Chandler, Arizona
Sweet Pea ​Births
Sweet Pea ​Births
...celebrating every swee​t pea their birth
...celebrating every swee​t pea their birth
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In Their Own Words: Tanya...Part 1
| Posted on August 15, 2016 at 12:39 PM |
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"In Their Own
Words" is a blog series we share to bring you "real life"
experiences from other mothers and their families. Would you like to
share your story? Please email me at [email protected] to get
started.  .As a mother to two girls I feel even more of a responsibility to normalize breastfeeding. My amazing mother did that for me and I am forever grateful. I grew up knowing that breastfeeding was a wonderful way to nourish and bond with your baby. From the moment I knew I wanted to be a mom, I knew I would breastfeed. So imagine my surprise when I have my first daughter and suddenly I felt an overwhelming embarrassment to nurse in public…WITH A NURSING COVER even. There was many a time I went to nurse her in my car or even nursed her in a store bathroom (not my finest hour)!!! To this day I am not even sure where this feeling came from because I was never the victim of shaming from another person while breastfeeding. I imagine it all comes from society’s perception of breastfeeding. Thankfully, I had joined Mercy Gilbert’s breastfeeding group and slowly my embarrassment began to turn into pride. By the time I finished Krystyna and Bruss’ Bradley Class in the Spring of 2013, I felt like a superhero of sorts for all the amazing benefits I had provided for my daughter and was going to give my new baby.  I went from not wanting anyone to see me breastfeed with my first daughter (the only picture I have is from the hospital), to embracing the wonderful bond breastfeeding brings and doing so in pictures.
Today I have been breastfeeding or pregnant (or breastfeeding while pregnant) for 5 ½ years. My greatest accomplishment so far is seeing my daughters “nurse” their babies. It shows me that I have been that role model for them to show them that breastfeeding is normal and beautiful and even difficult at times. When my 5-year-old daughter tells me how she needs to nurse her 2-year-old doll or my 3-year-old daughter says “I nurse my baby, mama!” that is simply music to my ears. I started out my nursing journey hoping I could make it to one year and hoping I wouldn’t offend anybody if I had to nurse in public. Now, I have proudly nursed one child to 22 months, another to 3 years and am currently nursing my almost 15-month old son until our nursing journey comes to an end. Furthermore, I nurse in public wherever I need to, sometimes with a cover, sometimes without; and sometimes while baby-wearing. My hope is that I not only provide my daughters and son with a positive view of breastfeeding, but also inspire a new mom to feel like she is a superhero of sorts when breastfeeding; because it is hard, it is exhausting, it is amazing, it is powerful, it is rewarding, it is blissful, it is depressing, it is courageous, it is painful, it is empowering, but most importantly, it requires a village in order to be successful. Whether it be family members (I am so lucky that my parents and in-laws where both a tremendous help), a group or class (both life savers for me), a friend, relative, doctor….it takes a village to make breastfeeding successful. And I am forever grateful for the confidence my village gave me.   Thank you to Tanya for sharing her breastfeeding journey today <3 I hope it has touched you and inspired you in some way, and that you will take heart and courage in your own breastfeeding journey. UPCOMING EVENTS Phoenix La Leche League: Live, Latch, Love As part of the LLL area conference August 26th, 5-7 PM Embassy Suites Biltmore La Leche League Conference August 26-28, 2016 Embassy Suites Biltmore Register Here: www.lllofaz.org/area-conference  Disclaimer: The material included in this video is for informational
purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice. The viewer should always consult her or his
healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for
their own situation. Krystyna and Bruss
Bowman and Bowman House, LLC accept no liability for the content of this site,
or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information
provided. This blog and video contain
information about our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is
not the official website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained in this
video and on our blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method®
or the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®. |
Breastfeeding Rooted in Nature
| Posted on August 15, 2016 at 12:08 AM |
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 "A baby nursing at a mother's breast...is an undeniable affirmation of our rootedness in nature" ~David Suzuki Photo credit: Erin Rudd Photography Set at Modern Mommy Boutique, Chandler, AZ Image design: Amy Latek |
To Look or Not to Look
| Posted on August 4, 2016 at 1:52 PM |
