Mom's Night Before Christmas

by Glenni Lorick, IBCLC

I wanted to give a very special Christmas gift to all our mamas this year as well as to my four
amazing children who are the reason I do what I do.This is the dedication I wrote for my kids:

Dedicated to Sarah, Daniel, Anna and John Carl

I am so proud of each one of you and the amazing people you have become. Thank you for making my life so rich, for being such great encouragers, and for making motherhood such a joy! 

Mom's Night Before Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Only one creature was stirring; it wasn’t a mouse.

Cloth diapers were hung by the dryer with care,

In hopes that new Rumparooz soon would be there.

The baby was nestled all snug in my bed,

While visions of mommy milk danced in her head.

With her cuddled next to me, Dad at my back,

She knew it was time for a post-midnight snack.

Anna snuggled in close with her little mouth wide;

Then I pulled her in tight as I rolled to my side.

Her mouth found my breast in what seemed like a flash

With sweet sucks and swallows she had a mustache!

My milk was a flowing and she loved the taste;

Nary a drop would she let go to waste!

When what to my wondering eyes did appear,

But big brother and sister. What are they doing here?

“Mom, we can’t sleep. We’re just too excited.”

So into our big bed they both were invited.

With Sarah between us and Daniel by Dad,

We all snuggled in – it wasn’t too bad!

"Stop kicking! Stop squirming! Now stay on your side!

If you don’t settle down we are gonna decide

That back to your beds you must go right away.”

So they both closed their eyes while they waited for day.

Meanwhile the sweet newborn had finished her feast;

The size of my right breast had surely decreased.

Like a cute little sailor all drunk on my milk,

Her hand grasped my sash that was made out of silk.

And then, in a twinkling, she was soundly asleep;

I knew that forever this memory I’d keep.

Surrounded by children I’d birthed and I’d nursed,

My heart was so full I thought it might burst.

With a smile on my lips I whispered a prayer

Thanking the Lord for this love we could share,

For my husband, my baby, my daughter and son-

I knew that my family might not quite be done.

Since then many Christmases came and have gone;

We added another sweet baby named John.

But the memories of breastfeeding each tiny tot

Are some of the most precious memories I’ve got!

Songs for Nursing Moms

by Glenni Lorick, IBCLC

Music is a wonderful part of life. I used to sing to my babies as we would nurse, and I imagine that many of you do the same thing. But lately I've come across some very special songs that I wanted to share with you...songs that will bring a smile to your face or maybe even have you laughing so hard you cry!

Nine Months of Breastfeeding

Today we are going to take a look at the breastfeeding journey through songs that I've come across online. In this adorable Taylor Swift parody, Rebecca Mcelroy reviews her first nine months of breastfeeding 

Building a Breastfeeding Environment

The creative students at St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia came up with a delightful parody to Carly Rae Jepson's "Call Me Maybe" to raise awareness that breastfeeding in public is normal. They didn't use real babies because of the style of  the video, but they did a great job getting the idea across that mothers should be able to breastfeed comfortably anywhere they are!

Ruin Your Day

Of course one of the most popular and widely seen breastfeeding songs isn't a parody at all. It is an original song by Australian duo Sparrow-Folk. The first time I saw this song I couldn't stop laughing. The cafe setting is perfect, and the scene of a dad feeding his baby in the bathroom is absolutely priceless! 

All About That Breast

Just last month, Lori Burke, of Eerie, PA came up with a terrific parody of Meghan Trainor's song "All About That Bass." As a mother of two, both of whom she breastfed, Burke wanted to help encourage new moms in their early breastfeeding struggles. She does a terrific job in this song which will put a smile on any nursing mom's face!

I can't wait to find more fun songs for nursing moms! If you create one, please let me know so I can feature it in a future blog!!

Dave Ramsey Envelope System Wallet Makes Budgeting Easy

by Meaghan Damron, Guest Blogger

Budgeting, finances, debt, Oh My!  If you’re anything like me, those words can generate stress, anxiety, confusion and leave you feeling overwhelmed.  They can even become a major source of conflict in a marriage.  In a world of easy access credit, swiping even a debit card has become effortless and seemingly pain-free.  Until the bill arrives!

Enter Dave Ramsey and his Financial Peace University envelope budgeting system.  I highly recommend researching this system, reading his book and taking a class to fully equip yourself with the knowledge and a plan to get your finances in order.  I am not a spokesperson for him, and am FAR from a budgeting expert (just ask my husband), but I have seen so many people freed from the chains of debt by following his instructions.

I will give you the reader’s digest version, and then tell you a little about a product that can help!

Dave Ramsey emphasizes paying cash for everything, and uses envelopes to divide that money into categories for spending.  My parents used this system for bill paying and spending money, and today my husband and I use it to organize our “discretionary dollars”.   However, the envelopes can become a hassle when you are out shopping, and as I used them, they began to tear and get beat up.  I carried 6 large white envelopes in an even larger manila folder when we first used this system.  On top of that, I needed my other wallet for my checkbook, IDs, driver’s license, etc.  I was always afraid I would lose something…Not to mention I looked like a complete mess trying to pay for anything!

Mompreneur Finds a Solution!

