Roots Mamas: Having a baby is natural!

Roots Mamas are on Facebook!!! Like us for FREE stuff!

2011-02-19T19:34:00.000-08:00

That's right we're finally on Facebook & to celebrate we will be doing giveaways for every 100 people who “like” us (well our first giveaways are at 25 & 50 but you get the drift)! I'm so excited because I'll be able to really connect with all my other Mamas!
Roots Mamas unite! :)

On the FB page I will be posting all the FREE stuff I find that is new & fresh (ie giveaways or deals that have short deadlines). Facebook allows me to quickly and easily get out information to you. Whereas the blog will continue to be smaller than most blogs, to give you easy access to the info you want. Roots Mamas FB page will also have info & tips to help you. But I need your help too! Please leave your tips, questions & suggestions for us & other Mamas.

At this writing, we only need 9 more LIKES until our first freebie. We're starting the giveaways at 25 cuz we need 25 LIKES to get our own FB url (ie facebook.com/ RootsMamas). Help a Mama out! Giveaway winners will be chosen through random.org. And you could win more than once! So if you wanna win....spread the word! The faster we hit those numbers, the faster we’ll be giving great stuff out!

PS For an extra entry follow us here on our blog & leave us a comment to let us know you did.

And the giveaways are.....
(see all pix below)

UPDATE: Thx to ALL we now have a FB URL: facebook.com/RootsMamas!! Yay! & Our 1st winner was announced (see FB)!
25 “likes” = randomly selected winner gets free peacock feather headband

50 “likes” = randomly selected winner gets free Bon Bebe infant "shoe" socks (choose pink or blue)

100 “likes” = randomly selected winner gets free Princess Tiana necklace or Toy Story bowl

200 “likes” = randomly selected winner gets Dr. Suess's "There's a Wocket in My Pocket" book

300 “likes” = randomly selected winner gets free Eric Carle's "The Mixed-up Chameleon" book

400 “likes” = randomly selected winner gets free "Creepy Crawly Calypso" sing along CD & book (from the JAMaROO Kids Barefoot Books store)

500 “likes” = randomly selected winner gets free Putumayo "Caribbean Playground" CD (from the JAMaROO Kids Barefoot Books store)

600 “likes” = randomly selected winner gets free pair of Baby Legs (choose Sprinkles or Block design) www.babylegs.com

700 “likes” = randomly selected winner gets free SozzoniStyle childs apron (my sister makes these!! on Etsy.com) (choose design of your choice) the one pictured is named after my dtr & she makes cute adult aprons too!

800 “likes” = randomly selected winner gets free Essiedesigns nursing cover (on Etsy.com) (choose design of your choice)

900 “likes” = randomly selected winner gets free "Business of Being Born" DVD

1000 “likes” = randomly selected winner gets free SmallWish sling (on Etsy.com) (choose design of your choice)

50 FREE Holiday Cards from ShutterFly!!

2010-12-03T10:24:00.000-08:00

This post has been moved to our "Roots Mama's Contests & Giveaways" Page HERE: http://rootsmamas.blogspot.com/p/roots-mamas-contests.html

or click on link on upper left side of our blog :)

Our 1st Giveaway: Nature's Gate Kid's Block Giggleberry Scent SPF 30 Sunscreen! ($8.99 value)

2010-07-10T13:22:00.000-07:00

This post has been moved to our "Roots Mama's Contests & Giveaways" Page HERE: http://rootsmamas.blogspot.com/p/roots-mamas-contests.html

or click on link on upper left side of our blog :)

FREE FAMILY FUN!

2010-06-27T00:47:00.000-07:00

So keeping in the spirit of getting back to our roots, I've compiled a list of FREE family fun. If you're anything like me, funds can be tight raising a lil' one. But don't let that get you down, it just means you have to be a little more creative. Just remember the wee ones are quite easily amused & everything is new to them.

1. youtube JaMaROOkids page:
All kinds of INTERACTIVE stories, songs, dances & yoga for children ages 0-5 or so
I'm officially a JaMaROO teacher now too (& loving it yay!) Believe me I know what your thinking, you work for them, you would recommend them. BUT...I do what I LOVE and believe in & my daughter LOVES the youtubes. Also check out the website JaMaROOkids.com We can come & teach a class at your school or daycare (we're in over 50 child care facilities in the Bay Area)

2. I say this one a lot: go to your LOCAL LIBRARY. Not only are there usually tons of free classes for babies & children, it's a great way to get in touch w/ other parents & children and your community. Plus it encourages literacy at an early age. At our library they have these cute lil backpacks (Fun Packs) filled w/ books & a cd. My daughter LOVES wearing the backpack & gets so excited about the new music & books. Speaking of music don't forget you can check out not only books for free but music & dvds too! WE HEART LIBRARIES

3. Need something close by, free & something your lil one is sure to love? Take a safari to the PET STORE. It's really like a mini zoo trip for them, without the planning & expense, woo hoo! Plus if you have any pets just plan a trip when you're low on supplies & you've killed 2 birds with one stone.

4. If you have an IKEA nearby, not only will your fam have fun walking around but don't forget about the kids department where tons of toys are on display just for your child to explore & play with. My daughter & I spent a long afternoon in the kids department goofing around. It's even fun for them to explore the display kids rooms. They stock the rooms with books (in Swedish, fresh!) so we looked at them & my daughter wanted to try every bed!

5. Speaking of stores, need a lil break after doing some shopping at the MALL? Don't forget the home furnishings sections at the department store, couches galore for resting & since it's new to your child they're sure to be entertained. While you're at the mall, some more fav's of my daughter: the escalator, the elevator, & look for kid friendly stores that might interest them. Some malls have FREE kiddie events too.
Kids Club Bayfair. Bayfair Mall offers monthly performances and events for kids in its Center Court. There’s also an indoor play area nearby. One Sat. per month. 11am. 15555 East 14th St., San Leandro. 510-357-6000. Bayfair.mallfinder.com.
Simon Kidgits Club. Free monthly events from shows to arts and crafts. Hilltop Mall, 2200 Hilltop Mall Road, Richmond, 510-223-1933; Stoneridge Mall, One Stoneridge Mall, Pleasanton. 925-463-2778.
Simon.com/kidgits.

6. Go to a PARK or FARM! Picnic & play! Classic & your kids will thank you. Get outdoors! Here's some FREE fun ones in the EAST Bay:
Loma Vista Farm www.lomavistafarm.org "Fertile ground for growing minds. An outdoor classroom for kids that provides hands-on educational activities involving plants and animals." They have cows, pigs, goats, horses, sheep, alpaca, cats, rabbits, birds, turtles, gardens, a greenhouse & more! I've lived in Vallejo 6 years & just recently found out about them!! Open 9a-2:30 pm M-F & select weekends, closed VCUSD holidays (chk website) (707) 556-8765 150 Ranier Ave. Vallejo, CA
Old Borges Ranch. Learn what it was like to live and work on a family ranch in the late 19th century on a ranger-guided tour. Fourth Sat. of each month at 2pm. 1035 Castle Rock Road, Walnut Creek. 925-942-0225. Walnut-creek.org.
Adventure Playground. Build your own playground structures or ride the zip line. Sat. and Sun., 11-4. (Varies seasonally.) Berkeley Marina, Berkeley. 510-981- 6700. Ci.berkeley.ca.us.
Cal Sailing Club. From May through Nov., the Cal Sailing Club offers free sailing on the bay at several Sunday Open Houses. Children must be at least 5 years old and with an adult.124 University Ave., Berkeley. Cal-sailing.org.
Little Farm. Visiting and feeding the animals at Tilden Park’s Little Farm is always free. Lettuce and celery only, please. Daily, 8:30am-4pm. North end of Central Park Drive, Berkeley. 510-544-2233. Ebparks.org.
Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center. Offers lots of free guided hikes, leopard shark feeding and more. Open Sat. and Sun., 10am-5pm. 4901 Breakwater Ave. 510-670-7270. Haywardrec.org.
In SF they do: Sunday Streets. 6 times a year, the streets of Golden Gate Park are closed to traffic for tons of FREE fun from bike rentals to skating lessons to yoga classes. Lincoln Way at the Great Hwy sundaystreetssf.com
In Marin theres: Wild Care Family Adventures. This urban wildlife rehabilitation center offers monthly FREE guided hikes for families in English & Spanish. 451-453-1000 wildcarebayarea.org
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Preserves. Offers numerous free activities, including guided hikes and bike rides. Some activities require reservations. Various preserves from San Carlos to Los Gatos. Openspace.org.

7. Take a trip to the BEACH or if you're like us in Vallejo, you can go down to the waterfront & ride bikes/scooters/wagons/strollers etc or fly a kite or play with a ball on the grass or just lay down & look at the clouds.

8. FOUNTAINS! We have some in nearby downtown Fairfield that come straight up from the ground & kids from all over come to play in them, & you don't have to be a big kid to enjoy them, I took my daughter when she was under a year & she enjoyed it. Find some in you area...

9. Take your sweetie to a NURSERY or even the garden section of your local superstore. Refreshing, fragrant & tactile. Stop & smell the flowers!! The San Francisco Botanical garden has FREE family storytime & guided walk. Ages 4-8. 1st & 3rd sundays every month. 9th Ave at Lincoln Way 415-661-1316 sfbotanicalgarden.org

10. Find a free kids center in your area, we have Happy Frog (a indoor jumpy house place, free for children 2 & under).

11. Your local Farmer's Market is also a fun place to explore from a child's point of view. They'll be happy people watching, taking in all the sights & sounds & sometimes there's animals to look at or other children's events going on. Not to mention you can go up & down sampling everything & stocking up on local fruits, veggies & other wares.

12. Speaking of FREE SAMPLES, if you have a Whole Foods in your area, go in for some free samples. They have large sample portions (we had a huge cup of tomato, basil, mozzerella salad, all kinds of fruits & cheese too)! Delicious & nutritious!!

13. PLAY, PLAY, PLAY! Playing is your child's "work", it's how they grow smarter, stronger, healthier & happier! Here's some things at home to play with: spoons, plastic or metal bowls, empty pie tins, paper or plastic cups, paper towel tubes, empty boxes, empty baskets, measuring cups/spoons, pots & pans, oatmeal box, pillows, sock balls, dress up clothes, & bubbles. So turn on some music, make a band, dance & PLAY!
((Get out some art or make a homemade instrument. Check back soon for my post on how to make homemade instruments & art fun!))

