tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87698128023834502982024-03-06T15:00:07.119-05:00DoulaMommathoughts on birth, motherhood, and lifeDoulaMommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17436946151898233317noreply@blogger.comBlogger716125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769812802383450298.post-70908923944010284092013-11-01T11:14:00.004-04:002013-11-01T11:14:39.756-04:00NJ VBAC mommas take noteJust passing this along:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="_38 direction_ltr">
<span class="null">Please share with
your community:
Coming in November: Holistic Moms Network presents "Vaginal Birth After
C-section (VBAC) Roundtable Discussion"--Come share your experiences or
have your questions answered by experienced moms who have vbac'd in this
area. Nicole Cely Bartfield, leader of the Essex International
Cesearean Awareness Network will be there to share resources and tips
for how to maximize your chances for a successful vbac in NJ. (Free)<br />
Details: We meet every 3rd Monday/month @ 10 am at Tempo Music Studio, 145 Vreeland Ave Nutley, NJ 07110</span></div>
</blockquote>
DoulaMommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17436946151898233317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769812802383450298.post-4310876742332313322013-10-18T10:42:00.002-04:002013-10-18T10:43:55.416-04:00Circle Game<object height="315" width="560"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/V9VoLCO-d6U?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param>
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While dropping of my oldest this morning at the high school, I saw the kids with school spirit (aka, those not related to me) dressed and decorated with face paint for today's homecoming pep rally as kickoff to homecoming weekend (and I silently patted myself on the back for remembering to send in money/permission slip for kid's homecoming dance ticket). There was an adorable cheerleader in uniform sporting a retro side pony...I used to love wearing my uniform to school. Those uniforms were sort of ugly, since school colors were maroon and light blue (Go <a href="http://www.usn.org/">USN Tigers</a>!), and I'm certain that those are not good colors for any complexion. But the bonus was that my school had this break between terms called Winterim and you could take fun classes/class trips or journal during your own travel. We always went someplace tropical so I was tan...good memories. Makes me feel wistful but happy.
And that Joni Mitchell song always makes me cry...it has rehearsal dinner photo montage all over it - the groovier "Sunrise, Sunset".DoulaMommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17436946151898233317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769812802383450298.post-21945756871300794882013-09-03T18:48:00.002-04:002013-09-03T18:48:41.330-04:00so it's that time of year again...being prepared for big storms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYEV3ipQW3dXhRxKEsK6-ShZTZwR1K6IiEBsDmbL9F1XjaGNu21KwWZQfNUKd1aqwiwNh2EWx0GwiQbeL94kwJmq3dTx3dFD-gzpLB4equQhyphenhyphenFP4xjcUiJdvcwLZ5grjaW8JCEX1HteQQ/s1600/radio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYEV3ipQW3dXhRxKEsK6-ShZTZwR1K6IiEBsDmbL9F1XjaGNu21KwWZQfNUKd1aqwiwNh2EWx0GwiQbeL94kwJmq3dTx3dFD-gzpLB4equQhyphenhyphenFP4xjcUiJdvcwLZ5grjaW8JCEX1HteQQ/s1600/radio.jpg" /></a></div>
Whether you are expecting a baby or not, take a little time now to think about storm preparations. Do you have enough water for your family (including pets) for a few days? Some non-perishable food? Flashlights and batteries? Baby & pet items? I have a pretty *extensive emergency kit and I'm always adding to it and fine tuning. I've just replaced my <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/American-Red-Cross-FRX3-Solar-and-Hand-Turbine-Powered-Radio-ARCFRX3WXR/203329142#.UiZdcby5-kp">hand-crank/solar/battery-powered weather radio </a>(with light and now a charging port - it can actually charge my iPhone!) and am pretty psyched about it (which is perhaps a bit sad!)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>*</b>Ready for my<b> <i>I-Know-This-Makes-Me-Seem-Crazy</i> kit list? </b></span><br />
<br />
I gathered this stuff over time - I know it's a lot and maybe more than necessary. But it makes me feel better. And I've been able to keep us going without power for a few days and be of help to friends and neighbors when they were harder hit. Most items are
easy-to-find at a large camping or hardware stores, and many of them --
bug repellent, baby wipes etc. -- may already be around your home.
