tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54332036622477565312024-03-13T16:28:22.136-07:00Aruban Breastfeeding MamasOne woman. One island. A lot of babies.Wendy Madurohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785195116430602851noreply@blogger.comBlogger194125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5433203662247756531.post-83554480972674959212011-06-07T14:28:00.000-07:002011-06-07T14:36:37.768-07:00Forcing your teenage daughter towards abortion comparable to circumcision?At work today, two of my colleagues (who we'll name X and Y ) and I engaged in a conversation that went from lively to heated very quickly. It doesn't help that one of them and myself have very strong characters and opinions.<br />
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We started talking about a case that happened recently to a 14 year old girl. she became pregnant by a man 10 years her senior. We exchanged opinions about why we thought it was wrong and action that will be brought against this man. One of them mentioned that girls nowadays are simply too mature, and some downright seduce older men, but it was generally agreed that although this may be the case, the adult should have had the sense and responsibility to say no and walk away.<br />
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The topic then turned to that if X's teenage daughter ever came home with the news that she was pregnant, he'd knock some sense into her and then take her himself to get an abortion, whether she wants it or not. This is where my fuse blew. Before you think this is a post about pro or anti for either sides, it's not. It's about another person's body and making decisions for that person's body, especially decision that have long-term effects (whichever choice they make)<br />
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X argued that since the child is a minor and lives under <i>his roof and his rules</i>, the girl may not get pregnant or carry it to term. This immediately pulled my heart strings because I myself was in a similar situation being a pregnant teen under my parents' roof. It didn't help either that he expressed himself with such anger and obscenity. True, being the parent of a pregnant teen is by no means a walk in the park, but it's not a death sentence either.<br />
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The argument ensued, and because of personal experience and opinions ( and a bit of hormones too) I could not reason with an unreasonable person and keep my cool any longer so I got up and left before my anger got the best of me. It got me to thinking though. The first comparison that popped up in my mind was circumcision.<br />
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How is forcing your teenage daughter to get an abortion regardless for their feelings etc much like circumcision? For one simple reason. <b><i>IT'S.NOT.YOUR.BODY.</i></b><br />
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You think circumcision is o.k.? Please leave now, it's not o.k.<br />
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Have you any clue what kind of short and longterm effects circumcision has on a baby? I'm against it for all reasons, and also because it's not his choice. Which baby will ask you to chop off a chunk of his junk? Few men would, and I doubt any little boys would jump at the chance.<br />
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Not going in to the pros and cons of abortion the fact remains is that it holds long lasting consequences for the mother carrying the baby. Not just physical, but also psychological and emotional consequences. Imagine that the young mother did in fact want to keep the baby and do her utmost to raise it, how could you look your daughter in the eye with pure anger and outrage and dare lift a finger against her? How could you deny her wishes and forcefully carry her to have such an invasive procedure? I can't seem to comprehend it, and I don't think I want to either. All things aside, It's not your body, and it's not your choice.Wendy Madurohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785195116430602851noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5433203662247756531.post-50814917542919095772011-06-07T11:18:00.000-07:002011-06-07T11:18:53.160-07:00Congratulations Wit Gele Kruis for teaching about bottle feedingNothing pisses me off more than seeing expectant parents joining a highly attended general childbirth education class and them holding a doll and a bottle. WHY?!<br />
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Usually, I shrug it off not wanting to cause a stir, but not this time. This time I'm pissed.<br />
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I also give breastfeeding classes, and I've attended other childbirth education classes before, have I ever seen a bottle present? Have I ever taught with a bottle present? Absolutely not. It is not necessary, it's actually counterproductive and detrimental.<br />
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When I was gazing through our most popular online media site, this is what I see. Headlines that state :<br />
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<blockquote><b>"Wit Gele Kruis cu Curso pa Futuro Mayornan"</b></blockquote><br />
or for my English speaking friends,<br />
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<blockquote><b>"Childbirth Education classes for expectant parents brought to you by the White and Yellow Cross" </b></blockquote>Eagerly I peered through the pictures and to my dismay (and yet somehow I'm not surprised) I see this picture.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicIkGsVu9KY7znxMYysT2FtmNIwXByh57WOujIrLeA-YVpOlIa__wmQ8U3dSM1gJXo8VHGXjkHhhCzLg2Bqvh9BWiXki7iwn7ECiZu1sq0smQxw64TIonFO1D-QJMITqnu0p77aHSlDgk/s1600/WGK+bottle+pic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicIkGsVu9KY7znxMYysT2FtmNIwXByh57WOujIrLeA-YVpOlIa__wmQ8U3dSM1gJXo8VHGXjkHhhCzLg2Bqvh9BWiXki7iwn7ECiZu1sq0smQxw64TIonFO1D-QJMITqnu0p77aHSlDgk/s400/WGK+bottle+pic.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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This isn't the highest quality picture, but what do you reasonably think that mother is holding? A doll and a? <b><i>BOTTLE</i></b><br />
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I've taught many a breastfeeding classes and attended many myself, and yet, when you're teaching a mother about breastfeeding, where does the bottle fit in? I am outraged because instead of reinforcing a stereotype that 'breastfeeding is normal', they are showing and passing around bottles. I don't care if they're pretending those bottles have EBM (expressed breast milk) in them, these are <i>expectant </i>parents, they don't <i>need </i>to be taught about bottle feeding before the opportunity to breastfeed presents itself.<br />
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How can we ever go forward if one of the biggest organizations that help our expectant and breastfeeding mothers on Aruba (and see 95% of all babies) is working (unknowingly?) against us?<br />
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</i></b>Wendy Madurohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785195116430602851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5433203662247756531.post-10212752548808050282011-05-21T11:15:00.000-07:002011-05-21T11:35:25.375-07:00What is a Blessingway?Babyshowers are a common and widespread tradition that many participate in. They often include many gifts for the soon-to-be parents, which may alleviate the burden of having so many baby things to buy. Babyshowers these days, however, have become very commercialized. They focus more on the giving of gifts, and playing of games, rather than the honoring of the mother-to-be and preparation for the labor and birth of her baby(s).<br />
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A Blessingway ceremony, is thought to have <a href="http://www.naturalbirthandbabycare.com/blessingway.html">originated with the Native Americans.</a> It was seen as a rite of passage when a young girl first enters young womanhood with the onset of Menarche, and was also celebrated with she became a mother.<br />
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A blessingway these days, has become more familiar due in part to the fact that women are reclaiming their bodies and birth rights. They are becoming more aware of the process of childbirth and wish to be more involved in the grand scheme of things. In saying so, they have come to realize that the pregnant woman is actually on a special 9+ month journey that will culminate in a spectacular and special end, the birth of her child(ren).<br />
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While many focus on the physical and material aspects of childbirth, which is of course natural, we sometimes tend to forget the mental and emotional side of it. Worries, anxiety or physical ailments during a pregnancy can wreak havoc on the emotional wellbeing and balance of the mother. Even a normal and 'uneventful' one can be stressful if the mother has little information or support from loved ones. A Blessing way can strengthen her resolve and help her to recenter her thoughts and goals.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>What do you do at a Blessing Way?</b></span><br />
The main focus of a Blessingway is the expectant mother and her emotional needs. Thus said, the point of the ceremony should be to give her courage to face that fast approaching day. Usually the group is kept small with only a few close relatives and/or friends. The women who inspire the mother the most, the ones she feels most safest with are the ones who attend the Blessing Way. Some choose to do the following:<br />
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<ul><li>Make a necklace or bracelet for her birthing day</li>
</ul><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIotMPqq1u4IhdZl-9W6cJm2hiGr1HXes446ia0wc_XBXd7Xoyi7YIvNLkxtd0Kdnm-US2-wtcj0vF8o7Whc2MrIScWLi1O7N8D0iZv2-8IpggqOcsgB7mOihUvke2ratVdmr3j3JP4VY/s1600/beads.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIotMPqq1u4IhdZl-9W6cJm2hiGr1HXes446ia0wc_XBXd7Xoyi7YIvNLkxtd0Kdnm-US2-wtcj0vF8o7Whc2MrIScWLi1O7N8D0iZv2-8IpggqOcsgB7mOihUvke2ratVdmr3j3JP4VY/s320/beads.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Each attendee brings along a bead or two (depending on how many are present and what you're making, a necklace will require more beads) that he/she picks out as special. All those at the Blessingway sit in a circle and string the beads together, each wishing the mother something special for her birthing day. Expressions may also include birth affirmations. The mother then wears this piece of jewelry on the big day, and my choose to focus on it as a source of strength.</div><div><br />
</div><div><ul><li>Making a headband out of flowers</li>
</ul><div>This is the same as the abovementioned, but this headband may be worn the same day (as the flowers will wilt eventually)</div></div><div><br />
</div><div><ul><li>Everyone there writes down a birth affirmation or wish. </li>
</ul>The pieces of paper are thrown together, and each reads one aloud for the mother.<br />
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<ul><li>Henna belly painting</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_BoSbbIgQQd5JRgLSaID9Up8isJPbb-1oMoc0Yig21P4_2fWPB1Ma2HObbBb0VcRzAKxnpJr-a3AjBgh4MSHcNvo4Ys_U1LsA-4DEJdW2t6f7MUiaz7vb6lidgrT-oW4PQiYxzo2P8U/s1600/blessingway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_BoSbbIgQQd5JRgLSaID9Up8isJPbb-1oMoc0Yig21P4_2fWPB1Ma2HObbBb0VcRzAKxnpJr-a3AjBgh4MSHcNvo4Ys_U1LsA-4DEJdW2t6f7MUiaz7vb6lidgrT-oW4PQiYxzo2P8U/s320/blessingway.jpg" width="257" /></a></div><div>Henna is used often used for beautiful and lustrous belly painting during a Blessingway and is a wonderful memory for the couple of days (or up until a month!) that it lasts. It ties in perfectly with the theme and point of the ceremony</div></div><div><br />
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</div><div>Gifts may also be part of the Blessingway but isn't by any means the focus. The focus is completely on the mother and preparing her for her journey into motherhood, even if it's the second time around. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Check out <a href="http://thefeministbreeder.com/you-are-invited-to-my-virtual-blessingway/">The Feminist Breeder's Virtual Blessingway </a>and how her friends from all over the globe, sent a token, or more precisely,<a href="http://thefeministbreeder.com/the-gorgeous-results-of-my-virtual-blessingway/"> a flag, for her to hang up during the birth.</a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Have you had a Blessingway? What was your experience?</div><div><br />
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</div>Wendy Madurohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785195116430602851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5433203662247756531.post-20002297883181321752011-04-24T14:01:00.000-07:002011-04-24T14:01:07.169-07:00Breastfeeding BeautiesThis Breastfeeding Beauty, Linda & Kayla are Bella Sophia models, and after our shoot, Kayla decided it was time for a snack. We took the opportunity to get a few beautiful shots<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFJNYd2QOfWSzAhxNGJzE-yz4nSnGNE61TIJPVRQ4R1_a1gQfIz68O5bVaassksHVb9O-HFG2jKCAm9ZtdtLVLXtBPQW3zjaojElqh1jO21BweTnnfaoEbe_IfRr7k-h5NU9s3j7-WxpE/s1600/DSC_3695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFJNYd2QOfWSzAhxNGJzE-yz4nSnGNE61TIJPVRQ4R1_a1gQfIz68O5bVaassksHVb9O-HFG2jKCAm9ZtdtLVLXtBPQW3zjaojElqh1jO21BweTnnfaoEbe_IfRr7k-h5NU9s3j7-WxpE/s400/DSC_3695.JPG" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Linda & Kayla (12 mo)</td></tr>
