Showing posts with label balance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label balance. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
I'm moving!
I am excited to announce the launch of my new website - The Artful Mama. Blogger will always have a place in my heart but I want to grow as a writer and needed to spread my wings. If you have enjoyed my posts and want to continue exploring attachment parenting and balancing work join me at my new home away from home. Hope to see you there.
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 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!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Irresponsibility on Television: Sleep Training
There are only a few shows that I watch on a somewhat regular basis - mostly because I don't have time anymore. If I do get the opportunity and the urge to start bedtime is not an overwhelming draw I will sit and watch something. I had such an opportunity tonight and now I wish I hadn't. Fox has some hits and misses.
I love Glee and had grown fond of Raising Hope the show about a single dad raising his daughter while living with his young parents and crazy grandmother. Most of the time the show presents parenting situations in a funny and amusing way. This episode was not one of them. It was about their attempts to 'sleep train' Hope. The parents are friends with an affluent couple who appears to have it all together. They get into a conversation and suggest that the family sleep-train Hope so they can make her more independent and a self-soother. Typically that particular family is held as a comparison to the main family as they look like they have it all together but they have managed to create a jerk of a son and are materialistic. While the main family might struggle with finances but their son is being responsible for his child and is a genuinely nice person.
I love Glee and had grown fond of Raising Hope the show about a single dad raising his daughter while living with his young parents and crazy grandmother. Most of the time the show presents parenting situations in a funny and amusing way. This episode was not one of them. It was about their attempts to 'sleep train' Hope. The parents are friends with an affluent couple who appears to have it all together. They get into a conversation and suggest that the family sleep-train Hope so they can make her more independent and a self-soother. Typically that particular family is held as a comparison to the main family as they look like they have it all together but they have managed to create a jerk of a son and are materialistic. While the main family might struggle with finances but their son is being responsible for his child and is a genuinely nice person.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Quick Travel Tips from the Road
Forgive the quality of my photo - we are enroute home. So I wanted to share the little wisdom I have garnered from this trip before it escapes my road-weary mind. Here are my tips for traveling with toddlers, they are in no particular order.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
(Almost) Wordless Wednesday: Rest Stop Break
We stopped during our drive for a little fun. I think this was about 19 hours into our drive. Little Man slept most of the way and only one meltdown which was quickly remedied by Mama sitting in the back to make silly faces and hand out cheesy bunnies. On Friday we'll be doing it all again so wish us luck.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Monday, April 18, 2011
Call for Submissions for Monday's Mamas
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Wordless Wednesday: Boba Sleep
We move and breathe together
it is a rhythm we create
mine slow and deep - your's soft and sweet.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
This Moment: Tuesday
Today we shall talk about the best part of my work day. Picking you up from daycare. Even though you are only at daycare for two hours and the teachers there are wonderful with you. I still wish it was not necessary to send you there. After a long day apart the highlight of my afternoon is the smile on your face when you notice I'm there.
Monday, February 21, 2011
This Moment: Monday
Sunday, February 20, 2011
This Moment: Sunday
Today Little Man, I wanted to share our sleep. From the moment you were born I couldn't take my eyes off of you. After what felt like an eternity when they had you in the nursery to run their tests and clean you up - finally they brought you back. You were asleep in the hospital bassinet.
So quiet, so still. If I wasn't already completely in love with you, I was now. Everyone told me to sleep, when you sleep. How could I? That would mean I wouldn't be able to study your face and commit it all to memory. To be honest another reason I watched you so much when you were brand new was to make sure you were ok.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
This Moment:Saturday
On Friday, Little Man will be one! I'm not sure how I feel about it, and I'm sure most moms feel the same way.
So I'm going to try for this week to do a series of posts about moments in our life. Today's post will be about nap-time. Which, to be honest he isn't doing much of.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
CNP: I cannot imagine parenting without ________.
