tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25480581961531743102024-03-12T21:07:02.686-05:00Nurturing MomentsYour resource for education, information, support and encouragement during the Mommy Years!A Nurturing Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456983985008360679noreply@blogger.comBlogger316125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548058196153174310.post-84680683594679090502020-03-21T14:44:00.000-05:002020-03-21T14:44:08.825-05:00Homebirth Options in AlabamaOver the past two weeks or so many women have found themselves questioning the wisdom of going into a busy hospital where the sickest among us are congregating in order to deliver their baby. We're being told to avoid gathering in large groups, so those who were already hesitant about going to the hospital have started researching midwifery options in Alabama.<br />
<br />
Yes! Midwifery and homebirth is legal in Alabama, and there is likely a CPM (Certified Professional Midwife) serving your area. She is trained to monitor a pregnancy through prenatal visits, labor, and postpartum visits. If there are problems that make a hospital birth safer, she will advise you to have your baby there. However, if you are low-risk she can take care of you and your baby at home with less interventions in the process than you would have at the hospital while avoiding viruses and bacteria foreign to your family.<br />
<br />
The best place to start would be <a href="http://www.alabamamidwivesalliance.org/find-a-midwife.html" target="_blank">here</a>, the Alabama Midwives Alliance website. You can contact a midwife serving your area up an interview. I have to add a small plug here for the midwife I apprentice with, Rebekah Myrick, because we now have the option of doing prenatal visits here at A Nurturing Moment in Huntsville! Find her information<a href="http://midwiferebekah.com/" target="_blank"> on her website</a>. <br />
<br />
Other options would be to give birth across the border in Tennessee if you don't like the idea of birthing in your own home. Midwives there have done that before, and would be able to give you guidance on how to do that. The <a href="https://www.tennesseemidwives.com/midwives.html" target="_blank">website for the Tennessee Midwives Association</a> can give you the contact information.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB56A3mymuHLzylL8BMy0PNcbkPykkdTQibMQ6VFNxytw0sDCVQmGVzYHpyJZMu57kuovSyzEGvRNU8Fzg8o4RSza-MTjq4dYwkJ6Y2Or5TF2l26TMc4Olrf85nxpxhqPqwWqbeXgei-mT/s1600/perils-of-home-birth-300x272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="272" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB56A3mymuHLzylL8BMy0PNcbkPykkdTQibMQ6VFNxytw0sDCVQmGVzYHpyJZMu57kuovSyzEGvRNU8Fzg8o4RSza-MTjq4dYwkJ6Y2Or5TF2l26TMc4Olrf85nxpxhqPqwWqbeXgei-mT/s1600/perils-of-home-birth-300x272.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />A Nurturing Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456983985008360679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548058196153174310.post-59761064568857693222020-01-28T14:39:00.000-06:002020-01-28T14:39:35.089-06:00We Welcome our New Owner!by Glenni Lorick, IBCLC<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCW_AAOeGD0Exyd_uFGCaHLum80_Bs09QtfgaCy5njYsxqwMJYBxEUoP8WjqlXVqNlcg0zH3ip_rB0wpSut1zTeCwmRU8SQsNnsbQL-B_vTdjpVmtyQttTkMPIljZ9gWIc9Z-mKXiLft-Y/s1600/Michele.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCW_AAOeGD0Exyd_uFGCaHLum80_Bs09QtfgaCy5njYsxqwMJYBxEUoP8WjqlXVqNlcg0zH3ip_rB0wpSut1zTeCwmRU8SQsNnsbQL-B_vTdjpVmtyQttTkMPIljZ9gWIc9Z-mKXiLft-Y/s320/Michele.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Michele Trosclair was the first<br />owner of A Nurturing Moment.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I am so excited to announce that A Nurturing Moment is taking the next BIG step in its history! Regina Woodley is purchasing the boutique and will continue offering the best lactation care available!<br />
<br />
<h3>
A Little History</h3>
In May of 2005 Michele Trosclair, a former NICU nurse, opened a tiny maternity and breastfeeding boutique in Madison because she felt that breastfeeding moms needed a place where they could get good nursing bras and supplies as well as support. I first met her that summer when I introduced myself and offered to help with the breastfeeding support. We quickly outgrew our tiny space on Slaughter Road and moved to a much more spacious location on Hughes Road where we had room for meetings and classes. In late 2006 we expanded to a second location on Airport Road, eventually closing the Hughes Road location in 2008.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwVGtAtfx2kfPr8NY6A-l7v-u2Ww_oJpFATxS7-wZ_m9AJreIZfimb6g-eX1RdWb30WT1sSP9ieQubcn6Hys6MzNL5sa6eCBLSSSoH2dPfeKqojE7N-FkR1UhvA4L54DXsvsbzc50-4HkM/s1600/regina1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1083" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwVGtAtfx2kfPr8NY6A-l7v-u2Ww_oJpFATxS7-wZ_m9AJreIZfimb6g-eX1RdWb30WT1sSP9ieQubcn6Hys6MzNL5sa6eCBLSSSoH2dPfeKqojE7N-FkR1UhvA4L54DXsvsbzc50-4HkM/s320/regina1.jpg" width="215" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Regina Woodley nursing baby Talia <br />at work at the store.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In October of 2008 I bought A Nurturing Moment from Michelle because her husband was being transferred to Colorado with his job. We saw a lot of growth from 2008 -2011 when I made the decision to purchase Huffman's Baby Furniture and move to the Rosie's Cantina Shopping Center. I quickly realized that I wasn't really that interested in selling Baby Furniture, but I did love having the Best Chairs Nursery gliders and recliners available for moms. We moved into our current suite in 2012.<br />
<br />
In 2015 Kailey Dozier approached me with an idea to incorporate 4D Ultrasound into our offerings, and our partnership with The 4D Ultrasound Lady began. Then in June of 2018 right after my second grandchild was born, Kailey and I switched roles. Instead of her renting from me, I began renting space from her. We shortened our hours and returned to our main focus of supporting breastfeeding mamas!<br />
<br />
<h3>
Regina Moves to Town</h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLopC2agNBip96np1UqEqNaOEG-akzB7FAY0yuXUnb6Q9lQylV-cUBhQogHtLLCZVpa0x230FuyH3ECwJF3DOhV9myfK5ddS3DGGNEdYwRIE9vtZGJPBHJOKprae69GnYGGqTLNppDEhB5/s1600/Regina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1343" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLopC2agNBip96np1UqEqNaOEG-akzB7FAY0yuXUnb6Q9lQylV-cUBhQogHtLLCZVpa0x230FuyH3ECwJF3DOhV9myfK5ddS3DGGNEdYwRIE9vtZGJPBHJOKprae69GnYGGqTLNppDEhB5/s320/Regina.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Regina's daughters McCulla and Kyleigh are<br />already giving mom a hand at work!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Regina moved here from Texas in November of 2017. She had reached out to me, and we had corresponded a little bit, but we didn't actually meet until the summer of 2018. I invited her to help with our Athens breastfeeding support group on Fridays since she lives in Athens, and over the course of the next few months we grew much closer. She began doing some consults for A Nurturing Moment that year, and I was really impressed with her skill set and her compassion for moms. She also became an admin on Huntsville Mommy Milk Meet-up, offering terrific advice to our mamas.<br />
<br />
Not only is Regina an IBCLC, she is also a doula and an herbalist. She is also in the process of becoming a Certified Professional Midwife. Last April I broached the subject of her buying the store very tentatively. I honestly had expected to be here at ANM until I died because I just hadn't met anyone I felt truly comfortable selling the store to. I knew if I ever sold it, I would only sell to an IBCLC who loved the Lord and had a heart for ministry to moms. I wasn't sure Regina would even be interested, but I knew she was the right person and hoped she would say yes!<br />
<br />
Unbeknownst to me, Regina had a dream of opening a store someday. She didn't know how to approach me to ask if I would be willing to sell ANM to her at some point, so when I asked her if she might possibly be interested, she thought it would be a lot further down the road, but she was definitely excited about the possibility. She gave birth to her tenth baby at home in November, and felt like she would be ready to move forward after the beginning of the year.So this week is our transition week!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgVR6ZmOLl5v47fSrhjJOi0bE6c5ey_cuIwvhNQfqtAxztWf_6GumgzJFJ110VYOb9FKyEGM_4oG5Av7KSJ2vUnXpRX983XOfMnI70cYNfxXr-bK4J6nVPgXrj578wvPPXTJbYfZf8pr_I/s1600/Glenni+%2526+Jackson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1185" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgVR6ZmOLl5v47fSrhjJOi0bE6c5ey_cuIwvhNQfqtAxztWf_6GumgzJFJ110VYOb9FKyEGM_4oG5Av7KSJ2vUnXpRX983XOfMnI70cYNfxXr-bK4J6nVPgXrj578wvPPXTJbYfZf8pr_I/s320/Glenni+%2526+Jackson.jpg" width="235" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I get to spend more time having fun<br />with my precious grandchildren!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
The Best Is Yet to Come</h3>
Regina will continue to offer the same amazing service that you have come to expect from A Nurturing Moment. I will be focusing my energies on my work at Athens Limestone Hospital, a new ministry to women called the Dandelion House, and my precious grandchildren!<br />
<br />
I want to thank all of you for allowing me to serve you for the past 14 years. It has been such a privilege. I feel like Michele gave birth to A Nurturing Moment, I have raised it through its adolescence, and now Regina will take it into adulthood. I can't wait to see where Regina and ANM go in the future!!<br />
A Nurturing Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456983985008360679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548058196153174310.post-49706025409927794482019-12-02T13:31:00.000-06:002019-12-02T13:31:44.496-06:002020 MOM Foundation Calendar<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYjhRcc59HVAMA0ILcIokTgu9y9Xx-JDH0L2CaNvi6_nLrHsQkbXuk64X07r8prL-wVe-Tgx7S18EisO5kbMYRTBIML72iAltevjkUFhC_SFW_w83pXJpOHdul9dPvHx4MpS_HdlmQqNT/s1600/1+January+-+Allison+Jansen+Hall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1600" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYjhRcc59HVAMA0ILcIokTgu9y9Xx-JDH0L2CaNvi6_nLrHsQkbXuk64X07r8prL-wVe-Tgx7S18EisO5kbMYRTBIML72iAltevjkUFhC_SFW_w83pXJpOHdul9dPvHx4MpS_HdlmQqNT/s400/1+January+-+Allison+Jansen+Hall.jpg" width="400" /></a>The 2020 MOM Foundation Calendar will be here in less than 3 weeks, so it's time to order yours now! As you're doing your Cyber-Monday shopping, be sure to include your favorite doctor, nurse, midwife, lactation consultant or doula! This beautiful calendar filled with images of nursing mothers makes the perfect gift. Ten different local photographers are represented in this year's calendar with thirteen stunning photographs.<br />
<br />
The MOM Foundation supports low income and teen moms with breastfeeding help, nursing bras and discounted pump rental. Each year your purchase of a calendar helps to allow the foundation to continue providing this much-needed help.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBU9vp2ZS7sgEne6m4bNNZaxCvQf7f3fMrNIXFq0UnyyaWQ-7-dmzfVJmuQ14p2e1YiEU3G2Cv2BDGetuG72BL0g9v1RKKqf41ZiSHBvtoX-hSt5WzrdOEtuITKb8rDWmYxnJfH8iZ8nMK/s1600/8+August+-+Amy+Posey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBU9vp2ZS7sgEne6m4bNNZaxCvQf7f3fMrNIXFq0UnyyaWQ-7-dmzfVJmuQ14p2e1YiEU3G2Cv2BDGetuG72BL0g9v1RKKqf41ZiSHBvtoX-hSt5WzrdOEtuITKb8rDWmYxnJfH8iZ8nMK/s400/8+August+-+Amy+Posey.jpg" width="400" /></a>The presale price is $20 for one calendar or $18 each for two or more. If you would like your calendar to be mailed to you, please include $5 for one or two calendars and $10 for 4 or more. Calendars will be mailed in order to arrive in time for Christmas. The Presale is December 2-10, so be sure to get yours today!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOAL9pVLJLruyh6pWVYpZe5ESMVlxd1KpXu7oxDFF1IEpfFROz9DspzeRomP_tu0C2tUdLMyqeJXfEedNBG7os0_35y_2r44NcnTZRdrBOd7-p0bkQ0Weol814LHRTJ_eBvExZj_EN8a5f/s1600/7+July+-+Kristin+Bryan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1600" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOAL9pVLJLruyh6pWVYpZe5ESMVlxd1KpXu7oxDFF1IEpfFROz9DspzeRomP_tu0C2tUdLMyqeJXfEedNBG7os0_35y_2r44NcnTZRdrBOd7-p0bkQ0Weol814LHRTJ_eBvExZj_EN8a5f/s400/7+July+-+Kristin+Bryan.jpg" width="400" /></a>If you plan to pick up your calendar in the store, please put that in the notes. Otherwise, let us know you would like it to be sent to you and pay the corresponding amount! The $20 option is for one calendar to be picked up the store. The $36 option is for 2 calendars to be picked up in the store, and the $25 option is for one calendar to be mailed to you. If you want something different, please choose your own amount to send.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="_top">
<input name="cmd" type="hidden" value="_s-xclick" />
<input name="hosted_button_id" type="hidden" value="5N27HVQSQGHGN" />
<input alt="Donate with PayPal button" border="0" name="submit" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" title="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!" type="image" />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.paypal.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" />
</form>
A Nurturing Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456983985008360679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548058196153174310.post-91981198384344357142019-08-15T15:45:00.000-05:002019-08-15T15:45:20.494-05:00To All You Beautiful Moms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7391ND9K7CZfmblWfjW8IpmTcqXodjRaUHle3RfjLrLN8Un101o4IdWQ9SGuU1ykuzIa9mQl2hgWK8BdHyP4lzChIgQwbn7Bj6MVh4Tjc8Lir7KQowFhqO6ol3pZxCSs6ZQemdhBtlgd/s1600/Amanda+Robison+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7391ND9K7CZfmblWfjW8IpmTcqXodjRaUHle3RfjLrLN8Un101o4IdWQ9SGuU1ykuzIa9mQl2hgWK8BdHyP4lzChIgQwbn7Bj6MVh4Tjc8Lir7KQowFhqO6ol3pZxCSs6ZQemdhBtlgd/s320/Amanda+Robison+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by Amanda Robison</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We started our family in 2011 after my husband’s first deployment. God blessed us with an incredible little girl with her daddy’s strength and all her mommy’s sass! We had plans of expanding our family after she turned 2, but another deployment separated our family for 18 months. When we were ready to try, we found ourselves holding countless pill bottles and syringes instead of a baby as we underwent several infertility therapies. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Finally, after 3 years we saw the faintest blue line and heard the sweetest heartbeat. Sadly, the tiny little boy that filled us with so much joy was not meant to be ours, and his heart stopped at 10.5 weeks. Our D&C was followed by an emergency surgery to remove what we thought were cancerous cells. Finally, 2 months later, after 3.5 years, 5 surgeries, 2 IUIs and countless prescriptions we saw another faint blue line. We held hands and prayed at every ultrasound until we heard that precious thump, thump. </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On April 17, 2019 God blessed our tiny family with a beautiful rainbow. She came into the world with a calmness about her and a spirit that puts all those around her at ease. </span></span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4V8XxU_0CHYJIlfNgfV33JrAmv95RweG9Rq1R3LPuJxrskuZghD_glCdEtNaNFietH9xocBns44shoM-MbuB3jxuQ91gg6bA9QDvn7yYVS2aK_SZqCn_iBAQcefU0Bq8tCS5lKf4gnH3/s1600/Amanda+Robison+birth+family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4V8XxU_0CHYJIlfNgfV33JrAmv95RweG9Rq1R3LPuJxrskuZghD_glCdEtNaNFietH9xocBns44shoM-MbuB3jxuQ91gg6bA9QDvn7yYVS2aK_SZqCn_iBAQcefU0Bq8tCS5lKf4gnH3/s320/Amanda+Robison+birth+family.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our breastfeeding journey has had ups and downs, but I’m so incredibly proud of the journey and our success. I want to share some encouragement from a post wrote in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/HuntsvilleMommyMilkMeetUp" target="_blank">Huntsville Mommy Milk Meet-up</a> this week. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span>
<i><b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1d2129;">To all y</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ou beautiful moms:</span></b></i><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #1d2129;">The weeks are long and crazy hard to survive. The early mornings to shower, nurse, pack lunches, get everyone ready and out the door on time are nuts. The day is packed with meetings, e-mails, paperwork, phone calls and pumping. The evenings are a rushed scene of homework, cooking, cleaning, bath time, laundry, bedtime routines and prepping for the next day that lasts late into the night. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #1d2129;"><br /></span></i></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAENeP8mMj3c46xIL6ZOk4DP97nRgLC79vQb0_mGPhAZCgJ00urcrMyOw6Tf_rViZX4AjJmSGVdeYYbjNkeBV-y-mq9U0FMSwzj7c7Y3ZA9xoSopgfWwN1yNDuwZgF-x_8g8qwuh6RkSYa/s1600/amanda+Robison+sisters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAENeP8mMj3c46xIL6ZOk4DP97nRgLC79vQb0_mGPhAZCgJ00urcrMyOw6Tf_rViZX4AjJmSGVdeYYbjNkeBV-y-mq9U0FMSwzj7c7Y3ZA9xoSopgfWwN1yNDuwZgF-x_8g8qwuh6RkSYa/s320/amanda+Robison+sisters.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #1d2129;">This mama’s bones are tired and her heart is aching...was I en</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #1d2129; display: inline;">ough today? Enough of a mommy to an infant so she knows, despite her time at daycare, I’m always here for her and think she was worth all the nights spent praying for her? Enough of a mama to the little girl, who isn’t as little as she used to be, so she knows that despite her new attitude and ever-growing curiosity about the world around her that I’m never NOT in her corner and will always be on the sidelines cheering the loudest? Enough of a wife to the husband who has seen all my highs and all my lows and loves me with all my flaws? Enough of a friend, a co-worker, a colleague, a chauffeur, a shoulder to cry on and a safe place to all those in my little world needing me? Truthfully, probably not and truthfully that’s okay. I’m doing the best I can and that’s okay. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #1d2129; display: inline;"><br /></span></i></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #1d2129; display: inline;">There’s beauty in both my success and my defeat, my triumphs and my failures. There’s still 2 little girls who light up when I walk into a room and think I’m pretty awesome, even on the days I know my best just wasn’t enough. There’s still peace in early mornings, just before the dawn fills the sky and the house is still, that I remember God blessed me with this craziness and someday my heart will ache again longing for the mess and chaos.</span></i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE29CrPc0BVjb6mIBTqvG6uUHwMfsvVTws2TSt0SMilEdiRSRIVKB1f0MOlS-Il-PaLFPgZMAy2OmxD8KQT28m-Ah_PwEbU0iisDxRGJgaLG141IUETXDmo1a2qPN8AmaFzL2J7yxcXE3x/s1600/amanda+Robison+pt.+mallard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1378" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE29CrPc0BVjb6mIBTqvG6uUHwMfsvVTws2TSt0SMilEdiRSRIVKB1f0MOlS-Il-PaLFPgZMAy2OmxD8KQT28m-Ah_PwEbU0iisDxRGJgaLG141IUETXDmo1a2qPN8AmaFzL2J7yxcXE3x/s320/amanda+Robison+pt.+mallard.jpg" width="275" /></a></i></span></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">To those families who cradle emptiness and those families who mourn for the tiny bundles they’ve lost, we see you and we mourn with you. For those that are holding their gifts and rocking their tiny rainbows, we rejoice with you. If I’ve learned anything on this journey, it’s that God truly works in mysterious ways and there is reason hidden in the madness. I count my blessings daily that a couple of high school sweethearts were blessed with 2 precious baby girls and given an opportunity to sit front row as they grow and leave their marks on the world around them.</span>A Nurturing Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456983985008360679noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548058196153174310.post-52547576246656631982019-07-22T13:36:00.000-05:002019-07-22T13:36:51.916-05:00I Was Able to Have a Breech Baby Vaginally!by Jessica Reese, Guest Blogger<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2TNMvkyGvmJrUxy8CUX8a8SCxXtUWJUHPCyNZZ5xLcMuH0pmJn0WIAE8pJDoWy-oALVwsKJHkIjHgSg3eYMHgL6C1YX2qK_sk2iJ9T3RH9cLLLhQtUypoJdRilprQq1Vcjuth0KdEo0L9/s1600/Elias_Complete_breech.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2TNMvkyGvmJrUxy8CUX8a8SCxXtUWJUHPCyNZZ5xLcMuH0pmJn0WIAE8pJDoWy-oALVwsKJHkIjHgSg3eYMHgL6C1YX2qK_sk2iJ9T3RH9cLLLhQtUypoJdRilprQq1Vcjuth0KdEo0L9/s640/Elias_Complete_breech.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Baby Elias was a vaginal breech birth!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="background-color: #fdfdfd; font-size: 13.3333px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Summer 2018 after a short amount of trying we were pregnant with my second child. Unfortunately, we found out at the 12 week ultrasound appointment that the pregnancy was due to a blighted ovum and I needed to have a D&C to clear the remaining tissue that did not pass on its own. We were able to become pregnant on the first ovulation post D&C with our third child. For the beginning of all of our pregnancies, I go to see Dr. Michael Podraza at<a href="https://www.facebook.com/NFPMemphis/" target="_blank"> St. Francis Women's Health and Fertility</a> in Memphis, TN. Dr.<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT2250_com_zimbra_url" style="color: darkblue; cursor: pointer;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT2259_com_zimbra_url" style="cursor: pointer;"> </span></span>Podraza will see patients as soon as they get a positive pregnancy test. He is also a doctor trained in Naprotechnology, which means that he incorporates natural family planning (cycle charting) into his approach. I see him because I have hypothyroidism and luteal phase deficiency, and he provides a different approach than most OB/GYNs or Endocrinologists. Since, I have luteal phase deficiency, he prescribes progesterone injections up to 14 weeks to help maintain the pregnancy.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fdfdfd; font-size: 13.3333px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fdfdfd; font-size: 13.3333px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At 16 weeks, I was able to get a transfer appointment with Dr. Aguayo in Huntsville, AL. Dr. Podraza had placed me on daily progesterone suppositories starting at 14 weeks because of a previous preterm birth at 35+3 weeks. Upon transferring to Dr. Aguayo, she suggested switching from the suppositories to Makena (progestin in oil) for weeks 16-36. During weeks 14-24, I had ultrasounds to check my cervical length to see if a cerclage was needed to prevent preterm labor. Fortunately, my cervix remained long and closed.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fdfdfd; font-size: 13.3333px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fdfdfd; font-size: 13.3333px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since, I had had a previous preterm baby without warning signs, this pregnancy I was cautious to get several checks for preterm labor whenever I had too many consistent contractions in an hour. Upon one of these preterm checks, I received a positive fetal fibronectin test. Since, there is a high false positive rate with the test Dr. Aguayo had me come into her office for an ultrasound to check my cervix. This ultrasound show a low level of amniotic fluid (4 low pockets and a single acceptable pocket). Due to the result of this ultrasound and preterm delivery history, Dr. Aguayo referred me to a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist from Brookwood, <a href="https://bbhcarenetwork.com/bios/antonio-gonzalez-ruiz-md/" target="_blank">Dr. Antonio Gonzalez-Ruiz</a> for a more extensive ultrasound. I received weekly ultrasounds from Dr. Gonzalez-Ruiz's office, each showing my baby boy was happy and healthy, but my fluid level was staying within the low-normal range and my baby, since the beginning, was staying in a breech position.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fdfdfd; font-size: 13.3333px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fdfdfd; font-size: 13.3333px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had an ultrasound at Dr. Gonzalez-Ruiz's office at 35 weeks, and we discussed with him regarding attempting an ECV. He suggested that the ECV may not work due to the lower fluid levels, but it was a very low risk procedure. He also encouraged us that when he was practicing in Ohio with 12 midwives, that he would let people like me who fit certain criteria attempt a vaginal breech birth if they desired. He told us a good candidate for a breech birth in the hands of an experienced provider was not unnecessary risk. After, speaking with Dr. Aguayo's office I learned that she only performs ECVs at 38 weeks or later and in conjunction with either induction or, if the ECV fails, performs a c-section. Since, I was worried that I had had a previous fast, progressing labor and a preterm birth, I really wanted to attempt the ECV sooner to avoid being very far along with a breech baby and rushed into an emergency c-section. I was definitely influenced by the research in<a href="https://evidencebasedbirth.com/what-is-the-evidence-for-using-an-external-cephalic-version-to-turn-a-breech-baby/" target="_blank"> this article</a>:<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT2252_com_zimbra_url" style="color: darkblue; cursor: pointer;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT2261_com_zimbra_url" style="cursor: pointer;"><a href="https://evidencebasedbirth.com/what-is-the-evidence-for-using-an-external-cephalic-version-to-turn-a-breech-baby/" style="color: darkblue; cursor: pointer; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">y/</a></span></span>.