The SFMOMA has Famliy Studio. Explore art through hands on projects, gallery tours & more at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. 1st & 3rd sun of every month 11a-3p ages 4-12. Program & museum admission both FREE. 151 3rd St 415-357-4000 sfmoma.com
Free Kids Play Group: City of Alameda Free Play Group for children 2 1/2 to 5 years old, starting this fall. Field trips, fun hands-on activities (arts, science, math exploration, tiny chefs kitchen, literacy). Snacks provided. Tuesday class taught in English; Thursday class bilingual Spanish. 9/7/10 through 11/18/10.
Los Tamborcitos Spanish Music Class. You and your child under 5 can join in a weekly Spanish singalong. Every Mon. at 10am. Parque Niños Unidos, 23rd and Folsom streets. Sfnpc.org/parkkiosk/ parque_ninos_unidos.
Dancing on the Square. Kick your heels up with free weekly dance lessons on Tuesdays at 6pm. June-Aug. Courthouse Square, 2200 Broadway St., Redwood City.
Berkeley Rep. Become part of the action at the berkeley Repertory School of Theater Sunday Sampler, with several free classes for families. 1pm on Jan. 10 and April 4. 2071 Addison St., Berkeley. 510-647-2972. Berkeleyrep.org

14. Speaking of the arts, most MUSEUMS have a FREE day once a month but here's some that are always FREE.
SF has Randall Museum. Includes a caboose, wild native California animals and a Toddler Treehouse Exploration Zone. 99 Museum Way. 415-554-9600. Randallmuseum.org.
Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo. Has more than 50 species of animals in its outdoor zoo and 2,500 feet of hands-on exhibits indoors. 1451 Middlefi eld Road, Palo Alto. 650-329-2111. Cityofpaloalto.org.
Hayward Downtown Museum. Children can learn the history of the area with costumes, books and more in the Curiosity Clubhouse. 22701 Main St., Hayward. 510- 581-0223. Haywardareahistory.org.
Chabot Space and Science Center. Free viewing from Chabot’s telescopes, among the largest in the country regularly open to the public. Fri. and Sat., 7:30-10:30 pm, weather permitting. 1000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. 510-336-7300. Chabotspace.org.

15. Look for your local ACTIVITY GUIDE, if there's a free activity going on in your community, it's usually in there. They post things such as FREE MUSIC IN THE PARK & OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHTS.

16. And lastly remember to set some time aside for yourself. Here's an idea: Free Cooking Class at Williams-Sonoma! The store offers FREE cooking classes. Sign up early because classes fill up. Call your nearest Bay Area location for details and schedule.

SUMMER UPDATE: If you have older kids here's some promotions going on just for the summer: Free Family Film Festival from Regal "We have planned a fun-filled summer of select movies for kids and parents. Regal has proudly offered this free summer fun since 1991. Oh, did we mention that it’s FREE!"

Free bowling for kids here: www.kidsbowlfree.com to see if there's one in your area. And if you want a Buy 1 Get 1 FREE coupon for bowling click here. All you have to do is pay for a bowling game & you’ll get a coupon for a FREE game. Just sign up for AMF Bowling’s e-club & you’ll be sent periodic coupons & discounts throughout the year.

REI’s Passport to Adventure Program An incentive program for kids ages 5-12 to encourage them to get out with their families on bike rides, hikes, nature walks & more. They can earn a free prize by documenting their activities for the summer. You can also find out some great information about local hikes, walks, bike trails & more on their website. Find out more HERE.

Free Kids Books from Borders: Kids 12 and under get a Free Book when they read 10 (no purchase needed). Borders double dog dares them. (Just fill out the form listing the books and take it to the store.) Good through 8/26/10.

Try a U-Pick Farm! It's not free (but it's cheaper), such a fun activity for kids to be involved in picking raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, peaches & more ; Pickyourown.org is a great resource to find U-pick farms; prices should be lower when you pick them yourselves, too. (some farms are year round too!)

Don't forget about the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk go here to their coupons & discounts page for their goodies. They also have a bunch of FREE events HERE such as FREE Friday Bands on the beach, Circo Brazil & Goonies Movie Night. Here's my fav:

1907 Nights - Mondays & Tuesdays after 5pm
June 21 - Aug. 31, 2010

After 5pm, all Boardwalk rides are just $1 each! Hot dogs, Pepsi brand fountain drinks and cotton candy are also just $1 each.

PEPSI Nights - Wednesdays & Thursdays after 5pm
June 23 - Sept. 2, 2010

After 5pm exchange an empty Pepsi can for an Unlimited Rides wristband for only $9.95 + tax!

Also found that Cinemark theaters will be offering a great summer movie program. It's not FREE but pretty close. They are offering 10 kid-friendly movies (rated G or PG), priced at $1/ ticket. However, if you buy tickets for all 10 movies at once, you only have to pay $5 total – which means 50 cents/movie ticket! See all the details HERE. And AMC is offering the same type of deal HERE.

Thanks Thrifty NW Mom & Michael Finney!

ONGOING FREE EVENTS FOR OLDER CHILDREN

Free Crafts Workshops at Michaels: The crafts store offers Free crafts workshops for kids, with a different make it/take it theme each month.
Free Build & Grow Kids Workshops for kids: Lowe’s Free Build & Grow Workshops for kids are offered on some Saturdays. (Check your local store).
Free Kids Workshops at Home Depot – Free kids workshop first Saturday of every month from 9am-noon.
Free Fishing Clinics: Learn to fish for free in 45 -minute beginner clinics offered by the Department of Fish & Game. Available free at Bay Area lakes in Campbell, Fremont, Novato, San Rafael, Vallejo & Milpitas. (May be a parking fee.) Covers basics of fishing including knots, casting, rigging, safety, & ethics. Equipment and tackle provided. Each adult may bring up to 2 children and a driver’s license for rod loan.
Free Movies Online: Hulu.com.

Oh AND don't forget to check out this fabulous site: Bay Area on the Cheap! TONS of FREEBIES , a complete listing of all FREE museum/attraction days, cheap dates, cheap gas finder, 1/2 price on tickets & MORE MORE MORE!! Can't say enough about how great this site is!! Thanks bayareaonthecheap.com!

PLEASE let me know what your family does for free fun!

Would you breastfeed another woman's child??

2010-02-02T19:54:00.000-08:00

Salma Hayak did it. Would you? See my post on Salma HERE. As for me, I'm not one to just go around offering my breast to any baby I see but in a dire situation I def would help out. I must say, Miss Hayak is a very brave advocate for nursing moms. Go Salma, go Salma go! Your thoughts anyone? Leave your comments :)

Get FREE tix to Babes & Babies event for Roots Mamas readers!!

2009-09-22T13:40:00.000-07:00

New and expecting moms are invited to shop at Appel & Frank’s ‘Babes & Babies’ event, because their little ones should look as stylish as they do! The event will feature 50 designers and companies selling unique merchandise including baby clothing, accessories, books, art, resources and much more. In addition, there will be complimentary gift bags, therapeutic massages, and a photographer offering mini photo shoots.

The event will be held on Saturday, October 24 from 10:00am – 2:00pm at the JCC in San Francisco (3200 California Street @ Presidio). Tickets are FREE by entering the discount code ROOTS online at www.appelandfrank.com.

Welcome my lil acorn (My Birth Story)

2009-04-20T12:10:00.000-07:00

I am writing this to my daughter on the day of her birth one year later (her 1st b-day)

A leannan, mo chridhe,
My darling baby girl, I cannot believe how fast this last year has went. You have brought a joy & light to my life as no one else has. I want you to know how you came into the world. So I thought I'll write it down so I won't ever forget.

One year later is is still fresh in my mind....it was somewhere around 6am Sunday April 20th. We had been waiting for you for a while (I was about a week overdue, but due dates are never right anyway!) & on that Friday I started getting some braxton hicks contractions & the tell tale cleaning out of the body before birth (diarreah/vomiting). My doctor thought you were gonna come SOON so Grandmama came down that Friday so she wouln't miss anything! But you had another plan...Back to Sunday...there it was still dark in the early morning & I was pacing around our room feeling the contractions getting stronger & more regular. As they got stronger I went into my yoga poses to ease the pain. Although the pain was strong it was nothing unbearable.

A little while later Daddy & Grandmama were up & we knew it would be showtime soon. I fixed me some oatmeal & tea because I knew I would need to have strength, then when my contractions got 5 mins apart for 1 hour it was time to go to the hospital. But as we're going out the door we remembered we had to make a payment to make sure my website would continue to be up & running (it was expiring that day!). So I did that & then we we're out. That just shows you that even at that stage in labor, it does not have to be a crazy mad rush to the hospital. In between contractions I was calm & peaceful.

So there we were in the bright early morning Sunday around 9am, I went with Grandmama & Daddy took his car because we forgot the dog ran out of food, so he went down to the corner store to get that & then met us there. So we check in to the labor & delivery & are put in the triage room to see how far along I am (about 2-3 cm). The lady that is going to be there to help deliver you is a midwife, so I'm thinking yay we'll def be on the same page (and she was the same lady that had checked me the day before when i went in for a blood pressure check)!

Then we're waiting for the room to get set up & the midwife comes to check on me & as she's doing so my water breaks. The pain of labor is still not really that bad. So then we eagerly arrive in our "labor suite" I put out our birth plan & get comfortable. They try to put the fetal monitors on me but I say no I'm good (see why HERE, the 2nd to last paragraph) I wanna be able to move around. Then in comes Daddy piled high with all the goods. He had the birth ball, massage oil, snacks, card games to play in case of a long wait, overnight luggage & about 3 different fits (I couldn't decide which one you would wear!) & supplies for the new bundle of joy! Labor is getting stronger when in comes the nurse trying to get me to read some papers & I'm like "I can't even do this right now I'm in labor!" LOL Then peoples cell phones are going off & people are chatting, that was my one crazy woman in labor thing. "GET OUT WITH THE CELL PHONES!" I screamed. Then there was peace.

All of a sudden I hear a commotion & look to Daddy, behind his shades, long tears roll down his face as he announces his beloved Granny has just passed away. I go to his side, sit on his lap & comfort him. Then the contractions start getting stronger & closer together, I must return to my relaxation techniques. I'm listening to my music on the ipod, doing my yoga poses (mostly childs pose & cow) on the birthing bed. The pain came in waves that felt like VERY strong cramps. Now I don't know bout you but I thought you know, I would be walking around & using all those goodies your dad brought, but no not me. You were well on your way!

Suddenly I feel a shift in your position (like you're in the birth canal now!) & some more water coming out. I yelled out "Somethings coming out of me!" (to my credit I was in pain & I wasn't sure what the liquid was) but that will go down forever in history as the hilariously obvious moment that I announced to the world that you were about to come out. Well I really did feel like you were about to come out...anyways, Grandmama ran out to get help. Meanwhile I'm still on my hands & knees on the bed. All of a sudden I hear these click clack noises, I look back & they are setting up the stirrups (aaaa!) & they're telling me to turn around. I say "NO, I want the birthing bar!!" They keep telling me I gotta turn around but I refuse & keep repeating that. Then the midwife tells me you're about to come out & they don't have time to set it up. So, reluctantly I turn around.

I guess by "she's about to come out" meant another 30 minutes of pushing to her because that's what happened! Liars! I should have gone with my first instinct (Mama's Intuition) & refused to turn around. Anyways, Daddy was on one side & Grandmama was on the other & they wiped my brow & gave me sips of tea & helped me bring you into the world. The nurses put a mirror up so I could see you when I pushed & it's funny I remember the midwife was playing with your hair, twirling it around her gloved finger. Finally, after only 3 hours in the hospital, you came to us. Slimey, wet & beautiful, you were put in my arms.

