Breast-feeding is not always best available option – Positive Discipline- What is it? – Baby Sleep, What Do You Really Know? Weekend Reading!

Posted on April 26, 2013 by llpitlwp

Are you afraid to choose not to breast feed because of the backlash of comments that you anticipate from your relatives and friends?

Don’t you just want them to understand what you already know about you and your baby?

Maybe you should write down your story and hand copies to anyone who questions why you are not breastfeeding and then just maybe they will “shut up” and mind their own business!

BREAST-FEEDING is not always best.

These are fighting words if you are a mother who has delivered a baby at most hospitals throughout the Puget Sound. If you are the postpartum mother who dares to utter that statement, you will be the one fighting with nurses, doctors, lactation consultants and anyone on the street who sees you bottle feeding.

Guest: Breast-feeding is not always best available option | Opinion | The Seattle Times.

Do you use time-outs as discipline the way “The Nanny” does on her television series?

There actually is another approach….”Positive Discipline” and it just might work better with your child or children. Here is a link to someone who specializes in this approach…

Positive Discipline: Positive Time-out.

I went on Amazon and bought all the top books on baby sleep and development. I read through them all, as well as several blogs and sleep websites. I gathered lots of advice.

If you are confused about Baby Sleep and how to help you and your baby get enough rest, you will find out why when you read this funny post from a mom who shares your confusion.

Don’t fret, you are not alone!

Ava Neyer: I Read All The Baby Sleep Books.

I hope these suggested readings help with three of the most discussed topics of childrearing…. Feeding…Discipline…Sleep.

Have a great weekend!

Do you know about the baby formula scandal?

Posted on April 25, 2013 by llpitlwp

If you are familiar with my blog you already know that I support moms and their freedom of choice when it comes to feeding their babies. Although as a professional, I know that breast feeding is healthier for babies, I also know that there are circumstances in every mom’s life that influence the choice she makes as to whether to breast or bottle feed.

This being said, I find Nestle’s history with regard to formula feeding is worthwhile knowing, so that when a new mom is making her feeding choice, she does it with full knowledge of how formula makers try to influence her directly and indirectly.

I want to also say that I am not judging moms who formula feed…I did and have never regretted it. My choice was made for me since I was on Heparin and Coumadin which passes to the infant in breast milk… but to be truly honest as a mother-baby nurse in the late 70’s and 80’s I saw so many moms have such a difficult time breast feeding I was scared to try it myself.

And in the effort of disclosure, I am aware of my personal experience and choices so I make an effort not to allow my feelings to influence my work with pre-natal and new moms, who are desiring to breast feed.

Please read Nestle’s history in the following link…I think that you will find it very interesting. It is big business at its worst!

Nestle’s Infant Formula Scandal – Business Insider.

https://parentingintheloop.com/2013/04/23/what-moms-should-know-about-feeding-baby/

What moms should know about feeding baby!

Posted on April 23, 2013 by llpitlwp

Suzie Barston wrote a book about infant feeding so that women can feel supported no matter how they choose to feed their baby…whether formula or breast.

I have not read her book but here is an interview with Suzie where she answers some questions that may help a new mom.

I wrote the book with a few goals in mind – first and foremost, I wanted to offer some support and perspective for women dealing with conflicted feelings about infant feeding. But I also wanted to provide a resource for childbirth educators, medical practitioners, and breastfeeding advocates which would explain how it feels – viscerally – to “fail” at breastfeeding in today’s world. I believe that most people are trying to help mothers; the problem is that they often unintentionally do the opposite. There is a right way and a wrong way to educate parents about breastfeeding, and I hope that even if childbirth educators don’t agree with some of what I have to say, they can approach it as a Field Guide to the American Bottle Feeder.

Science & Sensibility » “Bottled Up”: An Interview with Suzie Barston on Her Infant Feeding Experiences and Implications for Birth Professionals.

“I Hate YOU” How to Manage Anger…How To Get Your Child to Eat! – Weekend Reading

Posted on April 19, 2013 by llpitlwp

Do you have difficulty getting your child or children to eat a healthy variety of good food?

