Salma Hayek Breastfeeding an African Baby Boy

I just LOVE this story about Salma Hayek breastfeeding a little boy on her trip to Africa. People are so weirded out by the very idea of women breastfeeding a baby that isn't theirs but that seems so ridiculous to me for a million and one reasons. Human milk is meant for humans, yet we are not at all weirded out by giving our child the milk intended for a baby calf :-S GO SALMA, you're an inspiration to us all!



I had the unforgettable experience of helping a friend with her baby by taking over a couple of nursing sessions a day while she worked with a qualified lactation consultant to figure out a bad latch. It was a very special time that I hold dear because it was the one time in my life where I really felt like I was helping in a meaningful and practical way. That baby is over a year old now and still continues to nurse at his loving (and determined) mothers breast. I received quite a bit of criticism for nursing her baby, I heard everything from, "She needs to do it herself!" to "That's something *I* could never do!" but you know what??? Is it not better that this mother was willing to allow me to help her, which resulted in a positive outcome btw, rather than her resorting to formula and giving up as so many do?! What incredible strength on her part to not give in to everyone and thier mother instilling seeds of doubt about whether or not she could produce enough milk!

Apparently in China it is not uncommon at all for babies to be breastfed by several different mothers. I imagine there is an incredible amount of support and trust that those women feel for each other when they have their babies and share this responsibility. Personally, I would not feel at all comfortable allowing another mother to nurse my child if I was physically present and able to do it myself (I'm very mama-bear when it comes to my little ones). But if I was faced with a situation where I couldn't be with my child, like when I had my appendix removed 8 weeks after my first child was born, I would certainly prefer a nursing mother help me through it rather than give my child formula. It just seems totally logical to me that this would protect my ability to breastfeed as much as possible as well as provide the best food for baby.

The Case for Cloth Diapers

For a while now I've been trying to figure out the issue with Justus and diapers. It seemed that when in cloth, he would wind up all red and irritated. It never looked like the diaper rashes my disposable-wearing babies had on occasion which took creams and several changes to heal. This is more just a red, irritated and sometimes even puffy reaction that would go away if left to air dry for a good amount of time. It was bothering me so much to see this happening to him and to know that it was uncomfortable for him so I put him in "Seventh Generation" disposable diapers for a little while until I could figure out the issue and try to resolve it.

When Justus was born, I decided to practice EC (elimination communication) with him. It was working out wonderfully for a while and then there began to be times when it felt inconvenient and overwhelming. I've never been one to leave my children in a pee or poo diaper, so it wasn't (and isn't) a huge deal to me to have a diapered baby. I got very lazy with it (the EC'ing) and let it go long enough that Justus started refusing the potty and still does. I honestly wish I would've been more diligent in providing him with "pottytunities" and continuing with EC full time. All lessons I will be taking with me on my journey with this little one. Anyway, I mention the EC'ing because obviously that was a period of time where diaper redness was a non-issue because even when I did have him in a cloth diaper I rarely had him in a cover. It's only since there is ALWAYS a cover on him that the redness thing has been an issue. I find it so much harder now that he is running around all over the house, upstairs and downstairs, to leave him without a cover. He's climbing all over everything (including everyone's beds) so I can't really leave him to be wet without me there to change him and I simply cannot be there every single moment. So I'm feeling a little torn and obviously I still have much to learn from seasoned ECer's.

Using the disposable diapers, even the non-bleached-supposedly-healthier ones was REALLY bugging me. There is NO indication on the packaging that there isn't plastic used in the diaper and it's obvious to me there is. It's also obvious to me that with their slim fitting shape they must contain some kind of chemical(s) for absorbancy. So if there are still chemicals against his skin (even though it's not as many as say... Pampers brand has) and it still has plastic so it'll be sitting in a landfill forever, then where is the huge benefit?! It's still expensive and wasteful.

