Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Diary of a lupie pregnancy: Chapter 4
Words from Mama Brittany:
Well folks I'm 28 weeks into this pregnancy and guess what?! Today I graduated from the heart sonograms because 28 weeks is the cutoff date if anything was going to happen it already would have. I asked my high risk ob what our plan of action was from here on out and he replied with a smile "Have a normal pregnancy? You'd like that right?" so there we go my first big battle is won and I'm confident that I will stay healthy and carry this baby full term. I want to thank Dr. Brewer, because of your diet I've gained about 30 pounds and for someone who struggles to put on weight it's a great feeling! As I was leaving the sonogram today the lady said " congratulations again, oh and the baby is measuring 2 pounds 12 ounces." I froze, Oliver was born 4 weeks from today weighing 2 pounds 14 ounces. Craziness, I just feel so blessed. Oliver is my miracle and I know that every single day, but some days it hits home more than others. Today was that day.
Sometimes when life doesn't make sense- we have to take time to step back and understand that we usually can't see the big picture. In time I've learned that everything happened for a reason and it's made me who I am
And where I'm meant to be. And I'm thankful <3
Be loved and Cherish life, it's precious.
Pregnant breastfeeding.
Words from Mama Brittany:
When I found out the big surprise that I was expecting again, My first thought was "Oh no, will I have to wean Oliver?" I was so excited to be pregnant again, but it wasn't in my plan. I planned to nurse Oliver for 30 months minimal and then allow him to self wean, after 30 months I decided it would be ok to get pregnant again because I would have met my breastfeeding goal.
I got pregnant when Oliver was 20 months old, and still very dependent on breast milk. He would nurse a lot for comfort as well as for nutrition. I was very nervous yet determined to allow him to self wean as long as the pregnancy went well and the baby and I were healthy. I did tons of research and debunked all ideas of continued breastfeeding through pregnancy causing harm and made the informed decision to continue.
Here I am at 28 weeks still nursing! The baby and I are healthy and both gaining weight. My milk dried up from 19-23 weeks but Oliver just kept on nursing. I was so happy to have colostrum come in because dry nursing can only be described as a feeling of sand coming through your nipples. It was quite painful and not enjoyable but the comfort it provided for my son did make it all worth it.
Many woman set limits on nursing because it becomes unbearable, there have been times I've said no, or only allowed him to nurse for short periods. All in all I think my experience with nursing through pregnancy has been relatively uneventful and mostly pleasant.
I am excited to know what it will be like to nurse two babies at once. Or should I say a toddler and a baby? I'm sure it will be a fun adventure and I'm looking forward to it!
Friday, March 23, 2012
Nursing a toddler Vs. nursing a newborn
Words from Mama Brittany:
I am 27 weeks pregnant and nursing my 27 month old toddler. I was thinking today that in a short few months I will get to nurse a squishy sweet newborn again! I am getting so excited to be a tandem nursing Mama and be able to bond with both of my boys in such a special way.
As I looked back on my adventure of nursing Oliver I've realized that so much has changed in his nursing habits! Newborns nurse so sweet and innocently, they seem so happy to just nurse and get a full belly. As they approach the four to six month range they begin pulling off more and becoming what I like to call nosy! Oliver was so nosy and had to see what was going on! That's about the time the movement started, the kicking his legs, pulling my hair, twiddling at the other nipple, and grabbing at my shirt. All of this happened so gradually I sort of just went with it and was happy to keep on nursing.
It wasn't until recently while thinking of having a newborn to nurse did I realize how very different nursing a toddler and nursing a baby are!
I still cherish my crazy nursing toddler, the pulling my hair, hanging onto my shirt straps, little teeth marks in my nipple from the toddler gnawing. But i am so looking forward to nursing a gentle little newborn again! Looks like my adventure of nursing is about to get a whole lot more sweet!
Monday, March 19, 2012
"Bieber Fever" (BELIEVE)
Word's from Umma Nelly:
When you were a tween, who was your biggest celebrity idol? For myself, I was crushing major big on Nick Lachey and 98*. My sister-in-law gained backstage passes and tickets to one of their concerts, and took me to my first concert. I even remember what I wore to meet the crew. I was on Cloud 9. I think the photos are tucked away in some photo album back home.
Go ahead...take a walk down memory lane. Laugh a little at the absurdity of it.
Have you noticed today's biggest hit? Justin Bieber? Does "Bieber Fever" mean anything to you? Your daughter probably knows who I'm talking about! Originally, I wasn't part of the "Bieber fan club," but after watching his movie, 'Justin Bieber: Never Say Never'--my paradigm started to shift even more. I may even buy his next CD, 'Believe' just because... I'll tell my husband that we MUST fit it in our budget ;)
Okay, let me get to my point.
