding place somewhere in the house where secret purchases are stashed for the short term. Only join this group if you can afford to pay cash, and even then, remember that over shopping never fills a void. Find a hobby that involves your kids instead, or work on the relationships in your life first. Think Victoria Beckham or any of "The Real Housewives."
Delta Moms: The snobby, Stepford moms. Like back in their sorority days at college, these women have a network of sisters who have vowed to ignore all other types of moms. If you've ever witnessed their huddled lawn chairs at the neighborhood block party, you'll note that the only thing that separates this exclusive circle of women from a herd of cows is a salt lick. If you can't get on the chaperone roster for your child's class field trip, it's because the Deltas have declared it a "Road Trip" for themselves, and collectively taken all of the spots within the first five minutes. They're at the school round-the-clock and make sure that everyone knows it, but smiling at anyone (including children) who aren't in their group is rare. Ironically, most consider themselves to be good Christians. Good luck if you want to join this pack, usually hazing is involved, and it isn't pretty. Think Bree Van De Camp ("Desperate Housewives").
Epsilon Moms: These are the athletic moms. These jocks compete in triathlons, run in packs, and are preternaturally pale from all of the blood draining out of their faces and into their legs. Occasionally they'll slow down for a walk with their kids; other times they'll take the overweight family dog along, dragging it behind them as they sprint. If you aren't physically capable of keeping up, don't bother with this group; they'll leave you gasping for air in the middle of nowhere. Think Madonna.
Eta Moms: These are the artistic or crafty moms. A fun group to join, these moms are always looking at things from a different perspective. Their homes are typically filled with creative, fun kid projects and lots of color. Never try to throw anything away in front of them though; they're like the Picassos of all moms. They see art where you see junk and have entire rooms devoted to storing bits and pieces of future artistic endeavors. You'll never look at an empty egg carton or toilet paper roll the same way again after time spent with these gals. Check out local art and craft fairs to see the work of Eta Moms.
Gamma Moms: These moms are the self-proclaimed earth mothers, not to be confused with the real earth mothers, the Rhos. They zero in on what is natural and wholesome, whether it's nutrition or demanding organic cotton clothing for their brood. Beware of play dates that you set up with their kids, however; you'll get a list of rules to follow, from what snacks are acceptable to what hand soap their kids are allowed to use (they may even bring their own). Don't be surprised if they show up at your door with an air-quality machine. The worst ones are militant control freaks who give even Uber-Alphas a run for their money. Their kids will probably live forever without ever really living at all. Think Gwyneth Paltrow.
Iota Moms: These are the beauty queen or girly-girl moms. They're the ones at school drop-off still applying makeup in the rear-view, holding up the rest of us (who don't care) in line. They don't go anywhere without being done-up and dolled-up. Blame their parents for valuing them for their looks and never for their brains while they were growing up. While not particularly bright, some of these moms try hard, none-the-less. Just don't trust them with your kids, they might lose one while they're primping in the mirror. Picture most of "The Real Housewives" or imagine Marilyn Monroe with kids.
Kappa Mom: These are the jealous moms. They usually don't show their true colors until their daughters are old enough to seem like competition to them or their sons bring home a first, serious true-love. These aging old bats are bitter that they didn't get more out of life and want to take it out on their kids and yours. Pray that one won't be a future in-law, because you'll end up paying for most of the wedding. They'll begrudgingly donate a dime here or there, but if they sense that the impending event will top their own nuptials, they'll do everything in their power to make sure that it doesn't. Smile, and take solace in the fact that their kids secretly hate them. Avoid becoming one by grabbing life by the horns and never letting go; your kids (and theirs) will love you for it. Think Joan Crawford, Cinderella's stepmother or Maleficent, the evil queen ("Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs").
Lambda Moms: The zookeeper moms. This group of moms has a lot of love to go around. They have so much, in fact, that after they are done having kids, they tend to start collecting pets. Lots of them. If you thought that your houseful of three kids is a zoo, wait until you come across a true Lambda. Noah's Ark carried less critters than the menageries that these ladies have managed to house and feed over the years. While Lambda Moms are a benevolent group to know, come prepared with a lint roller when you visit one of their homes, and anticipate that your kids will beg for a hamster, goldfish, bird, kitten, puppy, horse or pot-bellied pig when you leave. In fact, you'll never hear the end of these requests if your kids become friends with theirs. You've been warned. While she has an entire royal staff to help keep the pet hair away and the stables clean, think Queen Elizabeth II; her love for Corgi dogs (as many as 14 have had the run of Buckingham Palace) and horses is known the world over.
Mu Moms: These moms are nurturers in all senses of the word, especially when it comes to cooking or baking from scratch. They can whip up a delicious meal with only three ingredients and are unfazed by recipes that require as many as thirty. They don't believe in substitutes like margarine or egg whites and their frosting never comes out of a plastic container. In fact, sneak a peek inside one of their cupboards and you won't find a box or can of pre-made anything. If one of these women enters a recipe contest, steer clear with your plagiarized version from "Betty Crocker" because you won't stand a chance. Furthermore, if your family is lucky enough to get an invitation for dinner at a Mu Mom's house, accept it in the blink of an eye, but remember that your kids' palates will be changed forever. Do yourself a favor; bring take-home containers that she can't help but fill for you and ask for her recipes before you leave for the night. Think Paula Deen.
Nu Moms: These are the dark, Goth-inspired moms. While the outside package may be intimidating, don't judge a book by its cover. They may look different, but like everyone else, they come in all personalities and parenting styles. If you can get past the exterior, you may just find a pretty nice person with a great sense of humor underneath. Think Morticia Addams ("The Addams Family") or Lily Munster ("The Munsters").
Omega Moms: These are the corporate or doctorate moms who run their families like they run their companies or practices; respectable, but hard-core. Unless you are one, forget about running with this pack. They barely have time to balance family and a career, let alone answer the phone when you call. It isn't personal; these women are just stretched too thin. Keep rooting for them though; they're a rare breed that can handle what feminism preached in the 70's. These gals were the Dean's list crowd in college who went on to graduate summa cum laude. Think Claire Huxtable ("The Cosby Show"), Murphy Brown ("Murphy Brown") or Miranda Hobbes ("Sex in the City").
Omicron Moms: The political/activist moms. These women are the movers and shakers of the world and never met a cause that they backed away from. If you want to join this group, pick out an organization worth fighting for and plan on discussing it with everyone and anyone you meet. Be prepared to be unpopular at times for fighting for what you believe in, but be proud of yourself for helping to make the world a better place for your children. Think Rosa Parks or Gloria Steinem.
Phi Moms: These moms are the handywomen of all moms. Natural female MacGyvers, these moms can fix everything from bathroom plumbing to the family car. No strangers to the wonders of duct tape, these gals can manage to think of more uses for it than even the manliest of men. Undaunted by power tools, they could build a house in a week by themselves and probably already have. Remember all of those home improvement projects you keep nagging your husband about? Call one of these women instead; they'll probably do a better job in less time, and you won't have to listen to your husband complain or stroke his ego for days afterward. Check out "HGTV" or the "DIY Channel" if you're looking for advice from women who have mastered the art of DIY.
Pi Moms: The gossip moms. These women thrive on forgetting their troubles by focusing on yours or your children's. If you don't have anything nice to say, go sit next to them, but make sure you never turn your back. Their kids tend to pick up mommy's bad habits. Think Joan Rivers.
Psi Moms: The sports moms. Different from the Epsilon Moms, this group is never home. They are usually shuttling their kids (or an entire sports team) back and forth from practice or from game to game. They wear home-team jerseys and baseball caps 24/7 and have well-developed lungs. They have an uncanny knack for remembering individual plays of almost every game they've ever attended and know each player's personal stats. Never mention a rival team in their presence or you'll get a rundown of why their own kid's team plays more fairly, has a better coach, and should have an advantage for the season. It's great group to join if you love sports, but steer clear if your idea of a good time doesn't involve sitting on the edge of a field somewhere enduring just about any kind of weather imaginable. Picture any of the NBA, NFL, or Olympic moms.
Rho Moms: The true earth mothers. A more nurturing form of the Gamma earth mothers, this group is never pretentious and they're more easy-going than the Gammas. They're more about balance and harmony with nature than just regurgitating scientific facts of doom about what chemicals their kids should avoid. They either grow their own vegetables or visit the farmer's market with their children, stressing the importance of sustainable, local food sources. By contrast, the Gammas are more prone to freaking out about potential lead in the family's garden soil and won't eat anything that doesn't have an official certified organic sticker on it, even if it had to be shipped from Guam. The Rho Moms are a nice bunch to hang with, but beware of all of that zucchini they'll try to send home with you. Picture Rebecca Kolls ("Rebecca's Garden" on HGTV).
Sigma Moms: These are stage moms who bark orders at their kids. Their immaculately coiffed hair is usually blonde or over-highlighted, although some of them might be as frumpy as plumbers. It doesn't really matter though, because these moms bite, in all senses of the word. Their main goal is to live their lives through their kids, either because their 15 minutes were over long ago, or they never had them to begin with. They'll drown you in one-sided conversation and one-up you on almost anything, provided you can get a word in edge-wise. Avoid these moms like the plague or you'll find yourself on a reality show before you know it, guilty by association. Think Kate Gosselin or any of the moms from "Toddlers & Tiaras."
Tau Moms: The religious moms. Like anything tied to religion, these moms can run the gamut from the mere devout to cult-following zealots. Pick and choose carefully with this group or you may find yourself and your children trapped on a compound somewhere, spouting self-righteous words of condemnation to the rest of the human race. Keep your religion in check, or the rest of us will write you off as a nut job. Hint: If you find yourself soliciting your faith on behalf of a God who has a tendency to hate, or giving out cookies to hungry poor kids at bus stops so that they'll listen to you proselytize, you're probably in a cult. Good luck with that come reckoning day. Think Carolyn Ingalls (Little House on the Prairie) or Olivia Walton ("The Waltons") for the most balanced role models of this group.
Theta Moms: These moms are aloof. They are either shy or just like to pretend that they are, but odds are that you'll be ignored if you so much as smile in their general direction. The more aloof they are, the more likely that they're actually an indoctrinated Delta. Remember that the truly shy moms will at least manage a shaky grin, while the Deltas are only capable of an icy stare. Learn the difference, and don't waste your time if your first attempt to be cordial with an aloof mom isn't reciprocated. Famous, truly shy (away from the spotlight) moms include Sally Field and Lucille Ball.
Xei Moms: The superstars. Unlike the Sigmas, the kids aren't the main focus, mom is. Consummate martyrs, these women head every possible committee, organization or team that they come across. While giving you a full rundown of their daily planner, they'll pause occasionally to complain about exhaustion and then be off to the next gig faster than you can blink an eye. The best of them are legitimately overstretched because they just want to spend time with the groups that their children are involved in, but the worst of the bunch overload merely to have their name listed repeatedly on committee minutes, organization websites, or team rosters. Many will end up running for a political office at some point. Think Sarah Palin.
Ypsilon Moms: The neurotic, smothering moms. Always well-meaning, but a little on the nuts side. They're paralyzed with fear whenever their kids leave the house and they tend to be over-protective, more out of true concern for their children than a desire to be controlling. They're the moms who follow their kids everywhere and screen the neighborhood children (and their parents) before allowing play dates with their brood. Their kids are either prone to living at home well after they become adults, or fleeing the house as soon as they are able. If you ever cross your eyes at one of their children, prepare for the wrath of mom. Keep in mind that an extra set of protective eyes never hurts these days, and as long as your kid is nice to theirs, these moms will treat your children like one of their own. Think of Shirley McClaine's character in "Terms of Endearment" or Tom Hanks' mom in "Big".
Zeta Moms: The slacker moms in all their untidy glory. Their kids live the life of heathens and these moms don't blink an eye. Breakfast is usually cold pizza and Kool-aid because there hasn't been milk in the house for weeks. They're laid back like the Beta Mom, but take it to the nth degree. Usually cool to party with for a few hours at the local summertime beer tent when you're at the peak of a short-lived midlife crisis (who of us has time for a full-blown breakdown, anyway), long-term friendship is out of the question when you're a serious parent. These girls are reputation killers. Think Peg Bundy ("Married, With Children"), Roseanne Conner ("Roseanne") or Nancy Botwin ("Weeds").
Where motherhood, tenacity and advocacy meet. [http://www.alphamomfia.com]Alphamomfia.com is a blog written by Julie Harris, who left a successful career in sales to advocate on behalf of one of her sons, who battles with anxiety. She muses about life, children and gardening and also provides a resource for parents wanting to advocate on behalf of their own children. Funny, insightful and irreverent, Alphamomfia is worth checking out! Alphamomfia represents a whole new breed of [http://alphamomfia.com]Alpha Mom.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?An-A-Z-Guide-to-Mom-Types:-From-Alpha-Mom-to-Zeta-Mom-and-Everything-In-Between&id=6506964] An A-Z Guide to Mom Types: From Alpha Mom to Zeta Mom and Everything In Between
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Friday, February 10, 2012
Important Breastfeeding Tool for Your Newborn
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Carol_Marley]Carol Marley
Many newborn babies are what we call lazy nursers. They have a weak suck or fall asleep at the breast rather than actively nursing for a full feeding. This is especially true of preemies and babies who weigh less than 7 lbs at birth. Worried new parents often decide to give a bottle because of concern about slow weight gain or fear that baby is not getting enough. Unfortunately traditional bottles can often make the problem worse and sabotage successful breastfeeding.
Many new breastfeeding moms find themselves using a bottle for one reason or another. It can be a great way to let mom get some sleep while your partner has some bonding time with the baby. The only problem is that bottles function in an entirely different way than the breast. Baby only has to give a few small sucks and milk flows freely so that all baby has to do is swallow. The position and action of babies tongue is also completely different with the bottle than the breast. This can cause some confusion for baby and can ultimately lead to baby rejecting the breast or milk supply problems due to an improper latch and sucking technique.
I frequently recommend to my breastfeeding clients that they use Medela Haberman Feeders for the first four weeks of breastfeeding. These bottles are actually made for babies that have a cleft palate. It has a longer teat type nipple with a slit-valve in the mouthpiece that opens only when baby sucks. The flow of milk is determined by babies sucking and position of the teat in baby's mouth just like when your baby is breastfeeding. There is absolutely no back flow in these bottle so no air for baby to swallow. These are a little pricey but I believe worth it for moms who are serious about breastfeeding, have babies with a weak suck or babies with reflux. They also make a mini size one for premature babies. Feedings with the Haberman Feeder will take longer than with a traditional bottle because baby has to actively suck for milk to be released.
I have also used the Haberman Feeder bottle to transistion babies who have developed nipple confusion back to successful breast feeding. The action of the nipple on this special feeder most closely mimics the action of breastfeeding. You can purchase these bottles online. You may also be able to find them at your local lactation center.
Carol Marley, Professional Birth & Postpartum Doula, Certified Infant Specialist, http://www.sadoula.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Important-Breastfeeding-Tool-for-Your-Newborn&id=6523255] Important Breastfeeding Tool for Your Newborn
Many newborn babies are what we call lazy nursers. They have a weak suck or fall asleep at the breast rather than actively nursing for a full feeding. This is especially true of preemies and babies who weigh less than 7 lbs at birth. Worried new parents often decide to give a bottle because of concern about slow weight gain or fear that baby is not getting enough. Unfortunately traditional bottles can often make the problem worse and sabotage successful breastfeeding.
Many new breastfeeding moms find themselves using a bottle for one reason or another. It can be a great way to let mom get some sleep while your partner has some bonding time with the baby. The only problem is that bottles function in an entirely different way than the breast. Baby only has to give a few small sucks and milk flows freely so that all baby has to do is swallow. The position and action of babies tongue is also completely different with the bottle than the breast. This can cause some confusion for baby and can ultimately lead to baby rejecting the breast or milk supply problems due to an improper latch and sucking technique.
I frequently recommend to my breastfeeding clients that they use Medela Haberman Feeders for the first four weeks of breastfeeding. These bottles are actually made for babies that have a cleft palate. It has a longer teat type nipple with a slit-valve in the mouthpiece that opens only when baby sucks. The flow of milk is determined by babies sucking and position of the teat in baby's mouth just like when your baby is breastfeeding. There is absolutely no back flow in these bottle so no air for baby to swallow. These are a little pricey but I believe worth it for moms who are serious about breastfeeding, have babies with a weak suck or babies with reflux. They also make a mini size one for premature babies. Feedings with the Haberman Feeder will take longer than with a traditional bottle because baby has to actively suck for milk to be released.
I have also used the Haberman Feeder bottle to transistion babies who have developed nipple confusion back to successful breast feeding. The action of the nipple on this special feeder most closely mimics the action of breastfeeding. You can purchase these bottles online. You may also be able to find them at your local lactation center.
Carol Marley, Professional Birth & Postpartum Doula, Certified Infant Specialist, http://www.sadoula.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Important-Breastfeeding-Tool-for-Your-Newborn&id=6523255] Important Breastfeeding Tool for Your Newborn
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Breastfeeding or Feeding Your Baby From a Bottle?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Brenna_Welker]Brenna Welker
Normally, you get very excited as soon as you know that you are going to have a baby - everyone actually does. While he/she is still in your tummy, you tend to do a lot of preparations like purchasing some baby clothes, toys and other stuffs that your baby will need when he/she comes out in this world. But among all the things that you should be prepared of, it is very important that you do not forget to decide on how you are going to feed your baby. When it comes to this matter, you actually have two main options to take into consideration - breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.
