Showing posts with label Monday's Mamas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Monday's Mamas. Show all posts
Monday, June 20, 2011
Monday's Mamas: Moved to The Artful Mama
Please check out today's Monday's Mamas post Reflections on Balance Part 2 over on The Artful Mama.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Monday's Mamas: Reflections on Balance Part 1
Balance can mean different things to different parents, and we are all familiar with the concept. In dissecting the word to uncover the feeling beneath, you may find that you are ultimately trying to experience a sense of peace as you go about parenting and life.
Peace comes in many forms. Sometimes we just don’t feel peaceful or balanced. Parents who work have the unique challenge, or opportunity depending on how you view it, of combining the busyness of family life with being away from the family in one way or another. There are several ways to "find balance."
One potential saving grace for the working parent is to observe and nourish the family's rhythm. Routine and rhythm can be similar, although routine generally speaks to things we do regularly and rhythm points more to the flow of our day.
Tuning into the basic rhythm of life (unencumbered by our to-do lists) is as easy as noticing our breath. Just as we inhale - expand, take in air - we also participate in activities of life that are expansive, energetic, and powerful. As the oxygen goes to all parts of our body we receive what we need for the next phase of breath: exhale - contraction of the lungs, the release of air and toxins - time to release, introspect, and focus inward. In between the exhale and inhale you can observe a small space; a nothingness. This space is often missed in family life - the time to just be and not necessarily take in or let out anything.
Observing the family's rhythm may or may not initially feel so easy, but with a little practice you will begin to notice trends in your family. Start by tuning into the rhythm of your breath whenever you remember and particularly when you feel stressed. Just notice the cycle of expansion-contraction-space. It is amazing how the body has an already built in rhythm that we can live our life from.
Next, choose a length of time such as a week or two weeks and observe how your family goes about the day. Notice what types of activities everyone is engaging in - expanding, contracting, spacious - and what results are experienced. Notice what doesn't work, what does seem to work, and areas you would like to observe further, get some help with, or explore as you go along. For example, you might notice your infant does well when you nurse and talk first thing in the morning. On days you are too busy to talk and try to rush out the door she may be fussy. You may notice that too much TV results in crabby kids or that not enough healthy food in the house results in a crabby mom. Just take note.
From there, spend some time with your notes each evening and list your priorities as a working parent. Obviously your relationship with your child is important, as is your health, and your job. On a daily basis what do you really want to put first and what can you cross off the list when you feel like it's just too much? Be accountable to yourself and re-evaluate your priorities as necessary. Be gentle with yourself and your family along the way; this isn't about meeting some idea of a perfect rhythm.
Nourishing the family's rhythm is about honoring and doing what works, in momentary increments. Many times we have a pretty good idea of what does work for our family and just need to see it on paper. Sometimes we need some help figuring that out. Other times we just need to honor the rhythm of life and change to a different type of activity.
Consider thinking about your family's rhythm like you do your breath. It is already there; it just needs noticing. It may or may not be as rhythmic as the breath because it involves many people, their preferences, and uniqueness - but it is there. Attention to the rhythm allows you to focus and slow down. Sometimes just adding in some free space to do nothing can make the difference in a day that seems completely haywire.
Reflections on Balance Part 2 will discuss the value of presence in experiencing balance as a parent.
Amy Phoenix is a gentle yet direct parenting guide, healing facilitator, creator of Peace 4 Parents, and mother of four dedicated to sharing insights and practices to transform frustration and anger, heal the past and nurture conscious relationships.
Peace comes in many forms. Sometimes we just don’t feel peaceful or balanced. Parents who work have the unique challenge, or opportunity depending on how you view it, of combining the busyness of family life with being away from the family in one way or another. There are several ways to "find balance."
One potential saving grace for the working parent is to observe and nourish the family's rhythm. Routine and rhythm can be similar, although routine generally speaks to things we do regularly and rhythm points more to the flow of our day.
Tuning into the basic rhythm of life (unencumbered by our to-do lists) is as easy as noticing our breath. Just as we inhale - expand, take in air - we also participate in activities of life that are expansive, energetic, and powerful. As the oxygen goes to all parts of our body we receive what we need for the next phase of breath: exhale - contraction of the lungs, the release of air and toxins - time to release, introspect, and focus inward. In between the exhale and inhale you can observe a small space; a nothingness. This space is often missed in family life - the time to just be and not necessarily take in or let out anything.
Observing the family's rhythm may or may not initially feel so easy, but with a little practice you will begin to notice trends in your family. Start by tuning into the rhythm of your breath whenever you remember and particularly when you feel stressed. Just notice the cycle of expansion-contraction-space. It is amazing how the body has an already built in rhythm that we can live our life from.
Next, choose a length of time such as a week or two weeks and observe how your family goes about the day. Notice what types of activities everyone is engaging in - expanding, contracting, spacious - and what results are experienced. Notice what doesn't work, what does seem to work, and areas you would like to observe further, get some help with, or explore as you go along. For example, you might notice your infant does well when you nurse and talk first thing in the morning. On days you are too busy to talk and try to rush out the door she may be fussy. You may notice that too much TV results in crabby kids or that not enough healthy food in the house results in a crabby mom. Just take note.
