milestone!!!!

Today is a big day for Gryffin and I!


Gryffin was born at 38 weeks and 1 day. Today Gryffin is 38 weeks and 1 day old.
That means, that as of today, my body has sustained and nourished my child on the outside for the exact same amount of time as it did on the inside. Gryffin has thrived beautifully on exculsive breastfeeding, with zero "formula."
Nothing has ever made me feel more proud of myself and my body than this. Knowing that I have given him the very best nutrition there is makes me feel so confident and sure of my body and it's ability to care for my child. It may not be the most beautiful or perfect body out there, and it really isnt even in the best shape that it could be, but it has served it's purpose wonderfully.
It is not news to anyone that I believe breast is best. And in all honesty, I find formula to be repulsive. I am not trying to make formula moms feel guilty, everyone is intitled to their opinions and I really do see the pros to formula feeding (I just personally wouldnt want to drink the stuff, so why would I make my baby drink it?). There have been tons of times in Gryffin's life where I really, really want some one else to feed him. I want to be able to go out without worrying about pumping a bottle for him, or where I will be able to discreetly nurse him. However, I know that what he truly needs is breastmilk, and dispite my own selfish desires, I have stuck it out.
I dont talk about nursing near as much as I used to because I have found it to be a very hot topic. People have been down right rude and hurtful to me when I express my joy and pride in my nursing relationship with Gryffin. But today is a day to celebrate.
We have worked through sore, cracked, bleeding nipples. We made it through almost constant nursing (Gryffin nursed every hour, on the hour for the first 7 weeks of his life). We worked past 2 supply drops where I thought I would never be able to produce enough to satisfy him. I have learned to develope a thicker skin when it comes to comments and negative people. I have kept my mouth shut when someone told me that "nursing is the same as formula, you arent doing anything special."We made it through horrible Post Partum Depression, which made the sound of Gryffin's cries drive me insane and the thought of holding him to nurse made my skin crawl.  And here recently we are learning how to nurse with teeth...and biting...very hard, scream inducing biting. I would have chopped my own arm off if I needed to, in order to insure we make breastfeeding work.  All this may seem trivial to some, but I am proud of us. Very proud. Gryffin is getting the best of the best and breastfeeding is a gift that lasts a lifetime. I could go into the science of it, and all the amazing things that breastmilk does, but I wont because that is not the point. The point is, that even when it was rough, we kept going together. There have been very few things in my life that make me proud of myself, so I am not going to miss the opportunity to express my happiness at this milestone!

why we dont give Gryffin medication

So lately a few people have asked about teething relief and other types of medicines in regards to Gryffin. And most of them are pretty surprised to hear that we do not give him anything.  So I thought I would blog it out and explain our views on the topic.

   For teething we give Gryffin an ice cube wrapped in a wash clothe and secured with a rubber band. This numbs his sore gums and makes him a pretty happy kid. He loves to kick back with an ice cube and a lot of the time he will knock right out. We have given him Hylands Homeopathic teething tablets a few times when he was super irritated. You dissovle the tabs in water and then rub the solution on his gums. It is mostly camomille and lavender I believe. We absolutely do NOT use baby Orajel. There have been many cases in which the gel spreads in the childs mouth, making it difficult to eat, and more dangerously making it difficult if not impossible for the child to breath. Gryffin also wears a necklace made of Baltic Amber. Amber is a tree sap resin, which when heated by the body releases natural oils into the skin which act as a natural pain reliever.
   We do not use Tylenol either. Recent studies are showing a correlation between infant tylenol use and asthma. Not to mention the effect acetometephin has on the liver. Many people have asked me "well what do you do when he has a fever?" Well, first off, Gryffin has never had a fever. But secondly, I firmly believe that fevers serve a purpose. When the body heats itself up it is trying to kill off an invader. Fevers kill germs. When a fever reducers is given, the body is not able to kill the germs, therefore the illness lives longer and you stay sick for longer than you would if you had allowed your body to do it's job. When I was pregnant with Gryffin, I got terribly sick with sinusitis and my sinus were completely compacted and infected. Due to my pregnancy, I did not take any medication other than extra Vitamin C. I did nasal rinses several times a day and put paroxide in my ears. I was sick for 9 weeks, complete with a intermittent fever and mucous that was a pretty shocking shade of lime. But, my body fought the illness on its own, as I beleive it needed to.
   As for antibiotics, I do not condone the frivolous use of antibiotics whatsoever. I think antibiotics are handed out for every cough and sneeze these days and it is not helping us in the least. Antibiotic use in children can be extremely dangerous. Increasing their immunity to them, causing the antibiotics to not be able to help when a child is seriously ill. Also, overuse of antibiotics in children is a known cause of hearing loss. Something that children are quite often given antibiotics for is ear infections. Contrary to popular belief, antibiotics do not help an ear infection. First of all, 75% of ear infections are viral, therefore not helped by antibiotics. Secondly, most ear infections are caused by a build up of fluid in the ear, which can not be cleared up by antibiotics. On the other hand, Garlic Oil and a warm compress (and a trip to the Chiropracter for those old enough) will do the trick nicely. I puposely sought out a pediatrician that agreed with my views on antibiotics.