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 Image credit: Erin Rudd Photography Belabumbum Nightgown provided by Modern Mommy Boutique Human breasts have been used to nourish human infants since time immemorial. There was a time when the nursing madonna was one of the cherished subjects for artists worldwide. Here is an insight from artelisa's blog, Art history, symbolism, and legends:
As it turns out, the Middle Age philosophers were intuitively correct...breastmilk is created when the hormone prolactin causes alveoli to take nutrients, like proteins and sugars, from the blood supply, and then turns them into breast milk. (Source: Sutter Health) So let's look at a few example of breastfeeding, the divine: Click on images to go to the source page Jesus as an infant:  Virgin and Child, by Bernard van Orley Jesus as an older baby:  Madonna with Child, detail from Our Lady of Graces with Saints Francis of Assisi, Dominic de Guzman and the person who commissioned the art work, oil on canvas by Fabrizio Santafede (about 1560-1634), Church of San Domenico, Ruvo di Puglia (Bari), Apulia, Italy, 17th century.Jesus as a toddler??  Madonna che allatta Bernardino Luini - olio  The Nursing Madonna by unknown master from Bruges, 16th century. Museu de Aveiro, Portugal. Another one with "the nip"!!  Gerard David, Nursing Madonna
And we think it's a big deal if someone is nursing outside of the home past a year, or when a baby starts to "ask" for it...I would say that the "normal" for many of the artists depicting the Madonna and Child would be older nurslings, since that is what is portrayed in such a huge number of images. I also want to name my bias in today's post. I specifically sought the Madonna and Child because that is my reference point. As I was searching, I saw Hindu art, Egyptian art, sculptures and woodcarvings...all depicting breastfeeding (many of older children nursing, too...no coincidence there, I think). So I am going to leave you with this encouragement today. Breastfeeding is part of nature's design. It isn't always easy. It isn't always pretty. It is always worth it. Whether you feed your baby drops a day or ounces a day, whether you feed your baby a day, a week, months, or years...every time you take the time to feed your baby, they are receiving a benefit from your body to theirs. Embrace your choice. Feed your baby. Nurse in public. It's so 600 years ago. Need some tips on NIP? Search our blog archive on Nursing In Public Disclaimer: The material included in this video is for informational
purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice. The viewer should always consult her or his
healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for
their own situation. Krystyna and Bruss
Bowman and Bowman House, LLC accept no liability for the content of this site,
or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information
provided. This blog and video contain
information about our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is
not the official website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained in this
video and on our blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method®
or the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®.      |
Breastfeeding: Tandem Nursing
| Posted on August 19, 2015 at 8:57 AM |
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 Francis is wearing a nursing bra by YouLingerie; robe by Belabumbum Styling by Modern Mommy Boutique Photo by Erin Rudd Photography My foray into tandem nursing turned into an adventure with extended breastfeeding. It doesn't go that way for everyone...if you are interested in reading about our journey, see the links below the post. What do you do if you are interested in tandem nursing, or at least, trying to nurse into your next pregnancy? One of my favorite on-line resources is KellyMom.com. She offers a great resource list HERE What about tandem nuring in public? As with other "NIP" experiences, try it out amongst supportive friends and peers first. Do you know other moms who are tandem nursing? Meet up with them in a breastfeeding-friendly place. See what happens...sometimes it's a "monkey see, monkey do" scenario, other times kiddos will just observe and think about what they will do next time. Either way, if your children decide to tandem nurse, you will not be alone in that choice. Let the fact that the law is on your side in almost every state in the union lend you some confidence as well. In the last year, two more states have added protections for nursing mothers into the books. For now, the only state left without any kind of safeguard for mothers breastfeeding in public is Idaho. If you are traveling, or you are curious what your own state says about NIP, check state laws HERE. None of the laws quantify how many children you may nurse at a time, so you and your Sweet Peas are safe to meet needs as they need to be met. As your confidence grows, you will be able to nurse in public with much more ease. You may even serve to inspire another mom to tandem nurse her children...one of the greatest gifts of all. If it hadn't been for a couple of moms in my circle who did that for me, I would have missed out on some of the most rewarding years of breastfeeding our Sweet Peas. Do you have tips to share with other moms who want to tandem nurse? Please leave us a comment - it will be moderated and
