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Mom’s Talk About Breastfeeding: The Appealing Benefits

January 30, 2012 By 5 Comments

We’re starting a series on breastfeeding today, enjoy this first post!

When I was pregnant, one of the first things that people would always ask me was if I was going to breastfeed or bottle feed my baby. It is a topic that most people feel strongly about on both sides, and in my experience, each side will try to convert you to their way of thinking.

I am a person that researches everything. I like to know the know the benefits and disadvantages of each option, and when I was making my decision on whether or not to breastfeed, I read everything I could get my hands on.

There is a wealthy of information on breastfeeding, and between what I read and people that I spoke with, I knew that I wanted to try to breastfeed my kids for as long as possible.

While there are many reasons as to why you should breastfeed your baby, these are just some of the facts that solidified my decision.

Cost and Convenience

One of the first benefits that many people consider when making the decision to breast or bottle feed is cost and convenience. Breast milk is free, always on hand (as long as mama is around), always the perfect temperature, and ready to serve even on the go.

There is something very comforting about knowing that when your babies wakes up in the middle of the night there are no bottles to mix and heat – you can quickly and easily feed your baby and get everyone back to sleep!

Breast milk is the perfect food for your baby. It is packed full of the nutrients and antibodies that your baby needs to thrive. Not only that, as your babies needs change, so does your breast milk!

Heath Benefits for Baby

There are many healthy benefits for babies provided by breast milk.

Babies are born with a very limited immune system. Breast milk contains their mothers immunities and these are passed on to the baby as they nurse. These antibodies help protect the baby against a variety of colds, can help prevent diarrhea and can can even help prevent the baby from developing allergies as an infant and later in life.

In addition to helping boost their immune system, breastfed babies experience many additional benefits from their mother’s breast milk. These include:

  • improved eyesight and hand/eye coordination
  • fewer cavities once teeth come in
  • less gas and fussiness
  • a reduced risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

There are even a number of studies that are linking breast milk to having a higher IQ later in life.

Breast milk has many long term benefits as well. The most notable is that it reduces the risk of obesity in children and teens. This is because breastfeeding is led by the baby. The baby eats when they are hungry and stops when they are full; unlike bottle feed babies that tend to be over-fed due to the parents encouragement for the baby to finish the entire bottle. Breastfed babies learn to rely on their own hunger signals and to listen to their bodies. This is a learned habit that carries over into later life.

Health Benefits for Mom

Breastfeeding also provides many health benefits for the mother.

New studies have uncovered life-saving health benefits for nursing mothers. These include

  • a lower risk of cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis
  • a reduced risk of postpartum hemorrhaging
  • a delay in the re-occurrence of their menstrual cycle

Women have also found that breastfeeding helps them loose the baby weight quicker! This is because your body is burning extra calories to produce a constant supply of milk of your growing baby.

Bonding

The best thing about breastfeeding is not that it’s free, easy, or even that it is best for you and your baby. The absolute best thing is the special bond that develops between you and your baby.

While breastfeeding, moms experience hormonal changes that can intensify feelings of closeness and well being. Babies experience skin-to-skin contact, which has been proven to promote bonding. Babies need to be held and cuddled, and breastfeeding provides lots of extra time for this emotional bonding.

 Check back tomorrow for part two of our breastfeeding series!

Filed Under: Parenting Tagged With:

Discovering Unique Names for Your Baby

January 29, 2012 By Leave a Comment

tiny footThis is a guest post from Sophie Baker-Britton.

If you are expecting a little bundle of joy in the coming months, you have probably started to discuss names with the people around you. Whether you know the sex of the baby or are waiting to find out on the day, getting a few names in mind can help you to choose the right one as soon as they come into the world. If you are looking to avoid the common names and are searching for something unique, continue on as some of the more unusual names are explored in further detail.

Aurelia

This girl’s name is of Latin/Hebrew origin is pronounced ‘aw REE lee uh’ and means ‘Golden’. It is unique whilst still remaining pretty both on paper and when spoken.

Dante

This boy’s name of Spanish origin is most popular in Italy today but remains an unusual choice for a baby born in the UK. In terms of famous individuals with this name, Dante Alighieri is the most notable as he is considered one of the greatest poets in history.

Taryn

This female name has roots in multiple origins, although it is now mainly considered as a Gaelic version of the name Tara and means ‘Tender/Innocent’, although other possible origins state other meanings such as ‘Thunder’, ‘Little Princess’ and ‘Of the Earth.