<br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote>
<i>In a grab n' go open tool kit:
</i><br />
<br />Headlamps for each family member, 2 of which have lantern attachments
<br />
<br />A (floating) big lantern/light
<br />
<br />A Mag light flashlight
<br />
<br />An emergency whistle that floats (actually have a couple on lanyards...good for hiking with kids)
<br />
<br />Lots of glow sticks + glow necklaces, to hopefully make it festive + to use for pets, if need be
<br />
<br />Batteries + extra cell phone battery
<br />
<br />Lighter (to be able to use gas stove, BBQ or camp stove if power out)
<br />
<br />Duct + electrical tape
<br />
<br />Rope, bungees
<br />
<br />First aid kit, with medicines for anyone in the family who needs them
<br />
<br />Swiss army knife with compass etc/Leatherman tool
<br />
<br />Camera (in case have to take pics of damage for insurance purposes etc), cash, copies of ID in dry pouch
<br />
<br />Sharpie marker
<br />
<br />Fully charged walkie talkies, set to same channel
<br />
<br />A big zip lock bag (to throw documents, portable
drive with photos, important papers etc or leave a dry note if
need be)
<br />
<br />Contractor trash bag
<br />
<br />Space blanket
<br />
<br />Pocket-sized rain poncho
<br />
<br />Potable water treatment pills
<br />
<br />A small, collapsible water container
<br />
<br />Antibacterial gel
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<br />
Cash<br />------------------------
<br />
<i><br />Then I have a big Rubbermaid container with a bigger companion kit:
</i><br />
<br />Sealed bin that can be temporary toilet, which holds:
<br />
<br />Matches
<br />
<br />3gal collapsible water container
<br />
<br />MRE-type food bars
<br />
<br />A couple of mess kits/cutlery in case no paper products
<br />
<br />More water
and non-perishable food<br />
<br />Pry bar, folding shovel and a couple of other tools
<br />
<br />Tarps, plastic sheeting, more tape, heavy "slap" stapler to help hang a tarp
<br /><br />
Fire extinguisher
<br />
<br />Gas can
<br />
<br />Bug repel. wipes + mosquito "dunks" for standing water
<br />
<br />More batteries
<br /><br />
More cash <br />
<br />More potable water treatment pills
<br />
<br />First aid book
<br />
<br />Printed instructions on what to do in various emergencies
<br />
<br />Tampons, (diapers if you need 'em), other personal supplies as needed
<br />
<br />Wipes
<br />
<br />Ziplocks, trash bags
<br />
<br />Deck of cards, a couple Hot Wheels, a story collection
<br />
<br />Pet food
<br />
<br />Phone charger<br />
<br />
corded land line <br />
I try to keep the gas tank full when big storms are predicted.<br />
<br />
After the hurricane, we bought some big gas cans for future reference and some plywood and wood screws to be able to do window repair if needed. <br />
<br />In the event of emergency, we have a family plan to grab shoes
and change of clothes, sleeping bags for each family member, if needed -
I had them gathered for past hurricanes.
<br /> <br />
I have recommended water and food supply (including instant coffee!), paper plates
etc., corded phone, Solar/crank radio with spot light, charcoal for
grill<br />
<br />It's valuable, free and easy to choose a
non-local person to be clearing-house contact, as well as selecting
meeting place for the family. Also, have a copy of the
key to your safe bank deposit box on hand.
<br />
<br />
I'm reviewing supplies and using what's due to expire and replacing what was pilfered by my family over the year. I'm also using stuff from the freezer to make room for some jugs of water, which can be popped in the fridge to keep it cold longer in case of power outage (I then put a wooded spoon through handles to remind family not to open unless really necessary. These frozen jugs are great for coolers too - the chunks stay frozen way longer than cubes.</blockquote>
<br />
Crazy, right? But I thought I'd share anyway. Apparently I was a Boy Scout in another life. ;-)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />DoulaMommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17436946151898233317noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769812802383450298.post-71685363625498614192013-09-03T16:28:00.000-04:002013-09-03T17:25:48.133-04:00full hands<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQY5_J4vAvRIHiQq2B2HSmrZ3e0lPtps-RZiTkKQX4_nz9m8_4qjjRzbHJry17EbtKvf0qE1BjuKbvWZV_R5pxF0IS7AgYPSMOpui1gY3aZ_Bw_gUCCazyMpEUoCSjP_lAmSqQ7d6GjQ/s1600/IMG_2520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQY5_J4vAvRIHiQq2B2HSmrZ3e0lPtps-RZiTkKQX4_nz9m8_4qjjRzbHJry17EbtKvf0qE1BjuKbvWZV_R5pxF0IS7AgYPSMOpui1gY3aZ_Bw_gUCCazyMpEUoCSjP_lAmSqQ7d6GjQ/s320/IMG_2520.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
This morning I read a wonderful <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jessica-watson/you-are-supermom-and-so-are-you_b_3780104.html">piece on Huffington Post </a>talking about how we are all supermoms, regardless of how many children we have or the challenges we face, but also that none of us is since "supermom" is a myth. The point was that we are all generally working at capacity, since capacity is relative. We all have full hands most days.<br />