From there, spend some time with your notes each evening and list your priorities as a working parent. Obviously your relationship with your child is important, as is your health, and your job. On a daily basis what do you really want to put first and what can you cross off the list when you feel like it's just too much? Be accountable to yourself and re-evaluate your priorities as necessary. Be gentle with yourself and your family along the way; this isn't about meeting some idea of a perfect rhythm.
Nourishing the family's rhythm is about honoring and doing what works, in momentary increments. Many times we have a pretty good idea of what does work for our family and just need to see it on paper. Sometimes we need some help figuring that out. Other times we just need to honor the rhythm of life and change to a different type of activity.
Consider thinking about your family's rhythm like you do your breath. It is already there; it just needs noticing. It may or may not be as rhythmic as the breath because it involves many people, their preferences, and uniqueness - but it is there. Attention to the rhythm allows you to focus and slow down. Sometimes just adding in some free space to do nothing can make the difference in a day that seems completely haywire.
Reflections on Balance Part 2 will discuss the value of presence in experiencing balance as a parent.
Are you a Monday's Mama? Do you have a story to share or a product/service to make a mama's life easier? Let me know and your article or product could be featured in the next Monday's Mamas.
Monday's Mamas will be a chance for the working mother who identifies as natural or attached to share her story with the online community. It can be a personal story or it can be an informational post about just how does an AP mama manage all those tasks we have to do while still caring for our children in the way we have chosen? This is open any mama who maintains a dual lifestyle: working out of the home, returning to school or the work at home mamas (WAHMs).
To submit an article for consideration, please use the Google Docs web form or email your article to Shannon (artsymama.riley {at} gmail.com) no later then 11:59pm EST on Friday.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Monday's Mamas Musts: Menstrual Cups
I know what you are thinking - why is she going to talk about this, I don't want to talk about my period. But this week is my first cycle since Little Man was born! It is an odd feeling waiting for the return of your cycle after you give birth especially if you are waiting a long time. For me it has been two years since I had a regular cycle. Personally I did not feel like a woman without it. It was nice for a while not to have it and not to have to worry about when it was coming or having to deal with all the symptoms and extra things I needed for it. When I didn't have it though I would worry that I'd be caught some where in public without my necessary accouterments.
Disposable pads gave me problems with yeast and I always hated before when choosing a tampon that I either chose something with too much absorbency or too little. Plus disposing of your tampons or pads had its own list of issues for me. I hated the smell in my bathroom and when I was a teenager and didn't know better - I cost my parents a tidy chunk of change fixing our septic by flushing them. I've been cloth diapering with Little Man so I thought maybe I should look into reusable options for myself.
I found that the women I went to for my other parenting and natural solutions had a wealth of information on the topic.
Hobo Mama: Instead vs. Diva Cup for Your Menstrual Cup Needs
The Green Girls: The Diva Cup
The Crunch Chicken: Two Years of Diva Cup
Menstrual cups can save you money, time and the environment! You have a greater investment up front but you save money over time by not having to buy them month after month. I will cover the cost of my cup after three and half months and be able to keep using my cup long after that! Sounds a lot like cloth diapers, huh? There are many options out there and apparently most women become collectors of cups - another thing they have in common with cloth diapers.
I chose The Diva Cup, which is latex, BPA and dye free and had excellent reviews. It comes in two sizes: Size 1 for under 35 pre-pregnancy and Size 2 post pregnancy or older then 35. The cup is sized so it can fit snugly inside. It works with suction to stay in place and prevent leaks. Fluid is collected inside the cup and you empty it in the toilet, rinse it and replace it. You sanitize it before the first time you use it and then again at the end of your cycle. It gets stored in the breathable bag that it comes in and it is always there for you when you need it. Oh and neat little fact: Diva Cup was created by a mother-daughter team - Francine and Carinne!
So why is it a Monday's Mamas Must? Because you only need one and it is very easy to travel with. Having to remember only one of these handy little things is one less thing you need to think about as a mama. Depending on your flow, it can be emptied once every 12 hours - time saver! The contents are flushed down the toilet and it is reinserted - nothing for a toddler to "find" in your garbage! It can be worn while swimming or exercising. Reusable menstrual cups are very convenient for busy mamas.
Resources for further information :
Diva Cup
MenstrualCups.org
Disposable pads gave me problems with yeast and I always hated before when choosing a tampon that I either chose something with too much absorbency or too little. Plus disposing of your tampons or pads had its own list of issues for me. I hated the smell in my bathroom and when I was a teenager and didn't know better - I cost my parents a tidy chunk of change fixing our septic by flushing them. I've been cloth diapering with Little Man so I thought maybe I should look into reusable options for myself.
I found that the women I went to for my other parenting and natural solutions had a wealth of information on the topic.
