WFMW Have a Happy Period--no, really!

I hate the kotex ads, but the idea of a happy period is one worth considering! After all, for years we've heard about 'the curse' and 'that time of the month' in every negative way imaginable...but it doesn't have to be a negative thing!
Here are a few things you can do that can make it a much happier experience for you (and all the people who live with you!)
♥ Red Raspberry Leaf (in teas, capsules, or tinctures) RRL promotes general reproductive health, and will reduce cramps,
♥ Drink your water! Being dehydrated will exacerbate anything, and most people are dehydrated most of the time. If you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated.
♥ Take calcium and magnesium (magnesium is in chocolate, which is probably why you crave it, but the sugar will increase symptoms, so don't do it!) (RRL has both calcium and magnesium, as well as iron which is important because you're losing iron with the bleeding)
♥ Avoid caffeine, sugar, grease and salt.
♥ Drink chamomile tea.
♥ Exercise! Get those endorphins flowing, and it will lift your mood. Some women also report that it helps with cramps. If you're able to get out in the sunshine that should help too.
♥ If you can't get sunshine, try Cod Liver Oil--it is like liquid sunshine for your body, providing vitamins A and D as well as essential fatty acids. It's a major mood booster. (The brand I linked is actually quite pleasant--I mix it in yogurt or orange juice and it's not fishy at all!)
♥ Vitamin E can help with cramping pain (it must be chelated and powdered, the oil will not work).
♥ Vitamin B can help with stress and mood
♥ Try some yoga--cat's pose and child's pose are both good ones for menstrual woes. Aside from the relaxation and improved circulation, yoga can also release endorphins and improve mood.
♥ Many women report that switching to cloth pads or menstrual cups shortens the duration and heaviness of their flow, as well as reducing cramping.

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You Need a Wrap Too

Special thanks to RasJane (and her adorable sons) for letting me use so many of their photos in this post! I am still a relatively inexperienced wrapper, and didn't have many pictures of my own! I have linked to photos of a number of other carries that are publicly posted at TheBabyWearer. I used links rather than copying the actual photos because I do not have permission from those individuals to use their actual photos here.

A few months ago I wrote a post called "A Dozen reasons to have a ring sling" so here is the sequel...a dozen ways to wear a wrap...

1--cradle hold (mostly for newborns--it doesn't work so well as they get longer)
one
two

2--little baby upright--head tucked in (for sleeping, or for little ones before they can hold up their heads)


3--little baby upright--head out (when the little one can hold his head up himself)


4--siblingwearing


5--rucksack carry with a little one

here is a slightly older child in the same carry (with legs long enough to hang out)

6--side/hip carries
one
two
three
four

7--around 1 yr old--facing in with legs tucked in for a cold day
(yes, when he wiggled his toes it did tickle my armpits ☺)

8--the next month--facing out, legs out (on a warmer day!)


9--you can even use a wrap when you're pregnant (I've done it, although with a smaller child than the one in that photo, so it wasn't quite so awkward!)
ahh, here's another one

10--Here are some photos of other ways to tie wraps--there are literally dozens of ways to tie the same wrap (and end up with more or less the same position for the child). Each person seems to find one or two that are easiest for them, but just so you know there are a lot of options out there...
loopy shoulder link
extra twisties behind baby

11--here are a few carries that are adapted (or taken directly) from indigenous cultures...honestly these ones make me a little nervous because many don't go over shoulders, but I know that if I knew how to do them correctly, they would be secure and comfortable too.
one
two
this one is nursing!
four
five
several angles of one carry


12--by the way, wraps will even work for that not-so-little one who really needs some mommy at the exact moment that mommy really needs to be cooking dinner...

