Why we Eat Cereal for Dessert, and NOT for Breakfast (Making a Better Choice)

The demands of the world dictate that cereal must be consumed by children. How could I be so cruel and keep such a treat away from them? Those circular colorful treats, that taste sweet, and even change the color of the milk... We like them as a topping on yogurt or as a dry snack. I know, are you reading the right blog? YES! I am the same mostly healthy mom trying to accommodate my children/s demands and their healthy needs. Can you imagine such a conversation at home "Hey Kids, We aren't ever eating cereal again for breakfast?" Oh the Drama. . . But When I DID SAY "What do you guys think of moving Cereal to Dessert Time?" was a success.

I recently picked up a thrift store copy of the book "Eat This Not That, Supermarket survival guide." I saw this book authors presentation on some talk show years ago... it was informative, extremely. We put in so many unknown ingredients into our bodies when we eat packaged foods. I can't even pronounce some of the ingredients!
 

So when I came across the book I purchased it. Just initially thumbing thru I saw the few packaged items I do purchase listed and they're great alternative ideas. As well as some great sauces and condiments that are referenced (which I have totally forgotten about as a nice way to dress up meals and for sides). These said sauces and condiments are a nice way to substitute flavor as you remove unnecessary calories to help in weight loss/maintenance.

I recently lost over 25 pounds last year, and not intentionally which is the ironic part. It was totally accidental loss... I swapped white sugar for agave nectar in my coffee, I added more fruits to my day as a snack, I stopped buying kid selected desserts and went back to old habits of only High Quality Desserts. I Made a lot of other changes in our home before this 25 pound weight loss and you can read about them here.

As we all should know weight gain, and excess weight gain especially, comes from
1. Eating Larger portions (calories) then our bodies and activity levels need, and
2. Eating excess amounts of sugar, often unknown quantities to us!

(*As an Aside: I read an awesome article in National Geographic magazine on the history of sugar and how we have arrived at our current American sugar intake levels. The results were SHOCKING as consumers average 22 teaspoons of added sugar per day!  I personally lost over 25 pounds this last year and I credit my number 1 reason for successfully loosing the weight and keeping it off is switching from white sugar to agave nectar. I'll have to write a separate post about this amazing life changing step that I took. And NO I didn't completely cut out sugar/y sweets because I want to enjoy the finer things in life....see the post.)

In "Eat This, Not That" the authors cover many packaged products, including cereals. The little thought bubble inserts are loaded with helpful information on MAKING A BETTER CHOICE. The book lists brands of popular cereal, and their top nasty ingredients and grams of sugar per serving. On the opposing page they list alternative brands and better choice ideas in the cereal category including healthier or better ingredients and lower sugar quantities. However the best information on this page was our life changing decision... "Treat Cereal as Dessert."



Our visit to Wagner Farm, where a cow took great interest in us. We always ask the kids "Where did our food that we are eating come from?" If they can't tell me it is usually a quick way of identifying "highly processed" foods, like cereal.

Cereal has just as much sugar as Desserts do. Do you serve ice cream for breakfast, eclairs, chocolate cake perhaps (and I am sorry to say toaster strudels, donuts and the like fall into the dessert category). Well for us, NO WE do NOT serve dessert for breakfast, so why should I serve cereal with the same amounts of sugar in it?

I bookmarked this page, and after dinner shared it with the family at the dinner table. I read from the book to the kids. Even my 5 year old son understood what it meant to eat one bowl of cereal or 3 candy bars... he responded "mommy, my tummy would hurt!"

Good Bye Cereal
Cereal is a great marketing campaign, similar to Orange Juice, making it a "Must Have Staple" in the American diet. Granted serving cereal is Easy and fast, and that has helped maintain the popularity. But serving sliced apples and peanut butter (which I have served for breakfast) is full of healthy natural sugars, and is in NO COMPARISON to cereal so much healthier for the breakfast eater. My kids feel full longer eating real foods - and not cereal. They don't have that pre-lunch crash after eating a sugary breakfast either.

Once last thing. My kids were all over this "Cool" idea of "eating cereal for breakfast" when we first agreed to it. And for the first 2 weeks (only) they requested cereal for dessert. Then the idea sort of lost it's appeal, I don't know why? It could be because when I do serve dessert at home 2-3 times per week, it is good quality dessert. We don't serve too many refined sugar treats. Instead we use/purchase desserts made with fine quality ingredients: real creams (not cool whip), butters (not margarines), and high quality sugars. The taste of the desserts are amazing, and sometimes very simple.