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</div>Wendy Madurohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785195116430602851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5433203662247756531.post-23191572166596206132011-04-15T09:27:00.000-07:002011-04-16T15:34:16.919-07:00International Giveaway of Gratitude<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I had my daughter at 19 years of age. I was determined to breastfeed and like most first time mothers, I experienced problems in the beginning. My nipples were cracked and bleeding, and I was at the point of giving up. Our local non-profit breastfeeding organization, Fundacion Pro Lechi Mama Aruba, is what saved me and my breastfeeding relationship. I called day after day, with questions and worries and they did their utmost to quell my fears. They even visited me at no cost, and I remain eternally grateful. I went on to breastfeed my daughter for over a year. I recognize that it is organizations like these that help our mothers. Women dedicated to other women and their babies.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">That is why, I wanted to give back to them. I wanted to show them how much I appreciate it that they help others, tirelessly, around the clock. To encourage others to support and show their appreciation for their local non-profit organization that supports breastfeeding, I decided to host a giveaway, a giveaway of gratitude. This giveaway will benefit the organizations, and ultimately, the mothers and babies.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I found it pretty practical since I am myself, both a blogger and the owner of a company. So I thought long and hard about which baby carrier I could give away that would please most. Immediately I knew it would be a watersling! Why a watersling? Because it's not just for use in the water, it can also be used as a normal ringsling for those hot summers, to keep your baby carried and cool. Ever since being the first manufacturer of waterslings on Aruba, they have made a huge hit! But of course, what would you expect on an island!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">This giveaway, however, is special. Your usual giveaway consists of either liking Facebook pages, leaving comments our following on Twitter. This time, I'm going to ask you to give back to the community.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I decided that it wouldn't be fair to host a give-away that only locals could participate in. The Foundation does not have a Paypal account as yet, just a bank account number. So I decided then that the give-away would be two-fold. One for those abroad, and one for our locals.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I ask that the locals make a donation, and I will ask that those abroad donate to your local non-profit breastfeeding organization. These can be organizations such as La Leche League International, World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) or even if it's your small local non-profit such as Fundacion Lechi Mama Korsou. I have no affiliation with these, and all I want is for nursing mothers and their babies to be cared for and protected.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Let's see these prize Bella Sophia Waterslings</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #929292; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmIK3IHp4SYAFtUiEl-K_DTDBvm8RvFlYiV78EjEQlT53hQOJcm8BroEKcbX0SAKosahtiTFPuvf78h7UXsMcqbIHgBKcvas7VXCcu-jCIO4ZjslQXDFzfYTb-FsX5eu9do1Fjd_gwPE/s1600/DSC_2162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmIK3IHp4SYAFtUiEl-K_DTDBvm8RvFlYiV78EjEQlT53hQOJcm8BroEKcbX0SAKosahtiTFPuvf78h7UXsMcqbIHgBKcvas7VXCcu-jCIO4ZjslQXDFzfYTb-FsX5eu9do1Fjd_gwPE/s320/DSC_2162.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seablue Bella Sophia mesh Watersling</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsBruN4p07sQlDKMnY5UKmkIwJQ13NoQihwLAOHj7EY64Z622vWK40c8FJV3feAcv3h2PTKk4ze6cY99NNVSwkpjU9iQTwZXxrtGnEFsUZb8u7onSR8Zrzy2hKTMua7-9M2QgAUVYdx8/s1600/DA1_3521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsBruN4p07sQlDKMnY5UKmkIwJQ13NoQihwLAOHj7EY64Z622vWK40c8FJV3feAcv3h2PTKk4ze6cY99NNVSwkpjU9iQTwZXxrtGnEFsUZb8u7onSR8Zrzy2hKTMua7-9M2QgAUVYdx8/s320/DA1_3521.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Royal Blue Bella Sophia mesh watersling</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGOAEgbU9PVkEgfFvq43Do6J-5iPdSODg83_iWhNn8aRdmyweVsVqWSQOndVxoLcYkYBNqm6IPvOCJq7jduMlIWTdQi8xZtR1g7hTcPNL4nXtmZSt5LYkEMFx5c5I66X5WmCZ_qm159g/s1600/DSC_0700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGOAEgbU9PVkEgfFvq43Do6J-5iPdSODg83_iWhNn8aRdmyweVsVqWSQOndVxoLcYkYBNqm6IPvOCJq7jduMlIWTdQi8xZtR1g7hTcPNL4nXtmZSt5LYkEMFx5c5I66X5WmCZ_qm159g/s320/DSC_0700.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hot Pink Bella Sophia mesh watersling</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Waterslings are also available in white and black mesh. Winners may pick any color they like.<br />
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<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Contest Rules</span></u></b><br />
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<b><u><i>For Those living on Aruba</i></u></b><br />
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</span></div><ul style="line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 2.5em; padding-right: 2.5em; padding-top: 0px;"><li style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.25em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.25em; text-indent: 0px;"> Make a donation of minimum 15 Florins to Fundacion Pro Lechi Mama Aruba on their <b>Aruba Bank Account 600.54.08. Address Morgenster # 50</b></li>
<li style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.25em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.25em; text-indent: 0px;">Email me at info@caribirth.com the amount, your full name and phone number</li>
<li style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.25em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.25em; text-indent: 0px;">Leave a comment below why you would like to win a Bella Sophia Watersling</li>
</ul><div><b><i><u><br />
</u></i></b></div><div><b><i><u>Extra entry points</u></i></b></div><div><b><i><u><br />
</u></i></b></div><div><ul style="line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 2.5em; padding-right: 2.5em; padding-top: 0px;"><li style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.25em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.25em; text-indent: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.google.com/friendconnect/signin/home?st=e%3DAOG8GaA1OBWv%252B3bQbeBXUiz3uhQSAaUGrexu8%252Bo6BtMQ8E7j54ypJcoBn0qrkshNRytVAYOQRJZN79rvJ46P1VC%252Ba%252BLDYWf2INiSv5Vp2GXAe9b6YrlVxQcWATmdD9qo2%252F4VXFw5Ze2o%252BeFuxqcosDAhpcSTrJby3RiY6IRGmdBpY26ZbfwYy4XQV4M%252FWqHwsarcbM82qdbY3vyAj6bapRrzTHWVM2%252B3%252FKI4E2J%252Bwosg0D1s0VT9GSEfkkZGg4d%252FpDIWyoFFrMZV%26c%3Dpeoplesense&psinvite=&subscribeOnSignin=1" style="text-decoration: none;">Subscribe</a> to BellaSophiaCarriers.com! </span></li>
<li style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.25em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.25em; text-indent: 0px;">Like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/caribirth" style="text-decoration: none;">CariBirth's (the manufacturer of Bella Sophia Carriers) Facebook Page</a></li>
<li style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.25em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.25em; text-indent: 0px;">Follow <a href="http://www.twitter.com/BellaSophiaC" style="text-decoration: none;">BellaSophiaC on Twitter</a></li>
<li style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.25em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.25em; text-indent: 0px;">Mention the give-away, on Facebook, Twitter or a blogpost and link back</li>
</ul></div><br />
<br />
<b><u><br />
</u></b><br />
<b><u><i>For those living abroad</i></u></b><br />
<b><u><i><br />
</i></u></b><br />
<br />
<ul style="line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 2.5em; padding-right: 2.5em; padding-top: 0px;"><li style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.25em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.25em; text-indent: 0px;">Make a donation of Minimum 15$ to a non-profit breastfeeding organization of your choice, big or small. </li>
<li style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.25em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.25em; text-indent: 0px;">Email me the donation amount and the name of the organization (and if possible their website or email)</li>
<li style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.25em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.25em; text-indent: 0px;">Leave a comment below why you would want to win a Bella Sophia Watersling</li>
</ul><div><br />
</div><div><b><i><u>Extra Entry Points</u></i></b></div><div><b><i><u><br />
</u></i></b></div><div><b><i><u></u></i></b><br />
<ul style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 2.5em; padding-right: 2.5em; padding-top: 0px;"><li style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.25em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.25em; text-indent: 0px;"><b><i><u><a href="http://www.google.com/friendconnect/signin/home?st=e%3DAOG8GaA1OBWv%252B3bQbeBXUiz3uhQSAaUGrexu8%252Bo6BtMQ8E7j54ypJcoBn0qrkshNRytVAYOQRJZN79rvJ46P1VC%252Ba%252BLDYWf2INiSv5Vp2GXAe9b6YrlVxQcWATmdD9qo2%252F4VXFw5Ze2o%252BeFuxqcosDAhpcSTrJby3RiY6IRGmdBpY26ZbfwYy4XQV4M%252FWqHwsarcbM82qdbY3vyAj6bapRrzTHWVM2%252B3%252FKI4E2J%252Bwosg0D1s0VT9GSEfkkZGg4d%252FpDIWyoFFrMZV%26c%3Dpeoplesense&psinvite=&subscribeOnSignin=1" style="text-decoration: none;">Subscribe</a> to BellaSophiaCarriers.com! </u></i></b></li>
<b><i><u>
<li style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.25em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.25em; text-indent: 0px;">Like<a href="http://www.facebook.com/caribirth" style="text-decoration: none;"> CariBirth's (the manufacturer of Bella Sophia Carriers) Facebook Page</a></li>
<li style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.25em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.25em; text-indent: 0px;">Follow <a href="http://www.twitter.com/BellaSophiaC" style="text-decoration: none;">BellaSophiaC on Twitter</a></li>
<li style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.25em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.25em; text-indent: 0px;">Mention the give-away, on Facebook, Twitter or in a blogpost and link back</li>
</u></i></b></ul></div><br />
<b><u><br />
</u></b><br />
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i>Contest Ends May 1st at 6:00 PM Aruban Time and will be chosen from Random.org</i></span></u></b><br />
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</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span>Wendy Madurohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785195116430602851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5433203662247756531.post-42993228795181486582011-04-14T11:09:00.000-07:002011-04-14T11:11:35.805-07:00Because Chiggers like slings tooI'm a big fan of <a href="http://www.thebloggess.com/">The Bloggess</a>. This irreverent and satirically and sadistically funny woman who loves taxidermy, her husband Victor and zombies, nuff said. So when she blogged about <a href="http://yes.thatcan.be/my/next/tweet/">a site that takes the "DNA" of your past tweets, and predicts what you'd most likely tweet next, </a>I was curious to read what mine would say.<br />
<br />
Put it this way, maybe I gotta lay off the breastfeeding, slings and language mixing.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq71tZD5ufPm8Okk4AC4cRVW5mB2d_TsccpSoMIze_JT-S13jsWlUscaH2neyi3m7HmKBChgvF0rgWJE8x2-Bo__h0cKSXDPkBQJYU-9VODG-EGMelhxqSrQE0vAkL5irgCwgh71VmL4c/s1600/add+more+coffee.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq71tZD5ufPm8Okk4AC4cRVW5mB2d_TsccpSoMIze_JT-S13jsWlUscaH2neyi3m7HmKBChgvF0rgWJE8x2-Bo__h0cKSXDPkBQJYU-9VODG-EGMelhxqSrQE0vAkL5irgCwgh71VmL4c/s320/add+more+coffee.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Definitely add more coffee</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuc6wdQroLDrATryvB9YQlIEjXGV-pPSfFJHojEpuDjFRvJaPY9UVXbuU12XnuX2bl6AEdP25XjShhRpIDY6ietNVDWjgMBr9vaBPi95ryTlmcL9wsboDTqq5L0too-P1haIQ3gfk3vKU/s1600/death+sentence.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuc6wdQroLDrATryvB9YQlIEjXGV-pPSfFJHojEpuDjFRvJaPY9UVXbuU12XnuX2bl6AEdP25XjShhRpIDY6ietNVDWjgMBr9vaBPi95ryTlmcL9wsboDTqq5L0too-P1haIQ3gfk3vKU/s320/death+sentence.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXaQAyr_CcJZWpB0nAQlut9NOwEt-y7-06-VaqQHXSVvEvO659RUcBxcXndfoYxlzE0QoDdyyFk7BIzJZPi44ONEBVcdHAFX7vjdvU9_WKaaODMXo4fYl_AL-aEWQ3ip4nItD_EuALFCY/s1600/dutch+an+english.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXaQAyr_CcJZWpB0nAQlut9NOwEt-y7-06-VaqQHXSVvEvO659RUcBxcXndfoYxlzE0QoDdyyFk7BIzJZPi44ONEBVcdHAFX7vjdvU9_WKaaODMXo4fYl_AL-aEWQ3ip4nItD_EuALFCY/s320/dutch+an+english.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1geD9Js8bLypVRi2ifg_zsNCM-0e93SRbVRKRskdW1aCLOW31xKHIyqkimkyN7AMnzPwusnNp8yzXeB4yEMglY7BFdJ4v1Ooj7Yf-5XBUKpzgLwZ7KNOS9fhuoNrn6XraUXrN0QNpdA/s1600/high+heel+fanatics.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1geD9Js8bLypVRi2ifg_zsNCM-0e93SRbVRKRskdW1aCLOW31xKHIyqkimkyN7AMnzPwusnNp8yzXeB4yEMglY7BFdJ4v1Ooj7Yf-5XBUKpzgLwZ7KNOS9fhuoNrn6XraUXrN0QNpdA/s320/high+heel+fanatics.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBcfQ5pUp8BxYpNZfVacEcqOl4GHKEb8AJ2vyd4bykl6izJYJHmcyY2QZ8DSLWRFOTfKMuXGGWVd6QLW-8qiv2POhCo5xChEvOx0QgLu7LCK3ZPuBaC3B4oIfMWHc5ooM3zhGoanZxD6k/s1600/meeting+tomorrow+with+dahlia.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="99" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBcfQ5pUp8BxYpNZfVacEcqOl4GHKEb8AJ2vyd4bykl6izJYJHmcyY2QZ8DSLWRFOTfKMuXGGWVd6QLW-8qiv2POhCo5xChEvOx0QgLu7LCK3ZPuBaC3B4oIfMWHc5ooM3zhGoanZxD6k/s320/meeting+tomorrow+with+dahlia.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dahlia is my three year old daughter</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVfLzZUFtuh5lmYMsbnPNEYKMuDkLOWC4V0RId1M_aNpJxW7e1cvDNr0N_FxiYT9u9sFcrfXu2jYpqtqvjlvEa64ggPGQGdqDey-i54Q80C1Uq9IZA2Dl4rjYFsfbJwCof20ijT4hlD-E/s1600/psychoprophylaxsis.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVfLzZUFtuh5lmYMsbnPNEYKMuDkLOWC4V0RId1M_aNpJxW7e1cvDNr0N_FxiYT9u9sFcrfXu2jYpqtqvjlvEa64ggPGQGdqDey-i54Q80C1Uq9IZA2Dl4rjYFsfbJwCof20ijT4hlD-E/s320/psychoprophylaxsis.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXvf0MysYL6qQ2tdrxMDIaRmrybQ81f7FoVlTloWGzNY5RVmxeBzO2_ZjUFLxLS3VpZ_7vhhs3b1wTrW7ZWPS_3MPmtYTdHPMG3_sdUCbwzutcMSc-KV-2KPgkaDnnQVsR06b3pNcv30/s1600/saw+your+weekend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXvf0MysYL6qQ2tdrxMDIaRmrybQ81f7FoVlTloWGzNY5RVmxeBzO2_ZjUFLxLS3VpZ_7vhhs3b1wTrW7ZWPS_3MPmtYTdHPMG3_sdUCbwzutcMSc-KV-2KPgkaDnnQVsR06b3pNcv30/s320/saw+your+weekend.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And the absolute best one is</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhufaMiN3L5GCJkBFwAlylDUx_HNdWzHCuAZGdlIs5n8nQEyrrH3UoMppfw97_2L8XftTkgyo6xnbOwHKYQw8m3AZ5TgLrk8bt8arf6LyNzAvQOnZXI_l2pK4QDOzKUowX-5IxezisB52I/s1600/chiggers+love+slings+too.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhufaMiN3L5GCJkBFwAlylDUx_HNdWzHCuAZGdlIs5n8nQEyrrH3UoMppfw97_2L8XftTkgyo6xnbOwHKYQw8m3AZ5TgLrk8bt8arf6LyNzAvQOnZXI_l2pK4QDOzKUowX-5IxezisB52I/s320/chiggers+love+slings+too.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Because Chiggers like slings too</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Wendy Madurohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785195116430602851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5433203662247756531.post-90716608218329156202011-04-04T09:30:00.000-07:002011-04-04T09:32:52.939-07:00Postnatal Class @ Prana a success!<h2 class="date-header" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border-bottom-color: rgb(240, 14, 100); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(240, 14, 100); border-top-left-radius: 0px 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px 0px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; bottom: auto; color: #780732; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 1px; margin-left: -15px; margin-right: -15px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static; right: 15px; text-shadow: rgb(0, 0, 0) 0px 0px -1px;"><span style="border-left-color: rgb(240, 14, 100); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(240, 14, 100); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; display: block; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; padding-bottom: 0.5em; padding-left: 15px; padding-right: 15px; padding-top: 0.5em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black;"><br />
