Moms Find Fellowship and Fun

This set is one of the door prizes at
the Mom Brunch Tuesday!

by Glenni Lorick, IBCLC
Moms need other moms. It's a simple fact of life. Studies have shown that when mothers are isolated they are more likely to experience post-partum depression. Huntsville is a very transient city due to a variety of factors including the presence of an army base, the high-tech nature of many Research Park jobs and the universities here. Many moms moving here are either expecting or have recently given birth and have no social support network whatsoever.

One of the things I most love about A Nurturing Moment is how quickly our network of moms embraces newcomers! Ladies who walked through our doors for the first time a year ago are now firmly entrenched with a solid group of mama friends who are there for them through thick and thin.

There are a variety of ways that moms can connect with other moms. Rocket City Mom is a great place to learn all about different activities that have been planned for young families. But some moms need more of a spiritual component; they need to find some like-minded women they can really fellowship with. There are some great options for local moms!

Whitesburg Moms' Bible Study

On Tuesday mornings Whitesburg Baptist Church offers a ladies Bible study that is geared towards moms of all ages. They do offer childcare to make it convenient for mothers of young children. This year's Bible Study theme is "Ever After" by Vicki Courtney. Life rarely turns out like a fairy tale or chick flick. This study addresses the blessings and challenges of marriage and motherhood. 

You are invited to a Mom's Brunch this Tuesday at Whitesburg Baptist from 9:30-11:30 to get an overview of the study. There will be some great door prizes (including our Fed by God's Design gift items!) For more information or to register click here. 

MOPS

MOPS stands for Mothers of Preschoolers. It is a ministry that helped me make it through the years when my kids were little. At a MOPS meeting you will fellowship with other women, you might make something fun, you will learn something interesting, and you will get a break from the day-to-day grind as your kids are lovingly cared for in the Moppets program! Several local churches offer MOPS programs, including First Baptist in Huntsville, Ford's Chapel UMC in Harvest, The Grove Baptist Church in Madison and First Bible Church in Decatur.

Just for Single Moms

Single mothers have specific needs that are different from married mothers. Hope Community Church in Huntsville has a special ministry just for single moms. They try to make sure that both physical and spiritual needs are met.

MOMS Club

Although this isn't a source of spiritual support, MOMS clubs are an international organization that provide support and encouragement for Stay at Home Moms based on where you live. In Madison County we have South Huntsville MOMS Club, North Huntsville MOMS Club, South Madison MOMS Club. and North Madison MOMS Club. Meetings are typically held weekly with a variety of activities for moms and kids of all ages. Homeschool moms are welcome, as well!

Daddy's Role in Breastfeeding

Image: Louisa Stokes / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

When I teach a breastfeeding class, I always ask the dads to come, too. It's really important for Dad to be there for several reasons. The most obvious one is that Dad is the most important support person for his wife. He needs to know how breastfeeding works. Since pregnant women tend to have "Mommy Brain," Dad may remember some points that Mom forgets. But there are several other really important things that Dad can do to help make breastfeeding successful.

1. Dad can get a better view of baby's latch than Mom can. I teach Dad to look for flanged lips and a deep latch.
2. Dad can help make sure that baby has a good suck/swallow ratio. He can watch the sucks and listen for swallows. The ratio should be 1:1 or 1:2. 
3. He can help Mom with things like suck training and syringe feeding if necessary.
4. He can make sure that Mom gets the 2400 calories that she needs every day and make sure that she drinks plenty of water.
5. He has the very important responsibility of protecting Mom from too many visitors and/or relatives who aren't supportive of her breastfeeding efforts.

Dad is going to stay very busy! The wonderful book by Dr. Robert Sears and his brother, Dr. James Sears, Father's First Steps makes a great gift for any expectant dad. Their list of 25 things that every new father should know will further help Dad be a terrific breastfeeding father! 

If your husband was a terrific breastfeeding father, leave a comment telling just how he supported you. A great dad deserves some special recognition!

Let Us Know What You Think

Our goal at A Nurturing Moment is to provide you with the support and encouragement you need as you go through your pregnancy and embark on your parenting journey. We do that by providing support groups like Mommy Milk Meet-up and New and Expectant Parents' Meet-up. We also offer a variety of classes including breastfeeding, prenatal yoga, infant massage, childbirth and Music Together.  Our two International Board Certified Lactation Consultants are available to help you any time you have a breastfeeding problem. We'll listen to your concerns and give you advice over the phone, or you can make an appointment to come into the store for a consultation. We'll even come to you, if that would be easier! One of us is available 24/7. If the store is closed, you can call Glenni's cell phone at 256-658-8210.

We also try to provide the products that will make breastfeeding - and parenting in general - easier. From the Woombie swaddler to the Arm's Reach Co-sleeper, our products are designed to help you provide the very best, safest environment for your little one. That's why we only carry GreenGuard Certified cribs and crib mattresses - we want you  to know that when you buy an ANM product, it is the best available for your family!

Your feedback helps us know what we're doing right and what we need to do better. That's why we're having a contest this week encouraging you to leave your feedback. Our listing at Google places has a special place for you to leave a review. Please take just a moment to let us know what you think, then check it off in the contest below. You'll be entered to win some fun prizes that you and baby are sure to enjoy!