Desserts We buy:
- Lindor or E. Wendel High Qulity Chocolate Bars, and each person gets 2-3 squares for dessert. Our local fruit store carries these brands, but Godiva, and even Hersey's are "better" qulity chocolates.
- Assortments of nuts or shelled Pistachios. These always go fast.
- Desserts from international bakeries and friends travels like Truffles from France and Baklava from the Middle Eastern Grocer on my monthly visit.
- Angel Wings, or Chrusciki,  from our local bakery. A light butter treat thats great with coffee or tea.
- Good quality ice cream, gelatos and Italian ice.
- Cakes from our local bakery (not Jewel or chain store bakeries). Including Apple Pie, Fruit Pies, Small Tortes made with fresh ingredients.

THE NO COST DIFFERENCE OF QUALITY DESSERT

We have a small local bakery and a nearby international grocer that bakes there own bread and desserts daily. The ingredients are high quality and sometimes pricier then some items that sit on shelves for a few days. But in the end THE COST IS THE SAME. Why?

First of all we eat less dessert, only 2-3 times a week and the servings are small. So we consume less calories less often.

Second, because we are eating small portion and less often we are basically spending the same amount of money, just the per serving price is higher, however the quality is far improved. Quality matters (said the women who lost 25 pounds!) because your body processes natural sugar differently then highly processed ingredients that maintain a products shelf life. Your also consuming less unnatural ingredients which is also better for your body and weight loss / weight maintenance.

As I said before, helping the kids make a change to Eating Cereal for Dessert is also a great way to move away from eating cereal for breakfast.

Good luck in making changes at home for healthier eating. It's not always easy, but the journey is fun.

Orignal Post April, 2014
Make Mistakes. Breathe, Reflect, and Laugh.Out.Loud.

Walgreens pulls air fresheners

Our generation of kids are constantly getting sick. From flus and colds to severe disorders, allergies and ailments. I'm not saying chemicals cause these diseases, but the proof on the negative impact of chemicals in our lives just can't be ignored anymore!! Do chemicals cause these problems? I dont know the answer to that, but I do know that in 20 years - when the facts are common knowledge - I want to be on the side of caution. Company's want to make money, thats their right. But my job as a mom us to be an advocate for my amd my familys health and safety. And a clean smelling house is not worth our health.

My PINterest boards are full of "clean" fresh smelling alternatives. We have already cut out chemicals as cleaning agents, using only vinegar, lemon, and murphys soap for wood. Occasionally for extra tough water stains I use soft scrub - occasionally! When my older son was born I read lots about chemicals due to the rise of autism (in 2005 when he was born rates were a mere 1 in 56 kids) and the possible links. Accordingly I used detergent that was fragrance free and biodegradable. Vinegar goes in the rinse cycle of everything - amd if pooped, peeped and spaghetti sauce stained clothes needed a cleaning boost I use borax and feldspar or coconut based soap. Yes really!! Way pess expensive than oxy and pess toxic. Does it really make a difference? I wont get into my beliefs here, but Id rather err on the side of caution.

We do not use lysol, evah. In that regard, my last sin is coming off the shelves.

Back to fragrance ...

A day after a group of environmental organizations asked the federal government to start assessing the risk of air fresheners, Walgreens has pulled three of its products off store shelves, according to a story by Jane Kay in The San Francisco Chronicle.

An estimated 75 percent of households use air fresheners, a $1.72 billion industry in the U.S. But the scented sprays, gels and plug-ins used to mask odors aren't routinely tested for hazardous chemicals.

When the environmental group the Natural Resources Defense Council analyzed 14 common products, it found 12 contained hormone-disrupting chemicals known as phthalates, which can be dangerous to pregnant women or young children.

"This isn't really just about air fresheners, you know," wrote NRDC senior scientist Gina Solomon on her blog. The real issue here is that hazardous chemicals and endocrine disruptors can be in a wide range of consumer products, and the government has little authority or inclination to do anything about it."