Hobo Mama: Instead vs. Diva Cup for Your Menstrual Cup Needs
The Green Girls: The Diva Cup
The Crunch Chicken: Two Years of Diva Cup
Menstrual cups can save you money, time and the environment! You have a greater investment up front but you save money over time by not having to buy them month after month. I will cover the cost of my cup after three and half months and be able to keep using my cup long after that! Sounds a lot like cloth diapers, huh? There are many options out there and apparently most women become collectors of cups - another thing they have in common with cloth diapers.
I chose The Diva Cup, which is latex, BPA and dye free and had excellent reviews. It comes in two sizes: Size 1 for under 35 pre-pregnancy and Size 2 post pregnancy or older then 35. The cup is sized so it can fit snugly inside. It works with suction to stay in place and prevent leaks. Fluid is collected inside the cup and you empty it in the toilet, rinse it and replace it. You sanitize it before the first time you use it and then again at the end of your cycle. It gets stored in the breathable bag that it comes in and it is always there for you when you need it. Oh and neat little fact: Diva Cup was created by a mother-daughter team - Francine and Carinne!
So why is it a Monday's Mamas Must? Because you only need one and it is very easy to travel with. Having to remember only one of these handy little things is one less thing you need to think about as a mama. Depending on your flow, it can be emptied once every 12 hours - time saver! The contents are flushed down the toilet and it is reinserted - nothing for a toddler to "find" in your garbage! It can be worn while swimming or exercising. Reusable menstrual cups are very convenient for busy mamas.
Resources for further information :
Diva Cup
MenstrualCups.org
Are you a Monday's Mama? Do you have a story to share or a product/service to make a mama's life easier? Let me know and your article or product could be featured in the next Monday's Mamas.
Monday's Mamas will be a chance for the working mother who identifies as natural or attached to share her story with the online community. It can be a personal story or it can be an informational post about just how does an AP mama manage all those tasks we have to do while still caring for our children in the way we have chosen? This is open any mama who maintains a dual lifestyle: working out of the home, returning to school or the work at home mamas (WAHMs).
To submit an article for consideration, please use the Google Docs web form or email your article to Shannon (artsymama.riley {at} gmail.com) no later then 11:59pm EST on Friday.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Monday's Mamas Musts: Lanolin
This is going to be a short but important one. Do not forget the importance of lanolin. Most everyone knows that it is a great nipple soother in those first few months of getting nursing and your latch down. What you may not realize is that it comes in handy again when your nursling begins teething. Your nursling's latch changes during the introduction of teeth and teething pain so you need to work with them again to maintain good nursing habits. Lanolin is a great soother when you are being used as a soother for sore gums!
My other uses for lanolin:
My other uses for lanolin:
- I also use a tube of it to relanolize my wool diaper covers.
- I use it as a barrier cream for diaper changes.
- As a first aid ointment on infant scratches because it is safe if they nibble on the affected area.
- Hand protectant during cold winter months for cracked and dry hands.
What are some of the uses you've found for lanolin?
Are you a Monday's Mama? Do you have a story to share or a product/service to make a mama's life easier? Let me know and your article or product could be featured in the next Monday's Mamas.
Monday's Mamas will be a chance for the working mother who identifies as natural or attached to share her story with the online community. It can be a personal story or it can be an informational post about just how does an AP mama manage all those tasks we have to do while still caring for our children in the way we have chosen? This is open any mama who maintains a dual lifestyle: working out of the home, returning to school or the work at home mamas (WAHMs).
To submit an article for consideration, please use the Google Docs web form or email your article to Shannon (artsymama.riley {at} gmail.com) no later then 11:59pm EST on Friday.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Monday's Mamas Musts: Inspired by Finn Teething Necklace
 |
| I chose the 15" length so that Little Man could wear it longer. |
A few weeks ago I had written a post with my alternative solutions for a teething baby. In that article I mentioned baltic amber necklaces but as of then had not used one for Little Man. After the positive responses I had gotten from that article and the feedback from other moms who use the baltic amber, I had to try for myself. I mean if I can prevent his teething discomfort instead of soothing it after the fact with my other methods - I'm all for it.
I visited Inspired by Finn to get a teething necklace for Little Man. What I liked about their necklaces was the selection and the various patterns. There were many different options for styles and lengths. Their site has recommendations for styles that would look good on boys - a must if I was going to be able to convince my hubby to put a necklace on his boy.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Monday's Mamas Musts: Four Hand Massage
Being busy attached working mamas we need to remember to stop and take care of ourselves. That being said there is not all the time in the world to sit back, relax and kick up our feet. I barely have time to put moisturizer on before I'm running out the door in the morning or nursing, wearing, entertaining Little Man in the evening. But all this can make me a very uptight and unhappy (physically) mama. So I forced myself on vacation to go with my own mom to get a massage. Let me tell you it was hard work!
Monday, April 18, 2011
Call for Submissions for Monday's Mamas
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