</span></span></h2><div class="date-posts" style="border-top-color: rgb(240, 14, 100); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: -15px; margin-right: -15px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 15px; padding-right: 15px; padding-top: 8px;"><div class="post-outer" style="border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: -15px; margin-right: -15px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 15px; padding-right: 15px; padding-top: 0px;"><div class="post hentry" style="min-height: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #780732; font-family: 'IM Fell English';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; font-size: 22px;"><b><br />
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<div class="post-header" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-6445478789270998191" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 426px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">The recent postnatal class of March 28th at Prana was a hit. Shanti Gould, a certified prenatal and postnatal yoga instructor knows her stuff and knoThe recent postnatal class of March 28th at Prana was a hit. Shanti Gould, a certified prenatal and postnatal yoga instructor knows her stuff and knows how to organize classes that are specially designed for mothers and their babies.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br />
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<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-6445478789270998191" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 426px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">I was honored to be part of that as I was invited at the end of the class for a little 'sling-meet' with the moms. We spoke briefly about why babywearing is so wonderful, which carriers worked for them [and which didn't] and why. Moms also had an opportunity to try any which carrier out with their bub. The atmosphere was relaxed and the mood was light. No obligation to try nor buy, just moms having fun exploring this thing called babywearing.ws how to organize classes that are specially designed for mothers and their babies.</span><br />
<span style="color: white;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">laxed and the mood was light. No obligation to try nor buy, just moms having fun exploring this thing called babywearing.</span><br />
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You don't have to have been in the prenatal class to be able to attend the postnatal one! If you've recently had a baby, you're more than welcome to join! Contact Shanti at 737-2984 for more information!</div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-6445478789270998191" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 426px;"><br />
</div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-6445478789270998191" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 426px;"><br />
<i>For more updates and info on all my business', CariBirth, activities,<a href="http://www.google.com/ig/add?source=bstp&feedurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcaribirth.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault"> click here</a></i></div></div></div></div>Wendy Madurohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785195116430602851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5433203662247756531.post-64340747942023350032011-03-23T18:53:00.000-07:002011-03-23T18:53:51.156-07:00The 15 things I love about breastfeedingReposted with Permission<br />
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Originally blogged at <a href="http://theyoungjohnsons.blogspot.com/2011/03/15-things-i-love-about-breastfeeding.html?showComment=1300931189342#c3847758563236850940">"The Young Johnsons"</a> by Jill Johnson<br />
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<i>This post was written by my cousin's wife Jill. Although Kyle, Jill and baby Jack live in the States, Jack is still half Aruban and merits a special spot on this site. Take it away, Jill...</i><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; line-height: 17px;"></span></i><br />
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="font: normal normal normal 18px/normal Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; position: relative;"><i><a href="http://theyoungjohnsons.blogspot.com/2011/03/15-things-i-love-about-breastfeeding.html" style="color: #336699; text-decoration: none;">15 Things I Love About Breastfeeding</a></i></h3><div class="post-header" style="color: #999999; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 528px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 1em; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px; position: relative; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2kPeY36BTccVSFWFvF8piEYdCGiLQsDt5l10Gl1HxePvJm2T-N3KBNeFFQjvPgQoMMrIAsMKIG1RKYpZ5NfXd7tmVBL88VaUGjnfzJwlhLML1Kt91Cvl9pURV9l6pao5AOptBqM7yaw/s1600/IMGP0905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #336699; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2kPeY36BTccVSFWFvF8piEYdCGiLQsDt5l10Gl1HxePvJm2T-N3KBNeFFQjvPgQoMMrIAsMKIG1RKYpZ5NfXd7tmVBL88VaUGjnfzJwlhLML1Kt91Cvl9pURV9l6pao5AOptBqM7yaw/s320/IMGP0905.JPG" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; position: relative;" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11px; text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><ol><li style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><i>Poopy diapers aren't <i>so </i>scary</i></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><i>Being <b>everything </b>my son needs to live. Wow.</i></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><i>Burning calories while sitting on my big post-pregnancy butt</i></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><i>Motivates me to continue to eat nutritiously & drink tons of water</i></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><i>The <i>glorious </i>delayed return of Aunt Flow</i></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><i>I can text, talk, read, eat, type all while feeding him</i></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><i><b>Rockin</b>' nutritional value for him</i></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><i>It gives me a chance to give Jack his mani/pedi</i></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><i>Makes me feel empowered that we overcame the "beginner's difficulties"</i></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><i>Saving money is always fun</i></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><i>Getting the chance to play with his chubby thighs, hands, arms, and tiny feet at least 6 times a day</i></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><i>9 out of 10 times he will pass out in my arms after nursing</i></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><i>The way he looks up at me while eating is intoxicating</i></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><i>Food needs no preparation...which is nice when I'm barely awake</i></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><i><b>I get to keep Jack close</b></i></li>
</ol></div>Wendy Madurohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785195116430602851noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5433203662247756531.post-33068194062198180402011-03-23T15:25:00.000-07:002011-03-23T15:25:39.354-07:00Recap of the month of March [MARCH MADNESS!]Ok, so I know I've been pretty quiet this month, but it's only because I am crazy busy up and down like a mad woman. A lot of cool stuff has happened [ and yet to happen this month] and I'm eager to finally sit down and share it with you all.<br />
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<b><i>Official Seminar from Pro Lechi Mama Foundation : "The New legislation on breastfeeding - a win win for both employer and employee"</i></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm9JT7eqWp4MJFPLqqu9u_J7TQqRK74zlm0eg5yxZkFBI_M4AcEXozWH4dz8ECN8MLhRTIR9N28p2fXbYjt7LZ_QBPsZaT-1-JlrVlVskRJomy1LnfkNZ_BTcg6HcqdCCZ-dKDC81ynu8/s1600/stefan-kleintjes_met-boek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm9JT7eqWp4MJFPLqqu9u_J7TQqRK74zlm0eg5yxZkFBI_M4AcEXozWH4dz8ECN8MLhRTIR9N28p2fXbYjt7LZ_QBPsZaT-1-JlrVlVskRJomy1LnfkNZ_BTcg6HcqdCCZ-dKDC81ynu8/s320/stefan-kleintjes_met-boek.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Stefan Kleintjes</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>This seminar will take place May 5th and is going to be huge-mongous. It is geared toward all the major employers on Aruba, and the little ones too. Mostly towards the ones who employ a great deal of women. We found it imperative that this seminar take place because of all the negative feedback there's been in connection with the law. Employers are confused and thus [sometimes unwittingly] hesitate to cooperate, some female employees see the law as a ticket for 9 months of fun and long breaks [not the point] and there is general confusion as to the interpretation and implementation of this life-sustaining law. We've decided to go all out on the venue and the evening. It is a short seminar, but jam packed with the latest information on laws, clarifications of such and ramifications for those who set themselves against it. On the program there will be 3 speakers, one from Holland, namely Stefan Kleintjes, a children's dietician and breastfeeding guru. Monica Kock, a local lawyer and former parliamentarian who also endorsed this law to make it a reality. And a member of Pro Lechi Mama, namely, yours truly.<br />
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Yes. You read correct. Me. I am going to give a discourse [the first and opening one to be exact] and I am to the point of fright. I've been on symposiums on stages, sang in front of crowds, given lectures and classes..but I don't know about this gig. This is a SEMINAR. With a lot of respected business men and women. People are going to be watching me, listening to me, examining me and my every word and while this thought scares the daylights out of me, it's also empowering. How many women, how many young women, receive the opportunity to say something that may potentially impact someones view, especially someone's view on something so important to our society in so many aspects, our mentality on breastfeeding. I am deeply privileged and honored [to say the least!] to be granted a chance to speak on the foundation's behalf about the plight that working mothers face. The difficulty and hardships they go through when their employer refuses to cooperate with the law. What an honor to be able to speak directly to these people, to their minds and hearts [because breastfeeding stems from the heart really, whether it is loved or hated] and possibly challenge them to change a mistaken view to be able to improve the lives of our babies and our mothers. I am deeply humbled.<br />
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Oh, and freakin' terrified too!<br />
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Besides all the terror with having to make a powerpoint [I'm so procrastinating] I've also had to spearhead the whole thing because [DUH] I keep forgetting, I am now President Elect of the Foundation. We've set up a petite committee to handle the majority of the decisions and tasks and like little ants that spotted crumbs on the floor, we're rushing and squirming around trying to get things done.<br />
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<b><i>Breastfeeding and Babywearing class hosted by Prana</i></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJGfvTlnf_Oy8TvUFLenIgYH2zt73XcKrvcdfoA_fuK1W8pTFrgOh9ltdZLm2anZqA2uWSQtZTTAtZfXpv6ETgdzG3WFSyy0rz-8DFlylwsD6GbSxfszSd6Ty0tbOny59z7dwEopaE-NA/s1600/DSC_2138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJGfvTlnf_Oy8TvUFLenIgYH2zt73XcKrvcdfoA_fuK1W8pTFrgOh9ltdZLm2anZqA2uWSQtZTTAtZfXpv6ETgdzG3WFSyy0rz-8DFlylwsD6GbSxfszSd6Ty0tbOny59z7dwEopaE-NA/s320/DSC_2138.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>March 21st, this past Monday, I gave my quarterly class and the audience was the biggest it ever was [25 people in total!]. The class compromised of many people including a midwife, a couple expecting triplets and a parliamentarian and his significant other. I was nervous as I saw so many people rolling in, but, after setting up, I hurried to the back room, took some deep breaths, told myself I was ready and walked back in. The beginning of the class is always the toughest because there's so many people and it's difficult to command the attention of the room. I speak with conviction but the reality of the matter is that I dread if someone has to vehemently oppose something I say and cast doubt on my credibility. Confrontation scares me. Haha. But, in essence, everything went smoothly. After the first ten minutes of almost silence [except for me talking] the class became more involved. Throwing in a joke here and there is my way of keeping the mood light and from it getting too lecture-ish. I revise my powerpoint each time and in the babywearing part, I did a part especially dedicated to the claim that carrying your baby in a carriers that keeps their legs open and spread apart is detrimental to the proper development of the hips and legs. This part kept them awake, and I had fun observing the class come to life when we went into that direction. God, I love this job.<br />
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The best part of the class? The set-up. When I was setting up, there were already some couples there. Once I was nearly finished, 3/4 of the class were in place and as I pulled out the pink watersling to put on the mannequin, everyone who had been chattering and chit-chatting all of a sudden became silent. It was as if a silence had dropped over the classroom and I could swear I heard a tiny gasp of awe at the stunning hot pink ringsling. I smiled to myself and carried on as if nothing was different. AWESOME.<br />
