This picture is absolutely amazing, it brought a tear to my eye. I am a total and complete supporter of breastfeeding, and these women are so amazing. Leave me your comments on what you think of this issue on breastfeeding in public
Photo courtesy of google images

           Lately I have been hearing from different moms and groups on face book about the issue of women breastfeeding their babies in public.  I don’t really know what the big deal is about this.  People get offended and disgusted because you are feeding a baby.  It’s a natural form of feeding and it is in no way disgusting.  We see half naked women all the time at the beach and no one gets offended.  I think that people need to get over it and understand that breastfeeding is not only a mothers choice, but it’s her right. 

            In my opinion, breastfeeding is a special time to bond with your baby, and there are going to be times when you have to feed your baby in public.  Sometimes when I take my little ones to the park, my daughter (9 months) gets hungry and I have to breastfeed her, so I do it.  At her doctor’s office the nurse told me that I could breastfeed in the bathroom.  Mind you the bathroom at her doctor’s office consists of a toilet and sink.  Yeah right.  I was not going to feed my baby there ever! I was appalled that a nurse would even say something like that to me.  As mothers we need to do what is convenient for us and our babies, and if your nursing they can become hungry at any time.  If you nurse past the six month mark, it actually gets easier because they are introduced to solids and snacks they can eat with their hands. Sometimes this will hold them off until you get home.  I love going to Babies R Us, because they have a mothers room.  A secluded place for you to feed your baby.  I think stores that sell baby products should have this option as well.  It makes it easy for mothers who are nursing to feed their babies in a comfortable environment. 

            I think that if you’re hungry, you eat.  So it’s the same thing for babies.  I am not a fan of pumping, personally.  It never really worked for me and my kids never liked the bottle.  It was time consuming and because I fed both of my kids on demand, it didn’t really complement my breastfeeding style.  So nursing in public was always an issue for me, especially with my first baby.  With my first baby I didn’t really know what to expect when it came to breastfeeding, so I would make sure I was covered and feed him whenever I had to.  No big deal.  No one said anything to me, but I was always embarrassed and I’m not sure why.  Now with my second, I still cover myself with a nursing wrap but I am not afraid or embarrassed to feed my baby at all.  I get angry when people tell me something or they look at me funny.  I don’t think that I am doing anything wrong by feeding my baby in public, especially if I am completely covered.  There are moms out there who prefer not to use covers and feed their babies whenever they want bare breast.  I say, do what you feel.  I think that is what is so great about this country.  We have the right and freedom to do what we want.  Breastfeeding mothers should have those same rights, regardless of a wrap or not.  I prefer to be covered up, because like I mentioned my nursing time is a special time for me and my baby and I don’t want people staring and allowing me or my baby to feel uncomfortable.  

            So the point is that if you need to breastfeed your baby, do it.  Don’t worry about others and if you do worry or feel uneasy about this then you can get a wrap or cover yourself with a blanket.  My opinion is to be confident in the decision you chose to breastfeed your baby.  It’s the best form of food for them and you are doing great.  Keep that confidence and you will be fine.  You can purchase wraps at places like Target and Babies R Us, they are affordable and easy to use and pack. 

            Thanks for stopping by, share this information with other breastfeeding mommies out there.  We have to support mommies of all types, and the choices they make for their babies and themselves.  Together we can keep striving for mommy success!! 🙂

          Recently I’ve started using a preschool setting schedule for my son here at home, since my issue with the preschool system (see my blog post from last week for more).  I decided that I am the best person to be a teacher and influence for my son in his early education.  This schedule I created is beneficial for everyone in the house.  It’s a chart system that teaches my son the importance of doing things at a specific time and that he will have to be responsible and will not be able to do what he wants, when he wants.  This schedule included chores.  I have heard many mothers disagree with this method of parenting, that kids should be kids and leave them alone.  While I agree that kids should be kids, that doesn’t mean they have to be lazy kids in my opinion it’s never too early to teach responsibility.  I believe chores are a part of life and growing up, my son will learn early on in life that he will have to be accountable for the mess he makes, and that there are no maids in our home! 🙂 Of course with chores come reward.  My son is three so his chore list is very simple, so that he understands what he is doing and why. Personally, chores should be age appropriate and grow as they grow.  This is also helpful for you as a parent, you will have him help you throughout the day, usually when they are smaller like my child they enjoy cleaning up.  Will it get harder as they grow? I’m sure it will I’m not quite there yet I think that if you practice consistency now, they will learn to do it even as they grow up. 