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fdfdfd; font-size: 13.3333px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fdfdfd; font-size: 13.3333px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Upon asking for recommendations, I got a consultation with <a href="http://cheahawomen.com/joshua-johannson-md/" target="_blank">Dr. Joshua Johansson</a> to attempt an ECV. He agreed to attempt the ECV and suggested using the epidural, since there was a lower chance of success with lower fluid levels. At 36+5 weeks, Dr. Johansson attempted an ECV, unfortunately after 4 attempts the baby did not turn. However, the baby tolerated the ECV well and his heart rate did not drop. Dr. Johansson stated that sometimes he would offer people a second attempt, but in this case he felt it would not be worth the time.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fdfdfd; font-size: 13.3333px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgkHePjWbLnFyGOrdOpF_U747HDS9jVgU3Gs7Kv4mbibsvNLZf5hp7CXCv_FOBBEhG5yyIzT2s8lGD4ZHYeoeBae4gWKIAMaLlFJyhYP6a7ywr9yGNjFk2CqhPFh1MzMnO7N5KAml28xe/s1600/Dr_Bootstaylor%2527s_Office_on_VBB.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgkHePjWbLnFyGOrdOpF_U747HDS9jVgU3Gs7Kv4mbibsvNLZf5hp7CXCv_FOBBEhG5yyIzT2s8lGD4ZHYeoeBae4gWKIAMaLlFJyhYP6a7ywr9yGNjFk2CqhPFh1MzMnO7N5KAml28xe/s640/Dr_Bootstaylor%2527s_Office_on_VBB.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dr. Bootstaylor's criteria for a vaginal breech birth.</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="background-color: #fdfdfd; font-size: 13.3333px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">During this process, I had also tried <a href="https://spinningbabies.com/" target="_blank">spinning babies</a> to help turn the baby. I was seeing a Webster trained chiropractor,<a href="https://www.newlifefamilychiro.org/" target="_blank"> Dr. Misty Browning</a>, to help create space for the baby to move. Because I realized there was a decreasing chance the baby would turn before labor, I assumed I might have to have a c-section due limited options.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fdfdfd; font-size: 13.3333px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fdfdfd; font-size: 13.3333px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since I was still very worried about having a fast labor with a breech baby, and not having any skilled OBs in the area, I was considering what I could do. Upon the recommendation of Dr. Gonzalez, at 37 weeks I got a consultation with an experience breech provider and Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist <a href="https://www.facebook.com/seebabyatlanta/" target="_blank">Dr. Brad Bootstaylor </a> at <a href="http://seebaby.org/about-us/" target="_blank">See Baby</a> in Atlanta who told me I was a good candidate for a breech birth. He said he would be willing to accept me as a late transfer at 39 weeks if I was motivated for a breech birth. Interestingly enough, <span style="color: #1c1e21; font-size: 14px;">See Baby's motto is "Bring Birth Back."</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fdfdfd; font-size: 13.3333px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fdfdfd; font-size: 13.3333px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At this point, I was still torn on the decision. I had my 38 week appointment with Dr. Aguayo, and she discussed the c-section with us. She also told us that I could be a good candidate for a vaginal breech birth, but she was unable to do it and there was no doctor in Huntsville that would do it. She also said I would be a candidate for a VBAC for the next pregnancy, but that in all future pregnancies I would always be considered a VBAC.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fdfdfd; font-size: 13.3333px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fdfdfd; font-size: 13.3333px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Still weighing my decision I had an appointment with Dr. Gonzalez that <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT2256_com_zimbra_date" style="color: darkblue; cursor: pointer;">Tuesday</span> to discuss his view on the breech birth. <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT2257_com_zimbra_date" style="color: darkblue; cursor: pointer;">Monday</span> night at 5:30 PM after I was home from work baby Elias kicked the amniotic sac and my water broke. Since, with my daughter my water broke and labor did not begin until around 20 hours later I knew I would have time to drive to Atlanta for the birth. My parents came and got our 2 year old and my husband and drove to Atlanta.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fdfdfd; font-size: 13.3333px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fdfdfd; font-size: 13.3333px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We called Dr. Bootstaylor's office and he called us back and stated I may not want to go into the hospital until I was further along in labor. When we got to Atlanta we got a hotel in downtown Atlanta to rest and wait for labor to begin. Much later in the evening I was having some regular contractions that I was working through in the shower. Since the contractions were regular we decided to check into the hospital. At that point I was 4 cm dilated and 80% effaced and station -2, since I had a fast labor previously I decided to stay in the hospital. While I was at the hospital, my blood pressure was very erratic during monitoring.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fdfdfd; font-size: 13.3333px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fdfdfd; font-size: 13.3333px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Later that morning, Dr. Bootstaylor came in with a nurse midwife trainee to discuss my progress and care. He was concerned that my blood pressure numbers were high and erratic and I was still 4 cm and 90% effaced and station -2. He explained that there were some decisions we needed to make. Dr. Bootstaylor said if I stayed in the hospital with higher blood pressures and labor stalled, and already being a higher risk with a breech baby then it seems more likely to start discussing a c-section per hospital protocol. Also, he said with breech it is not ideal to augment the labor with Pitocin, especially at this first labor stage. He told that we do have the option of taking an AMA and leaving the hospital. He said if I stayed in the hospital with erratic blood pressures, then they would want to monitor my blood pressures, and I wouldn't be able to have the freedom I would at home to rest, eat, and move around which are all things that help labor progress naturally.</span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBytniPMyHWfEkahNuFLYXmTX9_TKIgsbmJy6C-2xO5DZc8wylCOqsFuzMkX0FM_sVumJ-iaS-J8nWOTO6mSdPvtNj8MuRmNoCAETDQLtlP-ZOhhKFZyxbfIATyIXBq9KFZa-xLnZUMUq/s1600/Birth_Team.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBytniPMyHWfEkahNuFLYXmTX9_TKIgsbmJy6C-2xO5DZc8wylCOqsFuzMkX0FM_sVumJ-iaS-J8nWOTO6mSdPvtNj8MuRmNoCAETDQLtlP-ZOhhKFZyxbfIATyIXBq9KFZa-xLnZUMUq/s640/Birth_Team.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jessica and Elias with their birth team</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="background-color: #fdfdfd; font-size: 13.3333px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fdfdfd; font-size: 13.3333px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We discussed our options with Hannah Ellis, our doula, and we decided that I would take the AMA and we would stay close to the hospital. After we left the hospital we went and ate lunch; I got a large ribeye steak, and then I went and rested. A little bit later I asked my husband Jarrod if he wanted to walk from our hotel for 20 minutes to the Ponce Street Market and get some gelato. So we walked, and I got some gelato. As I was eating my gelato, I began to feel some more contractions picking up, especially walking back to the Airbnb. When I got back I laid down for 20 minutes, and then I felt the need to go to the bathroom.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fdfdfd; font-size: 13.3333px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had two bouts of diarrhea, and I decided to get in the shower and start working through contractions and timing them. While I was laboring in the shower I did a lot of hands and knees to manage the back labor. My contractions remained 5 minutes apart and we notified Dr. Bootstaylor that the contractions had picked up and labor was moving smoothly. Hannah also noticed blood signs of change in cervical dilation. My contractions continued to be 5 minutes apart and I was thinking my labor might last another 6-7 hours. I could also talk quite a bit between contractions. After quite a long contraction, I felt baby Elias make a big rotation to get in position. Then instinctively with the next contraction I started squatting. Hannah asked me if I was feeling the urge to bear down, and I said yes. She said we need to go to the hospital now.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fdfdfd; font-size: 13.3333px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fdfdfd; font-size: 13.3333px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She called Dr. Bootstaylor, and I got in the back of our van and tried not to push on the way to the hospital. As I got to the hospital, we pulled up to the valet parking and I walked as quickly as I could to the elevator to get up the stairs. Elias' booty was hanging out before I was getting on the elevator. I got to L&D and they got me into a room quickly and I got up on the bed in hands and knees. Kim Holderfield, Dr. Bootstaylor's trainee was already there. Since I came in so far along, there were several people in the room. One nurse was able to get right by my ear and get me to focus and tune everyone out. Dr. Bootstaylor arrived a little bit later. The nurse helped me focus on pushing and making every push count by pushing past the contractions to get the head out quickly.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fdfdfd; font-size: 13.3333px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fdfdfd; font-size: 13.3333px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Elias Jude Reese was born on <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT2258_com_zimbra_date" style="color: darkblue; cursor: pointer;">5/14/19</span> at 8:06 EST with 4.5 of active labor 6 lbs 2 oz and 20" long. Thanks to Dr. Brad Bootstaylor and <span style="color: #1c1e21; font-size: 14px;">midwifery student Kim Holderfield who did most of the delivery as he guided her. Elias was healthy when he was born, and only needed some bulb syringe suction which is typical of breech babies. Dr. Bootstaylor encouraged us to have delayed cord clamping. I am very thankful to have the option and shared decision making and shared responsibility provided by the See Baby team. </span></span></div>
A Nurturing Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456983985008360679noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548058196153174310.post-40451534610057270772019-07-06T17:08:00.000-05:002019-07-06T17:08:55.145-05:00New CNM Delivering at Huntsville Hospital<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_uTp1CM9ZGBgZ5ZYSbUcOTbWtQfQKTYFYCJH7oGghUra37DwbY7PZQzQ06MzkLIB_7Hl-hZtEzwDaXCVy3G8SF6vra4qRJbfF9QhfTKNFeGxsGEDkTjXXa9PenkToNeyBSDA_93u-hOTr/s1600/IMG_2574%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_uTp1CM9ZGBgZ5ZYSbUcOTbWtQfQKTYFYCJH7oGghUra37DwbY7PZQzQ06MzkLIB_7Hl-hZtEzwDaXCVy3G8SF6vra4qRJbfF9QhfTKNFeGxsGEDkTjXXa9PenkToNeyBSDA_93u-hOTr/s320/IMG_2574%255B1%255D.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tiffany Golub, CNM, CRNP is now <br />delivering babies in Huntsville.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
by Glenni Lorick, IBCLC<br />
<br />
Tennessee Valley mothers have a new birth option available to them: Midwife-assisted birth in a hospital setting. Now that CPM's (Certified Professional Midwives) are legal and licensed in Alabama, many mothers who have wished for a midwife birth can have one at home. However, not all mothers who want a midwife are necessarily comfortable giving birth at home. That's where Tiffany Golub, CNM, CRNP can help!<br />
<br />
Tiffany is part of the professional staff at Women 4 Women OBGYN. Dr. Anne Marie Reidy had the vision to create a practice that would give expectant mothers a variety of options in their birth experience. She hired Dr. Allison Warren who has a similar perspective, and then they brought in Tiffany Golub to serve their patients who prefer a midwifery<br />
model of childbirth.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pF8_vFmKL9Va4rZAPnvSgzp8Q7yne7FBlbJzJbReBEVIy_ZZsNcl2XL9ZKSK90_0S1_5XzGJzoaFsHWZUnKO69NpWZ163yNQEjuKfgfkMtfHx_0TAk-nyqQQnm2XhUcBRxdkB2nBHG-s/s1600/IMG_2576%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pF8_vFmKL9Va4rZAPnvSgzp8Q7yne7FBlbJzJbReBEVIy_ZZsNcl2XL9ZKSK90_0S1_5XzGJzoaFsHWZUnKO69NpWZ163yNQEjuKfgfkMtfHx_0TAk-nyqQQnm2XhUcBRxdkB2nBHG-s/s320/IMG_2576%255B1%255D.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Elizabeth Irby, CRNP, Tiffany Golub, Dr. Ann<br />Marie Reedy and Dr. Allison Warren form<br />the medical team at Women 4 Women.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Tiffany is excited to be able to attend births at Huntsville Hospital and has already delivered a number of babies in her short time here. As a nurse midwife she is able to work with a mother during her labor in a more interactive, personal manner than a traditional obstetrician. She encourages mothers to move during labor, take advantage of the shower or tub in the delivery room, and deliver in a position that is comfortable. Many of her patients will have a doula attending the birth as well, and Tiffany works well with doulas.<br />
<br />
Tiffany is a Huntsville native. She received her BS in nursing from the University of Alabama and her Master of Science from Georgetown University. She was a labor and delivery nurse at Huntsville Hospital for 11 years. It was there that she became passionate about helping mothers by educating them and ultimately being an integral part of the delivery process. Nevertheless, there are certain limitations to the births that she is able to attend. If a mother has certain risk factors she will refer her to one of the doctors with whom she works. She also provides gynecological care as part of her commitment to women throughout their lives. She is currently accepting both obstetrical and gynecological patients.A Nurturing Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456983985008360679noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548058196153174310.post-39197699550477742312018-11-07T14:41:00.000-06:002018-11-07T14:41:21.543-06:002019 MOM Foundation Calendar is Availableby Glenni Lorick, IBCLC<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGF_zEw8avsRnZCq-pKVvf0_GpfWH8HQxKQU2wXNudSTzHLucDnqB3YCxoS6_g-hOFaBmcpIZ5QV0GfNvQrguX5wRljAhUkbScOycWlgzmpaQIaDjtmbHUP3dqUiUmv-TqNXl6OQfXgTiW/s1600/AllisonJansenlogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1600" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGF_zEw8avsRnZCq-pKVvf0_GpfWH8HQxKQU2wXNudSTzHLucDnqB3YCxoS6_g-hOFaBmcpIZ5QV0GfNvQrguX5wRljAhUkbScOycWlgzmpaQIaDjtmbHUP3dqUiUmv-TqNXl6OQfXgTiW/s320/AllisonJansenlogo.jpg" width="320" /></a>Are you looking for the perfect gift for a new mom, your favorite OB or your doula? Look no further! The gorgeous 2019 MOM Foundation Calendar is now available to order for a donation of just $20! Order two or more, and they are just $18.50 each.<br />
<br />
Area photographers submit some of their best breastfeeding photographs of the year to use in this annual fund-raiser for the MOM Foundation. Some of the photographers featured this year include well-known North Alabama names like MaryEllen Pollard of LighthousePhotography, Allison Jansen, Keelan Walker, Kat Parker, Amanda Whitley and Jennifer Myers. We have a total of 12 photographers who have generously provided breathtakingly beautiful images for this year's calendar! The proceeds allow the MOM Foundation to continue its work with low-income and teen moms. In 2018 we have served over 100 mothers with our various projects.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-Vu-pWdY22hvgRMgmz2UA7EuvvsHFLMiXPvA4DokHGQ2GNocKA8pODDXA6nvb2QS795DCtXPQXfAU126bhYry3fVA5peWimyQzO7iUhH_-j0vUpasFaHjPR3uzNNRGeuXpdcwyT5Sk1T/s1600/Amy+Kelley+%2528flyleaf+photography%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-Vu-pWdY22hvgRMgmz2UA7EuvvsHFLMiXPvA4DokHGQ2GNocKA8pODDXA6nvb2QS795DCtXPQXfAU126bhYry3fVA5peWimyQzO7iUhH_-j0vUpasFaHjPR3uzNNRGeuXpdcwyT5Sk1T/s320/Amy+Kelley+%2528flyleaf+photography%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Many mothers have benefited from our sliding fee scale for Lactation Consultations, paying as little as just $5 for professional breastfeeding support. These mothers are able to come back as often as necessary at no additional cost for weight checks and additional help. We also have at least 10 mothers who have been able to rent a hospital-grade breast pump for half price. About 20 mothers have received free nursing bras through our <a href="http://anurturingmoment.blogspot.com/2012/07/be-bosom-buddy-and-help-local-mom.html" target="_blank">Bosom Buddies</a> program which provides 2 free gently used nursing bras every 6 months to teen moms and mothers on the WIC program in the last trimester of pregnancy and as long as they are breastfeeding.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47YMySPsmp4fkueh6Mek0L_tt4O0KeBY28aONvXRg85Zi56dppwBfJbWMSGfhXWtZZLmoJ-iQaQNINXLxywmjvqKS5SndSmWoo_QhqRMnH4Kk7q19EYeV33V7JHpHjVD_Annh5IySBrwd/s1600/Amanda+Nicole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47YMySPsmp4fkueh6Mek0L_tt4O0KeBY28aONvXRg85Zi56dppwBfJbWMSGfhXWtZZLmoJ-iQaQNINXLxywmjvqKS5SndSmWoo_QhqRMnH4Kk7q19EYeV33V7JHpHjVD_Annh5IySBrwd/s320/Amanda+Nicole.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Our other big project is the <a href="http://anurturingmoment.com/north-alabama-cloth-diaper-bank/" target="_blank">North Alabama Cloth Diaper Bank</a>. About 60 mothers this year have received loans of cloth diapers. These loans offer a sustainable alternative to continually buying disposable diapers. Cory Ann and Sarah, our volunteer coordinators have done an amazing job educating mothers about cloth diaper usage and meeting the needs of mothers all across North Alabama.<br />
<br />
The MOM Foundation Calendar is our primary annual fund-raiser, so we encourage those who have the means to support our amazing work with moms to buy several calendars - one for yourself and 2 or 3 to give as gifts. The PreSale will last through the end of November. The Calendars will be here by the second week of December, and the donation will be $25 each. So take advantage of the presale discount and order your calendar now! You can use the PayPal button below to order.<br />
<br />
1 Calendar is $20.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-kCLvvqERnc0YvzuEKb4dHij_f3h2y6WUEL-OGI9rwYe42G5qyCCq-eLMvHnLtrBr22BdcZa5bB9iD5YgB0S4erDhiSv7NHhXTHdyzSMyMT7YxGmAJxhYxmJw7XkyzIZn7ykg5o6EpbZ7/s1600/JenniferMyersPhotography_anm+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1174" data-original-width="1600" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-kCLvvqERnc0YvzuEKb4dHij_f3h2y6WUEL-OGI9rwYe42G5qyCCq-eLMvHnLtrBr22BdcZa5bB9iD5YgB0S4erDhiSv7NHhXTHdyzSMyMT7YxGmAJxhYxmJw7XkyzIZn7ykg5o6EpbZ7/s320/JenniferMyersPhotography_anm+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
2 or more Calendars are $18.50 each.<br />
Shipping: if you want your calendar mailed to you please add $5 for 1-2 calendars. Add $10 for 3 or more calendars. Be sure to include your address in the comments. Calendars will be mailed by the third week of December.<br />
You will receive an email confirmation of your donation. If you have any questions, email <a href="mailto:anm@knology.net">anm@knology.net</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="_top">
<input name="cmd" type="hidden" value="_s-xclick" />
<input name="hosted_button_id" type="hidden" value="E384NDQKQU2W6" />
<input alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!" border="0" name="submit" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donate_LG.gif" type="image" />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" />
</form>
A Nurturing Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456983985008360679noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548058196153174310.post-47278729399377092352018-10-17T14:26:00.000-05:002018-10-17T14:26:06.527-05:00A Postpartum Doula Can Make Life After Baby a Lot EasierBy Regina Woodley, IBCLC, guest blogger<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Why is Having Babies
so HARD?!?</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3x1QPVCP7y4oHEjU84Vs3xKWD7f4Xwrxi37g3eJvOLJ8Ax-pV0Esoup4ZzTPYsywzRLTVUCfnYgSDiVxFDXgnzdrSsXY8UB14IQRQ8oZOJe2YwhNHA6zyxPnbol3vNn8Mwe15uIr0GFRi/s1600/8+August+Sarah+Buchanan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1243" data-original-width="1600" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3x1QPVCP7y4oHEjU84Vs3xKWD7f4Xwrxi37g3eJvOLJ8Ax-pV0Esoup4ZzTPYsywzRLTVUCfnYgSDiVxFDXgnzdrSsXY8UB14IQRQ8oZOJe2YwhNHA6zyxPnbol3vNn8Mwe15uIr0GFRi/s320/8+August+Sarah+Buchanan.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Through most of history, new parents would have had their
own extended families and involved neighbors to come around them and help when
a new baby was born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s no shame in
that, and a lot of need for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wouldn’t
it be nice to have someone who cared for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you
</i>while you cared for your baby?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Someone who could help with some of the housework, make sure you were
eating well, or just an extra set of arms when baby wanted to be held.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is someone who does just that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you don’t have a knowledgeable,
non-judgmental group of relatives and friends who can come spend hours helping
you, then you need to know about Post-partum Doulas.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What Exactly is a
Postpartum Doula?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A Postpartum Doula comes to your home and helps you with
whatever you need help with in caring for your new baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her goal is to take some of the burden of
parenting off of you so you can enjoy your baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often, postpartum doulas have expertise in
breastfeeding, but can also help you safely prepare formula.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have knowledge about what is normal in
the postpartum period and what may need a referral.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The support is not just for mothers, but
extends to fathers and other children, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Her goal is to help the family function more smoothly in the early weeks
so that eventually you feel confident and knowledgeable enough to not need her
anymore!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What Kinds of Things
Will My Postpartum Doula Help With?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Each doula has a different set of skills, but generally they
help with whatever the family needs at the moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some even do night hours!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her duties often include:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*Education about breastfeeding and baby care</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*Soothing baby while parents sleep, eat, shower, etc.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*Preparing simple meals and snacks</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*Helping with laundry</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfBw3hjg9K-2DEl9ozfnAPboey2RoGZnMGDTYmovDUZEXS60CScN9o_gQJ0_L-raeJCUDKXZ-LA_H7aBQbEWBCcDGU0z-Hl1BgUq9rHj1_FjADtuEXRhfizgRnMGZPc8yaxQoFaNgQ3o3/s1600/12+December+Jennifer+Daniels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1244" data-original-width="1600" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfBw3hjg9K-2DEl9ozfnAPboey2RoGZnMGDTYmovDUZEXS60CScN9o_gQJ0_L-raeJCUDKXZ-LA_H7aBQbEWBCcDGU0z-Hl1BgUq9rHj1_FjADtuEXRhfizgRnMGZPc8yaxQoFaNgQ3o3/s320/12+December+Jennifer+Daniels.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*Light housecleaning (washing dishes, sweeping, etc.)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*Playing with older children</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*Organization and streamlining for baby care</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">That’s Amazing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is There Anything Postpartum Doulas DON’T DO?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most Postpartum Doulas don’t do heavy housework or work that