Considering Justus's reluctance to using a toilet/potty and my determination to stay away from disposables and use cloth WITHOUT him getting irritated, I decided to give pocket diapers a try. Pocket diapers have a fleece inner layer that effectively wicks moisture away from baby's skin which keeps baby feeling drier. They are also pretty expensive and a full supply would probably cost about $600. Hard to justify that price when your child is already 20 months old and the desire is to get them OUT of diapers rather than invest in them staying in them! I bought 2 FuzzyBunz and used them at night time to see how well Justus's skin did in them. Sure enough, he felt dry and his skin had no signs of irritation. I was very pleased, but still needed a day time solution.

As luck would have it, I found a somewhat local mama selling off her entire pocket diaper stash (22 diapers!) for only half of what I would pay retail for them. Coincidence?! :-) We picked them up last week and it's been working out amazing since! I'm so happy :):):) Justus LOVES them because they are a variety of bright colors and I let him pick which he wants to wear next. So no more disposables (YEAH!) and all is well in my 'crunchy' world again :-)

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Hidden Danger's of Disposable Diapers

The Environmental Issue

There are those who claim that disposable diapers are better for the environment because no water, energy or soap is wasted on washing or drying them as with cloth diapers. The question is: how did the disposables get manufactured in the first place? Certainly a fair amount of water and energy were needed to produce them, not to mention valuable raw materials like wood and oil. And who walks to the store to buy their disposable diapers? Certainly not people pressed for time, which is the main argument against cloth diapers -- that they take up too much time. And what about waste disposal costs? Also, did you know that in the U.S., it is illegal to put human fecal matter in residential garbage? Which person pressed for time shakes the poop out of his or her disposable diaper before disposing of it? Did you also know that experts speculate that a disposable diaper can take anywhere from 100-500 years to biodegrade in a landfill? This means that EVERY SINGLE disposable diaper ever used is still out there decomposing somewhere!

Even the argument that the soaps used in laundering cloth diapers are harmful and eventually end up in our ground water are exaggerated. Most people who choose cloth diapers also choose an environmentally friendly soap, and then the waste water from laundering a load of cloth diapers is benign. Take in comparison the impact of the waste water from the manufacture of disposable diapers which often contains dioxins, solvents, biocides and even heavy metals; and then a little environmentally friendly soap seems harmless.

What is better for your baby?

Even though disposable diaper manufacturers spend millions of dollars every year on advertizing that their diapers feel "drier", no scientific evidence indicates that diaper rash occurs more often with cloth diapers than with disposables. In fact, because disposables feel drier, many parents postpone diaper changes too long and the bacteria from the urine remains in longer contact with the baby's skin causing redness and irritation. In addition, because the plastic in disposable diapers prevents the proper circulation of air, ammonia from the bacterial-breakdown of urine is unable to escape causing further irritation; whereas cloth diapers with a wool or micro-fiber cover allow the baby's skin to breathe, thereby eliminating this source of irritation. The best way to prevent diaper rash, however, is frequent diaper changes, regardless of which kind of diaper one uses.

What is most frightening about disposable diapers is the unknown or passively ignored presence of toxic chemicals. One such chemical is dioxin, a highly toxic by-product of the bleaching process. Secondly, sodium polyacrylate, the clear gel-like substance you often find on your baby's genitals after a diaper change, gives disposable diapers their super absorbant characteristic. Its use in tampons was banned in 1985 because of its link to Toxic Shock Syndrome. And most recently, TBT or Tributylin was found in disposable diapers in Europe. TBT is ranked by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the most toxic substances in use in consumer products in the world today. It is a biocide and is used in killing or preventing the growth of bacteria. And although the WHO has also revealed that the amount of TBT found in disposable diapers poses no threat to the health of a baby, the question still arises: Why is such a toxic substance needed in a diaper? And furthermore, even though the TBT in diapers does not adversely effect those wearing the diapers, what about the safety of ground water from decomposing diapers in landfills?