(Incidentally, this is basically the same tie she used above, just wrapped around a bigger kid. And she just posted an awesome video tutorial for how to do it!)
☺

I could just spit

Really. And the timing too...Motrin must have been taking a little too much of their own product and been a leetle loopy the day they decided to release this ad right in the middle of International Babywearing Week!! Go ahead, go watch it if you want, or read this blog post or this one or this one, they all have the text... Basically Motrin came out and said babwearing is a fad, and I look cool when I do it, but it hurts, so I have to take motrin... Um, remember just a couple of days ago when I posted those babywearing myths? If wearing your baby hurts then you are not doing it right!! Watch some tutorials, have a more experienced babywearer help you learn how to wear/tie the carrier properly, or get a different carrier...motrin is not the answer here people!
If you are as disgusted as I am, feel free to go here and give them a piece of your mind. I did. Here's a copy of the message I sent them:
I am disheartened and disgusted by your recent commercial centered around babywearing. Clearly whoever came up with the ad is woefully ignorant of the truth about babywearing.
Babywearing is NOT a fad. It may be new in the spotlight, but it is not new to the millions of women who have been doing it for centuries. There is hard science to back up the claims that it is healthier for the child.
Wearing a baby is NOT painful if it's done correctly. Many parents have never been taught how to properly use a sling or wrap, or they have an ill-fitted pouch, and so yes, they are in pain. However the solution is not to take drugs, but to learn how to wear the baby properly! There are many groups and individuals who are working hard to educate parents in safe and comfortable babywearing practices. I recommend www.thebabywearer.com as an excellent resource for starting out.
I wear my 30lb son daily, and have done since his birth nearly 2 years ago. Sometimes I do tire of the extra weight, but babywearing has never been painful to any degree.
Therefore, I ask you to withdraw your ad, as it is full of lies, and respectfully suggest that you apologize for airing such a rotten thing in the first place.

I have to agree with TopHat when she said "Making fun of babywearers isn't going to get you their business. You've certainly lost mine."

The whole "Domestic Goddess" thing

I never considered myself a domestic goddess. I mean, yeah, I can cook and sew and whatever, but my house is cluttered and my kids are often dirty and I don't always even comb my hair every day--some days I just undo the braid, run my fingers through it, and braid it again.
But I've reached a conclusion--most people picture "the domestic goddess" as a 1950s housewife with high heels, a starched apron, and a string of pearls... I'm not that DG.

Nope, I'm an 1850's domestic goddess. Don't believe me? Consider the evidence!

• I have a long braid (or bun) with an abundance of stray hairs. I only wash it once a week, and I never put styling products in it.
• I don't wear makeup, and I shave only very very rarely.
• I'm (almost) always clean, but (almost) never pressed.
• I cook hearty meals, but rarely gourmet. I'm pretty darn good at looking at the nothing in our fridge and making a meal out of it anyway.
• I breastfeed and share a bed with my toddler. I also take that toddler everywhere with me--usually tied to my back
• I want a lot of kids--I love being a mommy, and it definitely takes precedence over having a fancy house (or even a clean one)
• I want chickens, and sheep, and bunnies, and possibly goats, and maybe an alpaca...
• I seem to spend at least half of my life either cooking, washing dishes, doing laundry, or mending something.
• I sew a lot, and I knit and spin too. I use those skills to bring in a little extra money for the family.
• I live in the middle of nowhere

I know, I have internet. I'm greateful for it too...but if I had to pick another time in which to live, well, now you know when it would be. I'm a pioneer.

WFMW + Wear Baby = Be Happy

What is Babywearing?
“Babywearing” simply means holding or carrying a baby or young child using a baby carrier. Holding babies is natural and universal; baby carriers make it easier and more comfortable, allowing parents and caregivers to hold or carry their children while attending to the daily tasks of living. Babywearing helps a new dad put a fussy newborn to sleep. It allows a new mom use both hands to make a sandwich. It lets an experienced parent or caregiver carry a baby on her back and wash the dishes, do the laundry, take a hike, weed the garden … all while keeping the baby safe and content.