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<b><i>Bella Sophia's glamorous babywearing photoshoots</i></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4uppUAxOUR63OqA62ZzHpo5rtofrMdM9EpVAYbRz82TCDvrJ0s2cuYSJQUxltjcIY95dYx07eoqmpZTe1_Xh_QdP3XYbFyZivwUoB0NzxPeu5-G1gaUPoc7vsqCPZ-MCt-g7T-Y4vH8Y/s1600/DSC_0513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4uppUAxOUR63OqA62ZzHpo5rtofrMdM9EpVAYbRz82TCDvrJ0s2cuYSJQUxltjcIY95dYx07eoqmpZTe1_Xh_QdP3XYbFyZivwUoB0NzxPeu5-G1gaUPoc7vsqCPZ-MCt-g7T-Y4vH8Y/s320/DSC_0513.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><b><i></i></b>This was the most time consuming but also most rewarding. It's not easy doing shoots with babies and carriers, so I appreciate all the models glamming up and getting their diva on for these shots. There were some at the beach, others at other stunning locations that will be revealed soon in a grand fashion.<br />
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<b><i>Local maternity boutique, Mommies & Bellies by Noraima and Tamara to be first Official Retailer of Bella Sophia Carriers</i></b><br />
<b><i></i></b>Holy moly. Did you see this coming? I sure didn't. I mean, well, I dreamed about it, but did I expect it to materialize so quickly and so passionately, NEVER! The owners of Mommies and Bellies were beyond thrilled at the thought of selling something so unique, so cool and natural but also locally made. Bella Sophia is taking off and I'm holding on tight because it's gonna be a wild ride this year! Craving more info on Bella Sophia? <a href="http://www.bellasophiacarriers.com/">Visit our sister site here! </a><br />
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Bella Sophia, although still in its infancy, is proving to be a formidable brand in the market of carriers sold here on Aruba. Whether imported from abroad or made locally as well, Bella Sophia stands out in a league of its own known for its stylishness, workmanship, safety, and the sheer diversity and selection of carriers. Despite the negativity surrounding the beginning of Bella Sophia from the nay-sayers, it's taken off and shook things up by offering yet another choice for the modern day natural parent. You don't have to believe me, take a look for yourself!<br />
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<b><i>Once monthly sling stand at Prana's postnatal class</i></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZq05wMdw_RSGtqBRoCY0Ie8dz0WwtcZ1bBaESfiEcgDjFVykU2L3_5jQMLfbq6huPtAtMCtJy5KvlYA9QvRrbsw0FtonzO0qLGe7j5Pc_NuIoT-FdIC9P4CNbZlBYeOPWX37eFVpJwSM/s1600/Flyer+Prana+postnatal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZq05wMdw_RSGtqBRoCY0Ie8dz0WwtcZ1bBaESfiEcgDjFVykU2L3_5jQMLfbq6huPtAtMCtJy5KvlYA9QvRrbsw0FtonzO0qLGe7j5Pc_NuIoT-FdIC9P4CNbZlBYeOPWX37eFVpJwSM/s320/Flyer+Prana+postnatal.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>My most recent invitation came from my dear friend Shanti, a certified prenatal yoga instructor teaching at Prana prenatal and postnatal health centrum. We've already been doing the classes together for a year and now she's invited me to set up a sling stand in her postnatal class for the moms who may have found renewed interest in babywearing, or who may have bought a carrier but are still unsure about their abilities. Since the launching of Bella Sophia, it was very convenient for her to have the same person giving babywearing classes, to also set up a sling stand in the class there after, so it was only natural that we combine forces again. I must admit, I am very excited for Monday's first stand, March 28th, at 12 noon. I'm still working on making/finding a rack to display the slings on, but so far I'm still missing a stand-type thing to hang/attach the rack to. Have any ideas for me?<br />
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Many times, the pictures are awed and gawked at, but often time the photographer gets left in the background. So I want to take this opportunity to thank Bella Sophia's personal photographer, Angelo Flanegin, for always being available, even at the last minute, to capture the true beauty of the slings with your stunning Nikon D200 and D300 and amazing Sigma Lens. Thank you.Wendy Madurohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785195116430602851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5433203662247756531.post-13078474866401830742011-03-12T23:01:00.000-08:002011-03-12T23:01:21.446-08:00Breastfeeding BeautiesToday's breastfeeding beauty is a repeat (different shot). It was taken during our glamorous babywearing photoshoot for <a href="http://www.bellasophiacarriers.com/">Bella Sophia Carriers</a> and at the end, Eva decided it was time for a snack<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Andrea & Eva 25 months</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Wendy Madurohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785195116430602851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5433203662247756531.post-47086954806673483062011-03-11T06:37:00.000-08:002011-03-11T06:43:31.279-08:00Felt Cookies and Cupcakes ~ My new found loveFelt - a substance I had only dealt with in my early school years. A material I dreaded as I never found arts and crafts to be enjoyable. Odd eh? And now, at 22 years of age, it's as if my creative and girly side has kicked in and I want to sew everything in sight.<br />
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<ol><li>As a hobby, to relax and enjoy myself while I make them</li>
<li>For my 3-year-old daughter to play with in her kitchen</li>
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</div>Wendy Madurohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785195116430602851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5433203662247756531.post-65181899764154351452011-03-07T21:23:00.000-08:002011-03-08T05:30:32.014-08:00Single Mothers, you CAN succeed!I've been wallowing in self-pity for a while since my (ahem, divorce) entering single motherhood for the second time around. Despite having other amazing things going on in my life right now like <a href="http://arubanbreastfeedingmamas.blogspot.com/2011/02/what-ive-been-waiting-for-for-nearly-3.html">the honor of being elected President of Fundacion Pro Lechi Mama Aruba</a> and <a href="http://arubanbreastfeedingmamas.blogspot.com/2010/12/introducing-caribirth-new-line-of.html">my business' new line of baby carriers ~ Bella Sophia (meaning beautiful Sophia, my daughter's second name)</a> I've been feeling down in the dumps where my personal life is concerned. While it is rare that I go into detail about my romantic relationships on my blog unless it will empower other mothers, I decided to write about what makes me feel so crappy and how I could make myself feel better and potentially help other single moms too.<br />
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<b><u>Things I fear about Single Motherhood</u></b><br />
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<ul><li>The dreaded "Who's my real dad, and why don't we all live together?" question. I know this is a part of life and in many instances, a real frequently occurring part of life, but this doesn't translate into it being easy or even pleasurable for me to want to answer it. </li>
<li>The second dreaded "How it is possible that I have a brother that is 2 and a half months older than me?" question. This fits right up there with the first, except, I know it'll take her longer to come to the above mentioned realization to be able to ask this dreaded question. I don't want to be a "Don't-ask-don't-tell" kind of parent, but honestly, <i style="font-weight: bold;">how on earth</i> am I supposed to explain this in a neutral and respectful and yet honest manner? </li>
<li>Step-moms/absent biological fathers/step-dads/mother-caught-in-between. Let's be absolutely frank, when a man and a woman have a kid together and then separate, and then [insert whichever option most acceptable to you] re-marry, there will be inevitable tension at some point in time. Step-mothers usurping the authority of birth mothers, step-fathers taking the initiative to raise a fatherless child and then the real father gets upset but he shouldn't because he was the one who was absent to begin with. I can't seem to find my niche in all of this. I've tried and this blended family thing is frustrating for me. The other woman in this story grew up in a blended family herself and told me that these things are common and that I should just let go and embrace it. When she told me this, I didn't know if I should have laughed or cried, all I knew was that I wanted someone to shoot me. </li>
<li>Will I be able to raise a child on my own? I've spent the last 3+ years worrying and fretting about this, and the funny thing is, I've been doing it unwittingly. We humans are tenacious and adaptable and while I worry myself to death (I'm a terrible worrier) my daughter who was once a babe, is now a happy, vivacious, care-free, 3-year-old that is surrounded by more people who love her than she could possibly lack. My parents ended up being co-parents (odd and frustrating at times, but in the long-run worthwhile) and I've learned even more how much I can rely on them. I've heard many other young moms admit that they never felt such a strong attachment and love for their mothers until they were pregnant. It's not that we never loved our moms it's just that epiphany like state that you float in when all of a sudden you feel the love your mother felt when she carried, birthed and raised you. So I did not end up raising her on my own. </li>
<li>Not having a constant co-parent to step in when <i>you </i>need a time-out. This is one of the hardest things about being a single parent. It's the end of the day, you had a pretty lousy day, your child seems to have had the same day and is also in a "mood", you're tired, you've got things to do, chores to take care of, bills to figure out how you're gonna pay and a kid to get ready for bed. Then, your usually sweet and adorable child starts acting out [insert, due to over stimulation, stress, boredom, tiredness] and is defiant about taking a shower and getting ready for bed. This is where it's hardest being a single parent. You have no back-up to call and take over for you to take a breather or a long walk. It's you, yourself, and your short fuse. At these times I usually just break down and cry, and at times it's in front of Dahlia and then I feel worse because she gets so sad and starts consoling me by telling me "Don't worry, I'm here, don't cry mama". I'll just chalk this all up to a real life lesson in empathy and hope my kid takes away from it that even mamas are human and cry. </li>
<li>What others will think of me. It is not a secret that people judge. People judge young mothers. People judge young single mothers.Besides being a terrible worrier, I am also a person who cares just a tad too much about what others say/think about me. My mom once told me that "40 % of people will love you, 40% of people will dislike you and the other 20% will remain undecided." Uh, how is this supposed to help me Ma? It basically means, just make sure you're in the right things, (because a thief can't get angry for people talking bad about the fact that he steals) and forget what everyone else has to say. How are you supposed to live any kind of life if you're constantly worrying about what everyone <i>might be saying</i> about you. </li>
</ul><div>And my <b><i>number one thing I dread about single motherhood is...</i></b></div><div><b><i><br />
</i></b></div><div><ul><li>When will I have another child? This is the thing that freaks me out the most. Because of the mess I went through with Dahlia's biological father, I swore never to have another child out-of-wedlock. I also swore never to get divorced. And then I got divorced. I'm stuck in this limbo of not knowing what situation will suit me best. Stay single or unmarried for the rest of my life? Take a chance again at marriage? Microsoft Word has an undo button that if you click it enough, it brings you back to a clean white page, right where you started. I have often times wished my life had an "undo" button. But then I think, what if I undid my past with Dahlia's father.. I wouldn't have Dahlia now and I wouldn't be where I am right now, experiencing the happiest of times in my life because of the love of a child. And then I acquiesce and all of a sudden I realize I don't need that button anymore. So back to my concerns. Because of my single motherhood status I wonder when will I have another child. In my plans were about 3-4 more children. Not in my plans was divorce. But I guess even the best laid plans...go awry. I try to comfort myself with my age. I am merely 22 and I don't have my "clock" ticking (YET) so I console myself with affirmations that if I take the time and do it right this time around, I will have my truck-load of kids with a man who wants them and who wants me, even when I'm old and wrinkly and can brush my teeth while I have a full-blown conversation. </li>
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</div></div><div><b><i>Things I [<s>insert love]</s> learned about single motherhood that made me stronger</i></b></div><div><b><i><br />
</i></b></div><div><ul><li>If it doesn't kill you, or make you commit suicide/end up on anti-depressants, it just might make you stronger. Do you know what is stronger than bone? A broken one. Once a broken bone heals up, it becomes stronger than before making it even harder to fracture a second time around. When I became a single mother for the first time, I was terrified. Terrified about what people would think, terrified about being just another statistic, another stereotype and then, I said something to my child's father that echoes in my head to this day. And I quote " I will walk out of my house with my daughter and no wedding ring on my finger and I will hold my head up high because I was strong enough to leave a bad relationship." And then it was done. I handed it over. All my shame, I gave it back. I had nothing to do with feeling ashamed of being a single mother for making the right choice. 3 Years has since passed and although the darkest moments envelopes you like a black cloud leaving you gasping for air, they are far too few and in between to be able to come near to the best moments of your life that you spend with your child. </li>
<li>It takes two to make a kid, but if only one is left, that one is certainly capable of raising a well-adjusted, integrated and loving human being. Some of the most respectful men come from single-parent homes in which the single parent was the mother. Note that I did not say that all men who come from single mothers are respectful, nor did I purport that men who come from dual-parent families are disrespectful, but often times a young man who sees the struggle and triumph that his mother goes through while raising him (and possibly other siblings) is more likely to be empathetic towards women. More understanding, more in touch with a sensitive and reassuring side. Single mothers, you might not have a father figure in your son's life, but you are more than capable of teaching your son how a real father, and man is supposed to treat a woman, with dignity and respect. </li>