I adore Justin Bieber. I think he is genuine and has a good, solid heart. I know our blog is supposed to focus on breastfeeding, mothering, healthy eating and sometimes marital issues. However, I just HAVE to share about how AWESOME this dude is.
You're probably wondering why I am ranting about this famous, another chart-topper celebrity. It's because he has a good heart. He goes above and beyond and reveals love to those in need. No, not the sexual love. A love that serves and has good intentions. How many people do you know that go out of their way to help those who could really use some help? Whether you believe in my God or not, do you take the longer route for someone else? When was the last time you gave the homeless man the shirt on your back? Have you ever thought about helping another cause like "Invisible Children", "World Vision", "Make a Wish"?
Justin Bieber first caught my attention when he was on 'the Ellen Show' and made a personal commitment to help match the original donation of $100,000 to Whitney Elementary and also give them their own personal concert. I was caught off guard and my respect for him grew.
A few days ago, I saw his movie on Netflix and was debating if I should watch it or not. I decided if it was stupid, I could always just turn it off, right? I got hooked within the first 10 seconds. His story grabbed my heart and I was thinking, "oh man, I got the 'Bieber Fever'!" My little toddler was bopping to the music and I just kept watching. I knew I wanted to blog about it. I had to blog about it.
For his 18th birthday, Justin decided to use this opportunity to encourage his fans to raise money for a variety of non-profit organizations. You should check it out at Justin Bieber: Believe Charity. I encourage you to possibly start your own donation page and make a difference.
I started my own page, and I choose the Boys and Girls Club because I had the opportunity to do some volunteer work and also work as a paid employee with them for a short term. It was one of the most growing experiences that I have yet to experience, but God used it to open my heart a little more to the children in my community who need to learn what love is all about. Don't hesitate to donate or share with your friends. I got a $1000 to raise! I'm nervous about meeting my goal, but I choose to believe.
Believe: Boys & Girls Club
Here's my challenge to you...
I challenge you to do one act of kindness, every day. It doesn't mean donating money to a good cause, but it means spreading a little love somebody's way. It could be your kids, your husband or even your neighbor. You can even put down the iPhone and hang out with your kids a little more. Take them to the zoo. Do the whole picnic and the park tid-bit. Be creative. Just be kind.
Love wins...it always does.
#BieberFever...saywhat!
Just so you know: if you post any hate comments about the Bieber, they will automatically get DELETED. Yes, you have a freedom of speech which I do value, but this is also my blog and I will not tolerate rudeness and uncalled words. I mean it.
When you were a tween, who was your biggest celebrity idol? For myself, I was crushing major big on Nick Lachey and 98*. My sister-in-law gained backstage passes and tickets to one of their concerts, and took me to my first concert. I even remember what I wore to meet the crew. I was on Cloud 9. I think the photos are tucked away in some photo album back home.
Go ahead...take a walk down memory lane. Laugh a little at the absurdity of it.
Have you noticed today's biggest hit? Justin Bieber? Does "Bieber Fever" mean anything to you? Your daughter probably knows who I'm talking about! Originally, I wasn't part of the "Bieber fan club," but after watching his movie, 'Justin Bieber: Never Say Never'--my paradigm started to shift even more. I may even buy his next CD, 'Believe' just because... I'll tell my husband that we MUST fit it in our budget ;)
Okay, let me get to my point.
I adore Justin Bieber. I think he is genuine and has a good, solid heart. I know our blog is supposed to focus on breastfeeding, mothering, healthy eating and sometimes marital issues. However, I just HAVE to share about how AWESOME this dude is.
You're probably wondering why I am ranting about this famous, another chart-topper celebrity. It's because he has a good heart. He goes above and beyond and reveals love to those in need. No, not the sexual love. A love that serves and has good intentions. How many people do you know that go out of their way to help those who could really use some help? Whether you believe in my God or not, do you take the longer route for someone else? When was the last time you gave the homeless man the shirt on your back? Have you ever thought about helping another cause like "Invisible Children", "World Vision", "Make a Wish"?
Justin Bieber first caught my attention when he was on 'the Ellen Show' and made a personal commitment to help match the original donation of $100,000 to Whitney Elementary and also give them their own personal concert. I was caught off guard and my respect for him grew.
