Weekend Reading: Stuff I'm passionate about! 9/30

Here are some of my favorite finds I've found this week.  I'll be honest, this week I've purposely picked things that I'm passionate about!   Enjoy!

Womens healthcare: Rebekah shares how Moon Cups are helping women burdened with horrible obstetric fistulas in Ethiopia.  Fistulas are quite often caused because many young girls' underdeveloped bodies can't handle labor and during the prolonged labor, they suffer tears in their rectum or bladder.  It causes them to leak urine or feces, leaving not only a stench, but it also leaves many women paralyzed and ostracized.

Baby-wearing: Vanessa at Jewels & Treasures has a giveaway for a Mei Tei carrier!

World milk-sharing week this week: Jennifer's son is born still and in spite of her tragic loss, she spends her days postpartum pumping and donating her breastmilk.

Happy weekend and happy reading! 

Wordless Wednesday: Reading with Pigtails

Of course, it's a book about BABIES (her obsession) and how mothers wear their babies in other countries. :)

I've been labeled

Breastfeeder.

No Poo.

Crunchy.

Co-sleeper.

Green.

Baby led solids.

Baby wearing.

Natural living.

Organic.

Weird.

All of these words I have used or others have used to describe me.  I've been labeled, but it doesn't bother me.  Labels don't have to be a bad thing. 

Many people don't like labels.  They don't want to have to be forced to fit inside a box, made of perfect square corners.

I don't fit in all of those boxes nicely, nor do I feel compelled that either you or I need to fit into those boxes perfectly.

At what point is someone labeled as someone who practices attachment parenting?  If they co-sleep?  If they wear their baby?  But if they use disposable diapers, they no longer fit in the uber cool attachment parenting club?  Meh.

I 'wear' my baby, but I put her in the shopping cart as well.
We co-sleep but she starts the night (and sometimes stays) in her own crib.
I'm crunchy but I have my fair share of hand-me-down American Eagle and Hollister clothes.
We do baby led solids but my daughter has had jarred baby food.
I eat many organic foods but I have a weakness for McDonald's fries.
I'm natural, but you won't see me without makeup and highlighted hair.


I don't fit in the boxes perfectly, and I'm completely fine with that: it's better that way!  I feel free to be who God has made me to be!

Do you feel confined by labels?  Which labels don't you mind?  Are there any labels you wish you didn't have?

Taking a baby camping at a music festival

A music festival may be the last place you envision your little one.  If loud music, heat, dust, bugs, dirt, strangers, camping and a baby make you want to run the other way, this post may not be for you. :-) 

However, if good music, friends, camping, laughter, camp food, your kids and summer love sound like fun, bringing a baby camping to a music festival might be a great fit!

Enjoying the music at the mainstage

Perhaps some people may think it's ludicrous to bring a child to an outdoor music festival, but judging from all the families I saw camping with small children, I'm guessing it's more popular than one can imagine.

Bringing a child (or perhaps several) camping at a music festival can be a wonderful time! My daughter was enthralled with all the music and loved interacting (or being a complete ham) with different faces that she's never seen before.

Here are some pointers I learned on our most recent excursion!

 

1. Plan ahead:

(I missed this step entirely, as 40 minutes before the group was leaving to camp at a Christian music festival and my daughter and I were contentedly situated at home, I decided to go.  Oops.  Then I ran around my house throwing things into reusable grocery bags, hoping and praying that I grabbed everything necessary.) 

• Check the weather
• Pack for all situations (more on this in a bit)
• Know who performs where and when to optimize shows that you want to see with your child's naptime or mealtimes
• Is this event family friendly?  Do they have additional children's programs or play areas?
• Plan where you will camp.  Is it close to the concert areas?  Do you want to be close to the concert areas?  Are the restrooms nearby?  Can you park close by?
• Get familiar with a few key stores or restaurants in the city, in case your baby needs a change of scenery, or maybe you need a break!

2. Provide additional entertainment:

Your child may not find your favorite events all that wonderful.  We had a day and a half of rain, leaving us with a muddy disaster - something I didn't really want my daughter playing in because I didn't want to clean it up! 