isn’t related to caring for a new baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For instance, she isn’t the person to change your oil or paint your
house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She also doesn’t provide medical
care, but will tell you if she feels a doctor or other professional would be
beneficial.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many do not watch children
while parents are not at home, since the goal is to help the family function on
their own. She is not just a babysitter. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Who can benefit most
from a Postpartum Doula?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Every time a new member is added to the family there is a
time of adjustment and healing for the mother where she needs extra help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When getting postpartum help mothers benefit,
babies benefit, fathers benefit, everyone benefits!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You especially need help if:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*This is your first baby</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*You are a single parent</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*You have other young children who need supervision</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*Your baby is having feeding or health issues</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*Mother has had a Cesarean or difficult birth</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*Either parent is having health problems (physical or
mental)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*There will be an early return to work for either parent</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*There are issues which make parenting more difficult</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*You have multiples</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">How do I find a
Postpartum Doula?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFYx9P79DvRELOVkNIEZCQ3nzBO9_yFhCDV8J7TQFzU5ihn3efhxBYQGiNRGwxmYuZi2H85aoqEfJ-owBoojtZR7l9Cb189zoUrgtYOmlW2eyD3EDaq0RUVvbcwdlu8OU9W9l5SQ09A7B/s1600/2+February+%2528Allison+Jansen%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1600" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFYx9P79DvRELOVkNIEZCQ3nzBO9_yFhCDV8J7TQFzU5ihn3efhxBYQGiNRGwxmYuZi2H85aoqEfJ-owBoojtZR7l9Cb189zoUrgtYOmlW2eyD3EDaq0RUVvbcwdlu8OU9W9l5SQ09A7B/s320/2+February+%2528Allison+Jansen%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a>There are websites where you can search for doulas near you,
such as <a href="https://doulamatch.net/">doulamatch</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not all doulas are Postpartum Doulas, so be
sure to include that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best way to
find the right postpartum doula for you is probably by asking those who work
with pregnant mothers and postpartum doulas. Baby store owners, pediatric
chiropractors, lactation consultants, and support group organizers <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>can suggest the postpartum doulas they
recommend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Social media may also be a
way that other mothers could share who helped them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can hire your postpartum doula either
before baby is born or after.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most Postpartum Doulas have packages that include a certain
number of hours (the more hours, the less expensive per hour) and may include
other services.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They generally provide a
free interview so you can see if your personalities mesh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is best if both parents and even children
can meet her before any contract is signed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A contract that details exactly what you expect, the number of hours per
day, and any limitations should be signed by both parties ahead of time, just
so everyone is on the same page.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Remember, you are no less of a parent for asking for
help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, it is very wise to know
that families were never meant to be totally alone during this very important
time in your life that you can only do once!<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a></div>
<br /><br />
<i>Regina Woodley is a Certified Childbirth Educator, Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), doula and postpartum doula living in Athens, AL. </i>A Nurturing Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456983985008360679noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548058196153174310.post-3216280838246510182017-10-12T19:07:00.000-05:002017-11-11T15:44:51.106-06:002018 MOM Foundation Calenders On Sale Now!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9rFId8OGz_DXTaQLaO5VQoFReFxOrxPE84PuK319d7_lDraBZ1vxMfbAN1onHQYHJR2oiCjXXt-AotTdbhTzlnAO-zGuwiTHeKZ5pD2yweDFxVBWnwRoxGrzA3D97nuJMtknTLXHi7dQ/s1600/2+February+%2528Allison+Jansen%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1600" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9rFId8OGz_DXTaQLaO5VQoFReFxOrxPE84PuK319d7_lDraBZ1vxMfbAN1onHQYHJR2oiCjXXt-AotTdbhTzlnAO-zGuwiTHeKZ5pD2yweDFxVBWnwRoxGrzA3D97nuJMtknTLXHi7dQ/s320/2+February+%2528Allison+Jansen%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
by Glenni Lorick, IBCLC<br />
<br />
It's that time of year where we hold our largest annual fundraiser for The MOM Foundation: the annual calendar filled with gorgeous photos of breastfeeding moms from the Tennessee Valley. I love this project because it allows local photographers to showcase their talent. This is the third year that we have done this project, and the photos coming in are absolutely magnificent.<br />
<br />
<h4>
The MOM Foundation</h4>
<div>
What is The MOM Foundation? It is the 501c3 non-profit organization that allows us to do many of the amazing things we do. The following programs are all sponsored by The MOM Foundation:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQT2Qxt90WW9TiB7m148Gix1MsJsxjKguVrhOeyEj60vayHlIfNUKWlcBeSVlJgFCqT1tfIcyxzmwB_PbA0qyUbAUGPFe5CYrWeQ5LvPh2OID07pP1cSgKl8IL-CaH7tKGln6FynA36l5/s1600/4+April+%2528Amanda+Whitley%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQT2Qxt90WW9TiB7m148Gix1MsJsxjKguVrhOeyEj60vayHlIfNUKWlcBeSVlJgFCqT1tfIcyxzmwB_PbA0qyUbAUGPFe5CYrWeQ5LvPh2OID07pP1cSgKl8IL-CaH7tKGln6FynA36l5/s320/4+April+%2528Amanda+Whitley%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<li>The Bosom Buddy Project: This project allows low-income and teen moms to receive free gently used nursing bras. We measure each mother and help her find 2 bras that will fit her. The bras come from our generous Nurturing Moment family. When you bring in a bra to donate, you get a discount on your purchase that day, and we are always in need of all sizes of bras. If we don't have a single bra in our donation boxes that will fit a mother, then we provide her one bra from our ANM inventory. The MOM Foundation pays that cost.</li>
<li>Sliding scale Lactation Consultations: We believe that every mother is entitled to the breastfeeding help she needs without worrying about finances. That's why The MOM Foundation allows us to provide our lactation services on a sliding fee scale. We tell every mother who comes in to pay whatever works in her budget.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Q8Nzg887C_mnW4ji7ItFF9DBOXT5Gv0YrPe8raCEwciT8YHdWP_hQBnI6eOEgdGhMHI88j6XvQ2Gqb7FZ3zvV8JRWRmDgd4Ym90uBdRHnhoHIcJVw0JmN4ixarJgbV3NK3-6E_2IIIei/s1600/9+August+%2528Hillary+Black%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1600" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Q8Nzg887C_mnW4ji7ItFF9DBOXT5Gv0YrPe8raCEwciT8YHdWP_hQBnI6eOEgdGhMHI88j6XvQ2Gqb7FZ3zvV8JRWRmDgd4Ym90uBdRHnhoHIcJVw0JmN4ixarJgbV3NK3-6E_2IIIei/s320/9+August+%2528Hillary+Black%2529.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
</li>
<li>Half-price Breast Pump Rental: Mothers on the WIC program are entitled to half price breast pump rental. Instead of the normal $65 monthly rate, they pay only $32.50 a month for a Medela Symphony breast pump. This is a tremendous savings for those moms who desperately need a pump during the first month of baby's life before they are able to get one through WIC.</li>
<li>The North Alabama Cloth Diaper Bank: Some mothers find themselves in a situation where they must choose between feeding their families and diapering their babies. So The North Alabama Cloth Diaper Bank provides free loans of cloth diapers to families in need. Instead of having to keep going back to get more disposable diapers, these mothers are able to receive a loan that provides enough diapers for their baby throughout infancy and toddlerhood.</li>
</ul>
<h4>
Your Role</h4>
</div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_YQuMQ7BCRHved4aYGknTWLhyphenhyphentmE6bGiRG8Ng7iJ25a0J8bLFCL-yRi8cGOfvWeQv91ewcZglnB2KkFuQwZHR-M_DzGjx7-hlCpZKw2XaRQY85xwvS-yZvMb5gTuYPS4-gafw7FX2Qeir/s1600/12+December+%2528Melody+Ethridge%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="807" data-original-width="1100" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_YQuMQ7BCRHved4aYGknTWLhyphenhyphentmE6bGiRG8Ng7iJ25a0J8bLFCL-yRi8cGOfvWeQv91ewcZglnB2KkFuQwZHR-M_DzGjx7-hlCpZKw2XaRQY85xwvS-yZvMb5gTuYPS4-gafw7FX2Qeir/s320/12+December+%2528Melody+Ethridge%2529.png" width="320" /></a>We couldn't do all of this without your support. As you look at your end of the year charitable giving please consider including The MOM Foundation in your plans. One way to support us is to make a donation to the MOM Foundation. Another way is to buy a calendar or two (or three...)! Important events like The Great Cloth Diaper Change, Mom Prom, The Big Latch On and Huntsville Mommy Milk Meet-up Meetings are listed on the calendar, so you never miss anything! These calendars make a great gift for your favorite doula, midwife, lactation consultant, WIC nutritionist, doctor or nurse. Why not get one for that special friend who is pregnant or breastfeeding!Think about who you want to bless this year with a calendar. And make sure to buy one for yourself, too! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Presale price this year is $20 for one calendar, or $15 each for 2 or more calendars. The presale begins today and will go through November 22. After that, the cost will be $25 for one calendar or $20 for 2 or more calendars. If you want your calendar mailed to you please add $5 for shipping for 1-2 calendars and $9 for shipping for 3 or more. <b>It's easy to make your order, just click the donate button below, and in the note section be sure to leave your name and phone number. </b>In early December, you will receive our calendars in plenty of time to give them as Christmas presents!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="_top">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<input name="cmd" type="hidden" value="_s-xclick" />
<input name="hosted_button_id" type="hidden" value="E384NDQKQU2W6" />
<input alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!" border="0" name="submit" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donate_LG.gif" type="image" />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" />
</div>
</form>
A Nurturing Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456983985008360679noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548058196153174310.post-51330068085477507662017-07-29T17:29:00.000-05:002017-07-30T19:50:37.108-05:00Your Baby's First Trip<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilMj1UxBW62mU4mO2uXw8PMEhQwA_CXLsd7wkE8mcFpT2fVchvHpO4MN6RfMFVUsFmTe9gJnkmiyQPPV4TzOQYCvPMIStmOzvhsUvpz4wZLFEssDIlLdyrwYnnlDm5P3VSp0EckZdBku4m/s1600/Baby+Ktan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilMj1UxBW62mU4mO2uXw8PMEhQwA_CXLsd7wkE8mcFpT2fVchvHpO4MN6RfMFVUsFmTe9gJnkmiyQPPV4TzOQYCvPMIStmOzvhsUvpz4wZLFEssDIlLdyrwYnnlDm5P3VSp0EckZdBku4m/s320/Baby+Ktan.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A Baby Ktan makes the trek<br />through the airport easier!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
by Belinda Moss, Guest Blogger<br />
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Traveling by road with your little one may be tedious and stressful, but it can be loads of fun for the family if you plan your trip ahead of time. I recommend that you get a good night’s rest before embarking on your trip, map out your route as carefully as possible with the aid of maps and GPS navigation, and last but certainly not the least do all your packing ahead of time. All essentials you would need during the trip should be packed into quick access bags that can be placed in the back seat. Some essentials you might need while on the road include:</span></div>
<ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Diapers and wipes</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Blankets, change of clothes and bibs</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Formula and liquids</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Toys and portable video players</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-4ca8c3c4-8b23-44d6-be3c-834dfc829cfb" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Be sure to stick to your baby’s feeding and nap schedules to keep him/her happy and comfortable during the trip. You can premix the dry ingredients for the formula then add liquids when needed. This will make it easier to feed your baby on time and make things easier to prepare. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ensure your baby’s comfort during the road trip by using a car baby seat which supports your baby’s body. If your baby is alone in the backseat, and you are worried about keeping an eye on him/her, then have the baby seat installed behind the driver’s seat. That way you can keep an eye on your prince/princess from your mirror.</span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-V9OplC_mkhSj43wOdOFkE0m6oCYB2qyUpxyFUgRuHOGvSigkUlSXmCzNIbDUINFpHAPugBIXgqmEHpXyWLAd-8KQjoKZoiOdjQ6vPYGHHDDjm-85XL59uVp5u1L6FWsoZ8HTE0732ie/s1600/flying2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-V9OplC_mkhSj43wOdOFkE0m6oCYB2qyUpxyFUgRuHOGvSigkUlSXmCzNIbDUINFpHAPugBIXgqmEHpXyWLAd-8KQjoKZoiOdjQ6vPYGHHDDjm-85XL59uVp5u1L6FWsoZ8HTE0732ie/s1600/flying2.jpg" /></a><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Take scenic routes and make stopovers at nice diners for a meal or at a motel for some rest. Make sure you take photos at all stops to document your trip’s memories for the family album.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You may consider playing sing-along audio CDs, which most babies tend to love, or you can opt for a portable video CD player that can be installed in the car to enable your baby have live visual entertainment. That will definitely keep the angel busy for a few hours!</span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But how do you plan for a flight with a baby? It’s not as tedious as you think! Check out these tips from <a href="http://babyinastroller.com/" target="_blank">babyinastroller.com</a> to make sure you have everything needed for the big trip.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Belinda Moss first published this infographic <a href="http://babyinastroller.com/flying-with-baby-guide/" target="_blank">here</a>.</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
A Nurturing Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456983985008360679noreply@blogger.com259tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548058196153174310.post-46186327957241762362017-06-27T19:11:00.000-05:002017-06-27T19:11:20.163-05:00Your Secret Weapon for Breastfeeding Success<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWvAgF5m_eKxC5dtkZGRyoreZzqBPzAKNpE3ibpASl7s_rkCfOjsRB0efm6fpFDgtPWs6qpFEpbmKTT-zqeHtjjFicW5MBveoKclK6dds6aF1vEdteqFNLcyiCNMgkRns9WdTfcoVwiEHE/s1600/tri-breastfeeding_custom-7dba21ccb308a4556d7caf9176765e9f97cc6028-s800-c85.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="800" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWvAgF5m_eKxC5dtkZGRyoreZzqBPzAKNpE3ibpASl7s_rkCfOjsRB0efm6fpFDgtPWs6qpFEpbmKTT-zqeHtjjFicW5MBveoKclK6dds6aF1vEdteqFNLcyiCNMgkRns9WdTfcoVwiEHE/s400/tri-breastfeeding_custom-7dba21ccb308a4556d7caf9176765e9f97cc6028-s800-c85.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>From the <a href="http://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2017/06/26/534021439/secrets-of-breast-feeding-from-global-moms-in-the-know?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=morningedition&utm_term=nprnews&utm_content=20170626" target="_blank">NPR Morning Edition</a>, June 26, 2017</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
by Glenni Lorick, IBCLC<br />
<br />
Yesterday NPR (National Public Radio) ran a fascinating story about breastfeeding mothers in Namibia. It is really worth taking a few minutes to <a href="http://www.npr.org/2017/06/26/534368758/what-women-should-keep-in-mind-when-theyre-thinking-of-breastfeeding?sc=17&f=1128" target="_blank">listen to it. </a> It turns out that mothers there struggle with breastfeeding just like mothers in the United States do. They get sore nipples; they may have supply problems; they have to learn to breastfeed just like American moms do. However, they have a huge advantage that the vast majority of US moms do not have: a culture of breastfeeding.<br />
<br />
<h4>
The Grandmother Factor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</h4>
This <a href="http://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2017/06/26/534021439/secrets-of-breast-feeding-from-global-moms-in-the-know?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=morningedition&uthttp://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2017/06/26/534021439/secrets-of-breast-feeding-from-global-moms-in-the-know?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=morningedition&utm_term=nprnews&utm_content=20170626m_term=nprnews&utm_content=20170626" target="_blank">article</a> explains in detail how the Himba people in the northern desert of Namibia have a culture that makes breastfeeding work. They live in mud huts, and babies are born at home, so there is no separation of mother and baby after birth for medical procedures. Their maternal and infant mortality rates are both<a href="http://www.indexmundi.com/namibia/infant_mortality_rate.html" target="_blank"> high.</a> For every 100,000 births, 265 mothers die, and or every 1000 live births 36 babies die. Obviously, I am not advocating giving birth in a mud hut as a solution to our breastfeeding problems. And even Himba mothers do struggle with learning how to breastfeed.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuIGKjeoJeKXgPXoFNKo1KGnIWEhA_hwmUVTQ4zbd_1HlTg3GTNO0uWBiqMVhGml7tS3DicYVpO7ivX4-Ko7o3gu1zU7uuGfP3g6HW6CADlem_r8ATFnjpfN2Mbm1LzKWyWZHcqLOorxRS/s1600/Bethany+and+mom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1208" data-original-width="1600" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuIGKjeoJeKXgPXoFNKo1KGnIWEhA_hwmUVTQ4zbd_1HlTg3GTNO0uWBiqMVhGml7tS3DicYVpO7ivX4-Ko7o3gu1zU7uuGfP3g6HW6CADlem_r8ATFnjpfN2Mbm1LzKWyWZHcqLOorxRS/s320/Bethany+and+mom.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>When<a href="http://anurturingmoment.blogspot.com/search?q=teenage+pregnancy+success" target="_blank"> 17 year old Bethany</a> had her baby, her mother<br />supported her and taught her how to breastfeed.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But that is where they have the amazing "Grandmother" factor. Himba mothers actually go in the third trimester of pregnancy to the compound where their own mother lives. The new grandmother sleeps in the hut with mother and baby, even serving as an alarm clock to awaken the new mother and remind her to nurse. The grandmother teaches the new mother how to position the baby, how to help baby get the best latch possible, how to safely sleep with baby, and all the other little details necessary for parenting. The new mother remains with her mother for several months following the birth.<br />
<br />
In the US we have a generation of great-grandmothers whose doctors told them that formula was the best way to feed a baby. Their daughters who are now grandmothers likely had no support for breastfeeding from either their mothers or the medical community. This lack of help often spelled lactation failure for that generation of mothers. Those who persisted are able to support their daughters in an amazing way, and usually those daughters benefit from their wisdom.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoprRbjBUrBy5Dzh6II6i2XpJhjyfvSFZ1VmN_cgAk9hDqzOTntp5EbnVnylBXoVH31Zig8ru6qbfzmUyoBEah2gZR2z_9kAWdlOPer8mpbD41SVBnQCwJgmdsXew7RRUMaehbcALcQ6XC/s1600/Grandma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoprRbjBUrBy5Dzh6II6i2XpJhjyfvSFZ1VmN_cgAk9hDqzOTntp5EbnVnylBXoVH31Zig8ru6qbfzmUyoBEah2gZR2z_9kAWdlOPer8mpbD41SVBnQCwJgmdsXew7RRUMaehbcALcQ6XC/s320/Grandma.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A grandmother who can help with breastfeeding is a treasure.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But there is another glaring obstacle that mothers in the US face. They are expected to jump right back into the routines of life within days or weeks after giving birth. I have worked with mothers who had to return to work or school as little as 2 weeks after giving birth. They aren't even able to give their bodies time to recover, let alone get breastfeeding well-established. The scant 6 weeks that so many employers deem as "generous" maternity leave is actually the bare minimum to move a mother beyond the post-partum period. Employers who allow 12 weeks are much more in tune with what mother and baby both need.<br />
<br />
Another big difference between our culture and the Himba culture is the normalization of breastfeeding within the society. There it is completely expected that mothers will feed babies at the breast. Although there is some supplementation with goat's milk when mothers don't have enough milk, it is not the normal way to feed a baby in that culture. In contrast, new mothers here often feel uncomfortable and embarrassed about breastfeeding their babies with anyone else around. We do not have a breastfeeding culture here where children grow up seeing breastfeeding as the normal method of infant feeding.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Lessons We Can Learn from the Himba People</h4>
<br />
So how can we take this information and use it to increase breastfeeding success among US mothers? I see several ways in which we can learn from the Himba culture.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHpG8ka3vZXZxG0YJgWx7YKamxIh-i9AZOsAelwvbE1WU-7RdLx6FFwisqFsija4C3NIpFm9F1uu5ZYHCkkswbGxE52AqhFfu_KOowmWLljZSsu-C0gr0qPS4G5NRLUvadM_hopEPLWdp/s1600/skin+to+skin-AshleyEdgil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="922" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHpG8ka3vZXZxG0YJgWx7YKamxIh-i9AZOsAelwvbE1WU-7RdLx6FFwisqFsija4C3NIpFm9F1uu5ZYHCkkswbGxE52AqhFfu_KOowmWLljZSsu-C0gr0qPS4G5NRLUvadM_hopEPLWdp/s320/skin+to+skin-AshleyEdgil.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Skin-to-skin contact during the early days is<br />critically important for Mother and Baby.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<ol>
<li>Mothers and babies should NOT be separated at birth for any reason unless there is a genuine medical reason. Many hospitals have implemented policies to protect the <a href="http://www.sanfordhealth.org/stories/the-golden-hour-giving-your-newborn-the-best-start" target="_blank">Golden Hour</a> because the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4235060/" target="_blank">evidence</a> clearly points to improved outcomes when mothers and babies have this uninterrupted time together immediately after birth until after the first feed. </li>
<li>Mothers and babies should have as much skin-to-skin contact as possible in the early post partum period. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3979156/" target="_blank">Research</a> shows that this elevates hormone levels which increase mother/baby bonding. It also helps milk come in faster and increases the rate of breastfeeding success.</li>
<li>Mothers need to go home to somebody who will take care of them as they are learning to care for and feed their babies. This person needs to be supportive of breastfeeding, ideally having breastfed herself. Mothers need several weeks of this encouraging care and support. If a supportive grandmother, sister, aunt or close friend is not available to fill this role, a postpartum doula is an option. A Nurturing Moment actually offers a <a href="http://anurturingmoment.com/anm-postpartum-support/" target="_blank">postpartum support package</a> that provides some of this kind of ongoing support to new moms who don't have a grandmother/sister/friend to help out. It is very interesting to note that in the NPR broadcast yesterday morning they actually mentioned IBCLC's as an alternative for mothers who don't have "the Grandmother factor."<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4AqkHLgvNy_tepuxPgZlD4Chg4sPJSUAWD3wTQoW_qZddPyEiIZ_1J686moEi-irUer7z8uxhKg3mFczj6TISM91j40zoQboWHQoVPLvq3xTYq5zPm0YswejJFz8_EzVmqoC50ArUWmY_/s1600/maternity-leave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4AqkHLgvNy_tepuxPgZlD4Chg4sPJSUAWD3wTQoW_qZddPyEiIZ_1J686moEi-irUer7z8uxhKg3mFczj6TISM91j40zoQboWHQoVPLvq3xTYq5zPm0YswejJFz8_EzVmqoC50ArUWmY_/s320/maternity-leave.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.diyatvusa.com/2017/03/15/indias-new-maternity-leave-policy-receiving-high-praise/" target="_blank">India</a> has a mandated 6 month maternity leave!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</li>