A few days ago, I saw his movie on Netflix and was debating if I should watch it or not. I decided if it was stupid, I could always just turn it off, right? I got hooked within the first 10 seconds. His story grabbed my heart and I was thinking, "oh man, I got the 'Bieber Fever'!" My little toddler was bopping to the music and I just kept watching. I knew I wanted to blog about it. I had to blog about it.
For his 18th birthday, Justin decided to use this opportunity to encourage his fans to raise money for a variety of non-profit organizations. You should check it out at Justin Bieber: Believe Charity. I encourage you to possibly start your own donation page and make a difference.
I started my own page, and I choose the Boys and Girls Club because I had the opportunity to do some volunteer work and also work as a paid employee with them for a short term. It was one of the most growing experiences that I have yet to experience, but God used it to open my heart a little more to the children in my community who need to learn what love is all about. Don't hesitate to donate or share with your friends. I got a $1000 to raise! I'm nervous about meeting my goal, but I choose to believe.
Believe: Boys & Girls Club
Here's my challenge to you...
I challenge you to do one act of kindness, every day. It doesn't mean donating money to a good cause, but it means spreading a little love somebody's way. It could be your kids, your husband or even your neighbor. You can even put down the iPhone and hang out with your kids a little more. Take them to the zoo. Do the whole picnic and the park tid-bit. Be creative. Just be kind.
Love wins...it always does.
#BieberFever...saywhat!
Just so you know: if you post any hate comments about the Bieber, they will automatically get DELETED. Yes, you have a freedom of speech which I do value, but this is also my blog and I will not tolerate rudeness and uncalled words. I mean it.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Breastfeeding is love.
Words from Mama Brittany:
So it's Valentine's day! I thought I'd do a little blog about something I love! Can you guess what that is? Oh come on you can guess! Your right it's about breastfeeding! I wanted to write a little bit about the behind the scenes of my love for breastfeeding and how I became so passionate about it. It's not just because the stuff is freaking amazing, breastfeeding is about so much more than the milk!
A long time ago there was a little girl who absolutely loved babies. I was four years old when my two baby cousins were born. I remember helping take care of them, and how much fun it was! My Mum would pick me up from pre-school and little Ashley would be sitting there waiting for me, I loved helping my mom take care of her and watching her grow! I had many other little cousins and babies come into my life and I enjoyed caring for them all. I practically moved into my neighbors home to help her with her three boys. When I was thirteen I worked at my first daycare, and then began some part time nannying and babysitting jobs. I knew ever since I was a little girl that I wanted to work with children. I used to tell my Mom that I was going to adopt all the children around the world that didn't have Mommies to love them, and that I would be their Mommy.
So it's quite easy to see babies are kind of my thing, but how did working with babies lead to my breastfeeding obsession? Some of the children that I cared for were breastfed, but most were actually formula fed. It wasn't until I worked at The Goddard School as the newborn teacher that I really got introduced to breastmilk. I remember asking one mom "When do you plan on giving her real food?" She looked at me puzzled and asked what I meant. I asked her when she would give her daughter formula because I thought breastmilk was only good for the first few months! Thank God this Mama laughed and said " OH Mrs. Brittany, she will never get formula!" Oh how far I've come!
After Jacob and I married I needed a new job and I went back into the Nanny field. By the way can I just say being a nanny was the best job ever! I was really lucky that I got some amazing families to care for! Anyways I nannied for four wonderful children, the youngest were twin babies who were exclusively breastfed. It was an amazing thing to watch those babies grow on just their Mama's milk! So between it all I started becoming very interested in breastmilk. I knew I would breastfeed one day.
When I got pregnant with Oliver I was prepared to breastfeed, as you know Oliver was born via emergency c-section and I was asleep for his birth. I didn't meet Oliver until he was over 48 hours old. He was less than three pounds. I knew I would give him my milk, the nicu was glad they didn't have to convince me! I couldn't hold Oliver too much in those early days, but I could pump my milk and give him the best of me. Pumping my milk for him was something I could do, it made me feel like I was truly a mother.
After we brought Oliver home I had to continue to pump and allow him time to practice and learn at the breast, it took a lot of work and a lot of practice! During this time I was so sick from Lupus but didn't really know it. I was also battling hypoglycemia very badly. My health was not in a good place and on top of it all I got mastitis. I thought about giving up so many times. My body felt so sick and it took a long time for healing. I set out on a journey to find my health again, that led me to be the super crunchy: non vax, co-sleeping, baby wearing, anti circ, organic food eating, gentle parenting Mama that I am today!