• Your child's favorite snacks are a wonderful distraction when you're both at your end
• A portable DVD player for a rainy (or muddy or unbearably hot) day
• A few favorite toys, for entertainment in the car as well as when your attention needs to be elsewhere (like preparing a meal)

Muddy mess while camping!

3. Plan on being alone and/or missing events:

• With a child, you simply cannot be a part of every single thing that you want to be a part of.  Is it still worth it to you if you have to spend 2-3 hours of your day back at your campsite while your child naps?  Is it still worth it if you miss you favorite concert?
• Bring something for YOU to do while your child naps or has downtime at the campsite

4. Bring a stroller AND a baby carrier:

I can't emphasize this point enough!  There were times when my daughter was too hot, I was too hot, and she just wanted to be in the stroller and getting fresh air.  There were times when she just wanted to be held.  There were times when I needed to nurse her, but I was going to be late for a concert if I sat down and fed her.  The carrier was perfect for killing two birds with one stone: nursing your baby, while walking to or from your destination.  She even ended up sleeping in her baby carrier during one of the concerts!  And don't forget, a stroller makes a great pack mule, far better than your husband! ;-)

5. Pack right, not light:

• You simply can't have too many blankets.  We ended up have very cold weather one of the days, and every single blanket I had was used in some way, shape or form on that day
• Bring cold weather clothes.  Again, unforseen cold weather left my daughter wearing the same clothes two days in a row
• Bring warm weather clothes
• Swimsuit
• A hat for baby
• Natural bug repellent
• Sunblock, if you use it
• Umbrella
• A small fan if you have a power source
• A pack and play or playpen for your child - for sleeping and for times when you don't want them getting near dangerous items like a camp stove
• Earplugs (although my daughter ended up spending every moment trying to get those things out of her ears, and eventually even ate one)
• I'm a cloth diapering Mama, but in this instance, bring the disposables!
• Wipes  
• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!  Make sure your cooler is filled with cold water, and that your diaper bag has it's fair share so you don't have to keep trekking back to the campsite to get more water.
• Bring your camera - after all, you are making great memories

6. Make friends everywhere:

• You need your neighbors to be your friends!  They'll love you and your loud child a lot more when 6 AM rolls around and your child is fully awake and being loud!
• Become friends with people around you at the concerts.  They will not only lend a little more grace to you and your cutie, but they can help be a watchful eye (like notify you when your daughter eats her earplug).

Have you gone camping or brought your child to a music festival?  What tips to you have about surviving camping or a music festival with a small child? 

ERGO Baby Giveaway Winner!

 

Congratulations to Nicole O., aka PharmaMom, who will soon be the proud owner of the ERGO baby carrier of her choice!  Nicole (yes, I stalked you just a wee bit), has a great blog devoted to healthy living, and a very active life with a little girl and another little one on the way!  I'm sure she'll make great use out of it!

I ended up leaving town for a few days at the last minute for a music festival, and am just getting my bearings about me, otherwise I would've posted the winner sooner!  I hope you all didn't lose too much sleep in anticipation of this big announcement!

Thanks to all who participated, and don't forget: just because you didn't win doesn't mean you can't have your own ERGO baby carrier!  You can purchase an ERGO baby carrier at any time and see why this is my #1 baby item!

ERGObaby Carrier Review & Giveaway CLOSED

I think I've unlocked one of the greatest secrets to minimal stress parenting with a baby.  Yep, it's true.  This new Mama has a great secret that I'm about to share with you all! 

I've previously posted about my most recommended baby items (birth to 4 months and 4 months to 8 months), and those posts have been very popular.  I know when I was a new mom I read reviews and asked other moms what their favorite products were. 

I think as moms we are looking for stuff to make our lives normal and natural, all while being convenient and getting the most for our money AND while still taking care of our babies.

In honor of my daughter India's first birthday, I've chosen ONE item that I have deemed as a must-have, and amazingly, this company has offered to do a giveaway!  If you are only going to choose one item from my Top Ten lists, or want to know what the most useful item is with a new baby, this is the item!

My daughter at 6 months, in my favorite baby item: an ERGO baby carrier

The ERGO baby carrier!