Today is the first day of International Babywearing Week, so I thought it would be an extra great time to share about why I love babywearing!
First of all, let's dispel a few myths about wearing your baby!
Here is a description of the various kinds of baby carriers (with pros and cons of each), and here is a post I made this morning on my etsy blog of some awesome carriers available on etsy right now!
I've posted about babywearing several times before, with such posts as "The NINO Principle" "A Dozen Reasons to have a Ring Sling" and "Priceless." I don't know that I have a whole lot more to say for myself, but I wanted to share a short list of the benefits of wearing your baby:
Happier Babies they do cry less!
Healthier Babies they tune into the caregivers heartbeat, breathing rhythm, and body movement, all of which help the child to regulate his own. Premature babies who are worn develop faster and are healthier than those who are not worn.
Confident Babies the constant contact helps the baby feel safe and secure. They are often able to let the caregiver know what they need without resorting crying, which increases their trust in us and, in turn, our confidence in ourselves.
Happier Parents rates of postpartum depression are lower in mothers who wear their babies.
Loving Parents wearing little ones promotes bonding, and helps establish a stronger relationship between parent and child.
Confident Parents they are literally in touch with the child, and are therefore more sensitive to his needs.
Comfortable and Convenient there is no massive carseat or stroller to lug around, and I can still do almost all of my normal chores with the kiddo on me. Using a two-shoulder carrier such as a wrap or ABC spreads his weight around so that he is easier to carry than if I held him in my arms. (Most moms also find they can nurse while babywearing, making it possible to get stuff done even while nursing!)
Here is a 6-page fact-sheet about babywearing, and here is some scientific research about the benefits of babywearing.

Please be aware that just because the child is next to you doesn't mean you don't need to pay attention to them--in rare cases small babies have suffocated when they were not yet old enough to turn their heads up to breathe, and larger babies have arched out of carriers when they were not sufficiently secured. Always pay attention to your child, even when wearing them!



For more Works for me Wednesdays, go here.

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As a note to my new visitors today, I wanted to let you know that on Thanksgiving Day I'll be posting 365 things I'm thankful for (one for each day of the year). It's a carnival, so I'd love for you to make a list of your own and come link with us! Happy Thanksgiving!

My favorite babywearing pictures

So, over at Adventures in Babywearing she's holding a contest...enter your favorite babywearing photo, win a sling (a really fancy groovy sling) from Nonny & Boo.
I have three slings of my own actually, and I don't need another, but I thought it would be fun to play along (and I know of a great place where I could donate it if I win).
Without further ado, my favorite babywearing photos (clicking on the photo will take you to the post where I originally posted it)

wear baby, go cool places!
(try to use stroller, get stuck in mud on steep, narrow trail and never make it up to beautiful Payto Lake in Banff National Park!)

We were kangaroos for his first halloween!
(now I'm trying to think of other pouch animals for future costumes--leave me your suggestions if you've got any!)

Thanksgiving Challenge

I mentioned before how I had planned to try to post one thing I'm thankful for each day this month, but thanks to being depressed (and a little to forgetting my own idea until several days into the month) I didn't do it.

Well, I've had another idea--on Thanksgiving I'll be posting a massive list of things I'm thankful for. Right now I have my sights set on the lofty goal of 365 things--one for each day of the year. I haven't started writing the list yet though... I may end up settling with 100 things if I get too overwhelmed....
Anyway, I wanted to issue an official challenge to all my readers to work on lists of their own, so that when I post my list we can all link them together and revel in the gratitude. ☺

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I would LOVE to see this get big! On Thanksgiving morning (or the night before) when I post my post, I will include a Mr Linky on it, so that anyone and everyone who joins me can share their links there. So tell your friends, spread the love, and Be Grateful!!

BTW, I will be posting my list in sections--Family, Skills, Home, Faith, Technology, etc so that it's more reader-friendly (it's gonna be a loooong list!)...just a thought for anyone who plans to join me!

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If you would like the button, the script is there in the sidebar! (Thanks a million to this site for teaching me how to make a scriptbox for my button!!!)