As my physical healing was taking place so was my emotional healing. Breastfeeding did that for me. I remember after Oliver's birth I felt so broken, I felt like I had failed my baby for not being able to give him the growth that he needed. He was starving on the inside, so I was determined to nourish him on the outside. For me breastfeeding helped me work through my sadness and guilt. I was in such a dark place for so long but bonding with Oliver and connecting to him by giving him life sustaining milk helped bring me out to a place of healing and freedom. God was smart when He made us to feed our babies in this way, He knew how it would make us feel, and that His babies that He sent us would know all the love in the world.
I can't describe what it's like to breastfeed your child, if you have been one of the lucky Mama's who have experienced it then I need not explain. It's the most magical wonderful thing in the whole world. I am so happy that Oliver is still breastfeeding at two years old. I cannot wait until him and this baby breastfeed together and share in that special bond of love. For a mother to share her milk with her baby, or another baby is an act of love in itself <3
Breastfeeding=Love, and love my friends makes the world go round <3
So it's Valentine's day! I thought I'd do a little blog about something I love! Can you guess what that is? Oh come on you can guess! Your right it's about breastfeeding! I wanted to write a little bit about the behind the scenes of my love for breastfeeding and how I became so passionate about it. It's not just because the stuff is freaking amazing, breastfeeding is about so much more than the milk!
A long time ago there was a little girl who absolutely loved babies. I was four years old when my two baby cousins were born. I remember helping take care of them, and how much fun it was! My Mum would pick me up from pre-school and little Ashley would be sitting there waiting for me, I loved helping my mom take care of her and watching her grow! I had many other little cousins and babies come into my life and I enjoyed caring for them all. I practically moved into my neighbors home to help her with her three boys. When I was thirteen I worked at my first daycare, and then began some part time nannying and babysitting jobs. I knew ever since I was a little girl that I wanted to work with children. I used to tell my Mom that I was going to adopt all the children around the world that didn't have Mommies to love them, and that I would be their Mommy.
So it's quite easy to see babies are kind of my thing, but how did working with babies lead to my breastfeeding obsession? Some of the children that I cared for were breastfed, but most were actually formula fed. It wasn't until I worked at The Goddard School as the newborn teacher that I really got introduced to breastmilk. I remember asking one mom "When do you plan on giving her real food?" She looked at me puzzled and asked what I meant. I asked her when she would give her daughter formula because I thought breastmilk was only good for the first few months! Thank God this Mama laughed and said " OH Mrs. Brittany, she will never get formula!" Oh how far I've come!
After Jacob and I married I needed a new job and I went back into the Nanny field. By the way can I just say being a nanny was the best job ever! I was really lucky that I got some amazing families to care for! Anyways I nannied for four wonderful children, the youngest were twin babies who were exclusively breastfed. It was an amazing thing to watch those babies grow on just their Mama's milk! So between it all I started becoming very interested in breastmilk. I knew I would breastfeed one day.
When I got pregnant with Oliver I was prepared to breastfeed, as you know Oliver was born via emergency c-section and I was asleep for his birth. I didn't meet Oliver until he was over 48 hours old. He was less than three pounds. I knew I would give him my milk, the nicu was glad they didn't have to convince me! I couldn't hold Oliver too much in those early days, but I could pump my milk and give him the best of me. Pumping my milk for him was something I could do, it made me feel like I was truly a mother.
After we brought Oliver home I had to continue to pump and allow him time to practice and learn at the breast, it took a lot of work and a lot of practice! During this time I was so sick from Lupus but didn't really know it. I was also battling hypoglycemia very badly. My health was not in a good place and on top of it all I got mastitis. I thought about giving up so many times. My body felt so sick and it took a long time for healing. I set out on a journey to find my health again, that led me to be the super crunchy: non vax, co-sleeping, baby wearing, anti circ, organic food eating, gentle parenting Mama that I am today!
As my physical healing was taking place so was my emotional healing. Breastfeeding did that for me. I remember after Oliver's birth I felt so broken, I felt like I had failed my baby for not being able to give him the growth that he needed. He was starving on the inside, so I was determined to nourish him on the outside. For me breastfeeding helped me work through my sadness and guilt. I was in such a dark place for so long but bonding with Oliver and connecting to him by giving him life sustaining milk helped bring me out to a place of healing and freedom. God was smart when He made us to feed our babies in this way, He knew how it would make us feel, and that His babies that He sent us would know all the love in the world.