Why do I think the ERGO baby carrier is the number one item that every parent should have?

• Baby can nurse, sleep and take in the world while being close to parents
• Baby decides who, how and when to interact
• Mom gets a lot done
• Instantly calms child
• Comforting for both parents and child
• Ergonomically designed to safely carry your child
• Baby's weight is evenly distributed, no soreness or discomfort!
• Suitable from birth to toddlerhood
• One size fits most adults
• Can be put on without any outside assistance
• Multiple carry positions: back carry, front carry, hip carry

When India was younger, she loved being nestled close to mein the front carry and took many naps in the ERGO carrier while I was doing dishes, laundry, cooking, and going on walks.  Now, at almost 12 months old, she loves the back carry, in which she can look around and take part in everything, but still be close to me!

Those are just a few of the reasons why I love the ERGO baby carrier and recommend it as the number one baby item for parents!  This is an investment that is highly useful and I consider it not only my number one, must-have baby item, but one of the most useful things in my house!

Buy it!

ERGO has many great designs and colors! Go check them out, you won't be sorry!

Win it!

ERGO has graciously offered one Uniquely Normal Mom reader an ERGO baby carrier of their choice (excluding the Petunia Pickle Bottom designs. Open to US & Canada addresses only)!

Mandatory Entry:

Visit ERGO and tell me which carrier you would pick if you won! Make sure you leave you email address!

Additional Entries (leave a separate comment for each, each worth one entry unless specified):

1. 'Like' Uniquely Normal Mom on Facebook

2. 'Like' ERGO baby carrier on Facebook and tell them Uniquely Normal Mom sent you

3. Subscribe to Uniquely Normal Mom via email (3 entries, on right hand side of blog)

4. Tell me how an ERGO baby carrier would help you and why you want to win this

5. Share this post on Facebook, stumbleupon, Buzz, whatever, and leave the link in the comment

6. Follow Uniquely Normal Mom on Google Friend Connect

7. Follow ERGO baby on Twitter

8. Follow Uniquely Normal Mom on Twitter

9. Tweet the following, or something similar (one entry per day):

    #Win an @ERGObaby carrier! #Giveaway on @uniquelynormal1 http://tiny.cc/g0rr9

10. Follow Uniquely Normal Mom on Networked Blogs

11. Blog about this giveaway and leave the link in the comment (5 entries)

The details: Giveaway ends on Friday, July 15th at 11:59 AM CST.  Winner will be chosen at random via random.org.  Winner will be notified via email and has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

I received no compensation from ERGO baby for this review and giveaway, this is my honest love for ERGO baby carriers!

The Best Baby Items (4 months to 8 months)

I love lists!  You can read my top ten list, Birth to 4 months here, but many of those items are still on my favorites list and are still loved and used daily. 

Here are a few new items that have made my four month to eight month favorites!  If you are looking for unique baby gifts, these are highly coveted in my opinion. :-)

In no particular order my Top 10 Baby Items...

1. Sophie the Giraffe -

India loves Sophie.  I don't have to say much more about it, because if you've ever met my daughter, Sophie is never too far from her.  Sophie is a #1 seller for children's toys, and I can see why.  I've never met a child who didn't love her.  She's made of natural rubber and painted with food paint, so she is safe for baby to chew on.  She is one of the best items for a new baby, or an 8-month old.

2. ERGO Baby Carrier, or other soft structure carrier -

I reviewed my six baby carriers and ultimately, concluded that my ERGO baby carrier is my favorite. India has now reached the point where she tried to escape from my other carriers and other carriers don't provide the needed support for this growing, active little girl!  I LOVE my ERGO baby carrier!

3. Evenflo Exersaucer -

India hated the infant swing and bouncer (read: I never got to shower), and I'm not one to put a baby in one of those, unless I will be out of reach - getting the mail, changing clothes, etc. It surprised me greatly that India actually enjoyed her Exersaucer! Although she isn't so crazy about being confined in it so much now, at her peak, she would play in it for 20 minutes, which would let me get a few things done sans baby.