<li>Our lawmakers need to get serious about providing a minimum of 12-16 weeks maternity leave to employees. As a small business owner, I understand the hardships that can cause, but as a lactation consultant, I see daily the hardships caused by the lack of adequate maternity leave. <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/scientific-proof-paid-parental-leave-is-good-for-everyone" target="_blank">Research</a> as well as the experiences of mothers and companies in the rest of the world have clearly shown the benefits of making sure that a strong maternal leave policy is implemented across society. </li>
<li>From their earliest days, children need to see breastfeeding as the normal way that babies are fed. Children's books should feature pictures of babies nursing, not getting a bottle. Mothers should try to expose their children to other breastfeeding mothers, explaining that this is how babies are designed to be fed. Science classes at the elementary level should include breastfeeding in their curriculum when children are learning about mammals. At the secondary level, breastfeeding should be included in instruction about reproduction and family planning. A breastfeeding culture is built by one mother and baby at a time normalizing infant feeding at the breast. I am optimistic that together this generation of mothers can make that happen!</li>
</ol>
<br />
<br />A Nurturing Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456983985008360679noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548058196153174310.post-42249794632783966622017-06-15T19:11:00.000-05:002017-06-15T19:11:34.131-05:00Does Your Baby Sleep....Like a Baby?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5IFatkzkyfOgc8S3p50t62u5dMXGyYeOm-ug65TQZxvF6PltOdWasz9HKphEQsM3hRSJ1juaMiF2jwwJIiC84HcCPosSWpwVZCwWJEGLJuTokgu7fuEKVYI35-feSnfTHbQGtqbzMUtSR/s1600/Baby+Sleep.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5IFatkzkyfOgc8S3p50t62u5dMXGyYeOm-ug65TQZxvF6PltOdWasz9HKphEQsM3hRSJ1juaMiF2jwwJIiC84HcCPosSWpwVZCwWJEGLJuTokgu7fuEKVYI35-feSnfTHbQGtqbzMUtSR/s320/Baby+Sleep.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
by Glenni Lorick, IBCLC<br />
Does your baby sleep like a baby? You know, waking every 2 or 3 hours, maybe crying, nursing or taking a bottle, then falling back asleep? Physiologically newborns are not programmed to sleep a stretch longer than about 4 hours. By about 6 months, they might be capable of sleeping a stretch of at least 6 hours (many infants do sleep longer) at night. The fact is that some babies are simply born with easier temperaments than others, making nighttime much easier for some parents than for others.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Why Babies Wake Up</h4>
<div>
A newborn has a tiny tummy. In fact at birth his tummy will hold about 5- 7 ml of breastmilk comfortably. Many formula feeding parents mistakenly think that their babies need to take most of the 60 ml formula bottle the hospital gives them. Even 20 ml can cause baby's stomach to be too full, leading to discomfort and spitting up. Newborns nurse very frequently - every 2-3 hours or perhaps even more often. Breastmilk is designed to digest quickly, so often newborns wake up hungry after just an hour or two.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-Bg3ZlrTPULo5HT8mYMUWXXdTc3uTVZk5vriM-yOjVdoh3IGG6FXwBPpUwYdQibszLZsPJ5amsovuPwtqDDbj1gcglkOsGvd6cUUvV6o3Z_63zmEE0osrVgRJ7PZnmtpZwXSnvtDdpsM/s1600/Baby+Sleep+-+BrianneHunt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1440" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-Bg3ZlrTPULo5HT8mYMUWXXdTc3uTVZk5vriM-yOjVdoh3IGG6FXwBPpUwYdQibszLZsPJ5amsovuPwtqDDbj1gcglkOsGvd6cUUvV6o3Z_63zmEE0osrVgRJ7PZnmtpZwXSnvtDdpsM/s320/Baby+Sleep+-+BrianneHunt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Many infants will cluster feed in the evening because that is how they prepare for a slightly longer sleep stretch at bedtime. Breastmilk composition changes throughout the day. In the evening, there is less milk, but it is actually higher in long-chain fatty acids like tryptophan (that wonderful amino acid found in turkey that makes you want to fall asleep after Thanksgiving dinner). It is also higher in sleep-inducing melatonin. A lot of mothers worry that they don't have enough milk in the evening because baby is nursing non-stop. So they end up supplementing in the evening. But that really isn't necessary. The frequent nursing helps baby get what he needs and helps mama produce more milk.<br />
<br />
As they approach about 2 months of age, some babies do start sleeping longer stretches of 4-8 hours at night. That is normal. But it is also normal for babies to continue waking several times at night to nurse. At this age babies are still sleeping pretty deeply when they are actually asleep.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAo0ZKHndjolg0KtH_V8OqRCsraN4WreV05V4okmSs8z4fPBwa-DhGtC5mq-hl6b5B8S5FjF2wUBVbJNAzrYGHmE7S66OtccIl-bi1zZCFi5huoSkNr7lOaWXzinY2F1HnTz6wTQ8RlWLG/s1600/Baby+sleep-Debbie+Lamb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAo0ZKHndjolg0KtH_V8OqRCsraN4WreV05V4okmSs8z4fPBwa-DhGtC5mq-hl6b5B8S5FjF2wUBVbJNAzrYGHmE7S66OtccIl-bi1zZCFi5huoSkNr7lOaWXzinY2F1HnTz6wTQ8RlWLG/s1600/Baby+sleep-Debbie+Lamb.jpg" /></a>Around 4 months many babies experience a sleep regression. A baby who was sleeping a 6-8 hour stretch may suddenly be waking every 3 hours again. The good news is that baby's brain is maturing. The bad news is that these changes are permanent. You will need to help your baby adjust to falling back asleep when he awakens. One way to do that is to help him learn to fall asleep in his crib without you. Most experts do not recommend letting baby "cry-it-out" because<a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/moral-landscapes/201112/dangers-crying-it-out" target="_blank"> research has shown that can actually be harmful</a>. However, there are gentle methods to help baby learn to sleep. The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/No-Cry-Sleep-Solution-Gentle-Through/dp/0071381392" target="_blank">No Cry Sleep Solution</a> by Elizabeth Pantley is a terrific resource that many parents have found to be invaluable.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Where Baby Sleeps</h4>
</div>
<div>
The American Academy of Pediatrics came out with revised sleep recommendations in 2016. They recommend that babies sleep in a "separate but proximate"sleep environment. That means that baby should sleep in Mom and Dad's room, but not in their bed. Nevertheless, <a href="http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2016/10/20/peds.2016-2938" target="_blank">in this revision</a>, the AAP did acknowledge that mothers do sometimes fall asleep while nursing. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcReCboAu45XtigrCHO6NmjJ2mzowGWXSsHbM4wie0SnRtggivlb5W8iI85xc01LnrXaiRoHZY_lS7OpvOZU7bbOX_U82YV1ZfERn4NlwED8F2VXJQ9EMmnQTu-XJNm5XR-fcheHmQXhu8/s1600/baby+sleep+-+Becky+Bryant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="221" data-original-width="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcReCboAu45XtigrCHO6NmjJ2mzowGWXSsHbM4wie0SnRtggivlb5W8iI85xc01LnrXaiRoHZY_lS7OpvOZU7bbOX_U82YV1ZfERn4NlwED8F2VXJQ9EMmnQTu-XJNm5XR-fcheHmQXhu8/s1600/baby+sleep+-+Becky+Bryant.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arvo, serif; font-size: 14px;">"However, the AAP acknowledges that parents frequently fall asleep while feeding the infant. Evidence suggests that it is less hazardous to fall asleep with the infant in the adult bed than on a sofa or armchair, should the parent fall asleep. It is important to note that a large percentage of infants who die of SIDS are found with their head covered by bedding. Therefore, no pillows, sheets, blankets, or any other items that could obstruct infant breathing or cause overheating should be in the bed. Parents should also follow safe sleep recommendations outlined elsewhere in this statement. Because there is evidence that the risk of bed-sharing is higher with longer duration, if the parent falls asleep while feeding the infant in bed, the infant should be placed back on a separate sleep surface as soon as the parent awakens."</span></blockquote>
<br />
Dr. James McKenna is a professor of Biological Anthropology and the director of the Notre Dame Mother-Baby Sleep Laboratory. He has written extensively on the biological reasons for mothers and babies to share sleep environments. He also has created <a href="http://cosleeping.nd.edu/safe-co-sleeping-guidelines/" target="_blank">safe co-sleeping guidelines </a>that any family who is practicing co-sleeping should be very careful to follow. Everyone agrees that the most dangerous place for an infant to sleep is a recliner or sofa, even with a caring adult. If that adult falls asleep the risk of the infant suffocating is many times greater than it would be on a firm sleep surface such as a futon or firm mattress.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Getting Help </h4>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2cV2CWl8OZJSUAaw5bGqY6cTt3zHwrsVoGpu2JPlWkWp9Ody5v4x8CN0Jz43mZSA0eAkZGTvBORizRxotEwY0D77ipLJFe-xmW_7VJf4WAxiXJlKuTYyLXGl5sF1DJxdTGz01Eh7-eVOL/s1600/baby+sleep+-+Meredith+Harrison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="162" data-original-width="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2cV2CWl8OZJSUAaw5bGqY6cTt3zHwrsVoGpu2JPlWkWp9Ody5v4x8CN0Jz43mZSA0eAkZGTvBORizRxotEwY0D77ipLJFe-xmW_7VJf4WAxiXJlKuTYyLXGl5sF1DJxdTGz01Eh7-eVOL/s1600/baby+sleep+-+Meredith+Harrison.jpg" /></a>Fortunately we have a local infant sleep expert. Dana Stone is the mother of four children. When she had serious sleep issues with her last baby, she looked for answers. She knew that the traditional cry-it-out method wasn't right for her family, so she found a program that helped her gently teach her child to sleep. She ended up becoming a <a href="http://restassuredconsulting.com/" target="_blank">certified Sleep Sense consultant </a>and has helped dozens of local families get a good nights' sleep. She offers a free download for parents entitled "Five Steps to Getting Your Baby to Sleep Through the Night." It is important to recognize that nobody expects an infant to sleep through the night. Physiologically they just aren't ready to do that. However, later in the second half of the first year, many babies are capable of sleeping an 8 hour stretch. Dana is able to work with your individual situation and help your baby sleep a little less like a baby!</div>
A Nurturing Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456983985008360679noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548058196153174310.post-89028646257537036412017-05-25T18:34:00.000-05:002017-05-25T18:34:50.909-05:00Local Businesses Roll Out the Red Carpet for Breastfeeding Moms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2MeZLJlSUr2e5ZIvv4n4gYwKEMVvzg0XOcTrO_iywSMQDQVj3WaQ65DYVJhROYoGL6Doe59DmSf73yFOHbIcyodgwjnj97kaeAddoMofACtoM3c4uiAxCWFlF8EC5zWu-_8piyrWAl3cc/s1600/bravo-pop-mentor%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2MeZLJlSUr2e5ZIvv4n4gYwKEMVvzg0XOcTrO_iywSMQDQVj3WaQ65DYVJhROYoGL6Doe59DmSf73yFOHbIcyodgwjnj97kaeAddoMofACtoM3c4uiAxCWFlF8EC5zWu-_8piyrWAl3cc/s320/bravo-pop-mentor%255B1%255D.jpg" width="295" /></a></div>
by Glenni Lorick, IBCLC<br />
<br />
North Alabama is home to some amazing businesses that really understand how important it is to support their tiniest clients...and their mothers who are nursing them. Our moms have weighed in on which stores, restaurants and other businesses have made them feel welcome as they nursed their babies, and we want to share these with you. Be sure to thank these businesses for their outstanding customer service!<br />
<br />
<h4>
Restaurants</h4>
<div>
<b><a href="http://www.alchemyhsv.com/" target="_blank">Alchemy at Lowe Mill</a> </b> Lindsay says they were wonderful when she was having her non-dairy small latte there!</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.bravoitalian.com/huntsville.html" target="_blank"><br /></a></div>
<div>
<b><a href="https://www.bravoitalian.com/huntsville.html" target="_blank">Bravo at Bridge Street </a> </b>This restaurant gets our 5 star rating! Amanda was there the other night as part of a graduation party. While they waited up front for the party room to be set up, her baby got hungry. When the hostess noticed she was nursing she asked Amanda if she'd like a glass of water or sweet tea. Once they were seated the manager came out and brought a car seat hammock, helping them get settled in. When they saw her get out a bag of breastmilk to heat up, the waiter brought a glass of scalding water to warm it, and the female waitress assisting with the party noticed the glass was too full, so she brought a coffee cup and poured some of the milk into it, explaining that she heated her milk that way, too. Amanda never had to ask for anything. They obviously had a process in place and were very comfortable with nursing mothers. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><a href="http://www.buffalowildwings.com/en/locations/Detail/3234" target="_blank">Buffalo Wild Wings in Huntsville</a> </b>Leah has high compliments for their staff's treatment of breastfeeding mothers.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><a href="http://www.casablancaalabama.com/about.php" target="_blank">Casa Blanca</a> </b> Justen said that the waiter took her order without any hesitation while she was nursing uncovered. He acted like it was a totally normal day for him, which was really nice.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5QI-EGOOAjXTgajN14P1Kj14vI4EbtRrblTCLx7NpR8rfDztAll1SneussrEVn_eWHFaW2vxuJM3smFKNZlPUxagaXnGeSjuRRFnIOESreHRv5Nj_ihKGoFkDSJwgi6NWQCO40lk-GquX/s1600/phil+sandoval.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5QI-EGOOAjXTgajN14P1Kj14vI4EbtRrblTCLx7NpR8rfDztAll1SneussrEVn_eWHFaW2vxuJM3smFKNZlPUxagaXnGeSjuRRFnIOESreHRv5Nj_ihKGoFkDSJwgi6NWQCO40lk-GquX/s320/phil+sandoval.JPG" width="320" /></a><b><a href="http://nothingbutnoodles.com/" target="_blank">Nothing But Noodles in Huntsville</a> </b> Leah says their staff was particularly great about her nursing.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><a href="http://philsandovals.com/" target="_blank">Phil Sandoval's</a> </b>Holly says that although both of her nurslings are past the typical nursing age, this restaurant has always been super welcoming!</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.rosiesmexicancantina.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a></div>
<div>
<b><a href="https://www.rosiesmexicancantina.com/" target="_blank">Rosie's on South Parkway </a></b> Keli notes that she breastfeeds here all the time. She has never felt uncomfortable, and they have always made her feel welcome!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><a href="http://tazikiscafe.com/location/madison-al/" target="_blank">Tzakikis in Madison</a></b> Rebekah says that they are SUPER welcoming and supportive of nursing mommas! Sometimes the girls from the Madison Breastfeeding group will go there for lunch, and they have everything all set up for them. She says this restaurant is awesome!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Retail</h4>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisoIB3PWYidfnW07qtIGuez6FdxfpU9CeWfCIGJTcBwaq4DiodSvBbMTiOQi4KmKul4PLorAGJ7AtGZSga1yKzR-UoLmn5mBm1Hy5t2DNPADLOwinJUi2uT9ZBOj90CHJOodxQ_4uWlyfw/s1600/kristi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisoIB3PWYidfnW07qtIGuez6FdxfpU9CeWfCIGJTcBwaq4DiodSvBbMTiOQi4KmKul4PLorAGJ7AtGZSga1yKzR-UoLmn5mBm1Hy5t2DNPADLOwinJUi2uT9ZBOj90CHJOodxQ_4uWlyfw/s320/kristi.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Moms and Babies are always welcome to hang out at<br />A Nurturing Moment</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<b><a href="http://anurturingmoment.com/" target="_blank">A Nurturing Moment</a> </b>Rebecca says that so far this is the only place she has nursed in public. Rebekah adds that it is great to be able to shop and not feel judged or rushed with her nursing Toddlet. Kristi says she loves stopping by ANM to nurse when she is out this way. We offer nursing mothers a comfy place to sit as well as nursing pillows if necessary. We also have a refrigerator stocked with water because we know mamas get thirsty when nursing.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><a href="http://www.acorntreasures.com/" target="_blank">Acorn Treasures</a> </b>Caitlyn and Rebekah both say they are great.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><a href="http://www.belk.com/" target="_blank">Belk</a></b> Mary was shopping for her 8 year old when her baby got fussy. They showed her to a comfortable area by the dressing rooms, then left her alone to nurse in privacy.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><a href="https://www.costco.com/warehouse-locations/huntsville-al-356.html" target="_blank">Costco</a> </b>Marie says they have a nursing room set up near their employee break room. Once when she was there the lady checking receipts saw that she was sitting at one of the tables to nurse. When Marie walked by her later, the lady told her that it was available if she needed it.</div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b><a href="http://www.poshmommyandbabytoo.com/" target="_blank">Posh Mommy & Baby, Too</a> </b> Rebekah says they are great with nursing moms.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Professional Services</h4>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb89Uf9s1VjraHJHEbjxPRPq-LkUGDmO06f728ptAcWs5z1aMuSGop5-67kLOic9z0zZhYAsJzmFRZtJtnaVMOThG8fgAovzYgDdWNMUNwStQShbjE5-8jNzL2NWGZNuBVPZBS1J5gnSLa/s1600/patty+long.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="895" data-original-width="960" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb89Uf9s1VjraHJHEbjxPRPq-LkUGDmO06f728ptAcWs5z1aMuSGop5-67kLOic9z0zZhYAsJzmFRZtJtnaVMOThG8fgAovzYgDdWNMUNwStQShbjE5-8jNzL2NWGZNuBVPZBS1J5gnSLa/s320/patty+long.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dr. Patty Long welcomes nursing moms</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<b><a href="https://www.aecmadison.com/" target="_blank">Advanced Eye Care of Madison</a></b> Rebecca says that her eye doctor is incredibly supportive of breastfeeding. She was there when her baby was just a month old and they were still struggling with nursing. They gave her an exam room and told her to take all the time she needed to feed her baby. Furthermore, the staff - including her doctor - encouraged her to continue breastfeeding and made sure that she had a lactation consultant when she admitted that she was having problems. This is one business that really cares about their clients!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><a href="http://chaseanimalhospital.com/" target="_blank">Chase Animal Hospital</a> </b>April says that she had a bit of a wait there, and her baby got hungry. The doctor came in and said that she was breastfeeding, too. It made her feel much less self conscious.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/LongChiropracticAL/" target="_blank">Long Chiropractic</a> </b>Rebekah says that Dr. Patty Long is very breastfeeding friendly.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><a href="http://www.madisonspeech.com/" target="_blank">Madison Speech Associates </a></b> While she was there, the receptionist and SLP overheard Claire mention that she was about to feed her daughter. They set her up in a private room during her son's speech therapy.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_Zcd684ru7lwClpGIi40YmqviNlVhug1eSvL5uAjHfeH92UDCcGXmazgf6V3cFyCxoWh0hVT294Eqvw3M6s6F8nqn1yJXQ3rBxHJUj7O8nGhaCTZ6MoBVMZOnh_NnnenTyVC_7YotV23/s1600/map-view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_Zcd684ru7lwClpGIi40YmqviNlVhug1eSvL5uAjHfeH92UDCcGXmazgf6V3cFyCxoWh0hVT294Eqvw3M6s6F8nqn1yJXQ3rBxHJUj7O8nGhaCTZ6MoBVMZOnh_NnnenTyVC_7YotV23/s1600/map-view.jpg" /></a><b><a href="http://shcofwhitesburggardens.com/" target="_blank">Whitesburg Gardens </a> </b>Samantha is usually nursing her baby in her sling as she goes into her grandmother's nursing home. She has received verbal praise for breastfeeding from the employees. She has also had nurses or other employees peak in at her baby and talk to her while she's feeding without even a second glance. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Travel/Entertainment</h4>
<div>
<b><a href="http://insanitycomplex.com/" target="_blank">Insanity Skate Complex</a></b> Mary praises the way they handled a guy who was harassing her as she nursed in a corner away from everyone: they threw him out!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><a href="http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/hsval-huntsville-marriott-at-the-space-and-rocket-center/" target="_blank">Marriott Hotel by Space and Rocket Center </a> </b>Sarah was there for a conference, and they had no place to pump aside from the restroom. However, a very kind female administrator let Sarah use her personal office.</div>
A Nurturing Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456983985008360679noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548058196153174310.post-3939220409032033452017-05-21T13:09:00.000-05:002017-05-22T10:03:51.010-05:00Attachment Parenting Produced an Amazing Graduate<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguFQ83aR6nchBP10yTN6M0OIu57mgkSbbLcQZUVE_OGTvAjjt-w0SoT-xGHHI5KOII7OrQHL-fsNZMaTvCLIjf78p2GjeOYibGfdj7iyFS3FDRNiWOvGHyROjsVTdG7FKxBhN2iM3DeRJX/s1600/John+Cali.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguFQ83aR6nchBP10yTN6M0OIu57mgkSbbLcQZUVE_OGTvAjjt-w0SoT-xGHHI5KOII7OrQHL-fsNZMaTvCLIjf78p2GjeOYibGfdj7iyFS3FDRNiWOvGHyROjsVTdG7FKxBhN2iM3DeRJX/s320/John+Cali.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Last year in Colombia</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
by Glenni Lorick, IBCLC<br />
<br />
This has been a very special week in our family's life. My baby graduated from high school (for the second time) Friday night. His first graduation happened last year in Cali, Colombia, <a href="http://anurturingmoment.blogspot.com/2015/08/give-them-wings-and-watchthem-fly.html" target="_blank">where he had spent his junior year</a>. In Cali they only have 11 years of school, so he graduated with his eleventh grade class there and received a special honor because of his outstanding grades and his contributions to the school despite everything being in Spanish. By the time we went to Cali last year to see him graduate, he was completely fluent in Spanish.<br />
<br />
But he wanted to come back to his school here, <a href="http://www.wca-hsv.org/" target="_blank">Westminster Christian Academy,</a> to finish his senior year. He took 3 Advanced Placement courses this year and continued his habit of making straight A's, graduating with a 4.2 GPA. He has known since he was 12 that he wanted to serve his country as a military aviator. This year he applied to Annapolis, applied for a Navy ROTC scholarship and actually enlisted as a Navy Nuke! We were overjoyed when he received the NROTC scholarship to Auburn University where he will study Aerospace Engineering. Thursday afternoon at the awards ceremony two US Navy officers and the recruiter who has worked closely with John Carl all year presented him with a huge check representing his scholarship.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsRXJsHyK-cbEqydV4ZibnUC9wG98mCG5RtKyynye4EWqkgANpi3zHJzHU2KfgTYccrwpcBUln8wQrK6l7a3pMiWjv18FtyztUgmBGUgCLo5M8RjhgfnKs1hTjXOjafYU2czH0uVbkgiQU/s1600/John+check.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsRXJsHyK-cbEqydV4ZibnUC9wG98mCG5RtKyynye4EWqkgANpi3zHJzHU2KfgTYccrwpcBUln8wQrK6l7a3pMiWjv18FtyztUgmBGUgCLo5M8RjhgfnKs1hTjXOjafYU2czH0uVbkgiQU/s320/John+check.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>John's Navy ROTC Scholarship</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
John Carl is a product of Attachment Parenting. He nursed until he was two and a half. He slept with us as a baby and toddler. He was a product of gentle discipline, and always had a deep desire to please us. We were asked to write a letter to be given him at senior breakfast. I want to share with you what we wrote.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Our precious, amazing son,</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>It is such a privilege to be your parents. You have brought
so much joy and love into this family, and each family member has been touched
by you in different ways. You have a strong relationship with each of your
siblings, and Dad and I both really enjoy just being with you, too. From the
time you were just a baby, you have always been a truly delightful person to be
around.</i><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>I remember taking you to Nido when you were just three years
old. You loved stopping by the panaderia on the corner to grab a special treat.