As the same as all my posts, this is not meant to be an attack on parents who do medicate. I simply believe in searching out all possibilities before flooding the body with foreign chemicals, especially a tiny little fragile baby body. I am finding that there are safer, homeopathic rememdies for most common issues that are cheaper and faster, with no side effects.

A great resource to use on this, and many other topics is www.kellymom.com

Thanks for reading!

attached

  I am currently reading Mayim Bialik's book "Beyond the Sling" and I really love it! It is about attachment parenting (breastfeeding, babywearing, co sleeping, etc.) and it is so nice and comforting to hear how similiar her stories are to my own. I have been getting a little bent out of shape lately when it comes to Gryffin's neediness. But reading her book helps to remind me that he is my child and he needs me. A baby does NOT have the ability to manipulate and cannot be "spoiled" or held too much. When he cries it is because he needs something. Even if he just simply needs to be held. Yes, a baby can NEED to be held, not just WANT to be held. When a human is that tiny, their wants are needs. So when he is whiney and needs me to hold him, I stop whatever I am doing and I hold me sweet baby, because he needs me too. I believe in being present and here for him. I do not believe a child needs to be "trained." You train an animal, not a baby. Letting a baby cry until he "soothes" himself (really until he is just too tired to ask for you anymore) is just teaching him that you will not be there for him when he needs you to be, so he should just move on.
  I am really enjoying learning how to parent Gryffin in the most loving and kind way I can. A lot of times I find myself wanting to share these knew things I'm learning with other parents, but I am quickly finding that most people do not want to hear it. Or they think I am judging them. Who am I to judge anyone? I'm only 8 months into this! I really just truly like to share and teach, and possibly help a mom and baby understand each other better. But alas, I will keep my mouth shut because most of the time I am misunderstood as being too pushy or judgemental. I am so incredibly thankful for my sweet and devoted husband who lets me share my passion and love of learning with him. If I didnt have at least one person to share these discoveries with, I am pretty sure I would explode. 

Happy Parenting!

<3

recipes!

So yesterday I made a wonderfully delicious soup! Here is the recipe:
http://www.fortheloveofcooking.net/2011/05/turkey-italian-sausage-and-cheese-tortellini-soup-and-giveaway-winner.html

I added a bit more garlic because I LOVE garlic. Also, having fresh basil makes a difference! Love having my cute little basil plant for recipes like this. And I didnt use turkey sausage, I used mild italian sausage instead.

Today I made Naan! Which is a traditional Indian flat bread. Super easy! Recipe:
http://budgetbytes.blogspot.com/2010/09/naan-127-recipe-016-serving.html

It wasnt as pretty as hers but it was tasty! I used it for the burgers we had tonight in place of tortillas.
For the burgers I made fresh pico de gallo (roma tomatoes, jalepeno, red onion, cilantro and lime juice). And in my meat I add bread crumbs, one egg, horseradish sauce, mustard, ketchup, oregano and red pepper flakes. Makes the burger soooo flavorfull! Top the burger with pepper jack, pico, bacon and lettuce, slap in between the fresh Naan and YUM!

Now I am going to go eat a spoon full of Nutella because I have 100 calories left for today :)

Search for the perfect chicken pot pie.

We used to go to Adam's Grandmama's house every wedensday and sunday to eat with the family. And every few weeks she would make chicken pot pie. This wasnt like frozen Marie Calender's junk, it was homemade and delish! I have been trying to replicate it for a while, and since she passed away it has kind of become my mission in life to make her chicken pot pie.
     Well saturday night was another failed attempt. My potatoes didn't cook through and the pie itself was too dry. On to another reciepe!
     This week's menu consists of : Quesadilla burgers with spicy cauliflower poppers, beef chili stuffed zuccinni, and italian sausage and cheese tortillini soup. I will post reciepes as I make them! I am hoping to find time today to make Naan. I want to have it for my avocado chicken salad this weekend, we'll see.