            So how do you implement chores? I bought this simple chart from Target, it was $4.99, you can write your child’s chores and mark an “x” next to every chore he completes.  You can chose whatever chores you feel are necessary for your child.  Remember that you have to reward them, kids love stickers.  I think that it shows them they are being recognized for doing something good and it shows.  At the end of the week, my son receives a sticker for completing all his chores for that week.  Sometimes I will take him for an Ice Cream, to McDonald’s, or Chuck E. Cheese for his hard work.  My son does simple things like picking up his toys and his shoes, putting his plate in the sink after eating, washing his hands before meals, and setting the table.  I’ve been doing this for a week straight, and now I don’t have to remind him to put his dish in the sink, as soon as he finishes eating he does it.  Consistency is everything when being a parent.  I have learned firsthand that when you are consistent it shows and is definitely rewarding for both you and your child. 

            Thanks for stopping in and remember to share my blog with other moms out there.  These topics are so important and dear to my heart and I love sharing with you all week after week.  Together we can strive for mommy success! 🙂

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.com

            I believe in breastfeeding and the benefits it has for our babies.  I decided to breastfeed my son until he was one, although it took time for me to completely wean him off I stopped indefinitely by the time he was 14 months.  I now have a nine month old daughter whom I also decided to breastfeed and plan on doing so until her first birthday.  I have seen benefits from nursing in both of my kids and I know that it is the best thing for them and me.  Regardless of whatever method of food you chose for your baby make sure it’s what is best for the both of you.  Here are a few things I have learned from breastfeeding both of my kids, I hope that they can help some of you moms out there who are also nursing or choosing to nurse your babies. 

1.  Always keep your breasts clean and dry.  I like to keep wipes close by so I can clean myself before and after I nurse.  Sometimes If I have a chance I will by the pacifier wipes, or just use the regular non scented baby wipes.  If you have time before you nurse, clean under your arms do clean off any deodorant residue you may have, or sweat.  I feel this makes the baby more comfortable and you feel cleaner.  You can do this with a warm towel and soap.  Sometimes as busy moms we don’ t always have time to take showers before and after.  This should do the trick, it’s always worked for me. 

2.  Use lanolin daily.  Even if you are not experiencing chapped or dry breasts make sure to use this product regardless.  I feel it helps relieve any pain or discomfort and is just like a lotion and really helps your breasts heal. 

3. Wear nursing bras.  I know they are not the pretties bras around, but they are the most comfortable.  I like to use these bras because whenever I nurse It’s easy access and I don’t have to worry about ruining my regular bras.  This is so much easier.  They are pricey, so make sure to look around for the best ones that suit you.  I know that the lactation connection has a pretty good selection and prices.  I’ll include their face book page below. 

Photo courtesy of overstock.com

4.  Use nipple shields.  Don’t be afraid to use nipple shields for protection.  Sometimes an improper latch can affect the amount of milk you produce and the amount your baby eats.  Sometimes these shields help your baby get that perfect latch.  They also help when your baby’s teeth come in.  Sometimes they bite and it is painful, the shields protect you and they also help.  You can discard of them whenever you feel necessary.  However, every baby is different and it can also cause nipple confusion.  Meaning they are used to the shield and not your nipple.  My kids never had a problem, and I was able to use them on and off.

5.  Pump as needed.  I am including this because I never pumped.  This definitely affected me.  Both of my babies were always very attached to me, and I could only leave them for short periods of time because I would have to come back and nurse.  It’s always good to have some milk around in case you need to go out or run errands.  Pumps can be expensive, but you can look into the hospitals where you gave birth and they can rent them.  Breastfeeding also becomes a convenience for the mom, especially if you stay home.  I think that it’s easier to just nurse directly from your breast, than to prepare a bottle.  This was always my case.  Neither of my kids took a bottle they started on Sippy cups at an early age.  So for me this worked.