Welcome to the February Carnival of Natural Parenting: Parenting Essentials
This post was written for inclusion in the monthly Carnival of Natural Parenting hosted by Code Name: Mama and Hobo Mama. This month our participants have shared the parenting essentials that they could not live without. Please read to the end to find a list of links to the other carnival participants.
***
When this prompt came across my screen for The Carnival of Natural Parenting I got two gut responses. The first one being the identity of my parenting essential - the second being what would the reaction be to that item that I identify as the one thing I could not parent without. I decided that it was too important to my story to not write about this and really to heck with the people that might feel that I should not be writing about this for a blog carnival for natural parenting ideals.
This post was written for inclusion in the monthly Carnival of Natural Parenting hosted by Code Name: Mama and Hobo Mama. This month our participants have shared the parenting essentials that they could not live without. Please read to the end to find a list of links to the other carnival participants.
***
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
When Growing Up Means Growing Out of Routines
 |
| A much happier Little Man |
So we have been going along happily with a plan and following our routine that we have grown accustomed to and out of nowhere[1] Little Man decides this plan doesn't work anymore. At this point there are two choices for me - and you if you find yourself in the same situation, fight or embrace the change. There is also an important opportunity which can test the muster of our parenting skills for the future.
Monday, January 31, 2011
What My Selfishness Did Last Night
I'm actually writing this right after this happened but I am holding it for posting until tomorrow. I need to talk about it but I feel it is to important for me to hide it tonight. I was selfish tonight and it hurt my relationship with Little Man. I grew impatient and put my needs before my child's and in turn lost something tonight that I treasured. I am most certainly not looking to be forgiven either for what I did. This post is for me so that I will not forget what I did tonight and the immediate consequences of my actions.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Perspective from the greatest Mother and former First Lady
"If you bungle raising your kids, I don't think whatever else you do matters very much." Jaclyn Kennedy Onassis
I came across this quote on a friend's facebook page this morning during one of my pump sessions at work. I was sitting here fuming about a coworker that shifts her work responsibility onto others through the guise of delegating or trying to give everyone ownership in the department policies but in reality she just wants someone else to do her work. In the past this has typically fallen on me because I am a people pleaser (read doormat). But I'm tired.
Most of my efforts are going into raising my son, then there is a rotating tie between hubby, responsibilities of a classroom teacher and coaching and then everything else falls as it comes up. I spend most times putting out the little fires just enough that I can get through my day and nothing more because I want to channel my energy where it really matters, my son.
So this quote really came swooping in at a time I needed it most. First so I didn't feel so guilty for feeling the way I did and secondly to have the guts to for once tell her where she can stick her thinly veiled attempts at getting everyone else to do her work and then not giving credit to those that do it. I've got milk to make and a baby to entertain!
I came across this quote on a friend's facebook page this morning during one of my pump sessions at work. I was sitting here fuming about a coworker that shifts her work responsibility onto others through the guise of delegating or trying to give everyone ownership in the department policies but in reality she just wants someone else to do her work. In the past this has typically fallen on me because I am a people pleaser (read doormat). But I'm tired.
Most of my efforts are going into raising my son, then there is a rotating tie between hubby, responsibilities of a classroom teacher and coaching and then everything else falls as it comes up. I spend most times putting out the little fires just enough that I can get through my day and nothing more because I want to channel my energy where it really matters, my son.
So this quote really came swooping in at a time I needed it most. First so I didn't feel so guilty for feeling the way I did and secondly to have the guts to for once tell her where she can stick her thinly veiled attempts at getting everyone else to do her work and then not giving credit to those that do it. I've got milk to make and a baby to entertain!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Where Have I Been...?
If I only had time to really answer that question. Being a mom, wife, career woman and blogger just isn't as easy as it looks. Right now bedtime is not going as smoothly as it should. Which will probably cause me to lose my train of thought as I pause to get up to answer his calls. Right now what he wants is for me to rub his back while he stares at me to make sure I don't leave. Cute but not so great for my work obligations or pumping schedule.