Air fresheners have been linked to breathing difficulties, developmental problems in babies and cancer in laboratory animals, according to the petition to two federal agencies from the NRDC, the Sierra Club, Alliance for Healthy Homes and the National Center for Healthy Housing. The chemicals in the products can also cause problems for asthmatics.

Walgreens told the Chronicle that it plans to have the air fresheners tested independently and that one of its manufacturers was already in the process of reformulating for a non-phthalate air freshener.

My young son drives me nuts, or is it just me?

I need to simply change my expectations because I expect too much of my kids. Ya, it is my own fault that I can yell at times, and get so frustrated, over what exactly? Noise, a mess, playing rough?

My older son talks clearly, with a great vocabulary, but you know what... he doesn't comprehend concepts yet (money, time, competition and teasing). And he emotionally doesnt understand alot - like that blank stare when I yell. My kids freeze in fear - they were just having fun... why is mom yelling?

I read an interesting article about gifted kids - those who can complete complex math problems in high school, or master playing beethoven by age 8. The brain develops the "skills" but does not develop the emotional brdiges for long term success. Can you imagine the pressure on an 8 year old to perform infront of a large crowd because he is the best? Even if he loves playing, the one thing he isn't doing is being a kid. And as kids play, and face "kids play" challenges, they develop - slowly - the emotions they need to deal with things as an adult. Their "emotional tool box" which will follow them thru life.

So I reflected on this article for my own good...

Stay calm cause really no ones dying - I literally take a deep breath when I feel I am getting angry.

Ironically I did a good job teaching my 3 year old to say "I am getting angry" so we can know to respect his space. I am relearning 30+ years of bad habits - - so I need to take deep breaths!

My own mom used to say: "what's your problem?" I realize that she too didn't know how to put into nicer words: "Honey, I love you,... I know your having a hard time understanding how you feel,... let's talk about it." I realized I don't want to bring up my kids, repeating the cycle, and them bearing the same trauma as me.

Do Not Hit

We have a don't hit policy at home, that incudes grabbing ears, hair, etc. I think the need to get physical arises because my emotions where not allowed, and I was shut down whenever I wanted to speak.... so through the years that built up as anger - 0 to 10 instant anger. My mom would yell and rant through the house and if I spoke up she'd tell me to shut up and listen. I would sit in my room FUMING MAD, mumbling the worst things under my breath.  I never understood where my own anger came from until very recently.And then the final straw - I watched an episode of the super nanny, which usually makes me feel so much better as a mom, where Joan sat a dad down at kid level and yelled at him. The dad could see what a big bully he looked like to his kids. I couldnt swallow the lump in my throat for days.

My husbands mother would pull his ears! How horrible. So when hubby started doing that to our little 3 year old first son, and after I asked constantly for him to stop - guess what? I decided one day when I was within his reach, right after he pulled my son's ear, I pulled my husbands ear - HARD! Needless to say - luckily - it never happened again. Unfortunatly with habits like this, yelling and ear pulling, I think we need to take our own medicine so we know how it feels. Now my husband also takes a deep breath!

I literally take a deep breath when I feel this angry. Then I ask myself, "Is this situation so bad that I will be mad about it in 5 years?" Usually the answer is no.

The good news is... my anger is in check. I stay significantly more calm. My oldest son asks me openly "mom, why do you look frustrated?" And I am honest about what is bothering me... but I am cautious NOT to blame him. I do say things like:

"You didn't put your shoes away, and your brother is screaming, and the baby is hungry... it's alot for mom to deal with right now, but in 10 minutes i'll be okay"


As long as we continue to grow, improve, and be better parents for ourselves and for who our kids are right now this plan can work. Its so simple. And for me, for us, we are okay.

Bag It, How to Get Rid of Plastic in your Life

Enjoying our summer vacation from school, with a lot of playing outside, and on these horribly hot days, we catch a movie on Netflix. Recently we watched "Bag It" an excellent movie about the life cycle of those uber convenient plastic bags carried by nearly every grocery store. Super Informative, non-preachy, funny approach and shocking, scarily shocking.