Then, you pooped on me. But I didn't care one bit! My baby girl was here after months of waiting & wondering, you were HERE!! All I could do was smile & a feeling of serene joy filled the room. You were so aware & you stared right at me, eyes gleaming. It's funny, I don't know how people get babies mixed up. If they brought me back a different baby I would instantly know. It's like the moment I saw you, you were etched in my heart. A mother knows. That's what they say right? Does this happen to all mamas, I wonder? Then Daddy cut the cord & I, of course, started breastfeeding. For the first hour it was just me you Daddy & Grandmama. Major bonding time! Then Daddy & the nurse gave you a bath & we let everyone else in as they weighed you & took your measurements etc. Then they brought FOOD, heavenly food, so while loved ones were cooing & awwhing over you, I smashed on that feast! Later we were moved to our private room & after lots of visiting from family & friends, we all got to rest. AWWWHH, just us again, the sacred family bond of man, woman & child.

Te Amo,
Mama

PS So, even though I was on my back when I did the pushing (I know this is the reason why I ripped, yes OUCH!!!) I was so proud of the fact that I did it all with no drugs or pictocin & got you off to the best start in life possible!! And yes you have your great Granny's spirit! I came to find out later, that Granny passed around that same time my contractions started (this was told to me by Grandma M. as she woke up at the same time w/ stomach cramps that morning).

SHARE YOUR BIRTH STORY AT http://www.mybestbirth.com/
My Best Birth: "Take back your birth! Join the fastest growing community on the web. Get advice from experts & share your birth experience"

DID YOU KNOW....the United States has the 2nd worst newborn death rate in the developed world?? How horrible! Here's a MUST WATCH vid!! (see trailer below for The Business of Being Born movie)
"A MUST watch for all pregnant women & men and any one who's ever thought of having a child: The Business of Being Born.
Birth is a miracle, a rite of passage, a natural part of life. But birth is also big business. The film interlaces intimate birth stories with surprising historical, political and scientific insights and shocking statistics about the current maternity care system."
Watch the trailer here: http://www.thebusinessofbeingborn.com/trailer.php& my post about it HERE:

http://rootsmamas.blogspot.com/2008/07/roots-mama-recommendsbooksdvds-more.html

It ain't easy being GREEN (well..actually it is!!)

2009-04-19T10:51:00.000-07:00

That's right folks another journey back to our ROOTS...don't get caught up in the consumerism, it is easy going green. To prove it here's simple, economical (cha-ching) ways to do it:

CLEANING
All-purpose:
mix 1 part vinegar, 1 part water in spray bottle
spray away on glass, counter tops, toilets & more (don't use on marble)

Laundry:
add 1/2 cup vinegar during rinse cycle to soften clothing & cut down on odors

Bathroom:
baking soda & water to make paste to scrub fixtures & tile
you can also sprinkle baking soda in toilet bowl, add a splash of vinegar to make fizz & clean w/ toilet brush

Wood:
combine 2 parts lemon juice & 1 part olive oil
pour small amount on clean rag & use to polish finished wood surfaces

UPDATE: We just went more GREEN this weekend & set up clothes lines on our balcony . The whole family was excited & helped out getting the line & clothespins, then putting out our first items. It felt great!

DID YOU KNOW...
More than 1 million children between ages 1 & 5 ingest at least 15 pesticides every day from fruits & vegetables.

The Dirty Dozen
we all can't always buy organic so check this list to find what fruit/veggies are best to buy organic & whats ok to not.

Here's a FREE magazine subscription to KIWI "Growing families the natural & organic way" here

Here's a list of things you probably already know how to do to GO GREEN, but hey, you might not so....

Use reusable shopping bags & recycle your plastic grocery bags. It's best to recycle them but you can also reuse them, Target has these ideas on their bags: tiny trash can liner, doggy duty, soggy laundry, tomorrow's lunch bag & care package padding!

Replace those plastic water bottles with a reusable metal/aluminum bottle (i found one under $5 at walmart)

Start a compost with your food/kitchen scraps & use to fertilize your plants! (those of us in apartments well, you might think it's a little harder to do but if you have a balcony or patio you can still give it a try, go HERE for easiest/free way i've found)

Use rechargable batteries & recycle the old ones (look in phonebook to see how to recycle)

Replace all your light bulbs with energy efficient (& $ saving), compact fluorescent light bulbs or CFLs (they have them at dollar stores) Don't forget to recycle old bulbs those too! (who knew? i just saw this on the side of my light bulb box)

Avoid as much plastic use as you can. It never breaks down & is causing harm to our environment (& us). Instead choose renewable sources (ie paper etc) when you can.

Trade in your paper towels for cloth napkins & rags. We haven't fully converted yet (we have cloth rags & will be getting cloth napkins soon), but not hard to do. Use old tees etc for rags. Then you can get a yard or 2 of cotton fabric & cut squares (no sewing necessary depending on what kind of fabric you get) for your napkins!

MORE TO COME....

I Heart these (products i luv!)

2009-03-06T01:33:00.000-08:00

This posting has been combined with my "Roots Mama Recommends" posting for ease of reader use :) HERE
http://rootsmamas.blogspot.com/2008/07/roots-mama-recommendsbooksdvds-more.html

What is Attachment Parenting???

2008-09-09T22:46:00.000-07:00

From AskDrSears.com:
WHAT ATTACHMENT PARENTING IS –THE 7 BABY B'S

Attachment parenting is a style of caring for your infant that brings out the best in the baby and the best in the parents.
7 ATTACHMENT TOOLS: THE BABY B'S

1. Birth bonding
The way baby and parents get started with one another helps the early attachment unfold. The days and weeks after birth are a sensitive period in which mothers and babies are uniquely primed to want to be close to one another. A close attachment after birth and beyond allows the natural, biological attachment-promoting behaviors of the infant and the intuitive, biological, caregiving qualities of the mother to come together. Both members of this biological pair get off to the right start at a time when the infant is most needy and the mother is most ready to nurture.

"What if something happens to prevent our immediate bonding?"

Sometimes medical complications keep you and your baby apart for a while, but then catch-up bonding is what happens, starting as soon as possible. When the concept of bonding was first delivered onto the parenting scene twenty years ago, some people got it out of balance. The concept of human bonding being an absolute "critical period" or a "now-or-never" relationship was never intended. Birth bonding is not like instant glue that cements the mother-child relationship together forever. Bonding is a series of steps in your lifelong growing together with your child. Immediate bonding simply gives the parent- infant relationship a headstart.

2. Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is an exercise in babyreading. Breastfeeding helps you read your baby's cues, her body language, which is the first step in getting to know your baby. Breastfeeding gives baby and mother a smart start in life. Breastmilk contains unique brain-building nutrients that cannot be manufactured or bought. Breastfeeding promotes the right chemistry between mother and baby by stimulating your body to produce prolactin and oxytocin, hormones that give your mothering a boost.

3. Babywearing
A baby learns a lot in the arms of a busy caregiver. Carried babies fuss less and spend more time in the state of quiet alertness, the behavior state in which babies learn most about their environment. Babywearing improves the sensitivity of the parents. Because your baby is so close to you, you get to know baby better. Closeness promotes familiarity.

4. Bedding close to baby
Wherever all family members get the best night's sleep is the right arrangement for your individual family. Co-sleeping adds a nighttime touch that helps busy daytime parents reconnect with their infant at night. Since nighttime is scary time for little people, sleeping within close touching and nursing distance minimizes nighttime separation anxiety and helps baby learn that sleep is a pleasant state to enter and a fearless state to remain in.

5. Belief in the language value of your baby's cry
A baby's cry is a signal designed for the survival of the baby and the development of the parents. Responding sensitively to your baby's cries builds trust. Babies trust that their caregivers will be responsive to their needs. Parents gradually learn to trust in their ability to appropriately meet their baby's needs. This raises the parent-child communication level up a notch. Tiny babies cry to communicate, not to manipulate. (anyone ever told you: "Just let your baby Cry it Out", don't do it!)

6. Beware of baby trainers
Attachment parenting teaches you how to be discerning of advice, especially those rigid and extreme parenting styles that teach you to watch a clock or a schedule instead of your baby; you know, the cry-it-out crowd. This "convenience" parenting is a short-term gain, but a long-term loss, and is not a wise investment. These more restrained styles of parenting create a distance between you and your baby and keep you from becoming an expert in your child.

7. Balance
In your zeal to give so much to your baby, it's easy to neglect the needs of yourself and your marriage. As you will learn the key to putting balance in your parenting is being appropriately responsive to your baby – knowing when to say "yes" and when to say "no," and having the wisdom to say "yes" to yourself when you need help."

get even more info here!
& here's the 7 benefits of Attachment Parenting

Disclaimer...

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REMEMBER: I believe in a thing called Mama's Intuition, the innate ability in each Mama to know, deep in her heart & soul, what is right for her child. Listen for that feeling & get in touch with it! Yes you might have to dig a lil but you've got it. And while I'm no Dr. & I am an advocate of all ROOTS MAMAS thangs I encourage each Mama to find her own way that works & feels best for her. HARMONY is the key. Do what works best for you & yours. There are many options. There is no "one right way" to give birth or raise your child, but I hope my blog provokes you to really think & make fully informed decisions! EDUCATE YO-SELF!!
Oh yeah & I'm hailing from the beeeautyful Bay Area so some info applies to just CA/Bay. Happy blogging, toodles...

Breastfeeding Made Easy

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In this post: resources, disadvantages of formula & breastfeeding help!

DID YOU KNOW...

Cal. Labor Code § 1030 et seq. (2001) provides that employers need to allow a break and provide a room for a mother who desires to express milk in private.

Go HERE to see all breastfeeding laws for all 50 states.

The 10 Easy Reasons to Breastfeed (above is the international breastfeeding symbol!)

Available fresh instantly for hungry baby. (no searching for formula & bottle when you have a crying baby)

It's Free!! (cheaper than formula by a long shot)

Effortless pregnancy weight loss. (i could feel my uterus contracting as i was breastfeeding!)

Reduced rates of breast cancer and ovarian cancer for mother.

Decreased risk of SIDS & diseases than formula-fed babies.

Baby's whole body and brain benefit immensely. (breastfeeding protects your baby from illnesses with immunizing antibodies. And scientific studies have shown that the longer babies breastfeed, the greater the intellectual advantage.)

Releases "mothering hormone", prolactin & re

leases relaxing hormone to baby & mama.

Breastfed babies are leaner.

Easier digestion & less costipation for baby than formula.

Treasure of a lifetime bond with your child.

And these are just a few of the benefits!!

Having problems with breastfeeding??
DID YOU KNOW...if there is pain with breastfeeding something is wrong. Yes this happened to me, the first 2 weeks after my dtr was born, I had nipple pain & they became dry & cracked. Little did I know this is NOT normal. It is a sign something is wrong, so stop & call your lactation consultant right away. 9 times out of 10 it's a latching or positioning problem, that can be easily fixed, so don't wait!! This is one of the most common reasons why mamas stop Bfing & we don't want that! I didn't know until recently that there shouldn't be any pain w/ BFing. I just stuck it out & eventually me & my baby got it right. Don't make my mistake :) HERE's a youtube on how to get the proper latch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zln0LTkejIs

Always consult an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Remember you can't always trust the "white coat". While they ARE Drs, a lot of them aren't trained in BFing. IBCLC's know best. Trust your gut when a doctor gives you breastfeeding or parenting advice (most weren't trained in that either lol). Ask yourself: "Does this feel right for me?" If not get a 2nd opinion!

DO YOU HAVE WIC OR WANT TO??