What's more, new scientific studies have linked disposable diapers and their harsh perfumes and toxic substances to the increase of asthma in today's society. Laboratory rats exposed to disposable diapers straight out of the package have suffered increased eye, nose and throat irritation, as well as bronchioconstriction similar to that of an asthma attack (according to Rosalind C. Anderson, lead author of the report "Acute Respiratory Effects of Diaper Emissions", Archives of Environmental Health, 54, October 1999).

The Convenience Issue

Admittedly, disposable diapers do have the appearance of being more convenient. Those who claim that disposables are more convenient and time-saving, however, seem to forget that someone has to go out to the store to buy them, carry them home, and take out the trash can when they are used up. And although you do have to wash cloth diapers, the few minutes it takes to start up a load of laundry (which you have to do more often with small children in the house anyway) is much less than the effort it takes to acquire and dispose of disposable diapers.

What's The Hype?

You ask yourself. My child wears disposable diapers and does not have asthma, nor do I notice any harmful side-effects from all the toxic substances. That may very well be true, but you should also ask yourself if the alleged "convenience" of disposable diapers is worth the cost to the environment and to the health of your child. Each purchase of disposable diapers is an economic incentive for disposable diaper companies to continue producing products found to be extremely harmful not only to our children, but also to our environment.

Environmentally Friendly Disposables

Such a creature does exist: Moltex Öko Disposable Diapers. They are rated by the German Öko-Test (Heft 28/99) Consumer Product Testing publication as "Empfehlenswert" or Recommendable. In America, look for the brand Tushies: they have been bleached via a non-toxic method and contain no polyacrylate granules. They are a good compromise when traveling. Who wants to lug around a suitcase full of moist, stinking cloth diapers?

Cloth Diapering -- Getting Started

Cloth diapers are not what they used to be! No one has to use pins or spend hours folding square pieces of cotton into complex origami-type contraptions anymore. The cloth diapers my family uses (from Mother-ease) are pre-formed, completely adjustable to fit babies from 3-18 kilograms, and are fastened via snaps and/or velcro tabs. A micro-fiber cover goes over the top to keep the moisture in, but at the same time, allows the baby's skin to breathe. In addition to a cloth inlay for extra absorbancy, there is a paper inlay, which is then flushed down the toilet and with it, most of the fecal matter. Soiled diapers are rinsed out and stored in a diaper pail. Every other day, the diapers are washed with the rest of the baby laundry and voilá!

We use non-bleached, organic cotton diapers and inlays (that way we support sustainable cotton agriculture and are assured that no harmful pesticides or dioxins are present in our diapers). The paper inlays are also from organic raw materials and are bleached via non-toxic methods. We use a phosphate-free detergent, specially designed for washing at a lower temperature (Vollwaschmittel from the store, Spinnrad); and we hang our diapers out to dry. What's more, we have the peace of mind, knowing that we are offering our babies the best possible diaper care, as well as doing our part in protecting our environment.

source: http://www.awchamburg.org/AWCH_GettingSettled/AWCH_Child_Family/AWCH_Diapers.html

This is Classic!

This video is funny no matter how many times I see it LOL Don't forget to shut the music off before you start the video!

Enjoying the Ride

I'm currently reading 3 different books at the moment. Depending on my mood or time I will pick one up over the other, and sometimes it's just which ever one is closest to me when I want to read a little.

"Painless Childbirth" ~Giuditta Tornetta
"Nonviolent Communication" ~Marshall Rosenberg
"Unconditional Parenting" ~Alfie Kohn