Photo courtesy of google images

6. Always be prepared for the unexpected.  In your diaper bag, always, always pack nursing pads and an extra bra.  You never know when you’re going to need it. Accidents happen and you want to be prepared.  I bought this great kit when my daughter was born it was an “Avent nursing starter kit”.  I bought it at babies r us and it was $14.99.  You can also purchase it online for different prices.   It included nursing pads, cloth and disposable, cooling and heating system to help extract milk and soothe and it all came in a nice little bag discreet enough to fit in your purse or diaper bag.  I put a bra inside just in case.  

7. Pack a water bottle and snack.  As a nursing mother it’s very important to always have water and snacks when you go out and about.  I have a water bottle that attaches to my diaper bag and I take it with me everywhere.  You can buy them at Target and they are $7.99.  They have a plastic round key ring like thing that hooks right onto your diaper bag.  It’s really convenient. 

8.  Do not use breastfeeding as birth control.  Some women think that because they are not having menstruation cycles, they are not ovulating and cannot get pregnant.  WRONG.  You can get pregnant while breastfeeding and it is not a proper method for contraceptive.  Some women, like myself do in fact menstruate while they nurse.  I received my cycle two months after my kids were born.  It’s important to protect yourself if you do not want to have a baby right away.  There are also birth control pills that are safe to take while nursing.  You can ask your gynecologist about this for more information. 

            These are just a few tips I have learned over the years.  With my first child I was always over prepared, now I have learned that is a good thing.  You never know what will or can happen when you breastfeed.  I hope that some of these tips can help you nursing mamas out.  I know that I always look and search for other mommies opinions because who knows better about these issues than mommies?

            Thanks for stopping by and remember to share this information with other moms out there.  The more we share together we can continue to strive for success in whatever we do! 🙂

The Lactation Connection Face book site https://www.facebook.com/LactationConnection?fref=ts

Photo courtesy of energytimes.com

        Stress is a daily part of our lives, especially as mothers we are always worrying about things.  Sometimes we worry about things that hasn’t even occurred, we are busy beings…Mothers.  It is important to maintain a balance to remain calm to avoid a freak out.  I have noticed that when I am stressed everyone is my house feels the tension, especially my kids.  Kids repeat and mock whatever you do, so just remember if you want your kids to act a certain way, so do you. 

       I found an interesting article on Parenting.com there are some great tools for stress management there.  I am also including a few of my personal techniques for you stressers out there.  Stress is a leading factor which can lead up to illnesses and cause different diseases.  Our bodies are constantly working, as mothers we are always doing something for someone (other than ourselves in most cases ;).  Relax, take a break, and breathe.  This problem or situation you are having will pass, stressing or worrying will not make it disappear.  Of course it’s natural to stress, but everything in moderation.  We can manage our homes and kids, well we can manage our stress too.  These few things I do have helped me when I stress out about things in my life. I hope that they can help you if you are stressing or worrying about something. 

1.  Pray.  I believe in a higher power, and have a personal relationship with God.  I pray on a daily basis, before I wake up, before I eat, and when I am ready for bed.  This helps me to maintain a spiritual balance.  We tend to sometimes pray when we are panicking, and immediately you feel calm.  Saying things that are stressing you out aloud can help you.  In my case, I’m with my kids all day so I need to say stuff and praying and talking to God helps me with my stress.  I recommend daily devotionals, they have books that are simple and you can relate to and are made especially for moms. 

2. Relax.  When you feel stressed understand the problem and why you feel the way you do before having a “freak out”.  Wash your face and take a few deep breaths this will help you remain calm.  Remember when you stress your heart races and your blood pressure increases.  This can be dangerous for your health, I know it sounds hard, but try it out!

3.  Journaling or blogging.  This blog has been my outlet for a lot of my personal stress, especially when it comes to being a parent.  I am able to share my feelings and thoughts with all of you and hear your stories.  Then I realize I am not alone, it helps me and makes me a better mom to know that there are some of you out there going through similar situations as I am.  If you don’t want to blog, buy a journal and write it out.  It is so therapeutic and helps you get your thoughts, ideas, and feelings out. 