Through a new program at WIC (Women, Infants & Children) you now have access to Breastfeeding Peer Counselors & IBCLC's for FREE!!!! I am one (peer counselor) & we can help you with all kinds of support/resources & free pumps! Come see us!!!!

KellyMom.com "Breastfeeding and Parenting. Evidence-based information on breastfeeding and parenting issues." She's an IBCLC & can answer a lot of questions!

Blacktating.com "Breastfeeding News & Views from a Mom of Color" I LOOOOVE her blog!!!

BestforBabes.org "Beating the Booby Traps that prevent Moms from achieving their personal breastfeeding goals"

AskDrSears.com

They are my go to folks for everything baby & breastfeeding & attachment parenting!! THESE Drs know what they're talkin' bout! This husband & wife team wrote The Baby Book & most of the info in the book is on their website for FREE!!! That book got me through the first 2 years of my dtrs life & I couldn't have done it without them :) I especially like them because they have 8 kids of their own (experience is the best teacher). All too often I have had doctors give me advice on something they know little about (ie birthing, but you're not a mother).
Also join Roots Mamas on Facebook, as I said I'm a WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor & there I post helpful tips & info on common BFing problems (& solutions *wink*) & converse with other Roots Mamas, join us!!

Breastfeeding information & support lalecheleague.org go on their site to find a local suppot group.

Ever gone to ur doctor & got some info about breastfeeding that just didn't seem right? Thanks to the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, you have at your fingertips evidence-based protocols on many breastfeeding topics you can show your doctor HERE. (Including: Mastitis, Supplementation in the hospital, Breastfeeding and co-sleeping, Anti-depressants & breastfeeding & more!) thx Motherwear.com for this awesome resource!!

What about taking medications & breastfeeding? You can still breastfeed while sick & taking most meds. Dr Hale (a pharmacologist who is considered the foremost leading expert in the field of perinatal pharmacology and the use of medications) has written this awesome resource book, Medications & Mother's Milk, that lists every medication & it's level of safety while breastfeeding. Can't buy the book?? Call their help line & they can answer your questions Monday-Friday 8am-5pm central time @ (806)-352-2519. Call them!!

For MORE info see my post on support/resources/free stuff HERE & Breasfeeding Celebs & Videos/Pix HERE

DID YOU KNOW...babies can crawl to the breast after birth!! Check out this AMAZING video: http://www.drmomma.org/2010/04/newborn-breast-crawl.html

Black mamas do breastfeed!! thx Blacktating.com for this awesome collage of photos taken by the Indiana Black Breastfeeding Coalition as part of the Landscape of Breastfeeding Support project. These photos are completely public and can be used by anyone! whatcha think?

Thank you to Hayley Nichols article (below)!!!!!

The Risks and Disadvantages of Formula Feeding c Hayley Nichols

Although breastfeeding is now widely acknowledged to be the ideal for babies, and the World Health recommendation is for a minimum of 6 months exclusive breastfeeding, the choice of how to feed a baby is often still framed as one between two equally valid alternatives.

In fact, breastmilk is not "ideal" but the normal, natural food for babies, adapted over millions of years to meet their unique nutritional and immunological needs. Formula, in comparison, has only been around for about 150 years, and its long-term results are still being studied.

Nutrients in Formula Versus Nutrients in Breastmilk

All the nutrients in breastmilk are in perfect balance and the infant can also regulate its own intake, and therefore its weight gain, in a way that is impossible with formula-feeding, according to Successful Breastfeeding [Royal College of Midwives, 2002]. Deviating from this "gold standard" carries risks to the health of both mother and child.

Risks of Formula Feeding For Infants and Children:

The effects of formula feeding on infants and children continue to be studied, and several significant risks have been identified. There is an increased risk of:

Mortality – this applies in Western countries as well as developing countries. For example, according to Lucas and Cole (1990), if all the preterm babies in British neonatal units were fed breast milk rather than formula, 100 deaths a year from necrotising enterocolotis would be prevented.
Asthma and allergy
Acute respiratory disease
Childhood cancers
Nutrient deficiencies: e.g., fatty acids, essential for brain development, and amino acids, essential for central nervous system development, as well as calcium and iron, are not in the correct proportions and/or as easily absorbed from formula as breastmilk.
Infection from contaminated formula
Diabetes
Chronic diseases
Cardiovascular disease
Gastrointestinal infections
Otitis media – inflammation of the middle ear
Urinary infections
Sudden infant death syndrome
Necrotising enterocolotis – an infection or inflammation that causes destruction of the bowel or part of the bowel.

as well as

Reduced cognitive development

Disadvantages of Formula Feeding For the Mother:

If a mother feeds her baby formula rather than breastfeeding, this has an effect on her health too. There is an increased risk of:

Breast cancer – the risk of breast cancer is decreased by 4 % for each year of breastfeeding, according to D Hollander in Breast cancer Risk is Reduced By 4 % for Each Year of Breastfeeding [International Family Planning Perspectives, Vol. 28, 2002].

Being overweight

Ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer

Osteoporosis

Reduced natural child spacing, putting more pressure on the woman’s body and causing general stress, particularly in developing countries where resources are scarce

Rheumatoid arthritis

Stress and anxiety

Diabetes

Normalisation of Formula Feeding

It is only in a small minority of cases that formula is medically necessary, according to the Royal College of Midwives, and a woman should be encouraged and supported to breastfeed for as long as she wishes. It is extremely rare for a woman to be physically unable to breastfeed, and most problems in breastfeeding are caused by a lack of support and accurate information.

However, formula feeding has become normalised through years of inaccurate information about breastfeeding, because of the vested economic interests of formula companies, and due to the sexualisation of breasts in our culture [Gabrielle Palmer, The Politics of Breastfeeding,New York University Press, 1993]. Fears about breastfeeding in public can be a significant deterrent to many women, but this can be overcome.

Organisations such as La Leche League offer localised support for breastfeeding mothers, and there are also helplines and groups where mothers can meet other breastfeeding mothers.

World Health Organisation Recommendations for Infant Feeding

WHO recommendations are for an infant to be given only breastmilk for 6 months, and for breastfeeding to continue for two years of age or beyond. If a baby is not breastfed, formula is required for the first year of life. Many mothers are not fully aware of the risks of formula feeding and so are making a choice without the necessary information.

References:

Infant Feeding Action Coalition Canada Breastfeeding Information Resource Centre. Risks of Formula Feeding Brochure

A. Lucas and T.J. Cole (1990). Breastmilk and Necrotising Enterocolotis. Lancet 336: 1519-1523.

Did u Know?

2008-07-08T00:47:00.001-07:00

Fantastic Facts that just might blow

your mind.....MORE COMING SOON!

DID U KNOW...
The U.S is one of only 4 countries that doesn't offer paid leave to new mothers -- the others are Papua New Guinea, Swaziland, and Lesotho.
(here in CA we do but out of all 50 states there are only 3 states that have paid leave!)

check this out to see a chart of all countries leaves:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parental_leave

Bulgaria seems to have the best: Provides mothers with 135 days 100% paid maternity leave & 2 years paid parental leave, and 1 additional year of unpaid parental leave. The employer is obliged to restore the mother to the same position upon return to work. In addition, pregnant women and single mothers cannot be fired!
Sweden & Canada also have some really good coverages

DID U KNOW... Every country in the world with maternal and infant mortality rates lower than the U.S. has universal health care AND midwives attending the majority of births. And where do we (the USA) rank you ask?? According to the Mother's Index 2010: The United States is at the bottom of the developed world, primarily because its rate of maternal mortality – 1 in 4,800. Compare that with Bosnia, Herzegovina, Greece and Italy: the risk of maternal death is less than 1 in 25,000 and in Ireland it is less than 1 in 47,600. And these countries aren't even in the top 10 rankings! Go HERE to see full report & click on "Executive Summary "

DID U KNOW...
Paid family leave has been shown to reduce infant mortality by as much as 20% (and the U.S. ranks a low 29th of all 37 modern countries in infant mortality).

DID U KNOW...American Academy of Pediatrics endorses breastfeeding for more than a year: "It is recommended that breastfeeding continue for at least 12 months, and thereafter for as long as mutually desired." ref#104

DID U KNOW...
Selma Hayek breastfed another woman's child.
Yes folks I know, it sounds unbeliavable that they would put such an incredible story promoting not just breastfeeding but even cross breatfeeding! Way to go Nightline & network TV!

Salma Hayek, UNICEF spokesperson, was in Sierra Leone to promote a tetanus vaccine program in a country where one in five children die before the age of five. 21% of those deaths are due to tetanus. Another reason for the high mortality rate is lack of breastfeeding.

In one scene, Salma nurses a little baby (her own is now over a year). She then tells the story of her great grandmother in Mexico nursing the baby of a stranger who didn't have enough milk. thx breastfeeding.blog.motherwear.com

DID U KNOW...

DID U KNOW...
They also recommend against TV viewing for children under the age of 2.
Like my ECE Art teacher says "Experience is the best teacher." There is no experience children get while watching TV. Think about this...which would you prefer....your friend came back from Paris & told you all about it or you were handed a passport & ticket to Paris?

DID U KNOW...
86% of the brain growth that occurs after birth transpires within the first five years of life?

Yes amazing! Read on..."[A] newborn's brain is only about one-quarter the size of an adult's. It grows to about 80 percent of adult size by three years of age and 90 percent by age five. This growth is largely due to changes in individual neurons, which are structured much like trees. Thus, each brain cell begins as a tiny sapling and only gradually sprouts its hundreds of long, branching dendrites. Brain growth (measured as either weight or volume) is largely due to the growth of these dendrites, which serve as the receiving point for synaptic input from other neurons." -thx Essential Questions & ZerotoThree

DID U KNOW...
The rate of cesarean births in the US has risen to 31% in the last 10 years.
That's a more than a 50% jump! The cesarean rate in the United States in 1970 was only 6%. This meant that about 94% of women were giving birth vaginally in this country. Think the increase might have anything to do with the increase in malpractice lawsuits

against Drs? And the convenience for Drs who can just schedule you in to fit their schedules?!

DID U KNOW...
Hospital-based midwives have a documented 10% cesarean rate in comparison. Unnecessary cesarean sections increase health care costs and contribute toward increased maternal and infant morbidity and mortality.

DID U KNOW...
Attachment Parenting can reduce the risk of SIDS.

DID U KNOW...
The World Health Organization has recognized the importance of midwives, noting that women who give birth with a midwife often have shorter labor times and usually don't need as much medication.

DID U KNOW...
Having a Midwife:
-Reduces the Risk of Miscarriage or Stillbirth Prior to 24 Weeks
-Reduces the Use of an Epidural (Regional Anesthesia)
-Reduces Incidence of Episiotomies When Midwives Attend the Labor
-Reduces Chances of Forceps or Vacuum Extractors When Midwife is Present
-Increases the Chances of Vaginal Birth and Lower the Cesarean Rate
-Breastfeeding is More Likely to be Initiated

DID U KNOW...
Inducing labor (with pictocin) can set off a domino effect & lead to "emergen

cy c-section".
Your body releases natural labor inducer (oxytocin) that starts labor when your body is ready. Oxytocin also has natural pain relievers (that are secreted in bursts), so if you get induced into labor your body does not release those. Pitocin is released in a steady flow. This leads to:

-more painful contractions
-continuous electronic fetal monitoring
-confined to bed (IV, electric fetal monitor)
-more likely to need pain medication (such as an epidural)
-increased likelihood of c-section (complications with pictocin & epidural use, false fetal stress due to electronic fetal monitoring)

DID U KNOW...Formula commercials have a disclaimer, if you look closely you will see the caption "Breastfeeding is recommended", don't believe me just see the Similac website here!