     Here is the link to the reciepe for the Chicken and Spinach Tortilla Bake that I made last week, it was SO good! I shredded the chicken and browned it instead of leaving the breasts whole. I thought it was easier to spoon out that way.
     http://www.rachaelraymag.com/recipes/rachael-ray-magazine-recipe-search/dinner-recipes/chicken-and-spinach-tortilla-bake

Gryffin.

Adam and I decided we were ready for a family in the summer of 2010. We had been married almost 2 years, and it felt like the natural next step. Everything Adam and I do begins with a discussion and a plan. We are not the type of people who let things go awry. After doing some soul searching and calculating, we decided that July would be my last pack of birth control.
      I will never forget the morning I found out I was pregnant, we had just moved back to Elberton the saturday before, due to circumstances out of our control, and we were pretty overwelmed. It was Tuesday, November 23rd at 10 am. I woke up and thought I might as well take a test because I had one pack left. I did the whole pee-stick thing, went and made some oatmeal, watched Will and Grace, then went back to check the test. Two pink lines! I remember bursting into hysterical laughter because of course I got pregnant just in time for everything to turn upside down. The next 8 months would be the worst and best of my life.
     We were faced with breaking our lease on our apartment in Athens (which cost a small fortune), moving back to our dinky house in Elberton, and completely remodleing the house to make it baby friendly. The loan process was stressful to say the least, and the actual construct was a disaster. If I knew what I do now then, I would never have put us through that. I would have left the house exactly the way it was and bought a chest to keep Gryf's clothes in. I wish more than anything I would have been allowed to enjoy my pregnancy the way I was supposed to.
     We had had a girl name picked out for months, and were having a terrible time coming up with a boy name. The week before our gender scan it just came to me out of no where, and I was so surprised I hadn't already thought of it! Adam and I became fast friends when I was a senior in high school and one of the key things that we bonded over was the Harry Potter novel series. It may seem silly to most people, but we both truly adore the books. Gryffin's name does come from Gryffindor, and we chose his middle to be Alaster because we wanted a strong traditional name.
     I went into labor with Gryffin on a tuesday morning. I woke up and knew right away that something was going on. I got our bags together, showered, did some laundry, and straightened the house up. Around 11am I laid down to time my contractions, they were only about 30 seconds long and 5-6 minutes apart. They were not bothersome at all at that point. I had my 38 week check up that day at 2:30. When the nurse checked my blood pressure she said she definitely thought I was in labor because my blood pressure was elevated (I had no addition pre-eclamptic symptoms so that wasnt really a concern). My midwife checked me and I was 3 cm and 75% effaced. She told me it was "pre-labor" and that I was definitely not having a baby today, I should go home and rest.
     We drove the 40 miles back home, all while my contractions were getting stronger and stronger. By the time we got to our house, I was in a fair amount of pain. I sat on the couch and started timing my contractions, now they were 1 minute long and 3 minutes apart, back to Athens we went!  Got to the hospital and was put in triage, and moved to a regular birthing suite by 9 pm. I had practiced physically and prepared mentally for a natural birth, I had my heart set on it. However, when I was hooked up to the monitors it became apparent that Gryffin was in distress. His heart rate was dropping with every contraction. Because of this, I had to lay on my left side and not move. That is not was I had learned to do. I was prepared to walk the halls, use a birthing ball, get in a warm tub, and squat to relieve the pain...not lay perfectly still in a bed. At 4 am on wedensday my midwife came in and told me she felt I had no choice but to receive the epidural and rest, because my labor was not progressing at all (which, of course it wasnt because I wasnt moving). I was now 18 hourse in and only 4.5 cm.
     I let her break my water, which was excruciating and led to my decision to get the epidural. Sitting on the side of the bed with my knees tucked up to my chest while enduring back to back chart topping contractions was the worst experience I can remember. After the epidual, I slept for 3 hours and woke up in a much better mood. Luckily, I never pushed the button that would give me more pain medication so by the time I woke up, the epidural was wearing off. I could feel the contractions again, I could feel that Gryffin had finally moved down and that it was time to push.
     My midwife came back at 8:05, told me it was time, and started to prepare the room. Gryffin was born at 8:42 am on Wedensday, July 20th, 2011. I am so thankful that the epidural was wearing off and that I was able to push instinctively. I have thought a lot about that night since, and I wish I had had the clear head and drive to request that I be allowed to get out of bed and try to force my labor to progress. I have carried immense guilt and disapointment about the decision to have the epidural. Next time I will know to trust my body and not be persuaded, I guess that comes with experience. Maybe next time I will be in a place where a home birth will be possible, or maybe at least a birthing center. I will have my natural birth someday!
    

