Mom I am!

Mom I Am
Written by the posters on the Mom's Online Breastfeeding Board

Little ones can squirm and pout,
make a fuss and scream and shout.
When hunger hits without a doubt,
Sit right down and whip it out.

I would nurse her if she cried,
I could nurse her far and wide,
Here and there or anywhere,
Up or down or on a chair.
I could nurse a teddy bear,
For this fine milk is very rare!!!

Would you nurse him on a train?
Would you nurse him on a plane?
Would you nurse him in a car?
Would you nurse him in a bar?

Yes, on a train, yes on a plane.
Yes, in a car, yes in a bar.
I would nurse him here or there.
I would nurse him anywhere!

I would nurse him in a booth,
On the stairs or near the roof.
Anywhere my boy cries out,
I pop the nummies in his mouth.

I can serve it by the ounce,
I can serve it while I bounce.
In a bottle or in a jar,
I can serve from near or far.

Would you, could you nurse in church?
Would you on a shaky perch?
Would you, could you, in the stands?
Could you nurse him with no hands?

I would, I could nurse in church,
Even on a shaky perch.
In the stands, with no hands,
I'll nurse my baby on demand.

Would you nurse him at the store?
Would you nurse him on the floor?
Would you nurse him on a ship?
Careful not to show your nip!
Would you nurse him while on skis?
Would you nurse her on your knees?
Would you nurse him in a tree?
Mommy milk is SO GOOD, you see.

Would you nurse him by the stream?
You could nurse him while you dream.
Can you nurse and clean the house?
Can you nurse and chase a mouse?
Can you nurse and cook a meal?
Mommy's milk is the real deal!

Would you nurse him while you sleep?
How about while you sweep?
Could you nurse him in a sling?
Would you, could you, while you sing?
How about upon a swing?
Mother's milk is just the thing!

Would you nurse her at the park?
Would you nurse him in the dark?
Would you nurse him with a Boppy?
And when your boobs are feeling floppy?

I would nurse him in the park,
I would nurse her in the dark.
I'd nurse with or without a Boppy.
Floppy boobs will never stop me.

Can you nurse with your seatbelt on?
Can you nurse from dusk till dawn?
Though she may pinch me, bite me, pull,
I will nurse her 'till she's full!

Can you nurse and make some soup?
Can you nurse and feed the group?
It makes her healthy strong and smart,
Mommy's milk is the best start!

Would you nurse him at the game?
Would you nurse her in the rain?
In front of those who dare complain?

I would nurse him at the game.
I would nurse her in the rain.
As for those who protest lactation,
I have a perfect explanation.
Mommy milk is tailor made
It's perfect food, you need no aid..

Some may scoff and some may wriggle,
Avert their eyes or even giggle.
To those who can be cruel and rude,
Remind them breast's the perfect food!

I would never scoff or giggle,
Roll my eyes or even wiggle!
I would not be so crass or crude,
I KNOW that milk's the perfect food!

We make the right amount we need,
The perfect temp for every feed.
There's no compare to milk from breast---
The perfect food, above the rest.

Those nursing smiles are oh so sweet,
Mommy milk is such a treat.
Human milk just can't be beat.

I will nurse, in any case,
On the street or in your face.
I will not let my baby cry,
I'll meet her needs, I'll always try.
It's not about what's good for you,
It's best for babies, through and through.

I will nurse her in my home,
I will nurse her when I roam.
Leave me be lads, leave me be ma'am.
I will nurse her, mom I am.

Here comes another BOY!

We had our ultrasound on wednesday and we are expecting the pitter patter of more little boy feet!
A lot of my friends have asked me how I feel about having another boy, and I can honestly say that I am indifferent. When I found out that Keenan was a boy I was scared. I had no idea what to do with a boy, and more particularly, the penis. I have two brothers and the older one was a really fussy baby. All my memories from my childhood have to do with him and crying.
I was so scared that Keenan would be like that.
Now that I have been the mom of a son for 2 yrs, I am completely prepared to have another one.
I do still want to have that daughter, but I am still young and have loads of childbearing years left to go. (especially when people are waiting until they are in their 40's to have kids).