posted. The material included on this site is for informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation. Krystyna and Bruss Bowman and Bowman House, LLC accept no liability for the content of this site, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided. This blog contains information about our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained on this blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method® or the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®. |
Wordless Wednesday: Breastfeeding Awareness Month
| Posted on August 20, 2014 at 6:29 PM |
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The theme for this month was Nature's Best...what better way to start our #wordlesswednesday than with these pictures of a statue my mom saw on her Peru trip??   For more information on how you can help raise breastfeeding awareness this month, please click HERE for more information from the US Breastfeeding Committee. Here are some other images from our readers...and the evolution I have gone through as a breastfeeding mama...from uncovered only at home, to covered, to posting selfies on Instagram and Twitter as my confidence in my choice to breastfeed has grown.          Please tag us @sweetpeabirths on Twitter or on Instagram so that we can see your #beautifulbfing #normalizebfing #NBM14 images <3 More posts about Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding Cafe Blog Carnival Breastfeeding Awareness Month Black Breastfeeding Week |
Top 5 Breastfeeding Products
| Posted on August 19, 2014 at 2:15 PM |
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 I really enjoyed making these videos with Talisha from Modern Mommy Boutique last year. Since it is Breastfeeding Awareness Month 2014, here is a look at her recommendation for the Top 5 products you need as a new nursing mama. If you are in or near Chandler, Arizona, you can pick these up at her store in front of the Chandler Fashion Mall. If you are out of state, she ships or you can of course, choose your favorite on-line retailer. Scroll down to see my 2014 update on food-safe nipple cream. Enjoy! For today's video, I asked her to highlight her Top 5 picks for breastfeeding, and we ended up with a bonus in there. It's a quick video (under 5 minutes)...also did a little picture gallery. Enjoy!
A note on food-safe nipple cream: One of our students is studying to be an aesthetician. She heard a presentation on lanolin. Besides being marketed as a breast nipple cream, it is also a common ingredient in beauty products. She learned in the lecture that depending on how the sheep is fed, the lanolin may have carcinogens in it *because* the grass that is fed to the sheep is not guaranteed to be free of pesticides and carcinogens. And the chemicals that cannot be digested by the sheep is stored in the fat. A little more on lanolin from PBS:
So between the carcinogen in the fats and the pesticides in the wool, research your lanolin-based nipple creams before you buy! Or just go with something else, like the Motherlove cream that Talisha has on her Top 5 list. What would be on your Top 5 List? Please leave us a comment - it will be moderated and
posted. More posts about Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding Cafe Blog Carnival Breastfeeding Awareness Month Black Breastfeeding Week Disclaimer: The material included on this site is for informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation. Krystyna and Bruss Bowman and Bowman House, LLC accept no liability for the content of this site, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided. This blog contains information about our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained on this blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method® or the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®. The Bradley Method® for New Parents: December 5, 2014 through February 20, 2015 Classes meet at 6:30 pm Bradley™ “Next” – full series plus focus on sibling preparation - for returning students only By request - please contact us for more information For more information or to register, please call us at
602-684-6567 or email us at [email protected] |
Inside Look: CoverMyHeart
| Posted on August 7, 2014 at 9:52 AM |
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Here is
another Inside Look just in time to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week. The
creator of the CoverMyHeart nursing covers, was kind enough to do a virtual
interview with us. I met April
Marcial (“AM”) at the Club MomMe Spring Family Fest in June. We had a chance to visit between interested
mamas stopping at her booth. Her journey
as a mother and entrepreneur is incredible – a link to her story is at the
bottom of this blog post. It is an honor
to cross paths in life with people who are really making a difference in the
world – she is one of them. As with Tuesday's feature, April’s product is designed for nursing mothers who want
to cover when they nurse in public (“NIP”).