This is my first time through Painless Childbirth and Unconditional Parenting but my second time through Nonviolent Communication. What I find interesting is that all three books seem to be complimenting each other perfectly using different words and experiences to communicate the same ideas. I also find it interesting that I would have chosen these books and somehow read them as much or as little as it would take for each idea to surface at just the right moment to compliment one another. Awfully coincidental :-) Or perhaps it is has something to do with the clarity I have about who it is I am and where it is I want to go that is drawing towards me the necessary tools to bridge that gap (law of attraction). Whatever the case, I believe what's made the biggest impact is my realizing that my life will not change by simply wishing or hoping it will. We are not to sit still and wait for ideal circumstances to fall onto our laps so that we can live the life we truly want. We are to be active participants in our own personal journey, present in every moment, having awareness of our thoughts, our actions and reactions in order to take responsibility and own the results of our life. Everything comes down to choices. We chose what we want, we act on it, we get it. Some people want to be victims, some people want to think they aren't even choosing anything at all, some people leave it for others to choose for them. I know I've done all of that in the past and have gotten predictable results. I want different results, I'm after a different kind of life. I feel incredibly blessed to be going through so many changes while carrying this precious little child and taking him/her along with me for the ride. It's been the sweetest journey. I know I will not be coming away from this pregnancy the same person I was going into it, and what a wonderful thing that is!

I'm probably not making much sense right now because I don't have the time to go into specific details about everything. I didn't even intend to say all that I did, but that's the way blogging goes sometimes. It's just such a mind blowing ride for those willing to sit in the drivers seat, kwim?!!! :-)

Music Widgets

I've added some of my favorite songs from one of my favorite bands, Portishead, to this blog. I've been listening to them since before I became a mommy :-) If you would rather not listen to it, simply click the pause button and it will stop.

If you would rather listen to some of my favorite Spanish tunes (YEAH!) stop the top player, scroll down a little and play the other one ;-)

Ideal Breastfeeding Kit...

Rixa, over on "Stand and Deliver", formerly "The True Face of Birth", posted an excellent blog about Enfamil's Breastfeeding (sabotage) Kit. It's so upsetting to me that the formula companies invest SO much in making sure your breastfeeding experience ends in you formula feeding your baby and then thanking them for all the help :-/ Go visit her blog and read what they're up to. Doesn't it anger anyone that a HUGE business is HARD at work against all of your intended efforts to breastfeed right from the start?!?! Are we really that disconnected and oblivious to the mile long list of reasons formula is a very VERY distant second to mama's milk and should only be used for the (rare) instances when a mom trully cannot breastfeed?!?!

Anyway, Rixa asks what your ideal breastfeeding kit would include, so here's mine:

1. The book, "So That's What They're For!", I've skimmed through a friends version and found the little that I read to be quite funny. I love to read while I'm nursing a little one

2. A stylish nursing necklace, like this one.

3. Some Lansinoh 100% Pure Lanolin, for those first few days of sensitive skin. It can also be used as a lip balm, and for lanolizing wool diaper covers.

4. A half dozen organic cotton (reusable) nursing pads.

5. A Bravado Basic Bra (in medium if your curious ;)). Okay so this is something most people wouldn't ask for but I don't care about silly little things like that. My first successful nursing relationship (baby #3) was full of uncomfortableness due to the fact that I didn't have any nursing-friendly attire. I was wearing underwire Victoria's Secret bra's with shirts that were difficult to nurse in. It wasn't until a friend talked to me about considering breastfeeding my profession, and wearing the proper uniform to make it more of a pleasant experience, that I realized the importance of embracing my role as a nursing mama. Especially with all the young and hip bra's available these days, no one has to look like they borrowed grandma's undies!

I already have a sling/pouch/wrap, and "Dr. Jack Newman's Guide to Breastfeeding" as well as La Leche League's "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding" otherwise I would've added these to my list as well. And I agree with Rixa on having a good stainless steel water bottle to keep mama hydrated :)

My Day

Every once in a while on my old blog I would have pictures taken of me throughout the day to show what a typical day of mine looks like, not all that exciting, but it's fun for me :) So today will be that day. We're pretty silly and like to have fun with everything so I'm sure you'll see that coming through in the pictures.

Here's my cuddly little sweetie pie wanting to be right next to mommy while she eats her breakfast :) He's my little darlin. We bought that (very expensive!) throw for the family room and Justus has adopted it as his "bankie" and wants to be wrapped up in it pretty much all day long.