4. Conair Sound Machine -  

Another thing I WASN'T going to do. But this machine has been wonderful. When India hears it, she knows it's time for bed, and cuddles close instantly. I teach piano lessons from home, and those coincide with her nap, so this helps drown out the sound in our small house.

5. Munchkin Mesh Feeders -

While we do infant led feeding, infant led solids, baby led weaning, infant directed feeding (really, someone needs to come up with ONE name for it and spread the word!), mesh feeders are great for stuff that she could too easily choke on.  When we have beef, she eats if from here or in pieces that I tear up for her.  She also has bits of frozen food in here too, like Meshy Boobsicles. :-)  It's perfect for when I wash dishes or clean the kitchen.  She can safely eat without me having to watch every bite. 

6. Good, quality teething toys -

India's favorites are her Sophie, her Babi Corolle Babipouce doll, and ImagiPlay wooden teethers, all of which smell SO good!  We don't allow many plastic toys in our house because of BPA, PVC and phthlates .  The US has made great strides in beginning to eliminate the endocrine disruptors from bottles and pacifiers, and some countries have even made it illegal, but unfortunately, many toys still contain these plastics.  Since these toxins enter a body easily by the mouth, and children put EVERYTHING in their mouths, we've decided to use healthier toys.  Ironically, India chooses the healthy toys over ones made of plastic.   



7. Organic Coconut Oil from Tropical Traditions -

Yes, you read that correctly.  Why coconut oil on a list of favorite baby items??  Since phthlates, one of the toxins mentioned above, is found in most perfumes, lotions, shampoos, etc (even baby products), we mostly use coconut oil for a moisturizer after baths.  Coconut oil is awesome for diaper rash, is safe for cloth diapers and is killer (no pun intended) on yeast rashes.  We also use it for cooking, and India loves to eat it in its semi-solid state.

8. Green Mountain Diaper Products - (previous top 10 item)  

The more I hear about Green Mountain Diapers and the more I use them and they still look the same, the more I love this feels-like-next-door-neighbors company!  I have several items on my 'drool' list, and love how Karen really listens to her customers.  Don't forget the SnuggleWool blankets that they carry!  We LOVE ours!

9. aden + anais swaddle blankets - (previous top 10 item)

Although India isn't swaddled any longer, these blankets are still used for everything!  Peek-a-boo, nursing cover, changing mat, chew toy, oh yeah, and blanket!  Talk about versatile!






10. Earth Mama Angel Baby Bottom Balm - (previous top 10 item)

This balm has saved our butts so many times!  It's absolutely perfect for clearing up the slightest bit of diaper rash and it's safe for cloth diapers.  Earth Mama Angel Baby has great products: their Postpartum Recovery Kit was literally a gift from God after I had India!  You can't go wrong with any of their non-toxic, organic products!

What are some of your must have or favorite baby items from when your child was 4 to 8 months old?

Yes! I do wear my baby!

One of the things I get asked about a lot is cloth diapering, and I posted about that here.

Another question I get asked a lot is about baby carriers/slings/wraps (for ease, I will generally call them carriers for the rest of this blog post), so I decided to do a post about the different carriers I own!

I 'wear' India almost every day. Sounds kind of creepy, doesn't it?

I LOVE baby wearing, and the hippie in me has known I would do it before it was even "cool" or even knew there was such a term as baby wearing!  I firmly believe that the first several months of a babies life, it's just easier and best to keep your baby close.  Without a carrier, that is nearly impossible as you have many other tasks to complete in a day! 

Enter, the baby carrier!  Da da dummm!

India does laundry with me, cleans, washes dishes, cooks, gardens, pays bills, nurses, goes on walks with me, goes to the bathroom with me, goes to work with me, and even showers by means of a carrier.  I'm not the type to set my baby down for an hour, to be mindlessly entertained by a TV or flashing toy.  India joins me and gathers information from the world around her.  She loves to "be worn" and I love wearing her.

About 2 months old. <3

Babies want to be close.  They want affection. They want interaction.  When India tires of all the movement, and over stimulation when we are at social gatherings, she can easily snuggle closer and fall asleep.

I am, by no means, an expert, but I am a learning mommy, willing to share with you what has helped in my life!