Quest

A masculine name of British origin, Quest is undeniably a unique name for your baby boy. Quest means ‘Voyage of Discovery’ which could be quite apt for this new little person!

Gia

Gia is a feminine Italian name that is derived from Gianna and Giovanna. Gia Carangi is probably the most notable person with this name; she was a top fashion model in the 1970s.

Reuben

This Hebrew name for a boy means ‘a son, behold’ therefore would be quite relevant for those who are happily surprised by the arrival of their baby boy. The spelling ‘Ruben’ is the Spanish alternative of the name, with Grammy award winner Ruben Studdard being the most noteworthy person with this name.

With thousands of unique names to choose from, it can seem like a daunting task trying to find the perfect one for your baby. It is because of this that taking to the internet to find baby name websites that offer origins and meanings as well as flicking through baby name books are both great ways of stumbling upon a fantastic array of beautiful and unusual names.

Sophie has a keen interest in the meanings behind names and enjoys discovering the unique and unusual options as well as traditional alternatives.

Creative Commons License photo credit: limaoscarjuliet

Filed Under: Pregnancy

Look Mom, That Lady Has A Dog In The Store! (Service Dog Etiquette for Kids)

January 24, 2012 By 4 Comments

Did you, or would you, know what to say or do if you saw a Service Dog team  in action? Did you know that Service Dogs are allowed to go just about anywhere that the public can go…grocery stores, shopping malls, restaurants – even in doctors offices and hospitals? If you answered no, you aren’t the only one.  So many people misunderstand what Service Dogs do, where they can go, and the importance of the role that a Service Dog plays, in the life of a disabled person.

As the two legged half, of a Service Dog Team, I’m always happy to inform and educate, both adults, and children.  Here is some general information, and a few basics when is comes to encountering a Service Dog, and his or her partner.

All Kinds Of Dogs Can Be Service Dogs

Kourtney Rhea and Gigi, SD/Medic Alert

When most people hear the words Service Dog, they envision a blind person, with a big German Shepherd Dog, or a Golden Retriever.  Yes, both of these breeds make excellent Service Dogs, but any breed of dog can be a working dog…they just need a good temperament, and a willingness to learn. Big dogs, little dogs, pure bred, and good ole mutts, are now faithfully serving their human partners.

Over the years, many different types of animals have been (and still are) used to help the disabled.  Dogs are the most common and most recognized, but monkeys, parrots, cats, miniature horses, and iguanas, among others, have been trained to work for, and with, their partners. Due to a change in  the DOJ rulings last year,  the only legally recognized service animals, that are now protected under the Americans With Disability’s Act, are dogs and miniature horses.

Do not ever whistle at, call out to, or purposely distract a Service Dog

Besides not being polite, it’s illegal. Would you yank a cane away from someone, or pull a walker out from under them?  Of course not! Consider a Service Dog the same as you would a wheelchair, oxygen tank, or pair of crutches.

Do not pet a Service Dog.

Some handlers do not mind if their SD’s interact with others, but it is always proper protocol to maintain a hands off policy.  Usually, when out in public, a Service Dog will be vested, meaning that the dog will be wearing a vest or bandanna, signifying that he is a working dog, and of course, some will be wearing special harnesses. Most handlers that do not mind petting, will place a  please ask to pet patch on their dog’s vest.  If you see one of these patches, then you may politely ask if it is ok to pet. Don’t ever let your children yell at, throw things at,  hit, or poke a Service Dog (or any dog for that matter).  Even the best behaved and well tempered dog, may bite when provoked.  Feeding Service Dogs, is a big no-no, and when children hand feed any dog, there is the risk of a bite, simply because little hands aren’t always steady, and dogs will instinctively go where the food is. And hey – they have teeth, and teeth are involved in eating.

Be Polite

  1. Not all disabilities are visible.  Many people think that a  Seeing Eye Dog (or Guide Dog), is the only kind of Service Dog there is.  Not so.  There are Hearing Service Dogs for the deaf and hearing impaired.  Medical Alert Service dogs who work with people who have medical  conditions, such as Parkinsons Disease, Epilepsy, Diabetes, Allergies,  PSD’s (Psychiatric Service Dogs) for those with mental illnesses, and Balance Assist/Mobility Service Dogs.

