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

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!

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). UPDATE: Happy Frog is now Vallejo Fun Center, haven't been yet so, let me know if you have, on their FB it says the price is $0-10. Looks like an upgraded version of Happy Frog from their pix.
Lawrence Hall of Science Inventor's Lab is also a great new addition to our little town of Vallejo, it's FREE every thurs 3p-7p & on special events. Any other day $4, ages 3 & under free. Family Membership — $40: Provides families unlimited access to all drop-in programs through September 2012. Look into a free science center in your area. Hands on learning & experimenting fun! Kids as young as 1 can even participate!! See pix of our adventures there on the facebook.com/RootsMamas


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 2012:  Here's some promotions going on just for the summer. 


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 Book from Barnes & Noble: elementary age kids get a Free Book (from their book list) when they read 8 (no purchase needed). Just fill out the form listing the books and take it to the store.
EVEN BETTER: your local library probably has a summer reading program that's even better (at ours they have a program for infants/toddlers and teens can earn up to 3 books or $30 towards book purchases!!) AND they have great FREE special events going all all summer long! Solano kids 12 & under programs: Dream Big Read Solano teens program: Own the Night


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.
Here's my fav: Weeknight After 5pm Specials: June 18-August 30, 2012
1907 Nights Enjoy old time prices on Mondays and Tuesdays after 5pm. Rides, Pepsi, hot dogs, and cotton candy are just $1.00 each!  
PEPSI Nights Get a great deal on Wednesdays and Thursdays after 5pm. Unlimited ride wristbands are just $10.95 + tax when you bring along a Pepsi can!  Free Movies on the Beach: Every Wednesday, July 11-August 15, 2012
Free Movies on the Beach: Every Wednesday, July 11-August 15, 2012


ALMOST FREE:

Summer Movie Express from Regal "Moviegoers of all ages can climb aboard the Summer Movie Express to enjoy a great selection of films. During this 9-week festival, participating Regal Cinemas, United Artists and Edwards Theatres will offer selected G or PG rated movies for only a dollar on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 10:00."

Cinemark theaters will be offering Summer Movie Clubhouse. 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! 


AMC is not offering a summer program this year (that I found) BUT has this great BRING YOUR BABY program: "Bring the Kids on Your Parental Play Date:
It’s a play date for parents just like you! Catch the blockbusters you want to see on the first Tuesday of every month, shown in a baby-friendly environment. 
Brighter lights 
Lower volume 
Breastfeeding, stroller parking and crying babies are permitted!"
SO AWESOME!!


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??

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 :)

Welcome my lil acorn (My Birth Story)

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

What is Attachment Parenting???

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

Breastfeeding Made Easy

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.

Copyright Hayley Nichols.

Read more at Suite101: The Risks and Disadvantages of Formula Feeding: Facts About Breastmilk Substitutes Used in Bottle-Feeding Infants http://www.suite101.com/content/the-risks-and-disadvantages-of-formula-feeding-a85064#ixzz17jL3NOQs