As she says, this is a product where function meets fashion. If you are a scarf aficionado like I am, I
think you will agree. Here is
the CoverMyHeart interview – enjoy! SPB: What motivated you to start CoverMyHeart? AM: I
launched CoverMyHeart in 2011 after being on unemployment for two years. I
decided to take my future into my own hands. Because of personal reasons
originating in childhood trauma, I had a passion to change the way women
breastfeed by adding “fashion to function”. I pursued and obtained a
patent for my idea and hit the ground running.  SPB: How did you come up with design for the breastfeeding
scarf? AM: I
wanted a product that solves a problem for breastfeeding moms and promote the
bond between mother and baby. With the help of a local breastfeeding café, the
Women wanted pieces that can keep up with their busy lives, make them feel
beautiful and confident even when breastfeeding, have a high design quality and
durability, but still a good value. After a multitude of prototypes, I
patented the design they all fell in love with.  SPB: How many ways can you wear the “function meets fashion”
nursing accessory? AM: This
breastfeeding scarf does it all, offering 17 ways to wear; we have launched a
video showing 11 of them. These pieces add a trend-setting flair to any
ensemble. SPB: What inspired your choices of fabrics for the nursing
scarf? AM: I
have a designer that picks out my fabric choices. Pantone sets the trend
and Chiffon fabric is for comfort. The fabric choice is designed for
success! SPB: Do you have a favorite pattern in my collection? AM: I
love every pattern and I wear them all but, the one I wear most is Jewell, it
goes with so many of my outfits.  SPB: What makes your product unique? AM: Our
A-line design adds a fashion flair and elegance. One side opens so mom
can easily latch and allows an open arm so she can multi task. Its size is
designed to go through toddler stage and when mom is done breastfeeding, it
becomes an accessory for her everyday fashion.
Stylish options with or without a nursling :) Thank
you, April, for taking the time to answer our questions. A quick perusal of your site this morning
shows that many patterns are already sold-out, and some are on back order! If you are a fashion-conscious nursing mama,
head on over to her on-line store before more of your favorites are gone for
good! Where
to find CoverMyHeart online: Instagram
@CoverMyHeart713
What is your favorite NIP accessory? Please leave us a comment - it will be moderated and posted. More posts about Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding Cafe Blog Carnival Breastfeeding Awareness Month Black Breastfeeding Week The material included on this site is for informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation. Krystyna and Bruss Bowman and Bowman House, LLC accept no liability for the content of this site, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided. This blog contains information about our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained on this blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method® or the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®. |
Inside Look: Poncho Baby
| Posted on August 5, 2014 at 6:37 PM |
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We have a couple of features
from the ClubMomMe Spring Fest (still – there were so many amazing vendors and
we still have more to share!) that we have been saving for World Breastfeeding
Week. The two companies we are featuring this week were both founded from a desire to support the breastfeeding
MotherBaby. Today’s Inside Look is with Poncho Baby™. I fell in love with the
colors first – muted natural tones are always a win for me. In addition, the line is organic, made in the
USA, and multi-functional: one piece in your diaper bag can serve as a nursing
cover, blanket, stroller cover and a car seat canopy. We all know how precious space is when you
are a MotherBaby on the go! This leaves
plenty of room for all the other things you want to bring with you.  Since it doesn’t have a
pattern, it doesn’t distract your baby and it goes with anything you are
wearing. A couple of other features that
are not mentioned in our interview with Poncho Baby™ founder Carolina
Toro-Gerstein (“CG”) is that the nursing cover has two pockets for breast pads,
and it also has an adjustable neckline that makes it fully customizable and
enables you to have a great fit. The reason this cover appealed
to me is because you can tell I have had a baby after I deliver…my pregnancy
body doesn’t go away as easily as other people I know. I have a love/hate relationship with my
squishy middle…and this cover nicely allows full coverage without screaming
“I’m breastfeeding here!” Another great benefit to this
cover is that it can be a great tool for a breastfeeding mama that is working
outside of the home. The full coverage
allows you to pump at work or in the car discreetly. It’s the ultimate accessory for multi-tasking
mamas. Please enjoy our virtual
interview with Carolina Toro-Gerstein, CEO and Founder of Poncho Baby, Inc (pictured above wearing the blue-green poncho). At the end of the interview you will find a
link to the website and contact information. About
Poncho Baby™: Poncho
Babyfounder, Carolina Toro-Gerstein (CG), is dedicated to
designing products that are stylish, multifunctional, compact and eco-friendly.