Just like what everyone says, breastfeeding is always best for babies and this is something that's unarguably true. Breastfeeding is associated with a lot of advantages for your little one considering that breast milk is the perfect food for your baby. Breast milk is actually the most nutritious food that you can give to your baby because it contains all the vitamins and minerals that your baby's body needs. In addition, breast milk also contains antibodies which will be of great help in protecting your baby from various types of diseases considering that your baby is very vulnerable to infectious diseases. Aside from the benefits that breastfeeding can provide to your baby, it is also beneficial for you. When you get pregnant, you normally gain a lot of weight and you would want to get rid of it as soon as you give birth. When you breastfeed, you will burn a lot of calories and it will also help shrink your uterus. Thus, you will be able to lose the extra weight easily and better yet, you can protect yourself from breast and ovarian cancer.
However, breastfeeding may not be possible for everyone mother. There are some mothers that do not prefer breastfeeding, there are those that are not able to produce the enough amount of milk and there are babies that do not want to be breastfed. So if you belong to any of these situations, the next best option for you to take into consideration is bottle-feeding. You can purchase infant formulas that are readily available in a lot of department stores and then place it inside a feeding bottle. Just like breast milk, commercially prepared infant formulas are also nutritious but it does not have an identical composition with breast milk. Bottle-feeding is not that bad at all because this will give you more freedom and flexibility. You will be able to do a lot of other things while you are feeding your baby at the same time. You would also know the exact amount that our baby is getting and you only have to give him/her fewer feedings because your baby digests the formula slowly compared to breast milk.
So if you are able to breastfeed your baby, it is best that you stick with breastfeeding until he/she reaches the right age to eat baby foods. But if this is not possible or if you choose not to breastfeed your baby, you can make use of a feeding bottle and a commercially prepared infant formula as soon as he/she comes out.
Brenna Welker enjoys writing for Crazy Baby Clothing Company which sells [http://www.crazybabyclothing.com/]punk baby clothes and [http://www.crazybabyclothing.com/camo-baby-clothes-c-26.html]camo baby clothes as well as a host of additional products.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Breastfeeding-or-Feeding-Your-Baby-From-a-Bottle?&id=6529530] Breastfeeding or Feeding Your Baby From a Bottle?
Normally, you get very excited as soon as you know that you are going to have a baby - everyone actually does. While he/she is still in your tummy, you tend to do a lot of preparations like purchasing some baby clothes, toys and other stuffs that your baby will need when he/she comes out in this world. But among all the things that you should be prepared of, it is very important that you do not forget to decide on how you are going to feed your baby. When it comes to this matter, you actually have two main options to take into consideration - breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.
Just like what everyone says, breastfeeding is always best for babies and this is something that's unarguably true. Breastfeeding is associated with a lot of advantages for your little one considering that breast milk is the perfect food for your baby. Breast milk is actually the most nutritious food that you can give to your baby because it contains all the vitamins and minerals that your baby's body needs. In addition, breast milk also contains antibodies which will be of great help in protecting your baby from various types of diseases considering that your baby is very vulnerable to infectious diseases. Aside from the benefits that breastfeeding can provide to your baby, it is also beneficial for you. When you get pregnant, you normally gain a lot of weight and you would want to get rid of it as soon as you give birth. When you breastfeed, you will burn a lot of calories and it will also help shrink your uterus. Thus, you will be able to lose the extra weight easily and better yet, you can protect yourself from breast and ovarian cancer.
However, breastfeeding may not be possible for everyone mother. There are some mothers that do not prefer breastfeeding, there are those that are not able to produce the enough amount of milk and there are babies that do not want to be breastfed. So if you belong to any of these situations, the next best option for you to take into consideration is bottle-feeding. You can purchase infant formulas that are readily available in a lot of department stores and then place it inside a feeding bottle. Just like breast milk, commercially prepared infant formulas are also nutritious but it does not have an identical composition with breast milk. Bottle-feeding is not that bad at all because this will give you more freedom and flexibility. You will be able to do a lot of other things while you are feeding your baby at the same time. You would also know the exact amount that our baby is getting and you only have to give him/her fewer feedings because your baby digests the formula slowly compared to breast milk.
So if you are able to breastfeed your baby, it is best that you stick with breastfeeding until he/she reaches the right age to eat baby foods. But if this is not possible or if you choose not to breastfeed your baby, you can make use of a feeding bottle and a commercially prepared infant formula as soon as he/she comes out.
Brenna Welker enjoys writing for Crazy Baby Clothing Company which sells [http://www.crazybabyclothing.com/]punk baby clothes and [http://www.crazybabyclothing.com/camo-baby-clothes-c-26.html]camo baby clothes as well as a host of additional products.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Breastfeeding-or-Feeding-Your-Baby-From-a-Bottle?&id=6529530] Breastfeeding or Feeding Your Baby From a Bottle?
Monday, February 6, 2012
The Qualities of a Mom
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=John_Charest]John Charest
My wife and the mother of my three boys has always been one of my great inspirations.
For the past twenty years I've watched in utter amazement at how she selflessly gives of herself, her love and support to our children and our family in all that she does.
Through all of the ups and downs that life has handed our family, she's held a steady course, unwavering in her dedication and commitment to the success of our marriage and the strength of our family.
I can't help but remind myself of all the mothers around the world who start out each day with the strength and determination to silently work to make their families work...All the mothers who tirelessly and without expectation give every ounce of energy to their children, husbands and families.
Mothers are truly one of Gods most beautiful life giving creations. She holds a special beauty like no other and her own heart reflects the love of God.
Moms have been blessed with strength like no other. They've been known to bare the weight of the family squarely on their shoulders guided by a fortress of loyalty to the family values they hold close to their heart.
Mothers are like the sun that brings warmth to the home and their children's heart. Each one brings a quality that is unique planting the seeds where a family will grow.
She teaches her children values, the very values that will guide them to who they will eventually become.
She listens and consoles when her children's world feels like it's crumbling down and gives a hug when only a hug is needed.
She offers support and nurturing when they're needed and she shields her children when they need protection.
From the amazing and wondrous workings of her body she gives life and continues to give it through her love for her children and her family. To her children she represents love, support, nurturing, kindness, happiness, joy, laughter, guidance, tenderness, loyalty, giving, sacrifice, teaching and so much more.
It's important to the success of all mothers that our society never take for granted or make light of the incredible impact that all mothers have on us as individuals and our families and ultimately on society as a whole.
Celebrating moms should never be something reserved only for Mother's Day. The relationship with your mother is something that should always be protected, strengthened and honored...Even if it requires healing and forgiveness.
I pray that all mothers are blessed each and every day with the adoring love of their families for the incredible work that they do. May they also be blessed with the understanding of the profound impact their good work has on building strong families and the ultimate impact on society.
We are all products of the sacrifices that our mothers have made for us and although today is not Mother's Day, it should never be used as an excuse to thank her for all she's done.
We must always stand firm in our values to revere, honor and respect the sanctity that is motherhood.
John Charest is the author of hundreds of exclusive daily inspirational quotes created to inspire people to achieve success in life, [http://www.daily-inspirational-quotes.net/positive-parenting.html]positive parenting and build stronger families. His website Your Daily Inspiration http://www.daily-inspirational-quotes.net offers his uniquely created quotes each weekday and serves up thousands of pages to over 90 countries on tips, strategies and ideas for inspiring a better self, better parent and stronger family.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Qualities-of-a-Mom&id=6467798] The Qualities of a Mom
My wife and the mother of my three boys has always been one of my great inspirations.
For the past twenty years I've watched in utter amazement at how she selflessly gives of herself, her love and support to our children and our family in all that she does.
Through all of the ups and downs that life has handed our family, she's held a steady course, unwavering in her dedication and commitment to the success of our marriage and the strength of our family.
I can't help but remind myself of all the mothers around the world who start out each day with the strength and determination to silently work to make their families work...All the mothers who tirelessly and without expectation give every ounce of energy to their children, husbands and families.
Mothers are truly one of Gods most beautiful life giving creations. She holds a special beauty like no other and her own heart reflects the love of God.
Moms have been blessed with strength like no other. They've been known to bare the weight of the family squarely on their shoulders guided by a fortress of loyalty to the family values they hold close to their heart.
Mothers are like the sun that brings warmth to the home and their children's heart. Each one brings a quality that is unique planting the seeds where a family will grow.
She teaches her children values, the very values that will guide them to who they will eventually become.
She listens and consoles when her children's world feels like it's crumbling down and gives a hug when only a hug is needed.
She offers support and nurturing when they're needed and she shields her children when they need protection.
From the amazing and wondrous workings of her body she gives life and continues to give it through her love for her children and her family. To her children she represents love, support, nurturing, kindness, happiness, joy, laughter, guidance, tenderness, loyalty, giving, sacrifice, teaching and so much more.
It's important to the success of all mothers that our society never take for granted or make light of the incredible impact that all mothers have on us as individuals and our families and ultimately on society as a whole.
Celebrating moms should never be something reserved only for Mother's Day. The relationship with your mother is something that should always be protected, strengthened and honored...Even if it requires healing and forgiveness.
I pray that all mothers are blessed each and every day with the adoring love of their families for the incredible work that they do. May they also be blessed with the understanding of the profound impact their good work has on building strong families and the ultimate impact on society.
We are all products of the sacrifices that our mothers have made for us and although today is not Mother's Day, it should never be used as an excuse to thank her for all she's done.
We must always stand firm in our values to revere, honor and respect the sanctity that is motherhood.
John Charest is the author of hundreds of exclusive daily inspirational quotes created to inspire people to achieve success in life, [http://www.daily-inspirational-quotes.net/positive-parenting.html]positive parenting and build stronger families. His website Your Daily Inspiration http://www.daily-inspirational-quotes.net offers his uniquely created quotes each weekday and serves up thousands of pages to over 90 countries on tips, strategies and ideas for inspiring a better self, better parent and stronger family.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Qualities-of-a-Mom&id=6467798] The Qualities of a Mom
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Mothering in Recovery
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Eleanor_R]Eleanor R
It took three days to give birth to Her. She started coming on a Friday afternoon while my mother and I were at the movies watching Kalifornia. It was a bloody, violent movie and I really do not know how we ended up there watching it in the first place. But, about a third of the way into it, there was a vicious stabbing of one of the main characters and suddenly with the reflex of my emotion at exactly that moment when the knife went into the victim, my water broke. A gushing of water came out of me and landed on the theatre floor and all over my gold sandals. It was summer.
My mother stood up from her theatre seat and shouted for someone to call 911. I pulled her to sit back down and made my apologies to those around us. I told my mother that we had 24 hours after my water had broken to get to the hospital. I did not need an ambulance. Knowledge is power. My husband met us at the hospital. I began to go into labor that evening the Friday before Labor day weekend. I did not know then, that the birth would be a marathon of sorts. Of course I would not accept any mood altering drugs because I wanted a clean and sober baby. So I did what I could until the bitter end.
She wouldn't come. She would not leave me. She hung on for dear life, after three days, with a C-section and what looked like a crow bar for a car tire, they wedged Her out of me. She was beautiful. She had the coloring of a Greek Princess and the sparkling eyes of a Buddha....she was perfect. A Goddess was born. I took her home and became her rock.
As you may expect, she changed our lives forever. Going to 12 Step meetings and working the Steps was now even more critical. I was raising a human. I did not want to raise her in the shadows of the twisted and perverse relationships that one finds in most alcoholic/addict homes. My husband and I promised never to squash her spirit. I needed lots of reinforcements there since I was basically raised in a home that required maximum invisibility and emotional contortion with my alcoholic father and my emotionally ill mother. I had to have help.
Because of her I took parenting classes, learned to meditate, read every book I could find on helping a human come into being and worked the Steps with my Sponsor over and over again, remaining current especially on Step 10. I was terrified I would do it wrong, so I always made an effort to do it right. Mostly we kept our word. With both girls we did what we said and we said what we did. They never had to "guess" at my meaning or emotions. I did not raise them with the "coded language" of my very dysfunctional family of origin. Or the subtext of fear, sadness, anger and disappointment that permeated our home for years when I was a child. I raised them with intention and attention to their souls.
The best proof that I was on track was that once while traveling in Israel after a particularly harrowing visit to the Holocaust Museum, the girls began to tell me and their father how difficult their lives had been (they were 12 and 15). I looked at them in shock realizing that all the sadness and trauma of the museum must have stirred up some pretty strong emotions for them. So, I asked them if I had done anything right? She looked at me with great love and innocence and she said, "Mom, your try...............you really try."
Almost 18 years later to the day- I dropped her off at college. Coincidentally, that took a long weekend as well. We started out on a Friday morning with a cross country flight. She told me everything that was on her mind and answered some of my questions about relationships and substance experimentation. We had the time and space to have a long heart to heart conversation. I was not pained as I was at her birth, by any part of this experience. I thought I would be. I thought that the first time I learned that she had tried alcohol that I would combust or disappear out of fear. But, I did not. I thought I would weep at the thought of leaving her. However, my own years in recovery and working the 12 Steps helped me to see it for what it was and not to react out of proportion. I trust her.
She laid her head on my lap for the last 10 minutes of our journey on the plane dissension into JFK. I rubbed her head. I played with her spiky red hair. I loved her with my eyes: her gauges, her nose piercing and her lip piercing. I even loved the multiple ear piercings in the cartilage areas. No heartache? Where did it go? She laid on my lap and I just 100% loved her. She is my beautiful woman Goddess now. She is my teacher and my heart's great love. At that moment, like childbirth, I had no memory of the long nights caring for Her while sick, waiting for her to come home as a teenager, wondering what she would pierce next, the angst of choosing the right schools, the right caretakers and the right parenting style. It was as if I was floating in heaven.
We got there and promptly went to Target and Bed, Bath and Beyond to buy college dorm room stuff. It was pandemonium because Hurricane Irene was afoot. People were buying up everything- water, batteries, canned goods, milk. We just needed a trash can, a desk lamp and some bedding. It was surreal to see and feel the distress of the New Yorkers in what was being billed as a pending State of Emergency. We weathered it together with the subtext of her just now also experiencing the biggest change of her life.
We got to the hotel and went to bed exhausted. The next morning we got up and went to the college. She began to express some of her fears about making friends. We moved her in without fanfare or stress. Once we stepped onto the campus we entered another world. The world of private school academia. As we were walking towards the college She looked at me and she said, "Mom I am so glad that I do not have to worry about being embarrassed by my parent today. I am so nervous, but because you are so beautiful and have so much integrity, I do not have to worry about being embarrassed by you."
I knew at that moment that all of my effort, personal discipline and sacrifice had been worth it. My daughter was proud of me and she could count on me. I had demonstrated a healthy mother in Recovery. I had not expected any of these gifts. Truly I was humbled. She did pay attention. I could see that she respected me very much as she respects herself.
She has gone from my womb to my home and now to Her dream college and soon she will be home for the holidays, the summers and if we are lucky maybe even after college for a bit. This labor of love has been the most rewarding of my life. I imagined the full circle that had just been executed. I imagined the end to the family dysfunction that I had been raised with and how I supported her to make her dreams come true. She did not run screaming from our family home as soon as she was 18 and a high school graduate and vowing to never move back, as I had.
I took her across the country and made sure she had everything She needed and then I let her go. I am truly in awe of how much I have grown up and how the Universe has supported my dream of making her dreams come true. As a woman in Recovery I keep my word and I am there for my children. I can be depended upon. I am the last person my children and husband need to worry about. I am solid. Almost 18 years later, another long weekend of giving birth to a new life, but his time, it was the birth of a strong and powerful woman. She is soaring now and the rock is returning home to provide a soft landing when the time is right.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Mothering-in-Recovery&id=6527419] Mothering in Recovery
It took three days to give birth to Her. She started coming on a Friday afternoon while my mother and I were at the movies watching Kalifornia. It was a bloody, violent movie and I really do not know how we ended up there watching it in the first place. But, about a third of the way into it, there was a vicious stabbing of one of the main characters and suddenly with the reflex of my emotion at exactly that moment when the knife went into the victim, my water broke. A gushing of water came out of me and landed on the theatre floor and all over my gold sandals. It was summer.
My mother stood up from her theatre seat and shouted for someone to call 911. I pulled her to sit back down and made my apologies to those around us. I told my mother that we had 24 hours after my water had broken to get to the hospital. I did not need an ambulance. Knowledge is power. My husband met us at the hospital. I began to go into labor that evening the Friday before Labor day weekend. I did not know then, that the birth would be a marathon of sorts. Of course I would not accept any mood altering drugs because I wanted a clean and sober baby. So I did what I could until the bitter end.
She wouldn't come. She would not leave me. She hung on for dear life, after three days, with a C-section and what looked like a crow bar for a car tire, they wedged Her out of me. She was beautiful. She had the coloring of a Greek Princess and the sparkling eyes of a Buddha....she was perfect. A Goddess was born. I took her home and became her rock.