Myths About Babywearing

International Babywearing week is coming up, and I thought I'd take a few minutes this morning to write about some prevalent misconceptions concerning babywearing...

(little Bear, age 14months, tucked in and toasty, and ready for the morning walk with the dog)

The baby will be delayed in walking if you never put them down or Baby's spine development will be damaged by being 'unsupported' in a soft carrier or Baby will get bowlegs from having them spread out in a back-carry
Your baby will still learn to walk just fine, no he will not be delayed in doing so (I wore Bear almost constantly, and he walked at 11months). In addition, being against the caregivers body and feeling their motions as they walk and move often seems to help little ones learn that motion for themselves.
Some firm carriers (such as snuglis) have been reported to damage spinal development because they hold the baby up and do not allow him to learn to support himself, however softer carriers do not have this problem!
The bowleggedness seen in some traditional cultures is the product of nutritional deficiencies, not of being worn. Remember that babies and small children have much softer tissues than adults do, and are much more flexible.

The baby isn't comfortable "all squished up like that" or "with his legs sticking out that way"
Soft tissues = flexible = baby is comfortable almost any way so long as they are supported! It's pretty rare to meet a baby who doesn't love being snuggled and, yes, even squished a bit. The soft nature of fabric carriers means that the baby is more likely to be comfortable this way than in a carseat, crib, playpen, or roomier firm carrier.

The baby will be spoiled /never let you put him down /never learn to go to sleep on his own
I think these myths are based in the false premise that babies are meant to be independent creatures. They are not. As I discussed here, from an evolutionary standpoint humans are born only about halfway through the average mammals gestational development. In other words, until they are around 9months old, they are not even able to do what a 9 minute old baby of other species can do. A continued 'external gestation' is entirely healthy and appropriate.
In terms of the baby developing 'bad' habits, well, obviously I feel that it's acceptable and appropriate for a baby to want to be held all the time, and to go to sleep with a caregiver rather than alone. In terms of shyness, and the baby becoming a "mama's boy," studies indicate that children who are worn may take a little longer to strike out on their own, but when they do so they are more confident than babies who were forced into independence at earlier ages.

Babywearing is dangerous
There are several versions of this this myth--the baby is unsupported and will slip out the bottom of the carrier, the baby will flip out the top of the carrier, or that the baby will suffocate being all smooshed in there. The truth is that these are valid concerns, and all of them can happen if you are not paying attention. Just because you are wearing your baby doesn't mean you can ignore them--you do need to still pay attention, make sure baby's face is clear so they can breathe, and be sure you wear the carrier properly so that the child is secure. Here is a site full of help for how to properly and safely wear your child.

You can only wear them when they are little/lightweight or You can't wear a baby if you have a bad back
There are a few people in the world who have exceptionally bad backs, and yes, it's true that they cannot wear a baby, or at least not a older toddler. However, with the variety of carriers and carrying methods, most people (even those with somewhat-bad backs) are able to wear both babies and toddlers in comfort.
Back carries with wraps, structured-carriers, or ABCs (such as Mei Teis) are usually preferable for larger children or weak-backed parents because they offer more support and spread the weight around better.

You can't babywear if you're short/disabled/plus-sized/pregnant
Nonsense! Some carriers and carrying positions may work better for you than others, but you can certainly still wear your baby! Check out these two articles on plus-sized babywearing, this one on pregnant babywearing, and this one on babywearing for those with disabilities.

Babywearing is new or a fad
Babywearing has been around for about as long as babies have been around...indigenous peoples around the world have been wearing their babies for centuries, and using a variety of carriers and carrying positions to do so. The 'modern world' is the culture that is behind the times!

Babywearing is expensive
$140 for a wrap?! Yes, it can be expensive if you buy the name brand carriers, or have a dozen different ones (and yes, a lot of us do have several carriers of different types)...but it doesn't have to be. I got a good quality wrap for only $35, and many people find that they can make their own carriers for $5-20 (depending on the style and what fabric they choose). Here is a site with a list of different types of carriers, the pros/cons of each, and where to find them.