Award winning Poncho Baby Products are manufactured in the USA with
premium imported muslin cotton fabric. Poncho Baby Nursing
Cover has a patent pending design that allows the mother to see the baby while
feeding and has back coverage. The Reversible Bandana Bib and other products
are super cute, super functional and super stylish beside being eco-friendly – and
all are must have’s for today’s modern mommies who are choosing to shop smart
when they buy for their baby and their family. SPB: What
motivated you to start Poncho Baby? CG: My
girls were the motivation to launch Poncho Baby. After having them, I was
inspired to create high quality products that were stylish, multifunctional,
compact and eco-friendly. SPB: Where
did you draw your inspiration for the design of your nursing cover?  CG: When
I was feeding my first daughter and we are always on the go, it was definitely
challenging to feed her outside. I could not find a product that blended
these wonderful benefits: the back coverage, ability to see the baby and being
made of a neutral, breathable material. Since I believe Moms and children
should feel comfortable when they are on the go, I decided to launch Poncho
Baby. The
available poncho style nursing covers did not allow the mom to see the baby and
the apron style ones did not provide back coverage. My girls used to get very
hot under the nursing covers since the fabrics were not breathable. I also
wanted to avoid distraction and be more discreet while feeding -- especially
when they were older than three months. My daughter used to get distracted by
the busy fabric patterns acting like a mobile over them. I wanted to create
innovative products that are stylish, multifunctional, compact and eco-friendly.
The Poncho Baby Nursing Cover is made with solid and neutral colors to go with
any outfit and to provide a soothing environment for the baby. The products are
made in the USA and the packaging is recyclable, since I also believe that we
need to take care of the environment and provide opportunities for women in the
US. SPB: How do you
select the fabrics you use in your product line? CG: I
always loved the 100% muslin cotton fabric since it was very soft and is
breathable fabric. As a mom of two, I understand that moms need a breathable
material while they breastfeed their babies. SPB: What
sets your nursing cover apart from other offerings on the market? CG: How Poncho Baby™ compares to other nursing covers in the market:
 SPB:
Your bibs are also unique - how did you come up with that design?CG: We wanted to provide a stylish and
multifunctional banana bib for babies
Big thanks to Carolina for taking the time to answer our questions. Best wishes to her and Poncho Baby, Inc., as they continue to share amazing products for breastfeeding and baby! What are your thoughts on wearing a poncho as a nursing cover? Do you look for products that are organic and/or multi-functional? Please leave us a comment - it will be moderated and posted. Where to find Poncho Baby™ online Contact Information More posts about Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding Cafe Blog Carnival Breastfeeding Awareness Month Black Breastfeeding Week Disclaimer: The material included on this site is for informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation. Krystyna and Bruss Bowman and Bowman House, LLC accept no liability for the content of this site, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided. This blog contains information about our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained on this blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method® or the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®. |
Keep Calm and Feed Your Baby
| Posted on July 27, 2014 at 2:56 PM |
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Today’s
prompt: Breastfeeding in public. We all know that life goes on while
breastfeeding and leaving the house means breastfeeding in public. Tell us your
stories, thoughts, and so on. The
last nine years have seen a huge evolution in the way I nurse in public. I have gone from nursing our children under a
blanket or nursing cover to nursing without a cover. My comfort zone for nursing in public has
been stretched from nursing an infant, to nursing a one-year old, to suggesting
that nursing could wait until we got home after our children hit the second
birthday mark. Our fourth child would
not accept that answer. My comfort zone
for breastfeeding when we are out of our home has been stretched again. I
know that my comfort in doing so exists only because I have seen other women
around me nurse older children. If it
had not been for their casual attitude, and the knowledge that breastfeeding is
much more than breastmilk, I do not think I would have made the choice to keep