4. Working out.  This is something that has helped me in a tremendous way.  I feel energized, motivated, and ready to start my day.  Sometimes when I wake up in a bad mood or extra tired I go to the gym and work out all my frustrations.  It’s been great for me.  If you don’t have a gym membership, take a walk or run whichever you prefer. 

            Every one handles stress differently.  These are a few things I do to control my stress levels so I don’t freak out.  I hope they help you the way they have helped me. Thanks for stopping by and remember to share with other mommies so together we can continue to strive for mommy success! 🙂

Check out this great article to help you articulate ways to improve your stress levels

http://www.parenting.com/article/10-stress-busting-tips-for-busy-moms

         As many of you already know, I am a full time stay at home mom and wife.  I love my job, it is hard work but brings me so much satisfaction as a mother.  I have a three year old son, who is eager to learn and interact with kids his age.  Recently I started to notice some changes in him, “no big deal” I thought.  Then I noticed he would break toys or write on the walls, knowing that he would be sent to time Out.  I finally figured it out that he is bored.  I know, who wouldn’t want to hang out with me all day I’m so fun! 🙂 Of course we do things here at home like crafts and learning time, however it’s not always consistent and I will be the first one to say I do not have him on a strict schedule. 

            So I started contemplating PRESCHOOL…to help enhance his intelligence and creativity.  So I started doing some research to find preschools here in the area where I live, preferably something close by.  My cousin is sending her son to Kinder Care, while their curriculum is amazing it’s a little out of our budget for his schooling needs, however I called anyways to receive some information and pricing.  I called a few other locations and found most places are about 50 dollars to 60 dollars a week.  That adds up to 200 hundred dollars or more.  I had one location tell me that they only accept applications for working parents.  I said, “well my husband works” they said “two working parents per household”.  HMMM I work hard, I raise my kids, and mind you I do not receive a paycheck and your telling me that my child cannot attend your school?? Livid at this point I decided to hold off on the thought of preschool, for now.

            Finally I decided to vent with my husband about my awful experience.  Of course he calmed me down and help me decide what actions to take when it comes to our son. He said that I should teach him, immediately I was terrified because it is a lot of work to home school or have a classroom setting schedule at home.  However, I found that it is doable.  So I thought about it and figured if I am here full time, I need to make time and use it wisely.  It’s all about scheduling and organization.  If you are organized and have a passion for education like I do, then you can do it.  You should not feel guilty or judged because you are raising your family, and no educational institution should tell you otherwise.  You have to do what is best for your child and family as a parent, that is our responsibility and no one else. 

            So after everything is said and done, I have decided to take action and begin teaching my son here at home.  I have been looking into some curriculum online and found some really good information.  I am also going to talk to other moms who use these methods of teaching as well.  There are also groups and communities that my son can join to interact with other kids, he loves to play and is very social and active these groups will only help enhance these abilities.  He’s a smart kid, he’s musically inclined and has a great love for instruments.  I want to do my best to help him develop his strengths and work on his weaknesses.  It’s going to be a challenge, however isn’t parenting full of challenges? I feel like this is what I am supposed to be doing, I always wanted to be a teacher and now I have the ability to teach my own child.  The idea is to allow him to have a full day ahead of him with activities without me having to pay an arm and a leg to do it.  So wish me luck and I’ll keep you posted on my progress.  Mommy Reina’s class will begin next week! Stay tuned! 🙂

            Thanks for stopping by and reading about my stories with my preschool adventures.  I would love to hear from you on your experiences with preschool.  Share this information with other mommies out there so we can continue to strive for success together! 🙂 Sending you all blessings and love.

These teething rings can be placed in the freezer as well, my daughter and son both used these. They are amazing and inexpensive.

          Teething is probably one of the hardest times for baby and parents to endure.  My daughter is almost nine months and her two top teeth are coming in at the same time.  Oh JOY! It’s been a long couple of months for the both of us, she is in so much pain and there really is not much I can do for her.  Full of cold like symptoms, such as fever, runny nose, congestion, diarrhea, ear infections, and drool.  It’s important to understand the symptoms before freaking out and taking them to the doctor.  If the fever is over 100, I would take them to the emergency room, but anything below that you can break it with Tylenol, cold towels, and even a cool bath.  If none of these things work definitely call your doctor to be sure that there isn’t another virus going on.   Every child is different, my daughter and son are pretty opposite.  My son took orajel and never really had congestion but had diarrhea and runny nose.  My daughter has had all the teething symptoms except diarrhea (Thank God), but because she is my second child I feel ahead of the game and prepared for sleepless nights a little more than I did with my first child. 