Fall from Grace

I have learned alot these last few weeks/days. Things about myself, things about my friends, things about my peers, things about communities that I hold dear.
A couple weeks ago a friend of mine was treated very badly. To me the situation did not feel like it was rectified in a just or timely manner. Of course it was bogged down in office politics. I felt that it was my duty as a friend to step in and protect her character.
I am not the type of person that pussy foots, or plays office politics so I came right out and said what exactly had happened. Of course those playing the game were pissed, and when I tried to show them why I did what I did, I was shot down.
A shit disturber. A common gossip. I didn't really expect much else. (well I actually did, but now in hindsight I am not sure why).
The reason why all of this affected me so much is that I am an idealist. I really thought that the group of women that I converse and call my peers were better than highschoolers. I thought that as we grow older we are more compassionate, we have more knowledge, more integrity. I now know that is not the case.
No matter what group you belong to women are still that women. Catty, bitchy, and all that.
I had placed my Attachment Parenting counterparts on a somewhat higher level than all other women. That they would never treat another in their group with disrespect or callousness. I was shown that I was wrong, not once but time and time again.
I really learned from this. I learned not to be so idealistic. I learned not to place such high expectations on other women. I learned that people just want to believe what they believe regardless of the facts. (and this is why politics move so slowly as the Shit Disturber is the one who gets shot).
I have realized that I have placed too much time and effort into a group of people that I thought were just like me. Same morals, same values, same need for justice...I was really wrong. Just because these moms don't CIO and respond to their children's needs doesn't mean that they are like me.
I honestly think that few are. It's sad really. I feel alone alot. That I care so much about people and our human race and I get jilted again and again. Makes it hard to want to help. Just makes me feel like moving to an island somewhere with my family and letting the rest of the world to go to shit. (like it will anyway).
I do have wonderful friends from my AP community, and not all of the women need to be painted with the same brush, I am just feeling disenchanted with the world.
If my friends read this I want to thank them again for all of the unspoken/spoken support they have offered me. If not for them I would just move away and wash my hands of all the drama and bullshit...and most of all the hypocrisies.
I mean really, call me names...but really once you do that you are just being a shit disterber, a common gossip, a hypocrite.
ps. I know this is the most colourful language I have ever used on my blog, but this is my journal, and I am just writing what I feel. From the deepest part of my head and heart. Those who know me, know that I must be mad if I am swearing. lol

Walk in my shoes says Paramedic.

This is re printed without permission from the Health Sciences Association of Alberta newsletter, written by a paramedic who is responding to the backlash from the pubic regarding the City of Calgary EMS (surrounding areas) impending strike. (Please SUPPORT your local EMS).

I thought that it would be good for all of you to see what Paramedics/ EMS workers (like my husband) have to deal with while being paid $27> on average an hour.

I am writing to express my disappointment in an editorial that I read in my local newspaper. The article complained that the paramedics in Flagstaff county should not strike and seemed to suggest that neither should they be unionized. This opinion is borne of a deep ignorance of the nature of paramedicine in this province. After convocating from university with a B.Sc., I spent another five years of studying day and night, sleeping on stretchers and working for a little as $50 per 24 hour day to become a paramedic. This is not the two week first aid course that the public assumes that it is!

The editorial questioned our "dedication and commitment". Everyday I show up to work and make less money than the high-school student pouring coffee at Tim's. This is a demonstration of my commitment. When you've had to intubate a newborn baby, pronounce someone's grandmother dead, or choose who lives and who dies because there are not enough resources to deal with the mess on our highways, then you and I can have an informed discussion about my commitment.

You say that we should not be an essential service and be denied our right to strike. You don't realize that we've already been denied the rights and legislated labour standards afforded every other profession in this province. We work shifts ranging from 24 to 96 hours in length sometimes with no breaks at all. When I show up at your house and have to make a decision about how best to keep you breathing when I haven't slept for 50 hours and haven't eaten for 18 hours, then maybe you'll have second thoughts about denying me my right to fight for decent working conditions.

Finally, the editorial says that paramedics have no need to strike. If we are not happy where we are, then we should just pack up and go somewhere else where the pay and conditions are better. Be careful what you wish for! There are only about 800 practicing paramedics in Alberta. Many services are cutting back to basic life support [no drugs/painkillers] because of paramedic shortages and it's only going to get worse. The whole country is starting to demand paramedics educated at the Alberta standard and if Alberta doesn't remain competitive our paramedics will leave. Who are you going to call then?