I had already done quite a lot to make changes so we waste less, and remove excess environmental toxins from our home. I also had a fabulous conversation with our first pediatrician about childhood diseases like Austism and ADHD and it's relation to environmental toxins. Our pediatrician enlightened me saying that it is NOT the vaccines on.. their.. own.. causing illnesses. Instead we need to look at all the toxins in our lives like, laundry detergent, boxed foods, plastic use, cleaning chemicals, even our clothes. She said if we take ALL those toxins into consideration, we can see how much toxicity is in our bodies...and then in our little tiny babies bodys that just can't filter it out fast enough.

Thats one reason why my A-Ha moment was so shocking! I had already done so much for a healthier life, I guess we had become a dreaded - content.

Later in this blog I'll recap some facts about those little plastic conveniences that have saturated our lives. But on to the I had a big A-Ha moment mid-way thru the movie... right in the part where the director was getting a blood test to monitor his chemical levels. Blood samples were taken before, and then after, eating for 2 days out of plastic containers - food storage, baby sippy cups, aluminum cans (turns out their lined with plastic), etc. No surprise, his toxicity level went up, shockingly fast too.

...And it hit me, my kids are drinking everyday from those disposable kids cups with lids, plastic cups that we reuse. Yes there BPA free, but Bag It has made it very clear that all forms of plastic are toxic, even BPA free.

I got up, left the living room and walked to the kitchen, I grabbed a garbage bag and started throwing out the kids cups. I called in my oldest son to help me, and the 3 year old tagged along. WE threw out all those plastic conveniences! From the cupboard, dishwasher, in the "deli" cups left around the house...all gone. Now the documentary makes it clear these plastics do not actually get recycled, they end up in a landfill in China (I know, what? Why China? See the movie!)...but they are not staying in my house...

But the Good News is that the environmental toxins we absorb are REVERSIBLE.

So Now What Do I Do??

No more plastic cups, geez now it'll be spills, breaks and chaos around any drinks we have at home? Well, not really. I learned when my eldest was in preschool that they can pour their own beverages into cups, limit spills, wipe up their own mess, etc., etc.

1. -- Instead of plastic sippy cups WE USE: Cups, you know those ceramic "coffee" cups. Safe, non toxic, and fairly durable since itll take a pretty big hit before they break.

2.-- Do not heat any food in plastic. Not in the microwave or oven. Here we've reverted to ol' skill methods, WE USE: the pan! Just like my 80 year old grandma still does, we re-heat leftovers on the stove. It's easier than you think, and tastier.

3. -- Do not store food in plastic containers. I am taking this plastic issue to the next level. The heating of food, in a plastic container, cause a chemical exchange of the leaking chemicals to enter the food. Less is exchanged when the food is cold, but none the less, I'm certain it's not any healthier. WE USE: glass jars left over from jam, spaghetti sauces, etc or ceramic bowls covered by a plate. Again old school style, like our moms and grandmothers did 30-50 years ago.

4. -- Eat as natural as possible and you will buy less plastic packaging. If it doesn't come from the earth, don't eat it. Foods should be as close to their natural state as possible. And let's move away from the brown plate syndrome. When you look at your plate of food it should be colorful, not just filled with brown or yellow color foods. Meanwhile helping cut down on packaging demands.

When I started staying home to raise my son, is when I started reading more and more about the toxicity in our environment. I kept a diary, for my son of what life is like, and the changes I was making to improve our quality of a healthy life. Here are some excerpts from that diary stared a few years ago:

Bag It the Movie Suggestions, Top Ten Ideas, and more on how to live a life less plastic....

Here some facts from bigger institutions studying the impact of plastics.

The Breast Cancer Fund and Silent Spring Institute conducted a study, published today in Environmental Health Perspectives. We enlisted five families for a week-long investigation. First, the families ate their normal diets. Then, we provided them with three days’ worth of freshly prepared organic meals that avoided contact with BPA-containing food packaging, such as canned food and polycarbonate plastic. Finally, the families returned to their normal diets. We measured their BPA levels at each stage.

While the families were eating the fresh-food diet, their BPA levels dropped on average by 60 percent. Those with the highest exposure levels saw even greater reductions: 75 percent.

These groundbreaking results tell us that removing BPA from food packaging will eliminate our number one source of BPA exposure.

That means you can make changes right now to reduce your family’s levels of this chemical linked to breast cancer. It's as simple as cooking at home with fresh foods and making some very basic changes in your kitchen, such as limiting canned foods, choosing glass and stainless steel food and beverage containers, and not microwaving in plastic. You might also consider eating fewer meals out—especially at places that don't use fresh ingredients.