I have six baby carriers, and I intend to go through and review each of them, in the order that I got them.

1. Traditional Chinese Mei Tai carrier (I paid about $9 in China.  Regularly around $80) - I bought this carrier when I was in China two years ago, knowing that someday we would want children.  I have used this the least, so I don't have much more to say on this!

2. Hotslings (I won this. Normally priced around  $30-$40, depending on the brand.  Hotslings is now out of business, but a very similar sling would be Seven Slings)

Trying to keep her awake a little longer! 4 months

• Pros - Packs small, very quick to put on, cheap, India is comfortable in it
• Cons - Uneven weight distribution can hurt your back, it's cheap for a reason, if not properly used it could easily suffocate a newborn, sized for the individual

I use my Hotsling when I need a sling quickly, like for 15 minutes or less.  I also use it when India is in a bunting bag.  This is one of my least favorite slings, but yet it is valuable for the reasons stated above.  You get what you pay for with this sling.  It is cheap, and doesn't do the job very well.

3. Lillebaby (I received this as a gift, normally around $100)

About 2 months old!

• Pros - Lightweight, is smaller than an Ergo, can face out on a front carry, adjustable seat area so little ones can fit better, carry all directions, isn't as hot in the summer (compared to a Moby or Ergo).
• Cons - Straps twist easily, doesn't distribute weight as nicely as an Ergo

I really like this carrier.  India is over 16  pounds right now, but apparently this carrier lasts up to 42 pounds.  My favorite feature (right now) is the adjustable seat area for different sized babies.  If we are going somewhere, and don't have much room for stuff, I pack the Lillebaby.  It was especially nice to have a breathable sling in the summer. 

4. Moby Wrap (I received this as a gift, normally around $40)

About 1 week old, taking her out of the Moby

• Pros - The most comfortable and natural feeling, baby stays incredibly close, best for napping, can face all directions, one size fits all
• Cons - All the fabric can be intimidating, it's warm

I used my Moby all the time when India was little!  She loved it!  We still use it, and it's especially nice when we were outside this fall in the cooler weather or when I want India to sleep instantly. This is an excellent carrier.  I loved the simplicity of a wrap-style carrier - feels very basic and crunchy.

5. Ring Sling (mine is mesh for the water $48 - I paid $40)

Tired, 3 month old baby!

• Pros - Incredibly lightweight, very breathable, one size fits all, packs up and dries great
• Cons - Have to wear this correctly or else it would be easy to have an accident

Since India doesn't takes baths, she showers with me in this. I wish, wish, wish that I would've had this last summer because it's so cool and lightweight and I would've loved to take India swimming in it!  I purchased this from a great Etsy mama's store, BabyEtte!

6. Ergo Baby Carrier ($105 to $138 - I got a new organic one for $80!!)

About to take a nap while I make Split Pea Soup - 6 months

• Pros - Incredible weight distribution, very sturdy, keeps baby close, good up to 40 pounds, fits all body types, hood included, easiest to use of all my carriers
• Cons - Baby can't face out (I understand why they do this, but it would be a nice option), very warm, back only goes up to India's shoulders so when she sleeps her head isn't as secure (although this hasn't been a problem yet)

When you dig into the babywearing world, Ergos and Becos are the top soft structure carriers you will hear about.  Many people wonder what the difference is between the Ergo and the Beco, but honestly, it depends on which model you are talking about.  They are both excellent.  When my niece was born 3 and a half years ago, I wore her in an Ergo and a Beco.  For some reason, I liked the Ergo better - it seemed to fit me better.  The Ergo is amazing and I absolutely love it!

Am I missing any?  Not to be covetous, but yes!  I would love some sort of woven wrap for back carries since the Moby isn't safe for that!  :-)  Someday!

In summary - I have spent about $140 on baby carriers, which isn't very much at all, but I would easily spend triple that as these are invaluable to me!  I have all these carriers and use them all for different purposes and reasons and seasons and since several of mine were gifts, I have kept them.

If you are on a tighter budget, I would get a Moby wrap, and a soft structure carrier, like an Ergo or Beco.  If you are really, really, really saving dimes, just get the soft structure carrier.