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</div><div><b><i>And the number one thing I learned from being a single mother is</i></b></div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLIy-9QEu4fscZC0ozeLqsbdEMzewYsf-UUcrgdKbZkbSOCkEMa-9VDevTzmFExvUf4AT3F_-0aJllKaGf5Pbs0hidvM5IqxGitokCPSZKM5gLiPHj7P8oTS49rtp2VBYwdqmZ7QwgOk/s1600/Watersling+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLIy-9QEu4fscZC0ozeLqsbdEMzewYsf-UUcrgdKbZkbSOCkEMa-9VDevTzmFExvUf4AT3F_-0aJllKaGf5Pbs0hidvM5IqxGitokCPSZKM5gLiPHj7P8oTS49rtp2VBYwdqmZ7QwgOk/s320/Watersling+019.JPG" width="212" /></a><br />
<ul><li>Parent as if you had a co-parent, live as if you lacked nothing. A lot of people complain that they are not the happy, patient people they know they are or can be because of their present circumstances and although I completely understand that difficult situations can dampen our moods significantly, at the end of the day we all stand responsible for our own actions. Don't say, 'If only I had a partner to make me feel complete, then my child could actually see a happy mommy'. Your child deserves a happy mother whether you are single or not. Even though to some the pain of singleness feels like birth pangs, I dare you, I challenge you to parent your child as if you did have a partner, treat your child as if you had infinite amounts of patience and love your child as if you lacked absolutely nothing in the world because in fact, your child loves you even if you lack everything else in the world. Is that not worth it all?</li>
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</i></b></div>Wendy Madurohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785195116430602851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5433203662247756531.post-85852243637015117242011-02-28T05:38:00.000-08:002011-02-28T05:39:33.743-08:00Babywearing Grandmothers<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Babywearing Grandma</i></td></tr>
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There are a plethora of benefits for a baby when his mother or father wears him in a sling or wrap. In these days, many grandmothers watch after their grandchildren, of which many are still young and strong enough to freely go out and about with their grandchildren. For these, a sling or wrap may prove very useful and practical as they may or may not lack the strength to tote around yet another generation.<br />
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One doesn't come across many pictures of babywearing grandmothers on the web, and if you do, many are aged ones. Here's my seamstress (who is also a grandmother to small grandchildren) sporting our new linen ring sling by Bella Sophia.<br />
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<i>If you'd like to use these pictures as illustrations, just drop an email and I'll be happy to send you some without watermarks if photo credits are placed.</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Wendy Madurohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785195116430602851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5433203662247756531.post-19113006474333832562011-02-25T18:46:00.000-08:002011-02-28T04:42:22.792-08:00Why I'm not waiting to have a baby boy to stand up for Intactivism<i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03o7j0mTrCWm9BFSoXXA3Caf6e8-CIFohWPrxE6DSdN3Y9tBMovnjFZqRpQGGuYaZ3Atuem2RjYC6LX39tJ_U7tQ6s4sgoiUWYpK6O8_Zh5Rtgz118_QaDBxlMImhwf_zjvgQpna29MA/s1600/mother+protecting+son.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03o7j0mTrCWm9BFSoXXA3Caf6e8-CIFohWPrxE6DSdN3Y9tBMovnjFZqRpQGGuYaZ3Atuem2RjYC6LX39tJ_U7tQ6s4sgoiUWYpK6O8_Zh5Rtgz118_QaDBxlMImhwf_zjvgQpna29MA/s1600/mother+protecting+son.png" /></a></div><i>While dropping my daughter off at pre-school the other day, one of the little boys in her class had his underwear on the wrong way. This caused him to expose his genitals and when I unexpectedly caught a glimpse, it struck a cord inside me, one I had never felt before. The little boy's penis was circumcised. A flood of thoughts inundated me as I felt cut deep inside me, just as this little boy had been cut as a baby. This is the day I became an Intactivist. </i><br />
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As the mother of just one, a daughter, circumcision is not a topic that steadily occupies your mind. You read about it, you are dismayed at the act, you research it in case you must defend intactivism, but perhaps you don't champion it as passionately if you'd had a son. This was true in my case. I knew that if I have sons in the future, none of them would ever be touched by a blade to their foreskin. However, I guess I never felt personally inclined about little boys' penises until that day at pre-school.<br />
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I couldn't get it out of my mind. Every little boy that I had ever taken care of, or seen, had a normal looking penis. So when I caught a glimpse of this altered one, I was taken back. I felt hurt when I imagined how he must have screamed for help during this elective cosmetic surgery. I grew angrier at it, resolving in my heart that if I have a son, or many sons, I would never let anyone mutilate his penis. I resolved to speak out against MGM more often and to educate myself more. Let us all, mothers of girls and boys alike, be determined to advocate and educate so that parents of baby boys wake up and realize and avoid having to apologize...later on<br />
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</i>Wendy Madurohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785195116430602851noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5433203662247756531.post-75156924832415782082011-02-25T08:33:00.001-08:002011-02-25T08:33:56.997-08:00We're Sporting a new look!Have you noticed that ABM had a make-over! I don't profess to know much about designing websites, but I'm pretty proud of myself so far. Keep coming back to see updates on the new look, because I'll be adding new features soon!Wendy Madurohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785195116430602851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5433203662247756531.post-12170591198302735102011-02-21T07:23:00.000-08:002011-02-21T07:23:18.875-08:00The Official proposal of the National Aruban Breastfeeding Policy<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Images Courtesy of 24ora.com</i></td></tr>
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<b>Friday February 18th 2011</b><br />
<b>Cabinet Conference Room</b><br />
<b>Parliament</b><br />
<b>Oranjestad, Aruba</b><br />
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In a meeting held at 2 o'clock at Parliament with His Excellency Richard Visser, and Her Excellency Michelle Hooyboer-Winklaar, The National Breastfeeding Platform handed in the official 2011-2015 Breastfeeding Policy for it to be implemented into all the aspects of Maternal-child health on Aruba.<br />
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As part of that platform (representing Pro Lechi Mama) I was honored to be part of the handing over ceremony because this is a huge step forward for breastfeeding. It's only the beginning of the road, but we can see everything that so many women (and some men!) have fought hard for, for many years, is finally materializing thanks to government officials who do see the importance and value of sustaining, advocating for, and protecting lactating mothers and their babies.<br />
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In the short but highly anticipated meeting with Minister Visser and Minister Hooyboer-Winklaar, Minouche Lopez and Caroll Kock spoke briefly about the present of breastfeeding, the future and the hopes and expectations this policy will bring. Two beautifully made and bound NBBAs (Nacionaal Beleidsplan Borstvoeding Aruba) were handed over along with two sand-clocks sporting gold toned sand representing the fact that human milk is rightly seen as liquid gold. Both Ministers were overjoyed at the breastfeeding memorabilia and her Excellency said she would put it on her desk.<br />
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Hooray for breastfeeding, Hooray!<br />
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</div>Wendy Madurohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785195116430602851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5433203662247756531.post-82262525830740653802011-02-13T18:57:00.000-08:002011-02-13T18:57:55.059-08:00Breastfeeding BeautiesDuring a babywearing photo shoot today with Sharine Hart, Ariella (her adorable baby) decided it was time for a break, and a snack too! Look what a precious moment we caught with Sharine, Fabienne and Ariella<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVZC10pw8_YLGPXwQcG193pYSIGNpRiodSScux2ZPvX5z60qVb7kItk09bE5uMZIv5_ffsBP0hdqQ7DcC296JWi4SSbWzSw0kJQYL7xwxKCKEni6hsQKvi_A9LisOtD0F4Olh3u-4iC4/s1600/085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVZC10pw8_YLGPXwQcG193pYSIGNpRiodSScux2ZPvX5z60qVb7kItk09bE5uMZIv5_ffsBP0hdqQ7DcC296JWi4SSbWzSw0kJQYL7xwxKCKEni6hsQKvi_A9LisOtD0F4Olh3u-4iC4/s400/085.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Photography by Angelo Flanegin</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br />
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</i></span></div>Wendy Madurohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785195116430602851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5433203662247756531.post-23376217351097131442011-02-12T22:09:00.000-08:002011-02-12T22:22:26.584-08:00Mothers who blame others just to perpetuate their guilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>A mother has had two cesareans and is pregnant with her third child. She vows to change her whole life style and make choices that will lead to a healthy pregnancy and subsequently a healthy vaginal birth this time around. For medical reasons beyond her control, she must have yet a third c-section. Her daughter is born healthy but she is rightfully downhearted and crushed and goes on to deal with the aftermath of yet another surgical birth. She understands that the reasons for the cesarean this time around were warranted, and that she had done everything possible to lead up to the birth she had desired - a vaginal birth. She still cannot come to terms and starts to victimize herself unnecessarily. If she reads about women having homebirth stories, she gets upset at them, and feels worthless. If a friend has a successful unmedicated hospital birth, she digs her hole of guilt deeper and feels anger at her friend.<br />
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Another mother is overjoyed at the birth of her second child. The breastfeeding did not work out the first time around, and she desperately tries the second time around. To her dismay, and for reasons beyond her control, it fails to work out again for her and she must supplement. She feels worthless. She feels alone, like a failure of a mother. Her guilt is compounded by the exceptionally high standards she has set for herself as a mother - breastfeed or bust. <i>My</i> milk or no milk. She doesn't seek donor milk and turns to formula. Each bottle she prepares makes her grit her teeth. Every successful breastfeeding story she hears or reads, she is filled with anger. If she sees, hears or reads about other mothers having enough to donate, she feels even lower to the ground. She simply cannot come to terms with not meeting the goal she set before her, and she blames herself, but she starts blaming every breastfeeding mother who did go on to breastfeed successfully for making her feel worse.<br />
<br />
These two women have a few things in common: :<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul><li>They are goal-oriented people</li>
<li>They failed to meet the goal they set before them despite trying their best</li>
<li>They are guilt-ridden because of not meeting that goal</li>
<li>Despite the fact that <i>no one ever said anything</i> to make them feel guilty, they consider anyone who met <i>their</i> goals successfully as competition, and started blaming those people for <i>their</i> feelings of guilt</li>
</ul><div><br />
</div><div>There are generally three types of mothers :</div><div></div><div><ul><li>Mothers who rightfully feel guilty about not meeting their goals but eventually accept it and move on</li>
<li>Mothers who don't care if they met their goal or not, it's o.k right? My baby is healthy so whatever</li>
<li>Mothers who feel guilty about not reaching their goal, who continually beat themselves up for it and who because of their inferiority complex, don't want to see any other woman succeed. </li>
</ul><div><br />
</div><div>The latter type don't just exist in the mother-form, they come in all shapes, ages, sizes and races of people. These are called downers. They failed at something, can't come to terms with it, and so can't move past it, and want to keep you feeling sorry for them, while they wish you the same fate. </div></div><div><br />