At some point, in my opinion I think that every parent experiences food challenges with their children.

With the approach of warmer weather comes the opportunity to eat more garden fresh vegetables…perhaps growing a few easy ones with your children will help develop their tastes for new veggies and fruits.

If growing is not your thing then maybe a trip to the local Farmer’s Market will spark their interest in new seasonal varieties of foods. At the very least, hopefully they will enjoy the excitement of seeing all the flowers and veggies on a morning excursion

But really, it’s all about approach and finesse and what not to do.

With that in mind, here are ten things that you need to give up before your child will come around to the foodie way of doing things.

10 Things *Not* to Do to Help Your Child Eat | Natural Parents Network.

Gardening with your children creates wonderful memories

Children LOVE Veggies Straight from the Vine! | Learning Motherhood.

It truly cuts right through me whenever I hear a child say the word “hate”, but it really causes me sadness when it is directed personally at a parent, grandparent, or anyone else.

There are many ways to react when a child says “I Hate You”!…some of them are definitely knee jerk reactions but the thoughtful reactions of a parent will generate some thinking on the part of the child.

The manner in which a parent responds to a child’s angry outbursts will either help or hinder the child’s ability to understand the feelings he is trying to express. Here are some ways to help him find other words to express his anger and encourage him to do so without punishment.

The Attached Family » 6 Things To Do When Your Child Says “I Hate You!”.

How do you view yourself?

Posted on April 17, 2013 by llpitlwp

Dove has done some mini research about women, it involves a forensic artist and a few women describing themselves to the artist. He draws them sight unseen and then some.

What did you think after viewing this video?

Moms…how to find joy in the chaos of life!

Posted on April 16, 2013 by llpitlwp

Do you know the secret to being a “successful” or a “good” mother?

Certainly such a question is one that all moms ask themselves now and then, perhaps in different ways.

Is it really all that difficult to be mom?

It seems the world is on overload but in the recent past we have experienced events that have truly given us pause to think about what is most important about being a mom to children of any age.

In my eyes, moms are anchors and when something threatens that anchor we feel adrift in a uncertain sometimes dark sea.

How do we stay anchored for our kids?

for me it is doing the little things…

making lunch for my granddaughter,

blowing bubbles with her rather than continuing to write a grocery list or blog post….

making the beds…

planning and preparing dinner so that we can share a few moments eating and enjoying each other’s company…

reading books…playing games…drawing pictures…even if I am a pathetic artist…grandchildren don’t see our mistakes.

and when I need some “me’ time…I take it…maybe it is a Chai from Starbucks

maybe it is a conversation with a friend…

Yesterday, at the Boston Marathon, we saw how life can change in a split second as two bombs exploded at the finish line.

Runners were doing something they loved…running…they were moms, dads, brothers, sisters, friends all trying to just cross the finish line…

Today and in the tomorrows, let’s try to stop and “smell the roses” as we go about our lives before we cross our finish line…

Sense out of Senseless…what do you tell your kids?

Posted on April 15, 2013 by llpitlwp

Another senseless tragedy brings to mind the words of Mr. Rogers…thankfully there are always people who are helping.

You are always safe with this explanation when talking to your children…at least I think so!

Moms…Find Out How You Can Have More!

Posted on April 11, 2013 by llpitlwp

Have I ever told you how much I wish I had the internet when I was raising my own family!

I was living in Florida when my kids were infants and I can’t say how much I missed NYC where I had lived in and near for most of my life.

Florida was like being in exile for this native New Yorker and there was nothing like “More Than Milk” available in 1980.

So I am inspired by moms like the ones, who are inspiring and helping other moms by giving them an “avenue for personal growth”.

More than Milk helps moms to get involved with organizations and other moms while bringing along their babies and kids…what an opportunity! I

f you are a mom and are looking for a unique opportunity to interact with other moms head on over to More Than Milk!

Welcome to More Than Milk.

Mission

To provide Moms with an avenue for personal growth, inspiration, and social giving as Moms generate “more than milk” to talk about with friends and family through kid-friendly volunteer experiences. By connecting Moms with deserving charities, we provide organizations with heightened awareness in the community, financial support, and energetic and talented volunteers.