As you may expect, she changed our lives forever. Going to 12 Step meetings and working the Steps was now even more critical. I was raising a human. I did not want to raise her in the shadows of the twisted and perverse relationships that one finds in most alcoholic/addict homes. My husband and I promised never to squash her spirit. I needed lots of reinforcements there since I was basically raised in a home that required maximum invisibility and emotional contortion with my alcoholic father and my emotionally ill mother. I had to have help.
Because of her I took parenting classes, learned to meditate, read every book I could find on helping a human come into being and worked the Steps with my Sponsor over and over again, remaining current especially on Step 10. I was terrified I would do it wrong, so I always made an effort to do it right. Mostly we kept our word. With both girls we did what we said and we said what we did. They never had to "guess" at my meaning or emotions. I did not raise them with the "coded language" of my very dysfunctional family of origin. Or the subtext of fear, sadness, anger and disappointment that permeated our home for years when I was a child. I raised them with intention and attention to their souls.
The best proof that I was on track was that once while traveling in Israel after a particularly harrowing visit to the Holocaust Museum, the girls began to tell me and their father how difficult their lives had been (they were 12 and 15). I looked at them in shock realizing that all the sadness and trauma of the museum must have stirred up some pretty strong emotions for them. So, I asked them if I had done anything right? She looked at me with great love and innocence and she said, "Mom, your try...............you really try."
Almost 18 years later to the day- I dropped her off at college. Coincidentally, that took a long weekend as well. We started out on a Friday morning with a cross country flight. She told me everything that was on her mind and answered some of my questions about relationships and substance experimentation. We had the time and space to have a long heart to heart conversation. I was not pained as I was at her birth, by any part of this experience. I thought I would be. I thought that the first time I learned that she had tried alcohol that I would combust or disappear out of fear. But, I did not. I thought I would weep at the thought of leaving her. However, my own years in recovery and working the 12 Steps helped me to see it for what it was and not to react out of proportion. I trust her.
She laid her head on my lap for the last 10 minutes of our journey on the plane dissension into JFK. I rubbed her head. I played with her spiky red hair. I loved her with my eyes: her gauges, her nose piercing and her lip piercing. I even loved the multiple ear piercings in the cartilage areas. No heartache? Where did it go? She laid on my lap and I just 100% loved her. She is my beautiful woman Goddess now. She is my teacher and my heart's great love. At that moment, like childbirth, I had no memory of the long nights caring for Her while sick, waiting for her to come home as a teenager, wondering what she would pierce next, the angst of choosing the right schools, the right caretakers and the right parenting style. It was as if I was floating in heaven.
We got there and promptly went to Target and Bed, Bath and Beyond to buy college dorm room stuff. It was pandemonium because Hurricane Irene was afoot. People were buying up everything- water, batteries, canned goods, milk. We just needed a trash can, a desk lamp and some bedding. It was surreal to see and feel the distress of the New Yorkers in what was being billed as a pending State of Emergency. We weathered it together with the subtext of her just now also experiencing the biggest change of her life.
We got to the hotel and went to bed exhausted. The next morning we got up and went to the college. She began to express some of her fears about making friends. We moved her in without fanfare or stress. Once we stepped onto the campus we entered another world. The world of private school academia. As we were walking towards the college She looked at me and she said, "Mom I am so glad that I do not have to worry about being embarrassed by my parent today. I am so nervous, but because you are so beautiful and have so much integrity, I do not have to worry about being embarrassed by you."
I knew at that moment that all of my effort, personal discipline and sacrifice had been worth it. My daughter was proud of me and she could count on me. I had demonstrated a healthy mother in Recovery. I had not expected any of these gifts. Truly I was humbled. She did pay attention. I could see that she respected me very much as she respects herself.
She has gone from my womb to my home and now to Her dream college and soon she will be home for the holidays, the summers and if we are lucky maybe even after college for a bit. This labor of love has been the most rewarding of my life. I imagined the full circle that had just been executed. I imagined the end to the family dysfunction that I had been raised with and how I supported her to make her dreams come true. She did not run screaming from our family home as soon as she was 18 and a high school graduate and vowing to never move back, as I had.
I took her across the country and made sure she had everything She needed and then I let her go. I am truly in awe of how much I have grown up and how the Universe has supported my dream of making her dreams come true. As a woman in Recovery I keep my word and I am there for my children. I can be depended upon. I am the last person my children and husband need to worry about. I am solid. Almost 18 years later, another long weekend of giving birth to a new life, but his time, it was the birth of a strong and powerful woman. She is soaring now and the rock is returning home to provide a soft landing when the time is right.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Mothering-in-Recovery&id=6527419] Mothering in Recovery
Thursday, February 2, 2012
C-Section Adhesions: What Every Woman Must Know
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Elizabeth_McGee]Elizabeth McGee
One of the biggest side effects of a surgical birth are the C-Section adhesions you are left with.
Adhesions are filmy, sticky, tentacle like internal fibrous scar tissue structures that begin to grow immediately after surgery, these adhesion fibers are a way for the body to heal itself.
The unfortunate thing about adhesions that result from having a C-Section are that they can attach themselves to your organs such as your uterus, ovaries, intestines, bowels, and other organs. When this happens it can cause intense chronic pain, infertility or even bowel obstruction.
C-Section adhesions are not a problem for every woman; in fact I've had two c-sections myself and have never had a problem with adhesions. But they can and do become a problem for many people.
A good example of how adhesions can cause problems was when a family member of mine had his appendix removed when he was 13 years old. Strangely enough when he was 76 he had an obstructed bowel which the doctors told him was the result of adhesions that had entangled his intestines from the appendectomy he had at age 13.
The interesting thing about adhesions is that they continue to grow for several years after surgery.
Surgical adhesions can cause pain as well as blockages. Once they attach themselves to your organs they can grow like a vine choking a tree. They can even grow to a point where they have their own blood vessels and nerve endings. They can cause so many different pains in so many different ways that they are hard to diagnose.
Unfortunately, if you think that you have adhesions as a result of having a c-section, your OB/Gyn will often treat your pain as it relates to his expertise. For example, doctors will treat a pain in the gastro intestinal area as though there was a problem with your intestines and send you to a GI doctor. When the pain is asymptomatic or in multiple areas, they get stumped, this can lead to exploratory surgery where they don't even know what they are looking for.
So what can you do now if adhesions are causing your pain and discomfort?
Because adhesions are hard to detect with the usual CT Scan, MRI, or X-ray, medical personnel cannot get a good diagnosis and usually have to begin a series of healing by process of elimination, which can take a very long time.
- Post surgery massage therapy has also been advocated and claimed to work which makes sense to me just as moving around does for preventing the adhesions from sticking.
- Avoid C-Section Adhesions with Yoga Exercises. Yoga is ideal for just about anything connected to healing and achieving that overall feeling of peace, but it can also help relieve C-Section adhesions.
Yoga poses and stretches, like the forward bend, the cat/cow stretch, the cobra pose and side twists will strengthen and tone muscles and can keep your incision flexible while also keeping it from getting tight and uncomfortable.
- Stretching for C-Section Adhesion Pain Relief. Daily stretching is another way to soften adhesion fibers. Pelvic tilts are gentle but effective exercises that are excellent for stretching the areas of the adhesions that need the most attention.
Never stretch too rigorously. Take care to stretch gently and move slowly. If something hurts or doesn't feel right, don't do it.
Things that can help prevent adhesions from Occurring in the first place
First of all YOU must be your own best advocate with your doctor. If you are pregnant or are thinking about becoming pregnant, you owe it to yourself and your baby to educate yourself on childbirth and the possibility that a C-Section could occur.
Discuss everything with your doctor. Remember that you are in charge of and have responsibility for your own health. The doctor is there to assist YOU with your health goals, not the other way around.
- Inquire with your doctor about using adhesion blockers. This is barrier material that doctors can use to help reduce the effects of adhesions.
For example, use of a material called Seprafilm, an adhesion barrier, has been shown to reduce internal adhesions after open abdominal surgery. This is something you should talk to your doctor about.
- Closing up the peritoneum. This is a surgical technique that helps minimize tissue injury and contamination of the wound, but it's also been found to reduce adhesions.
On closing the peritoneum, a study in 2005 by Stanford University has found that women who have had the peritoneum closed as part of their first c-section delivery are as much as five times less likely to develop adhesions than those who had theirs left open as is the common practice today.
This is possibly why I have not had any issues myself with adhesions as my doctor closed the peritoneum. Personally, after discussing this with my doctor, I think this may be one of the most significant things you can insist upon to help your future health in the event you must have a c-section.
- The type of incision can make a difference. A report by Mathai M, Hofmeyr GJ of The Cochrane Collaborative states that using a Joel-Cohen incision, a specific type of incision used for C-Sections can result in "... less fever, pain and analgesic requirements; less blood loss; shorter duration of surgery and hospital stay. This is another factor to discuss with your doctor as part of your preparation plan.
- Prepare and Stay Positive. Your mental and spiritual outlook plays a major role in your ability to heal. For me personally, my first C-Section took a toll on my body and my mind. My postpartum depression was high and my pain was severe. I'm convinced that if I had been prepared for having a C-Section and understood the complications and what to expect, my outcome would have been much different.
My second c-section was much better. Two weeks tops on the full recovery compared to two months and more with my first. Most of that, I believe, is simply because I knew what to expect, so the mental stress was greatly reduced.
If you are a spiritual person, you too will likely be better off than someone who did not take the time to prepare physically and mentally.
My final thoughts for you are that in the event of a c-section delivery I have helped you understand the importance of preparation and discussion with your doctor so that your C-Section becomes the miraculous joyful event that it's meant to be.
Elizabeth McGee is the author of the Worry Free C-Section, [http://www.worry-free-c-section.com]a C-Section Guide. Elizabeth is also the author and editor of the [http://www.worry-free-c-section.com/blog]C-Section blog which provides essential C-Section topics, news, recovery help, planning and support for C-Section moms.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?C-Section-Adhesions:-What-Every-Woman-Must-Know&id=6531621] C-Section Adhesions: What Every Woman Must Know
One of the biggest side effects of a surgical birth are the C-Section adhesions you are left with.
Adhesions are filmy, sticky, tentacle like internal fibrous scar tissue structures that begin to grow immediately after surgery, these adhesion fibers are a way for the body to heal itself.
The unfortunate thing about adhesions that result from having a C-Section are that they can attach themselves to your organs such as your uterus, ovaries, intestines, bowels, and other organs. When this happens it can cause intense chronic pain, infertility or even bowel obstruction.
C-Section adhesions are not a problem for every woman; in fact I've had two c-sections myself and have never had a problem with adhesions. But they can and do become a problem for many people.
A good example of how adhesions can cause problems was when a family member of mine had his appendix removed when he was 13 years old. Strangely enough when he was 76 he had an obstructed bowel which the doctors told him was the result of adhesions that had entangled his intestines from the appendectomy he had at age 13.
The interesting thing about adhesions is that they continue to grow for several years after surgery.
Surgical adhesions can cause pain as well as blockages. Once they attach themselves to your organs they can grow like a vine choking a tree. They can even grow to a point where they have their own blood vessels and nerve endings. They can cause so many different pains in so many different ways that they are hard to diagnose.
Unfortunately, if you think that you have adhesions as a result of having a c-section, your OB/Gyn will often treat your pain as it relates to his expertise. For example, doctors will treat a pain in the gastro intestinal area as though there was a problem with your intestines and send you to a GI doctor. When the pain is asymptomatic or in multiple areas, they get stumped, this can lead to exploratory surgery where they don't even know what they are looking for.
So what can you do now if adhesions are causing your pain and discomfort?
Because adhesions are hard to detect with the usual CT Scan, MRI, or X-ray, medical personnel cannot get a good diagnosis and usually have to begin a series of healing by process of elimination, which can take a very long time.
- Post surgery massage therapy has also been advocated and claimed to work which makes sense to me just as moving around does for preventing the adhesions from sticking.
- Avoid C-Section Adhesions with Yoga Exercises. Yoga is ideal for just about anything connected to healing and achieving that overall feeling of peace, but it can also help relieve C-Section adhesions.
Yoga poses and stretches, like the forward bend, the cat/cow stretch, the cobra pose and side twists will strengthen and tone muscles and can keep your incision flexible while also keeping it from getting tight and uncomfortable.
- Stretching for C-Section Adhesion Pain Relief. Daily stretching is another way to soften adhesion fibers. Pelvic tilts are gentle but effective exercises that are excellent for stretching the areas of the adhesions that need the most attention.
Never stretch too rigorously. Take care to stretch gently and move slowly. If something hurts or doesn't feel right, don't do it.
Things that can help prevent adhesions from Occurring in the first place
First of all YOU must be your own best advocate with your doctor. If you are pregnant or are thinking about becoming pregnant, you owe it to yourself and your baby to educate yourself on childbirth and the possibility that a C-Section could occur.
Discuss everything with your doctor. Remember that you are in charge of and have responsibility for your own health. The doctor is there to assist YOU with your health goals, not the other way around.
- Inquire with your doctor about using adhesion blockers. This is barrier material that doctors can use to help reduce the effects of adhesions.
For example, use of a material called Seprafilm, an adhesion barrier, has been shown to reduce internal adhesions after open abdominal surgery. This is something you should talk to your doctor about.
- Closing up the peritoneum. This is a surgical technique that helps minimize tissue injury and contamination of the wound, but it's also been found to reduce adhesions.
On closing the peritoneum, a study in 2005 by Stanford University has found that women who have had the peritoneum closed as part of their first c-section delivery are as much as five times less likely to develop adhesions than those who had theirs left open as is the common practice today.
This is possibly why I have not had any issues myself with adhesions as my doctor closed the peritoneum. Personally, after discussing this with my doctor, I think this may be one of the most significant things you can insist upon to help your future health in the event you must have a c-section.
- The type of incision can make a difference. A report by Mathai M, Hofmeyr GJ of The Cochrane Collaborative states that using a Joel-Cohen incision, a specific type of incision used for C-Sections can result in "... less fever, pain and analgesic requirements; less blood loss; shorter duration of surgery and hospital stay. This is another factor to discuss with your doctor as part of your preparation plan.
- Prepare and Stay Positive. Your mental and spiritual outlook plays a major role in your ability to heal. For me personally, my first C-Section took a toll on my body and my mind. My postpartum depression was high and my pain was severe. I'm convinced that if I had been prepared for having a C-Section and understood the complications and what to expect, my outcome would have been much different.
My second c-section was much better. Two weeks tops on the full recovery compared to two months and more with my first. Most of that, I believe, is simply because I knew what to expect, so the mental stress was greatly reduced.
If you are a spiritual person, you too will likely be better off than someone who did not take the time to prepare physically and mentally.
My final thoughts for you are that in the event of a c-section delivery I have helped you understand the importance of preparation and discussion with your doctor so that your C-Section becomes the miraculous joyful event that it's meant to be.
Elizabeth McGee is the author of the Worry Free C-Section, [http://www.worry-free-c-section.com]a C-Section Guide. Elizabeth is also the author and editor of the [http://www.worry-free-c-section.com/blog]C-Section blog which provides essential C-Section topics, news, recovery help, planning and support for C-Section moms.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?C-Section-Adhesions:-What-Every-Woman-Must-Know&id=6531621] C-Section Adhesions: What Every Woman Must Know
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Weaning Off Breastfeeding - Baby Food From the 6th to 9th Month
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tommy_O_Coffler]Tommy O Coffler
For my first daughter, I gave her solid food very late - just after 9 months - because of my family's advice on weaning. Breastfeeding, on the other hand, was stopped early due to medical problems (I developed mastitis - inflammation of the breasts via calcification of milk in the milk ducts - after my baby's fourth month).
I realized that the problem of weaning baby late to solids was that the baby takes more time to adjust, has slower chewing capabilities and becomes more picky when she grows up (as my daughter is now). And while I love her to bits, the problem of feeding her now that she's "grown-up" (she's turning 9 years old this month) is a bit of a problem for me. So for my second child (another daughter), I made sure that once she developed teeth and as soon as she reached 6 months, I gradually introduced her to solid foods.
If you have the same problem, you need not worry. Start your child on pureed foods. For my second child, I gave her iron-fortified baby rice cereal on the 6th month. To test if she's receptive to solids, I mixed 1 tablespoon of baby cereal with milk and water until I made it thin - something that resembled milk in a bowl. Made her sit on a high chair and fed her with a spoon. If she accepts it, then you continue feeding her. If she pushes the spoon and the food out of her mouth, it means she's just not ready yet, so stop and try giving it to her again after a couple of days.
Once successful, you can gradually make the food mix thicker. You can also give her pureed fruits and vegetables. Once you reach a paste-like consistency, then you can now give her mashed vegetables or fruits.
In trying out new foods, give it to her using the 4-day rule. Once you introduce a new food, allow 4 days for the food to take effect and observe if she develops a rash or an allergy to the food. If she has a tummy ache, immediately stop giving her whatever food you have and get her back to milk for a day, then give her the food that she's used to. You can try re-introducing the "trigger" food when she gets a bit older, say around 9 months.
When deciding what food to give to your baby, always make sure that it is safe and full of the necessary vitamins and minerals that your child needs.