Babywearing is complicated
It is true that some styles of carriers (most notably wraps) look difficult to tie on. However there are a lot of great online demos (both pictures and videos) that can help you learn to do it correctly and safely.
If you are considering babywearing, or want to do it but don't know where to go next, I recommend looking for a local babywearing group such as NINO. (If you can't find one, look for a local chapter of LaLecheLeague, as a lot of breastfeeding moms also wear their babies, and you can probably find support or advice for babywearing there too!)

You can't wear twins
Wanna bet? Look here! And here!

For additional resources, I highly recommend visiting The Baby Wearer. It's a massive archive of helpful articles and tutorials on topics from choosing a carrier and reviews of specific brands, to how to correctly (safely) wear your baby in the various carriers, or how to make your own. They also have forums where you can chat with other babywearers and get encouragement and help.

some thoughts after the fact

I have a lot of friends who shared their presidential preferences with me prior to the election. Apparently I'm the friend of rebels, because my McCain-voting friends all live in states that swung for Obama, and my Obama-voting friends all live in states that swung for McCain. Except for Indiana, which was split almost down the center (I actually don't know which way it ended up) but anyway I know people who voted both ways there, so the original statement still holds. I hang out with rebels people who do their own thinking rather than following the crowd. ☺

The night before election day I was talking with my dad about the candidates and issues, and suffice it to say that my priorities are not the same as his. He commented that when he was my age he was more liberal than he is now, but that with age he has become "more jaded and cynical" (his words, not mine). Then he said "you know, I would expect a young person to be idealistic and hopeful--if they weren't then I'd be worried."
I thought that was a very interesting commentary on politics.

Pie Night!

I grew up in a family where we had birthday pies more often than birthday cakes...after all, pie is a whole lot better than cake, don't you think?!
When we were engaged, Hubby and I were invited to his neighbor's home for pie night. We know a good idea when we see one, so we latched on to the idea and have held annual pie nights of our own ever since. The 5th Annual Brighton Family Pie Night was last night.

I took "Chocolate Barbarian Pie" and a savory pie,
and yup, I've posted both of the recipes for you on the recipe blog...
I'm going to be posting pies there all month, so check back in!!

So, what is Pie Night you may ask? Good question! Go ahead and take notes now, because as soon as you finish reading this you're probably going to run off and start a pie night tradition of your own.
1--everybody brings a pie (and server). (As hosts, we provide plates, forks, and whipped cream along with a pie or two.)
2--there are many many kinds of pie
3--everybody pigs out on lots and lots and lots of pie!

The first year we did it it was a small affair, with only 5 pies (two made by me). The next year it grew, and our third year had 36 people crammed in our little house. Then we moved to Pelican, and had to start over...however this is a friendly little town, and we had over a dozen attendees last year...now that the locals have had enough time to get to know us, this year was a little bigger. Last night we had 22 people and 17 pies! (It was the year of pumpkin pie--there were 6 pumpkin pies!) I think this years winner as fanciest pie was DS's Pear-Almond Creme Tart with Cranberry Flakes... although I personally also really love the Upside-down Pumpkin Pie that CS makes (she said she hates making crust, so she makes the pumpkin pie filling, then puts it in a casserole dish and does a nut-crumb topping on it!)


A couple of little notes if you want to host a Pie Night of your own:

• Put out a couple of pitchers of ice water! With all the rich pie, people tend to need a drink!
• Be sure to remind people to bring a server with their pie, otherwise you might have 8 pies and 1 server...that's awkward!
• Use index cards or something to put labels in front of each pie, so that people can tell what each one is when they go to choose their slices...for example, last night we had a plain chocolate and a chocolate-mocha which looked almost identical, but some people like mocha and some don't, so it's good to have labels!