The CDC also has some tips on lowering carcinogens in your home and life:

1. Filter your tap water. Common carcinogens in tap water include arsenic, chromium, and chemical byproducts that form when water is disinfected. A simple carbon tap-mounted filter or pitcher can help reduce the levels of some of these contaminants. If your water is polluted with arsenic or chromium, a reverse osmosis filter will help. Learn about your tap water and home water filters at EWG's National Tap Water Database.

2. Seal outdoor wooden decks and play sets. Those built before 2005 are likely coated with an arsenic pesticide that can stick to hands and clothing. Learn more from EWG.

3. Cut down on stain- and grease-proofing chemicals. "Fluorochemicals" related to Teflon and Scotchgard are used in stain repellants on carpets and couches and in greaseproof coatings for packaged and fast foods. To avoid them, avoid greasy packaged foods and say no to optional stain treatments in the home. Download EWG's Guide to PFCs.

4. Stay safe in the sun. More than one million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year. To protect your skin from the sun's cancer-causing ultraviolet (UV) radiation, seek shade, wear protective clothing and use a safe and effective sunscreen from EWG's sunscreen database.

5. Cut down on fatty meat and high-fat dairy products. Long-lasting cancer-causing pollutants like dioxins and PCBs accumulate in the food chain and concentrate in animal fat.

6. Eat EWG's Clean 15. Many pesticides have been linked to cancer. Eating from EWG's Clean 15 list of the least contaminated fruits and vegetables will help cut your pesticide exposures. (And for EWG's Dirty Dozen, buy organic.) Learn more at EWG's Shopper's Guide to Pesticides.

7. Cut your exposures to BPA. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic estrogen found in some hard plastic water bottles, canned infant formula, and canned foods. Some of these chemicals cause cancer in lab studies. To avoid them, eat fewer canned foods, breast feed your baby or use powdered formula, and choose water bottles free of BPA. Get EWG's tips to avoid it.

8. Avoid carcinogens in cosmetics. Use EWG's Skin Deep cosmetic database to find products free of chemicals known or suspected to cause cancer. When you're shopping, don't buy products that list ingredients with "PEG" or "-eth" in their name.

9. Read the warnings. Some products list warnings of cancer risks -- read the label before you buy. Californians will see a "Proposition 65" warning label on products that contain chemicals the state has identified as cancer-causing.

"Latch On" New York initiative - It's Not About You!

I've been reading some blogs about the Latch On initiative in blogs and twitter, all I see is women saying get out of my bra Mayor Bloomberg! I won't delve into the initiative specifics, for that you can read here. Well guess what ladies, "Latch On" is Not For or About You! Or you, yeah you, reading this right now.

Now, in 2016, this 2012 post is still relevant. In that many women still dont see other women nursing. So much in our lack of time lifestyle doesnt allow us the comfort of nursing. That sentence stands out to me still. Im so glad Latch On was an initiative I witnesses. It reminds me that my awareness level - and personal learnings from family and friends - arent always the same with other mothers.

Back to Latch On...

Middle class women, educated women, and women reading blogs are arguably aware of the choices they make when breast feeding or formula feeding their babies. Because we are reading, and engaging in conversation, we understand it's a choice, and our personal pros and cons that come with our choice.

But hundreds of thousands of women don't make a conscious choice, they just do.

Think for a moment about how much formula advertising there is in the world? Bus stops, tv commercials, bottle fed babies are arguably seen throughout urban areas, "free formula" bags at the hospital, and direct mail to new mom's... But where are the moms who are breastfeeding? Where is the breastfeeding advertising? And please don't say "it's natural" so women should know how. The CDC study shows "While 75 percent of U.S. babies start out breastfeeding, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says, only 13 percent are exclusively breastfed at the end of six months."

Most women post-baby boomers generation, born and raised in the U.S., haven't seen a women breastfeeding, let alone their mothers or family members breastfeed. So no, most women don't instantly think about breastfeeding, but they do have $688 millions of dollars of formula advertising in their ear, according to Nielsen data.