Here I am enjoying my *favorite* breakfast, Oatbran, white pomelo and tea.

My tea is a mix of Chamomile, Raspberry Leaf and Nettle with added lemon juice. I usually make a big jug of iced tea out of this and mark the jug "Preggie Tea" so no one drinks it.
Today I'm just having it hot.

And this is my oatbran and everything I put in it. It's taken me a while to get use to the organic oatbran because it doesn't cook as quickly as the cheapy one. I've started soaking it overnight in rice milk and this seems to do the trick, it's probably better for digestion as well. So once it's cooked I add Udo's oil (omega fatty acids), Salba, raw pumpkin seeds, agave nectar and cinnamon.

On to our HONEY POMELO. If you've never had one of these wonderful fruits you MUST give it a try. I get them at Zehrs for about $2.99 each. Honey pomelo's are very nutritious and with health benefits for the lungs, throat and blood circulation. They taste like a grapefruit without any of the grapfruit bitterness. Eric wanted pictures of the how-to-eat-a-pomelo process so here it is...

There he is with the wrapper on his head LOL

So first you cut around the outer skin in a circle.

Then you begin peeling it down until that half of the shell comes off in one piece.

Then, when we've done that, the littles will play with the shells for the rest of the morning! They love making hats and bowls out of them. The smell coming off of the shells is so delicious. I often leave them out in the kitchen so the smell can freshen up the room.

Now it's ready to be eaten. It looks just like a grapefruit inside and the skin is really hard and bitter so you have to remove and eat the fleshy inside and discard the skin.

YUM

Time to take my morning vitamins and supplements. I'll be doing this 2 more times today but won't take pictures.

Time for 10 minutes on the treadmill. I know I won't have time everyday to fit in a long workout so I try to at LEAST get 10 minutes of walking/jogging. Feels so good to get that heart rate up :)

I was just gonna do my yoga when Justus came in with a stinky diaper. What would my life be really if it weren't for all the poopy breaks LOL And, yeah, we really didn't need a picture of this, but oh well.

Ok, he's all changed and Eric is watching him in his room so I'm gonna get to my yoga with the cutest little partner one could ask for :)

She just loves to move those hips! A true Puerto Rican ;-)

This is my favorite picture of the day. We had just finished doing kegels. How many women do kegels with their little girl? So cute. She giggled the whole time as she tried to concentrate on her vagina. Then she looks to me to make sure she is doing the right thing with her hands. Namaste, Seraphina.

Lunch time! Today I ate vegetable kamut rotini pasta with a tomato basil sauce, garlic and artichoke hearts. I am really NOT a fan of pasta sauces but it's alright once in a while. For snack I'm having a pink lady apple (my favorite!) and maybe an english cucumber a little later. At dinner time I'll need to make up for the lack of veggies eaten so far.

After lunch we all got ready and went out to run some errands. I found a good bowl to use for the placenta, $1 at Goodwill. :) This month I plan to start filling my birth bin. SO EXCITING!

We got home just in time to start dinner. Here's what I had.

I made a HUGE pot of brown rice with pigeon peas seasoned with oregano, turmeric, sea salt, garlic and pepper. I also had portabella mushrooms cooked in a sauce made of balsamic vinegar, extra virgin coconut oil and crushed garlic. For veggies, I steamed baby carrots, broccoli and cauliflower. YUM!

Here's Julianne gettin' some good Papa lovin'

Waiting patiently to be served.

We promised them a movie after dinner. So once all after meal chores were taken care of we all gathered in the family room and spent some time together watching a movie none of us had seen before. They were so tired afterward they walked themselves right up to bed, no fussing :) Lovely.

So that's it. Nothing majorly exciting. Tomorrow I'll have to catch up on some chores because as you can see I didn't get any laundry or anything done today. But for now... I'm off to read another chapter in "Painless Childbirth" and write some thoughts, intentions and commitments in my birth binder. Then, BED!

G'night!