Giving your child the right baby food in their first few months of solid feeding will help them develop a healthy appetite. Just remember that when you're [http://www.weaningbreastfeeding.com/Weaning-to-Solids-Food-Allergies.html]weaning to solids you may encounter some food allergies. Learn more about how to deal with these allergies by visiting [http://www.weaningbreastfeeding.com/]Weaning Breastfeeding today!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Weaning-Off-Breastfeeding---Baby-Food-From-the-6th-to-9th-Month&id=6532732] Weaning Off Breastfeeding - Baby Food From the 6th to 9th Month
For my first daughter, I gave her solid food very late - just after 9 months - because of my family's advice on weaning. Breastfeeding, on the other hand, was stopped early due to medical problems (I developed mastitis - inflammation of the breasts via calcification of milk in the milk ducts - after my baby's fourth month).
I realized that the problem of weaning baby late to solids was that the baby takes more time to adjust, has slower chewing capabilities and becomes more picky when she grows up (as my daughter is now). And while I love her to bits, the problem of feeding her now that she's "grown-up" (she's turning 9 years old this month) is a bit of a problem for me. So for my second child (another daughter), I made sure that once she developed teeth and as soon as she reached 6 months, I gradually introduced her to solid foods.
If you have the same problem, you need not worry. Start your child on pureed foods. For my second child, I gave her iron-fortified baby rice cereal on the 6th month. To test if she's receptive to solids, I mixed 1 tablespoon of baby cereal with milk and water until I made it thin - something that resembled milk in a bowl. Made her sit on a high chair and fed her with a spoon. If she accepts it, then you continue feeding her. If she pushes the spoon and the food out of her mouth, it means she's just not ready yet, so stop and try giving it to her again after a couple of days.
Once successful, you can gradually make the food mix thicker. You can also give her pureed fruits and vegetables. Once you reach a paste-like consistency, then you can now give her mashed vegetables or fruits.
In trying out new foods, give it to her using the 4-day rule. Once you introduce a new food, allow 4 days for the food to take effect and observe if she develops a rash or an allergy to the food. If she has a tummy ache, immediately stop giving her whatever food you have and get her back to milk for a day, then give her the food that she's used to. You can try re-introducing the "trigger" food when she gets a bit older, say around 9 months.
When deciding what food to give to your baby, always make sure that it is safe and full of the necessary vitamins and minerals that your child needs.
Giving your child the right baby food in their first few months of solid feeding will help them develop a healthy appetite. Just remember that when you're [http://www.weaningbreastfeeding.com/Weaning-to-Solids-Food-Allergies.html]weaning to solids you may encounter some food allergies. Learn more about how to deal with these allergies by visiting [http://www.weaningbreastfeeding.com/]Weaning Breastfeeding today!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Weaning-Off-Breastfeeding---Baby-Food-From-the-6th-to-9th-Month&id=6532732] Weaning Off Breastfeeding - Baby Food From the 6th to 9th Month
Sunday, January 29, 2012
When to Stop Breastfeeding: Baby Is Ready But What Do You Feed Him?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tommy_O_Coffler]Tommy O Coffler
Your baby is growing up so fast, that you have the feeling that the answer to your "when to stop breastfeeding" question is "now." Unfortunately, the weaning/breastfeeding process doesn't set a specific time for application - you usually have to rely on gut feel and on what your baby is trying to tell you.
Yes, your baby. Although he doesn't talk yet, he does want you to know that he's ready to wean when he shows some signs that it's time to wean. If you baby is older and is happily tucking in to solids, then the question of what do you feed him isn't that big of a deal.
However, if you are weaning him from breastfeeding early, then what you substitute will definitely be a concern. In this respect, it is best to get your pediatrician's advice on what formula to use.
If you are thinking of introducing your baby to solid food as well, here are some of the tell-tale signs that your baby is ready for it. Remember, your baby must be able to have at least all or most of the signs mentioned below to be able to say that he is truly ready to have his first meal:
- Head control. You brought him out into the world, head first. Out of all the body parts, the head and neck area is the most delicate of all. Constant care and attention have always been given to it, especially if you need to breastfeed him. But as time goes on, they eventually strengthen. Once he is able to fully master and hold his head up rigidly with no support (or with at least a little of it), then he may be ready to feed.
- Teeth. The teeth, mouth, tongue and the rest of the digestive system all develop at the same time in preparation for weaning to proper solid food. Your baby will also be less likely to drool since he now has total control over the ability to swallow (although there may be times when he just does so, but of a lesser frequency than when he didn't have teeth).
- Weight gain. Your baby should be at least 6 months old and should've doubled their birth weight by now. (Some may wean as early as 4 months, but this is not recommended due to possible serious food allergies that may arise at such a young age.)
- A growing appetite. An increasing appetite means that baby is not contented with just milk; he needs solid food to give way to his body's need for it. Also, at this age, milk alone just isn't enough to meet his nutritional needs.
- Curiosity. If he is already eyeing the family's food during mealtimes, then it is a big indicator that he is ready to chew on some food. If he imitates your chewing or tries to grab your food, then he may be ready for the real thing.
That said, here are three suggested first-foods that you should let baby try:
- Iron-fortified rice cereal. This is the most common food first given to babies as it is store-bought, safe, tried-and-tested by a lot of mothers. It is also the first solid food that is usually recommended by the child's pediatrician. At this stage, the amount that your baby will eat will be very little, so serving rice cereal makes it convenient to prepare and serve small amounts.
- Pureed vegetables. You may need a blender for this to fully puree the vegetables. Before pureeing however, t is better to wash and cook (or at least, blanch) the veggies to kill possible bacteria. DO NOT GIVE BABY UNCOOKED VEGETABLES to prevent possible tummy problems. Start on yellow or orange vegetables (carrots, squash, or sweet potato for examples). You can do a combination of green (peas and green beans) and yellow veggies to add more flavors to the mix.
- Pureed fruits. Fruits are a good source of vitamins and minerals to help your baby's digestive track absorb and flush out toxic waste materials. Applesauce, pears or bananas are the most common fruits given. You can also give 1 part fruit juice to 2 parts of water.
Follow the four-day rule in giving new foods - if after 4 days, he doesn't develop an allergic reaction, then you can continue feeding it to him. If he gets a rash or a tummy-ache, then discontinue and reintroduce said food at a later time.
Coming up with a healthy diet for your baby is important when you are [http://www.weaningbreastfeeding.com/Weaning-from-Breastfeeding-Homemade-Baby-Food.html]weaning from breastfeeding. Breastmilk is very nutritious and you have to make sure your baby gets the same amount of nutrition from their solid foods. Find out how to create this balance at [http://www.weaningbreastfeeding.com/]Weaning Breastfeeding!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?When-to-Stop-Breastfeeding:-Baby-Is-Ready-But-What-Do-You-Feed-Him?&id=6532740] When to Stop Breastfeeding: Baby Is Ready But What Do You Feed Him?
Your baby is growing up so fast, that you have the feeling that the answer to your "when to stop breastfeeding" question is "now." Unfortunately, the weaning/breastfeeding process doesn't set a specific time for application - you usually have to rely on gut feel and on what your baby is trying to tell you.
Yes, your baby. Although he doesn't talk yet, he does want you to know that he's ready to wean when he shows some signs that it's time to wean. If you baby is older and is happily tucking in to solids, then the question of what do you feed him isn't that big of a deal.
However, if you are weaning him from breastfeeding early, then what you substitute will definitely be a concern. In this respect, it is best to get your pediatrician's advice on what formula to use.
If you are thinking of introducing your baby to solid food as well, here are some of the tell-tale signs that your baby is ready for it. Remember, your baby must be able to have at least all or most of the signs mentioned below to be able to say that he is truly ready to have his first meal:
- Head control. You brought him out into the world, head first. Out of all the body parts, the head and neck area is the most delicate of all. Constant care and attention have always been given to it, especially if you need to breastfeed him. But as time goes on, they eventually strengthen. Once he is able to fully master and hold his head up rigidly with no support (or with at least a little of it), then he may be ready to feed.
- Teeth. The teeth, mouth, tongue and the rest of the digestive system all develop at the same time in preparation for weaning to proper solid food. Your baby will also be less likely to drool since he now has total control over the ability to swallow (although there may be times when he just does so, but of a lesser frequency than when he didn't have teeth).
- Weight gain. Your baby should be at least 6 months old and should've doubled their birth weight by now. (Some may wean as early as 4 months, but this is not recommended due to possible serious food allergies that may arise at such a young age.)
- A growing appetite. An increasing appetite means that baby is not contented with just milk; he needs solid food to give way to his body's need for it. Also, at this age, milk alone just isn't enough to meet his nutritional needs.
- Curiosity. If he is already eyeing the family's food during mealtimes, then it is a big indicator that he is ready to chew on some food. If he imitates your chewing or tries to grab your food, then he may be ready for the real thing.
That said, here are three suggested first-foods that you should let baby try:
- Iron-fortified rice cereal. This is the most common food first given to babies as it is store-bought, safe, tried-and-tested by a lot of mothers. It is also the first solid food that is usually recommended by the child's pediatrician. At this stage, the amount that your baby will eat will be very little, so serving rice cereal makes it convenient to prepare and serve small amounts.
- Pureed vegetables. You may need a blender for this to fully puree the vegetables. Before pureeing however, t is better to wash and cook (or at least, blanch) the veggies to kill possible bacteria. DO NOT GIVE BABY UNCOOKED VEGETABLES to prevent possible tummy problems. Start on yellow or orange vegetables (carrots, squash, or sweet potato for examples). You can do a combination of green (peas and green beans) and yellow veggies to add more flavors to the mix.
- Pureed fruits. Fruits are a good source of vitamins and minerals to help your baby's digestive track absorb and flush out toxic waste materials. Applesauce, pears or bananas are the most common fruits given. You can also give 1 part fruit juice to 2 parts of water.
Follow the four-day rule in giving new foods - if after 4 days, he doesn't develop an allergic reaction, then you can continue feeding it to him. If he gets a rash or a tummy-ache, then discontinue and reintroduce said food at a later time.
Coming up with a healthy diet for your baby is important when you are [http://www.weaningbreastfeeding.com/Weaning-from-Breastfeeding-Homemade-Baby-Food.html]weaning from breastfeeding. Breastmilk is very nutritious and you have to make sure your baby gets the same amount of nutrition from their solid foods. Find out how to create this balance at [http://www.weaningbreastfeeding.com/]Weaning Breastfeeding!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?When-to-Stop-Breastfeeding:-Baby-Is-Ready-But-What-Do-You-Feed-Him?&id=6532740] When to Stop Breastfeeding: Baby Is Ready But What Do You Feed Him?
Friday, January 27, 2012
Stopping Breastfeeding
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tommy_O_Coffler]Tommy O Coffler
Although breastfeeding is recommended for as long as you and your baby are happy to do it, there comes a time when both mother and child will have to bid breastfeeding goodbye and hello to weaning.
The nutrients in breast milk would be very hard to replace, especially the benefit of keeping your baby immune from simple cold viruses to massive flu strains - which is why some mothers still try to incorporate breast milk in their baby's diet by expressing milk and storing it in a bottle.
Stopping breastfeeding is a mutual decision between mommy and baby. Usually, the baby exhibits physical signs that he is ready for weaning, especially for solid foods - being able to hold his head upright, the ability to sit by himself (or sometimes with the help of whoever will be feeding him), the emergence of a tooth (or teeth in some cases), eyeing food with curiosity, etc.
Sometimes though, the mother has to stop due to personal reasons.
Medical conditions (either pre-existing or diagnosed right after giving birth) are the most common reasons a mother has to stop breastfeeding. Cancers, respiratory problems and tumors or abscesses of the breast are just some problems a mother has that will not allow her to breastfeed her child.
Sometimes, a mother needs to wean her child, especially if she has work waiting for her. Most working moms wean their children off of breastfeeding to the bottle early in preparation for the day she will have to go back to work. Since they have a timeline to follow, most of these women do the weaning gradually, as soon as the baby learns how to drink from a bottle. (There are different sucking patterns for babies - sucking on a mother's teat is different from doing so from a silicone nipple.)
Sore nipples? Definitely a factor too, especially if your child is a biter and you not only have soreness, but also the baby already draws blood. This early, you can try to say "no" to your child - should he try to bite you again, put a finger in his mouth and take off the nipple, while saying no.
Breastfeeding takes a lot of time and commitment from moms who have to juggle work and home responsibilities. Hang in there as much as you can, do your best, so that when it's time to wean, you can look back without regret at the precious weeks, months, and years that you were able to breastfeed your baby.
If breastfeeding really isn't doable, consider using a pump so you can still give your baby the benefits of breast milk. You can also easily [http://www.weaningbreastfeeding.com/How-to-Combine-Breastfeeding-with-Bottlefeeding.html]combine breastfeeding and bottlefeeding if all your breasts really need is a break. Learn more about breastfeeding techniques by visiting [http://www.weaningbreastfeeding.com/]Weaning Breastfeeding now!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Stopping-Breastfeeding&id=6532746] Stopping Breastfeeding
Although breastfeeding is recommended for as long as you and your baby are happy to do it, there comes a time when both mother and child will have to bid breastfeeding goodbye and hello to weaning.
The nutrients in breast milk would be very hard to replace, especially the benefit of keeping your baby immune from simple cold viruses to massive flu strains - which is why some mothers still try to incorporate breast milk in their baby's diet by expressing milk and storing it in a bottle.
Stopping breastfeeding is a mutual decision between mommy and baby. Usually, the baby exhibits physical signs that he is ready for weaning, especially for solid foods - being able to hold his head upright, the ability to sit by himself (or sometimes with the help of whoever will be feeding him), the emergence of a tooth (or teeth in some cases), eyeing food with curiosity, etc.
Sometimes though, the mother has to stop due to personal reasons.
Medical conditions (either pre-existing or diagnosed right after giving birth) are the most common reasons a mother has to stop breastfeeding. Cancers, respiratory problems and tumors or abscesses of the breast are just some problems a mother has that will not allow her to breastfeed her child.
Sometimes, a mother needs to wean her child, especially if she has work waiting for her. Most working moms wean their children off of breastfeeding to the bottle early in preparation for the day she will have to go back to work. Since they have a timeline to follow, most of these women do the weaning gradually, as soon as the baby learns how to drink from a bottle. (There are different sucking patterns for babies - sucking on a mother's teat is different from doing so from a silicone nipple.)
Sore nipples? Definitely a factor too, especially if your child is a biter and you not only have soreness, but also the baby already draws blood. This early, you can try to say "no" to your child - should he try to bite you again, put a finger in his mouth and take off the nipple, while saying no.
Breastfeeding takes a lot of time and commitment from moms who have to juggle work and home responsibilities. Hang in there as much as you can, do your best, so that when it's time to wean, you can look back without regret at the precious weeks, months, and years that you were able to breastfeed your baby.
If breastfeeding really isn't doable, consider using a pump so you can still give your baby the benefits of breast milk. You can also easily [http://www.weaningbreastfeeding.com/How-to-Combine-Breastfeeding-with-Bottlefeeding.html]combine breastfeeding and bottlefeeding if all your breasts really need is a break. Learn more about breastfeeding techniques by visiting [http://www.weaningbreastfeeding.com/]Weaning Breastfeeding now!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Stopping-Breastfeeding&id=6532746] Stopping Breastfeeding
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Weaning - From Breastfeeding To Solids At 6 Months
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tommy_O_Coffler]Tommy O Coffler
When your baby was smaller and a few pounds lighter, you couldn't wait to give your baby real, big kids food. Now that the time has come to introduce him to solids, you are hesitating, with concerns like: I might do it wrong, my baby might not like the food, what do I do if he pushes the food away with his tongue, what do I give him when he doesn't like it, etc. To wean from breastfeeding, one must know some basics in preparing your baby for weaning to solids.
Breastfeeding is still best for babies, even up to age 2. But when baby reaches the 6th month mark milk alone - whether breastmilk or formula - is no longer enough to satisfy all of your growing baby's nutritional needs. Hence, the need to introduce him to solid food.
Weaning before 6 months is discouraged. Studies have shown that babies who were given solids between 4 to 6 months were more likely to develop allergic reactions to certain foods - especially if there is a family history of asthma, allergies to substances (such as food and dust) or other respiratory ailments.
By the 6th month, your baby will have doubled his birth weight already. This is one of the main indicators that he is ready to try some solid food. (If your baby is a bit small for his age, you may want to wait it out a little more until he doubles his birth weight.)
Your baby's curiosity also peaks at around this time. Therefore, in all likelihood, he will take to solid foods more now than when he was around 4 or 5 months. The fact that your baby may be eyeing your food already and trying to paw his way through it is testament to his readiness for solid food. Plus, his daily milk intake will not be enough to sustain him all throughout the day, especially through the night.
Aside from that, his body also changes in time for soft solid food weaning. His mouth will have lost most of its automatic gagging, and he may respond to food by swallowing a little at a time that it may seem like he is just swallowing his milk. Also, the emergence of teeth is also a factor in deciding to feed the baby his solids.
Your baby should be able to sit and hold his head upright to facilitate better swallowing reflexes. And let him try soft solids first, once a day and increasing the volume and thickening the consistency in the following weeks.