nursing an older child outside of our home. As
she approaches her third birthday, I am starting to draw the line. I will ask her to wait until we get home to
nurse, and if she doesn’t accept that answer, I ask her to wait until we are in
the car. At night, I can tell when she
asks to nurse because she is bored, versus actually wanting to nurse because
she is sleepy and ready for bed. So we
are still negotiating, and I am now a mother a Sweet Pea who turns three on
October 1 and still nurses in public. For
any mother that is feeling uneasy with nursing in public, I would encourage you
to remember that your baby relies on you to be their center, their comfort,
their safe place. If anyone outside of
that has an opinion that is just too bad.
If it is family, set clear expectations: in our home, I will do what I
need to do to meet our child’s needs. If
you are in their home, ask them where they would like you to nurse the
baby. Respect that, and as time passes,
you may find that their attitude relaxes.
It is especially helpful if your partner can build up the nursing
relationship while you are nursing, telling the family how proud they are of
you and how your baby is not just surviving, but thriving and growing well
thanks to your commitment to breastfeed. If
you find yourself with a hungry, inconsolable Sweet Pea and you are out among
strangers, set yourself up for success the first few times. Find a women’s lounge in an upscale
department store, or ask to use a dressing room, or maybe a quiet corner
somewhere, so that you and your Sweet Pea can both settle down and nurse. As your confidence grows, you may not be as
anxious to find more secluded places.
You will soon find that any seating area is a place where you and Sweet
Pea can take a break and breastfeed. All
those other people – release the worry of offending others. They are fleeting observers who will never
again be in your life. And who knows –
your example may help normalize breastfeeding for another person, or lend
confidence to a future parent who is inspired by your example. Another
idea I suggest to gain confidence is to travel in numbers. Go to a breastfeeding support group where you
can see how other people nurse in public, and where you will not be in the
minority if you want to breastfeed. Go
out and have playdates or share meals with other breastfeeding
MotherBabys. It is very unlikely that a
whole group of you will be intimidated or approached. Lastly, know the breastfeeding laws in your
area. Most states protect breastfeeding
in public and if you are lawfully present in a public space, then you are
“allowed” to breastfeed. See
breastfeeding laws state by state HERE. You
will learn and grow through the whole process of motherhood. Nursing in public is just one small subset of
skills you will learn as life goes on after your Sweet Pea’s Birth-Day. What are your tips to help a mama be more confident with nursing in public? Please leave us a comment - it will be moderated and
posted. The material included on this site is for informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation. Krystyna and Bruss Bowman and Bowman House, LLC accept no liability for the content of this site, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided. This blog contains information about our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained on this blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method® or the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®. |
Mommy Con: Abby from The BA Breastfeeder
| Posted on October 10, 2013 at 6:53 AM |
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Mommy Con founder Xza Louise Higgins envisioned that the conferences would be about delivering quality information and products to mothers around the country. The Los Angeles event did all that and more! See our vendor coverage HERE on our SPF blog, and check out the Babywearing Fashion Show HERE, and scenes from the Babywearing World Record HERE. To close out this amazing day, a fourth speaker took the stage at 3:00 pm. Milkin' Cookies sponsored an appearance by Abby Theuring from The Badass
Breastfeeder. She came up to address the dedicated mamas (and some partners!) who had been in attendance with their nurslings since 10:00 am. Her message was about taking up the cause to normalize breastfeeding. Here are the notes from her speech:  She had an interaction with women at the post office who asked her about
breastfeeding when they saw her nursing in public. As she walked away, she reflected on the
conversation. While it had been awkward
to talk at length with strangers about breastfeeding, she realized that by
breastfeeding her toddler in public, when had just opened up the possibilities
to the women she had been talking to.