I've been reflecting and I don't like being the night time parent. My husband works 3-Midnight and is with Little Man during the day while I'm at work. I pick Little Man up from daycare at 6 and start bedtime around 8 and he's usually out before 9. So really if I'm lucky I only get 5 hours of quality awake time with him a night. My thought now is I'm eating my words as it is 10 of 11 and he now just went to sleep and my arm is pretty much dead weight from the back rubbing.
So what strange and interesting highlights can I fill you in on? Well Little Man has a grand total of four teeth that came at the expense of some much needed sleep. He has had his first ear infection which led to amoxicillin, diarrhea and then a disappointed and prolonged complaint from daycare. That complaint about him leaking through his diapers was three days long. They asked us to put him in plastic pants, to which I said no because of latex. My hubby's solution was to "double wrap" him and put another diaper cover over the bumgeniuses. As you can guess that led to diaper rash and my putting my foot down and refusing to allow the ridiculous second cover any longer. This also meant that at night I broke down and used some disposables in order to really cover him in diaper cream. Another great thing the diarrhea led to was the most expensive probiotic I have ever purchased. My sitter got sick on a day she was supposed to watch Little Man because I had a game and wouldn't be home in time. Frantic search for alternate care and my sister-in-law swooped in to save the day. Oh yeah and because I've not had enough down time at work, I have forgotten to drink my mother's milk tea there or take my fenugreek or even drink an adequate amount of water.
But really I realize that when I try to do my best with an area of my life other areas get neglected and being the type of mother that I am it usually means everything other then my son is on the back burner. My pumping schedule at work has left me little time to get my grading and paperwork done during my free periods, the fact that I only see my husband and son on weekends has pushed my desire to complete that work then even further back. I scoff at the idea of housework. As long as there aren't things living or growing where they shouldn't be I really could care less that is unless it's my pump station and parts. As you probably can guess my writing took a back burner to sleep. All I can really say is at the moment I still have my sanity even thought it may not seem like it. I'm not throwing in the nursing towel yet, however I did have to actually set myself a goal for the first time.
Currently my goal is to make it to a year, before this I didn't have a goal because I never even thought stopping before he was ready was an option I wanted. I still don't like it but I don't know if I can make it the next month let alone nurse for an extended period of time. Which by the way I would love to nurse him into toddlerhood.
So in answer finally to the question at hand, I've been everywhere and stretchinapologizeg myself thin but wishing I was home with Little Man and hubby. I apologize for the incoherent and
I've been reflecting and I don't like being the night time parent. My husband works 3-Midnight and is with Little Man during the day while I'm at work. I pick Little Man up from daycare at 6 and start bedtime around 8 and he's usually out before 9. So really if I'm lucky I only get 5 hours of quality awake time with him a night. My thought now is I'm eating my words as it is 10 of 11 and he now just went to sleep and my arm is pretty much dead weight from the back rubbing.
So what strange and interesting highlights can I fill you in on? Well Little Man has a grand total of four teeth that came at the expense of some much needed sleep. He has had his first ear infection which led to amoxicillin, diarrhea and then a disappointed and prolonged complaint from daycare. That complaint about him leaking through his diapers was three days long. They asked us to put him in plastic pants, to which I said no because of latex. My hubby's solution was to "double wrap" him and put another diaper cover over the bumgeniuses. As you can guess that led to diaper rash and my putting my foot down and refusing to allow the ridiculous second cover any longer. This also meant that at night I broke down and used some disposables in order to really cover him in diaper cream. Another great thing the diarrhea led to was the most expensive probiotic I have ever purchased. My sitter got sick on a day she was supposed to watch Little Man because I had a game and wouldn't be home in time. Frantic search for alternate care and my sister-in-law swooped in to save the day. Oh yeah and because I've not had enough down time at work, I have forgotten to drink my mother's milk tea there or take my fenugreek or even drink an adequate amount of water.