Though [http://www.weaningbreastfeeding.com/Teaching-Your-Baby-How-to-Eat.html]teaching your baby how to eat can be a challenge, it's really best for your baby to start eating solids. Learn more about solid feeding, weaning, and the challenges that come with it by visiting [http://www.weaningbreastfeeding.com/]Weaning Breastfeeding today!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Weaning---From-Breastfeeding-To-Solids-At-6-Months&id=6532720] Weaning - From Breastfeeding To Solids At 6 Months
When your baby was smaller and a few pounds lighter, you couldn't wait to give your baby real, big kids food. Now that the time has come to introduce him to solids, you are hesitating, with concerns like: I might do it wrong, my baby might not like the food, what do I do if he pushes the food away with his tongue, what do I give him when he doesn't like it, etc. To wean from breastfeeding, one must know some basics in preparing your baby for weaning to solids.
Breastfeeding is still best for babies, even up to age 2. But when baby reaches the 6th month mark milk alone - whether breastmilk or formula - is no longer enough to satisfy all of your growing baby's nutritional needs. Hence, the need to introduce him to solid food.
Weaning before 6 months is discouraged. Studies have shown that babies who were given solids between 4 to 6 months were more likely to develop allergic reactions to certain foods - especially if there is a family history of asthma, allergies to substances (such as food and dust) or other respiratory ailments.
By the 6th month, your baby will have doubled his birth weight already. This is one of the main indicators that he is ready to try some solid food. (If your baby is a bit small for his age, you may want to wait it out a little more until he doubles his birth weight.)
Your baby's curiosity also peaks at around this time. Therefore, in all likelihood, he will take to solid foods more now than when he was around 4 or 5 months. The fact that your baby may be eyeing your food already and trying to paw his way through it is testament to his readiness for solid food. Plus, his daily milk intake will not be enough to sustain him all throughout the day, especially through the night.
Aside from that, his body also changes in time for soft solid food weaning. His mouth will have lost most of its automatic gagging, and he may respond to food by swallowing a little at a time that it may seem like he is just swallowing his milk. Also, the emergence of teeth is also a factor in deciding to feed the baby his solids.
Your baby should be able to sit and hold his head upright to facilitate better swallowing reflexes. And let him try soft solids first, once a day and increasing the volume and thickening the consistency in the following weeks.
Though [http://www.weaningbreastfeeding.com/Teaching-Your-Baby-How-to-Eat.html]teaching your baby how to eat can be a challenge, it's really best for your baby to start eating solids. Learn more about solid feeding, weaning, and the challenges that come with it by visiting [http://www.weaningbreastfeeding.com/]Weaning Breastfeeding today!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Weaning---From-Breastfeeding-To-Solids-At-6-Months&id=6532720] Weaning - From Breastfeeding To Solids At 6 Months
Monday, January 23, 2012
Weaning: From Breastfeeding To Baby's First Solid Food
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tommy_O_Coffler]Tommy O Coffler
The common concern for mothers with babies nearing the 6-month-old mark is not really on how to stop breastfeeding, but on what food should be fed to baby. This mostly wouldn't be a problem for 2nd or 3rd time moms. But first timers are usually protective of their children so they research and ask around as to what the best food to feed would be.
Now, don't retort, I had been a first time mom too. Actually, I feel I am worse than most mothers because I have two kids, and I am overly protective of both of them when they were babies. So I'm guilty of all the research and the information gathering too.
When you wean off of breastfeeding, you are taking him off of his source for most of his daily nutritional needs. While it is recommended that the baby be breastfed for as long as 2 years (and beyond), sometimes specific circumstances doesn't allow the breastfeeding relationship to last that long. When this happens, you can check with your pediatrician to find out what formula you can use as a substitute.
When introducing baby to solids, one tip would be to introduce each new food four days apart from each other. This is to give your baby time to react to the new food - either in a good way (that he really, really likes it) or in a bad way (he develops a rash or an allergy to it).
To help you out, here are some foods which are recommended for baby's first food:
- Iron-enriched infant rice cereal or dry baby rice. Dry cereal should be mixed with breast milk or formula to make a runny solution. About one to two teaspoons would do for the very first feeding; you can lessen the milk after a couple of days for the mixture to become thicker and for the baby to feel some texture in his mouth. This would allow baby to practice getting food off a spoon, which involves a different reflex from drinking milk from the breast or the bottle.
- Pureed vegetables. Carrots, parsnips, sweet potato, courgettes and squash are great for pureeing. Plus, it introduces baby to the wonderful world of new tastes. When baby is used to the baby rice mix, you can give him a new way of enjoyment by adding this puree to the mix for added flavor.
- Pureed fruits. These can be served on a bowl with accompanying rubber tipped spoon, or you can give this as a juice. Apples, pears, mangoes, papayas or mashed bananas are some safe fruits to give.
Feeding your baby will be another fun activity you can do with your growing baby.
Happy weaning!
Think weaning is a challenge? No problem! Find all the [http://www.weaningbreastfeeding.com/weaning_from_breastfeeding_tips_on_feeding_solids.html]tips on feeding solids you will need, as well as [http://www.weaningbreastfeeding.com/tips_on_weaning_breastfeeding_toddler.html]tips on weaning in general by clicking on the blue links today!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Weaning:-From-Breastfeeding-To-Babys-First-Solid-Food&id=6532726] Weaning: From Breastfeeding To Baby's First Solid Food
The common concern for mothers with babies nearing the 6-month-old mark is not really on how to stop breastfeeding, but on what food should be fed to baby. This mostly wouldn't be a problem for 2nd or 3rd time moms. But first timers are usually protective of their children so they research and ask around as to what the best food to feed would be.
Now, don't retort, I had been a first time mom too. Actually, I feel I am worse than most mothers because I have two kids, and I am overly protective of both of them when they were babies. So I'm guilty of all the research and the information gathering too.
When you wean off of breastfeeding, you are taking him off of his source for most of his daily nutritional needs. While it is recommended that the baby be breastfed for as long as 2 years (and beyond), sometimes specific circumstances doesn't allow the breastfeeding relationship to last that long. When this happens, you can check with your pediatrician to find out what formula you can use as a substitute.
When introducing baby to solids, one tip would be to introduce each new food four days apart from each other. This is to give your baby time to react to the new food - either in a good way (that he really, really likes it) or in a bad way (he develops a rash or an allergy to it).
To help you out, here are some foods which are recommended for baby's first food:
- Iron-enriched infant rice cereal or dry baby rice. Dry cereal should be mixed with breast milk or formula to make a runny solution. About one to two teaspoons would do for the very first feeding; you can lessen the milk after a couple of days for the mixture to become thicker and for the baby to feel some texture in his mouth. This would allow baby to practice getting food off a spoon, which involves a different reflex from drinking milk from the breast or the bottle.
- Pureed vegetables. Carrots, parsnips, sweet potato, courgettes and squash are great for pureeing. Plus, it introduces baby to the wonderful world of new tastes. When baby is used to the baby rice mix, you can give him a new way of enjoyment by adding this puree to the mix for added flavor.
- Pureed fruits. These can be served on a bowl with accompanying rubber tipped spoon, or you can give this as a juice. Apples, pears, mangoes, papayas or mashed bananas are some safe fruits to give.
Feeding your baby will be another fun activity you can do with your growing baby.
Happy weaning!
Think weaning is a challenge? No problem! Find all the [http://www.weaningbreastfeeding.com/weaning_from_breastfeeding_tips_on_feeding_solids.html]tips on feeding solids you will need, as well as [http://www.weaningbreastfeeding.com/tips_on_weaning_breastfeeding_toddler.html]tips on weaning in general by clicking on the blue links today!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Weaning:-From-Breastfeeding-To-Babys-First-Solid-Food&id=6532726] Weaning: From Breastfeeding To Baby's First Solid Food
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Tips for the New Mom
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Crystal_Newman]Crystal Newman
Being a new mom is hard and difficult, especially with no sleep! Although most people are well intentioned, many moms get less than helpful advice from others. Below are some tips that I came up with that are hopefully helpful! Some tips are common sense and some you have probably heard before.
Take a nap when baby naps. Common sense, we've all heard it before. But how many new moms really do this? It is so important to try and sleep when baby sleeps.
Make homemade baby food if you can. Making your own baby food is easy, less expensive than jars, and healthier! I have done both- purchased baby food and made baby food. You can save a lot of money by doing it yourself.
When in doubt, call the pediatrician. Usually a pediatrician has an on call service that will direct you to a nurse line. You can ask the nurse questions and explain the situation, all for free. The nurse will be able to tell you if you need to make an emergency trip.
Although babies are unpredictable and you NEED to be flexible, try to create a schedule for yourself and baby even if you don't follow it. This will help you stay a little more organized.
Don't forget to take pictures or video of your baby.
Don't be ashamed to ask for help. If you feel like you need a break or just need to take a nap, call someone or arrange time for somebody to come over.
Don't worry about your house staying spotless. Your house WILL NEVER be spotless again until your children are older to clean up for themselves. Sorry, those days are over.
Make crock pot meals or eat simple. If you didn't freeze meals before you had the baby, make meals with your crock pot. It is so easy to throw food in the crock pot and let it sit all day. Eat a sandwich or salad for dinner. Nobody expects you to cook a gourmet dinner.
Babies will cry. Sometimes we don't know why they are crying. Sometimes they cry over everything because they like attention. Sometimes they are hungry. Sometimes they are overly tired and cry. Don't feel bad to put your baby in an area that is safe for a baby (like the crib) and walk away for a few minutes and catch a breath if you are getting upset.
Don't ever shake your baby. I hate to write this but unfortunately some people lose their temper and shake their baby because they have had enough. Don't ever do this! Babies are innocent little beings.
Crystal is a [http://www.counselormom.com]stay at home mom and has a [http://www.counselormom.com]mom blog at CounselorMom.com.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Tips-for-the-New-Mom&id=6532247] Tips for the New Mom
Being a new mom is hard and difficult, especially with no sleep! Although most people are well intentioned, many moms get less than helpful advice from others. Below are some tips that I came up with that are hopefully helpful! Some tips are common sense and some you have probably heard before.
Take a nap when baby naps. Common sense, we've all heard it before. But how many new moms really do this? It is so important to try and sleep when baby sleeps.
Make homemade baby food if you can. Making your own baby food is easy, less expensive than jars, and healthier! I have done both- purchased baby food and made baby food. You can save a lot of money by doing it yourself.
When in doubt, call the pediatrician. Usually a pediatrician has an on call service that will direct you to a nurse line. You can ask the nurse questions and explain the situation, all for free. The nurse will be able to tell you if you need to make an emergency trip.
Although babies are unpredictable and you NEED to be flexible, try to create a schedule for yourself and baby even if you don't follow it. This will help you stay a little more organized.
Don't forget to take pictures or video of your baby.
Don't be ashamed to ask for help. If you feel like you need a break or just need to take a nap, call someone or arrange time for somebody to come over.
Don't worry about your house staying spotless. Your house WILL NEVER be spotless again until your children are older to clean up for themselves. Sorry, those days are over.
Make crock pot meals or eat simple. If you didn't freeze meals before you had the baby, make meals with your crock pot. It is so easy to throw food in the crock pot and let it sit all day. Eat a sandwich or salad for dinner. Nobody expects you to cook a gourmet dinner.
Babies will cry. Sometimes we don't know why they are crying. Sometimes they cry over everything because they like attention. Sometimes they are hungry. Sometimes they are overly tired and cry. Don't feel bad to put your baby in an area that is safe for a baby (like the crib) and walk away for a few minutes and catch a breath if you are getting upset.
Don't ever shake your baby. I hate to write this but unfortunately some people lose their temper and shake their baby because they have had enough. Don't ever do this! Babies are innocent little beings.
Crystal is a [http://www.counselormom.com]stay at home mom and has a [http://www.counselormom.com]mom blog at CounselorMom.com.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Tips-for-the-New-Mom&id=6532247] Tips for the New Mom
Thursday, January 19, 2012
5 Steps to Avoid Stress in Our Relationships - Mother Dearest
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Karen_Pasqualucci]Karen Pasqualucci
How to Avoid Stress in our Relationships - Part One
Mother Dearest
Mothers and daughters.
Cue sentimental music and images of quality moments over steaming cups of coffee. Everyone is smiling. Tenderness and respect abounds.
Now back to reality.
Not everyone has a Hallmark card relationship with their mothers. Many grown women, with thriving relationships and balanced lives, are at a loss when it comes to the one woman who gave them life.
Some exist in a war zone with verbal grenades flying back and forth, while others are engaged in a silent battle of control and manipulation.
Even the lucky ones, whose mothers do not undermine, criticize or berate cannot escape the occasional relationship trauma.
Stress in our relationships is unavoidable, and women are more prone to it than men. We are born with greater capacity to relate and communicate. We are masters in the intimate art of socializing with one another thus deeming us more susceptible to its pitfalls.
When it comes to our Mothers we are at our most vulnerable. There is something about them that can drive us to the edge of insanity and back again until we are immobilized in our own rut.
How can we avoid the inevitable stress that accompanies us along the way?
*Acceptance
There are certain things about your mother you will never change. The sooner you can accept that her character is set, forged from years of living through her own stresses and anxieties, the sooner you can be free of expectations holding you back from genuine relationship.
Avoidance
Learn to recognize the warning signs of destructive behaviour. There may be a temptation to antagonize, but do not give into such a childish instinct. Poking at a wounded beast is never a good idea. Give space when space is needed.
*Analyze
Take a hard look at your life and see if there is not something you might change about yourself. Often times the people who irritate us the most do so because they are the most like us.
Try a little exercise to determine if this is the case. Write down all the things that bother you the most about your mother. Ask a trusted, close friend if any of the qualities you listed are true about yourself.
Warning! This is painful.
*Adhere
Resolve to change the qualities in yourself you find less than desirable. We may not have the power to force change upon another, but we are the author of our own stories.
*Admire
Find things to appreciate and admire about your mother. The life she has lived up to this moment has formed her into the person she is today. There is good and there is bad, but that is true for all us. Find the good. Think about the good. Focus on the good.
Stress in our relationships may be unavoidable and uncomfortable, but giving in to its destructive power, and letting it control our lives is not the answer.
"If the person you are talking to doesn't appear to be listening be patient. It may simply be that he has a small piece of fluff in his ear."
--Winnie the Pooh
Karen Pasqualucci is a passionate, lifelong learner. She is an author, artist, entrepreneur, internationally accomplished speaker/trainer, a third degree black belt in Taijitsu and a homeschool mom of three. She shares her newest insights on her blog at http://DoodleMeanings.com and gives away free Mandalas simply to make you as addicted as she is to the pleasures of mandalas:)
Come and get 'em!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?5-Steps-to-Avoid-Stress-in-Our-Relationships---Mother-Dearest&id=6540065] 5 Steps to Avoid Stress in Our Relationships - Mother Dearest
How to Avoid Stress in our Relationships - Part One
Mother Dearest
Mothers and daughters.
Cue sentimental music and images of quality moments over steaming cups of coffee. Everyone is smiling. Tenderness and respect abounds.
Now back to reality.
Not everyone has a Hallmark card relationship with their mothers. Many grown women, with thriving relationships and balanced lives, are at a loss when it comes to the one woman who gave them life.
Some exist in a war zone with verbal grenades flying back and forth, while others are engaged in a silent battle of control and manipulation.
Even the lucky ones, whose mothers do not undermine, criticize or berate cannot escape the occasional relationship trauma.
Stress in our relationships is unavoidable, and women are more prone to it than men. We are born with greater capacity to relate and communicate. We are masters in the intimate art of socializing with one another thus deeming us more susceptible to its pitfalls.
When it comes to our Mothers we are at our most vulnerable. There is something about them that can drive us to the edge of insanity and back again until we are immobilized in our own rut.
How can we avoid the inevitable stress that accompanies us along the way?
*Acceptance
There are certain things about your mother you will never change. The sooner you can accept that her character is set, forged from years of living through her own stresses and anxieties, the sooner you can be free of expectations holding you back from genuine relationship.
Avoidance
Learn to recognize the warning signs of destructive behaviour. There may be a temptation to antagonize, but do not give into such a childish instinct. Poking at a wounded beast is never a good idea. Give space when space is needed.
*Analyze
Take a hard look at your life and see if there is not something you might change about yourself. Often times the people who irritate us the most do so because they are the most like us.
Try a little exercise to determine if this is the case. Write down all the things that bother you the most about your mother. Ask a trusted, close friend if any of the qualities you listed are true about yourself.
Warning! This is painful.
*Adhere
Resolve to change the qualities in yourself you find less than desirable. We may not have the power to force change upon another, but we are the author of our own stories.
*Admire
Find things to appreciate and admire about your mother. The life she has lived up to this moment has formed her into the person she is today. There is good and there is bad, but that is true for all us. Find the good. Think about the good. Focus on the good.
Stress in our relationships may be unavoidable and uncomfortable, but giving in to its destructive power, and letting it control our lives is not the answer.
"If the person you are talking to doesn't appear to be listening be patient. It may simply be that he has a small piece of fluff in his ear."
--Winnie the Pooh
Karen Pasqualucci is a passionate, lifelong learner. She is an author, artist, entrepreneur, internationally accomplished speaker/trainer, a third degree black belt in Taijitsu and a homeschool mom of three. She shares her newest insights on her blog at http://DoodleMeanings.com and gives away free Mandalas simply to make you as addicted as she is to the pleasures of mandalas:)
Come and get 'em!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?5-Steps-to-Avoid-Stress-in-Our-Relationships---Mother-Dearest&id=6540065] 5 Steps to Avoid Stress in Our Relationships - Mother Dearest
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Need for Mother's Love All Along
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Gautam_Belle]Gautam Belle
Who fed me from her gentle breast
And hushed me in her arms to rest,
And on my cheek sweet kisses prest?
