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Weekly Reads: Eco-friendly Mama Resources

July 10, 2010 By Cara Terreri Leave a Comment

 

“Natural” doesn’t just start and end with pregnancy and birth… natural living can apply to your everyday actions, purchases and habits. There are so many simple things you can do to live a more earth-conscious, green-er lifestyle. Want some ideas? Take a few minutes and peruse some articles on my favorite green/natural living blogs:

Eco Child’s Play - “Green Parenting for Non-Toxic, Health Homes”

Simple Organic - “Back to Nature, Back to Basics”

Nature Moms Blog - “A Guide to Natural Family Life”

 

Filed Under All Recent Articles, Birth, Parenting, Pregnancy, Weekly Reads

Weekly Reads: Breastfeeding Support

June 26, 2010 By Cara Terreri 1 Comment

Ah, breastfeeding. Such a beautiful and wonderful thing. And while it is the most healthy and natural thing to do, it’s not always simple… especially in those first few days and weeks (it does become simple, I promise!). I was fortunate enough with my first to have a near flawless breastfeeding experience. But when my second came around, he was a different kind of nursling. If he would have been my first, I would have experienced a lot more frustration and worry. The bottom line? It is absolutely essential for new moms to have support during the early days of breastfeeding. Support can come in the simplest form — a trusted friend or sister who has or is breastfeeding — or from a trained lactation consultant who has answered nearly every kind of breastfeeding question.

Another key ingredient to breastfeeding success is education. Read up on the basics of breastfeeding, take a class and talk to other moms for a primer on the most important things to know.

It’s all about the latch! Check out the video in this post for some excellent images of a correct latch. @ Breastfeeding with Comfort and Joy

The dreaded nipple pain… can be avoided! @ Sixty Second Parent

Going back to work doesn’t have to mean giving up breastfeeding. Learn how! @ Lamaze

Find support quickly at the La Leche League mother-to-mother support forums. @ La Leche League

One of my favorite breastfeeding resource sites… find articles that address  nearly every question. @ kellymom

Filed Under All Recent Articles, Breastfeeding, Newborn, Parenting, Weekly Reads Tagged With breastfeeding, La Leche League, lactation consultant, latch

Weekly Reads: Pregnancy Gear

June 19, 2010 By Cara Terreri Leave a Comment

Body pillow, yoga-style pants, healthy pre-packaged snacks (plus the occasional box of donut holes) and naps were among my must-have items during both of my pregnancies. Since I’ve had my babies, I’ve come across some creative gear that I wish I would have known about. For example…

Gotta go, gotta go, gotta go RIGHT THIS MINUTE! There’s an app for that.  @ Cool Mom Picks

When you’re pregnant, needing a little “pick-me-up” generally refers to your sagging maternity pants. @ Cool Mom Picks

The Belly Bandit… more than meets the eye? Have heard pros and cons about this product and similar alternatives. What’s your take? @ MOMfinds 

A shower shield for tender and engorged breasts? Brilliant, I say! @ Upscale Baby Blog (don’t let the blog name fool you–they also review inexpensive alternatives)

 

What about your favorite and not-so-favorite maternity-must-haves? Be kind: post a comment and let other expecting moms in on your secrets!

Filed Under All Recent Articles, Breastfeeding, Gear, Postpartum, Pregnancy, Weekly Reads Tagged With postpartum body, Pregnancy, pregnancy gear, Weekly Reads

Weekly Reads: To Stay or Not to Stay… at Home

June 12, 2010 By Cara Terreri Leave a Comment

Long before becoming pregnant with my first, I decided that I would be a stay at home mom. As it turned out, before giving birth, I was doing regular freelance work from home.  After my oldest son was born, I took a short break for the first couple of months and then slowly picked up more freelance work. I later learned that working from home with a newborn is one of the easiest scenarios–in comparison to a toddler or preschooler, whew! Four years later, I maintain a part-time work from home/part-time stay at home mom schedule. It’s hectic at times, but I am so happy with my set up. I truly feel that, for me, it’s the best of both worlds. I have a ton of respect for full-time working moms, who are pulled in so many directions, and full-time stay at home moms who are “on” with their kids for several hours a day (kids are wonderful, but they’re hard work!).  

You might already know exactly what you want to do when baby comes, but if you’re a mom-to-be that’s on the fence about working or staying at home, read up, talk to other moms and do a little pre-baby soul-searching. Of course, I realize that for some, not working is not an option. If you’re a mom who needs to work but yearns to stay at home, consider asking your employer if there is any flexibility in your work schedule or perhaps search for other opportunities that are more baby-at-home friendly.

Here are a few good reads that may help along your journey.