    JR Owen and R-son SDIT

  2. It is NEVER acceptable to ask a person with a Service Dog,  about their disability. Would you ever dream of walking up to a bald man or woman, and asking  them if they lost their hair because of cancer? When you see someone in a wheelchair, do you inquire about why they can’t walk?  I’m sure you don’t.  Unfortunately, for some reason,  many people will ask a Service Dog handler very personal questions.
  3. Don’t stare. You don’t have to pretend that you don’t see a Service Dog Team, but treat them like you would anyone else.  If you make eye contact, smile.  If the handler immediately glances away, chances are, they do not wish to converse. If they smile back – great.  Usually we can pick up on a dog lover, and if we feel like talking, we will nod, and possibly say hello. I often carry hand-outs,  for both children and adults, that explain about Service Dog Teams.

Service Dogs are special, but they aren’t perfect.

Although well trained, and of good temperament, they can have their bad days. There are times when they get overly excited, and times when they just don’t feel their best.  They can get tired, bored, and cranky. As handlers, we try to pick up on that, but we humans aren’t perfect either.  If you see a Service Dog, that isn’t at his or her 100% best…remember that once in a while, you have “one of those days” too.

Just Between You And Me

I’m proud of my Service Dog,  Gabe (you can see us in the photo and the bottom of this post), and I don’t mind the attention that he gets when we are out in public, but often people will come up and start talking about him and to him, as if I’m invisible. Those of us with disabilities just want to be treated like everyone else…with respect and kindness!

If You Would Like To Learn More:

There are many sites on the internet that offer a wealth of information on Service Dogs.  Here are a few of my favorites.

 

 

Filed Under: Parenting

Little Ceasars Hot & Ready When You Are

January 23, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Little Ceasars Hot & Ready When You Are

Filed Under: Food & Drink

Motherhood Lessons: Nobody’s Perfect

January 23, 2012 By 6 Comments

Motherhood Lessons is a regular series of posts we share here on Mom’s Talk Network – every day lessons shared by real moms.

My motherhood experience is extremely limited, and by that I mean I’ve been mothering my son for exactly 506 days. I don’t have years and years of parenting under my belt. I don’t even know what it’s like to suffer through a toddler tantrum in public, to potty train or to send a kid off to school.

For sixteen and a half months we’ve been on this journey together. Figuring things out as we go, figuring each other out as we go. One day, this short amount of time will feel like a blink of an eye, but as I sit and reflect on my experiences as a mom, I am overcome with pride at the very important lesson that motherhood has taught me: nobody’s perfect.

We’re all just kind of winging it, doing the best we can with what we have to ensure that our kids are growing into kind, smart and considerate children. While we’re doing this, we’re also trying desperately to ensure the vitality of our relationships with our significant other, our family and our friends, maintain a quasi-clean and relatively safe home and, for some, hold down a job where our boss definitely cares if we change out of our yoga pants.

Whether we stay-at-home full time, work full time or walk a fine line between the two, we are overcome with mommy guilt that our decision isn’t what’s best for our kids. That we aren’t doing enough, cleaning enough, baking enough, volunteering enough or hugging enough to live up to the standard that those perfect moms are setting.

Here’s the thing: There is no “perfect” when it comes to motherhood.

What worked for me may not work for you and vice-versa. We hear all the time that all pregnancies are different and all babies are different, but what we don’t hear enough of is all moms are different, too, and none of us, not a single one of us have got this thing down pat.

We all have doubts and meltdowns and moments where we feel like we can’t possibly go one more second without a nap, or, at the very least, a tall glass of wine and a girlfriend to vent to.

We all wonder if the well-researched decisions we make with a clear head are going to be the best ones for our babies. We all wonder if there’s any more we can do.

We all make mistakes…and will continue making many, many more before our time as a mom has expired.

Motherhood is a hard, challenging commitment full of self-sacrifice, but the payoff, even after 16-months is indescribable happiness that personifies itself in the eyes of my son. When I hear that sometimes devious but always genuine laugh of his, I could care less if my house is a mess, I forgot (yet again…) to run that errand and that I’m still wearing the same clothes I woke up in.

Let’s all take a deep breath, hug your babies and tell yourself that you’re doing OK.

I am now tagging these creative, insightful moms for them to share their motherhood lessons:

I know you have learned a lot as a mom, so I invite you to participate in the meme and post a ‘Motherhood Lesson’ on your blog.  (Please grab the graphic and link back to this post!) When you do, please tag three more moms that you’d like to see share a lesson too.

Filed Under: Parenting Tagged With:
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