DID U KNOW...
There are around 400 nutrients in breast milk that are not present in formula.
And they still haven't found them all yet!!

DID U KNOW...
Wearing your baby in a sling (or pack) makes them smarter. They also cry less, grow & talk better! Also great for breastfeeding & putting baby to sleep. Plus it makes life easier for you & daddy as you can wear your baby & get things done! (try wearing your baby while going out to eat, doing chores, shopping etc) A centuries old tradition makes a comeback yay! Get a sling HERE @ www.CarryMeAway.com

DID U KNOW...
Breastfeeding mamas lose weight faster. click here to see my post on more benefits of breastfeeding!

DID U KNOW...
It is important bonding time in the first hour after birth.
"The first few hours after birth are called the "maternal sensitive period." The mother becomes deeply involved, on an emotional level, with her newborn. The first hour after birth is also a time of quiet alertness for the newborn. Later the baby goes into a deep resting stage for several hours, during which it is difficult to rouse him. The mother who holds and communicates with her baby immediately receives a sense of fulfillment and gratification."-from Gentle Birth Choices
This works especially well if you & your baby are drug free! All I could do after I gave birth, to my beautiful baby girl, was smile & hold her, she looked right at me. Complete JOY! Newborn baby checks (like height, weight, bathing, vitamin K & eye ointment) can wait till after that first hour (as long as your baby is well). It was just me, daddy & my mom there the first hour to welcome her to the world. It was the best!! Don't forget to start breast feeding then too!

DID U KNOW...
Epidurals have been shown to:
-Slow labor
-Lead to increased use of Pitocin (to induce labor)
-Lead to increased use of foreceps or vacuum
-Increase the likelihood of cesareans, especially in first-time mothers
-Increase the mothers temperature, resulting in her & the baby receiving antibiotics & invasive tests
-Cause a host of complications including long-term chronic problems & even maternal death

Epidurals do cross through the placenta & cause these effects in newborns:
-Reduced muscle tone
-Decreased sucking
-Lowered neurobehavioral scores
-Increased incidence of jaundice

(info from Gentle Birth Choices also see The Business of Being Born)

DID U KNOW...
The hospital is NOT necessarily the safest place to have a baby.
"The United States has consistently high maternal & perinatal mortality and morbidity rates compared to other industrialized countries." In 2003 the US ranked 32nd. "This means that there are 31 countries where it is safer for women to give birth than in the United States."
Who was top ranked? "Those where midwifery is an integral part of obstetric care & where births more commonly take place outside large hospitals." Singapore, Sweden & Japan where the top 3 for 2003.
-quotes from from Gentle Birth Choices

DID U KNOW...
The benefits of having a doula are:
50% reduction in cesarean rate
60% reduction in epidural requests
40% in use of pitocin
25% shorter labor
30% in use of analgesia
40% reduction in forceps use

-from from Gentle Birth Choices

DID U KNOW...
Electric Fetal Monitors (the thing they strap around your belly while in labor) "had a 74 percent false positive rate. That means that 74 out of 100 times the monitor tracings indicated distress when there was none." Just another excuse for a Dr. to perform an "emergency" c-section! No thank you! Those things only tie you down to the bed on your back (the worst position for labor). Trust your body, it knows what to do.
-quotes from from Gentle Birth Choices

DID U KNOW...There really is a mind-body connection. (positive thoughts=positive outcome)
Author of Childbirth Without Fear, Grantly Dick-Read, noted "that when a woman experiences fear (an emotion), her body tightens (a physical response), which causes pain. When she experiences the pain the level of fear increases, causing more tension & thus more pain. A cycle of fear, tension, and pain becomes established and often leads to a prolonged birth process. "
-quotes from from Gentle Birth Choices
also see The Secret

Need a lil help? Free stuff, prenatal, birthing, childcare & assistance programs

2008-07-08T00:46:00.000-07:00

National:

Go to http://www.govbenefits.gov/ to find ALL government benefits you might be entitled to & how to apply (including WIC, insurance, small biz loans, food stamps, childcare & more). The easiest way to see what you qualify for is to take the questionnaire. Go to Benefits tab & click on "take questionnaire".

Cali & Solano Co/Bay Area:

At the First 5 California website you can get a free Kit for New Parents mailed to you. Just click here. It's that easy! Or call 1800-KIDS-025

Also related to 1st 5 is the "Solano Mamas Handbook". email: cfcsolano@solanocounty.com to get a FREE copy. You can also go HERE to order one, it's free but you pay about $7 shipping.

About: "We've collected all the top Mama secrets-from community services and school information to places to do and things to see—and packed them into 25+ in-depth chapters."

ATTENTION ATTENTION: 211!!

Just call 2-1-1 to connect to community services in the Bay (child care, job services, rent assistance, legal aid, healthcare, counseling, food, shelter, clothing & MORE) ya heard!

Healthcare/Prenatal Help:

Sign up for a great prenatal newsletter HERE : "yourPregnancy Week by Week: A weekly newsletter for pregnant women. Week by Week information about your pregnancy and your baby's development." mothering.com/newsletters/

http://www.babyfirstsolano.com/ A program provided through First 5 Solano providing services to pregnant women including assistance finding a provider, obtaining health insurance, breastfeeding support and parenting classes. 1-877-680-BABY (2229)

La Clinica/ Great Beginnings

For pregnant women and teens with Medi-Cal in Vallejo and surrounding areas, provides prenatal care, CPSP wraparound services, substance abuse screening, education, and motivational counseling for women at risk

Call Nadia Sandoval at (707) 645-7316

Prenatal Care Guidance

For pregnant women and teens in all of Solano County, assists women into early prenatal care and medical insurance and refers to BabyFirst Solano programs

1-877-680-BABY (2229) or Esther Hamrick at (707) 784-8540

ABC Prenatal Program

For pregnant women and teens with Medi-Cal in Fairfield and surrounding areas, provides prenatal care, education, and counseling for women, located at the NorthBay medical Center

Amelia Franklin, Case Manager at (707) 429-6751

Alpha Pregnancy Resource Center

www.alphaprc.org

The center is a nonprofit offering hope, help and healing to teens and women in Solano County. The free and confidential services include pregnancy counseling and prevention education, pregnancy testing, pre and post-abortion syndrome counseling. Their C.A.R.E. program also provides expectant and new mothers with support, education, and referrals while guiding learning and responsibility but encouraging responsibility. Call or visit their website for more info.

(707) 643-2575 Vallejo (707) 373-8940 Benicia (707) 428-3300 Fairfield (707) 449-8991 Vacaville

Solano Coalition for Better Health solanocoalition.org which includes:

Healthy Kids Solano

Healthy Kids Solano is a locally developed health insurance program created to provide coverage to children who do not qualify for the state sponsored programs, such as free cost Medi-Cal, and Healthy Families Program.

Solano Kids Insurance Program (SKIP)
The Solano Kids Insurance Program (SKIP), a program of the Solano Coalition for Better Health, is a centralized health insurance resource for uninsured children and their families. Our goal is that all children living in Solano County have health care coverage and access to health care services.

Its About My Baby

For pregnant and postpartum teens age 19 and younger, provides perinatal services such as substance abuse screening, education, and motivational counseling for at-risk teens, has bilingual staff and can provide transportation to prenatal care appointments

Debbie Terrazas, Project Manager (707) 645-7316

Growing Together Perinatal Program

For pregnant women and teens with Medi-Cal in Solano County, assists with transportation to prenatal care appointments, provides breast pump rentals for Partnership Healthplan women returning to work, provides incentives for attending all scheduled prenatal and postpartum appointments.

Call (707) 863-4276 or Phyllis Pratt, Perinatal Coordinator (707) 863-4223

Adolescent Family Life Program

For pregnant and parenting teens ages 19 and younger if in high school, provides case management, childbirth education, infant massage classes and support groups, through Planned Parenthood

Call Tracy Nunley, Community Services Manager (707) 421-2750x201

Black Infant Health

For pregnant African American women 18 and older in Vallejo, Fairfield, Suisun, and Vacaville, provides social support and empowerment classes

Contacts: In Vallejo contact Sheila McGregor at (707) 553-5055, in Fairfield contact Mary Henderson at (707) 784-8506

Children's Nurturing Project

For pregnant and parenting teens, parents in recovery, and children 0-2years., provides parenting classes for pregnant and parenting teens with children 0-5 in recovery, Welcome Home Baby visits and developmental screenings, all babies get a free gift.

Contact Laurie Andres, Program Coordinator at (707) 422-0464

Nubian Mentoring Program

For pregnant African American women 18 and older in Fairfield, Suisun, Vallejo, and Benicia, provides mentorship services to expectant women and recruits volunteers for mentoring

Adrian Robinson at (707) 647-1520x202

AIM: low cost insurance for pregnant women aim.ca.gov

Family Planning: referrals to state-funded clinics 1800-942-1054

Healthy Families/Medi-cal: low cost insurance healthyfamilies.ca.gov

Planned Parenthood ppfa.org

Low cost vision care for children under 18 sightforstudents.org

FREE Drs advice:AskDrSears.com Check their website & blog for all your baby needs.
They are my go to folks for everything baby & breast feeding &attachment parenting!! THESE Drs know what they're talkin' bout! This husband & wife team wrote The Baby Book & most of the info in the book is on their website for FREE!!! That book got me through the first 2 years of my dtrs life & I couldn't have done it without them :) I especially like them because they have 8 kids of their own (experience is the best teacher). All too often I have had doctors give me advice on something they know little about (ie birthing, but you're not a mother).

See my post on other resources on breast feeding, birthing, baby care & more HERE: http://rootsmamas.blogspot.com/2008/07/need-lil-help-heres-other-helpful.html

They now have a Dr Sears app too!! Sadly not free tho!

Breast Feeding Help:

DID YOU KNOW...if there is pain with breastfeeding something is wrong. Yes this happened to me, the first 2 weeks after my dtr was born, I had nipple pain & they became dry & cracked. Little did I know this is NOT normal. It is a sign something is wrong, so stop & call your lactation consultant right away. 9 times out of 10 it's a latching or positioning problem, that can be easily fixed, so don't wait!! This is one of the most common reasons why mamas stop Bfing & we don't want that! I didn't know until recently that there shouldn't be any pain w/ BFing. I just stuck it out & eventually me & my baby got it right. Don't make my mistake :) HERE's a youtube on how to get the proper latch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zln0LTkejIs See my post about BFing for more youtube vids!

DO YOU HAVE WIC OR WANT TO??

Through a new program at WIC (Women, Infants & Children) you now have access to Breastfeeding Peer Counselors & IBCLC's for FREE!!!! I am one & we can help you with all kinds of support/resources & free pumps! Come see us!!!!