But remember, as is the case with most things, and is also true with carriers, you get what you pay for! 

All the things a SAHM should do!

I'm pretty much a SAHM (stay at home mom) and I LOVE it.  I do work, teaching piano lessons from my home and I help my mom about one day a week, but mostly, I'm home.

I had a lot of ideas of what it was going to be like to be home most hours of the day.  I thought about all the tasks I would accomplish and all the free time I would have.  Ahhhhh, what a luxurious life!

What??? You're laughing???  Pshh.

Here is a list of things I was going to do in all my spare time as a SAHM, and behind them is my list of accomplishments related to them. You'll see I've done real well.

- Clean my house. Everyday. Oh, it was going to be SO clean. Mopped floors, dusted baseboards, no cobwebs. (Ha! The dishes get done. Most days. Maybe more like every other day.)

- Bake scones, souffle, creme brulee and other fancy things that include cranberries, white chocolate and poached pears.  All things my friend Annalise does with two babies! (I'm still working on box brownies thankyouverymuch.)

- Or I was at least going to bake cookies. (Grocer's refrigerator section, frozen cookie dough. Yes and amen.)

- Drink tea, burn incense and worship God.  In my long hippie skirt, of course. (Does wearing my nursing pajamas while crying, "please God, help me with this crying baby" count?)

- Paint my bathroom. (No. It has to be cleaned first.)

- Bake treats for my piano students every other week or so. (I'm just glad I make it to piano lessons, dressed, mind you.)

- Visit and talk with my friends, Carma and Devora. (Hi, ladies. How ya doing?)

- Walk with my friend, April. (Yeah....)

- Play piano and sing with my friend Beth. (Beth and I did that. In 2009. Oh yeah, that was pre-India.)

- Go to the Y and workout.  Everyday.  With Jen, Beth and now Tami. (One time I did this!!)

- I was going to garden with my friend/neighbor Jessica. And probably look at interior decorating magazines with her. (I wave to her across the street as we come and go.)

- Make homemade bread. (The only bread we are eating is pre-sliced from a plastic bag.)

- Make lots more homemade food for that matter. (I have perfected "fancy" Mac N Cheese.  Mac N Cheese with lemon pepper.)

- Re-finish my kitchen table. (Tablecloth.)

- Sew curtains for our house, and toys and accessories for India. (Peeping toms are welcome. As are store bought toys.)

- Garden, garden, garden. (It's winter.  Sheesh, people.  I have HUGE plans for spring! You just wait!)

- Play piano, guitar and bass guitar. (I play piano. Have for years. Still playing the same songs I played years ago too.)

- Sell all my crap on eBay. (I have nothing to report on this.  I have however, bought a few things on eBay.)

- Do exercises videos while my baby plays alone on a blanket. (hahaha, "baby plays alone..." hahaha)

- Go out and shop at stores.  (If I was dressed, I would do this.)

- Look smokin' hot, nicely perfumed, dressed in an apron everyday when my husband came home to the smell of fresh baked cookies or bread.  Or creme brulee.  (Most days my glasses are still on as well as yesterday's smudged make-up. I also still smell of yesterday's spit-up.)

- Do my hair and make up everyday. (Does yesterday's make-up count?)

- Get dressed. Everyday.  In real clothes. (Pajamas.)

As you can see, I haven't been very productive as far as that list is concerned.  I guess didn't know that taking care of a baby would demand more time from me than when I worked before India was born. 

She wakes up from a nap, diaper change, time to nurse/check Facebook, puke on clothes, change clothes, start laundry, play, send an e-mail, eat a little bit of cold food(me), baby gets a hold of food and spills it everywhere, clean up spilled food, baby falls down, calm crying baby who bumped her head, put baby in carrier, begin dinner prep only to realize you don't have milk, google "milk replacement" and get sucked into a vegan website, answer phone, entertain baby, put clothes in the dryer, diaper explosion, diaper change, shush baby to sleep, clean up poo-splosion, baby prematurely wakes crying, shush her back to sleep, fold laundry, finish eating cold food, work on blog, start more laundry, baby wakes. I didn't even get to start on dinner, the dishes, the bills, or get the bathroom cleaned.  Repeat every 2-4 hours. 