<br />
Then I went to the supermarket and saw a mom with a very pregnant belly and <i>many</i> children...four or five? I thought, "man - she's busy - she must be going nuts"...but I was humbled by her mothering. She was patient and seemed unfazed as her children (very politely) whirled around her. She didn't micromanage (as I might have) and simply shopped while they all took turns weighing the produce and giggling. She let them choose some items and sweetly said no to others. She was about a zillion times calmer than I would have been, I'm sure of it. My initial reaction to her and her large family said more about me than about her, that's for sure. Her hands are full and so are mine and so are moms with one child...we all do what we can. Next time I'm shopping with my kids, I'm going to try and remember this family and see if I can't channel a little of her zen-momma mojo. And acknowledge that if I don't quite manage, I will at least do the best I can...which is all I ask of myself.DoulaMommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17436946151898233317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769812802383450298.post-50635217430084405292013-08-07T15:49:00.001-04:002013-08-07T15:49:19.829-04:00pitfalls of modern life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfg6IOz2-_snztTYppHmoL03n2meTI5kHDAEt1THsAxNB_TLgbxfOerMD96rXkUa1tt_QAOrV5J74DXvQdvec69prPcfvzGNvb7Qz2QuTIfTZ1eEtwERTj70_RkYprsI6WboHxRD0uyI0/s1600/3am.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfg6IOz2-_snztTYppHmoL03n2meTI5kHDAEt1THsAxNB_TLgbxfOerMD96rXkUa1tt_QAOrV5J74DXvQdvec69prPcfvzGNvb7Qz2QuTIfTZ1eEtwERTj70_RkYprsI6WboHxRD0uyI0/s1600/3am.jpg" /></a></div>
One of my kids must have played around with my phone and set <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a> notifications to push with sound...thanks for the 3am wake-up text tone when someone liked one of my pins or something equally unimportant...never text a doula in the night unless you are in labor...total wake-up hormones kicked in! Has this ever happened to you?<br />
DoulaMommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17436946151898233317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769812802383450298.post-69777099550211728842013-06-17T11:13:00.002-04:002013-06-17T11:13:18.694-04:00Happy (belated) Father's DayThis great list from <a href="http://gab.giggle.com/">gab.giggle.com</a>:<br />
<br />
Happy Father's Day to my dad and to my husband, who really was my partner in getting breastfeeding off to a great start...<br />
Dads - you may not have the milk but you can sure help make breastfeeding successful! <br />
<br />
Posted by bestforbabes, June 11, 2013<br />
Listen Up, Dads! 10 Ways You Can Support Your Breastfeeding Partner
- See more at: <a href="http://gab.giggle.com/2013/06/nursing-know-how/listen-up-dads-10-ways-you-can-support-your-breastfeeding-partner/#sthash.YnPqJaGb.dpuf">http://gab.giggle.com/2013/06/nursing-know-how/listen-up-dads-10-ways-you-can-support-your-breastfeeding-partner/#sthash.YnPqJaGb.dpuf</a><br />
1. Remember to tell your partner how proud you are of them for breastfeeding, especially when it isn’t easy, and that she’s a good mother regardless of how she chooses to feed your baby.<br />
2. Keep the phone number of a good lactation specialist on speed dial, just in case. (Need one? Check out Baby2breast.com.)<br />
3. Offer to take baby out for a walk in the sling or carrier so Mom can take a much-needed nap.<br />
4. Know what Booby Traps® are; and do your best to protect your partner against them at the doctor’s office, hospital, or elsewhere.<br />
5. Bring Mom a glass of water or a snack when she’s nursing. (Trust us, it will earn you major brownie points.)<br />
6. Fetch the nursing pillow when need-be and don’t be afraid to check and see for yourself if baby has a good latch. (Not sure what one looks like? Get yourself a good breastfeeding DVD, stat.)<br />
7. Breastfeeding away from home isn’t always easy. Be prepared: If duty calls, you may have to act as a “human shield” against any rude looks or comments your partner may get for breastfeeding in public.<br />
8. Lay baby on your bare chest for some skin-to-skin bonding time. It’s been proven to boost baby’s (and dads!) oxytocin — a.k.a. “the love hormone”— which reduces stress on baby, Dad, and Mom.<br />
9. Offer to go on dishes and laundry duty as much as possible. (We know — it may not be your favorite thing to do, but hey, Mom’s a little occupied at the moment.)<br />
10. Pull a David Alan Basche (of The Starter Wife fame) and tell any of your skeptical buddies that breastfeeding is awesome and that they should get on board for their partner’s sake.<br />
<br />