My Mother.
~Anne Taylor
This quote hardly means anything to most women in this fast moving 21st century. Even though mothers will always love their children, they may not get enough opportunities to express it. Children need mother's love in every way from the very beginning of their life; from their conception by the mother. When in the womb, a foetus is said to respond to every thought of the mother; which is why anxiety or any kind of bad mental influence is said to affect the foetus. After the birth of the baby the mother bonds with her child through breastfeeding. Breastfeeding the baby is, indeed, the first step a mother takes to protect her child from the world. This is what it used to be like, in the old days. But today, our technical advancement may have led us to forsake our natural ways.
The importance of breastfeeding is not known to all. Most people see it as a genuine practice; a sort of thing that is done to feed a baby. This ill-knowledge has led people to believe that breastfeeding can be replaced with other milk or baby food without much adverse effects. On the contrary, it adversely affects both mother and child. According to physicians, mothers should start breastfeeding their babies within the first hour after the baby is born. This is very important for the long-term survival of the baby because at the end of pregnancy colostrum (yellowish, sticky breast milk) is produced in the mother. This colostrum is very nutritious and is the perfect food for the newborn baby. WHO (World Health Organization) recommends that mothers breastfeed their babies exclusively for 6 months and then with complementary foods up to 2 years of age or beyond.
It is essential for mothers to follow the breastfeeding regime that WHO has recommended. Initially, the breast milk content is rich in the nutrients mentioned in the above table. But after the first week the composition starts predominating in fat and lactose. Even in a single feeding, the milk produced becomes more fatty as the full breast empties. The fat in the breast milk has high nutritional importance. It helps metabolize (use up) the vitamins. Also, a specific fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is essentially required for brain development. This fatty acid is a long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LPC) and is found in huge amounts in our brain and retina. Depriving a baby of breast milk is depriving it from these essential nutrients and, thus, risking its normal growth and mental development.
A recent study conducted on the population of Tamil Nadu, India showed that many mothers fail to breastfeed their babies leading to the death of the babies within 5 years of age. "Nearly 1.65lakh children below the age of five years die every year in Tamil Nadu. A major reason for this is the lack of exclusive breast feeding during the first six months of the infant," said Dr D Gunasingh, Child Specialist, Institute of Child Health and Hospital for Children, Chennai. The reason for this malpractice was found to be the increasing number of C-section deliveries of pregnant women. Apart from this, some women complained of lack of milk. According to Dr D Gunasingh there are solutions to both the problems without having to compromise the breastfeeding of the baby at any time. He says the mother can feed her baby by placing it on her abdomen after the C-section delivery. If it hurts, then the baby can be placed over the mother's shoulder upside down, while the mother is lying, with the help of another person and the feeding can happen. As for the lack of milk he says, "Frequent suckling and complete emptying is the way to ensure enough secretion of milk."
Even after all these efforts for awareness about breastfeeding, many women do not emphasise on practicing it. Major cause could be the lack of knowledge of its importance to them and their babies. They seem to give in too easily when confronted with some problems, as seen in the study discussed above. Studies have also shown that pregnant women can breastfeed their toddlers without any harm to their foetus. Some physicians might express doubt but it is safe. According to the La Leche League International Breastfeeding Answer Book, 3rd Edition 2003, page 407, uterine contractions maybe felt during such breastfeeding.
As has already been mentioned before, there are numerous benefits of breastfeeding.
For the baby,
Breast milk provides them initial immunity and strength to fight diseases. This is essential because a baby's immune system (a system of cells and organs in living beings that helps fight disease-causing organisms) does not develop fully till 6 months of age.
Studies have also shown that breastfed children have higher intelligence than children who have never been breastfed.
Also, breastfed children have less chances of suffering from childhood obesity, diabetes, and have less chances of being overweight later in life, according to certain other studies.
Similarly, there are benefits to the mother too.
Breastfeeding soon after giving birth increases the mother's oxytocin (a hormone that regulates production of milk in females) level, making her uterus contract more quickly and reducing bleeding.
The fat accumulated during pregnancy is used to produce milk. Extended breastfeeding can help mothers lose weight.
Breastfeeding may delay the return to fertility for some women by suppressing ovulation (the process of release of the human egg into the fallopian tubes which directs it to the uterus).
Reduces risk of certain cancers in breastfeeding mothers. Apart from this, breastfeeding mothers have less chances of suffering from rheumatoid arthritis depending on how long they continued.
The world would not see so many infant deaths if only mothers would make efforts to breastfeed their babies.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Need-for-Mothers-Love-All-Along&id=6536651] Need for Mother's Love All Along
Who fed me from her gentle breast
And hushed me in her arms to rest,
And on my cheek sweet kisses prest?
My Mother.
~Anne Taylor
This quote hardly means anything to most women in this fast moving 21st century. Even though mothers will always love their children, they may not get enough opportunities to express it. Children need mother's love in every way from the very beginning of their life; from their conception by the mother. When in the womb, a foetus is said to respond to every thought of the mother; which is why anxiety or any kind of bad mental influence is said to affect the foetus. After the birth of the baby the mother bonds with her child through breastfeeding. Breastfeeding the baby is, indeed, the first step a mother takes to protect her child from the world. This is what it used to be like, in the old days. But today, our technical advancement may have led us to forsake our natural ways.
The importance of breastfeeding is not known to all. Most people see it as a genuine practice; a sort of thing that is done to feed a baby. This ill-knowledge has led people to believe that breastfeeding can be replaced with other milk or baby food without much adverse effects. On the contrary, it adversely affects both mother and child. According to physicians, mothers should start breastfeeding their babies within the first hour after the baby is born. This is very important for the long-term survival of the baby because at the end of pregnancy colostrum (yellowish, sticky breast milk) is produced in the mother. This colostrum is very nutritious and is the perfect food for the newborn baby. WHO (World Health Organization) recommends that mothers breastfeed their babies exclusively for 6 months and then with complementary foods up to 2 years of age or beyond.
It is essential for mothers to follow the breastfeeding regime that WHO has recommended. Initially, the breast milk content is rich in the nutrients mentioned in the above table. But after the first week the composition starts predominating in fat and lactose. Even in a single feeding, the milk produced becomes more fatty as the full breast empties. The fat in the breast milk has high nutritional importance. It helps metabolize (use up) the vitamins. Also, a specific fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is essentially required for brain development. This fatty acid is a long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LPC) and is found in huge amounts in our brain and retina. Depriving a baby of breast milk is depriving it from these essential nutrients and, thus, risking its normal growth and mental development.
A recent study conducted on the population of Tamil Nadu, India showed that many mothers fail to breastfeed their babies leading to the death of the babies within 5 years of age. "Nearly 1.65lakh children below the age of five years die every year in Tamil Nadu. A major reason for this is the lack of exclusive breast feeding during the first six months of the infant," said Dr D Gunasingh, Child Specialist, Institute of Child Health and Hospital for Children, Chennai. The reason for this malpractice was found to be the increasing number of C-section deliveries of pregnant women. Apart from this, some women complained of lack of milk. According to Dr D Gunasingh there are solutions to both the problems without having to compromise the breastfeeding of the baby at any time. He says the mother can feed her baby by placing it on her abdomen after the C-section delivery. If it hurts, then the baby can be placed over the mother's shoulder upside down, while the mother is lying, with the help of another person and the feeding can happen. As for the lack of milk he says, "Frequent suckling and complete emptying is the way to ensure enough secretion of milk."
Even after all these efforts for awareness about breastfeeding, many women do not emphasise on practicing it. Major cause could be the lack of knowledge of its importance to them and their babies. They seem to give in too easily when confronted with some problems, as seen in the study discussed above. Studies have also shown that pregnant women can breastfeed their toddlers without any harm to their foetus. Some physicians might express doubt but it is safe. According to the La Leche League International Breastfeeding Answer Book, 3rd Edition 2003, page 407, uterine contractions maybe felt during such breastfeeding.
As has already been mentioned before, there are numerous benefits of breastfeeding.
For the baby,
Breast milk provides them initial immunity and strength to fight diseases. This is essential because a baby's immune system (a system of cells and organs in living beings that helps fight disease-causing organisms) does not develop fully till 6 months of age.
Studies have also shown that breastfed children have higher intelligence than children who have never been breastfed.
Also, breastfed children have less chances of suffering from childhood obesity, diabetes, and have less chances of being overweight later in life, according to certain other studies.
Similarly, there are benefits to the mother too.
Breastfeeding soon after giving birth increases the mother's oxytocin (a hormone that regulates production of milk in females) level, making her uterus contract more quickly and reducing bleeding.
The fat accumulated during pregnancy is used to produce milk. Extended breastfeeding can help mothers lose weight.
Breastfeeding may delay the return to fertility for some women by suppressing ovulation (the process of release of the human egg into the fallopian tubes which directs it to the uterus).
Reduces risk of certain cancers in breastfeeding mothers. Apart from this, breastfeeding mothers have less chances of suffering from rheumatoid arthritis depending on how long they continued.
The world would not see so many infant deaths if only mothers would make efforts to breastfeed their babies.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Need-for-Mothers-Love-All-Along&id=6536651] Need for Mother's Love All Along
Sunday, January 15, 2012
What Are the Differences Between Christening Outfit Materials?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Mary_Ned]Mary Ned
Are there advantages and disadvantages between the materials the christening outfits are made of? How will I know which type of material I will like best for my child's baptism outfit? Can you explain to me the differences of the materials the outfits are made from? How will I know how to care for my baby's baptism gown?
Yes, there are advantages and disadvantages to the different materials used in the making of christening gowns and baptism outfits. You will be the only person that will be able to decide which baptism outfit is best for your child's special day. Below, I will explain a little about the materials.
Christening outfits that are 100% Cotton will wrinkle. Normally, they are thin but traditional. Cotton is a very strong and a breathable fabric that generally lasts for generations. Stains usually are removed easily from cotton christening outfits. They are also comfortable for your baby to wear.
Batiste fabric also works well for baptism outfits. This material is very similar to 100% cotton and sometimes is a little less expensive. It will be up to you as to what type of cotton or fabric is suitable for your baby's christening outfit.
Silk Dupioni is a heavier material than Batiste, however, it is very breathable. This is a very elegant material for a christening gown, but also a masculine baptism outfit for your boy.
Embroidery is used on christening outfits and it looks just gorgeous. It is a very detailed work of art. Most of this embroidery is done on silk dupioni fabric.
rel=nofollow [http://www.babieschristeningoutfits.com/preservation]Caring for you baby's christening outfit will be provided to you with your baptism outfit. Make sure you follow these directions closely. After examining the christening outfit closely, make sure there are no flaws, stains or size problems. You may want to consider having it washed and pressed before the christening day.
Now you have some of the tools to make an educated decision on purchasing the perfect baptism outfit for your child's special day. Off course, we didn't cover all the different materials here that are available for christening outfits but this is a good start for your journey. Caring for your baby's christening outfit should be easy with the help of whom ever you decided to purchase from, so don't worry about that. As a parent you will know what is best for you, your child and your budget.
Mary Ned invites you to check out the all the planning tips and christening gift ideas at [http://www.babieschristeningoutfits.com]http://www.babieschristeningoutfits.com. You can elect to activate a free subscription service to receive emails pertaing to christening and baptism outfit special offers, newsletters, articles, tips and insight on money saving ideas from christening to college planning.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Are-the-Differences-Between-Christening-Outfit-Materials?&id=6541735] What Are the Differences Between Christening Outfit Materials?
Are there advantages and disadvantages between the materials the christening outfits are made of? How will I know which type of material I will like best for my child's baptism outfit? Can you explain to me the differences of the materials the outfits are made from? How will I know how to care for my baby's baptism gown?
Yes, there are advantages and disadvantages to the different materials used in the making of christening gowns and baptism outfits. You will be the only person that will be able to decide which baptism outfit is best for your child's special day. Below, I will explain a little about the materials.
Christening outfits that are 100% Cotton will wrinkle. Normally, they are thin but traditional. Cotton is a very strong and a breathable fabric that generally lasts for generations. Stains usually are removed easily from cotton christening outfits. They are also comfortable for your baby to wear.
Batiste fabric also works well for baptism outfits. This material is very similar to 100% cotton and sometimes is a little less expensive. It will be up to you as to what type of cotton or fabric is suitable for your baby's christening outfit.
Silk Dupioni is a heavier material than Batiste, however, it is very breathable. This is a very elegant material for a christening gown, but also a masculine baptism outfit for your boy.
Embroidery is used on christening outfits and it looks just gorgeous. It is a very detailed work of art. Most of this embroidery is done on silk dupioni fabric.
rel=nofollow [http://www.babieschristeningoutfits.com/preservation]Caring for you baby's christening outfit will be provided to you with your baptism outfit. Make sure you follow these directions closely. After examining the christening outfit closely, make sure there are no flaws, stains or size problems. You may want to consider having it washed and pressed before the christening day.
Now you have some of the tools to make an educated decision on purchasing the perfect baptism outfit for your child's special day. Off course, we didn't cover all the different materials here that are available for christening outfits but this is a good start for your journey. Caring for your baby's christening outfit should be easy with the help of whom ever you decided to purchase from, so don't worry about that. As a parent you will know what is best for you, your child and your budget.
Mary Ned invites you to check out the all the planning tips and christening gift ideas at [http://www.babieschristeningoutfits.com]http://www.babieschristeningoutfits.com. You can elect to activate a free subscription service to receive emails pertaing to christening and baptism outfit special offers, newsletters, articles, tips and insight on money saving ideas from christening to college planning.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Are-the-Differences-Between-Christening-Outfit-Materials?&id=6541735] What Are the Differences Between Christening Outfit Materials?
Friday, January 13, 2012
Electric Breast Pump Buyer's Guide
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Stephanie_Marchison]Stephanie Marchison
Are you looking for the best electric breast pump that you can trust to extract the milk that your baby needs when you can't breastfeed? There are numerous makes and models available for sale on the market today, but which one is the right one for you?
There are several considerations you need to keep in mind when you go shopping for breast pumps that run on batteries or power from an outlet. First of all, if you will only be using it infrequently, consider renting one. A heavy-duty pump that's designed for use in hospitals can be rented from lactation specialists, medical centers, and medical supply stores.
Many new mothers may find themselves in circumstances where they will be unable to breastfeed during certain times of the day -- perhaps they will be re-entering the workforce, or maybe they gave birth prematurely and can't breastfeed their babies yet. For these and other women in similar circumstances, a mid-weight electric breastfeeding pump is a convenient solution. Most models are light enough to carry around yet powerful enough to extract milk in a short amount of time.
Some electronic breast pump devices come with two pumps that enable the mother to pump both breasts simultaneously. This is an enormous time-saver, making pumping milk twice as fast compared to using a model with just one pump.
Here are some electric pump qualities that the best products share:
- They have mechanisms that prevent the milk from backing up into the pumps.
- They are easily cleaned.
- They don't contain bisphenol A (BPA), a polycarbonate plastic component that many believe to be harmful to health.
- The speed of pumping and suction intensity functions are adjustable.
- They are quick and easy to set up and put away.
- They have powerful and durable motors.
- They don't make a racket while being used.
Several brands offer a number of extras in their electric pump packages. Some are equipped with a built-in battery pack, which is great if you find yourself in a place without a power outlet. Some models include feeding bottles, nipple ointment, and labels -- all of which fit nicely in an accompanying storage or carrying case.
Non-manual pumps are available at various price points. Take a look at the features of the products you are considering and see whether they have what you want and need.
Another great way to acquire more information is to read buyer-written reviews. They are very useful resources since you'll learn about a product's pros and cons from the perspective of those who have bought and used it.
Do you want to know which [http://best3reviews.com/552/top-3-best-electric-breast-pumps-2011-consumer-reviews-and-ratings]electric breast pumps have the best reviews and highest ratings among consumers like you and me? Visit us at http://www.best3reviews.com to find out!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Electric-Breast-Pump-Buyers-Guide&id=6548620] Electric Breast Pump Buyer's Guide
Are you looking for the best electric breast pump that you can trust to extract the milk that your baby needs when you can't breastfeed? There are numerous makes and models available for sale on the market today, but which one is the right one for you?
There are several considerations you need to keep in mind when you go shopping for breast pumps that run on batteries or power from an outlet. First of all, if you will only be using it infrequently, consider renting one. A heavy-duty pump that's designed for use in hospitals can be rented from lactation specialists, medical centers, and medical supply stores.
Many new mothers may find themselves in circumstances where they will be unable to breastfeed during certain times of the day -- perhaps they will be re-entering the workforce, or maybe they gave birth prematurely and can't breastfeed their babies yet. For these and other women in similar circumstances, a mid-weight electric breastfeeding pump is a convenient solution. Most models are light enough to carry around yet powerful enough to extract milk in a short amount of time.
Some electronic breast pump devices come with two pumps that enable the mother to pump both breasts simultaneously. This is an enormous time-saver, making pumping milk twice as fast compared to using a model with just one pump.