I can't describe what it's like to breastfeed your child, if you have been one of the lucky Mama's who have experienced it then I need not explain. It's the most magical wonderful thing in the whole world. I am so happy that Oliver is still breastfeeding at two years old. I cannot wait until him and this baby breastfeed together and share in that special bond of love. For a mother to share her milk with her baby, or another baby is an act of love in itself <3
Breastfeeding=Love, and love my friends makes the world go round <3
 |
| Breastfeeding is about so much more than the milk. I am 20 weeks pregnant here and my milk supply is pretty much gone, but look how happy my baby is?!? It's all about the love! |
Sunday, February 5, 2012
I'll stand for what I believe in, even if I stand alone.
Words from Mama Brittany:
In case you have been living under rock and have not yet heard about the deal with facebook and breastfeeding mothers, check out here for some more information.
First, I want to mention the breastfeeding incident at Target. A mother was nursing her baby and was asked to go into a fitting room where she could breastfeed in private. It happens all the time in Western cultures, but why? Why is it a big deal to see a woman breastfeeding her child? Why do we have to shame mothers into feeling dirty and bad for giving her baby the absolute best nutrition that's available on the face of the planet. One does realize that nothing compares to breast milk and nothing ever will. EVER. Now, we have moved on to Facebook, mothers are having their pictures being taken down, and accounts closed because the pictures are "inappropriate." On February 6th, 2012 Mothers will gather around the globe to protest Facebook's breastfeeding photos policy. If you can't make the protest, simply change your picture to one of you and your babe breastfeeding, or this photo here:
I know I am extremely passionate about breastfeeding and I do not apologize for it. I will stand up for what I believe in, even if I stand alone. And for the record I don't stand alone, I stand with gazillions of other wonderful radical milky mamas around the globe and together we will change the world! Nothing has made me feel more alive than being a mother and nothing makes me feel more like a mother than breastfeeding. I couldn't have one without the other.
I want to challenge you today to open up your mind and step outside of your comfortable box that you've put around yourself. I want you to imagine for a moment that there is indeed a great big world out there and not everyone does things or thinks things the way that you do. Let go of the judgments and allow people to have freedom even if you don't agree with it. You can only take care of you, so for the sake of the world stop judging us, breastfeeding mothers. Stop assuming our motives are to turn on your husbands and get people to oogle over our boobies. Stop telling us to keep it in private because no one wants to see it, or because its gross. It's not your body, its not your baby. The point is we need to stop telling other mama's that if you're a nursing mom who likes to cover up, then cover up--do your thing. It doesn't mean we all have to feed our babies under blankets, we have freedom to choose and I thank God for our freedom. Men and woman are giving their lives for our freedom.
Let's look at two scenarios. If you have seen the movie "Babies," you'll remember a
scene of the African Mum walking to the village. There, she is heading to the
"market" with toddler in tow. Not so very different than us Western Mama's who are...oh
say heading off to Target. Her little boy starts throwing a temper tantrum and
what does she does do? She immediately offers him some milk--from her breast.
Nobody around seems to notice or care, the village goes on, the men don't get
google eyed and nobody gives it second thought that this mother is offering her
baby some milk and comfort.
Now picture this scenario. Mom and babe in Target, mom trying her best to hurry
before a meltdown occurs, finally gets in line (of course there is only one lane
open) and the toddler begins to melt down, people around mother begin to stare, they
want her to shut up her kid. Mother breaks out a sippy cup/bottle/etc. Let's
just say the kid takes it, great everyone in line smiles and all is well. Wait,
wait hold on...nope this kids name is Oliver. He has had a rough start in life- he
came into the world early and had a very traumatic birth, he didn't meet his
mama for a few days and their bonding, their attachment is crucial to his
development. This mama fought hard and long to give her baby the best- formula
wouldn't do, bottle feeding wouldn't simply do. So there they are in Target's
checkout and Oliver is overwhelmed and stressed out, crying for boobie, for
comfort, for a meal and a drink. Mama wants to comfort her baby, to feed her
baby. But can she? Will she?
Why is it so different for the Mom in Africa? Why was it different when I
whipped out a formula bottle or a sippy cup? Why then when I wanted to give my
son what's physically and emotionally the best I hesitated.
Oliver didn't need to be premature to need my milk, but I wanted to stress the
fact that I know my baby best and what his needs are. Full term babies deserve
the same thing just like the little African child. When will we live in a world
when pulling out a boob to feed a child is smiled upon and not frowned upon? We
know breast is best, we know formula feeding is 4th best, yet we don't practice
at all what we preach. We are unsupported and judgmental, yet if a mother fails
at breastfeeding than we're not allowed to judge because that makes her feel
"guilty"
Anyone else seeing this backwards pattern here? Why?