Sincerely,
Trystan Donnelly
Registered Emergency Paramedic

Melts my Heart

Here is a nice story for you all.

Today was a difficult day for me, as Keenan was up really early (for
me) and it was a long day. (no nap)

It seemed as the day got later and later he was just pushing all my
buttons (except I really shouldn't have been doing laundry when he is
awake)...

So I finally get him to go down at 10:15pm, and was getting annoyed
with him that he would not stay laying down, that he would just keep
talking, and singing.

I kept telling him, "head on your pillow Keenan. It is bedtime,
goodnight Keenan." I was feeling really exasperated. (and SUPER hungry).

Keenan then proceeded to put his head on my chest and said "mommy best
friend"

I said, "mommy is your best friend?"

He said, "uh huh. mommy best friend."

My heart melted. I said "you are my best friend too." I then didnt
care how long it took him to fall asleep, as I was content just to
hold my little guy for as long as he needed.

I love when they give you a reality check.

Passing Judgement

I was reading a friend of mines blog and the comments on her latest post really bothered me. Not that I actually care what this anonymous person thinks, but the fact that someone actually took the time to put my friend down.

Of course it was a comment on AP, and how she must know everything...but I think, maybe she does? Is it so wrong for a parent, any parent to be truly informed when making decisions for their child. It is not like we are only care takers of children, these small people will one day become mothers and fathers themselves and the way we treat them is the way that they will treat the world when they grow and leave our nests.

I know that I personally would want my son to know that I will always come when he needs me. Regardless of age or time or place. And that way he will always be there for his wife and his children. He won't feel the empty void that so many people feel because of the way they were parented as children, and this includes me to some extent, as my father was not available.

Kinda getting off topic ;) but basically can we not just let people do what they want with their children and leave the sarcasms and judging to bigger things such as global warming, and war?

Because really, does it really matter how I or you parent? How does it affect me, personally in anyway? (other than when my son marries his wife and she has a void to fill, I will be the one to help my son fill it.)

Real Mothers

Real Mothers don't eat quiche; they don't have time to make it.
Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils are probably in the sandbox.
Real Mothers often have sticky floors, filthy ovens and happy kids.
Real Mothers know that dried play dough doesn't come out of shag carpets.
Real Mothers don't want to know what the vacuum just sucked up.
Real Mothers sometimes asks "why me?" and get their answer when a little voice says, "because I love you best".
Real Mothers know that a child's growth is not measured by height or years or grade..... it is marked by the progression of Mama to Mommy to Mom.

He is growing up.

Keenan has been nursed for just about 2 years, we are in the process
of weaning and are down to 3 times a day. When he wakes up, for a nap
(if he has one), and before bed.

Now that we nurse in another room and then go to bed, kiss him
goodnight and then say "nite nite Keenan, I love you" he then lies
down and goes to sleep.

Tonight was the same. After I said "Nite, nite Keenan, I love you" I
told him that it was bed time and pretended to sleep.

He played for a couple minutes and said "mom" a couple times. He then
said "shhhh. mommy seep-in" he then took his bear and said "ni ni
bear" "kiss" , and then his moose "ni ni moose" , then "monkey
seep-in". After he put all his stuffies in the order he wanted in our
bed he then said/sang "tinkle tinkle star" he layed down and went to
sleep.

At 22months my baby has left and a little boy has emerged. I am so
happy, because the transition was so smooth, (because of my parenting
style I believe), but at the same time I am so sad, because my baby is
growing up!

Now, don't get me wrong I am not sad that he is growing up, because
the alternative is unthinkable, but I am melancholic. I guess I will
just have to try harder to have another "baby".

It's been a while...

Well, after starting my own business I have been doing nothing but working/advertising/ networking 24/7.
I really have to learn how to stop.
Balancing home life vs. work life (when you work at home) is almost impossible.
Keenan is just about 2... in may, and so I am starting to plan his birthday party.
I really have nothing of interest to talk about as life is so boring in the winter.
I can't wait until summer, the zoo, walks, the river, Warm air....ah.
Go Away Snow.

Lullabye

I just thought of this while putting Keenan down, maybe we could use something like it…just a thought.