Here are some electric pump qualities that the best products share:
- They have mechanisms that prevent the milk from backing up into the pumps.
- They are easily cleaned.
- They don't contain bisphenol A (BPA), a polycarbonate plastic component that many believe to be harmful to health.
- The speed of pumping and suction intensity functions are adjustable.
- They are quick and easy to set up and put away.
- They have powerful and durable motors.
- They don't make a racket while being used.
Several brands offer a number of extras in their electric pump packages. Some are equipped with a built-in battery pack, which is great if you find yourself in a place without a power outlet. Some models include feeding bottles, nipple ointment, and labels -- all of which fit nicely in an accompanying storage or carrying case.
Non-manual pumps are available at various price points. Take a look at the features of the products you are considering and see whether they have what you want and need.
Another great way to acquire more information is to read buyer-written reviews. They are very useful resources since you'll learn about a product's pros and cons from the perspective of those who have bought and used it.
Do you want to know which [http://best3reviews.com/552/top-3-best-electric-breast-pumps-2011-consumer-reviews-and-ratings]electric breast pumps have the best reviews and highest ratings among consumers like you and me? Visit us at http://www.best3reviews.com to find out!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Electric-Breast-Pump-Buyers-Guide&id=6548620] Electric Breast Pump Buyer's Guide
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Engorged Breasts
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dr_Ang_C._D.]Dr Ang C. D.
Between the third to sixth day, you will find that your breasts start to feel a lot fuller than they did when you first started breastfeeding on the first day. This is when your breast milk starts coming in. This is also a sign that your baby is breastfeeding well enough to establish a good supply of milk. It is quite normal for your breasts to feel full before a feed and you will also be able to feel your baby drain the milk from your breasts as she feeds. Your breasts should feel significantly softer at the end of the feed.
When your milk first comes in, it is not uncommon for your breasts to be slightly engorged as your body adjusts to the demands of your little one. However, you would want to be vigilant at this time and be careful to empty your breasts well in order to prevent your breasts from becoming painfully engorged. If your baby is not drinking enough to empty your breasts, it is advisable to pump out the excess to prevent blocked ducts and severe engorgement. You will know that you are engorged if your breasts are hard, tight and extremely sensitive to touch. Emptying your breasts can also be a challenge if your breasts are very engorged. It is advisable to take a warm shower or to use a warm pack and massage your breasts prior to nursing or pumping to encourage the flow of milk.
If you detect the early signs of engorgement, it can quite easily be arrested with gently massaging and regular emptying of the breast whether by nursing your baby or using a breast pump. If your baby is an efficient suckler, she would be able to do the job better than any breast pump available in the market. So I would advise that you always start by nursing your baby and pump out the excess when she has had enough. In pumping, one should also not get carried away by pumping too much, always remembering that your supply of milk is triggered by the demand, therefore the more you pump, the more you are likely to produce. In cases where the mother is producing a lot more milk than the baby requires, it could be a sign that she is pumping too much and this might actually potentially make the engorgement worse. In such cases, one would do well to pump just enough to prevent the ducts from getting blocked and let the supply adjust to your baby's needs. At this stage, you would also want to look out for redness in the skin (a possible sign of early mastitis) and to seek medical advice if the infection progresses.
It is important to wear a well fitted bra, making sure that your breasts are well supported and that the bra does not compress any part of your breast. If you breasts feel sore and sensitive, you might want to place a cold pack (wrapped in a towel) on or around your breasts to ease the swelling and the pain. Some women prefer placing cabbage leaves (kept cool in the refrigerator) on their breasts. This is an easy and economical remedy which works for some women. Whether it be a cold pack or cold cabbage leaves, this should be done after a feed and not before a feed as you do not want the coolness to inhibit the let-down reflex.
If you do not have a breast pump on hand, you can always express milk by hand. This can also be particularly useful if you are targeting specific blocked ducts which sometimes cannot be drained by using the regular breast pump. It also helps to apply a warm compress over the hard (and blocked) area for a few minutes before gently massage the area and expressing by hand. Sometimes a gentle massage with a warm compress is all that is needed to get the milk flowing and the duct cleared. Be patient and you will find the area soften as you massage and always be gentle when expressing if you do not want to end up feeling sore and painful. You can also ask your spouse to help massage the tender areas. This can be very relaxing and therapeutic for you and can also give your spouse the opportunity to support you in breastfeeding. Such are important moments for you to bond with your spouse during a time of change, apprehension and anxiety.
Dr Ang C.D. has been in medical practice for over 12 years. He graduated with an M.B.B.S. degree from the National University of Singapore in 1997 and subsequently completed his post-graduate diploma in Family Medicine. He has had training in Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, Geriatric Medicine, Orthopaedic Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Neurosurgery, General Surgery, Colorectal Surgery and Urology. Dr Ang currently practices in a family clinic in Singapore, seeing a good mix of paediatric, adult and geriatric patients. With the goal of providing local and international patients with a resource for specialist care in Singapore, Dr Ang has founded SingaporeDoc.com, the most comprehensive Online Directory to date, of Specialists in Private Practice in Singapore. SingaporeDoc also includes a Health Forum and Health Guide. http://www.singaporedoc.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Engorged-Breasts&id=6549994] Engorged Breasts
Between the third to sixth day, you will find that your breasts start to feel a lot fuller than they did when you first started breastfeeding on the first day. This is when your breast milk starts coming in. This is also a sign that your baby is breastfeeding well enough to establish a good supply of milk. It is quite normal for your breasts to feel full before a feed and you will also be able to feel your baby drain the milk from your breasts as she feeds. Your breasts should feel significantly softer at the end of the feed.
When your milk first comes in, it is not uncommon for your breasts to be slightly engorged as your body adjusts to the demands of your little one. However, you would want to be vigilant at this time and be careful to empty your breasts well in order to prevent your breasts from becoming painfully engorged. If your baby is not drinking enough to empty your breasts, it is advisable to pump out the excess to prevent blocked ducts and severe engorgement. You will know that you are engorged if your breasts are hard, tight and extremely sensitive to touch. Emptying your breasts can also be a challenge if your breasts are very engorged. It is advisable to take a warm shower or to use a warm pack and massage your breasts prior to nursing or pumping to encourage the flow of milk.
If you detect the early signs of engorgement, it can quite easily be arrested with gently massaging and regular emptying of the breast whether by nursing your baby or using a breast pump. If your baby is an efficient suckler, she would be able to do the job better than any breast pump available in the market. So I would advise that you always start by nursing your baby and pump out the excess when she has had enough. In pumping, one should also not get carried away by pumping too much, always remembering that your supply of milk is triggered by the demand, therefore the more you pump, the more you are likely to produce. In cases where the mother is producing a lot more milk than the baby requires, it could be a sign that she is pumping too much and this might actually potentially make the engorgement worse. In such cases, one would do well to pump just enough to prevent the ducts from getting blocked and let the supply adjust to your baby's needs. At this stage, you would also want to look out for redness in the skin (a possible sign of early mastitis) and to seek medical advice if the infection progresses.
It is important to wear a well fitted bra, making sure that your breasts are well supported and that the bra does not compress any part of your breast. If you breasts feel sore and sensitive, you might want to place a cold pack (wrapped in a towel) on or around your breasts to ease the swelling and the pain. Some women prefer placing cabbage leaves (kept cool in the refrigerator) on their breasts. This is an easy and economical remedy which works for some women. Whether it be a cold pack or cold cabbage leaves, this should be done after a feed and not before a feed as you do not want the coolness to inhibit the let-down reflex.
If you do not have a breast pump on hand, you can always express milk by hand. This can also be particularly useful if you are targeting specific blocked ducts which sometimes cannot be drained by using the regular breast pump. It also helps to apply a warm compress over the hard (and blocked) area for a few minutes before gently massage the area and expressing by hand. Sometimes a gentle massage with a warm compress is all that is needed to get the milk flowing and the duct cleared. Be patient and you will find the area soften as you massage and always be gentle when expressing if you do not want to end up feeling sore and painful. You can also ask your spouse to help massage the tender areas. This can be very relaxing and therapeutic for you and can also give your spouse the opportunity to support you in breastfeeding. Such are important moments for you to bond with your spouse during a time of change, apprehension and anxiety.
Dr Ang C.D. has been in medical practice for over 12 years. He graduated with an M.B.B.S. degree from the National University of Singapore in 1997 and subsequently completed his post-graduate diploma in Family Medicine. He has had training in Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, Geriatric Medicine, Orthopaedic Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Neurosurgery, General Surgery, Colorectal Surgery and Urology. Dr Ang currently practices in a family clinic in Singapore, seeing a good mix of paediatric, adult and geriatric patients. With the goal of providing local and international patients with a resource for specialist care in Singapore, Dr Ang has founded SingaporeDoc.com, the most comprehensive Online Directory to date, of Specialists in Private Practice in Singapore. SingaporeDoc also includes a Health Forum and Health Guide. http://www.singaporedoc.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Engorged-Breasts&id=6549994] Engorged Breasts
Monday, January 9, 2012
4 Strategies For The Mom Entrepreneur
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Katarzyna_Greco]Katarzyna Greco
If you're a mom entrepreneur you know what it is like to have a burning desire to be creative, accomplish goals, and make money doing it. Most of you had jobs and careers before starting a family and you're yearning to get back into the mix. Some of you want to start a career for the first time. Either way, you want to do something challenging, yet still have the time to keep your family as your main focus.
The best way to kick-start your work at home career is to find proven strategies for the mom entrepreneur. 4 strategies to get you going starting your business are: having the right mindset and support, finding what is suitable for you the mom, evaluating your past experiences, and taking a look at your current interests and daily habits. If you take action with these strategies you will start down the road of entrepreneurial success.
1) Mindset and Support. Having the right positive beliefs and the right support system can make or break the start of your business. You need to be properly motivated and ready to face challenges. Passion is the key and so is persistence. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither will your business. But days add up, and before you know it, you'll be successful. You can't do it alone, so having your spouse and a few trusty friends and family members to support you will really help keep you on track, and keep your priorities in order. A life or business coach, especially moms who have start their own businesses, is a great idea for those who need someone to show it can be done.
2) What Suits You. Finding what suits your strengths and skills is the first step on the road of business success. Whatever talents, experiences, and abilities you have, use them. It doesn't matter if you have previous experience in business with those things because everyone starts fresh at some point in their careers. Find some people like a friend or a business coach to help you realize strengths you may not know you have. After you discover where your talents lay, take action, and believe, and you will find success.
3) Your experience. Look back at the jobs you've had in the past, or if you had a career before a family, remember the goals you had then. Think about the things you have done, learned and experienced. You can start your own home based business in a field you've already been involved in. Experience matters, and while you can find success in niches unfamiliar to you, it's always best to 'write about you know' or do what you know. Think hard about your experiences, and you may just find your next career path, one you can do at home while raising a family.
4) Your daily tasks and interests could become gold. What you do day to day from child care to baking to crafts to photography can become a new career. Whatever you do a lot, and do well, consider for a potential home based business. Even if you're not sure where to go with your skill, hobby or talent, you can find others who are ready and willing to work with you. Research various freelance opportunities that exist online. You can find communities and business opportunities in just about every type of interest that's out there. If you're a writer, a blogger, a forum poster, etc, you can find plenty of work opportunity. You can be an affiliate, and market already made products and services, in any niche. In fact, most home based opportunities online are affiliate based. Simply Google freelance work and you'll find opportunities. You can also find sites that list Freelance jobs, and sites that list Affiliate Marketing as well. Search for the site ClickBank and you can find plenty of opportunities.
No matter your experience or what type of work you'd like to do, there are plenty of opportunities to start you career at home. You can be a mom entrepreneur too. Simply have the right mindset and support, find what suits you, remember what you're good at, and look at your daily life to find new inspiration. Get a mom coach too and get started today.
Since 2008 Dr. Kasia Greco has been helping corporate moms with a family work from home with their own successful businesses. Dr. Greco holds a BBA "cum laudem" in International Business Administration with a Major in Marketing and a Minor in Economics. Kasia has 2 kids and left the corporate world to spend more time with her family, and discovered that with the right mindset she could accomplish both her family dreams and her career dreams. Visit moms-u-can.com to get free training from Kasia on how to follow in her footsteps. Get more great training by visiting this link: [http://www.moms-u-can.com]Mom Entrepreneur.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?4-Strategies-For-The-Mom-Entrepreneur&id=6556464] 4 Strategies For The Mom Entrepreneur
If you're a mom entrepreneur you know what it is like to have a burning desire to be creative, accomplish goals, and make money doing it. Most of you had jobs and careers before starting a family and you're yearning to get back into the mix. Some of you want to start a career for the first time. Either way, you want to do something challenging, yet still have the time to keep your family as your main focus.
The best way to kick-start your work at home career is to find proven strategies for the mom entrepreneur. 4 strategies to get you going starting your business are: having the right mindset and support, finding what is suitable for you the mom, evaluating your past experiences, and taking a look at your current interests and daily habits. If you take action with these strategies you will start down the road of entrepreneurial success.
1) Mindset and Support. Having the right positive beliefs and the right support system can make or break the start of your business. You need to be properly motivated and ready to face challenges. Passion is the key and so is persistence. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither will your business. But days add up, and before you know it, you'll be successful. You can't do it alone, so having your spouse and a few trusty friends and family members to support you will really help keep you on track, and keep your priorities in order. A life or business coach, especially moms who have start their own businesses, is a great idea for those who need someone to show it can be done.
2) What Suits You. Finding what suits your strengths and skills is the first step on the road of business success. Whatever talents, experiences, and abilities you have, use them. It doesn't matter if you have previous experience in business with those things because everyone starts fresh at some point in their careers. Find some people like a friend or a business coach to help you realize strengths you may not know you have. After you discover where your talents lay, take action, and believe, and you will find success.
3) Your experience. Look back at the jobs you've had in the past, or if you had a career before a family, remember the goals you had then. Think about the things you have done, learned and experienced. You can start your own home based business in a field you've already been involved in. Experience matters, and while you can find success in niches unfamiliar to you, it's always best to 'write about you know' or do what you know. Think hard about your experiences, and you may just find your next career path, one you can do at home while raising a family.
4) Your daily tasks and interests could become gold. What you do day to day from child care to baking to crafts to photography can become a new career. Whatever you do a lot, and do well, consider for a potential home based business. Even if you're not sure where to go with your skill, hobby or talent, you can find others who are ready and willing to work with you. Research various freelance opportunities that exist online. You can find communities and business opportunities in just about every type of interest that's out there. If you're a writer, a blogger, a forum poster, etc, you can find plenty of work opportunity. You can be an affiliate, and market already made products and services, in any niche. In fact, most home based opportunities online are affiliate based. Simply Google freelance work and you'll find opportunities. You can also find sites that list Freelance jobs, and sites that list Affiliate Marketing as well. Search for the site ClickBank and you can find plenty of opportunities.
No matter your experience or what type of work you'd like to do, there are plenty of opportunities to start you career at home. You can be a mom entrepreneur too. Simply have the right mindset and support, find what suits you, remember what you're good at, and look at your daily life to find new inspiration. Get a mom coach too and get started today.
Since 2008 Dr. Kasia Greco has been helping corporate moms with a family work from home with their own successful businesses. Dr. Greco holds a BBA "cum laudem" in International Business Administration with a Major in Marketing and a Minor in Economics. Kasia has 2 kids and left the corporate world to spend more time with her family, and discovered that with the right mindset she could accomplish both her family dreams and her career dreams. Visit moms-u-can.com to get free training from Kasia on how to follow in her footsteps. Get more great training by visiting this link: [http://www.moms-u-can.com]Mom Entrepreneur.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?4-Strategies-For-The-Mom-Entrepreneur&id=6556464] 4 Strategies For The Mom Entrepreneur
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Why Do Mums Feel Guilty?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Emma_MacDonald]Emma MacDonald
As a Mum and as a wife I always feel I could do better. I reflect at the end of the day and think I should have been more patient with the children, I should have spent more time playing with the children, I should have cleaned more around the house. However I work 3 days a week, I do not spend a lot of time sitting around watching TV, I do clean, tidy, cook and wash and I do play and read with the children. I feel that most of the time I am doing so many things that nothing is actually done properly! It is because of this when I asked my husband to describe me using one word he said a frog (because I leap from one thing to another). I am sure that I am not the only parent to feel like this so what can we do:
1. Do Not Be So Hard on Yourself
Something at the end of the day has got to give, but what. I strive to be a good Mum, I do not want to live in a messy, dirty house and I need to work to pay the bills. The most logical answer would be to stop beating myself up and thinking about what I should have done but this is easier said.
2. Address One Thing At a Time
Is there a particular guilt that you feel you can do something about? One of my biggest guilt's was that I did not spend much quality time with my son. Whilst he is at nursery or at the football I get some one on one time with my daughter to play, read and sing songs. There was no time during the week that I got to spend time with my son on my own. I found that when I did things with my son he had to share this time with his sister. Now with help from my husband he takes our daughter for a couple of hours to spend time with her and I use this time to do something with my son. His choice this week was painting and sticking. We normally do arts and crafts, but this was different as I was able to give my son all of my attention, which is considerably less when his younger sister is around.