KellyMom.com "Breastfeeding and Parenting. Evidence-based information on breastfeeding and parenting issues." She's an IBCLC & can answer a lot of questions!

Blacktating.com "Breastfeeding News & Views from a Mom of Color" I LOOOOVE her blog!!!

BestforBabes.org "Beating the Booby Traps that prevent Moms from achieving their personal breastfeeding goals"

For MORE info see my post on breastfeeding HERE

Also join Roots Mamas on Facebook, as I said I'm a WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor & there I post helpful tips & info on common BFing problems (& solutions *wink*) & converse with other Roots Mamas, join us!!

Breastfeeding information & support lalecheleague.org go on their site to find a local suppot group

Local Breastfeeding Support:

WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselors & Lactation Consultants:
Vallejo 707-553-5939 Fairfeild 707-784-2213 Vacaville 707-448-7361

Go to a Support Group:

Vallejo/Napa Locations

WIC office
553-5381 Spanish only (English coming soon), 2nd Wednesdays of the month 3:00 – 4:00 PM 365 Tuolumne Street, 3rd floor
MEW Project for African American Moms
648-1287 Last Saturday of the month 9:30 – 11:00 AM 190 Hospital Drive
Kaiser Baby and Me Support Groups (Kaiser Members ONLY)
651-2696 Every Monday 10:00 -11:00 AM Second floor in Conference Room 3
Napa La Leche League (707) 253-9137

Fairfield/Suisun Locations
WIC Office
784-2200 English or Spanish, 1st Fridays of the month 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM 2101 Courage Drive
La Leche League Meetings
864-3050 2nd Wednesday of the month 7:00 – 8:30 PM 1737 Rockville Road
2nd Tuesday of the month 10:00 – 11:30 AM 1601 Alcazar Ct., Suisun
NorthBay Every Tues 12:00-2:30 PM

Vacaville Location
La Leche League Meeting
469-8096 3rd Tuesday of the month 7:00 – 8:30 PM 531 Marbella Lane

La Leche League Support Groups for Benicia, Vallejo, Fairfield, Vacaville, Martinez, and Walnut Creek

lalecheleague.org

(707) 644-3599 or (707) 446-4223

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NorthBay Medical Center (Fairfield)
707-646-5024

Classes: (707) 399-6437 Phone Support: (707) 429-7858

Sutter Solano Medical Center (Vallejo)

Phone Support: (707) 554-5040 Appointments (707) 554-5226

Sutter Davis Medical Center (Davis)

Classes: (530) 756-6760 Phone Support (530) 756-6667

Kaiser Permanente

Fairfield/Vallejo: (707) 651-5582

Vacaville: (707) 453-5429

Pediatric Advice: (707) 651-1025

Classes, books, and video rental or purchase:

Vallejo 707-651-2692, Napa 707-258-4490, Fairfield 707-427-4466, Vacaville 707-453-5155

David Grant Medical Center (Travis AFB)
Lactation Unit 707-423-7129

New Parents Support Program (707) 423-5168

Support, Info, and Classes (707) 423-5361 or 423-3912

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Local Clinics for Breastfeeding Support

ABC (Vallejo) 707-646-4166 (Fairfield) (707) 429-6751

Great Beginnings (Vallejo) (707) 554-5164 or (707) 645-7316

Dixon Family Practice (Dixon) (707) 635-1600 x 1662

La Clinica Vallejo (707) 556-8100 x 124

Family Health Centers of Planned Parenthood Fairfield (707) 429-8855

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Napa Valley Breastfeeding Coalition (707) 866-9333 or berybrit@napanet.net
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Public Health Nursing

For pregnant and postpartum women and teens and infants in Solano County, provides education, assesments, and referrals for pregnant and postpartum women and their babies, provides breastfeeding assistance.

In Vallejo: (707) 553-5402 Fairfield/Vacaville: (707) 784-8070

___________________________________________________________

Birthing & Baby Care:
local (East Bay/Solano):
Doula's- BirthingDreams.org & AsYouWishBirthServices.com

on the web:

Looking for a Baby Friendly Hospital??

Go HERE (http://www.babyfriendlyusa.org/eng/03.html) to find one in your area. If you're in the Bay, Hayward Kaiser is the closest one I've found, Woo Hoo!

To see what a "Baby Friendly Hospital" is see my other post HERE: http://rootsmamas.blogspot.com/2008/07/roots-mama-recommendsbooksdvds-more.html

FREE Birth Plan:HERE from EarthMamaAngelBaby.com

http://www.givingbirthnaturally.com/ a beautiful site & the name says it all, TONS of info!!

http://www.childbirthconnection.org/ "Helping women & health care professionals make informed maternity care decisions" (I wish i had found this site before i had my baby!)

http://www.birthingnaturally.net/ good site & easy to navigate!

http://www.naturalbirthandbabycare.com/ another good educational site & has some natural birth videos

http://www.askdrsears.com/ very good site!! from my favorite family Dr. (you'll find many links in my blog to this site!) also the author of The Baby Book that I recommend. (a lot of info that is in book can be found on their website too!)

www.birthingfromwithin.com

DONA Find a certified doula in your area, find out information about doulas and why they are so awesome to have at your birth!

ALACE Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators

CAPPA Childbirth and Postpartum Professionals Association

SHARE YOUR BIRTH STORY AT http://www.mybestbirth.com/
My Best Birth: "Take back your birth! Join the fastest growing community on the web. Get advice from experts & share your birth experience"

Take your under 2 year old to HAPPY FROG (indoor jumpy house playland) in Vallejo for FREE every day they're open! All other children $5. They even have special toddler only time on thursdays!

Also in Vallejo: LAAM 520 Carolina St. FREE diapers, clothing & more! 707-642-5001

Solano Carseat Connection

This program provides education on safe carseat installation as well as carseat checks and inspections. They also have classes that provide gift certificates toward the purchase of a safe car seat for your baby. Call to make an appointment to have your vehicle carseats inspected for Free by certified carseat technicians!

Call (707) 553-KKID or en espanol (707) 784-8081.

Childcare Help:
Each county has a CEL (or Centralized Eligibility List) that when you sign up for, you apply for all subsidized childcare programs (for low-income families).
The best way to find the CEL for your county is to google "Centralized Eligibility List & the name of your county".

Childcare Connection rrnetwork.org
The Children's Network of Solano County
www.childnet.org

Solano Family and Children's Services

http://www.solanosfcs.org/ Childcare Resources

Child Start (Head Start)

www.childstartinc.org

Food/Shelter Help:

Catholic Social Services http://www.csssolano.org/

Services include FREE: Homeless case management, self-sufficiency programs, food give-aways, rental assistance ("Season of Sharing"), counseling, anger management & parenting classes, low-cost telephone service, immigration, tax preparation and information/referrals.

They're awesome!! & They have locations all over the country, not just Solano County

Food Banks of Contra Costa & Solano http://www.foodbankccs.org/

Here's list of where the Food Banks are located all over the counties: HERE

www.foodbankccs.org/get-help/food-assistance-program.html

Free Food for Children: Children, 4 and 5 years old, receive free food every month at one of nine sites throughout Contra Costa and Solano counties. Children, who are referred by WIC staff (Federal government: Women, Infants, and Children program), are provided with a large box of nutritious, high-protein food weighing 25 pounds. Go HERE for info www.foodbankccs.org/get-help/food-for-children.html

Food Stamps http://www.foodbankccs.org/get-help/food-stamps.html

WIC
Federal Women, Infants and Children programprovides Federal grants to States for supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding / non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age five who are at nutritional risk.

Free Meals for Children & Teens during summer

Salvation Army: People can receive holiday assistance, meals, money to pay rent and utility bills, prescription vouchers and even money for an overdue mortgage, as funding allows. Vallejo, Dixon, Fairfield, Vacaville. (707) 784-8050

Dixon Family Assistance offers several services and resources. They have a program that can help pay energy bills, provide renters and homeowners with funds for rent help, and they run a food bank that is located on site that can help people struggling to pay for their next meal. 707-678-0442

Families in Transition in Benicia provides rent assistance and homelessness prevention services to Benicia area families who suddenly suffer an unexpected economic setback due to a medical emergency, unemployment, health, job loss, or family problems. (707) 645-3000

The Benicia Community Action Council, (707) 745-0900, offers several different assistance programs for youth and seniors and they also administer emergency services for low-income families to help them with bills and expenses.

St. Vincent De Paul Society local non-profit agency that provides emergency financial assistance to low income and other struggling residents. The agency can distribute motel vouchers, food, money for partial utility bill payments, and housing aid. Vallejo (707) 556-9846 Benicia (707) 747-7220.

Rio Vista Community Services offers qualified families rent help, they provide emergency homelessness prevention services including transportation, free food, shelter, utility and heating bill payment assistance and even prescription drug expense assistance and vouchers. (707) 374-5706.

Healthy Start Family Resource Network - The non-profit provides assistance obtaining temporary financial assistance for paying utilities. They help people file for the federal government Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). They also help families and individuals obtain assistance through a network of churches and charities as funds are available. Also help people find jobs, offer resume reviews, and computer access. Fairfield (707) 421-3224

Community Presbyterian Church - Good Samaritan ((707) 448-5055) - Offers assistance on a limited basis for Vacaville California residents who may be experiencing an immediate emergency need for vehicle gasoline, utility bills for gas, electricity or water expenses.

Mission Solano - Offers shelter and food. (707) 422-1011

St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Fairfield ((707) 422-4741), offers groceries and clothing to anyone in need of aid.

St. Mary’s Catholic Church - Offers food and groceries. (707) 448-2390

Bay Area Foreclosure Assistance Collaborative - The organizations hosts foreclosure information workshops, prevention tactics and free seminars both distressed homeowners and renters whose landlords are facing foreclosure. Housing advocates, counselors and legal experts cover the foreclosure process, for free, and provide information on tenants' rights, foreclosure rescue scams, mortgage refinance issues, and more. (510) 271-8443

Pacific Community Services - Counselors from this HUD agency provide free or low cost confidential counseling to families who are in danger of losing their homes through a foreclosure filing. Counseling and advice offered includes forbearance agreements, reinstatement, deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, refinancing or recasting the mortgage and sale of the property and assignment of the Mortgage to HUD. Phone (800) 914-6874.
HUD rental assistance (section 8 etc)
http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/topics/rental_assistance

Education Help:

Get FREE MONEY to go to college.

Step 1: Find out what college you want to attend & sign up!

Step 2: Apply for Financial Aid by filling out a FAFSA HERE http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/#

Step 3: Apply for a Cal Grant http://www.calgrants.org/

Step 4: sign up for BOG Fee Waiver at your school or HERE http://www.cccapply.org/BOG_Waiver/ (easy to get & it waives most college fees)

Help for your pocket:This lady's blog (I Love a Good Deal) got ton's of free stuff especially this FREE stuff/food!!
FREE magazine subscription to KIWI "Growing families the natural & organic way" here
(more mags 4 free there too!)
FREE 1st Birthday cake for your lil sprout
And find ALL FREE stuff on your birthday here: http://www.freebirthdaytreats.com/ (the best site!!)
Only one I found not listed there: Free Grand Slam on your b-day @ Denny's, just show your ID
UPDATE: You know I LOVE cupcakes! Here's Barnes & Noble Kids Club (info below & more on website: https://kids.barnesandnoble.com/kidsclub/)

We Celebrate Kids' Birthdays!