Everybody loved seeing you come by! You were such a precious little caballero
(NOT caballo)! Then you started Pre-K at Westminster, and everybody just loved
you. You may actually be the only student who has been at Evangel, M&M,
North Hills and Brockway campuses! From the earliest days at Westminster you
excelled in everything. You wanted to do well; I think it was important to you
that we were proud of you, but I also think you had an inner drive to succeed!</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW6awPAv_xawVmFiBVNfOo9U6WvPamk1nRvUnADRcIwLVUz8h-XPMx0RC0bfNTxmbFdsM-gkIB8mG3N7N6ukQViGUatt8xj3OPhgEcJ2wWXfy7jHPhkrKnppQ3B0uS5A-OsfVkr5Srxc1U/s1600/John+scholarship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW6awPAv_xawVmFiBVNfOo9U6WvPamk1nRvUnADRcIwLVUz8h-XPMx0RC0bfNTxmbFdsM-gkIB8mG3N7N6ukQViGUatt8xj3OPhgEcJ2wWXfy7jHPhkrKnppQ3B0uS5A-OsfVkr5Srxc1U/s320/John+scholarship.jpg" width="248" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>John's Spirit of Auburn Scholarship</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>When it came to sports, you never held back even a tiny bit.
I wonder how many students have actually been forbidden to play football and
soccer at recess?? You may have been a bit small for your age, but you were the
most aggressive athlete out there many times! You allowed sports to shape you
into a keen competitor who is fit both physically and mentally for the many
challenges that lie ahead. I think now you can see that the many years of
sports weren’t about winning or losing. Rather, they were about helping you become
the man you are today.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>I remember when you were 12 and told us you were going to be
a military pilot and study aerospace engineering. You never wavered in your
determination to pursue a military career, even going to the point of actually
enlisting. The night you got word that you were awarded your NROTC scholarship
was one of the happiest moments of my life! We would have been proud of you as
a Nuke, but we are so thankful you can go in as an officer doing what you
really want to do!</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<i>I will never forget the day we were walking around Colegio
Americano and you told me you wanted to spend your junior year there. Letting
you go to Cali last year was one of the hardest things we have ever done in our
life. But we didn’t have a choice because the same God that was speaking to
your heart was speaking to our hearts as well. We were so proud of you at
graduation last year. You had grown so much during that year in so many
ways. Your accomplishments at Colegio
Americano still amaze us, and we are so thankful that you had that
life-changing experience.</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HmLuk39q8L2T-m7RAKPJkJVPXFGnSRC-Iwl6uXVZXxtlhcBDy_ij49wwRf-fEV2vNjSqNoLeEo4RyrJt8j-JKcINW2YJjZ-vbBHubJQCf5qTPHQSWwrycJePNtUAILNsmj1vT54EaRn0/s1600/john.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HmLuk39q8L2T-m7RAKPJkJVPXFGnSRC-Iwl6uXVZXxtlhcBDy_ij49wwRf-fEV2vNjSqNoLeEo4RyrJt8j-JKcINW2YJjZ-vbBHubJQCf5qTPHQSWwrycJePNtUAILNsmj1vT54EaRn0/s400/john.jpg" width="311" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>We are so proud of our Honor graduate!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>For many people, the high school years are the best time of
their life. Not you! For many people, college is the best time of their life.
Not you! The best time of your life will be the day that you are living today
in the presence of your Savior. As you look back on your life when you are our
age, may you see a lifetime that is full of God’s richest blessings, a lifetime
that has been spent serving Christ and serving others, a lifetime that has made
a difference in this world. Cling to
Christ like a shipwrecked sailor clings to his raft. Hold tight to Him in the
bad times, but especially in the good times!</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<i>Son, we love you more than words could ever begin to
express, and our hearts are bursting with pride as we see you graduate today.
Last year’s graduation was just a prelude to this year’s. And tonight’s
graduation is but a prelude to the rest of your life!</i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Love, </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Mom and Dad</i></div>
<br />A Nurturing Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456983985008360679noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548058196153174310.post-51473766304577851782017-05-13T11:56:00.000-05:002017-05-13T11:56:56.641-05:00Local Mom Makes Heartfelt Plea for ABA Coverage for Spectrum Individuals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJr2hu_LEMRdT1aWdsGlIcG7Ulikv68YU07ouL_wcdiFIDZcJT00aZCtUrZsxq3FxCDLvYwcymo0-6HvxDkloyYsezc6pSi14qXkrKuWMYgwH-uqCBvYwfYpFcze_HA-uvl29VV2kw3YW/s1600/brinley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJr2hu_LEMRdT1aWdsGlIcG7Ulikv68YU07ouL_wcdiFIDZcJT00aZCtUrZsxq3FxCDLvYwcymo0-6HvxDkloyYsezc6pSi14qXkrKuWMYgwH-uqCBvYwfYpFcze_HA-uvl29VV2kw3YW/s320/brinley.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
by Glenni Lorick, IBCLC<div>
This morning I read the following letter that my friend Ashley Sparks wrote to Senator Paul Sanford. Ashley is an amazing woman who eloquently advocates not only for her daughter, Brinley, but for all individuals on the Autism Spectrum. I have known Ashley since before Brinley was born. I remember when she suspected that Brinley might have a problem, and when Brinley received her diagnosis. Ashley, like many other mothers of children on the Autism Spectrum, pours her heart and soul into advocating for her daughter! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A Bill mandating insurance coverage for the expensive ABA therapy needed by children on the Autism Spectrum passed the House by a unanimous vote. However in the Senate, it was <a href="http://www.al.com/news/birmingham/index.ssf/2017/05/bill_to_require_autism_insuran.html" target="_blank">referred to committee</a>. Senator Sanford was only one of two "No" votes in the committee that approved the bill 14-2. My prayer is that this letter touches Senator Sanford's heart and the hearts of other Senators who may happen to see it. Please share it far and wide in the hope that every Alabama state senator will see it and understand how critical the ABA funding really is! </div>
<div>
<div>
<br /><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Senator Sanford,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I would be surprised if you remembered me, but we spoke at length several times during your first campaign. At the time, I had no idea my second child would have an autism diagnosis and would struggle to get through a normal day without sensory overwhelm and, often, violent meltdowns. I just knew you coached my cousin's basketball team, ran a killer barbecue joint, and supported the legalization of midwives. Each time I spoke to you I was encouraged because I felt you were someone I could count on to always do the right thing. Your integrity was what stood out to me, above all else. So I not only voted for you, I campaigned for you. I walked streets and handed out flyers, I advocated for you to anyone who would listen, and I held signs on election day.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I know that often the "right thing" is not always black and white, especially in the murky political world. I understand that you have firm beliefs in small government, and the right of the free market to regulate itself. As such, I can understand why you would balk at a bill mandating private insurance companies to cover any specific therapies.</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxYHXUbSxcT8Lo4IFac2aw717qA3srOK29DsW8rovbu2AhnMyIZ6yL1OSOaRVlPPtR7VIl5vxvDvekwBTAxGM045in75MBwzt7w7t10F_PQ6khR3ZkxqLcurOVlXv8N_LD34G8xkYqV5x/s1600/Brinley+meltdown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxYHXUbSxcT8Lo4IFac2aw717qA3srOK29DsW8rovbu2AhnMyIZ6yL1OSOaRVlPPtR7VIl5vxvDvekwBTAxGM045in75MBwzt7w7t10F_PQ6khR3ZkxqLcurOVlXv8N_LD34G8xkYqV5x/s320/Brinley+meltdown.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><i>Brinley in the middle of a meltdown. I wasn't able to touch <br />her for nearly half an hour while she screamed "Mommy! <br />Help me!" <span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; text-align: left;">She could not tolerate being touched due to her <br />sensory overwhelm, but wanted my help. There is nothing<br /> more heartbreaking than watching your child suffer <br />when you are helpless to fix it.</span></i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">But senator, I do believe that this is one of those times that departure from your political principles is not only reasonable, it is critical. You see, a free market might well regulate itself into including these coverages through competition. There are compelling arguments on both sides of the fence about the feasibility of that actually coming to pass. However, it requires a great deal of something of which we simply don't have the luxury - time.</span></div>
<div>
<br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">My daughter, Brinley, is six yea</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">rs old. She has already lost the most critical years for ABA therapy, but if this bill were passed, she could still greatly benefit from therapy. She might one day sit in a regular classroom, at least for part of her day. She might be able to go out to a restaurant without covering her ears and screaming halfway through the meal because of her learned coping skills. She might even, someday, be independent enough to have a job and even a home of her own. But only if her critical supports are provided. As you can see, I can't wait for a free market to sort itself out. Neither can the other 50,000 plus individuals in Alabama with Autism Spectrum Disorders. While we respect that economics must be a considered factor, we must prioritize our children's greatest needs. For Brinley and tens of thousands of others, that need is ABA and the time it is needed is yesterday.</span></div>
<div>
<br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Senator, I am urging you - no, pleading with you - to support this bill. I am begging you to support the removal of the amendment capping the age at 16. Autism is a lifelong condition and while the greatest needs for ABA are in the younger years, the need for access doesn't magically disappear at any given age. A child who required thirty hours of ABA at age six might only require a couple of hours a week at age sixteen, but they may still desperately need that support at a time in their lives when their worlds continue to change rapidly. I am also asking in desperation that you remove the amendment that would limit coverage requirements to plans for fifty or more employees. This would exclude at least half of Alabama families, and severely limit tangible job opportunities for parents of children on the spectrum. It would prevent parents from venturing into small business for themselves, and could easily become a functional cap on the ingenuity and entrepreneurship of Alabamians. Please, sir, don't let that happen.</span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUPUEUQE6dIu5c1edRZEb41WO-xvDfwuLqgHUoUOzW9zLO4W5AL_CQr0eYVN1CxtVGOmv7yKDjL8ah0VlAF5fkBJaDIzTriyYLv3juii3C69ds8yxRGFkcuGXnO1Ay7lvP1LditWWzeBOB/s1600/Brinle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUPUEUQE6dIu5c1edRZEb41WO-xvDfwuLqgHUoUOzW9zLO4W5AL_CQr0eYVN1CxtVGOmv7yKDjL8ah0VlAF5fkBJaDIzTriyYLv3juii3C69ds8yxRGFkcuGXnO1Ay7lvP1LditWWzeBOB/s320/Brinle.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Brinley with her service-dog-in-training, Max. Moments like this <br />we get to see our daughter - really see her, and not just her autism. <br />Moments like this give us hope. ABA therapy would mean far <br />more moments like this and fewer like the one above.</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I voted for you in the confidence that you would always do the right thing. I was so disheartened to hear your votes in committee the other day because it was clear to me that you and I were not on the same page about what the right thing was regarding this bill.</span></div>
<div>
<br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Please look at this sweet girl. Look in the faces of our children who need this therapy to lead lives with meaningful communication and relationships. They need this therapy to lead full lives. I think when you look at them, senator, you will know in your heart that the right thing to do in this situation is not about political philosophy, but about human dignity - and that is passing this bill, preferably free of the amendments.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Thank you for your time. You have my faith to do the right thing.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Sincerely, </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Ashley Sparks</span></div>
</div>
</div>
A Nurturing Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456983985008360679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548058196153174310.post-78307589549968315482017-05-03T18:10:00.000-05:002017-05-03T18:10:40.213-05:00Join Us Saturday at Babypalooza<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiqcW0PEOm6NYpgft6WtUfVHLANNQM3be4RicwYMCrhbbTtQjX4tFJtFH1cu8ZCxgPUxSeQ11hYx8exjRSiZH2nq67-8KtO6oT1XbajMElgHwnH4CTQ5o-ziJ0aYc2xJZTyNdGFAJ7J3z4/s1600/luke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiqcW0PEOm6NYpgft6WtUfVHLANNQM3be4RicwYMCrhbbTtQjX4tFJtFH1cu8ZCxgPUxSeQ11hYx8exjRSiZH2nq67-8KtO6oT1XbajMElgHwnH4CTQ5o-ziJ0aYc2xJZTyNdGFAJ7J3z4/s320/luke.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Come celebrate all things Baby!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
by Glenni Lorick, IBCLC<br />
<br />
It's time once again to celebrate everything BABY this Saturday when the <a href="http://babypaloozatour.com/?event=huntsville-babypalooza" target="_blank">Babypalooza tour hits Huntsville</a>. From 9:00 - 1:00 the North Hall of the VBC will be transformed into a veritable candy store for expectant and new parents! Exhibitors will have everything from baby registry information to safety tips to adorable outfits for your little bundle of joy!<br />
<br />
Babies R Us will be present with information on setting up your registry, door prizes, and other goodies. Aetna is sponsoring the Child Safety Area where the focus will be safe sleep, infant CPR, and other topics relevant to keeping your little angel safe. Local preschools, retailers and medical professionals will all be on hand to help make the day memorable for you. Baby shower games throughout the day will keep it fun!<br />
<br />
But Babypalooza isn't just about fun and games. It is also about education. Dana Stone of <a href="http://restassuredconsulting.com/" target="_blank">Rest Assured Consulting</a> will be talking about how to help your child get a good night's sleep. Crestwood Hospital will be offering a series of classes throughout the day.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1WoTrl2CfztAedezC4jJZBUr7nby3bCA0aWKp42N5RKFT5pSE_fZ3g0S_udkJ-0bEc-vmUGvOeswCjlBdYOIKkPtU_hhmHl4fM1Z2lJ8BsMib2JajIvZS6UfJdJXN9h-ZNRGxOnMX7M8/s1600/Babypalooza-poster-Hunstville.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1WoTrl2CfztAedezC4jJZBUr7nby3bCA0aWKp42N5RKFT5pSE_fZ3g0S_udkJ-0bEc-vmUGvOeswCjlBdYOIKkPtU_hhmHl4fM1Z2lJ8BsMib2JajIvZS6UfJdJXN9h-ZNRGxOnMX7M8/s400/Babypalooza-poster-Hunstville.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">9:45 Breastfeeding</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">10:15 Overcoming Breastfeeding Obstacles</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">10:45 Crestwood Maternity Unit Tour</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">11:15 Q & A with OB Nursing Staff</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #3d85c6; color: white;"><br /></span>
A Nurturing Moment will also have a full schedule of classes throughout the day:<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">9:15 Nutrition in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding -</span> Join <a href="http://momsaideatyourveggies.com/" target="_blank">Freida Houck,</a> certified instructor with the LEAN program to learn how to feed yourself so that baby gets optimal nutrition.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">10:00 Post Partum Depression</span> <span style="color: red;">-</span> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/newleafcounselingtnvalley/" target="_blank">Alicia Schuster-Couch</a> of New Leaf Counseling Services of the TN Valley will discuss maternal mental and emotional health issues and how to know if you need extra help.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">10:45 Cloth Diapering - </span>Margaret Harmon will teach the basics of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/clothdiaperinginhuntsvilleal/" target="_blank">cloth diapering</a>. This is a great introductory class for anybody thinking about trying cloth.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">11:30 Your Birth Plan - </span>Bradley Instructor <a href="http://www.bradleybirth.com/ashleasukhwani" target="_blank">Ashlea Sukhwani </a>help you figure out what you want to include in your birth plan.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">12:15 Hypnobabies - </span><a href="http://happyhelperdoula.wixsite.com/alabamadoula" target="_blank">Hannah Ellis</a>, Hypnobabies certified doula will talk to you about this fascinating approach to childbirth. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">We will also have several doulas present throughout the day so that you can actually meet them and talk about the possibility of having a doula present for your birth. Our spot is right by the nursing room, and we will have a baby scale set up so that you can actually weigh your baby before nursing and after nursing to see exactly how much milk baby is getting. I will be available to check your baby's latch and answer any breastfeeding questions you have.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">Make your plans now to attend, and we'll see you Saturday!</span>A Nurturing Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456983985008360679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548058196153174310.post-3843780919912293692017-05-01T17:31:00.002-05:002017-05-02T15:29:01.694-05:00Does Calling Breastfeeding "Natural" Make Moms Choose NOT to Vaccinate?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlNoEYBmt6yaLTQZDcQ5SoW6ir_i3YDetieeMK-E55nkJnZWMWQDQYZX-QEt5j_ATJKIq_gBeHu_x-UHN52YruCk-1Q98_f4ifSNSjYDVhmou1XDbYgp-VGzLmFVBPkrnb_ykKaXsge_iz/s1600/12+December+Jennifer+Daniels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlNoEYBmt6yaLTQZDcQ5SoW6ir_i3YDetieeMK-E55nkJnZWMWQDQYZX-QEt5j_ATJKIq_gBeHu_x-UHN52YruCk-1Q98_f4ifSNSjYDVhmou1XDbYgp-VGzLmFVBPkrnb_ykKaXsge_iz/s320/12+December+Jennifer+Daniels.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
by Glenni Lorick, IBCLC<br />
<br />