Now let's talk about this picture:
OK for a Native American mother to feed her toddler, but its not okay for an All-American mama to feed her toddler? Is it because I'm standing in a kitchen where I could have just given him a drink or some food? Is it because I don't have paint all over my face? Is it because I am 20 weeks pregnant? I have to say I may not look as rad as the Native American Mama, but feeding my toddler and being pregnant makes me pretty darn cool in my book.
I'm going to stand for what I believe in, even if I stand alone. I'm going to post pictures of myself breastfeeding, and I'm going to share them with the world. Would you like to know why? Because I am dam proud of breastfeeding- that's why! It's not easy- it took a lot of dedication and work, sleepless night after sleepless night, dealing with Lupus and hypoglycemia, being a working full time mom and working mom, committing myself to my baby to give him the very best even when it wasn't easy. And you know what I'm proud of myself! I am a rock star mom! I'm going to pat myself on the back because I know what I have done for Oliver is give him the very best of me. I won't apologize for that and if you don't want to see me in my celebration of life and love, then you don't have to look. Too long has breastfeeding been deemed something dirty or naughty, it's not so cut the crap. We need to see breastfeeding for it to become normalized, the more we see it the more normal it becomes and one day this won't be an issue. One day I'll look at my grandchildren and watch them nurse wherever, whenever for however long they want. And nobody will think twice, and then I'll remember the days I fought for their freedom to be able to be given the best. And I'll smile knowing I helped in some small way <,3
I want to leave you with some other photos of me feeding my baby <3
In case you have been living under rock and have not yet heard about the deal with facebook and breastfeeding mothers, check out here for some more information.
First, I want to mention the breastfeeding incident at Target. A mother was nursing her baby and was asked to go into a fitting room where she could breastfeed in private. It happens all the time in Western cultures, but why? Why is it a big deal to see a woman breastfeeding her child? Why do we have to shame mothers into feeling dirty and bad for giving her baby the absolute best nutrition that's available on the face of the planet. One does realize that nothing compares to breast milk and nothing ever will. EVER. Now, we have moved on to Facebook, mothers are having their pictures being taken down, and accounts closed because the pictures are "inappropriate." On February 6th, 2012 Mothers will gather around the globe to protest Facebook's breastfeeding photos policy. If you can't make the protest, simply change your picture to one of you and your babe breastfeeding, or this photo here:
I know I am extremely passionate about breastfeeding and I do not apologize for it. I will stand up for what I believe in, even if I stand alone. And for the record I don't stand alone, I stand with gazillions of other wonderful radical milky mamas around the globe and together we will change the world! Nothing has made me feel more alive than being a mother and nothing makes me feel more like a mother than breastfeeding. I couldn't have one without the other.
I want to challenge you today to open up your mind and step outside of your comfortable box that you've put around yourself. I want you to imagine for a moment that there is indeed a great big world out there and not everyone does things or thinks things the way that you do. Let go of the judgments and allow people to have freedom even if you don't agree with it. You can only take care of you, so for the sake of the world stop judging us, breastfeeding mothers. Stop assuming our motives are to turn on your husbands and get people to oogle over our boobies. Stop telling us to keep it in private because no one wants to see it, or because its gross. It's not your body, its not your baby. The point is we need to stop telling other mama's that if you're a nursing mom who likes to cover up, then cover up--do your thing. It doesn't mean we all have to feed our babies under blankets, we have freedom to choose and I thank God for our freedom. Men and woman are giving their lives for our freedom.
Let's look at two scenarios. If you have seen the movie "Babies," you'll remember a
scene of the African Mum walking to the village. There, she is heading to the
"market" with toddler in tow. Not so very different than us Western Mama's who are...oh
say heading off to Target. Her little boy starts throwing a temper tantrum and
what does she does do? She immediately offers him some milk--from her breast.
Nobody around seems to notice or care, the village goes on, the men don't get
google eyed and nobody gives it second thought that this mother is offering her
baby some milk and comfort.
Now picture this scenario. Mom and babe in Target, mom trying her best to hurry
before a meltdown occurs, finally gets in line (of course there is only one lane
open) and the toddler begins to melt down, people around mother begin to stare, they
want her to shut up her kid. Mother breaks out a sippy cup/bottle/etc. Let's
just say the kid takes it, great everyone in line smiles and all is well. Wait,
wait hold on...nope this kids name is Oliver. He has had a rough start in life- he
came into the world early and had a very traumatic birth, he didn't meet his
mama for a few days and their bonding, their attachment is crucial to his
development. This mama fought hard and long to give her baby the best- formula
wouldn't do, bottle feeding wouldn't simply do. So there they are in Target's
checkout and Oliver is overwhelmed and stressed out, crying for boobie, for
comfort, for a meal and a drink. Mama wants to comfort her baby, to feed her
baby. But can she? Will she?