30% off list price on any one kids' book or toy for your children

Free cupcake from our café for all your children's birthdays
Free digital book created by your child on Tikatok.com

Want FREE TICKETS to Disneyland?? (UPDATE: sadly this is over)
Go HERE to sign up for the Give a day, Get a Day program. Just put your zip code in & it will bring up volunteer opportunities in your area. Once you sign up & volunteer, you'll get your tix in your email. We did it & felt great to give back to our community.

Want $5 for FREE?? Just activate a NetSpend prepaid Visa card (this card is great & you will never get overdraft charges!)
To redeem:
Visit www.mynetspendcard.com to purchase your card online or search for a nearby retailer at netspend.com
Once you receive your card in the mail activate it online and enter the referral code provided for a $5 credit to your Account
REFERRAL CODE: 6852603374
No credit application. No Bills. No hidden fees.

MORE FREE MONEY$$

Just go to unclaimed.org to find any unclaimed money or property you may have (this is a site that leads you to each states FREE search site, if you go to a site that charges, don't do it! the search should always be FREE). I went to unclaimed.org, clicked on my state & found I had money waiting for me! Sound too good to be true? That's what I thought. BUT..companies are required by law to send funds from lost accounts to the state of the owner's last known address. Then the state holds them for safe keeping until they are claimed. So you never know. The unclaimed.org site has more info HERE

Facts:
Every U.S. state, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands - and Quebec, British Columbia and Alberta in Canada have unclaimed property programs that actively find owners of lost and forgotten assets.

Total of at least $32.877 billion is currently being safeguarded by state treasurers and other agencies for 117 million accounts.

Claims can be made into perpetuity in most cases - even by heirs.

What is Unclaimed Property?
Unclaimed property (sometimes referred to as abandoned) refers to accounts in financial institutions and companies that have had no activity generated or contact with the owner for one year or a longer period. Common forms of unclaimed property include savings or checking accounts, stocks, uncashed dividends or payroll checks, refunds, traveler's checks, trust distributions, unredeemed money orders or gift certificates (in some states), insurance payments or refunds and life insurance policies, annuities, certificates of deposit, customer overpayments, utility security deposits, mineral royalty payments, and contents of safe deposit boxes.

COMMENT & LET ME KNOW IF THIS HELPED YOU FIND SOME UNCLAIMED PROPERTY!

Music FOR FREE to lift your soul:Whole albums from....
East Bay's own hip-hop-jazz band phenomenon: Kev Choice
First Lady of the Bay: Jimmie Reign

50 free music downloads from emusic!

not free yet but check him out:

MISC:

Fabulous site: Bay Area on the Cheap! TONS of FREEBIES , a complete listing of all FREE museum/attraction days, cheap dates, cheap gas finder, 1/2 price on tickets & MORE MORE MORE!! Can't say enough about how great this site is!! Thanks bayareaonthecheap.com!

Free Movies Online: Hulu.com

Don't forget about your local library!! You can check out books, dvds, cds, use internet & more! Plus they're FREE & most have online services so you can place hold on books etc. Then when they're ready just go down & pick them up off the hold shelf (so quick & easy!)

Check MomsinBloom.org's phenomenal Solano County resources HERE including children w/ disabilities help, local midwifes/doulas info & more!

Postpartum Support International: 24 hour support for new mamas with depression postpartum.net 1800-773-6667
Support for single parents parentswithoutpartners.org
Need help to stop smoking? californiasmokershelpline.org
Info on CA state disability www.edd.ca.gov/Disability
Being discriminated at work? http://www.eeoc.gov/

Child Abuse and neglect: 800-544-8696

SafeQuest (Solano County): "Supporting Survivors of Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault"

www.safequest.org

Crisis: 1-866-4UR SAFE

Business: 707-422-7345

Solano Family Violence Resources: www.co.solano.ca.us/depts/fvp/community_resources/solano_county_resources.asp

Domestic Violence and Assault Services and Counseling: 866-4-UR-SAFE (487-7233)

Emergency Mental Health Crisis Line: 707-428-1131 or 800-547-0495

Here's other helpful resources & links

2008-07-08T00:45:00.000-07:00

Get Involved:

http://www.momsrising.org/ "MomsRising is working to bring together millions of people who share a common concern about the need to build a more family-friendly America. We are working to create both cultural and legislative change."
http://www.motherfriendly.org/ Coalition for Improving Maternity Services
www.amsa.org/uhc bringing universal healthcare to all!
ColorofChange.org Our goal is to empower our members—Black Americans and our allies—to make government more responsive to the concerns of Black Americans and to bring about positive political and social change for everyone.
EllaBakerCenter.org Working for JUSTICE in the system, OPPORTUNITY in our cities & PEACE in our streets

MISC:
FarmFreshToYou.com get organic produce delivered straight to you! 800-796-6009
thesecret.tv what is "the secret" u gotta check this out!
tut.com get some free inspirational "notes from the universe" emailed to u daily & more!
GrownandSexy.net Such a Lady dresses by Grown & Sexy Clothing: "Sexy comfort for all shapes, sizes & shades!"

Etsy
Buy Handmade
imsuchalady

G&S Inc: is an ever growing team of creative young ladies dedicated to helping our communities, pursuing our dreams & bringing positive change in our world.
YouthUprising.org
H&H Graphics: PRINT-PACKAGING-LOGOS-MULTIMEDIA EDITING & more!
Who killed the electric car ? did u know there was an ALL electric car in the 90's that was in production & in use? nope, neither did i...until now, the conspiracy revealed!
Sicko: 'SiCKO' is a straight-from-the-heart portrait of the crazy and sometimes cruel U.S. health care system, told from the vantage of everyday people faced with extraordinary and bizarre challenges in their quest for basic health coverage.
King Corn so you think high fructose corn syrup is ok in moderation huh? well just watch this & you might just change ur mind...
ZeitGeistMovie.com
www.HappyForNoReason.com What would it take to make you happy? A fulfilling career, a big bank account, or the perfect mate? What if it didn't take anything to make you happy? What if you could experience happiness from the inside out -- no matter what's going on in your life?

In Happy for No Reason: 7 Steps to Being Happy from the Inside Out, transformational expert Marci Shimoff offers a breakthrough approach to being happy, one that doesn't depend on achievements, goals, money, relationships, or anything else "out there."

Roots Mama recommends....(books,dvds slings & more!)

2008-07-08T00:06:00.000-07:00

This is just a brief overview, i intend to put more info on here soon!

THE BUSINESS OF BEING BORN
So women have been giving birth for millions of years right? Our bodies were made to give birth just like any other animal in this wild kingdom we call earth. So why in the last 100 years has giving birth changed so drastically & become a "medical emergency"? Find out here:

A MUST watch for all pregnant women & men and any one who's ever thought of having a child: The Business of Being Born
Birth is a miracle, a rite of passage, a natural part of life. But birth is also big business. The film interlaces intimate birth stories with surprising historical, political and scientific insights and shocking statistics about the current maternity care system.
Click here to see the trailer & get more info.
&

Looking for a Baby Friendly Hospital??
Go HERE (http://www.babyfriendlyusa.org/eng/03.html) to find one in your area. If you're in the Bay, Hayward Kaiser is the closest one I've found, Woo Hoo!
What is a "Baby Friendly Hospital" you ask & what does it mean?
The Baby-Friendly Designation is the globally recognized symbol of world-class maternity care. In order to be designated as a "Baby Friendly Hospital" they have to be certified by the BFHI & complete these 10 steps:

1 - Have a written breastfeeding policy that is routinely communicated to all health care staff.
2 - Train all health care staff in skills necessary to implement this policy.
3 - Inform all pregnant women about the benefits and management of breastfeeding.
4 - Help mothers initiate breastfeeding within one hour of birth.
5 - Show mothers how to breastfeed and how to maintain lactation, even if they are separated from their infants.
6 - Give newborn infants no food or drink other than breastmilk, unless medically indicated.
7 - Practice “rooming in”-- allow mothers and infants to remain together 24 hours a day.
8 - Encourage breastfeeding on demand.
9 - Give no pacifiers or artificial nipples to breastfeeding infants.
10 - Foster the establishment of breastfeeding support groups and refer mothers to them on discharge from the hospital or clinic

Gentle Birth Choices by Barbara Harper
Believe it or not, birth resulting from a normal pregnancy needn't take place in a hospital. Harper explains why birthing centers and home births, along with other "gentle birth choices," are beneficial to both mother and baby. It also features a history of how childbirth came to be so technological and blasts myths such as why fetal monitors save babies (they don't, very often). Harper also discusses giving birth in water and explores the connection of mind and body during labor and birth. She stresses the importance of midwives for a more natural and satisfying experience.Very good read & not too long (for mamas who aren't so keen on reading lengthy books).

This book is a MUST for the new mama (& pops) The Baby Book. Written by a Dr. & RN husband/wife team who also have 8 kids of their own! Not only is it a guide from newborn-toddler but it introduces you to attachment parenting & is a great resource!
http://www.askdrsears.com/

Also Mayo Clinic: Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy is a great easy to read/understand, straight forward prenatal book. It really breaks down a lot of questions you might have regarding tests (and more) & each stage of pregnancy from the trusted Mayo Clinic.

Also check out: The Pregnancy Book. I haven't read it yet but it's from the same Dr & RN husband/wife team that brought us the Baby Book, so I'm sure it's VERY good. They even have most pregnancy info for FREE right here!! Wow-za!

Baby yoga! This book is so adorable & easy to do. My munchkin loves it! Check it...

Benefits of yoga for baby:

Deepen the parent/child bond
Help baby sleep longer and better
Improve baby’s digestion and ease tummy troubles
Relieve fussiness and colic
Discover ways to enhance your baby’s motor development
Strengthen the immune system
Encourage neuromuscular development
Improve body-awareness
Playfully relieve stress and frustration
Increase your child’s attention span
Provide an outlet for social interaction
Nurture self-esteem and creativity
Build a fit, healthy lifestyle

Benefits for Mama/Papa:

Discover your child’s personality and learning style
Learn ways to calm your child
Build your confidence as a parent
Reduce your stress and anxiety
Create memorable moments with your child
Engage in a structured physical activity
Get more sleep!

Sign with your baby:
Another book/dvd set that I found out the library. Easy to do/use. It has helped my baby to, not only, learn sign but speak ahead of her developmental stage. She is 16 months, has a vocabulary of over 200 words & can speak some 3-4 word sentences!

The benefits of signing with your baby coming soon!

A Ride on Mother's Back: We love this baby wearing book!! There are also babies being worn by their fathers too!

Magazines: Mothering if ur feeling Roots Mama you'll love this mag!

REMEMBER: your local library is a great FREE resource, so go on & check some books & dvds out!!

PERFECT BABY SHOWER GIFT:
The Roots Mamas Kit!! The perfect kit to support the Roots Mama (or one to be) in your life.