Sung to the tune of Rock a Bye Baby

Rock a Bye Baby

In Mommy’s arms.

Mama will Keep you safe from all harm.

Mama will stay and watch over you,

Until you are sleeping

Mommy loves you!

Or

Rock a Bye Baby

Snug in my bed,

When you get tired,

Lay down your head.

Mama won’t leave you,

So fall asleep,

Mama will be here,

Let’s all go to sleep.

Happy New Year

I have not been good at keeping up with my posts. It's not that I am not on the computer as I am, ALL the time...well not all the time, but quite a bit once the little boy is in dreamland.
I have been trying to spend more "quality time" with K as he is starting to actually play. He got a bunch of toys that mommy can play with him together with.
I am also trying to stay more positive. As per http://thesecret.tv/ Basically "The Secret" is the law of attraction. If you think positivley positive things will come to you. I am noticing that I have been saying No too much lately as my boy is starting to "tantrum" over anything and everything. Well, anything is chocolate, and everything is sugar.
So no choc or sugar after the holidays.
Another "resolution" I have is to go to sleep before midnight....so I really have to go to bed.
ttfn

Soapbox

I am a born and bred Albertan. There is something about us that make us extremely loyal to the cities we call home.
I currently live in Calgary. And Calgary has a tendency to be the most loyal of all the cities in Alberta. Almost to a fanatical sense. Calgary Vs. Edmonton, Calgary Vs. Toronto, Calgary Vs. Vancouver etc.
We have quite a booming economy right now with a lot of new families coming to Calgary to live the "Alberta Advantage".
What gets me on my soapbox is the insentient whining that I have to hear over and over again about how great the city/province was where they came from and how backward Calgary is.
To me it's like, if you don't like something, change it.
No one twisted your arm to move to Calgary and if midwives are paid for in Ontario or BC, yes that is great that they are, BUT they are not covered in Alberta, and they won't be as we have a conservative government, so suck it up and move back to Ontario.
This may sound harsh, but I can't tell you how many times in the last week I have heard someone complain about this or that in Calgary. It's like biting the hand that feeds you. It just really irritates me.
And to top it off these people that complain the most about how horrible Calgary is will make all their money here and then move back to Ont or BC or wherever to retire.
I think I have a personal problem with this because I am from Calgary and I am really loyal, and although I don't like all the policies and procedures that happen here, I don't like hearing people bash my city.
I love Calgary!!!

Been a while...

Well, I thought that no one read this thing.
Apparently I was wrong.
So now you have all been patiently waiting to see how Keenan is doing.
Well...the hospital was the pits, but it did give him the little "umph" he needed to fight this dreadful virus. I also gave him some Podophyllum (a homeopathic) from Donna, our homeopath. That seemed to work really well.
Now, I don't understand everything about homeopathy, but what I do know is that you treat the symptoms, and you use the law of similars, so you would use a plant/herb that would cause vomiting to treat vomiting. The thing is though, is that if you do not have the symptoms and you take the remedy you can cause the symptoms to arrive. So you must be very careful when administering the remedy.
Keenan seems okay now, but I am crossing my fingers as the pox is flying around the AP group. And while I would like him to catch it sometime, I don't want him poxing at Christmas.

Sick Boy

What I have been told is that Keenan has Rotovirus. Which is super
common and super contagious for kids under 5. Stats say that 90% of
kids will get it by age 5.
There are only 2 places that I can think of where he could have caught
this as it is only transfered by feces.
1. Shopping Cart
2. Change Table in Restaurant.
I will be carrying antiseptic wipes to wipe down change tables and
shopping carts from now on. I would urge you all to do the same, and
to be extra vigilant about washing your hands as well as your babes.

This experience has also made me reaffirm the way I (personally)
parent. I saw countless numbers of sick kids at the children's. Keenan
was one of the older children, and none of them were nursed. Even the
new ones. All I saw was bottles (and these children were not bottle
fed with love, more like shove a bottle in your mouth so you stop
crying). Pacifiers on every child, dragging on the hospital floor and
put back in the mouth. Stroller after stroller and screaming babies.
It was overwhelming.
And the comments on my wrap and my nursing. I cant tell you how
invaluable those two things have been. The doctors said that he would
be in such worse shape if he had not been nursed.
And the wrap. If you don't have one I would STRONGLY suggest you get
one. The mamas at the hospital that were holding their sick babes,
because all they could do to calm them was to stand and rock. A sling
or a wrap would have helped them so so much.
Keenan would only sleep on me, while he had been sick. I LOVE my wrap.