I’m a sewer and am always looking for a new project.   After playing around with some ideas of my own, I found a great pattern on Etsy for creating a wallet that contains divided fabric envelopes and knew I had to try it.  Thank you to “thecolorfulchicken."

This wallet has EVERYTHING you need to stay organized and on budget, while maintaining style.  It features 4 card slots, 2 large pockets where I keep my checkbook and receipts, 6 labeled “envelopes,” and a zipper pocket.  The envelopes have a plastic slot and empty label so you can make the categories your own.  For example, our budget splits the cash into groceries, out to eat money, household needs, kids needs/spending money, date night money, and my spending or “mad” money.  Yours may be the same, or completely different!  Find what works best for you and your family.

The envelopes also make great coupon organizers if this cash system is not for you.

I am so thrilled that Glenni has allowed me to sell these at A Nurturing Moment.  I make each one unique, and spend time creating a one of a kind piece that you will love.  Feel free to contact me if there is something specific I can do for you!

Happy Saving!

For more info on Dave Ramsey and Financial Peace University, visit daveramsey.com

Join Us In Giving Thanks for Small Businesses

by Glenni Lorick, IBCLC

This year we have so many reasons to be thankful. We continue to have a wonderful community of moms. Happy Papoose has taken up residence inside A Nurturing Moment offering lots of new baby-wearing options. Sew Me Happy has brought us lots of adorable custom made items. We have a good variety of locally made nursing necklaces and adorable accessories. And we are doing lots of lactation consultations!

It really distresses me to know that some stores are open on Thanksgiving, a day that should be reserved for family and close friends. In fact, I even started a Facebook Page last year - Thanksgiving is Not About Shopping! I've decided to try to avoid those stores that are open on Thanksgiving and spend my hard-earned money at stores that respect their employees enough to close tomorrow.

Years ago we opened really early on Black Friday, but there's really no need for us to do that. While we do plan to have our sale going on Friday, the day we are really excited about and focusing on is Small Business Saturday! We will have some Christmas treats available and encourage you to try out our hot chocolate, chai tea, latte or mochaccino! I think it's better than Starbucks (and a LOT less expensive!)

Black Friday/Small Business Saturday Savings

• We will offer at least 10% off regular price for all non-excluded items in the store.
• All breastfeeding supplies, Sew Me Happy in-stock clothing items, Baby K'tans, bedding, clothing, frames and accessories will be 20% off.
• Excluded items include the following: Tula, Piggy Paint, Tekhni Wraps, Veggie Crayons and Chalk, Kowalli, Pretty Pushers and Motherlove.
• Save 10% on any Best Chair or Arm's Reach co-sleeper order.

We look forward to seeing you this weekend!

Breastfeeding on the Fly

From Second Life Marketplace

by Glenni Lorick, IBCLC

Planning to travel with baby over the holidays? If your little one is nursing, then you need to think about the logistics of traveling with a nursling. Honestly, it really isn't that difficult. It just requires a little forethought and planning. The CDC has some terrific guidelines for breastfeeding mothers who are traveling with or without their babies.

Exclusive Breastfeeders

If your infant is exclusively breastfeeding, then you will need to nurse every 2-3 hours (or more frequently). Take-off and landing are ideal times for moms to be nursing because the sucking helps to equalize the pressure in baby's ears. In light of recent snafus regarding nursing moms, most airlines want to avoid the public relations nightmare that would ensue if they show even the slightest discrimination against a nursing mom. Since infants travel free in their parents' arms, the best place for baby during take-off and landing is at mom's breast.

Whether you use a cover or not is entirely up to you. Some mothers feel much more comfortable with a cover, while other moms can't stand the way baby fights the cover. You need to do whatever works best for you! However, you may find that wearing baby in a  baby sling or soft structured carrier may make your trip easier because you will have free hands, baby will be close to you and less likely to fuss, and a carrier can allow for discreet nursing as you walk through the airport.

Some airlines have specific policies which govern their treatment of nursing mothers. If you are asked to cover up, you do have the right to refuse. If another passenger is uncomfortable with your breastfeeding, you should respectfully discuss options with a flight attendant. Making your baby eat under a blanket is NOT one of those options, however. Perhaps the offended passenger can be moved to another seat. Or maybe they can find a different seat for you. You can remind the flight attendant that a baby who is quietly nursing is much more delightful than a screaming, hungry, frustrated, uncomfortable baby in the cramped quarters of an airplane.

Older Babies

Baby's own homemade photo album is a great travel toy!

If your baby is eating solids, you can take pureed baby food with you. Just be sure to tell the security agents you have medically necessary baby food with you. Of course, you can take Cheerios and other packaged foods as well. When baby needs to nurse, though, feel free to do whatever you need to do. Remind anyone who asks that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies breastfeed at least a year and as long as Mother and Baby both want to beyond that. The World Health Organization actually recommends 2 years of breastfeeding. 

Be sure to pack plenty of age-appropriate toys/distractions. You will be BUSY keeping baby entertained. If you are traveling to visit relatives, create a photo album for baby with pictures of everybody you will be seeing. Also be sure that you bring baby's favorite lovey or blanket. That will make it much easier at nap time. This site has some great tips for traveling with babies of various ages! 

Bon Voyage!