But really I realize that when I try to do my best with an area of my life other areas get neglected and being the type of mother that I am it usually means everything other then my son is on the back burner. My pumping schedule at work has left me little time to get my grading and paperwork done during my free periods, the fact that I only see my husband and son on weekends has pushed my desire to complete that work then even further back. I scoff at the idea of housework. As long as there aren't things living or growing where they shouldn't be I really could care less that is unless it's my pump station and parts. As you probably can guess my writing took a back burner to sleep. All I can really say is at the moment I still have my sanity even thought it may not seem like it. I'm not throwing in the nursing towel yet, however I did have to actually set myself a goal for the first time.
Currently my goal is to make it to a year, before this I didn't have a goal because I never even thought stopping before he was ready was an option I wanted. I still don't like it but I don't know if I can make it the next month let alone nurse for an extended period of time. Which by the way I would love to nurse him into toddlerhood.
So in answer finally to the question at hand, I've been everywhere and stretchinapologizeg myself thin but wishing I was home with Little Man and hubby. I apologize for the incoherent and
Sunday, September 5, 2010
My Yogi Tea's Profound Though for the Day
I drink Yogi tea Nursing Mother Support pretty regularly. It tastes good and I feel it helps with my supply. I have been drinking Yogi tea since I was pregnant and my OB told me I could no longer enjoy my regular tea or my favorite herbals because of the risks to my growing baby. The tea has a little thought on the paper tab that are like little nuggets of good thoughts for your day or moment that you are enjoying the tea.
So what was my thought provoking tidbit for the day? "Happiness comes from overcoming the most impossible challenges." What a perfect quote for a breastfeeding support tea. Nursing is by no means an easy feat for most mothers and babies.
I myself have gone to the end of the world and back just to participate in this natural and loving gift for my son. We had weight gain issues for the first two months of his life. I struggled to stay awake and calm for the first week when he screamed non-stop during feedings. I pumped exclusively and was a slave to that machine for two months of his life. I started back at square one when at two months my supply dipped and I figured I'd better give this one last shot of natural nursing before I give up on the whole thing. I did this all with painful bleeding nipples because I did not know that I didn't have a correct latch and on top of that really bad thrush. But we as a team prevailed through and have developed a nursing relationship that I cherish every day when I get the privilege of watching him watch me while he eats the best stuff I can offer him.
So here I am again about to enter another trial by fire challenge for us with nursing as I reenter the workforce on Tuesday. All week I've been at my wit's end because my little one has been waking during the night to feed and then again in the morning as Mama is trying to get out the door for preseason practice. This has made pumping difficult to say the least. I have a supply built up of at least 40 ounces so I have that to fall back on and If I can get 2-3 pumping sessions from the time he goes to bed to when I'm walking out the door and then the 3 possibly 4 pumps at work I should be fine. Again I have to put things that are out of my control out of my head, if it's meant to be then it will be.
The other the thing that has me concerned is my hubby and his ability to handle his new responsibilities. I got very upset last night over something as trivial as turning off the fan in Little Man's room when it was bedtime. I was fuming because I had to stop nursing to get up turn the switch back on which blasted us with light and then pull the chain to turn off the light and keep the fan on. I'm thinking, "doesn't he care about our baby?" "Haven't I explained up and down about the risk of SIDS and what we can do to prevent it?" "For two weeks now he has gotten up with the baby, didn't he see the fan is on and the humidifier?" "My husband sleeps with a fan, why wouldn't he have the baby sleep with a fan?" Well of course my husband knows this stuff he just forgot. Do I really need to freak out, probably not. But it is just one more of those things I need to learn how to deal with so I can go to work and feel if not confident, at the least at ease that they will be fine without me. Which they will. I'll make sure of it.
So what was my thought provoking tidbit for the day? "Happiness comes from overcoming the most impossible challenges." What a perfect quote for a breastfeeding support tea. Nursing is by no means an easy feat for most mothers and babies.