Why is it so different for the Mom in Africa? Why was it different when I
whipped out a formula bottle or a sippy cup? Why then when I wanted to give my
son what's physically and emotionally the best I hesitated.
Oliver didn't need to be premature to need my milk, but I wanted to stress the
fact that I know my baby best and what his needs are. Full term babies deserve
the same thing just like the little African child. When will we live in a world
when pulling out a boob to feed a child is smiled upon and not frowned upon? We
know breast is best, we know formula feeding is 4th best, yet we don't practice
at all what we preach. We are unsupported and judgmental, yet if a mother fails
at breastfeeding than we're not allowed to judge because that makes her feel
"guilty"
Anyone else seeing this backwards pattern here? Why?
OK for a Native American mother to feed her toddler, but its not okay for an All-American mama to feed her toddler? Is it because I'm standing in a kitchen where I could have just given him a drink or some food? Is it because I don't have paint all over my face? Is it because I am 20 weeks pregnant? I have to say I may not look as rad as the Native American Mama, but feeding my toddler and being pregnant makes me pretty darn cool in my book.
I'm going to stand for what I believe in, even if I stand alone. I'm going to post pictures of myself breastfeeding, and I'm going to share them with the world. Would you like to know why? Because I am dam proud of breastfeeding- that's why! It's not easy- it took a lot of dedication and work, sleepless night after sleepless night, dealing with Lupus and hypoglycemia, being a working full time mom and working mom, committing myself to my baby to give him the very best even when it wasn't easy. And you know what I'm proud of myself! I am a rock star mom! I'm going to pat myself on the back because I know what I have done for Oliver is give him the very best of me. I won't apologize for that and if you don't want to see me in my celebration of life and love, then you don't have to look. Too long has breastfeeding been deemed something dirty or naughty, it's not so cut the crap. We need to see breastfeeding for it to become normalized, the more we see it the more normal it becomes and one day this won't be an issue. One day I'll look at my grandchildren and watch them nurse wherever, whenever for however long they want. And nobody will think twice, and then I'll remember the days I fought for their freedom to be able to be given the best. And I'll smile knowing I helped in some small way <,3
I want to leave you with some other photos of me feeding my baby <3
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| One of the first times I breastfed Oliver, about 3 pounds and with a feeding tube in his nose/down his throat as well as wires hooked up in various places to monitor his heart and breathing. |
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| Cuddled up with Mama only two days old, right after he breastfed for the first time (He licked my nipple, then fell asleep :) |
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| Oliver down my shirt keeping warm after eating <3 |
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| 18 months old, had to have a drink right then! |
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| nursing on Oliver's 2nd Birthday- Mama is about 4 months preggo :) |
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| 25 months old nursing to sleep still <3 |
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| 25 months old, Mama 21 weeks pregnant <3 |
To learn more and to find out how you can help check out: Facebook.Com/StopHarassingKwasnicaAndALLBreastfeedingWomen
Monday, January 30, 2012
3 Years & Counting.
Word's from Umma Nelly:
I know this blog is mainly geared towards babies and everything about them, but I wanted to take a few minutes to tell YOU, how grateful I am for my husband, Matthew.
In less than an hour, Matthew and I will have been married for 3 years. Happy Anniversary, Matthew ;)
I'm starting to reminisce about what we have been through; the good and the bad. Every moment that we have been through, together, has brought us to where we are now. We've been covered by God's grace, and we're still crazy and madly in love. We have our up's and down's, but what marriage doesn't? My mother always tells me, "after you have been married for 100 years, you're golden." In other years, there will always be beautiful moments, but there will still be battles.
Matthew and I have been through battle after battle in our first year of marriage. I was ready to take back my vows that we said in front of family and friends on Jan. 31, 2009. I was ready to get a lawyer and just divorce him. God had other plans.
In one-long-compound sentence, this is what we went through our first year:
We got married on Jan. 31, but I was still in Lakeland while he was in Jacksonville because I was still attending Southeastern which meant we only saw each other on the weekends; but I did graduate in May and that's when the traveling stopped, however, we were living under the same roof as his parents and then we found out that our first son was going to be born with a serious heart condition, our son was born on July 14 and we were blessed with 23 days with him until the GOOD Lord took him to Heaven, then we had to deal with losing a child while living with his parents, but only a little over a month later to find out that we're expecting again. How did we survive all of that? All of our counselors will immediately tell us that we deserve a gold medal. I have to praise God on this one, because we wouldn't still be Mr. & Mrs. if it wasn't for His intervention.