A beautiful, inspirational thank-you note to working moms. @ 5 Minutes for Parenting  

See both sides and learn how to make the best choice. @ Parenting

This article cites strong opinions on both sides of the fence and encourages us all to just get along. @ The Huffington Post

Read one needs-to-work mom plea for support and word of advice. @ momlogic

Maternity leave, full-time, part-time, stay at home–learn your options. @ Lamaze

Filed Under All Recent Articles, Parenting, Weekly Reads Tagged With Parenting, stay at home mom, working mom

Weekly Reads: Finding “Me Time”

June 5, 2010 By Cara Terreri Leave a Comment

Whether you’re a new mom or one that’s been around the block, finding time for yourself — alone – is tough.  Parenthood is a demanding job that stretches the limits of your mind, body and spirit. Allowing yourself time to recharge, even in the simplest of ways (think stealing away in the bathroom to read your favorite magazine), is essential to surviving and enjoying your role as a parent. Take a few “me time” minutes now and read some suggestions from bloggers (and parents) on how to take some time for yourself.

Learn how to take quality “nothing time.”  @ Simple Mom

Listen to how some of the mom bloggers take time to unplug.  @ momversation

Indulge in a little pampering with these suggestions.  @ parentsconnect

Filed Under All Recent Articles, Newborn, Parenting, Weekly Reads Tagged With new mom, parenthood

Weekly Reads: Make Way for Baby

May 22, 2010 By Cara Terreri Leave a Comment

It’s easy to get so wrapped up in your pregnancy and thoughts about birth that you overlook one small detail: your BABY! In my first pregnancy, I was consumed with reading books, talking about and seeking answers to everything related to my pregnancy and upcoming birth. It wasn’t until the last couple of months of my pregnancy that I started reading about and preparing for life with a baby! And that’s probably a good thing — if I had started the process any earlier, my pregnancy brain wouldn’t have remembered anything after birth!

There are, of course, so many things to know about your new life with a baby, most of which you can only learn by living through the experience. But if you’re anything like me (and a few other moms I know), and you want to know what you’re in for, take a look at these links for some practical information and tips.

Yes, you can wear/carry your baby safely and easily. @ Natural Mom Loves Prada 

Babies need food, love… and money! Preparing for the financial aspect of parenthood. @ Wiser Pregnancy Blog

Going back to work or school while breastfeeding? You can do it! @ Lamaze

Rest up with baby during “The Golden Month.” @ Mamas on Bedrest & Beyond

How to handle hand-me-downs. @ Parent Hacks

Filed Under All Recent Articles, Newborn, Parenting, Weekly Reads

Weekly Reads: Words of Wisdom for First-Time Moms

May 7, 2010 By Cara Terreri Leave a Comment

Ah, the power of hindsight. As a mother of two, I often think about the many silly things I agonized over during the pregnancy, birth and newborn days of my first baby. I spent countless hours poring over books, magazines and, of course, the ‘Net. Spend a few minutes on Google and you’ll find a bounty of resources and articles—some good and some, well, less-than-spectacular. Here are a few that I wish I would have read in those early days.   

Things you don’t need for a new baby @ SimpleMom

Curing a plugged duct, simply & naturally @ Eco Child’s Play

Surviving [unsolicited] baby advice @ MOMformation (BabyCenter)

Set breastfeeding goals and stay flexible @ baby gooroo

Did I just pee… in my pants?! @ Parents Ask

Filed Under All Recent Articles, Breastfeeding, Health and well-being, Parenting, Pregnancy, Weekly Reads

Weekly Reads: Challenge Your Perception of Birth

May 1, 2010 By Cara Terreri Leave a Comment

Before birthing a first child, every woman has a perception of childbirth. For some of us, and personally speaking, it’s the fearful what-my-mother-told-me story that culminates in a “Get the epidural!” piece of advice, and yet for others it’s the peaceful and empowering story of a friend or sister who experienced a water birth in the privacy of her own home.

Challenging your own deep-seated beliefs about birth is the first step in becoming educated and open to the ways in which childbirth can progress. And chances are, if you’ve stumbled upon this site, you’re interested in learning how to find the beauty, power and—dare I say it—fun in childbirth (not like “getting a pedicure” fun; more like “running a marathon” fun). Take a look at these reads from around the ‘Net to see how others have challenged their views.

7 ways to have fun during labor @ Mothering

Pushing, breathing and birthing naturally, even with an epidural @ The Baby Dust Diaries

Birth plan 180° @ Dooce (and be sure to read parts 2 and 3 of this story—it’s beautiful!)

Following the urge to push – video @ Birthing Beautiful Ideas

Celebrity trend-setting: natural births @ CelebrityBabyScoop

Blessingway – a baby shower, revised @ SouleMama

Filed Under All Recent Articles, Birth, Weekly Reads