Here's how to make your own:
A Sling (baby carrier)
Breastmilk Storage bags
A Nursing cover (etsy.com has good ones)
Nursing pads
Pure Shea butter (perfect 4 belly, baby & all her dry parts)
Candles
Babylegs
Sleep mask (for those times when she'll be sleeping in the day!)
& add anything else you want (The Baby Book, relaxing bath salts, coupons for bringing the new parents food, relaxing CD, diapers etc)
Throw it all in a basket, slap on a bow & you've got the Roots Mamas Kit. And believe me that Mama will thank you!!
Shoot me an email & I will send you Roots Mamas stickers to put in the kit: breadncake (at) gmail (dot) com

SLINGS

A sling is a must with new baby. I got mine from Slinglings.com & i luv it! They are simple, easy, inexpensive & are customized to fit you. Dr Sears says "A baby learns a lot in the arms of a busy caregiver. Carried babies fuss less and spend more time in the state of quiet alertness, the behavior state in which babies learn most about their environment. Babywearing improves the sensitivity of the parents." Go HERE to read more about the benefits of baby wearing.
DID YOU KNOW.... that sling babies are smarter? See why Drs find sling babies smarter HERE

Need a sling? Check out CarryMeAway.com. I met Laurel (Carry Me Away owner) at the Moms in Bloom Expo (also has GREAT resource directory on their website) because i was wearing my lil one in the front carry wrong. She saw me & kindly stopped to help me do it the right way! She is so nice & very helpful/knowledgeable about ALL kinds of slings. Def check her out.

(((Celeb Sling Alert))) MIA & her new baby Ikhyd! (thanks slinglady!) Check out my page w/ all CELEB's wearing their babies: HERE

DIAPERS

So ya'll know keeping our environment green is muy importante right? Well i jus found out about these "hybrid" diapers called gdiapers. They are flushable!! No laundering cloth diapers, no more disposables in the landfill, yay!! I haven't tried them yet but soon will...

(other options: cloth & disposable brands like seventh generation)

DID YOU KNOW....If you read the fine print on most diaper packages (go ahead & check yours!) it says something to this effect (who knew!): you’ll want to dump bowel movements in the toilet. Then just roll the diaper into its backsheet, using the tape or fasteners to keep it closed, and dispose of it in the trash. TRANSLATION: throw all stool from diaper into toilet please!

HERE'S WHY:

"You’re supposed to flush the fecal matter down the toilet so that it can go through the sewer system and be treated. Apparently babies and small children excrete many viruses in their feces including Hepatitis A, rotavirus, shigella, salmonellosis, amebiasis, live polio virus (from vaccines), and typhoid among others. In order to keep these viruses from contaminating underground water supplies, poop should not be dumped into a diaper pail and thrown out with the trash." -thx MamaTRUE

It's also a lot less smelly than keeping diapers in the trash & helps with potty training as your baby will get used to where the poop is supposed to go :)

The American Public Health Association made a policy statement about this in 1989.

TOYS

Melissa & Doug-non-toxic toys that won't break ur bank! lots of wooden toys (why are wooden toys so hard to find in stores?!) you can also get their stuff on amazon.com

metal rattle-wish i woulda got one. babies LUV LUV LUVmetal/shiny objects!

BODYthrifty:
Palmer's Bottom Butter (for baby) smells so good (yumma cocoa butter)! n works good too

Palmer's Nursing Butter (for mama's nipples that first month!)

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Stick (good for tummy etc) they also have some organic products...

PURE SHEA BUTTER! me lovey! make sure if you're gonna get some it doesn't have any additives (mineral oil, petroleum, alcohol etc). it's a lil pricey to get pure shea butter BUT it lasts for a LONG time. use it on feet, hands, elbows & of course tummy!

have a lil bigger budget? check out EarthMamaAngelBaby

they have every type of organic body/baby product & u can download a free birth plan there!

HAIR

Do you have a munchkin that is mixed or just has incredibly curly hair? Try Curly Q's Milkshake it works like a charm for my babes wild tresses, has natural and organic ingredients & it smells good enough to eat! Go to Curls.biz for all their products too! If you wanna order some make sure you use my referral code: REF-5O9KGQFJ (**please**) as I get points for referring people (and you can too!)

Also check this blog out for hair ideas for your curly headed cutie (especially mixed kids!):

UPDATE:Now thru 4/5/10 BeadsBraidsBeyond.blogspot.com is having a Curlformers GIVEAWAY!! Go HERE to enter

more to come...

PS feel free to also leave your recommendations!

Your maternity leave rights!

2008-07-07T02:58:00.000-07:00

That's right ladies you can get up to 7 months pregnancy related leave in California! Don't even get me started on how hard it was to find that out. Let's just say 20 calls to HR/my manager later, a bunch of research of my own.... & I JUST really got a good understanding of what my rights are as far as taking maternity leave (my baby is now 3 months old). You would think they would make some sort of employee packet for us pregnant californians but no that would be way to easy & too many people might actually know their rights ha!

SO...Here's the basics (to the best of my knowledge lol):

up to 4 months Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL)

paid 55% (of regular pay) by disability & depending on your employer you can take from your sick time, if you have it, to get paid (mine pays the other 45%)

does not have to be taken all at once (ie you're allowed up to 4 weeks before birth & 6 weeks after for vaginal delivery{8wks for cesarean} but if you have some pregnancy or post partum related illness then you can take the rest to total up to 4 months)

up to 6 weeks Paid Family Leave (also known as "baby bonding")

paid 55% (of regular pay) by disability & depending on your employer you can take from your vacation time, if you have it, to get paid (mine pays the other 45%)

can be taken within 1 year of birth

up to 12 weeks covered under CFRA

begins when PDL ends

unpaid by disability unless you are on Paid Family Leave (PFL) or your employer allows you to use vacation time

runs congruent with PFL & can be taken within 1 year of birth

PDL & PFL are done by EDD (disability) & this is how you get paid
FMLA & CFRA are the acts that protect your job etc while you are out on disability/leave

BUT there are also certain qualifications you must meet so...

are u CONFUSED? me too! luckily i found some sites that helped me understand this a lil better:

GO HERE 1st, this guide is very user friendly & easy to unsterstand
Know Your Rights! Family Leave Guide

http://www.working-families.org/learnmore/ca_family_leave_guide.pdf

I love this GUIDE because it takes the confusion out of it!!

THE SITE THE GUIDE COMES FROM: paidfamilyleave.org
this site has info on PDL, PFL, FMLA, CFRA & Family-School Partnership and how they all work together as well as flyers & guides you can print or have mailed to you for FREE!
Here's link to

Five Key Laws Poster:

http://www.paidfamilyleave.org/pdf/FiveKeyLawsPoster.pdf

also:
Pregnancy Disabilty Leave (PDL)
Paid Family Leave (PFL)
Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)/California Family Rights Act (CFRA)
HOW THEY ALL WORK TOGETHER

The Birth of Roots Mamas

2008-07-07T02:09:00.000-07:00

I started this blog as a new mother that, when I became pregnant, found limited resources about what to expect & how to get help with my new mommyhood journey.

Working for Kaiser I thought ok great I have some of the best healthcare coverage. My doctor will help me on my new journey. But then reality struck & I realized very quickly the care I was receiving was basically to check the baby & mines vitals and to do the routine prenatal tests (don't get me wrong I like my doctor & they gave me great prenatal handouts but the way the doctors are bogged down with so many patients per day it is easy to see why they don't give patients more information). I wanted something more...so began my own investigation into this whole new mama thang!

I read books, watched movies, did hours & hours of my own research & what I found was so compelling, inspiring & so overlooked I decided I had to share it. I had to get this information to all the soon-to-be-mamas I could, especially those who might not know where to turn when finding out they are pregnant. But...I didn't know how I would accomplish that....then my baby daddy/boyfriend/luvah/significant other etc etc (lol) suggested I start a blog & it's been on ever since!

So join me & LET'S GET BACK TO OUR ROOTS!

So you wanna know a LIL BOUT ME...(shameless self promotion)

2008-07-06T21:25:00.000-07:00

My background:6 years as a early childhood education teacher's aide
12 units Early Childhood Education completed (ECE core, ECE Music & Art)
Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts & Sciences
Doyle Scholarship Recipient
Certificate in Applied Graphics
Strong background in music, art, & dance
Proficient in baby yoga & baby signs
Basic Spanish communication
Started clothing line in 2004, "Created to inspire & uplift ALL women", see the Such a Lady dresses here
Started graphic design freelance company in 2006 H&H Graphics

My Creative Side:
Since I was little I've been involved in all kinds of creative things. I've taken ballet, jazz, & tumbling as a child. In my teens I focused more on Hip Hop dance & for the last 6 years I've have really been into salsa dance. In 2003 our salsa troupe performed at Salsa Congress in New York City. The thing I love about dancing is that I feel so free when I do it & it brings a smile to my face that transforms my whole being. That feeling is what I hope to bring to children!

Art touches the soul in may ways. It can communicate a feeling so well it'll bring a tear to your eye. Or it can simply be beauty in it's rawest form. My maternal grandmother was one of the people that fostered a passion for art in me, teaching me watercolor painting. With my families support, I went on to all different forms of art in high school & college. In 2003 I received my certificate in applied graphic arts.

Rhythm, music, the soundtrack of life. A song comes on the radio & you're instantly transported back in time. Feelings, emotions, words, smells, actions. They all come racing back to you. Who can deny the impact of just one song. Music has had a profound impact on me. My paternal grandmother taught me to play the piano as a child. When I got to middle school I learned percussion. I found that playing an instrument I could create sound, a note. And from one note a melody or a rhythm. Then from a melody & rhythm to a song. I could express myself, my emotions in a whole new way. What a revelation! I want to share my revelation with the children I teach.

AND YES AT PRESENT (9/1/09) AM LOOKING FOR EMPLOYMENT AS AN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR. EMAIL ME AT breadncake (AT) gmail (DOT) com

I am Queen V1.1

2008-07-04T23:42:00.000-07:00

ok so when i'm inspired i write...

I am Queen

Highly treasured jewel
Transparent yet full of deep color

Hold me this way
You see my many facets
I sparkle a lil, glimmer

Hold me that way, to the light
I shine magnificent
I add a radiant glow to all I touch
In the light, I don't have to touch you for you to feel my aura
My rays reach far,
Twinkling joy

I am Queen

Highly treasured jewel
Deep from the earth, I came
From darkness to light

Hold me this way
You see my color
Like a still emerald pool
Still waters run deep

Hold me that way, to the light
You see my colors
Dancing, vibrant with life
Turquoise, sapphire waves
Jumping, crashing on s o f t w h i t e s a n d
Purple moonlit majesty
Enchanting, Exotic
But still you know me,
I am Queen

copyright Miss Lita

My first post yay!

2008-07-03T23:17:00.000-07:00

So meet me: MissLita, urban-hippie-rebel yet still fly fashionista. Like many b4 me i was a bit wisha washa bout birthing, breastfeeding etc. When people asked me if i was going to breastfeed, i'd say yeah probably. It wasn't till i really started educating myself that i realized i had such a passion for doing it the au natural way (no not sex, dirty mind!). I'm talkin' about birthing, baby care & just an all around GREENER way of life. Now whoa, whoa, whoa before you stop reading & start saying to yourself "That hippie-granola-organic stuff ain't for me!" Give it a chance, don't write me off as another crazy hippie chic. I don't smell like patulli & you'll def never eva eva eva catch me rockin' birkenstalks! PEACE lol