Forget about souffle.  I just have my eyes set on a shower!

Ahhhhh, just think of all the time I'll have once I have a second baby and they can entertain each other.  I'll be free!  Yep, I'll save this list for then. ;-)

This ain't your average milk & cookies (lactation cookies)

I recently came across a cookie recipe that is used to help increase breast milk supply. Lactation cookies.

Yes, breastmilk.

I'm trying to build up a supply of breast milk to use when we go out and have a sitter for our daughter, India, or for when I have to work and my husband watches our daughter.  I also donate breast milk (if you're interested in donating, check out Eats on Feets for more information) and want to be able to continue to give.

Before I begin with the recipe, let this be said....

I HATE PUMPING.
LOATHE ENTIRELY.
DETEST.

Of course, I'm very thankful for my nice, electric breast pump, but it's so inconvenient to sit down, pump, wash everything up, store the expressed breast milk, and then wait for all the equipment to dry before putting it away.  And then do it all over again.  I'm lazy.  I'd rather attach her to me - no mess, she's full, less time, we're both comfortable.

Whenever I would pump, I never get a full feeding.  Approximately 3-4 pumping sessions would equal one feeding.  When India was younger I could pump and not notice a difference in my supply.  But now that my supply has settled, I can't just throw a pumping session in while she naps, because she notices and gets really mad that I'm not giving her all that she wants.

The best time to pump is of course, when I miss a feeding.  Well, the reason why I would miss a feeding is because I'm usually in a public place and therefore cannot pump while whoever is watching India gives her a bottle (I just get to deal with leaky, letdown boobs).  I often find myself using up more of my frozen supply than contributing to it.

This is the tea I normally use with great results when I want to produce more milk.

However, when I stumbled upon this recipe for Major Milk Makin' Lactation Cookies from one of my favorite blogs, I knew I had to try it.  I wanted cookies and I wanted more milk (punny, right?).  This was perfect!

Here is the process.

Tired baby? Check.

 Mixing dry ingredients

And sleeping baby :-)  That didn't take long.

 This is where I may of may not have eaten a few spoonfuls. And maybe said spoonfuls were really good.  I don't know though.  Because it's all a MAYBE.

 Pretty maids, all in a row

 Finished product!

The taste test? They did taste a little flaxy at first, but I enjoyed them overall!  When Dallas came home, he was very excited to smell chocolate chip cookies!  So I let him have one, and immediately his nipples started leaking milk.

No, not really.  He did like them though! 

This recipe yields about 3 dozen, and I can say we ate all of those within a week! 

The Milk Makin' Verdict?  I would say they helped.  It's not like I had an oversupply or anything, but it did help me slowly add an additional pumping session after India goes to bed and before we go to bed!  Now 2 pumping sessions produce enough milk for one bottle for India!

Was it worth it?  I will definitely make these again.  They are relatively healthy, taste good & did what they promised to do!

Here is the recipe again, and here is a post detailing galactagogues and how and why these cookies work.  Let me know if you try them!

Back to work!

The time has come for me to go back to work. I'm very blessed in many ways working for my parents; flexible hours, I get to work with my siblings, I get to talk to my mom AT work, and best of all, I get to bring my baby to work with me. It really doesn't get much better than that! I don't think that at this point I could do it any other way.

I worked two days last week, and while I was cleaning, cooking, organizing, doing whatever needed to be done, Miss India was either nestled up in a laundry basket or taking in the scenary in one of my I-can't-go-a-day-without-them slings or carriers.

I begin teaching piano lessons this week, and I'm a little more nervous for that. It's right during my daughter's prime naptime. If she misses her afternoon nap, my sweet little girl turns into a hysterical monster, fighting sleep for 3-6 hours in the evening. Daddy will be watching India while I teach, and he will do a great job as always, I'm sure! But, if you think of it, would you say a little prayer for us, that India will sleep during that time, that Dallas will have the patience and wisdom to know how to handle her, and that I won't be anxious about it all??

Thanks, friends!