I think the worst is over. We are using homeopathics and they seem to
be working as there is nothing the medical world can do for rotovirus.

We will be quarantined until after the weekend.
Take care of yourselves, your children, and each other.

Letter From Delta

Here is the reply to my previous post.

Dear Mrs. [my last name]

Thank you for your e-mail to Delta Air Lines.

Delta Air Lines is disappointed to hear about the removal of the passenger onboard Freedom Airlines Flight 6160. As you may know, they are one of our Delta Connection partners.

Delta supports a mother?s right to breastfeed her baby onboard our aircraft. Please let me assure you that we are working with Freedom Airlines on their investigation of this matter. Following the results of this internal investigation, Delta will work with Freedom (a subsidiary Mesa Air Group) to ensure that their procedures mirror Delta?s service standards.

Please accept our apology for the poor impression, and we welcome further opportunities to be of service.

Sincerely,

Lewis Wright
Online Customer Support Desk
http://www.delta.com

Breastfeeding Mother Kicked Off Plane!

Below is the letter that I wrote to Delta airlines regarding

http://mothering.com/sections/news_bulletins/november2006.html#emily

Re: Flight 6160 from Burlington, Vermont to New York's La Guardia

To whom it may concern,

By this time I am sure that you have received countless emails from angry mothers demanding restitution for the way that Emily Gillette was treated by your flight attendant. I will not shout and name call; I will only offer you facts.
Fact - Nursing during liftoff, or before and during landing can significantly calm a baby/toddler who has no idea why his ears have suddenly started to hurt. I understand that the flight was not taking off at the time of the incident, but I want to remind you that mothers are keenly aware and therefore anxious about the way that their child is going to act when taking off/landing. I believe that nursing before takeoff is a preemptive strike so that the child is comfortable and not disturbing other guests when it comes time to takeoff.
Fact - The World Health Organization recognizes the need of children to breastfeed up until 4yrs at a minimum. As the mother of a nursing toddler it is my belief that Emily was discriminated against because she was nursing her toddler (22mos) and not an infant. If it is a policy for your airline to have a child in arms while traveling under 2 years old, there should be no issue with the child nursing in arms as he is where he was supposed to be. IF however the child was in his own seat, or not belted in and it was a safety issue, then I could MAYBE see where the stewardess was coming from, but because this was not the case and it was because she was "uncomfortable, and offended" then perhaps she should find another job. Or at least educate herself and become more tolerant.
I understand that the United States are very archaic when it comes to womens rights for breastfeeding and for children's rights to breastfeed, and I could go on and on about violations and discriminations, but I am sure that you have gotten plenty of those emails in the last few days, so I will not comment further.
I only had one other question. If this stewardess was offended or felt uncomfortable because of someone's race/ethnicity or sexual orientation, would they be thrown off the plane as well?
I will not fly Delta or any affiliates until this issue is resolved and Emily is compensated to the full extent. I want the stewardess to publicly apologize for the way that the Gillette family was treated.

Sincerely,
Alisha

A Glimpse

C.A.A.D.D.


If you have been secretly wondering what is wrong with me, I now have the
answer...

Recently, I was diagnosed with C. A. A. D. D. (Child Activated Attention
Deficit Disorder)

This is how it manifests:

I decide to do the laundry. As I start toward the basement, I notice that
there are cheerios all over the floor and my car keys are in the cereal bowl


I decide to pick up the cheerios before I do the laundry. I lay my car keys
down on the counter, put the cheerios in the trash can under the counter,
and notice that the trash can is full. So, I decide to take out the trash.

But then I think, since I'm going to be near the mailbox when I take out the
trash I may as well pay the bills first. I take my checkbook off the table,
and see that there is only one check left, my extra checks are in my desk in
the office/playroom, so I go to my desk where I find a sippy cup full of
juice. I'm going to look for my checks, but first I decide I should put the
sippy cup in the refrigerator to keep it cold.