</div><div>I can't deal with women like this. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I am not insensitive to your feelings, but the fact is that your guilt has an ulterior motive. Your guilt has facets and different shades to it. This part, I don't like. If I can produce enough milk to feed a continent, but you cannot, don't blame me for it. Don't tell me that I made your self-esteem plummet. You should be happy, why? Because my ability can mean more human milk, for more human babies other than my own. As for the woman who scorns any vaginal birthing mother. If I gave birth to 8 children, all at home, without a hitch, it is what it is. I never said, or even implied you were less of a mother because you've birthed all your children surgically. I feel for you, I understand you, but it doesn't give you the right to think ill of me, or dislike me because I met a goal that you set for yourself. This is beyond my control, and it is beyond yours as well. </div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7vs72iqQrgT9dxsVYMe6brXRaZF2uIklkHbHAdGmh5UGrCELHW3FD3a5Xx5jFjpLqeLRdCWyEgnzww1zOc38mV_pH87w-rcseE-Jz-U8VtdhhUs6gDEiACBGbeMwMBvT2oNlUl-vIOo/s1600/angry-woman-pointing-finger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7vs72iqQrgT9dxsVYMe6brXRaZF2uIklkHbHAdGmh5UGrCELHW3FD3a5Xx5jFjpLqeLRdCWyEgnzww1zOc38mV_pH87w-rcseE-Jz-U8VtdhhUs6gDEiACBGbeMwMBvT2oNlUl-vIOo/s320/angry-woman-pointing-finger.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>The blame game brings nothing but bad fame</b></span></div><div>When things go awry, and not exactly how they want it to go, some have a tendency to blame. They can't deal with the outcome, no matter who's fault and just needs a scapegoat. Maybe it was even their own fault, but can't bear the cost of guilt and want to place culpability on someone besides themselves. These same people tend to have a domineering personality. They need to be in constant control of their surroundings, and can't take things as they come. This type of mentality only sets you up for utter frustration, stress and a stroke. When it comes to parenting, especially the field of birth and breastfeeding, there isn't a sure guarantee. No one woman can perfectly dictate her moves and expect 100% success. Life simply isn't that way, and parenting sure as hell is the farthest things away from that. That being said, developing a more relaxed and balanced sense of self can be of great benefit. Try it one day, you just might like it</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Mothers who blame just to get sympathy</b></span></div><div>This type of mother really pisses me off. Let's take the breastfeeding one as an example. She simply could not breastfeed. She did everything under the sun, according to any good advice she got, from LCs, breastfeeding mothers, everyone. She studied, took classes, read books, blogs and everything in between but for reasons <i>beyond her control</i> she did not succeed. Because she ended up supplementing, she feels guilty every time she hears about others having enough milk to feed Maria, Josefina and Conchita's babies. What does this mother do? She starts whining, and complaining how hearing about other women succeeding makes her feel inferior. "Awhhh, poor you, I feel sorry for you. Shame on that ungrateful mother who makes 40 ounces of milk each feeding, shame on that walking talking cow. And here you are, not enough for one. You're right, that other mother is ungrateful, I don't like her either. You know I heard one day that she.." And then blamegame mama got you. She got you to feel just the way she does. It's a vicious cycle. </div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>This has got to stop</b></span></div><div>Because of the ease of the internet, and the sheer ubiquitous accessibility, anyone and everyone can have a space on the net to say what they want, whether this may hurt others or not. They take it one step farther. Instead of confining their rants and narrow mindedness to their own space, they hunt for other people's space to unleash everything they've kept pent up inside them. They have zero disregard for the feelings of others and they're ready to demonstrate that. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Now hold up, can you stop this now? We know you are mad, mad at your circumstances, mad at the lot that was dealt to you, but can you go back? This isn't Staples, there's no easy button here. So please, do me a favor, do yourself a favor and just <i style="font-weight: bold;">deal.with.it. </i>If this means seeking help beyond your circle of listening ears, then, by all means, do it. Don't do it for me, don't do it for your kid or your husband, do it for yourself. Why? Because life is full of unfulfilled expectations and disappointments, and if you let every single event get to you, especially the big ones, the next unmet goal just might kill you. Take it from me, there are enough diseases out there that can kill you without you bringing it upon your organism, why make stress be the one to get you?</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div>Wendy Madurohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785195116430602851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5433203662247756531.post-13081164633985633162011-02-11T09:35:00.000-08:002011-02-11T09:35:40.638-08:00On this day, three years agoAlthough I choose not to celebrate birthdays, I will sit and recollect how on this day, exactly three years ago, my first and only child was born. I've come to notice that I have never shared my birth story of Dahlia. I think this is a fitting opportunity to do so.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>February 6th 2008</u></b><br />
<b><u><br />
</u></b><br />
I wake up early that morning to a text from a friend I'd met in childbirth education classes, Fleur, that she had just given birth to a beautiful son, Joey. We both had the same EDD and were both first time mothers. I was very happy to hear she had finally popped. I was 41 weeks exactly and although I was eager to meet Dahlia, I wasn't worried about going over 40 weeks.<br />
<br />
I had my last routine midwifery appointment that morning, and this time my mother came along. The midwife said everything looked perfect and that hopefully she would not see me next week again. She then asked if she could strip my membranes to "get things moving along". I didn't know much about induction back then but I figured that at 41 weeks, it sounded ok to help things along. She did a vaginal exam and told me I was 1 cm dilated but that the baby had not dropped yet. She stripped my membranes and bode me farewell.<br />
<br />
Over the past few weeks, my blood pressure had steadily been rising to an uncomfortable level. From the beginning of the pregnancy I had an unusual amount of proteins in my urine but my blood pressure was always fine. So when my blood pressure went higher and higher, it preoccupied my midwife. At that same last appointment she had me draw some blood before we did the vaginal exam. After the appointment was over, she said that she would call with the results only if they were troublesome. Bless her soul, she was so calm all throughout my pregnancy and she never ever made me worry.<br />
<br />
Later that afternoon, to our displeasure, we got a call from the midwife. She said that the results of the blood test showed a high amount of proteins and that she was handing me over to the care of my gynecologist. She instructed us to go to the hospital for monitoring and care. I was nervous. I was excited, but nervous because she sounded serious. But.. there we all went, packed up the bags, and left. I was 19 years old.<br />
<br />
We got to the hospital and they monitored me for what seemed like an eternity. The fetal heart rate monitor showed no signs of distress but it was registering some major contractions, of which I felt none. From that moment on, I didn't trust that monitor with measuring my contractions.<br />
<br />
They sent me to my room and I was to stay in the hospital until I gave birth. That sucked big time. I was admitted on a Wednesday. Thursday rolled around with no action, and then Friday as well. Because it was the weekend, I would be taken care of by the gynecologist on call, Dr. H. On Friday night, Dr. H was making the rounds, and before he could slip out of the room <i>without even speaking to me</i>, I called him over. "Dr H!" I exclaimed. "What about me? Is everything looking ok?" He picked up my chart and said with the slightest emotion, "Ah yes, well, if you don't go into labor by Monday, we'll induce you" I thought to myself "INDUCE?! ARE YOU NUTS?!" Well... Dahlia must have heard him because that night, labor started.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Saturday, foreday morning, 1:30 AM February 9th 2008</u></b><br />
<b><u><br />
</u></b><br />
I woke up to pee for the millionth time, and while on the toilet it hit me. Pain hit me. I knew this was it. There was no trace of doubt left. I got up, and instinct took over. I had attended the most natural childbirth education classes on the island but my reading was limited to "What to expect when you're expecting" and "FitPregnancy" so I just did what I thought was natural to do. Walk around. From the very beginning my contractions were regular, every 3-4 minutes, lasting 30 seconds. They weren't dreadfully painful but it did take my concentration. In between them, it was as if nothing was going on. At some point in time, after begging the nurses to put me on the monitor, that stupid machine registered very very little. I knew then for sure, I couldn't trust that contraption. The nurses urged me to go rest because I would tire myself out before the real action began. So like a little puppy, I obediently walked back to my bed and rested. It was much more uncomfortable on the bed but I stayed there. <br />
<br />
<b><u>Saturday morning, 10 am February 9th 2008</u></b><br />
<b><u><br />
</u></b><br />
My mother comes to visit me in hospital and the contractions are still going strong. I'm able to talk in between them normally, but have to focus on breathing and relaxing myself during them. We were all excited because it was finally happening. the whole day I had visitors and we sat and talked and laughed. They laughed at me quite a bit because I would be telling them something and then all of a sudden I tell them to "SHUSH!" and close my eyes and start my deep inhaling and exhaling, and then it was over and I picked up right where I left off. It was a real trip to see that now that I look back. I handled the contractions very well, so well that many of the nurses didn't even know or believe I was in much pain so they didn't really pay too much attention to me. I thought this was scandalous back then, but now that I think about, they did good just letting me be to labor on my own without disturbing me. Thank you L&D ward nurses<br />
<br />
<b><u>Saturday Night, 9 pm February 9th 2008</u></b><br />
<b><u><br />
</u></b><br />
With contractions still at 3-4 minutes having labored the whole day, I was pretty tired. The nurse walked in and asked me if I wanted something to relieve the pain. Naively I said ok. I knew she wasn't giving me an epidural because they aren't that common in Aruba, and you have to pay big money for them. I had no clue what on earth she was going to give me, but I didn't think anything of it. She brought this huge needle and gave me a shot in my thigh that made the muscle contract like hell. I asked her what it was and she just told me that it would help me sleep. Boy, was she right. That stuff knocked.me.out. I was in a haze and all I could recollect is walking up in the middle of the night for contractions that were really strong. For the rest, I was snoozing like a baby.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Sunday morning, February 10th 2008</u></b><br />
<br />
Sunday came and went by with the same tune as Saturday. My parents visited, we talked, had fun and waited anxiously to see when this baby would come. That night, the nurses again offered me the pain relief. Bear in mind that I not once uttered the words "Give me something against the pain please", I never even hinted at it. They came to me offering it, but I also didn't turn it down. So that night, I got another dose of Demerol. I honestly think it built up in my system because I became even groggier and if I woke up that night, it had felt like a dream, so surreal.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Monday Morning 10 am February 11th 2008</b></u><br />
<u><b><br />
</b></u><br />
I was so glad for Monday to reach because it meant that my rocking female ob/gyn was gonna show up, Dr. M. She came in, she asked to do a vaginal exam, which I was more than happy to oblige and announced that I was 5 cm dilated. Boy was I happy to hear those days of laboring weren't for nothing. At this point in time, I had been laboring since the beginning of Saturday, which had been a total of 56 and a half hours. Once they announced that I was 5 cm, things started moving. I was put into the Labor and delivery room, which was a cold, sterile room with dark blue tiles and the farthest feeling from comfort. My dad hopped on to the recliner and fell asleep to the point of snoring. My mom looked at him and asked him if he was planning on staying in the L&D room for the birth, and of course my dad was all like' hell no', so my mom then informed my dad that he would then have to leave the room according to hospital protocol, which he did.<br />
<br />
Because of having received so much pain medication, I was woozy, and my labor had also slowed. The contractions that were once 3-4 minutes apart when I had no medication in my system, slowed to 10 minutes apart. So after administering more wooz-juice, they also gave me pitocin to speed it up (can anyone say oxymoron?). Dr. M told me she would break my waters, and when she did (which was btw, one of the worst feelings ever) the water was green and murky, but Dahlia's heart rate never showed any compromise so I never worried. They then put an internal fetal heart rate monitor on Dahlia's head, strapped me down with monitors and said , see you later. I couldn't get off the bed and the contractions were starting to get so strong because of the pitocin. The demerol made me so woozy that I would be awake for the intense contractions and then fall back into a deep sleep. It was surreal, nothing felt real. The contractions were like waves, some crashing into me, just when one was subsiding. I must admit that, although the contractions were sometimes too difficult to bear, there was only one time that I thought to myself, "o.k this needs to be over, I want a cesarean to get this pain to stop NOW!" I remember hushing my mom or ex-partner, to be able to concentrate on the contractions. I remember the room become hot, so I needed someone to fan me. And then, I remember the urge to bear down. Although I was young, I had read enough of the process and I never doubted what stage I was in when it was happening. When I got the urge to bear down, I told my mom to call the nurses right away. They told me to wait. "WAIT?! are you nuts?! I need to push, my body is telling me to push, I can't stop this feeling!" They nurses came, checked me, I was at 10 cm and they gave me the green light to do something my body had already signaled me to do. So I started pushing. I hated that they wanted to coach me, but I did my best to follow their instructions while still following my urges. I pushed, I pushed, I pushed. Eventually Dr. M got there and she took over. There I was , sprawled out on my back like a stranded beetle. It was a little after 4 and Dahlia's head was visible. I guess the doctor thought she looked too big, so she informed me she was going to perform an episiotomy, after she said that, I reminded her that I wanted Dahlia on my chest right away to breastfeed her. In my haze, I agreed to the episiotomy. I was like a test subject that said yes to everything. It was a scary feeling, now that I think about it. She numbed the area with a big needle of local anesthetic, and snipped it. Boy was that a strange sensation. No pain, but it was super weird. I was cut and after a few pushes, at 5:10 pm, Dahlia was born. All I could hear was my mom snicker and cry at the birth of her first grandchild. Dahlia's birth father cut the cord, and ten minutes after, he took off and left. That's a whole other story.<br />
<br />
<b><u>5:40 pm February 11th 2008</u></b><br />
<b><u><br />
</u></b><br />