Do you understand why I wanted a divorce?
Our second year of marriage was the year of blessings. We finally took the plunge and moved out on our own on Feb. 19 and prepared for our second baby boy, Josiah. Don't get me wrong, we still had intense battles to overcome. We were still covered by grief because we missed our son, and we were learning on how to be parents. It was a complete disaster trying to figure out what works for us and what didn't. It was like a hurricane went through our marriage when we were trying to compromise on certain parenting topics.
Our third year of marriage, we realized we made a commitment three years ago and we want to stand faithful on the promises that God has for us. We're together and we're in this for the long run. I want to be married for 100 years and counting. I hope we get to share a little house together in Heaven ;) I adore my husband and I am proud of him finding his dream career. I'm proud of the sacrifices he has made for our family to give us a better life. I'm proud of how hard he works every day at police academy, because God has blessed him with a dream job especially in this tough economy. My husband is perfect for me. :)
Marriage was never meant to be easy-peasy. It is full of intense battles, but it makes you stronger. We scream, we fight, things even go flying in the air, but we're running after our 100 mark. We got this, because God has our back.
My husband, Matthew, gets me and I get him. We know more about each other than the other realizes; yet, we still have so much to learn.
Baby, we got this! We're still young, and the clock is still ticking. Rain or shine, our marriage is beautiful. We make it work, because we choose to make it work.
MG + JG = <3
I know this blog is mainly geared towards babies and everything about them, but I wanted to take a few minutes to tell YOU, how grateful I am for my husband, Matthew.
In less than an hour, Matthew and I will have been married for 3 years. Happy Anniversary, Matthew ;)
I'm starting to reminisce about what we have been through; the good and the bad. Every moment that we have been through, together, has brought us to where we are now. We've been covered by God's grace, and we're still crazy and madly in love. We have our up's and down's, but what marriage doesn't? My mother always tells me, "after you have been married for 100 years, you're golden." In other years, there will always be beautiful moments, but there will still be battles.
Matthew and I have been through battle after battle in our first year of marriage. I was ready to take back my vows that we said in front of family and friends on Jan. 31, 2009. I was ready to get a lawyer and just divorce him. God had other plans.
In one-long-compound sentence, this is what we went through our first year:
We got married on Jan. 31, but I was still in Lakeland while he was in Jacksonville because I was still attending Southeastern which meant we only saw each other on the weekends; but I did graduate in May and that's when the traveling stopped, however, we were living under the same roof as his parents and then we found out that our first son was going to be born with a serious heart condition, our son was born on July 14 and we were blessed with 23 days with him until the GOOD Lord took him to Heaven, then we had to deal with losing a child while living with his parents, but only a little over a month later to find out that we're expecting again. How did we survive all of that? All of our counselors will immediately tell us that we deserve a gold medal. I have to praise God on this one, because we wouldn't still be Mr. & Mrs. if it wasn't for His intervention.
Do you understand why I wanted a divorce?
Our second year of marriage was the year of blessings. We finally took the plunge and moved out on our own on Feb. 19 and prepared for our second baby boy, Josiah. Don't get me wrong, we still had intense battles to overcome. We were still covered by grief because we missed our son, and we were learning on how to be parents. It was a complete disaster trying to figure out what works for us and what didn't. It was like a hurricane went through our marriage when we were trying to compromise on certain parenting topics.
Our third year of marriage, we realized we made a commitment three years ago and we want to stand faithful on the promises that God has for us. We're together and we're in this for the long run. I want to be married for 100 years and counting. I hope we get to share a little house together in Heaven ;) I adore my husband and I am proud of him finding his dream career. I'm proud of the sacrifices he has made for our family to give us a better life. I'm proud of how hard he works every day at police academy, because God has blessed him with a dream job especially in this tough economy. My husband is perfect for me. :)
Marriage was never meant to be easy-peasy. It is full of intense battles, but it makes you stronger. We scream, we fight, things even go flying in the air, but we're running after our 100 mark. We got this, because God has our back.
My husband, Matthew, gets me and I get him. We know more about each other than the other realizes; yet, we still have so much to learn.
Baby, we got this! We're still young, and the clock is still ticking. Rain or shine, our marriage is beautiful. We make it work, because we choose to make it work.
MG + JG = <3
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