Our Goals

To build a connection between Moms and inspirational organizations

To make charitable giving and philanthropy a way of life for Moms and their families

To create “Mom-friendly” (bring your babies & kids) volunteer activities

To spread the missions of charitable organizations to Moms, friends and the next generation

via About More Than Milk | More Than Milk.

Do you need a another Cookbook??? Yes you do!

Posted on April 10, 2013 by llpitlwp

Homemade with Love

Yesterday, I went to a really delightful luncheon here in Chicago. It was an impromptu event invitation that I am so grateful to have had the time to attend.

In the last few weeks, I have had the fortune of discovering a new blog, In Jennie’s Kitchen and a new cookbook, Homemade with Love on Instagram.

Blogging and cooking are both loves of mine! Cooking has been a longtime passion of mine…blogging and reading blogs is a new passion.

Now, I have had the good fortune of meeting the creator of Homemade with Love, Jennifer Perillo.

I now realize that it was also fortunate for me that I missed her Chicago book signing, this past Sunday and that I am not afraid of twitter. To make a long story short, Jennifer extended an invitation to me to attend a very special small luncheon that she was preparing in her hotel here in Chicago.

To say, I was thrilled is definitely an understatement.

Among the invitees were some other bloggers, who are all much more recognizable than I…most were food bloggers, some were also writers, who represent various media and social media here in Chicago. A very nice mix of women and fun for me to meet, as my background is just so different, coming from nursing and social work.

What better way to relax everyone and encourage conversation with each other than to casually serve a delicious made from scratch lunch.

Jennifer did just that!

In the tiniest of working kitchen space Jennie created recipes from her new book Homemade with Love.

Firstly, we had some wine, sparkling water, or still water served with a strawberry compote to add a little bit of sweetness to our drinks…very refreshing.

Next we were treated to ….

Creamy Homemade Ricotta

Slow Roasted Tomatoes with Fresh Mozzarella Panzanella Salad

Chickpea, Parmesan and Fennel Salad

Orecchiette with Bolognese Sauce

Simple Roasted Chicken

Deep Chocolate Cupcakes with Deep Chocolate Glaze

It was a lovely marriage of flavors and Jennifer’s ease with preparing and serving made it obvious to me that I could make her recipes at home, as you will be able to do too after you buy her wonderful cookbook.

Jennifer also graciously signed copies of her cookbook for all of us.

I am impressed with her book, its’ layout, beautiful photos and helpful tips. There are icons on every page to tell you about each recipe. I love her Chapter on “Setting Up a Homemade Kitchen” which is surprisingly easy!

It helps that Jennifer is a warm and engaging mother of two, who understands what it is like to be thrown into single parenthood by the untimely death of her husband, Mikey. You can see her love for her kids and Mikey overflows into her passion for cooking.

She has truly written a delightfully beautiful cookbook that you can use in your kitchen to make your own family meals Homemade With Love.

Thank you Jennifer!

Jennifer Perillo and me…

Thank you also to Kitchen Aid and the makers of Glad, two companies who helped to make it possible for Jennifer to share her recipes and cookbook with us.

Disclosure:

This post was not sponsored. I did receive a copy of Homemade with Love from Jennifer. All opinions are my own.

Do you know how to stop your child’s tantrum?

Posted on April 8, 2013 by llpitlwp

If you understand your child’s brain it just may help you deal with your child’s tantrums.

Dr. Siegel is a renowned physician, who has done much research on the brain. In this video he shares what is going on in a child’s brain when he is having a tantrum. By understanding the brain and tantrums it just might help a parent or grandparent deal with their own reaction to a temper tantrum.

How you react to the child who is having a tantrum may actually lengthen or shorten the duration of the “meltdown”

Now what parent would not want to shorten a tantrum?

Watch this video to learn how!

http://www.kidsinthehouse.com/video/how-stop-tantrums-understanding-brain

via How to stop tantrums by understanding the brain | KidsInTheHouse.com.

Parenting in the Loop

Monthly Archives: April 2013