As I head toward the kitchen with the sippy cup a vase of flowers on the
counter catches my eye - they need to be watered. I set the sippy cup on the
counter, and I discover baby wipes that I've been searching for all morning.
I decide I better put them back in the bathroom, but first I'm going to
water the flowers.

I set the wipes back down and splash some water on the flowers, but most of
it spills on the floor. So, I get some paper towels and wipe up the spill.

Then I head down the hall trying to remember what I was planning to do.

At the end of the day: the laundry isn't washed, the bills aren't paid,
there is a warm cup of juice sitting on the counter, the flowers aren't
watered, there is still only one check in my checkbook, I can't find the
wipes, and I don't remember what I did with the car keys.

Then when I try to figure out why nothing got done today, I'm really baffled
because I know I was busy all day long, and I'm really tired.

I realize this is a serious problem, and I'll try to get some help for it,
but first I'll check my e-mail.

Do me a favor, will you? Forward this message, because I don't remember to
whom it has been sent.

Don't laugh - if this isn't you yet, your day is coming.

Disapointment

Today was the start of a weekly mom's only coffee date, for the moms in my area. I was so excited about it because I really wanted to go and meet up with my friend P who just went back to work. I haven't seen her in almost 2 weeks.
I thought that Chris was coming home on Friday night so that I would have a sitter no problem on Saturday morning. I was mistaken. He didn't get home til tonight.
I called my mom to see if she could sit, and she said no because she is not feeling well. So, needless to say, I missed the coffee date.
It really sucks too because Chris has been working so much and I really felt like I needed a break from parenting Keenan 24/7 for weeks on end.
That is the worst part of being an EMS wife. The shifts. Even when he is home we are so disconnected because we never see eachother, and because we are both working so much, we have nothing exciting to talk about. And then, if I have plans with friends and they happen to fall on a day when he is home, I cancel so that I can spend time with him...and then we just end up wasting the day. So when I really need a break from the home life, I cancel and then he goes to work, and I am stuck with Keenan alone for another X amt of days. It's so sporadic as well, somedays he is gone for a day, then 2 or 3, at the most 4 and then it starts over again.
And like I said we are not as close as we once were, he thinks alot of it comes from the fact that I am addicted to the computer, but that is not the case. I DO go on the computer after I put Keenan to bed as I had no time during the day to go on, and then I use the computer as an escape, to talk to friends or get caught up on workstuff. It's my release for the day. De-Stresses me.
And boy, sometimes do i need that!

Weaning

Keenan is 17 months old, (18months in 2 days), and I am getting an overwhelming pressure to wean. My hubby, my mom, my inlaws, my siblings, my non-ap friends. We talked about this at the last LLL meeting and the behaviour that everyone is uncomfortable is the "mom, booob" and the reaching into my shirt and "twiddling" (think of it like tuning a radio station).
I have real mixed feelings about this. Somedays, I want Keenan to nurse less as I am tired or busy cooking dinner and he wants to nurse all the time. But is he wanting to because I am so busy and he is trying to reconnect?
Other days, I think he is still a baby, not even two and nursing is so special between us. And I dont want it ever to stop.
And then I think, it will have to stop sometime, so I can have another baby.

Business

I started a Parent Education company and it launches on Saturday at the Natural Family Fair. I am so excited and scared $h!tless as well. I have so much to do and hardly any time to do it.
You should see the state of my house. Chris is at work (again) and it has all gone to h#ll in a handbasket. I am going to have to work my @$$ off before he gets back so that he doesnt complain about how I sit on my butt all day.
Which I really didnt do this time, as I have been super busy. But I dont think that my family realizes how serious I am about this business and how I really want it to take off.
I feel like I am being pulled in so many directions.
Finishing my practicum, doing business stuff, doing fair stuff, watching Keenan, cleaning house, going to the doctor for health concerns (lost 20lbs in 1month), and I am in two courses for general education. (homeopathic for kids and fertility awareness).
Needless to say my plate is overflowing. And I am up until 1am everynight finishing things and doing things on the computer that I wanted to do all day but couldnt because Keenan wants to play kneebouncers.com
And then I am up at least once to nurse and he is up for the day by 6:30 am. (Did I mention he doesnt go to sleep til 10pm?!? DAMN Daylight Savings)
I find that once you finally get them on a schedule, something happens and it all goes to $#!T!!!
(Can I swear enough on this post?)