I myself have gone to the end of the world and back just to participate in this natural and loving gift for my son. We had weight gain issues for the first two months of his life. I struggled to stay awake and calm for the first week when he screamed non-stop during feedings. I pumped exclusively and was a slave to that machine for two months of his life. I started back at square one when at two months my supply dipped and I figured I'd better give this one last shot of natural nursing before I give up on the whole thing. I did this all with painful bleeding nipples because I did not know that I didn't have a correct latch and on top of that really bad thrush. But we as a team prevailed through and have developed a nursing relationship that I cherish every day when I get the privilege of watching him watch me while he eats the best stuff I can offer him.
So here I am again about to enter another trial by fire challenge for us with nursing as I reenter the workforce on Tuesday. All week I've been at my wit's end because my little one has been waking during the night to feed and then again in the morning as Mama is trying to get out the door for preseason practice. This has made pumping difficult to say the least. I have a supply built up of at least 40 ounces so I have that to fall back on and If I can get 2-3 pumping sessions from the time he goes to bed to when I'm walking out the door and then the 3 possibly 4 pumps at work I should be fine. Again I have to put things that are out of my control out of my head, if it's meant to be then it will be.
The other the thing that has me concerned is my hubby and his ability to handle his new responsibilities. I got very upset last night over something as trivial as turning off the fan in Little Man's room when it was bedtime. I was fuming because I had to stop nursing to get up turn the switch back on which blasted us with light and then pull the chain to turn off the light and keep the fan on. I'm thinking, "doesn't he care about our baby?" "Haven't I explained up and down about the risk of SIDS and what we can do to prevent it?" "For two weeks now he has gotten up with the baby, didn't he see the fan is on and the humidifier?" "My husband sleeps with a fan, why wouldn't he have the baby sleep with a fan?" Well of course my husband knows this stuff he just forgot. Do I really need to freak out, probably not. But it is just one more of those things I need to learn how to deal with so I can go to work and feel if not confident, at the least at ease that they will be fine without me. Which they will. I'll make sure of it.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Oh, the lengths I will go to for a smile.
So I've been MIA for a bit because I felt sleep was more important for me then getting on the computer. My mom feels neglected because she loves to video chat with Little Man. So after getting to bed myself last night at 9 pm which by they way I haven't done since before high school I feel rested enough to blog about my progress so far. As far as production I've been doing pretty well. I am able to get up around 3 am and get a pump in. Then I get up at 6 for the start of my day and have time for another pump which gives my hubby the two bottles he needs while I'm at practice plus a little extra for those just in case moments. If he doesn't use it I can put it in the freezer for my "peace-of-mind" stash which, is what I have been calling it these days.
Little Man has been oh, how should I put this? A little wild to put it gently. He has decided that Daddy does not or should not be feeding him baby food and will spit the food at him and push back in the high chair and growl, for lack of a better word until he turns red in the face and Daddy gives up. He does not do this to me except if Daddy is in the same room. I think it's my husband's apprehension in the food department that my dear sweet little boy is picking up on.
However I think the next interesting behavior I have myself to blame. He has spent the better part of the past two days wanting no part of any activity we try to involve him in. We put him on his play-mat to practice crawling he flattens out and screams until we get him. Our arms need a break so we attempt to put him in the jumper, "nothing doing Mama and Daddy get me outta here," cries the Little Man. I try the swing the little legs start kicking and the arms push the tray away.
Nursing has turned into a three ring circus. My 6 month old is no longer happy to just rest and relax in my arms while nursing. No, this little acrobat wants to kneel and stand while nursing. It wasn't actually all that difficult but I did have to get creative with how I was going to defy gravity and save myself a sore nipple in the process. I wish my hubby had been there to see it. My mom got to see him try to do it again this evening while we finally video chatted. It's more she chats with Little Man and I'm there to make sure the screen doesn't go dark and he doesn't fall off my lap trying to get to her through the screen. My poor dad has to check if he can come in because he doesn't mind if I'm nursing and he's here in person but he doesn't feel comfortable staring at me nursing over the computer.