Know a dad or dad-to-be who could use this advice? Share this with them! DoulaMommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17436946151898233317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769812802383450298.post-39625998281910794422013-05-12T08:50:00.000-04:002013-05-12T08:50:50.644-04:00To all the mommas <span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 17px;">Happy Mother's Day to all the women in my life...</span><br />
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 17px;">
Moms who inspire me with the way they parent their kids and sometimes mine. Moms who mother me when I need it. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 17px;">
Mothers-to-be and the mothers who are their midwives and doulas and teachers and caregivers.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 17px;">
Women who may not even have kids but have mad mothering skills and get things done.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 17px;">
Women who I will never know all around the world who mother fiercely in spite of hardship I can't even imagine.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 17px;">
Women who want to welcome children into their lives and are doing all they can to make it happen.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 17px;">
And my own mom, never forgotten.</div>
DoulaMommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17436946151898233317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769812802383450298.post-26456531734629961662013-04-16T14:48:00.000-04:002013-04-16T14:48:19.660-04:00bridge over troubled water<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhskZhJ3Bp3NrjIPfxjBE7Fq5i0DDT1X0-CU7uhlYItU6gGCSl9DJKFRbLSf_MRDP99TVs7kKUWiU4cqWU00HMfLSsrfjzHECrKOx3OA-q1gvVGWp_c8SgSamcdSPRIjIxi71IF56cRhis/s320/IMG_2294.JPG" /><br />
Are you feeling overwhelmed and like you wish you could do something to
make the world sane? Me too. And so I'm thinking that tonight I will
make a nice dinner and light candles and maybe we will treat it like
Thanksgiving and say something nice or hopeful - count our blessings and send good thoughts out to all who need them. And then I will call
for an extra early bedtime so our poor brains can rest and recuperate.
It's all I can think to do.DoulaMommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17436946151898233317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769812802383450298.post-59576658205488702282013-04-02T08:23:00.002-04:002013-04-02T08:23:55.289-04:00How The Mother Half Lives: Momma Love<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/01/momma-love-ali-smith_n_2973671.html?ref=topbar">Momma Love: How The Mother Half Lives</a> by photographer Ali Smith looks like a fantastic project and book...and it needs to be pre-ordered so the project can go forward - that's right - YOU have the ability to help make this project happen! Read about why on <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/01/momma-love-ali-smith_n_2973671.html?ref=topbar">Huffington Post</a>. It's what to get for Mother's Day!<br />
<br />
<object height="315" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8Lm9OnqrAic?hl=en_US&version=3&rel=0"></param>
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<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8Lm9OnqrAic?hl=en_US&version=3&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="560" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object> DoulaMommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17436946151898233317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769812802383450298.post-12499384390945247322013-02-27T20:18:00.002-05:002013-02-27T20:18:42.460-05:00it's getting real up in hereI LOVE this Luvs commercial!<br />
<br />
<object width="560" height="315"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZgmbJso-2-o?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZgmbJso-2-o?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="560" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>DoulaMommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17436946151898233317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769812802383450298.post-68950479930439905242013-02-13T08:43:00.004-05:002013-02-13T08:46:58.502-05:00virtual book tour...stay tuned for some book reviews<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHivNB_jNMBSGV8vsAr2RA7yZeUq-ZT-YMWe_k9i2doUUQxXOO72CkozW3GXPqiGI5u5no6Nn9oVe8KzrAKmZ3u2NCct4z51pRtb7zPgDWTJzVepWRYUcFIFjC9sM0Shyoce4Je3X8ZSA/s1600/Candle_Heart_Hands.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHivNB_jNMBSGV8vsAr2RA7yZeUq-ZT-YMWe_k9i2doUUQxXOO72CkozW3GXPqiGI5u5no6Nn9oVe8KzrAKmZ3u2NCct4z51pRtb7zPgDWTJzVepWRYUcFIFjC9sM0Shyoce4Je3X8ZSA/s320/Candle_Heart_Hands.jpg" /></a>Technology is amazing...usually when someone asks me to review their book or film, they send a hard copy. Today I opened a link and a book flew into my Kindle. I will be part of a virtual book tour:
<a href="http://birthtouch.com/2013/02/birthtouch-virtual-book-tour-linky-with-these-fabulous-women/#more-1107">http://birthtouch.com/2013/02/birthtouch-virtual-book-tour-linky-with-these-fabulous-women/#more-1107</a>DoulaMommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17436946151898233317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769812802383450298.post-21505978794769676542013-02-13T08:24:00.004-05:002013-02-13T08:24:31.098-05:00snippets of motherhood: signs of pupertythis morning middle kid asked if girls get hair under their arms; upon learning that the answer is yes, he said, "I did not see that coming" ;-)DoulaMommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17436946151898233317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769812802383450298.post-26295521672348305732013-02-04T08:49:00.000-05:002013-02-04T08:49:42.918-05:00song for the morning<object height="315" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/oCLek4aSpbo?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param>
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<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/oCLek4aSpbo?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="560" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>DoulaMommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17436946151898233317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769812802383450298.post-85165319015197181132013-02-04T08:32:00.000-05:002013-02-04T08:32:26.716-05:00doing his part to keep me "socially relevant"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_As1OmPC18ePlmZTnmYomG0OHrHw3tOvycjWndwz9VcZHDxHHZLO9e-hNlwFZ6i54JdiAO8jGBeeRnQ684airimXlpACaDo2ChdGESqxAJ4PcnrAhLpLNU5zL3A9bpk_xHMItgA_frw/s1600/grouploveband.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_As1OmPC18ePlmZTnmYomG0OHrHw3tOvycjWndwz9VcZHDxHHZLO9e-hNlwFZ6i54JdiAO8jGBeeRnQ684airimXlpACaDo2ChdGESqxAJ4PcnrAhLpLNU5zL3A9bpk_xHMItgA_frw/s1600/grouploveband.jpg" /></a></div>
After we dropped off the last of his friends, my oldest turned of his music (rap) and told me he had made me a playlist for the car - music he likes but thought I would also like...he said it was for, <i>"white, middle-aged, suburban ladies who wish to remain socially relevant - mostly indie stuff"</i>. I wanted to hug him and punch him at the same time. And I kinda wanted to hate it. But damn, I loved every song. I didn't know the names of anything, but have heard the songs before and was in music heaven. So I guess that really is my demographic - he's got me pegged.<br />
<br />
The other cool thing that happened was beforehand, one of the rap songs came on and he told his friends he had used it to compare to <a href="http://www.powells.com/biblio?show=mass%2520market:new:0316769487:5.99"><u>Cather In The Rye</u></a> for an essay. And then they talked about the book! And I mentioned a newish book, <a href="http://www.powells.com/biblio/1-9780062021021-4"><u>Ten Thousand Saints</u></a>, that has some similar themes and they said it sounded cool. <br />
<br />
These fleeting moments keep me going, through all the less good parenting moments.<br />
<br />DoulaMommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17436946151898233317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769812802383450298.post-83237563172698852642013-01-20T21:23:00.004-05:002013-01-20T21:23:57.292-05:00Free Parenting Workshop 1/23
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<div class="section" style="background-color: rgb(100.000000%, 100.000000%, 100.000000%);">
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'ComicSansMS';">Just passing this along - sounds like it could be interesting:</span></span></h2>
<span style="color: rgb(100.000000%, 0.000000%, 50.196080%); font-family: 'ComicSansMS'; font-size: 30.000000pt; font-weight: 700;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: rgb(100.000000%, 0.000000%, 50.196080%); font-family: 'ComicSansMS'; font-size: 30.000000pt; font-weight: 700;">Free Parenting Workshop
</span><br />
<span style="color: rgb(100.000000%, 0.000000%, 50.196080%); font-family: 'ComicSansMS'; font-size: 14.000000pt; font-weight: 700;">The Non-Verbal World of Parent and Baby Communicating
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 14.000000pt;">In the first year of life, your baby’s primary way of communica8ng is through
movement. The non-‐verbal interac8ons between you and your baby affect
his/her interests, preferences and ways of coping in the world.<br />
In this workshop, we will use movement explora8ons to help you understand
how your basic style of moving influences your rela8onship with your baby.
</span><br />
</div>
</div>
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<span style="color: rgb(25.098040%, 25.098040%, 25.098040%); font-family: 'ComicSansMS'; font-size: 10.000000pt; font-weight: 700;">Claire Kaplan, LCSW, has a
psychotherapy practice in New
York City and South Orange,
NJ. She specializes in working
with parents and has over 12
years of experience working
with individuals and groups.
Claire is a mother of two.