Trying to get Dahlia to breastfeed was difficult. She showed no interest, and I now understand it was because she was incredibly groggy from so much pain medication. Her Apgar score was 9 the first time, and 10 the second time. She responded, she just wasn't that into my breast. Great. My mom told me that as Dahlia was being born, a gush of blood shot out. That freaked me out. After I reveled in Dahlia's fatness, they took her to be weighed and "cleaned" and it was time to get the placenta out. I hate L&D rooms, everything is so rush rush, like a fast food joint. Get your order, and get out. I don't remember the contractions for the placenta, but what I will never forget is the sensation of the smooth, slick and slippery afterbirth sliding out of my vagina on to the bed. They didn't show it to me, nor was I interested back then, in looking at it. I was pretty squeamish, and even refused the mirror they offered me to be able to see her crowning. I was then stitched up, and my happy meal (Dahlia) was handed over to me, and we were rolled up to the maternity ward.<br />
<br />
Up on the maternity ward, friends and family visited and after all was calm I settled in to get down to the business of breastfeeding. Over the next few weeks, we struggled with a bad latch, bad advice, cracked bleeding nipples,flat nippleds and, a pesky preference for the nipple shield, but at the same time, my love affair with breastfeeding began and eventually, with help and a loooooot of perseverance, we kept at it, and breastfeeding became amazing. I went on to exclusively breastfeed Dahlia for six months, working full time. We bed-shared, and I took her everywhere I went. When Dahlia was a year and a few months, and started to take interest in the world around her, I mistook her new found love (now everything else besides my breasts) for signs of weaning and slowly but surely, she weaned. I don't remember the last time I breastfed her, which is sad, but at least, even though I had wanted to go for much longer, it was not taken away from her abruptly.<br />
<br />
Dahlia is today three years old and when she lays in my arms at night, she'll sometimes ask for mum mums, which I gladly oblige her with. She suckles for a few seconds and then smiles and says she's done. I've grown a lot since her birth and I've learned so much from what I've been through, both good and bad. My experiences with a hospital birth setting have lead me to choose a homebirth for the next child, and to breastfeed until she is truly ready to move on. I do regret the choices I've made during the labor of my daughter, because it complicated things, and could have made things worse, but I have learned from them, learned the truth about them and I'm determined to avoid that path the second time around.Wendy Madurohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785195116430602851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5433203662247756531.post-67794909063306739902011-02-09T20:48:00.000-08:002011-02-09T20:57:51.250-08:00Sex-Ed for... Day Care/ Pre-school ?Dahlia has been going to one of the best day cares/ pre-schools on the island since the (way too young) age of 3 months. This is the same day care that I have gone to, my older brother, even my nearly 40-year-old cousin went there. In any case, Dahlia is now a few days away from turning 3 years old and there isn't a dull day if Dahlia's around. I usually pick her up from school around 5 pm and most of the kids play around until their parents pick them up.<br />
<br />
Today was no different than any other day.<br />
<br />
That is, until I picked her up and saw all the kids sitting ever so nicely in front of another teacher (not Dahlia's) while she held up two dolls.<br />
<br />
<br />
Both dolls were naked, and one was clearly a boy doll and the other was a girl. She held the dolls up while all the little eyes glared at her, and she said loudly "This one is a boy because he has a pipi. Do you see the difference between these two dolls? Who can tell me what is the difference between a boy and a girl?"<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>My jaw dropped</b></span><br />
when I stopped and listened to what she was teaching them. Why? Well, this class consisted of children ages 2 to 3 years old. Many obviously didn't understand where the teacher was going because when she asked what made boys different to girls, some kids started to scream "The leg! The leg". Clearly, however educational this teacher's intention was, the point was not coming across. I didn't say anything to her, I guess firstly because I was a bit stupefied at what I heard and saw, but also because I had just arrived at the beginning of this "life lesson", and Dahlia was all the way in the back, distracted by toddlerhood.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>I got home and posted what I had just experienced on Facebook</b></span><br />
and within a few minutes, I had a comment already. One of sheer disbelief. Why don't you just read it for yourself...<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiktY9vdOwzOoYCqyku7ex_U6aGb5PJqQVLsIlrKbFfmXi4Dih87cSDkSW7fPSKSWN5l1aSBUCGRbZxWjvPureqJsMxhsFWbBGXwaU8h4YbKefA3lKlpI4POcc8TsMHNMaOA1HzQGppDls/s1600/Day+care+sex-ed+part+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiktY9vdOwzOoYCqyku7ex_U6aGb5PJqQVLsIlrKbFfmXi4Dih87cSDkSW7fPSKSWN5l1aSBUCGRbZxWjvPureqJsMxhsFWbBGXwaU8h4YbKefA3lKlpI4POcc8TsMHNMaOA1HzQGppDls/s400/Day+care+sex-ed+part+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvKUCwhRoU66T8PjXyn73IWlI2fYSZS-ISo2X98ZfssJ7-x8AmaOne7U0Ba3bCRT4jCzmklA3ANONa44CyDRGd1fPMnjtGn7IT7yHKI5IK0hbtvpi-8jw1rXzB1XshHae_LzsYgOipoc8/s1600/day+care+sex-ed+part2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvKUCwhRoU66T8PjXyn73IWlI2fYSZS-ISo2X98ZfssJ7-x8AmaOne7U0Ba3bCRT4jCzmklA3ANONa44CyDRGd1fPMnjtGn7IT7yHKI5IK0hbtvpi-8jw1rXzB1XshHae_LzsYgOipoc8/s400/day+care+sex-ed+part2.jpg" width="377" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim70zq-guNsoX2gee7WevMl-DjIszgQONYuUyf5mV6lRben55wBDxH_Y_DLhSPZM5wkDbxnVTLFHPLQrPgKcF42A91hngnKMcVfn3bHXRxuJlmwOj9LrVLreUYOhxg5FpeYV1n43aawgs/s1600/day+care+sex+ed+part+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim70zq-guNsoX2gee7WevMl-DjIszgQONYuUyf5mV6lRben55wBDxH_Y_DLhSPZM5wkDbxnVTLFHPLQrPgKcF42A91hngnKMcVfn3bHXRxuJlmwOj9LrVLreUYOhxg5FpeYV1n43aawgs/s400/day+care+sex+ed+part+3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
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<br />
There were many opinions about the propriety of this teacher's actions, and the discussion eventually led into the direction of who's territory it is anyway, to educate a child about their genitals. It also gravitated into the direction of age-propriety and as with many hot topics, there were many differing but very respectful viewpoints.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>So when does sex-ed start and who should initiate it?</b></span><br />
I cautiously withheld my opinion on Facebook because I really wanted to know what other parents thought, and also because my opinion was coming here.<br />
<br />
Here's the deal. To be honest,<i> I don't think there is a one-size-fits-all age that applies to every child where this topic is concerned, </i>but before we start talking about when, let's talk about why.<br />
<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Why should I talk to my young child about penises, and vulvas?</b></span><br />
Sorry to break it to you, but, when you became a parent, this came in the job description. Just like that annoying co-worker trying to shove that one annoying, painstaking task off on you each time, many parents have failed to fill the role of sex-educator. Instead, they push it off on teachers, Family Planning organizations, schools and even their children's peers, all for the sake of being a prude. This has to change for several reasons;<br />
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<ul><li>Human Sexuality is part of life, and curiosity of such is a normal and healthy part of development</li>
</ul><div><ul><li>If you don't talk to your child, someone else will, and chances are, your kid won't hear factual or appropriate information</li>
</ul></div><div><ul><li>To protect your child</li>
</ul><div><br />
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</div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Human Sexuality is part of life, and curiosity of such is a normal and healthy part of development</span></b></div><div>Have you ever seen a baby discover he has hands, or wait, the best one, feet! This self-realization fascinates the human baby to such an extent, that for some days, and even weeks, all they can do is play and obsess about that foot. Sucking on it, looking at it, playing, twiddling and fiddling with it. Curiosity about our genitals is no different. After all, a penis or vagina is simply an organ, a sex organ true, but it remains an organ much like our liver, lungs and brain. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Interest in genitals can arise at any age in a child, or a manifestation of interest can not be shown at all. So because of this, there is no standard age that kids should get "the first talk". Dahlia mentions her genitals, but only if she's showering or on the toilet. She doesn't talk or obsess about it outside of those places, but I do know kids who do mention their genitals in their day-to-day dealings. One day, when I picked up Dahlia from daycare (here we go again) I met up with a 3 1/2 year old boy in her class proclaiming loudly "I have a penis! I have a penis!" over and over and over again. When the teacher finally paid attention to what he was announcing to the world, she scolded him for uttering such a thing, and he quickly stopped. Yes little boy, you do have a penis, but, here's the thing, I don't want to be walking in a crowded supermarket one day when Dahlia decides to shout at the top of her lungs "I HAVE A PENIS!". I'd prefer to avoid that <s>please-make-the-ground-open-up-and-swallow-me-now</s> situation. Thank-you. </div><div><br />
</div><div>As I was saying. It's not dirty that a child realizes he has a sex-organ. To him it's just like a finger (for lack of a better illustration). It's how we react to his interest that can influence and affect his view on genitals, sex, and the right context. How have/would you react if your son or daughter asked you what a penis, or vagina/vulva was? Did/would you clam up and distract his attention away from his question? Would you break out the juice and cookies and have a man-to-man talk about the birds and the bees? Or have/would you simply answer the question, and gauge his interest and curiosity to see how much he knows and wants to know (of course, in an age appropriate manner.) </div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>If you don't talk to your child, someone else will, and chances are, your kid won't hear factual or age-appropriate information</b></span></div><div>I decided long ago that I would speak to my child, at an early age, about his/her genitals. I would teach my child that girls have a vulva, and boys have a penis. Yes, I know the boy in school says it's a 'pipi' or the girl called it a 'nunu', but the real word for it is, penis and vulva. Why should I euphemize a body part? Because it's 'dirty', or 'taboo'? I for one don't think so. When we sugar coat, genitals, or the act of intercourse, we instill a shame of a natural act that has a time and place. If we shut down when it comes time to talk about these things, our children, whether child or teen, will get the hint that we are just too embarrassed to talk about it, which will in turn make them feel dirty for wanting to ask naturally occurring questions. Get over how you were raised, your hang-ups because how you feel about this can forever affect your child, for good or for bad. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Which brings me to my next point</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>To protect your child</b></span></div><div>Remember when I mentioned how I would raise my future child? Here's where the important part lays, I would teach him/her that his genitals are parts that no-one should touch, only mommy or daddy. Doctors may touch, only if mommy says it's o.k. And what about if someone who isn't allowed to see or touch those parts did so? Well, you tell me or your dad, <i>right away</i>. But firstly, you tell the person firmly, <b><i>NO!</i></b> </div><div>Children are more likely to be abused if they are not taught, from a very young age, what is correct and what isn't when it comes to their genitals. Children are all too easy prey for the perverted teen or adult seeking to "educate" the child what to do with those parts. Safeguard your children. Take the time to assess your own feelings about sex, and about talking about it with your child. Talk to your partner, what is his/her view on the matter? Is it something you've concluded both of you should do, at the same time? Separately? Only one parent will discuss it? These are things you need to consider before you start having kids. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Have practice sessions. Sit your child down, (perhaps preemptively or immediately following the question, depending on the situation) and let them ask or share with you what they know/heard. Remember, the older the child is, the more sense they have, the slower you should be about speaking or answering. With a young child, it's best to keep these sessions brief focusing on quick main points, and repeating it for emphasis. Don't underestimate the efficacy of repetition. Just like a child needs to be taught over and over which color is blue and which color is green, so should you be in educating your child, what actions are appropriate and what actions aren't, it's just more likely to stick that way.</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Who should be the one responsible for sex-ed?</b></span></div><div>Honestly, I sincerely think it starts at home. A parent is responsible for teaching his/her child educational and protective measures. But because it may deal with sex, everybody is up in arms whenever the words sex-ed are mentioned. Some feel that a teacher has no right to sit and talk about this stuff with their child at all, yet some feel it's o.k as long as the parents were notified. I must admit, I'm glad I heard the teacher and her mini- "lesson" because Dahlia may have well come home and asked me "Mama, what is a pipi?" and I would be up most of the night wondering where on earth she heard that word from?!</div><div><br />
</div><div>What if a parents refuses, either outrightly or passively, to educate his/her child? Then I certainly think it may be beneficial, with parental consent of course, to teach the child age-appropriate information about his genitals, <i>always encouraging him to go to his parents first whenever he feels like asking a question about that topic. </i>You don't want to take over a parent's duty, but you also want to be discerning enough to detect an urgent need for this kind of information. You never know, it might protect that child one day. </div><div><br />