So how am I coping with this change in attitude from my usually calm, content baby? I am making up ridiculous songs and dances in an effort to entertain and stall the meltdown until I can figure out what my next move is before he explodes. The latest was the "Bad Daddy" song which was started in my effort to find a cold teething ring because his top front teeth and giving him a real hard time as they work their way into his mouth. Everything is shoved into the mouth and then he screams even louder. So this silly song about how Daddy forgot to put a teething ring in the fridge for us was a hit for the 30 seconds it took me to grab a facecloth and an ice cube to try to help with those teeth. My husband not as big a fan of the song though and has threatened to make a companion song called "Bad Mommy" But hey whatever works right?
Almost forgot I do have one go to savior of the day in this new I'm not happy with anything stage, Ollie. Ollie is our little orange kitten who is Little Man's favorite friend. He loves to pet Ollie or grab Ollie's fur, ears, tail etc. and try to put him in his mouth. Tonight was so cute, Ollie brought Little Man a mouse and they played together. What I was even more impressed with was that the cat didn't one use his claws while they played and I got to eat my dinner. I have it on video because I know hubby won't believe it unless he sees it sorry I can't share it on here for some reason it won't let me load it.
Little Man has been oh, how should I put this? A little wild to put it gently. He has decided that Daddy does not or should not be feeding him baby food and will spit the food at him and push back in the high chair and growl, for lack of a better word until he turns red in the face and Daddy gives up. He does not do this to me except if Daddy is in the same room. I think it's my husband's apprehension in the food department that my dear sweet little boy is picking up on.
However I think the next interesting behavior I have myself to blame. He has spent the better part of the past two days wanting no part of any activity we try to involve him in. We put him on his play-mat to practice crawling he flattens out and screams until we get him. Our arms need a break so we attempt to put him in the jumper, "nothing doing Mama and Daddy get me outta here," cries the Little Man. I try the swing the little legs start kicking and the arms push the tray away.
Nursing has turned into a three ring circus. My 6 month old is no longer happy to just rest and relax in my arms while nursing. No, this little acrobat wants to kneel and stand while nursing. It wasn't actually all that difficult but I did have to get creative with how I was going to defy gravity and save myself a sore nipple in the process. I wish my hubby had been there to see it. My mom got to see him try to do it again this evening while we finally video chatted. It's more she chats with Little Man and I'm there to make sure the screen doesn't go dark and he doesn't fall off my lap trying to get to her through the screen. My poor dad has to check if he can come in because he doesn't mind if I'm nursing and he's here in person but he doesn't feel comfortable staring at me nursing over the computer.
So how am I coping with this change in attitude from my usually calm, content baby? I am making up ridiculous songs and dances in an effort to entertain and stall the meltdown until I can figure out what my next move is before he explodes. The latest was the "Bad Daddy" song which was started in my effort to find a cold teething ring because his top front teeth and giving him a real hard time as they work their way into his mouth. Everything is shoved into the mouth and then he screams even louder. So this silly song about how Daddy forgot to put a teething ring in the fridge for us was a hit for the 30 seconds it took me to grab a facecloth and an ice cube to try to help with those teeth. My husband not as big a fan of the song though and has threatened to make a companion song called "Bad Mommy" But hey whatever works right?
Almost forgot I do have one go to savior of the day in this new I'm not happy with anything stage, Ollie. Ollie is our little orange kitten who is Little Man's favorite friend. He loves to pet Ollie or grab Ollie's fur, ears, tail etc. and try to put him in his mouth. Tonight was so cute, Ollie brought Little Man a mouse and they played together. What I was even more impressed with was that the cat didn't one use his claws while they played and I got to eat my dinner. I have it on video because I know hubby won't believe it unless he sees it sorry I can't share it on here for some reason it won't let me load it.
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