I was at Rick's Barbecue Thursday night with my son when I saw <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9H_VOezl0c" target="_blank">Tucker Carlson interviewing Cathy Areu</a> about an article that had been published in <i>Pediatrics, </i>the professional journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics about a year ago. That interview, in which Ms. Areu argued that finally there was a study showing that breastfeeding isn't natural and that fathers can just as easily feed their babies as mothers can, made me go in search of this ridiculous study. When I found it, I realized that it was highly likely that neither Ms. Areu nor Tucker Carlson had actually read the manuscript which was not a study at all, but rather a piece posted in the <a href="http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/pediatrics/early/2016/03/02/peds.2015-4154.full.pdf" target="_blank">Perspectives section of <i>Pediatrics</i></a>. I don't know what Areu and Carlson were discussing, but it certainly wasn't the article I read!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_SWdSRwRRRuJzOkxNIgbhk5YDmrGRL8-93iEr9f1z02uimr8Ht8cAIJNytofN4obys3TaeFiV5I0V6bm_vfPb7tg7DprJIqUOS1SqBS6Xt0tmokqmspaR3S5CpXv_mYthVcTQY0MiWpdW/s1600/Jessica+Martucci.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_SWdSRwRRRuJzOkxNIgbhk5YDmrGRL8-93iEr9f1z02uimr8Ht8cAIJNytofN4obys3TaeFiV5I0V6bm_vfPb7tg7DprJIqUOS1SqBS6Xt0tmokqmspaR3S5CpXv_mYthVcTQY0MiWpdW/s200/Jessica+Martucci.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dr. Jessica Martucci</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The piece, entitled "Unintended Consequences of Invoking the 'Natural' in Breastfeeding Promotion" is authored by two PhD's. <a href="http://medicalethicshealthpolicy.med.upenn.edu/faculty-all/anne-barnhill-phd" target="_blank">Anne Barnhill, PhD</a> is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy at the University of Pennsylvania. <a href="http://medicalethicshealthpolicy.med.upenn.edu/fellows/jessica-martucci" target="_blank">Jessica Martucci, PhD </a>is a Fellow of the Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy at the same university. She was a faculty member in the History department at Mississippi State University, but a recent employee search indicates that she is no longer there. In 2015, Mantucci published an interesting history of modern breastfeeding called <i><a href="http://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/B/bo21163141.html" target="_blank">Back to the Breast: Natural Motherhood and Breastfeeding in America</a></i>. She recounts the struggles that mothers had in the middle of the 20th century to breastfeed, the emergence of La Leche League as a voice for mothers, and the resurgence of breastfeeding in recent years. <a href="https://mamamilkandme.com/tag/jessica-martucci/" target="_blank">One breastfeeding advocate</a> who heard Mantucci speak in 2013 came away from the evening with the sense that she was not a proponent of breastfeeding. It is worth noting that her primary area of interest is in relationship to how history and policy affect women's and LGBT health.<br />
<br />
Knowing who authored the piece does shed some light on it. However, the authors are NOT saying that breastfeeding isn't natural. Rather, they are concerned that the use of the word "natural" to promote breastfeeding could have some unintended ethical consequences. They discuss two areas of particular concern.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Vaccinations</h3>
<br />
Their first argument has to do with their fear that parents will equate "natural" with not vaccinating. She seems to think that hearing the word "natural" applied to breastfeeding will inevitably lead some parents to think they should avoid anything not "natural." Somehow that word will turn everybody into some kind of crazy fringe anti-vaxing hippie:<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRwymzYhi8bK6iLJ7pwDSAVl7ThLU2kW_hh9hHbD0ZqveTS1SFh5Dx07ZpipPYQ1t36RblGFMGmK_ue22aVQnFl6kNgbbZaYOGBpoo1DyC1oNg5JXvG9LS8vhaC5j3a6m3BPbeNpFvv_B/s1600/8+August+Sarah+Buchanan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRwymzYhi8bK6iLJ7pwDSAVl7ThLU2kW_hh9hHbD0ZqveTS1SFh5Dx07ZpipPYQ1t36RblGFMGmK_ue22aVQnFl6kNgbbZaYOGBpoo1DyC1oNg5JXvG9LS8vhaC5j3a6m3BPbeNpFvv_B/s320/8+August+Sarah+Buchanan.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Breastfeeding actually is baby's "first immunization"</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Studies have shown that parents who resist vaccination tend to
inhabit networks of like-minded individuals with similar beliefs. These
pockets of antivaccination sentiment tend to overlap with reliance on
and interest in complementary and alternative medicine, skepticism of
institutional authority, and a strong commitment and interest in health
knowledge, autonomy, and healthy living practices."</span></blockquote>
Dr. Mark Sloan, a pediatrician in Petaluma CA says<a href="http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2016/03/02/peds.2015-4154.comments" target="_blank"> this</a> in response to that argument:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">"The idea that the use of 'natural' to promote breastfeeding will lead parents to question the 'unnaturalness' of vaccination hinges on a false dichotomy: that parents considering vaccination are faced with a binary choice between the natural (probiotics, herbs, nutritional supplements, etc.) and the unnatural (manufactured vaccines). In reality, parents often choose a mix of these measures, none of which are completely natural in the Oxford Dictionary sense. The drive to protect our children from infectious diseases—whether by amulets, prayer, vaccination, or the harvesting, processing, packaging and sale of herbs, supplements and the like—has always involved a substantial degree of human intervention."</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Dr. Joan Y. Meek, a pediatrician at the Florida State University College of Medicine, together with colleagues Dr. Julie Ware and Dr. Lawrence M. Noble, </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">offers us the <a href="http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2016/03/02/peds.2015-4154.comments" target="_blank">ideal way</a> to juxtapose vaccinations and breastfeeding:</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arvo" , serif; font-size: 14px;">"The ideal way to connect breastfeeding with vaccinations is to highlight breastfeeding as the 'first immunization' recognizing the abundant immune protective factors present in breastmilk, and especially in colostrum."</span></blockquote>
<br />
<h3>
Gender Roles<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTc4bZ3uizm96ovHxXYSvRLz8PkLn_tEe8paFsALu2IF7nDZT50tP-Ebx9OVoIT16CmKtcUYw0wh2XhvlPL6EnRVKMqOxo2UJYp7avsKp-vkvLgcYTWoycloFEEFiziRlDmQECDvC1pa1I/s1600/January.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTc4bZ3uizm96ovHxXYSvRLz8PkLn_tEe8paFsALu2IF7nDZT50tP-Ebx9OVoIT16CmKtcUYw0wh2XhvlPL6EnRVKMqOxo2UJYp7avsKp-vkvLgcYTWoycloFEEFiziRlDmQECDvC1pa1I/s320/January.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Breastmilk really is nature's perfect infant food.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</h3>
The second area of concern they raise has to do with the ethics of promoting a gender role by saying that breastfeeding is natural. They argue that when we talk about breastfeeding in terms of it being a "natural" function, we are entering into a controversial area where public policy does not belong.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Coupling nature with motherhood,
however, can inadvertently support
biologically deterministic arguments
about the roles of men and women in
the family (for example, that women
should be the primary caretakers of
children). Referencing the 'natural' in breastfeeding promotion, then,
may inadvertently endorse a
controversial set of values about
family life and gender roles, which
would be ethically inappropriate."</blockquote>
So apparently if we say that breastfeeding is the natural way to feed our babies, we are politically incorrect misogynistic throwbacks to a bygone era where June Cleaver stayed home dutifully caring for Wally and the Beaver. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTErc6o98fzFPRXpW0gN0od7-RXr_aO2Bxz2JgmDSyK9rSKImu9l4eCagKOH5dWq89iGq8ggPS51neoPJOzgLZ-NT-5wuiTdHaT_26arLiBcMUfJTlmWoRSKWGGgsybMrgia4TmmCXEbm/s1600/November.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTErc6o98fzFPRXpW0gN0od7-RXr_aO2Bxz2JgmDSyK9rSKImu9l4eCagKOH5dWq89iGq8ggPS51neoPJOzgLZ-NT-5wuiTdHaT_26arLiBcMUfJTlmWoRSKWGGgsybMrgia4TmmCXEbm/s320/November.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Breastfeeding is a pure, natural act of love</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
THAT IS RIDICULOUS! I have had the privilege of meeting families in all kinds of situations during my time at A Nurturing Moment. We have mothers who are the breadwinners in their families who take their breastpumps to work so that Dad will have plenty of NATURAL breastmilk to feed baby the next day. We have families where both parents are working outside the home and Mom is pumping each day. We have families where Dad works outside of the home and Mom works in the home caring for their children. We have families with two mothers. I have seen it all and supported each type of family in their specific situation. I cannot imagine a single one of these mothers being offended that breastfeeding has been called natural.<br />
<br />
Dr. Meek and her colleagues say it best:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arvo" , serif; font-size: 14px;">"Choosing our words carefully in health promotion is important, but even more important is the effect our words have on the desired health outcomes. Just as the authors are concerned about a theoretical effect of breastfeeding promotion on vaccine rates, we are concerned about the effect of their article, and other similar articles, on breastfeeding promotion and rates. Let us state clearly that breastfeeding is the normative standard for infant feeding, and other feeding methods put mothers and children at risk for both short and long-term adverse health outcomes."</span></blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />A Nurturing Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456983985008360679noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548058196153174310.post-54193620370847932642017-04-16T06:43:00.001-05:002017-04-16T06:43:39.193-05:00I Celebrate Resurrection Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://existenceofgod.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/resurrection-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://existenceofgod.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/resurrection-1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is irrefutable <a href="http://existenceofgod.org/historicity-of-the-resurrection/" target="_blank">proof of the resurrection.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
By Glenni Lorick, IBCLC<br />
<br />
A grieving mother watched her Son die in the most horrific way some 2000 years ago. She couldn't begin to reconcile what she knew to be true about her Son with what had just happened. Now she was gathered with His closest friends as they all wondered what would happen to them. It is early on the Sunday morning after He was killed. Two nights have passed, and this is the dawning of the third day.<br />
<br />
Suddenly she hears a commotion. Peter, one of her Son's closest friends, is saying her Son is alive. That's impossible. She saw Him die. But then her friend <a href="http://anurturingmoment.blogspot.com/2014/04/3-marys-at-cross.html" target="_blank">Mary from Magdala </a>confirms it, and everything begins to make sense. The angel's prophecy before He was born, His teachings about the resurrection....it all falls into place. She had always known that He was the Son of God. She of all people knew the truth about His holy conception. Now she begins to understand more fully the incredible depth of God the Father's love for mankind. He had sent His Son, allowed her to carry Him, to <a href="http://anurturingmoment.blogspot.com/2011/12/lords-first-supper.html" target="_blank">nurse Him,</a> to teach Him, to <a href="http://anurturingmoment.blogspot.com/2013/03/a-sword-shall-pierce-your-soul.html" target="_blank">love Him </a>in a way that no one else ever would. Then He had allowed that beloved Son to make the ultimate sacrifice and do what no one else ever could, conquer Death once and for all.<br />
<br />
That is the reason I refer to today as Resurrection Sunday. The word Easter has nothing to do with my Savior. Today is about the fact that He conquered death, that in so doing, He made a way for me to also live eternally, and that He will come again (regardless of whether I believe it or not.) Today is about His Resurrection! The historical fact of Jesus' life, death and resurrection fills me with hope. It is the reason I am the person I am. So today I celebrate Resurrection Sunday, and I invite you to celebrate with me❤<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
A Nurturing Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456983985008360679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548058196153174310.post-82558674591237753002017-04-11T16:28:00.000-05:002017-04-11T16:28:26.484-05:00Will It Ever Get Better? Depression and Anxiety in Mothers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMdtQDqUaPzagsheZE5MyBmoWypIkipljETK2oOHVTCMRqUIvZY_HgWpn27ztCGvfZ76RHD-MGy6HghI4BtIxAhfbRM1ws-X7FR2q0hV21xvwXBfW-kyG_xLIU53OR6IR8Mz0FOhvVg_hW/s1600/PPD+Not+Alone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMdtQDqUaPzagsheZE5MyBmoWypIkipljETK2oOHVTCMRqUIvZY_HgWpn27ztCGvfZ76RHD-MGy6HghI4BtIxAhfbRM1ws-X7FR2q0hV21xvwXBfW-kyG_xLIU53OR6IR8Mz0FOhvVg_hW/s400/PPD+Not+Alone.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">by Alicia Schuster-Couch, guest blogger<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Over five years ago when my
first baby was born, I expected to be a happy mother with a happy baby. And,
why shouldn’t it all be happy and great? Seemingly, parents’ posts on social
media portray pure happiness and joy surrounding their children. Movies and
stories are filled with tales of mothers being completely fulfilled and
satisfied with motherhood. And well-intentioned
friends and family endlessly reminded me to enjoy every sweet moment of
babyhood. Unfortunately, I was struggling as a new mother. More accurately, I
felt like I was drowning. My baby was perfect but I was not. The guilt of not
being perfect, of not enjoying every moment, of not being satisfied only served
to exacerbate my depression. I never felt like hurting my child, but I
frequently wondered if she’d be better off without me and sometimes thought
about how much better everyone’s life would be if I ended mine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">How could this happen to me? I
have a masters’ degree in counseling and years of experience in mental health.
How could I be suffering so badly? When I went to my six week follow up OB
appointment I had planned to bring up my feelings. Unfortunately, I was met by
my overbooked and rushed OB who quickly wanted to make sure that my stitches
were healing, wanted to talk about birth control, and needed to rush out the
door. I also wanted to tell my husband, my friends, my family, my old coworkers
that were still in the mental health field, but I couldn’t. I didn’t have the
courage to tell anyone. I felt embarrassed. So, I retreated into isolation with
my baby and wondered if I would ever get better. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Of course I got better, but it
was a painful journey. Now with three babies and one pregnancy loss under my
belt, I feel strong and have a sense of contentment. I did get depressed again
after my second child, but not as severely as with my first. Then, when I was
devastated by the loss of my third pregnancy, I reached out for help (finally!)
and was quickly able to get back on track after some counseling. Thankfully,
after my third baby I didn’t have any clinical depressive symptoms. I still
don’t know what I’m doing half of the time as a parent and feel like I’m
winging the roller coaster ride of motherhood. But, thankfully, I’m out of my
depression. Now after my journey through depression and anxiety as a parent of
young children, I feel compelled to use my formal education and professional
experience to try and reach out to other mothers who may being sharing my past
struggles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: yellow; color: red; font-size: x-large;"> I frequently wondered if she’d be better off without me and sometimes thought about how much better everyone’s life would be if I ended mine.</span></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">I was surprised to find out
that post-partum depression is the number one complication of pregnancy. There
are higher incidences of post-partum depression than preeclampsia and
gestational diabetes. How many times did your health care provider check your
blood pressure? Check for swelling in your feet? Screen your urine? And,
remember that tasty beverage you had to choke down to screen for gestational
diabetes? Now, how many times did you get a mental health screening? How many
conversations did your healthcare provider have with you about mental health or
about treating mental health complications? Although all of the above mentioned
screenings are important to your health and your baby’s health, I find it odd
that we are screening mothers for preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, but
not for depression, or anxiety, or other mental health diagnoses. Moreover, if
you are one of the few that were screened by your healthcare provider for
depression or anxiety, did they provide adequate referrals and follow up? After
three births and one miscarriage, I never once had a conversation about my
mental health with an OB, nor did they ever offer any referrals to mental
health treatment. I am not bashing OB’s. They have a challenging job and have
an enormous amount of responsibility when it comes to the physical health of
not only mother, but baby as well. However, I think there is a dangerous void
in screening for mental health. I’m not sure why there is a huge gap in </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">offering
mental health services specifically to pregnant women and to mothers. Nevertheless,
this very vulnerable population deserves better.</span></div>
<div class="Default" style="page-break-before: always;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">I could write pages and pages
of all the variables that contribute to mental health disorders in pregnant
women and mothers. There are organic factors and family history; there are
interpersonal and social factors, and many, many more. Regardless of the cause,
it’s painful. It creates difficulty in accomplishing day to day tasks. It
creates difficulty in parenting children. It can facilitate isolation, guilt,
intrusive thoughts, and a litany of other symptoms that make life a struggle.
Just like words can’t adequately describe love or joy or grief, I don’t think
that words can actually capture the pain of living with a mental health
disorder while concurrently trying to care for a baby or child(ren). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">So, what are some important
things for pregnant women and mothers to know about mental health? Let me
quickly break it down into symptoms, treatment, and prevention. For the purpose
of this article, I’ll stick with depression and anxiety, although I realize
that some mothers experience other mental health symptoms. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<h4>
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Symptoms of PPD</span></h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84fVMg-D4Befd3wxo7DDESSBBtLkbPXZbrBA9b0kI6FCNg234PXN0POHK6_K1JNGM0-yv1a6ZKAwLG0S2Y4BLX_cY7NzbnPZiWbk0fcJ2QoikjlzLJbbVY-ewYuxrfcxYoKYmTA2c8Bc3/s1600/PPD+Symptoms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84fVMg-D4Befd3wxo7DDESSBBtLkbPXZbrBA9b0kI6FCNg234PXN0POHK6_K1JNGM0-yv1a6ZKAwLG0S2Y4BLX_cY7NzbnPZiWbk0fcJ2QoikjlzLJbbVY-ewYuxrfcxYoKYmTA2c8Bc3/s400/PPD+Symptoms.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">What does depression look like?