</div><div>All in all, I think this incident opened my eyes to the reality that my baby, is not an infant anymore. She is nearly three years old, and she's becoming very aware of everything around her. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I'm also going to nicely speak to the head of the school to see what's up with the spontaneous sex-ed? A little heads up next time would be appreciated. </div>Wendy Madurohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785195116430602851noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5433203662247756531.post-58067906717680345742011-02-09T19:17:00.000-08:002011-02-10T07:43:50.431-08:00My babywearing JourneyI compiled a list of photos of me wearing Dahlia at different ages and stages in different carriers, to reminisce of her infancy, because she is soon approaching 3 years :(<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6CPTXhUzF0clz_cRI9CQIcJpUIXwk8xwDsOi9xBTKdFRU5fB-HnkBhzci9mRvMxZyzoqlwsPmttA0ePiNOk0PaZWcJWvLbTh898FPMzoDeuFGh_AFeTioUdbS9xKzN-H8OI9zkTjcg1Q/s1600/DSM_1883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6CPTXhUzF0clz_cRI9CQIcJpUIXwk8xwDsOi9xBTKdFRU5fB-HnkBhzci9mRvMxZyzoqlwsPmttA0ePiNOk0PaZWcJWvLbTh898FPMzoDeuFGh_AFeTioUdbS9xKzN-H8OI9zkTjcg1Q/s400/DSM_1883.JPG" width="246" /></a></div>Wendy Madurohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785195116430602851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5433203662247756531.post-7251710589960278032011-02-04T05:53:00.000-08:002011-02-04T05:53:12.960-08:00Say Hello To Ellevill Zara TriGreen!I get as giddy as a school girl that just saw the Backstreet boys when I look at the wrap that's Aruba bound to my collection of carriers! I want you to say hello to the Ellevill Zara TriGreen cotton woven wrap!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0wdB4RlMib2X-jjEzYWXUGvG4LDt9Iwn6fIlu06WA8lUTonRb4c9wVjpCfpaIezPcy9zKtCZJCyoiHI6nzt9B2FjESdBV0HpistMV4GXlbei8N80jGx1C5qDZVNgvhKb3i3XcuBhAWbE/s1600/Zara+TriGreen+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0wdB4RlMib2X-jjEzYWXUGvG4LDt9Iwn6fIlu06WA8lUTonRb4c9wVjpCfpaIezPcy9zKtCZJCyoiHI6nzt9B2FjESdBV0HpistMV4GXlbei8N80jGx1C5qDZVNgvhKb3i3XcuBhAWbE/s400/Zara+TriGreen+.jpg" width="272" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is an excerpt from the Ellevill about this beautiful Wrap</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 3px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 3px; color: #666666;">"The new fantastic Zara tricolor.<br />
Beautiful and fresh design with green, blue and brown. Woven wrap from ellevill, f<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #666666;">its all seasons. Zara is made of 100 % cotton of best quality. Zara wraps are designed by ellevill and produced in </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #666666;">India</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 3px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 3px; color: #666666;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #666666;">. It is a three-coloured, jacquard woven wrap with pattern. Give perfect support to your child, both small and toddler, optimal comfort and gives no pressure spots for either child or adult. The wrap is thin but fantastic steady. It also softens very quickly. The pattern is inspired by old Norwegian knitting recipes and clothes/rugs from <span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #666666;">South America</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #666666;">. </span><br />
Zara is easy to tie on because of the lopsided ends and leaves an incredible small knot. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #666666;">Wash before use in hot water and iron after wash to stretch fibres. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 3px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 3px; color: #666666;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #666666;"> "</span></span></span></blockquote><br />
I really love woven wraps, and I had been wanting to buy another one since my Didymos Eva is a size 5. For mothers of my height/weight/body structure, it's best to use a size 6 or longer to be able to do all the knots (like the wonderful<a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.didymos.de/bilder/kundenbilder/una.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.didymos.de/english/index.php%3Fs%3Dkunden%26amp;t%3Dparents%2Bopinions&usg=__bmKrttKBRjuh9f0A-FODBOrdmvU=&h=450&w=333&sz=29&hl=en&start=101&sig2=c2B0A8QClBglyhG7d6aVpQ&zoom=1&tbnid=EiH2si5rtUl-sM:&tbnh=158&tbnw=120&ei=xQBMTezGJcXYgQfd-JkW&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dwrap%2Bcross%2Bcarry%2Bon%2Bback%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1G1GGLQ_ENAW349%26biw%3D1280%26bih%3D656%26tbs%3Disch:10,2700&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=961&vpy=313&dur=307&hovh=172&hovw=128&tx=97&ty=239&oei=mwBMTdKvJ8bpgQe09dDZDw&esq=6&page=6&ndsp=18&ved=1t:429,r:16,s:101&biw=1280&bih=656"> wrap cross carry on the back</a>)<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>The not so fun part of a new woven wrap</b></span><br />
is how stiff it is when it's brand new. I suggest that whenever possible, buy a second-hand wrap. My very knowledgeable and experienced babywearing friend, Noortje, (who introduced me to wraps) taught me that trick. By the time I met her, her Didymos was a soft piece of sheer luxury, but she explained very well to me what it took to get to that point. A lot of companies recommend washing it frequently to soften it up (don't you just love that about the wrap, pop it in and out of the washer just like that) but Noortje had more in mind. She told me that to get to that soft feel only wraps can grant you, throw it on your couch, sit on it, lay on it, let your baby/toddler play with it, drag it all over, stretch it, tug it, basically "mistreat" it (I say "mistreat" because of all things you wouldn't imagine paying <i>at least 150$ </i>for a wrap only to end up dragging it all over the floor on your home)<br />
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<i>What's your favorite brand of wraps? How long did it take you to gets yours soft, do you have any additional tips for softening it up?</i>Wendy Madurohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785195116430602851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5433203662247756531.post-27040662081965091592011-02-02T05:12:00.000-08:002011-02-02T05:12:53.954-08:00What I've been waiting for, for nearly 3 years<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1-3k7az0pk2oV5ky75Qev-CCaJXzho5SBt069JmJIz6m2Mvsd3JiU7ReN8xn92WAGgRfCUeoh0ISKgMrDMCZOx1JsAnq4_yNKDyKxAGREzEVlk7OwsU9oeEIatoQX0JLcnqId-9C1HM/s1600/plm1-266x233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1-3k7az0pk2oV5ky75Qev-CCaJXzho5SBt069JmJIz6m2Mvsd3JiU7ReN8xn92WAGgRfCUeoh0ISKgMrDMCZOx1JsAnq4_yNKDyKxAGREzEVlk7OwsU9oeEIatoQX0JLcnqId-9C1HM/s1600/plm1-266x233.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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As many of my readers already know, I was invited to the board of Fundacion Pro Lechi Mama in May of 2008 at the age of 19. I was very happy and proud to be a part of anything that would raise awareness and promote breastfeeding in a positive light. As time passed, and I progressed in my studies of Childbirth Educator and Breastfeeding Counselor, I was asked to help out with visiting the mothers at home when they encountered problems with breastfeeding. This part is one of the most challenging but also most rewarding part of the job. As everyone knows, we visit mothers at <u style="font-style: italic;">no cost to them, at any hour of any day</u>. Fortunately, most of our visits can be scheduled around our day jobs, but there are the occasional middle of the night phone calls and Sunday morning visits. The work we do is strictly voluntary and we are not compensated in any monetary way. I knew this from the very beginning and to tell you the truth, I derive much more satisfaction from seeing a mother and baby pair finally getting on track with breastfeeding than if I was to be paid for it.<br />
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Up until very recently, our President Caroll has decided to step down from her position because of an increasing hectic schedule. So who was chosen as our new President to head and lead the Foundation?<br />
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I'm proud and yet very humbled to say that, I was elected as the President of Fundacion Pro Lechi Mama. A prestigious position but daunting all at once because we have no easy task. We have many events coming up this year and next and there's a lot of work to accomplish. Wish me successWendy Madurohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785195116430602851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5433203662247756531.post-5984828685878003502011-01-19T13:11:00.000-08:002011-01-19T13:14:55.231-08:00Why Ellevill's models make me want to buy their wrapsEver since seeing the <a href="http://marvelouskiddo.blogspot.com/2010/12/marvelous-giveaway-ellevill-woven-wrap.html">Ellevill wrap giveaway on Marvelous Kiddo</a>, I have been practically obsessed with this brand I'd never heard of. As many of my friends and readers already know, I am obsessed with baby carries, in particular, wraps.<br />
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As I perused through <a href="http://www.ellevill.com/">Ellevill's website</a>, not only did the plethora of colors and the sensations of textures jump out at me, what I especially noticed were the models and their chosen surroundings. Unlike the wrap/sling modeling mannequin, Ellevill's models are beautifully made up, and most wear heels and exceptionally trendy outfits. Their fantasy filled scenarios simply complement their luscious looking wraps and make you want to snatch them up even quicker. Their photo shoot scenes have inspired me to jazz up my carrier shoots as well. Take a look at some of my favorite shots.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyvwHaPPiS4IGBexIJLtq5mZ5tEpAT1CMLIsaEDhgdQ-x5rwRuWo89p65Pz2zyOHogkkgGKQHN3ctchCU7ebh8sBrc-T-Fwpp428uxj4ofoif0T17r1ROlXX9BZxVb92J4YyPGU7NmD8/s1600/blue+wrap+watching+watch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyvwHaPPiS4IGBexIJLtq5mZ5tEpAT1CMLIsaEDhgdQ-x5rwRuWo89p65Pz2zyOHogkkgGKQHN3ctchCU7ebh8sBrc-T-Fwpp428uxj4ofoif0T17r1ROlXX9BZxVb92J4YyPGU7NmD8/s320/blue+wrap+watching+watch.jpg" width="218" /></a></div><br />
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I like how the models and the scenes are very unusual and the fashion is pronounced. It just makes their wraps bolder and makes the colors pop<br />
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The only critique that came up in my mind as I browsed their selection was the fact that there was no ethnic diversity in their moms & babies. There were also zero nursing pictures. Besides these points, I found no qualms with Ellevill.<br />
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Now... which one do I choose?!?!Wendy Madurohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785195116430602851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5433203662247756531.post-57234198145373768182011-01-17T10:52:00.000-08:002011-01-17T11:01:41.302-08:00The post I don't want to write and that no one wants to read, hear or talk about<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbUz-F-OwES-1gAN6O-LpLU6fumgkfgG48_ahAPL-_t26ixaaHEkDX5nRF-7Ndt0DQMdoV2nZyfJh5yg6g__FeXr0RZKI5E_y4gVuHnr8H5rfoTz1aEvwRGFTAS4C6a9Fh4p0xlCVcWLE/s1600/woman+nervous.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbUz-F-OwES-1gAN6O-LpLU6fumgkfgG48_ahAPL-_t26ixaaHEkDX5nRF-7Ndt0DQMdoV2nZyfJh5yg6g__FeXr0RZKI5E_y4gVuHnr8H5rfoTz1aEvwRGFTAS4C6a9Fh4p0xlCVcWLE/s1600/woman+nervous.png" /></a></div><br />
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It's happened again.<br />
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Before you think I'm pregnant, pause a second and read.<br />
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<b><i>No, I'm not pregnant.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Hello. My name is Wendy. I am a 22-year-old divorced mother of one. Sheesh</i></b><br />
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I have become a single parent for the second time around. There, I said it. There are things in my life that I do keep private, such as the reason for me divorcing my husband of just 1,5 years (who is not the father of my child.) What I rather discuss are the implications it will have for me and my daughter. As many of my readers already know, I have already been a single parent at the beginning of my daughter's life, and although those were some tough times, it taught me to be proud of being a strong woman not co-dependent of a male for happiness.<br />
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I was a young barely teen mom (19 years to be exact). I birthed my daughter vaginally and breastfed her for over a year while working full-time. Although having a child at a very young age isn't a good choice, it doesn't mean that the outcome<b> <i>must be negative</i></b>. I pride myself on turning my life around and making a success out of a bad situation.<br />
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Then, the cherry on the cake was when despite all odds, I married a wonderful man. Well, things obviously didn't turn out so wonderful after all and once again I find myself in the single-parent boat ( me and <a href="http://www.danoah.com/">Single Dad Laughing</a> should start a forum X_X )<br />
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I don't doubt my capability and ability to raise my daughter on my own. I know it's not the easiest task on earth, but I do know for a certainty that it is the most rewarding. I can only hope things work out in the future. No matter what reason there is for a divorce, whether it is necessary or not, they will remain painful. I'm grateful for the support and understanding I got from my family ( from parents married only once and for nearly 30 years!) and for those who dropped me like a dirty sock because of not knowing the details behind the divorce and assuming the worst, I say, so be it ( what did Eminem say to Debbie in his track'Without me' ? )<br />
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I'm a young, energetic 22-year-old with a lot on her plate, I wonder what's next for me, maybe retirement at 35, and menopause at 40?<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>For those who found the comical picture inappropriate, I have just one thing to say. I ran out of tissue to wipe my nose in, so I have just one option left - laugh</i></span><br />
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</i></span>Wendy Madurohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785195116430602851noreply@blogger.com0