</span><br />
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<span style="color: rgb(26.274510%, 89.019610%, 9.019608%); font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 24.000000pt; font-weight: 700;">Wednesday
January 23rd
7-‐9pm
</span><br />
</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'ComicSansMS'; font-size: 14.000000pt;">Rosie Hippo Toys
358A Millburn Avenue
Millburn, NJ<br />
</span><span style="color: rgb(100.000000%, 0.000000%, 50.196080%); font-family: 'ComicSansMS'; font-size: 14.000000pt; font-weight: 700;">Call to reserve a spot
917.664.4002
www.claireskaplan.com
</span><br />
</div>
</div>
</div>
DoulaMommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17436946151898233317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769812802383450298.post-17530836522856784552013-01-18T11:19:00.000-05:002013-01-18T11:19:07.361-05:00Good morning world<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 17px;">Though a big bummer to miss a night of sleep when trying to stay healthy while everyone seems to be dropping like flies, it was so worth it to help support and witness an all natural VBAC - that momma was unstoppable. And even though it was very similar to her first labor, complete with excruciating back pain and baby tangled up in her long cord, all was different and just as she wanted in the end. Welcome baby Elise!</span>DoulaMommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17436946151898233317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769812802383450298.post-61398302099332819242013-01-14T09:02:00.004-05:002013-01-14T09:02:50.243-05:00Comforts Of Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4EnhRLKWPlNVWh_hLWfdkG4NOSPGEqQM_VX7j9YuYeFhEcvkout4L6dBINY0xXE7vF4VzyJYKzjsaR2-qmRVzCc1dxSVt_7opfLVOh1bm2WyGIUFVOMIh4RpZA8TpPYmAldgh2h8fl4/s1600/IMG_3928_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4EnhRLKWPlNVWh_hLWfdkG4NOSPGEqQM_VX7j9YuYeFhEcvkout4L6dBINY0xXE7vF4VzyJYKzjsaR2-qmRVzCc1dxSVt_7opfLVOh1bm2WyGIUFVOMIh4RpZA8TpPYmAldgh2h8fl4/s320/IMG_3928_2.JPG" width="253" /></a></div>
My middle guy is having a birthday this week - twelve! Normally they all like to go to "the place where they cook in front of you" (hibachi) for their birthday dinner. This morning my boy said he preferred stir-fry at home this year. Love that kid! Off to the Asian market I go.<br /><br />DoulaMommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17436946151898233317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769812802383450298.post-46904798913136671332013-01-08T18:51:00.000-05:002013-01-08T18:51:10.166-05:00Cesareans and VBAC: avoiding misinformation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKp63tQDU85Ts1KXXh-U-haPXr-zq5WXXo7LqOaz5OsIKTPCTsNresRrPbzZzQdl2Hfiio-Q1oKnOsjdGOI2ptOZ_XpiVLh8QYpmuAw-Sc5n-gPzg44OqlQqFqsxEK8KSy5XdsDqBGXbk/s1600/cesarean-booklet-cover-210x272.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKp63tQDU85Ts1KXXh-U-haPXr-zq5WXXo7LqOaz5OsIKTPCTsNresRrPbzZzQdl2Hfiio-Q1oKnOsjdGOI2ptOZ_XpiVLh8QYpmuAw-Sc5n-gPzg44OqlQqFqsxEK8KSy5XdsDqBGXbk/s1600/cesarean-booklet-cover-210x272.png" /></a></div>
<br />
I spoke with a woman today about VBAC (though I am unavailable to serve her, I could hear that she just needed to at least be offered a kind ear and some resources). She is being told by her OB that it's her choice but VBAC is dangerous and there are NO risks to cesareans, so she should schedule a cesarean for 39 weeks (early in her pregnancy, they told her they support VBAC). Either these doctors are ill-informed or unethical - both troubling. I gave her the names of other doulas, but also other care providers and told her that while hiring a doula would help, the best move to make would be to explore other care providers and listen with her gut - if it tells her to stay with her current provider, so be it - at least it's by choice and thus she won't scare herself out of going into labor via distrust. And since it sounded from what she described like her first baby was probably posterior (and that she's an excellent candidate for VBAC based on all she reported about scar, time frame etc), I suggested she consider seeing a chiropractor for optimal positioning, as well as take a look at <a href="http://spinningbabies.com/">Spinning Babies</a>. The care provider she is currently with is willing to induce VBACS - hmm, maybe he's the problem, depending on methods of induction? So I suggested acupuncture for post-dates. <br />
<br />
All of this is to say that there is a pattern of misinformation commonly being handed to birthing women and it's upsetting. <br />
<br />