It’s not as simple as being sad. Sometimes people who are clinically depressed
show symptoms of appetite changes, sleep changes, fatigue, low self-esteem,
difficulty making decisions, feelings of hopelessness, feelings of
irritability, thoughts of harming themselves, and decrease in pleasurable
activities. Now, some of these are a natural part of having a brand new tiny
human move into your house, but these symptoms cause problems when they are
pervasive and do not seem to get better. Anxiety can look like perfectionism,
excessive worry, intrusive thoughts, panic attacks, and obsession. Neither of
these symptoms lists is provided with the intent for you to diagnose yourself
with depression or anxiety. They are simply some of the common symptoms
associated with depression or anxiety. If you feel like you’re experiencing
some of these symptoms, I hope that you seek a professional diagnosis so that
you can receive proper treatment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Treatment of PPD</span></h3>
<div class="Default">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Treatment for depression and
anxiety begins with a diagnosis. To receive a diagnosis, you’ll need to visit
with your health care provider or with a mental health provider. Mainstream
treatments include therapy and medication. I believe that treatment should also
include education because after all, knowledge is power. Other important
factors during treatment include nutrition, exercise, social support, and self
care. These treatment factors are ones that should also be considered for
prevention. Although it’s impossible to prevent a mental health disorder if you
are predisposed to it, there are things that you can do to insulate yourself
from the blow of having a mental health disorder. I am not a nutritionist or a
personal trainer, but I do know that a healthy diet and regular physical
activity make a world of difference. In our era of processed and dyed foods
there are a lot of things in our food that negatively impact our bodies and
have an effect on our biochemistry. Therefore, it’s important to eat a healthy
and varied diet. Exercise is also important. I’m not recommending that you get
an expensive gym membership or start training for a triathlon, but it is
important to be active. This can mean going for a walk or jog in your
neighborhood. This could also mean gardening, or riding a bike, or playing with
your kids outdoors. We know the importance of Vitamin D (sunshine) on our
physical wellbeing and the importance of hormones that are released through
exercise. We all know how important nutrition and physical activity are, but it
can be difficult to be motivated to partake in those healthy behaviors if
you’re overwhelmed with depression or anxiety.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6jRop2ewjNnYl2Zh2b90FOKqmFFcJGPV0Z98VDqX6VkdNoUpjKiqDwJRDxdX5e4DjBtDZqEcxjaqh5gvrHOsrjIfUm8GDUEiPvjfqg0I8dBT912ZDlgwuuVqFGSAPrAP89x0EFS08vwxv/s1600/Postpartum-Depression-and-Nutrition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6jRop2ewjNnYl2Zh2b90FOKqmFFcJGPV0Z98VDqX6VkdNoUpjKiqDwJRDxdX5e4DjBtDZqEcxjaqh5gvrHOsrjIfUm8GDUEiPvjfqg0I8dBT912ZDlgwuuVqFGSAPrAP89x0EFS08vwxv/s400/Postpartum-Depression-and-Nutrition.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From <a href="http://rockyourhormones.com/postpartum-depression-nutrition/" target="_blank">RockYourormomes.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Another important treatment
factor is self care. What is self care? It is whatever it means to you to
maintain your wellbeing. For some women it can be reading or writing. It could
be yoga or meditation. It could be a glass of wine and your favorite television
show. Self care is completely subjective and individualized. The important
point is that self care is crucial. Your kids and significant other and life
are demanding of you; nevertheless, you also need time to decompress so that
you are able handle day to day stressors. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Easy enough, right? Nutrition,
exercise, self care, social support, and therapy will set you up for a healthy
and happy life. I realize that this is easily stated advice. I know how hard it
is to just get one of those things on the list done. I also know that when
you’re wading through the mud of depression and anxiety, all of those things
seem totally impossible. It seems like you have no options, no time, no
motivation, and no money to make any of those things happen. All of those
feelings of doubt are normal and even expected. However, if you find yourself
struggling, I hope and I pray that you can find the courage to reach out for
help. Whether you reach out to your significant other, your sibling, friend, or
professional, please reach out. Once you reach out you can begin to release the
burden that you’ve been carrying around. You can begin to make a plan to
address your symptoms and make your life enjoyable. I once wondered if things
would ever get better for me. They got better, much better and I’m confident
that things can get better for you, too. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6w_q7Y9gZr5Vv72AiMwLaA31Eaq1GWoCqpYJ2fE6gDRDHWj-kpPd1Eq87T_CwF1ov1aae8TLNm6UyQ4OqrDqrDCqUTUlR5KuUfKAispu23OQl01xd9SpdTWwbAUrFQUfBGrALAXSvdCTi/s1600/postpartum-depression_copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6w_q7Y9gZr5Vv72AiMwLaA31Eaq1GWoCqpYJ2fE6gDRDHWj-kpPd1Eq87T_CwF1ov1aae8TLNm6UyQ4OqrDqrDCqUTUlR5KuUfKAispu23OQl01xd9SpdTWwbAUrFQUfBGrALAXSvdCTi/s400/postpartum-depression_copy.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">I just want to acknowledge that
this article does not capture the depth of mental health issues in pregnant
women and mothers. The article needs to be ten times as long to adequately
address all of the issues. For instance, I didn’t even address issues relating
to the role that trauma plays. I didn’t address thoughts of harming others or
thoughts of harming your baby or many of the other symptoms that mothers
experience. This was meant to be an introductory overview of the issues. If you
feel like you want to learn more about mental health in pregnant women and in
mothers, please contact me. I’m a local counselor who is passionate about
helping mothers and their families. I think mothers deserve better and more
comprehensive treatment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">My name is Alicia
Schuster-Couch and I am the owner of New Leaf Counseling Services of the TN
Valley, LLC. I can be reached by phone at (256) 755-4599 and by email at
alicia.newleaf@gmail.com . I am passionate about working with women to help
them achieve their goals. I am currently an Associate Licensed Counselor (ALC)
under the supervision of Liz Howell, LPC-S. I hold a Master’s degree in
Professional Counseling from Texas State University and two Bachelor’s degrees
in Social Work and Women’s Studies from New Mexico State University. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please feel free to contact me or another professional if
you feel like you need help. I wish you peace and grace.</div>
A Nurturing Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456983985008360679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548058196153174310.post-14994423897239066512017-04-05T14:53:00.000-05:002017-04-05T14:55:56.701-05:00Mother's Day Is Just Around the Corner!by Glenni Lorick, IBCLC<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/EUnGBpXKTu0/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EUnGBpXKTu0?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-eYM6pD9VmlUQ9FCpVn78u_lVPFaqrNyjC3CIEWfRVDmXess5G6ISRZgGZJHObn7eEa3Sg-gncLQJVCpWmSeS9bOMNZ0HVI-fbKSvPyg2oloSOhdFPoHFyILEfiD4Xxf7FWYTWMjCfJ-/s1600/sweet+impressions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-eYM6pD9VmlUQ9FCpVn78u_lVPFaqrNyjC3CIEWfRVDmXess5G6ISRZgGZJHObn7eEa3Sg-gncLQJVCpWmSeS9bOMNZ0HVI-fbKSvPyg2oloSOhdFPoHFyILEfiD4Xxf7FWYTWMjCfJ-/s320/sweet+impressions.jpg" width="180" /></a>Every year at the beginning of May, you probably start trying to figure out what to get for Mom this year for Mother's Day. Maybe you're a new mom yourself, and you're wondering if anybody will think about YOU this Mother's Day. (If so, be sure to leave this post open in your browser😊.) This year we have some terrific, creative ideas that any mother or grandmother will treasure forever! Yesterday I featured three unique gift opportunities in my A Nurturing Moment Live Video.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Sweet Impressions Ceramics</h4>
<br />
The first amazing, unique option is a keepsake hand print or footprint from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sweetimpressionsceramics/" target="_blank">Sweet Impressions Ceramics</a>. Heather will be here on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1270531393067557/" target="_blank">Saturday, April 8, from 10:30 - 2:00</a> to help you create a permanent reminder of your child's hand print or footprint. You can even combine both on one piece. You choose exactly what size you want, how you want it personalized, and what color glaze you want on the finished piece. Prices range from about $15-50 depending on size. Your finished ceramic artwork will be here in time for Mother's Day so you can surprise somebody special with it. These make great Father's Day gifts, too!<br />
<br />
<h4>
Classic Silhouttes</h4>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-Of0sH11PUiEF_ph1vkFXyLBsV6IMPEEMeW0f5Z9frm83GgiFBEgUGneMA6Ia8NYCzyzHUhi5WQfKPVtP322O4YHAf94Y5mNeKuVdwKgf47KYXzPt6RWmqiB7O_KpJOn1f78wr_7cCSz/s1600/icutyouout2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-Of0sH11PUiEF_ph1vkFXyLBsV6IMPEEMeW0f5Z9frm83GgiFBEgUGneMA6Ia8NYCzyzHUhi5WQfKPVtP322O4YHAf94Y5mNeKuVdwKgf47KYXzPt6RWmqiB7O_KpJOn1f78wr_7cCSz/s320/icutyouout2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Another vintage option is a hand-cut silhouette. <a href="http://icutyouout.com/" target="_blank">Keith Donaldson</a> is a world-renowned Disney silhouette artist. He will be here in our store on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/204470093374775/" target="_blank">Friday, April 28, from 10:30-5:30</a>. In just 3 minutes, he will cut a perfect silhouette of your child using surgical steel scissors. He is even able to get a terrific finished product if your child happens to be wiggly. I honestly don't know how he does it, but his work is spectacular! The cost is $40 for two silhouettes. Frames are $15 each. When you call to schedule, we do request a $5 deposit which will apply to the price of your silhouettes.<br />
<br />
If you want to schedule either a silhouette or a Sweet Impressions appointment, call 256-489-2590. These appointments to fill up quickly, so call today!<br />
<br />
<h4>
Sweet Face Bracelet</h4>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgivuRONw7PvUWOGXG9T5-aotXtAr3xfjDrIALU4gQPA9jFnflJJSNxLUcEDpcY4TiRlWlZKRHpY7gFjlEAWtU6_6-rfKoIC8hX5hTA3wJH9aYRr3VxcEjkcq4bXLckKCLDh02hd3PqSUi-/s1600/Sweet+Faces+bracelet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgivuRONw7PvUWOGXG9T5-aotXtAr3xfjDrIALU4gQPA9jFnflJJSNxLUcEDpcY4TiRlWlZKRHpY7gFjlEAWtU6_6-rfKoIC8hX5hTA3wJH9aYRr3VxcEjkcq4bXLckKCLDh02hd3PqSUi-/s320/Sweet+Faces+bracelet.jpg" width="320" /></a>The last unique gift option is a Sweet Face Bracelet. These unusual bracelets incorporate 8 or 9 of your child's photos in a wearable scrapbook that any mother or grandmother would treasure. She doesn't know it (and she doesn't read my blog), but I'm planning on getting one of these for my MIL with her grandchildren's photos. At just $35, this is a great gift to fit almost any budget. To order, just come in and fill out an order form. The artist will get in touch with you to get your photos, and she will get your bracelet made within a week!<br />
<br />
Whether you choose a ceramic keepsake, a vintage silhouette, or a one-of-a-kind photo bracelet, make sure to let the women in your life whom you treasure as mothers know how much they mean to you, not just on Mother's Day, but all year long!<br />
<br />A Nurturing Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456983985008360679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548058196153174310.post-79042172790688591602017-03-28T18:47:00.000-05:002017-03-29T14:28:21.664-05:00Daddy's Important Role in Breastfeeding<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLK0SVTtHFPY4J2oOHo1BU8bfpfwyE2b5bJmrAA5U1iGPEQnzJkRM6k2DpqBxLiYu_pp1bUntWm9zIGoKKbZ3mGSFQT8wqq_Wmm93zeJx-WKz2KlF-9aVz_AkuH3XDya4W6XCv_9TMS4Y/s1600/Dad-Kristi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLK0SVTtHFPY4J2oOHo1BU8bfpfwyE2b5bJmrAA5U1iGPEQnzJkRM6k2DpqBxLiYu_pp1bUntWm9zIGoKKbZ3mGSFQT8wqq_Wmm93zeJx-WKz2KlF-9aVz_AkuH3XDya4W6XCv_9TMS4Y/s320/Dad-Kristi.jpg" width="238" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Kristi's husband cuddled so Mom could shower.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
by Glenni Lorick, IBCLC<br />
A couple of weeks ago we did an ANM LIVE video about how important Dad is to the breastfeeding relationship. We asked you to share some of the ways that your husband makes nursing easier for you, and like always, you had terrific responses. Today I want to share some of those responses as a way to help all of our dads think about the many ways that they can be involved in breastfeeding.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Practical Help</h4>
<div>
Meeting obvious (or not-so-obvious) needs is a terrific way that Dad can help make breastfeeding easier for Mama and baby. April noted that her husband cleans the pump parts and gets the pumping bag ready to go in the morning. "He is always super careful never to waste milk." She adds that, "He always asks about how my pumping at work is going and tells me, 'You're a good cow, Bess.'"<br />
<br />
Kayla said, "My husband has been amazing. He makes sure I have water every time I feed my son. He brings me snacks, cleans my pump parts if I need him to, and holds the baby until I am ready. He has been so supportive constantly making sure I take my vitamins and calling me to make sure I have eaten enough." Numerous mothers mentioned how helpful it is for Dad to make sure they have water and a snack while nursing.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUP6__S1Q7ae8nlqiqW3IUugKTTxsn-M__dJZGfZhdR5y6yY341sQDWnSftzWBlNC-x0wyHogRswXBQeeY4EIN4Buf3zzhXL4NDYY0ZKwOqCkHYJuTtSencKsXU5R73EpctgdFqQrF8flP/s1600/Dad-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUP6__S1Q7ae8nlqiqW3IUugKTTxsn-M__dJZGfZhdR5y6yY341sQDWnSftzWBlNC-x0wyHogRswXBQeeY4EIN4Buf3zzhXL4NDYY0ZKwOqCkHYJuTtSencKsXU5R73EpctgdFqQrF8flP/s320/Dad-.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Emily's husband keeps their 3 year old entertained.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Taking care of older siblings is a wonderful way for Dad to really make a difference. Carrie says, "He helps me get big sister ready for bed so I can nurse little sister to sleep!" Emily said of her husband: "He helps do so much. The biggest help is keeping the 3 year old out of my hair." <span style="background-color: #f6f7f9; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Making sure Mom gets sleep and helping with diaper duty are other really practical ways that Dad can help. Lacey noted that her husband "also changed every diaper for the first week and all the night time diapers when he started back working." Sometimes Mom just needs to get a shower. Kristi's husband was very helpful at those moments: "When I needed to shower, he would do skin to skin!" Jessica said, "My husband takes over and sends me to bed with earplugs after some feedings to get a good nap without any interruptions until the next feeding. He also makes sure I have diapers and wipes stocked, and he keeps the laundry going."<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4ee5sZLLC6Rx1LWq-WX9BkHvDxx_YbWS0dhZsw-Mqoccdi8g3V3tcJe-Q_m7XHgPvYXyAZnx5KUii63MX8ovpxeR0fw5drbQJMK8W5FtnrQNpF75Dnqltb6uQ_WHqhTJz39L5_ZxBABo/s1600/Dad-Katie+Brown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4ee5sZLLC6Rx1LWq-WX9BkHvDxx_YbWS0dhZsw-Mqoccdi8g3V3tcJe-Q_m7XHgPvYXyAZnx5KUii63MX8ovpxeR0fw5drbQJMK8W5FtnrQNpF75Dnqltb6uQ_WHqhTJz39L5_ZxBABo/s320/Dad-Katie+Brown.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Katie's husband is a SAHD.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Tiffany's husband demonstrated another very practical way that Dad can step in "In the beginning he did literally everything. I only fed the baby and napped for the first 2 weeks. He cleaned, cooked and took care of me through my daughter and I having thrush and a foremilk/hindmilk imbalance. He also never pushed formula on me when she wasn't gaining properly." When Dad picks up the burden of cooking, cleaning and laundry those first weeks, it really makes a difference. <span style="background-color: #f6f7f9; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> </span><br />
<br />
Katie's husband is a stay-at-home-dad who has been very proactive in supporting her breastfeeding and pumping: "He's become a pro at pace feeding, bottle prep and milk storage. He doesn't complain when I ask for water, snack or anything else in the middle of feedings. He has so much patience with us. And most importantly, he helps me defend our decision to breastfeed our son to anyone who speaks out of place about it."<br />
<br />
<h4>
Help at the Breast<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRr36pJ_WwHr2QMyu2Q9PRSs7zLYGYFu3L9JQARAkbWIKyjcOpWn4M5dWWGTE-Po2BWURFDxyH1yy9aVjSHGqXlOxpU89vZkuk7QVmhU6Qq9yIx3W1nqP1hOHIvMmSNJFPg5QEo_5p__iu/s1600/Dad+Glaser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRr36pJ_WwHr2QMyu2Q9PRSs7zLYGYFu3L9JQARAkbWIKyjcOpWn4M5dWWGTE-Po2BWURFDxyH1yy9aVjSHGqXlOxpU89vZkuk7QVmhU6Qq9yIx3W1nqP1hOHIvMmSNJFPg5QEo_5p__iu/s1600/Dad+Glaser.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Haley's husband helped syringe feed.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</h4>
<div>
Sometimes Dad ends up actually helping Mom latch the baby on. Lacey explained, "My husband helped me latch my son all of the time when he was a newborn because I had trouble doing it. He would put pillows under my arms and make sure I was comfortable every time I breastfed." Brittany's husband was helpful in a similar way. She says, "Dad actually latched her in the hospital during our skin to skin for the first time!! I was still in shock that I was a mom!!"<br />
<br />
When Mom and baby struggle with latching, sometimes suck training or finger feeding is necessary. Haley's husband helped with that; she explains: "Dad took time to clean his hands to my satisfaction and syringe feed our sweet girl rather than bottle feeding because I was nervous about nipple confusion and still needed to pump a little due to an extremely painful inverted nipple." </div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEc1VnflJKnP_eXEiJqjrbczzF1XKVhxpPMZxKHJiHJFAw1o2MJ5WGqqDQqe31_z7kfoPW5qQ9eazXFFFeDfoXnLV1gQxeT6-PiOP6lL8zp3hT6V9RsFPXRSf5Payo0YAHyIJAtVfOuGvL/s1600/Dad-Britney+Wilson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEc1VnflJKnP_eXEiJqjrbczzF1XKVhxpPMZxKHJiHJFAw1o2MJ5WGqqDQqe31_z7kfoPW5qQ9eazXFFFeDfoXnLV1gQxeT6-PiOP6lL8zp3hT6V9RsFPXRSf5Payo0YAHyIJAtVfOuGvL/s320/Dad-Britney+Wilson.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Brittany's husband latched her baby on<br />for her right after birth.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
Emotional Support</h4>
</div>
<div>
Another critical area where Dad can make all the difference in the world is emotional support. Many mothers expressed tremendous appreciation for their partners' words of affirmation. Annie said, "My husband helped me most by encouraging me to do whatever I think is right, by never letting me down, by reminding me what my goal was when we got thrush again or my milk was gone, by telling me how beautiful I am while feeding our daughter and by telling me what a wonderful mother I am." Sarah felt like her husband has always been her biggest ally. She explains, "When I was pregnant there wasn't even a question of if I'd breastfeed. He spent so much time reading. I remember seeing his search history full of things like 'how to help my wife breastfeed.' We still had moments when he didn't feel like he could do enough to provide comfort for our nursling. I wish he would have really known supporting me was enough." </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDvFlMZQC9utjG8Kc24Kyd-jmuxYuJNV86K4Ue4G2_dtRn5CUgWaEJIEndhyphenhyphen9VucKitsNLvMuq30mZCTtMC7gnfuK3yLL5bxsrZp2_TUaODASTZXVn03rz3aLGcSZzoYAixMToz007CesL/s1600/kelli%2526jace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDvFlMZQC9utjG8Kc24Kyd-jmuxYuJNV86K4Ue4G2_dtRn5CUgWaEJIEndhyphenhyphen9VucKitsNLvMuq30mZCTtMC7gnfuK3yLL5bxsrZp2_TUaODASTZXVn03rz3aLGcSZzoYAixMToz007CesL/s320/kelli%2526jace.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Kellie's husband always has their backs!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Supporting Mom when she nursed in public or around extended family is another area where Dad can make a huge difference. April noted that she appreciated her husband "being supportive about nursing in places like church or restaurants which I know he might have struggled with because he can be very modest." Nora said of her husband, "He will almost always put his arm around me, especially when I seem timid about nursing in public. It makes me feel supported and protected."<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrbUoZ9r898P657yTdhORb2RdHNHgmj-sF0GmNDhZJSbOux4KGrnNk7zihY2Mk0D6ipUsoJyPzYwBsqMyS9cNcgk32r_rlurNWRGaC5Bp-aZ6ZKTypK6KS5zkTueVVzJXatFrnTPsoXzgD/s1600/Dad-Sarah+Yaw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrbUoZ9r898P657yTdhORb2RdHNHgmj-sF0GmNDhZJSbOux4KGrnNk7zihY2Mk0D6ipUsoJyPzYwBsqMyS9cNcgk32r_rlurNWRGaC5Bp-aZ6ZKTypK6KS5zkTueVVzJXatFrnTPsoXzgD/s320/Dad-Sarah+Yaw.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sarah's husband supported her unconditionally.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sarah sums up the epitome of a supportive husband as she describes the man she married: "He is my rock and my safe place, He supported me every step of the way when I chose to drive 3 hours to have our second baby after a traumatic birth experience with our first. He advocated for our son to get the help he needed with his tongue tie when we were in the hospital and I was just to tired and sore to deal. He was there helping me and supporting me when we discovered our son had food intolerances and I had to cut so many things out of my diet. He never questioned my decision to keep nursing even when others did."<br />
<br />
Any father who wants to can be his wife's greatest advocate and cheerleader. You've just read numerous ways that you can make a real difference for your wife. I look forward to seeing more and more fathers leading the way in encouraging their wives as they provide baby's perfect food!</div>
A Nurturing Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456983985008360679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548058196153174310.post-76975750657001919392017-03-09T19:51:00.000-06:002017-03-09T19:52:05.780-06:00Local Mom Warns About Threat at Big Spring Park<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggJccnOgkilGfkh9mJ7kmg6Ce6HIUN7m7Wd_2htB6PVrKsWixCaCYMUy1U46Hfx4mAO1ytel2GIPpViNp59VjiHZK_VPYTTUUemPT01k92eMudypDwVLdXuA6wyZ_hGBzajOVW0okEZrnF/s1600/34e821c1ec1764f0c514ba474a2fe25a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggJccnOgkilGfkh9mJ7kmg6Ce6HIUN7m7Wd_2htB6PVrKsWixCaCYMUy1U46Hfx4mAO1ytel2GIPpViNp59VjiHZK_VPYTTUUemPT01k92eMudypDwVLdXuA6wyZ_hGBzajOVW0okEZrnF/s320/34e821c1ec1764f0c514ba474a2fe25a.jpg" width="320" /></a>by Glenni Lorick, IBCLC<br />
I came across something on Facebook the other night that really disturbed me. A local mom had posted a warning based on something that happened to her Saturday when she took her new puppy and 3 children to Big Spring Park. Earlier that day I had come across <a href="http://www.attn.com/stories/15130/underground-fighters-who-are-working-end-slavery-today?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=internal" target="_blank">this post</a> at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/attn/" target="_blank">ATTN:</a> which highlights the fact that 2 million children worldwide are being trafficked as sex slaves. Laura Parker of <a href="https://theexodusroad.com/" target="_blank">Exodus Road</a> estimates the total number of people in slavery worldwide as over 45 million. According to the <a href="http://www.globalslaveryindex.org/findings/" target="_blank">Global Slavery Index</a>, 57,700 people are living in slavery in the United States.<br />
<br />