The Latch On initiative is to ADVERTISE to women that they have a choice, to breastfeed or formula feed. Women, who may be poor, uneducated, and have limited resources, will for The First Time be given information on breastfeeding, education they didn't have before. You have this information tho. You are probably a women who - if you desire - can bring your own bottle and formula to the hospital. But at least breastfeeding information will be provided - and ADVERTISED!

My story in Poetry: Breastfeeding is hard

So, here's what our society doesn't talk about....sometimes breastfeeding is hard.

Everywhere I read about "just always put baby on the breast," no schedule is needed. And usually baby eats every two hours or so, for roughly 20 minutes each side. 

Ha! 

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

In the early 8 weeks my babies would eat CONSTANTLY. My routine was eat for 5, 10, 15 minutes, nap for 10 -30 minutes, eat, nap, eat, nap. So I affected my confidence wondering if somethings wrong. I accepted and loved staying home, I don't need to leave to house, or go to target - I'm here just to care for the baby.

As a mother of three, I wanted to nurse all my babies. With each one there was a small problem here or there.... And I wasn't able to EB (expressly breast) feed.

My poem goes into how this was a challenge, but I made it out of those dark few weeks, realizing that just have the baby at the breast is a wonderful feeling in itself. Yes, there are concerns. But let's talk basics. You Are Feeding Your Baby, Offering a Snack, It's Lovely.

My story in Poetry: Breastfeeding is hard

But for now, here's my poetic take on why:

Breastfeeding is hard

Just put the baby on the breast
And make sure you get plenty of rest
Eat an extra 500 calories a day
And drink lotsa water as much as you may.

Rest ? What's that
I'm exhausted all. the. time.
Eating requires cooking
An for that I'd have to hear you whine

Feed the baby on demand,
A schedule is not at hand.
She'll eat at least 20 minutes on each side,
Just go with the feeding tide.

What's this 20 minute thing?
Baby eats only when she's not sleeping,
at the breast, in my arms, but not at night,
I've been up so long I greet the day light.

Watch the baby to show their satisfied,
6-8 diapers a day u what you'll find.
Rest when baby rests, and watch that she IS getting enough.
As your nursing relationship develops.

My baby cries, ....alot.
It's not colic, and it's her, or my frustration. this is tough.
We found the latch sweet spot,
But it doesn't matter when nursings not.

Lean babys head back, nipple to nose,
Get plenty of breast tissue and on she goes.
Chin first, then her mouth,
Nursing shouldn't hurt even if at first it's a little rough.

My DD latches fine at first,
But then suddenly there's a burst.
Off she slides, and pulls down her chin
And suddenly her lower lip flips in..

See a Lactation consultant and get some help,
Don't worry you ARE making plenty of milk.
Take a supplment like fenugreek or domperidone
You'll smell like maple syrup, an through this you are not alone.

I'm taking 15 pills a day,
Pumping like crazy and my milk stays away.
Baby's latching, on a very red nipple and breast.
And my 3 month old is putting me to the test.

Don't give up, your almost there.
Your making milk, and baby's loving your care.
All babies cry? Look at her diapers and weight gain,
Just thinking you don't have milk is making me insane.

What sux is I'm not enjoying my time with you.
I'm stressed and pumping and supplementing but no more milks
coming thru.
But I just don't know how to give up, I keep going on, but for what?
and it's torture not enjoying this time, but I won't quit, I just can not.

Don't listen to those who ask, "is she getting enough?"
"She's so small, this must be rough."
"I can't believe your doing 'that' when you have those other two."
"Give a little formula so she'll sleep for you."

I'm worried, your crying and It's week number 8,
Your not satisfied and you're not gaining weight.
A few ounces is really it, you didn't gain a lot.
But I keep going because wet diapers you have got.

I'm still here nursing, offering both sides,
I've arrived here satisfied knowing I've tried.
You get the antibodies when you drink my gold,
And night nurse, skin to skin it's best I've been told.
And in the daytime hours we use an SNS,
your not hungry and more content at my breast.
This is a happy baby, she feels satisfied,
And doesn't have the hunger inside.

Out getting groceries I can offer you a snack,
Or at my breast you'll take a nap.
A happy baby is what I want,
This is a good place from what I first got.

Yes I'm bummed out this isn't what I planned,
But some nursing's better then none, it's liquid gold In Hand.
It's not my fault you were tongue tied and a pallet that's high,
A recessed chin, argh! I have no more tears to cry!