Here are some places to get accurate information about cesareans and VBAC:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://transform.childbirthconnection.org/2013/01/cesarean-overuse/">Childbirth Connection</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://ican-online.org/">ICAN</a> (International Cesarean Awareness Network)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://vbac.com/">VBAC.com</a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo is from Childbirth Connection's booklet, titled in the picture)</span>DoulaMommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17436946151898233317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769812802383450298.post-4579372113351744272012-12-10T08:26:00.002-05:002012-12-10T08:26:17.193-05:00"Dying To Have A Child": We're #50<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR_JXn1Eq96JdQ6LpdPpIpx4A9Dg27QNdJmpcwKG18cBu01ww70pVDQ6aakOUBhIYHYD4OuSzo3rDFXdD0uSzwchX0SFFAy1fml2GWXBsJuLvJ1F2oPS3_ipjBKivdQhboSgQ4-6l05fw/s1600/Dying-to-Have-a-Child.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR_JXn1Eq96JdQ6LpdPpIpx4A9Dg27QNdJmpcwKG18cBu01ww70pVDQ6aakOUBhIYHYD4OuSzo3rDFXdD0uSzwchX0SFFAy1fml2GWXBsJuLvJ1F2oPS3_ipjBKivdQhboSgQ4-6l05fw/s640/Dying-to-Have-a-Child.jpg" width="204" /></a></div>
"We're No. 50!" is not a cheer anyone sane would shout and I bet it surprises most Americans when they learn our abysmal maternal mortality statistics, a huge indicator of overall well-being of any country. We have clearly surpassed the critical mass sweet spot where interventions help more than they hurt...this is unacceptable and we MUST reexamine our way of doing birth otherwise, as the chart shows, we must contemplate the other thing we don't do so well in this country...death. This was taken from <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/24/maternal-mortality-rate-infographic_n_1827427.html">Huffington Post</a> wit facts fro the <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/Global/MaternalMortality.htm">CDC</a>DoulaMommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17436946151898233317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769812802383450298.post-28355596643020723632012-12-06T10:31:00.001-05:002012-12-06T10:32:40.046-05:00Nap Nanny - dangerous and should not be used, according to CPSC<iframe height="221" id="kaltura_player_1354807929" src="http://cdnapi.kaltura.com/index.php/kwidget/wid/1_hc3e0iov/uiconf_id/3775332/st_cache/76730?referer=http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/nap-nanny-risks-warnings-2012-feds-file-suit-17892303&autoPlay=false&addThis.playerSize=392x221&freeWheel.siteSectionId=nws_offsite&closedCaptionActive=true&" style="border: 0px solid #ffffff;" width="392">Unfortunately your browser does not support IFrames.</iframe><br /><div style="font-size: x-small; margin-top: 0; text-align: left;">
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DoulaMommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17436946151898233317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769812802383450298.post-6122519486110609532012-10-19T12:39:00.003-04:002012-10-19T12:43:24.753-04:00halfway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMo2hZ3469YF7ovQeuyJNCgZLkq7_Oe_67fggq_qVkMSst_fgwH8NygL9_bDORRVew-6NuX3CxbjZ1i2BYEkwxDwkRNmwTE95GnEB6HMTB2JRLj-1zTJEG6HxVMHwRARckPDOklA_W6E/s1600/UT+Ski+Trip+036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMo2hZ3469YF7ovQeuyJNCgZLkq7_Oe_67fggq_qVkMSst_fgwH8NygL9_bDORRVew-6NuX3CxbjZ1i2BYEkwxDwkRNmwTE95GnEB6HMTB2JRLj-1zTJEG6HxVMHwRARckPDOklA_W6E/s320/UT+Ski+Trip+036.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Halfway points always seem bigger, I think...Five years old is so much older sounding than four. Now my oldest baby is fifteen. FIFTEEN!...half way between a child of ten and a young man of twenty.<br />
There were times I just was so <a href="http://naturalparentsnetwork.com/touched-out/">"touched out</a>" when you were little and now I will feel lucky if you let me hug you for more than a second today...it goes fast, people! I've still got little ones who are happy to cuddle, but someday I won't and I try to remember that every day.<br />
Happy birthday, sweetie. Fifteen is a long time to have been a mom - feels like a lifetime and an instant all at once. <br />
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DoulaMommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17436946151898233317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769812802383450298.post-26399393394338303552012-07-14T13:38:00.002-04:002012-07-14T13:43:03.244-04:00feel like helping make a dream come true today?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHF8mdaf_XvUTh8I_7dKEv4k_GLFbMntSY9h1gJlK-fbjrRwnGPG75w7jOiOqqQOdXjwDZ5yDO3VydKKA01jm2GXePR0E2FTMiS6WncameFgfl8dXGTJe9tohp-169EGNtwmRvGkhk5A/s1600/safe_image.php.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHF8mdaf_XvUTh8I_7dKEv4k_GLFbMntSY9h1gJlK-fbjrRwnGPG75w7jOiOqqQOdXjwDZ5yDO3VydKKA01jm2GXePR0E2FTMiS6WncameFgfl8dXGTJe9tohp-169EGNtwmRvGkhk5A/s1600/safe_image.php.jpg" /></a></div>