The next time they saw someone nursing in public, they would get it…and
if they ever saw another woman breastfeeding a toddler, they wouldn’t think to
themselves, "I’ve never seen that before"…they would remember her.Before we are pregnant for the first time, we have a totally different relationship with our breasts. She put on a non-nursing bra from her drawer the other day and realized that before parenthood, her bras were all about putting breasts on display, in your face; and that is how it is in society – breasts are displayed.** Latch a baby onto that breast – it freaks people out!! It doesn’t matter that it is natural – people don’t want to see it. Nursing In Public – everyone can do that. We can start a chain of events – every mom has the power to normalize breastfeeding. We are all fighting the fight. Fight for worthy causes – NIP is one of them. This is a cause where all we have to do is show up. Live life. Lead life. Breastfeed as you want to do. Makes us happy no matter where we are. Breastfeeding moms were backed into a corner when formula became “the norm”. Breastfeeding moms were scared to go out of the house – we need to reclaim the norm! Her first breastfeeding experience was an awful experience – not nice, soft and fuzzy like all the pictures. Every day she thought breastfeeding was over – and then it wasn’t. By three months, her child was off formula, and at 26 months, her child is still breastfeeding. There are sleepless nights with a newborn. The first few months of parenting, you feel like a drunk person. Time is upside down. You are going to the emergency room because you don’t know what is wrong with your baby. Then you learn. And keep learning. Breastfeeding is proven to be able to change society. We can change the norms. We can raise healthy children who in turn become healthy, whole adults. Norms are caused by what people are doing. We have the opportunity to start a new cycle: Start breastfeeding Start nursing in public Empower breastfeeding from the start When it’s an observers turn or our children’s turn, they do the same Empowerment is contagious
Empowerment is
progressive It begins to infiltrate our parenting, every aspect of life For example: pregnant with horrible morning sickness. Get up. Throw Up. Go to work. Continue to throw up. Who does that?? Yet you get through it and move on. (I think her point was that if you can make that shift for your pregnancy/child, you start making other shifts in thinking for your child, i.e., NIP even if it is out of your "norm".) From her social worker background, she liked rules – she liked structure. Parenting is anything but that. Mothers are the foundation of civilization. It is time for mothers to lead the way. **This rang so true for me!! That morning, I figured I would throw on my last pretty, underwire bra that I have since I was not going to bring a nursling with me. The second I had it on properly – O My Gosh – I couldn’t wait to take it off!! It was incredibly uncomfortable. So back to my trusty nursing bra I went…I felt like I could breathe again. Want to get more scoop on the Mommy Con experience? HERE
are my notes from Dr. Robert Sears - He talked about vaccinations during
pregnancy, postpartum, and for infants. HERE are the notes from Jessica Martin-Weber of The Leaky
[email protected]@b - Her talk was about parenting and being confident as a parent. HERE are the notes from January Harshe of Birth Without Fear
- Her talk was about the choices we make around birth and forming a support community. Please leave us a comment - it will be moderated and posted. The material included on this site is for informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation. Krystyna and Bruss Bowman and Bowman House, LLC accept no liability for the content of this site, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided. This blog contains information about our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained on this blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method® or the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®. |