Breastfeeding is hard, it's a constant attachment.
But your not a failure if you can't tackle it.
Successful moms even say it's hard, having an infant constantly keeping you behind bars.

I don't know where 20 minutes came from,
There's only a pattern in this hum drum.
So give your baby what you can,
let them suckle and feed very often.

Most women who make it past the 6 week mark,
Will make it outta the dark.
And Feel a joy like no other.
For that of an infant and her nursing mother.

My story in Poetry: Breastfeeding is hard

Here I am nursing my baby girl for nap time and my young son plays in the background.

My story in Poetry: Breastfeeding is hard

As a mother of three, I wanted to nurse all my babies. With each one there was a small problem here or there.... And I wasn't able to EB (expressly breast) feed.

With my oldest I was turning his head toward the breast (not aligning ear, shoulder, hip). So he couldn't swallow right...Imagine drinking through a pinched straw. The LC wasn't at the hospital over my weekend delivery and I saw her two weeks later, where I expressed drops... of... milk...

With my second son I was simply freaked out that he was constantly at the breast. I was so concerned he wasn't satisfied...even tho he did sleep after nursing. He wasn't gaining weight "quickly enough," so at two months I started supplementing with a SNS. I also pumped after nursing and took fenugreek (15 pills a day). I also took domperidone for two months, which helped my nighttime supply for sure. We expressly night nursed, which was a satisfying nursing relationship.

Now with baby girl, and a ridiculous amount of reading I was determined to EBF!!! She nursed great in the first few hours. Only lost 7% body weight. This was it, success! But as we left the hospital the LC said she was seriously Tongue Tied. Once home she was gaining 1-1.5 ounces a week. The WHO standard for EB fed babies is 3.5-7 ounces a week. At one week she was clipped. But her lower lip kept turning in, I'd flip it out, she'd flip it in. She has a recessed chin impacting the latch. Then my nipple was lipstick shaped, she also has a high palette and wasn't taking in enough breast or having the nipple hit the roof of the mouth...

Aaaaasrrrrrrrrggggghhhhhh!!!

Can you see that I knew what was wrong and I couldn't do much about it. She wouldn't sleep after nursing, and cried the most from all three babies. She was hungry. So we also supplement with the SNS and night nurse. Of course, I also pumped after nursing and took fenugreek (15 pills a day). When I skipped a feeding or night pumped I consistently had two ounces. She suckles to nap and lotsa snacks. She gets the most breast milk, and we have a happy nursing relationship.


Not allowed for reproduction without permission
by Areyousureaboutthatblog author

Make Mistakes. Breathe, reflect and Laugh.Out.Loud

Terminal Illness... Questions for the Doctor

When a family or friend has a serious or terminal illness it can be a scary time. I like to research lots of opinions, learn what questions to ask, and gain perspectives. So then I can write down My Own questions for the doctor.

Many doctors won't disclose more then basic information unless you ASK specific questions.

When our beloved aunt was being treated with high doses of Morphine we realized her pain level must be tremendous!! The doctors kept using the term "Advanced Cancer," yet kept telling her/us keep fighting and keep hope alive.

When her husband (who had a limited education) asked questions, he asked about what he understood - time. All he could understand regarding cancer was ..."how long does she have to live?" the doctors would say "I'm not God, we don't know that answer." We only felt this was difficult, frustrated and worried.

We called a meeting with the doctor and he met with the family after his rounds at the hospital.

Know that if you ask detailed questions the doctor will offer you more information. Be open minded and considerate of the doctor. Be prepared to hear the unexpected. And know considering risks and benefits of treatments may be a relief or may make you feel more stressed.

Here's what we asked:

How well did the last treatment work?
Did the cancer respond to treatment?

What is the current treatment plan? What are the goals?
What are the realistic benefits and risks?
-relieve symptoms, shrink the cancer, control the spread? or live longer?

Is the bowel obstruction reversible?
Are there surgery or stent options? Or gastrostomy tube?

With the naso tube is some type of venting a next step?
What are the Risks and benefits?

What do you mean by advanced cancer?

Is it treatable? Is it curable?

Is remission possible?

Is she terminal?

Is it time to consider hospice care?

What are the benefits or intervention and further treatment at this time?

These questions help you gain additional information to help you make informed decisions for you and yours.