Hurry & place a bid on many fabulous items in a <a href="http://schwartzadoptionauction.blogspot.com/">live auction</a>, with all funds going into a fund for friends who are adopting later this year...they are an amazing family already and can't wait to make their son a big brother, so <a href="http://schwartzadoptionauction.blogspot.com/">help out of you can</a>!<br />
( and bid on my<a href="http://schwartzadoptionauction.blogspot.com/2012/07/belly-cast-kit.html"> belly cast kit </a>so I don't feel like a loser! ;-)DoulaMommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17436946151898233317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769812802383450298.post-77979683273607142522012-07-12T09:48:00.001-04:002012-07-12T09:48:28.550-04:00morning, mourning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgztyJxuRoArFTxPwxLQXIOyJio4m618-tSysYPZSI6TXGtI3cunyLz1sSKCSVD2gakL6xve96G6vQ24m8JGK6dUPJoq_ZA_8pGvQfLvQpjXUDqLnBhwY5AUiDq8F6APZ1jTaPbhtrgnis/s1600/sun+rays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgztyJxuRoArFTxPwxLQXIOyJio4m618-tSysYPZSI6TXGtI3cunyLz1sSKCSVD2gakL6xve96G6vQ24m8JGK6dUPJoq_ZA_8pGvQfLvQpjXUDqLnBhwY5AUiDq8F6APZ1jTaPbhtrgnis/s1600/sun+rays.jpg" /></a></div>
I just passed mourners clad in too-hot black clothes, accompanying a flag-covered coffin out to a waiting hearse...it's just an average-busy-sunny Thursday morning for me, but it's a life-changing day for these people and could be for any of us, at any point...I got a lump in mt throat and thought of the sad days I and everyone has had that were just normal days for others. <br />
I send good thoughts to all for whom today is dark in spite of the sun.DoulaMommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17436946151898233317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769812802383450298.post-6764980919625860952012-06-18T12:18:00.003-04:002012-06-18T12:19:29.757-04:00I could use some help over here!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQXBzY6yBjwXQbvGhLMgyFg3n_fz3boovPgROPZOO3kZBQOjsMxjIit4-I115exB6X1LfNJni0IFse9rnmwvAMjT-wAgvnjLP06XDStIjs93_lfzU00gsBrT_HNI7MbExL4l-p1yMfS2Q/s1600/sisyphus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQXBzY6yBjwXQbvGhLMgyFg3n_fz3boovPgROPZOO3kZBQOjsMxjIit4-I115exB6X1LfNJni0IFse9rnmwvAMjT-wAgvnjLP06XDStIjs93_lfzU00gsBrT_HNI7MbExL4l-p1yMfS2Q/s1600/sisyphus.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
My thought for the day as I plan to attend another damn Board of Education meeting tonight and make plans to go to hearings over the summer about two great teachers denied tenure, oh and try to help people have the births they want to have whenever possible:<br />
<br />
History is filled with situations where most people shrugged their shoulders and said, "what can we do? it is the way it is" about any number of things...while others persevered on pushing the proverbial boulder up the damn hill...and eventually things changed.<br />
<br />
If each of us is not willing to stand up and speak out when we see something we don't like being done by a power structure, then nothing will ever change.<br />
<br />
I think it's getting to be about time for some "Speak truth to power" and "Power to the people"<br />
<br />
I am Sisyphus - are you? 'cause this boulder is too heavy to move it by myself. ;-) Join me - it will even be fun - I'll bring the iced coffee.DoulaMommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17436946151898233317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8769812802383450298.post-22693940693557288022012-06-15T23:13:00.000-04:002012-06-15T23:13:52.687-04:00Crossing the divideWhile watching tightrope walker Nik Wallenda walking over Niagara Falls tonight, I had a kind of funny thought: that tightrope is 5cm wide...half as wide as a woman needs to open up for her baby to be born...and she doesn't get a safety harness. When I was in transition with my first baby, I remember having this very vivid image that I had to cross a Grand Canyon-like gorge on a shoddy, swinging rope bridge - everyone waiting for me on the other side, cheering me on, but I had to cross on my own.
Congratulations to Nik Wallenda and to every fierce woman making that journey to her baby tonight and every night, all around the world.DoulaMommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17436946151898233317noreply@blogger.com0