3. Ask For Help
I can find this hard. If Lived near my Mum my children would be whisked away so that I could catch up on housework and also spend some time with just my husband. I also believe that if we had the spare cash, money on a cleaner would also be money well spent. We ask for help through my husbands Aunt who is a fantastic help and my husband and I do get out without the children regularly. We also call on my father in law and his partner to help out. This help is just to help our relationship as after nearly splitting up we realised how important having time together was.
4. Be Thankful For What You Have Got
I sometimes lose focus and have to remind myself of all the things I am thankful for and all I have achieved. I do not think there is anything wrong in wanting more, in fact I think it is a good thing as it gives you drive to succeed. However there is no point in getting stressed about things that we can not change.
I am happy with the path my life is taking and being a married Mum was always my top goal in life. I now want to make a success of being a Mum, a wife and of being Me. However I still reflect and I still feel guilt. Perhaps this will always be the case and I have a sneaky suspicion that this may increase the older my children get.
What are your thoughts? Do you reflect? Do you feel guilt? How do you overcome the feeling that I could do better?
My website offers advice and tips on everyday parenting with product and children's book reviews. http://thegoodparentguide.com
You can follow me on twitter @GoodParentGuide
I also have a Facebook page called
The Good Parent Guide [http://www.facebook.com/#!/thegoodparentguide]http://www.facebook.com/#!/thegoodparentguide
Please like the page if you would like to keep updated on future articles and post that I do.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-Do-Mums-Feel-Guilty?&id=6553790] Why Do Mums Feel Guilty?
As a Mum and as a wife I always feel I could do better. I reflect at the end of the day and think I should have been more patient with the children, I should have spent more time playing with the children, I should have cleaned more around the house. However I work 3 days a week, I do not spend a lot of time sitting around watching TV, I do clean, tidy, cook and wash and I do play and read with the children. I feel that most of the time I am doing so many things that nothing is actually done properly! It is because of this when I asked my husband to describe me using one word he said a frog (because I leap from one thing to another). I am sure that I am not the only parent to feel like this so what can we do:
1. Do Not Be So Hard on Yourself
Something at the end of the day has got to give, but what. I strive to be a good Mum, I do not want to live in a messy, dirty house and I need to work to pay the bills. The most logical answer would be to stop beating myself up and thinking about what I should have done but this is easier said.
2. Address One Thing At a Time
Is there a particular guilt that you feel you can do something about? One of my biggest guilt's was that I did not spend much quality time with my son. Whilst he is at nursery or at the football I get some one on one time with my daughter to play, read and sing songs. There was no time during the week that I got to spend time with my son on my own. I found that when I did things with my son he had to share this time with his sister. Now with help from my husband he takes our daughter for a couple of hours to spend time with her and I use this time to do something with my son. His choice this week was painting and sticking. We normally do arts and crafts, but this was different as I was able to give my son all of my attention, which is considerably less when his younger sister is around.
3. Ask For Help
I can find this hard. If Lived near my Mum my children would be whisked away so that I could catch up on housework and also spend some time with just my husband. I also believe that if we had the spare cash, money on a cleaner would also be money well spent. We ask for help through my husbands Aunt who is a fantastic help and my husband and I do get out without the children regularly. We also call on my father in law and his partner to help out. This help is just to help our relationship as after nearly splitting up we realised how important having time together was.
4. Be Thankful For What You Have Got
I sometimes lose focus and have to remind myself of all the things I am thankful for and all I have achieved. I do not think there is anything wrong in wanting more, in fact I think it is a good thing as it gives you drive to succeed. However there is no point in getting stressed about things that we can not change.
I am happy with the path my life is taking and being a married Mum was always my top goal in life. I now want to make a success of being a Mum, a wife and of being Me. However I still reflect and I still feel guilt. Perhaps this will always be the case and I have a sneaky suspicion that this may increase the older my children get.
What are your thoughts? Do you reflect? Do you feel guilt? How do you overcome the feeling that I could do better?
My website offers advice and tips on everyday parenting with product and children's book reviews. http://thegoodparentguide.com
You can follow me on twitter @GoodParentGuide
I also have a Facebook page called
The Good Parent Guide [http://www.facebook.com/#!/thegoodparentguide]http://www.facebook.com/#!/thegoodparentguide
Please like the page if you would like to keep updated on future articles and post that I do.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-Do-Mums-Feel-Guilty?&id=6553790] Why Do Mums Feel Guilty?
Thursday, January 5, 2012
The Unaffectionate Mother
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Bernadette_Greene]Bernadette Greene
Almost every mother I know had heard about the Tiger Mom book and hated it. Not that any of them had read it, or so they claimed, but it was a best seller so somebody must have bought it. What surprises me is how many mothers compare me to the Tiger Mom--and it's not exactly a compliment. Personally, I think most parents today are over-indulgent and under disciplined with their kids. While I haven't gone to some of the "extremes" Tiger Mom claims, most of the time I was agreeable or at least sympathetic to know she handled a situation.
My 6 year-old daughter gets Saturday morning cartoons. She had to spend thirty minutes to an hour everyday this summer reading and spelling. She was quite literally forced to learn how to ride her bike without training wheels and is still, after two months of lessons, trying to learn how to float, never mind actually swimming. I take her and the six year-old neighbor boy to the pool every day. His family just wants him to have fun. They are oldest kids still stuck in level two. My daughter gets chastised for not paying attention to the lifeguard; he is praised just for putting his face in the water. Not surprisingly "John" is much more enthusiastic about swim class than my daughter. She complains that it's too much work and too little fun, while I beat my head against the wall in frustration. It's not that I want her to be an Olympian, but for safety reasons alone I want her to at least be able to swim. My family and friends all insist that she'll learn eventually.
My husband (a true non-disciplinarian) pointed out (after yet another mommy-daughter disagreement about reading)that he never read books in the summer yet he learned how to read. I bite my tongue in anger. Yes, I'm sure she will eventually learn how to read, but my forcing her is actually my way of trying to impart a valuable life lesson: life isn't a party, its work. There are things we don't like and don't want to do, but we have to do. When she finishes a book she is giddy with excitement and tells everyone what she can do. I want her to appreciate that feeling of conquering a difficult task, of knowing she accomplished something. And of course there is the discipline factor. I'm the toughest boss she'll ever have. She's going to have to learn to work for and with people who annoy, anger and yell at her. I want her to be tough, independent and confident that if she can handle mom, she can handle anything.
I try to hug more and order less--it does not come natural to me. My husband, however, cannot resist spontaneous hugs throughout the day. They are always playing games of tickle, rock, paper, scissors and making silly faces at each other. He's the fun parent; she sits on his lap, they snuggle and watch cartoons together and color pictures. That's a good thing and I do recognize that she needs the fun stuff in her life. But it is always mom whose approval she seeks; it is mom's eyes she first meets when coming into a room. In her defiant moods she will try to stare me down, sometimes lasting two minutes before her head lowers in submission. Some people think I am trying to take away her fighting spirit--I'm not. But life is a jungle and right now she is in my jungle and I'm the biggest lion. Her willingness to test and to challenge me inspires pride and respect from me even as I repeatedly demonstrate my dominance.
Not everyone views my daughter's and my relationship in a positive way and there is no doubt that sometimes she probable wishes she'd been adopted by a different mommy. But she loves me fiercely, as I do her. My hugs, smiles and nods of approval may be few, but they are meaningful. Someday, she'll understand. I look forward to the moment when I can hold her adult hand in mine and she can stroke my gnarled fingers and say, "Mom, you were tough but fair. You made me into the hard-working, thoughtful, insightful and honest woman that I am proud to be. Thank you." And with tears in my eyes, I will smile and give her a hug. A really long one.
The Author is an only child and is now mom to her only child, adopted four years ago from China. Through a combination of old-school, Chinese and modern parenting, the mom demonstrates her deep but often unapparent love for her daughter and discusses why she parents in this style and the benefits she hopes her daughter will eventually gain from being raised to be hardworking, self-sufficient, mentally tough, adventurous, confident and most of all, happy and content.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Unaffectionate-Mother&id=6558474] The Unaffectionate Mother
Almost every mother I know had heard about the Tiger Mom book and hated it. Not that any of them had read it, or so they claimed, but it was a best seller so somebody must have bought it. What surprises me is how many mothers compare me to the Tiger Mom--and it's not exactly a compliment. Personally, I think most parents today are over-indulgent and under disciplined with their kids. While I haven't gone to some of the "extremes" Tiger Mom claims, most of the time I was agreeable or at least sympathetic to know she handled a situation.
My 6 year-old daughter gets Saturday morning cartoons. She had to spend thirty minutes to an hour everyday this summer reading and spelling. She was quite literally forced to learn how to ride her bike without training wheels and is still, after two months of lessons, trying to learn how to float, never mind actually swimming. I take her and the six year-old neighbor boy to the pool every day. His family just wants him to have fun. They are oldest kids still stuck in level two. My daughter gets chastised for not paying attention to the lifeguard; he is praised just for putting his face in the water. Not surprisingly "John" is much more enthusiastic about swim class than my daughter. She complains that it's too much work and too little fun, while I beat my head against the wall in frustration. It's not that I want her to be an Olympian, but for safety reasons alone I want her to at least be able to swim. My family and friends all insist that she'll learn eventually.
My husband (a true non-disciplinarian) pointed out (after yet another mommy-daughter disagreement about reading)that he never read books in the summer yet he learned how to read. I bite my tongue in anger. Yes, I'm sure she will eventually learn how to read, but my forcing her is actually my way of trying to impart a valuable life lesson: life isn't a party, its work. There are things we don't like and don't want to do, but we have to do. When she finishes a book she is giddy with excitement and tells everyone what she can do. I want her to appreciate that feeling of conquering a difficult task, of knowing she accomplished something. And of course there is the discipline factor. I'm the toughest boss she'll ever have. She's going to have to learn to work for and with people who annoy, anger and yell at her. I want her to be tough, independent and confident that if she can handle mom, she can handle anything.
I try to hug more and order less--it does not come natural to me. My husband, however, cannot resist spontaneous hugs throughout the day. They are always playing games of tickle, rock, paper, scissors and making silly faces at each other. He's the fun parent; she sits on his lap, they snuggle and watch cartoons together and color pictures. That's a good thing and I do recognize that she needs the fun stuff in her life. But it is always mom whose approval she seeks; it is mom's eyes she first meets when coming into a room. In her defiant moods she will try to stare me down, sometimes lasting two minutes before her head lowers in submission. Some people think I am trying to take away her fighting spirit--I'm not. But life is a jungle and right now she is in my jungle and I'm the biggest lion. Her willingness to test and to challenge me inspires pride and respect from me even as I repeatedly demonstrate my dominance.
Not everyone views my daughter's and my relationship in a positive way and there is no doubt that sometimes she probable wishes she'd been adopted by a different mommy. But she loves me fiercely, as I do her. My hugs, smiles and nods of approval may be few, but they are meaningful. Someday, she'll understand. I look forward to the moment when I can hold her adult hand in mine and she can stroke my gnarled fingers and say, "Mom, you were tough but fair. You made me into the hard-working, thoughtful, insightful and honest woman that I am proud to be. Thank you." And with tears in my eyes, I will smile and give her a hug. A really long one.
The Author is an only child and is now mom to her only child, adopted four years ago from China. Through a combination of old-school, Chinese and modern parenting, the mom demonstrates her deep but often unapparent love for her daughter and discusses why she parents in this style and the benefits she hopes her daughter will eventually gain from being raised to be hardworking, self-sufficient, mentally tough, adventurous, confident and most of all, happy and content.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Unaffectionate-Mother&id=6558474] The Unaffectionate Mother
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Escaping My Life
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Charlotte_Williams_Jackson]Charlotte Williams Jackson
As I sit here with my hands folded, I am refusing to be the kind and supportive mother and wife I have always been. That is how I feel today! Quite honestly? Lately, most days have felt that way.
So when my days feel overwhelming, over scheduled, and under appreciated, I shut down. Do I continue to function? Yes. I still cook, clean, wash, dry, fold, drop off and pick up.
But as I move in auto pilot, I am no longer connected to my children or my husband. Or not like I should.
I have conversations that revert to simple " yes "and " no " answers because I am not listening. I revert to deep sighs in moments of frustration instead of teaching my children and husband how to treat me in those moments.
There was a time when I have felt significant guilt about "auto pilot". I can't say I am proud of it, but I am aware of it.
Dr.Phil moment: "You can't fix what you don't acknowledge."
For a long time I did not realize I was so "glossed" over and "glassy eyed" in certain moments of life. So the realization is a huge accomplishment.
I am not perfect and my goal is to have less auto pilot moments and to really be " in the moment" of life. The task at hand is to find the proper coping skills, right?
That really is the purpose is to learn, to understand, and to grow. I will have a few bad days but that is okay. Right?
Having the bad days, as I stated earlier, is not the issue. But not knowing I am having a bad day and insisting that "I am fine" ( as I often do...clearing my throat) is the problem.
I now have to, with a deep breath, admit when I AM NOT FINE.
Ultimately, it is MY fault if I don't admit I am tired, scared, frustrated, or need a moment alone.
The blame falls on me for not being open, honest, and vulnerable enough to say what I need.
Once I say what I feel, I can then ask for what I need. I can't get on a plane and run away when I need time away. After talking to my friends, I realize I am not alone. We mothers can do a few practical things such as:
1. Breathe - Many times women, especially me, become so focused on finishing a task (or a lingering project ). We don't stop to take a few minutes to appreciate the projects we have completed. Taking 15 or 20 mins. to just gain a little perspective and " pat yourself on the back" for all you do.
2. Talk to our children about "mommy" time. I call it a time out. When I had small children, my time-out were during nap time. Now, I take a few minutes out of the day to have a healthy, well-rounded lunch and read a small passage from a book/magazine. This is my time... mommy time.... and my children know it.
3. Say No! Say no to projects, committees and people. If I don't have the time or energy, I don't force it.Recently, I pushed back from over commitment and over scheduling. You should try it.You won't regret it.
4. Plan a Girl's Nite out/Couple's Nite Out. We need to make us a priority. That means go out and laugh and dance.The best advice I have ever gotten was from an older mother. She said" If you don't take care of you then who will?"
I am Charlotte Williams-Jackson! I am a stay-at-home wife/mother with four great children ranging from ages 19 to 9 years old and an awesome hubby.
I write a blog called Life with Charlotte! I talk about the mistakes and failures I have endured and incorporate that into practical everyday parenting.
Website: http://www.lifewithchar.com/
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Escaping-My-Life&id=6561219] Escaping My Life
As I sit here with my hands folded, I am refusing to be the kind and supportive mother and wife I have always been. That is how I feel today! Quite honestly? Lately, most days have felt that way.
So when my days feel overwhelming, over scheduled, and under appreciated, I shut down. Do I continue to function? Yes. I still cook, clean, wash, dry, fold, drop off and pick up.
But as I move in auto pilot, I am no longer connected to my children or my husband. Or not like I should.
I have conversations that revert to simple " yes "and " no " answers because I am not listening. I revert to deep sighs in moments of frustration instead of teaching my children and husband how to treat me in those moments.
There was a time when I have felt significant guilt about "auto pilot". I can't say I am proud of it, but I am aware of it.
Dr.Phil moment: "You can't fix what you don't acknowledge."
For a long time I did not realize I was so "glossed" over and "glassy eyed" in certain moments of life. So the realization is a huge accomplishment.
I am not perfect and my goal is to have less auto pilot moments and to really be " in the moment" of life. The task at hand is to find the proper coping skills, right?
That really is the purpose is to learn, to understand, and to grow. I will have a few bad days but that is okay. Right?
Having the bad days, as I stated earlier, is not the issue. But not knowing I am having a bad day and insisting that "I am fine" ( as I often do...clearing my throat) is the problem.
I now have to, with a deep breath, admit when I AM NOT FINE.
Ultimately, it is MY fault if I don't admit I am tired, scared, frustrated, or need a moment alone.
The blame falls on me for not being open, honest, and vulnerable enough to say what I need.
Once I say what I feel, I can then ask for what I need. I can't get on a plane and run away when I need time away. After talking to my friends, I realize I am not alone. We mothers can do a few practical things such as:
1. Breathe - Many times women, especially me, become so focused on finishing a task (or a lingering project ). We don't stop to take a few minutes to appreciate the projects we have completed. Taking 15 or 20 mins. to just gain a little perspective and " pat yourself on the back" for all you do.
2. Talk to our children about "mommy" time. I call it a time out. When I had small children, my time-out were during nap time. Now, I take a few minutes out of the day to have a healthy, well-rounded lunch and read a small passage from a book/magazine. This is my time... mommy time.... and my children know it.
3. Say No! Say no to projects, committees and people. If I don't have the time or energy, I don't force it.Recently, I pushed back from over commitment and over scheduling. You should try it.You won't regret it.
4. Plan a Girl's Nite out/Couple's Nite Out. We need to make us a priority. That means go out and laugh and dance.The best advice I have ever gotten was from an older mother. She said" If you don't take care of you then who will?"
I am Charlotte Williams-Jackson! I am a stay-at-home wife/mother with four great children ranging from ages 19 to 9 years old and an awesome hubby.
I write a blog called Life with Charlotte! I talk about the mistakes and failures I have endured and incorporate that into practical everyday parenting.
Website: http://www.lifewithchar.com/
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Escaping-My-Life&id=6561219] Escaping My Life
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