            If you are going through this right now, just remember that this too shall pass and it’s very temporary.  Just try and give her as much relief as possible and her teeth will be out in no time.  Since my daughter refuses orajel, I have been using other methods to help soothe her during this painful process. Here are few things I have tried, let me know your thoughts and what you do to help soothe your child.

1. Frozen veggies and fruits. I have found this to be one of the best all natural ways to help a teething child.  I take carrots, pineapple, or apple slices and freeze them.  I give them to her in the morning after her first feeding and sometimes throughout the day.  These seem to give her relief and she enjoys them.

2. Teething toys.  An oldie but goodie.  Today they have so many options for you to chose from, you can take it back old school and use teething rings.  You can also put them in the freezer, some have water others have gel either way they work great! I know my little ones love them.

3. Teething cookies.  I use the Gerber ring cookies they are hard so your child has to work at biting it.  My daughter loves these, and makes a nice little mess too! 🙂 These can be bought at any grocery store and generic brands work just as well. 

4. Breast milk pacifiers.  I have tried these because a friend of mine on face book recommended them to me.  You can use formula as well for all you formula feeding mamas out there. You can put a little of either one in the pacifier and freeze them! I had a hard time at first because my daughter doesn’t like pacifiers but now she just chews on them.  They are also a great way to relieve them with their favorite food! 🙂

            If you are breastfeeding, I imagine your little one bites. You can try using nipple shields for some relief if you need them.  I started using these to help my daughter and son latch better, and they work like a charm.  If your little one doesn’t take to a shield that’s ok, my son would bite was and sometimes when I would say “ouch” he wouldn’t bite as much.  Something about saying the word in a different tone helps them understand.  Good luck mamas! 🙂

            Thanks for stopping by and I hope that some of these tips helped you in your journey with teething.  Be sure to share with other mommies so together we can continue to strive for mommy success! 🙂

Imagine: going shopping and looking up after two seconds and not being able to find your child.  It is the worst fear I have as a mother to lose my child, this happened to me on Friday and it can happen to you. 

            So here’s the story.  I needed to run a few errands this Friday, one of the errands included going to the mall.  I love the mall and shopping, however my three year old son does not love it as much as I do.  I dread taking him shopping with me, he throws tantrums, cries, and in this case takes off and leaves my side.  Shopping with a toddler is not as much fun as shopping alone, that’s for sure! So I needed to go into sears to return a few items I had bought a couple days before.  My son started playing with a few items he found in the same area I was, he was literally right next to me.  I didn’t think anything of it and let him continue playing.  My daughter was fast asleep in her stroller, she moved her shoes fell off and I went to pick them up and place them in her diaper bag in the basket below her stroller.  I didn’t hear my son’s voice anymore, looked up and he was gone. I panicked. So I called his name once, twice, and finally a third time.  Nothing. I walked around the store calling his name. Still nothing.  I was already panicked, at this point I am FREAKING OUT! I head over to the customer service center to inform them that I cannot find my son.  The employee immediately went on her phone and a few seconds later the entire store was on lock down: ADAM CODE BLUE is what I heard over the intercom.  I am still searching and calling his name, and I thought he left the store entirely.  I showed a picture I had of him and had everyone searching and calling for him.  Finally, I knew that this situation was now out of my hands.  I sat down, bowed my head, and prayed to God to return my son to me.  Seconds later, I hear my sons precious voice and I run to him.  It was such an emotional feeling that I had I cannot even describe it.  I was overwhelmed with joy that they found him and that he was in one piece.  I felt like a terrible mother for losing her child, but I knew that God had him in his hands.  He answered my prayers, immediately.  I still do not know where he was or where they found him, the store clerks told me, “he was here”.  I think he drifted between the racks of clothes or went into the fitting room.  I was yelling for him all over the store, if he had heard me he would have came running towards me. 

            So here’s what you can do to possibly prevent this from happening.