In 2013, the FBI warned that sex trafficking was <a href="http://whnt.com/2013/10/29/special-report-human-trafficking/" target="_blank">on the rise </a>in North Alabama partly because we are right in the middle of a trafficking triangle that connects Birmingham, Nashville and Atlanta. Just last year a ring was busted in <a href="http://www.newschannel5.com/news/local-news/41-arrested-in-nashville-human-trafficking-operation" target="_blank">Nashville!</a> That's WAY too close to home! The really terrifying thing here, though, is that over half of those cited wanted sex with a minor. Sadly, this sting didn't catch the monsters responsible for holding these children in slavery. But another 2016 sting did catch a <a href="http://www.al.com/news/huntsville/index.ssf/2016/07/alabama_attorney_charged_with.html" target="_blank">North Alabama lawyer</a> who was part of a trafficking ring with underage victims.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyarugSdoAWZulr_Dm16lotX5i0o9AJu4VbVaTaKz_NGBWP5MG5zj_f5RYl7qc9mR5cAHV84ldY4IYPp_1-BznDlISLWu-BuQS7QunUA1uSkfLaz9yqO7TOpWfkE7fXDgLVFmKq2lZ9iQg/s1600/19319038-mmmain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyarugSdoAWZulr_Dm16lotX5i0o9AJu4VbVaTaKz_NGBWP5MG5zj_f5RYl7qc9mR5cAHV84ldY4IYPp_1-BznDlISLWu-BuQS7QunUA1uSkfLaz9yqO7TOpWfkE7fXDgLVFmKq2lZ9iQg/s320/19319038-mmmain.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Madison County Chief Deputy David Jernigan addressed the<br />media after arrests in a <a href="http://www.al.com/news/huntsville/index.ssf/2015/12/5_additional_suspects_sought_i.html" target="_blank">2015 trafficking case.</a></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That's why I couldn't help but be shaken when I read this post. Even more disconcerting were the hundreds of responses from other mothers who had experienced similarly creepy situations all over the Tennessee Valley. The threat is very real!<br />
<br />
<h4>
The Disturbing Facebook Post</h4>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Just a heads up... If anyone is going to Big Spring Park in Huntsville please keep your eyes on your kids at all times! I had a VERY strange and unsettling experience there this Saturday (3/4/17) and it left me never wanting to take my 3 kids out without my husband ever again. Luckily I carry everywhere I go, but I still pray that I never have to use my weapon. I seriously thought I was going to have to this past weekend. Sex trafficking is for real y'all. It's much more com</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">mon than we think. People work in groups of 2 or more. Often times one person will try to distract you from your children while the other person snatches them up. It's not just at big spring park either. It's everywhere. The world is not what it was 30 years ago.</span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px;">
Here's what happened:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1KVXL8zROypJtm5PNofuLn2avP79jBvgZrH23nDKPYxkV3A0ZjIfay8JZXFApLB7c6UFRK5yqlnG-ghgC3GHjQoJ-5581pl7G8vwhO-KZUF63gBeoyOroqjYRJqCyIJ_vzoCsEyTY21r/s1600/BigSpringsPark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1KVXL8zROypJtm5PNofuLn2avP79jBvgZrH23nDKPYxkV3A0ZjIfay8JZXFApLB7c6UFRK5yqlnG-ghgC3GHjQoJ-5581pl7G8vwhO-KZUF63gBeoyOroqjYRJqCyIJ_vzoCsEyTY21r/s400/BigSpringsPark.jpg" width="400" /></a>I was with my 3 kids and my new puppy. I had seen a woman in her mid 30's watching us from afar with her big boxer on a leash. She finally came up to us, and was very interested in my dog. I immediately felt uneasy because she got extremely too close way too fast as if her dog was some powerful beast that she was unable to control. Too bad I had just watched her for the 10 minutes she was watching us, and saw how very well behaved her pup was even when a duck was right in his path. Anyways, while she was making small talk, I noticed a very large (not fat, just very built) man pacing back and forth watching my kids. I hadn't seen him at all, even tho I'm extremely aware of my surroundings especially with all 3 kiddo's in tow by myself. I got an extremely uncomfortable feeling and very scared, all while this woman was still trying to talk with me. I made eye contact with him, so he knew I knew he was there, and the woman who was just chatty Kathy with me for about 5 minutes just walked away. Didn't even say goodbye. Just walked away. I told my 2 older ones to grab my arms and walk fast with me. The man watched me walk away. When I made it to my car, I got my kids in and I was looking out of my window to try and spot these folks. The lady was wearing a bright red jacket so it wasn't like I could miss her or anything. I couldn't see her anywhere. She was gone. But then... THEN y'all!!! I see this man j walking and crossing the street and heading straight for my car. I hopped in, put my keys in the ignition and started pulling out of the parking lot. This man watched me drive away, and the eye contact he held was very eery and creepy. I thank God for protecting my children, and I'm so beyond grateful that nothing happened. Be aware of your surroundings ALWAYS!</div>
</div>
<h4>
What Can You Do?</h4>
<div>
If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, trust your gut! It is far better to overreact where there is no danger than to fail to react where there is! These <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jim-higley/child-safety_b_1703608.html" target="_blank">tips</a> will help you and your children stay safe. If you are in a situation where somebody is making you uncomfortable, leave. As you are leaving, pull out your cell phone and start recording the situation. Get faces and voices, and be sure that any suspects can tell they are being recorded. Call the police immediately and describe the suspects. Or better yet, when you get into your car, drive to the police station. Do not drive home or to a relative's house because you might be followed.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUEOXcpf9ZrdjgRQ3Zbh00zEc9AGhmyXt_VtHflAA5vm2VBhxY0NvqvgCHcYGxbghjCinp0Zb10z1-J3Q8t8_MGN4jVS430uoBh6dttTTMNJlf5wmcdiPs-fDbICzmZrUQbO_PuNqYYdS/s1600/STNOW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUEOXcpf9ZrdjgRQ3Zbh00zEc9AGhmyXt_VtHflAA5vm2VBhxY0NvqvgCHcYGxbghjCinp0Zb10z1-J3Q8t8_MGN4jVS430uoBh6dttTTMNJlf5wmcdiPs-fDbICzmZrUQbO_PuNqYYdS/s400/STNOW.jpg" width="400" /></a>Teach your children to run and raise a ruckus like a child did just today when somebody makes them feel uneasy. Fortunately neighbors stepped in to help the child who was on the way home from school. Dads, make sure you are actively involved in your daughters' lives. These creeps prey on little girls who are looking for a father-figure. If you really want to make a difference, you can join the <a href="http://stnow.org/" target="_blank">North Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force</a>. They welcome volunteers! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Y'all, the horrifying truth is that this is happening right here in our backyard. But we have a STRONG parenting village, and together we can send the message that the Tennessee Valley won't tolerate predators!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
A Nurturing Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456983985008360679noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548058196153174310.post-41229932760217049722017-03-07T19:13:00.000-06:002017-05-22T10:06:27.752-05:00We Can Help You Get Your Breastpump Through Insurance!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXhS5_oApocaNYhW-o_ZSneOUrdGf9FCMq91A3R3GI1egqKGXa19HUfGn1UJ889Ztqiu07_lgQPJqY09ZEV2vMx_ZLobVmcamfbcN3wD7FeQV99pkj8WltaJf_H_BwB8ytEb06oyVpMAb/s1600/Spectra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXhS5_oApocaNYhW-o_ZSneOUrdGf9FCMq91A3R3GI1egqKGXa19HUfGn1UJ889Ztqiu07_lgQPJqY09ZEV2vMx_ZLobVmcamfbcN3wD7FeQV99pkj8WltaJf_H_BwB8ytEb06oyVpMAb/s320/Spectra.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Spectra S2 is a top quality double electric pump.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
by Glenni Lorick, IBCLC<br />
<br />
A Nurturing Moment is excited to announce our new partnership with <a href="http://www.aeroflowmedicalsupply.com/" target="_blank">Aeroflow Medical Supply</a> which will allow us to help you get the breastpump of your choice through insurance. One frustration that many mothers have expressed to me is that their insurance would only provide one brand of pump. For many of you, we will be able to change that!<br />
<br />
We are able to work with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, United HealthCare, TriCare, and Aetna. Those who have the Federal BCBS plans will still need to go through <a href="https://www.caremark.com/wps/portal" target="_blank">Caremark</a> to get a pump. Currently, most plans do have some degree of coverage for your breast pump. Some plans require that you meet a deductible first. Others only cover a percentage . Some policies require you to wait until the last month of pregnancy to get a pump. Other policies allow you to get it earlier in your pregnancy. Each plan is different. That's why the specialists at Aeroflow are experts at helping you figure out exactly what your insurance will cover and when you can receive your pump.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicU91kEpoDGW_i_r82mX7tK-20uve5hjYC56LYbTKxwSuwofQoGO7enEwCFRY2EugbYdQoTYWKTeLURuyD6-8iASyLBQBxHoctGPVLZf8QoLKg8E0vBEK-dP_PSxC4RBCeN4Ou-1Z1S1DS/s1600/Medela+PIS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicU91kEpoDGW_i_r82mX7tK-20uve5hjYC56LYbTKxwSuwofQoGO7enEwCFRY2EugbYdQoTYWKTeLURuyD6-8iASyLBQBxHoctGPVLZf8QoLKg8E0vBEK-dP_PSxC4RBCeN4Ou-1Z1S1DS/s320/Medela+PIS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Many mothers trust the Medela Pump In Style.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
To find out exactly what you qualify for, bring your insurance card and prescription to us or scan and email them to<a href="mailto:anm@knology.net" target="_blank"> anm@knology.net</a>. We will have you fill out a form with your basic information, and we will enter your information via our portal. As soon as we receive an answer, we will contact you. You may choose to pick up your pump here if we have it available or it can be shipped directly to your house.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbYjA3FK5MhSywdmjGWEDdbl9fPw3nrLhzGbJGLjfH7FfI-aAcIVssIlfx04e6eXTIk4h1FPlBmE00WMJuIcM-sio9rPsIJhlXo9oq6YChERVJxLSM0CcKBkTrxTEFBRTfvDTgjoQ_lNv/s1600/medela-breast-pumps-symphony-pumpset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbYjA3FK5MhSywdmjGWEDdbl9fPw3nrLhzGbJGLjfH7FfI-aAcIVssIlfx04e6eXTIk4h1FPlBmE00WMJuIcM-sio9rPsIJhlXo9oq6YChERVJxLSM0CcKBkTrxTEFBRTfvDTgjoQ_lNv/s320/medela-breast-pumps-symphony-pumpset.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>If your insurance will cover a hospital grade pump,<br />we can help you out.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
Need to Rent a Hospital Grade Pump?</h4>
We also work closely with <a href="https://www.heartsail.com/" target="_blank">Heart Sail</a>, another terrific company, to help families who need a hospital grade pump that is covered by insurance. In certain situations, insurers will actually cover the rental of a hospital grade pump. Nick at Heart Sail can work with you to figure out what your coverage is through Blue Cross Blue Shield or TriCare.<br />
<br />
Don't let the ins and outs of getting your pump through insurance overwhelm you. We are here to help and look forward to serving you!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />A Nurturing Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456983985008360679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548058196153174310.post-41577650102752082162017-02-23T16:51:00.000-06:002017-02-23T16:53:24.129-06:00A Call for Legislation to Protect Breastfeeding Mothers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYaN9-1qcYL_6eYrlPaipvxiKdiL5CIvCjMZ6LcWA0KC0TvRXLeiPf3TXNJ2reZH0XK6JyeiNXD0NhouTfe4_cRtZ8aQhLVfGybenvbXFJFqVYLVvI_2rkKh7fdoqFzHa5qGtituTQxqlO/s1600/12+December+Jennifer+Daniels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYaN9-1qcYL_6eYrlPaipvxiKdiL5CIvCjMZ6LcWA0KC0TvRXLeiPf3TXNJ2reZH0XK6JyeiNXD0NhouTfe4_cRtZ8aQhLVfGybenvbXFJFqVYLVvI_2rkKh7fdoqFzHa5qGtituTQxqlO/s400/12+December+Jennifer+Daniels.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
by Glenni Lorick, IBCLC<br />
<br />
Regardless of where you fall politically or how you feel about the Affordable HealthCare Act of 2010 (Obamacare), the fact is that breastfeeding mothers have been granted some amazing benefits as a direct result of this legislation. Mothers in 2017 can expect certain rights and benefits that their counterparts just 10 years ago did not enjoy.<br />
<ul>
<li>Insurance coverage of a breast pump (the type of pump may vary based upon the particular insurance plan a mother has).</li>
<li>Lactation support covered by insurance (this again depends upon the availability of in-network providers).</li>
<li>Mandated break time to pump at work and a place to pump that is not a bathroom.</li>
</ul>
With plans in place to repeal Obamacare, mothers stand to lose these valuable benefits. This is a problem not only for the individual mothers affected, but ultimately for society as a whole. <a href="https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/MediaLibraries/URMCMedia/finger-lakes-regional-perinatal/BurdenofSuboptimalBreastfeeding.pdf" target="_blank">Research </a>has demonstrated that when we enable mothers to breastfeed for a longer period of time, healthcare costs for the child are actually reduced. This savings is especially significant for<a href="http://u.osu.edu/pubhhbp6510breastfeeding/files/2014/03/Breastfeeding-Support-Program-Pugh-et-al.-cost-analysis-1xnpwpf.pdf" target="_blank"> low-income</a> populations. Furthermore, when mothers receive support for pumping in the workplace, it actually provides <a href="http://familiesandwork.org/employer_lactation_toolkit_downloads/121113_Benefits_to_Business.pdf" target="_blank">significant savings to their employers</a>. In fact, <a href="https://www.womenshealth.gov/files/assets/docs/breastfeeding/business-case/easy-steps-to-supporting-breastfeeding-employees.pdf" target="_blank">this document </a>has been prepared specifically to help employers realize those savings by providing a mother-friendly atmosphere in the workplace.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdKBt07P_VQTmDK6FaohuLgrx3Z429RW7oDg3s0AlYGQsBGecEx_ujQvkbpfLJziGNYfekhZAklAOsNw5JYcf8mWe_JJsGcZ20rbBU0Q47JHnPpVz0oML9JqSZ7zqPRqzWGD5BXIOQG0p/s1600/bcfb-easy-steps-supporting.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdKBt07P_VQTmDK6FaohuLgrx3Z429RW7oDg3s0AlYGQsBGecEx_ujQvkbpfLJziGNYfekhZAklAOsNw5JYcf8mWe_JJsGcZ20rbBU0Q47JHnPpVz0oML9JqSZ7zqPRqzWGD5BXIOQG0p/s320/bcfb-easy-steps-supporting.gif" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a valuable <a href="https://www.womenshealth.gov/files/assets/docs/breastfeeding/business-case/business-case-for-breastfeeding-for-business-managers.pdf" target="_blank">resource</a> for employers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h4>
The Future </h4>
<div>
As we look toward the future, It seems that there is some semblance of a <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2017/02/17/news/economy/obamacare-republicans/" target="_blank">plan to move forward</a>. However, there are certainly no guarantees that coverage for the things that are important to breastfeeding mothers will continue. If these coverages are dropped, it will affect millions of mothers who must return to work after giving birth. Their babies may not have the same ease of access to breastmilk enjoyed by babies in the last few years. These mothers may not have access to affordable professional lactation support.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One solution that would ensure the continuation of these benefits is specific legislation that does mandate continued coverage of breast pumps and professional lactation support. It should also mandate workplace access to a safe, clean, private place to pump as well as non-penalized break time, expanding that coverage to include salaried employees as well as hourly employees. Under current law many salaried managers do not enjoy the same protection that hourly workers in the same company are guaranteed. Teachers and other professionals may also struggle because they are not protected by the laws that ensure other workers can pump. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwj4uMATfWdv_ez17F8OSyRtOSkboABkQvmEdHRhzD6weh89kKR3p3415Upa124N09SVIeDwOWm14p15nnRaQIZtFSYgehI9iIPvITqLe_yld4aXffyPwZ5lowaEpG7ZGcCZW44PTFprh/s1600/kansas.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwj4uMATfWdv_ez17F8OSyRtOSkboABkQvmEdHRhzD6weh89kKR3p3415Upa124N09SVIeDwOWm14p15nnRaQIZtFSYgehI9iIPvITqLe_yld4aXffyPwZ5lowaEpG7ZGcCZW44PTFprh/s1600/kansas.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from the <a href="http://kansasbusinesscase.com/" target="_blank">Kansas Business Case</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
During the last two Congressional sessions, Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Representative Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY-12) sponsored the <a href="http://www.usbreastfeeding.org/swma" target="_blank">Supporting Working Moms Act</a>. The goal of this piece of legislation was to ensure a fair and uniform national policy by extending the current law to cover salaried employees. I would propose that this Act be expanded to include all of the breastfeeding provisions that stand to be lost if Obamacare is repealed. Furthermore, I would hope to see it's passage linked in some way to any healthcare reform that is passed. If the goal is to ultimately save money, this is a clear way to ensure that fewer healthcare dollars are spent on sick babies.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBZj8MEBvIkk_1cI0XcKsaedQbRrQfHBejuWzYrRcPKrwg7-W-xvoFEWQ7hIF3HNUoWZvBjwWiZklz8i_Bt8qSn-l8LsuCkyMNzMre1KO5fSmIRdzPAR6e2SHlw2TaHqJpCrZDoom9PGi/s1600/simplw+wishes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBZj8MEBvIkk_1cI0XcKsaedQbRrQfHBejuWzYrRcPKrwg7-W-xvoFEWQ7hIF3HNUoWZvBjwWiZklz8i_Bt8qSn-l8LsuCkyMNzMre1KO5fSmIRdzPAR6e2SHlw2TaHqJpCrZDoom9PGi/s320/simplw+wishes.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://simplewishes.com/product/signature-hands-free-pumping-bra/" target="_blank">Simple Wishes</a> makes working and pumping easy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
In the current political climate, it would be good for this bill to be seen as a bi-partisan effort. Therefore, I would hope to see Republican co-sponsors step forth. This is not a Democrat or Republican matter. Rather, it affects the right of all babies to receive the nutrition designed specifically for them. I urge you to <a href="https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials" target="_blank">contact your senators and representatives</a> to ask them to co-sponsor the Supporting Working Moms Act and expand it to protect the provisions that could be lost if the Affordable Healthcare Act is Repealed.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
My Letter</h4>
<div>
Dear Senator Shelby,</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I work with mothers and babies every day as a lactation consultant in North Alabama. Although I was not a proponent of Obamacare, the last few years we have seen an increase in breastfeeding rates. In Alabama breastfeeding initiation rates climbed from 64% in 2010 to 67% in 2014. That 3% increase represents hundreds of thousands of dollars in healthcare savings. More importantly, however, the number of mothers breastfeeding the full year recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics climbed from 11.8% to 15.9%. I believe that increase can be directly attributed to the provisions of the Affordable HealthCare Act which provide breast pumps to mothers and offer guidelines to employers regarding employees who pump. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am thankful that this Congress is looking for ways to improve the healthcare dilemma in our nation. There is currently a piece of legislation called the Supporting Working Moms Act that has been introduced by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) in the past two Congressional Sessions. Its purpose was to extend the protections of the AHCA to salaried employees. However, I would like to suggest that it be expanded to contain all the protections currently provided to breastfeeding mothers in the AHCA which include the following:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Insurance coverage of a breast pump (the type of pump may vary based upon the particular insurance plan a mother has).</li>
<li>Lactation support covered by insurance (this again depends upon the availability of in-network providers).</li>
<li>Mandated break time to pump at work and a place to pump that is not a bathroom.</li>
</ul>
I would like to respectfully request that you recommend these changes and co-sponsor this bill that will help thousands of your constituents. Thank you for taking the time to consider this. I would be happy to answer any questions you might have about breastfeeding support in Alabama.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sincerely yours,</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Make It Your Own</h4>
<div>
I want to challenge each of you to adapt this letter (even if you just use the second paragraph and what follows) and send it to your senators and congressmen. One voice alone doesn't sound very loud, but when we all lift our voices together, they won't be able to ignore our ROAR! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5HexLIqWY8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/n5HexLIqWY8?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />A Nurturing Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456983985008360679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548058196153174310.post-82643601637313233192017-02-13T22:32:00.000-06:002017-02-14T12:20:08.873-06:00Happy Valentine's Day, Mama!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-d7NqLNcGsKkXtX5JzXT7q9SLh4UWJyj6QrUWXXzCMSL8WlE4g0z5c1DR4Wskwi0XGFSHJz7uAH_V6ARSMEMFza96OuFSd6W3LbLEeyO9MgrPO6l050DyZ9zU_uJQlpcrLgZ6nBtcdET/s1600/believe+in+love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-d7NqLNcGsKkXtX5JzXT7q9SLh4UWJyj6QrUWXXzCMSL8WlE4g0z5c1DR4Wskwi0XGFSHJz7uAH_V6ARSMEMFza96OuFSd6W3LbLEeyO9MgrPO6l050DyZ9zU_uJQlpcrLgZ6nBtcdET/s320/believe+in+love.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
by Glenni Lorick, IBCLC<br />
<br />
You are your baby's first love! This year we decided to celebrate that fact in a very special video. In January we asked you to submit photos of you and your baby, and your response was overwhelming! Our advertising team had a really tough job selecting which photos to use in the video they created. We decided to feature a few pictures here that were not used in the video, but that capture the essence of that amazing moment when a mother falls head over heels in love with the precious baby she has been carrying for the last 9 months.<br />
<br />
We are so excited to present this video to you as our Valentine's Day Gift. We hope you love it as much as we do!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/nQDHbgpzSn0/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nQDHbgpzSn0?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARFpX99vVPbWXubChigdEVu1QtNqqKtOy2_j8cgA9bPBNgVSHnEDOIPWAtK4kCrUWTuFYrRkUhK8dAk_Kmp6kG2z1Dq_6oOL8TnazGN_V_TM23nC0hYHv7AicX4CYsPdX-To1h-MkkMvl/s1600/Courtney+and+Henry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARFpX99vVPbWXubChigdEVu1QtNqqKtOy2_j8cgA9bPBNgVSHnEDOIPWAtK4kCrUWTuFYrRkUhK8dAk_Kmp6kG2z1Dq_6oOL8TnazGN_V_TM23nC0hYHv7AicX4CYsPdX-To1h-MkkMvl/s320/Courtney+and+Henry.jpg" width="274" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
What was that moment like for you? Did you cry? Did you laugh out loud? Were you too exhausted to even enjoy it? Each birth is different, and so much of what happens to a mother during childbirth affects her experience!<br />
<br />
Tell us about that #firstlove moment! We love helping you nurture your cherished memories❤❤<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuf-uiQEvKL93yBcDXx6gkxBdJWIINFjXyyL4oVsNP5HSEYOAhyphenhyphenpZGZyjHRtNG_UiSu33APaUu6bqvyDjdV2IbpkPWclhNJQy93hBJvDTCz1gwpsGzDKnkX8WCGq9wfFXlhfhXK7JoRIkR/s1600/Maddie+Water+Birth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuf-uiQEvKL93yBcDXx6gkxBdJWIINFjXyyL4oVsNP5HSEYOAhyphenhyphenpZGZyjHRtNG_UiSu33APaUu6bqvyDjdV2IbpkPWclhNJQy93hBJvDTCz1gwpsGzDKnkX8WCGq9wfFXlhfhXK7JoRIkR/s320/Maddie+Water+Birth.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
A Nurturing Momenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456983985008360679noreply@blogger.com0