1. Remain calm.  Understand that by freaking out you are not doing anything good.  If you are a breastfeeding mama like I am, stress and fear can sour your milk.  If you are scared and upset just make sure to extract or pump that milk from your body before feeding your little one. 

2. Ask for help.  When you are in shock chances are you are not thinking clearly.  Talk to the employees and have them help you.  You can also call 911 for help, it’s better to be safe than sorry.  You can show them pictures and give them a description of your child so they can better assist you.

3. Think positive.  I know that it’s hard but if you start thinking the worst possible scenario you just freak yourself out even more.  Say a prayer and remember that you are not in control of the situation and that God will help and guide you. 

            Thanks for stopping by and listening to my story.  Share with me your stories if you have any.  We can relate and learn from each others experiences.  Together we can keep striving for mommy success.

photo courtesy of preschooler.thebump.com

           We love our kids, we know that they are not angels, but we hope that they behave nicely with others when we are not around.  One of my biggest fears as a mom when leaving my child is to hear, “your son had a bad day today, and did not behave”.  I feel like such a failure! Lately I have been going to gym pretty much every day, we attend church twice a week and I never really had a problem with leaving him.  Normally he keeps to himself and plays alone, However lately he has been engaging in pushing other kids.  At first I thought, “Where is this coming from, he never did this before”.  So I started talking to some other moms who have kids my sons age.  They told me that sometimes kids act out by pushing, biting, or hitting other kids sometimes this is caused by what they see on Television or from other kids around them.

             As parents we do not condone this and we don’t want our child to think it is ok to do these things.  Most of what I found about this situation has a lot to do with our latest addition to our family (my daughter 8 months).  Ever since she was born in July his behavior started to change for the worse.  My attention is focused more on her because she is a baby and I think that he has a sense of jealousy.  Now he is a little rough with her, sometimes he will pinch her.  I have to keep a very close eye on him and can’t leave them alone together.  I do have days when I can spend time with just him and this helps, but there are days when my little girl is fussy and I need to tend to her. 

            So what’s the solution to dealing with this? I don’t know exactly the right answer, but here’s a few things I have been doing to help him play nice.  Below are a few tools I have used to help him to behave better here at home and with others.  So far so good, slowly but surely he will grow out of it. 

Communication:   Sometimes we think that because our kids are small, they don’t understand us.  Well they do! Make sure to always use “words” when talking to them.  For example, saying “no, no, no” is not going to work.  In my case, my son repeats it and says it ALL the time.  It’s all about tone with kids, if you are constantly yelling and blowing up they are going to use that as their example.  For me I have starting telling my son, “don’t hit your friends, that’s not nice…big boys have to be nice”.  This will help them to understand what they did.

Reminders:    Just like adults kids also need to be reminded to do something.  Every time we are going to leave my son, we tell him “be nice and don’t push you friends”.  Usually when we remind him he does well that day.  We often tell him, “keep your hands to yourself”.  One of his favorite shows YO Gabba Gabba really helps with this issue.   Sometimes I notice that he does things to his sister when he is bored or wants attention.

Emotions: It is so important that your child understands emotions.  If they understand what it means to be sad or cry because you pushed them, this is a good sign and you are headed in the right direction.  If they do not understand these things, you can work with them.  You can explain to them when you are sad or happy because they did something nice.  For example, when my son picks up his toys I tell him how happy it makes me to see him clean up his toys.  Once they understand what it means to actually hurt someone else I think that the pushing/hitting will subside. 

            These are just a couple of things I have been using to help my toddler adapt to his surroundings.  I referred to the web for some advice, but I felt that the information they provide is biased.  They use words like normal and abnormal, I always ask myself when seeing this

“normal according to whom?”.  I think that every child is different, there is no normal child in my opinion.  The internet and doctors automatically want to say something is wrong with your child.  I try to stay away from that to prevent my mind from wandering off and thinking something is wrong with my child.  Kids need attention and will learn from you, if you practice at something every day they will eventually adapt and learn. 

            I really hope that this post has helped some of you mommies out there who have similar issues.  This is something that I continue to struggle with, remember I am an imperfect mother and through my experience hope to reach out to you.  Thanks for stopping by, I look forward to your feedback and comments.   Remember to share with other mommies so together we can keep striving for mommy success.