Baby wearing safety!

One of my friends got a new wrap and it made me think of some baby wearing safety tips!

First, never use a sling or wrap that is made of a stretchy material. It can give way and not support the baby.
Second, and I see this waaaaaaaaay too often, there is really only ONE position a baby should be carried in while in an infant carrier, and that is facing IN. The baby's legs should always be "froggied" which is when their knees are above the hip. If the baby is worn facing out, it puts too much pressure on the groin and puts baby's hips in an unnatural position. Here is some info a friend of mine posted a while back:

Proper Positioning in any Baby Carrier: Upright Facing In

This positioning applies to any carrier – ring sling, pouch, wrap, mei tai & soft structured (buckle) carriers and to babies of all ages. If the carrier does not allow for this positioning, it is not suitable. Older babies (6 months+) should be carried in this same position on your hip or your back.

We recommend always ensuring that your baby is positioned in your carrier as follows:

Vertically, on your chest, with baby’s bum at or above your navel
Knees above bum, in a frog legged or M position
Spine rounded
Head turned to the side, with baby’s chin well above his chest to avoid closure of the airway

The fabric of the carrier needs to be properly tightened to support your baby in this position. Fabric should be spread from one knee to the other & must not block the baby’s mouth or nose in any way.

You may notice that the manufacturer’s instructions provided with your carrier suggest positioning that does not meet these requirements - forward facing or cradle positions specifically. We recommend against wearing your baby in either of those positions.

Research consistently shows us that when babies are held vertically skin to skin on the parent’s chest, their heart rate, respiratory rate & temperature are stabilised*. Additionally, they cry less, breastfeed more effectively & grow more quickly*. Dr Nils Bergman, a physician & researcher who has extensively studied the immensely beneficial practice of keeping babies in their habitat - vertically, between the mother’s breasts, says: "The baby is in the right place and therefore has the right behaviour."

The cradle & the forward facing positions continue to be taught by some manufacturers & educators, but we recommend you avoid using these positions. They make it difficult to position the baby safely, are ergonomically incorrect for the baby as well as the wearer & appear to contribute to breastfeeding problems.

Babywearing is a wonderful tool that gives babies the minimum they expect - to be carried by their mother. It is also a learned skill that requires a bit of background knowledge to safely perform. Please always be certain that your baby is safely carried, you are always responsible for your baby’s safety.


Babywearing is a wonderful bonding tool, when done correctly! Happy babywearing, friends!

<3



Bibliography used to develop Proper Positioning

-Skin contact (kangaroo care) shortly after birth on the neurobehavioral responses of the term newborn: a randomized, controlled trial. Pediatrics 113(4):858-65.
-Tessier R, M Cristo, S Velez, M Giron, JG Ruiz-Palaez, -Y Charpak and N Charpak. (1998) Kangaroo mother care and the bonding hypothesis. Pediatrics 102:e17.
-Anisfeld E, Casper V, Nozyce M, Cunningham N.
(1990) Does infant carrying promote attachment? An experimental study of the effects of increased physical contact on the development of attachment. Child Dev 61:1617-1627.
-Quebec Coroner Jaques Robinson warning as reported in The Globe & Mail, Feb 05 2009
-Bergman, N.J., Linley, L.L, & Fawcus, S.R. (2004). Randomized controlled trial of skin-to-skin contact from birth versus conventional incubator for physiological stabilization in 1200- to 2199-gram newborns. Acta Paediatrica, 93, 779-785.
-Charpak, N., Ruiz-Pelaez, J.G., Figueroa, Z., & Charpak, Y. (1997).
Kangaroo mother versus traditional care for newborn infants <2000
grams: A randomized, controlled trial. Pediatrics, 100(4), 682-688.
– Hunziker UA, Garr RG. (1986) Increased carrying reduces infant
crying: A random-ized controlled trial. Pediatrics 77:641-648 -Durand, R., Hodges, S., LaRock, S. Lund, L., Schmid, S. Swick, D., Yates, T., & Perez, A. (1997). The effect of skin-to-skin breast-feeding in the immediate recovery period on newborn thermoregulation and blood glucose values. Neonatal Intensive Care, 10, 23-29.
-Messmer, P.R., Rodriguez, S., Adams, J., Gentry, J.W., Washburn, K., Zabaleta, I., & Abreu, S. (1997). Effect of Kangaroo care on sleep time for neonates. Pediatric Nursing, 23(4), 408-414.
-Christensson, K., Siles, C., Moreno, L., Belaustequi, A., de la Fuente, P., Lagercrantz, H., Puyol, P., & Winberg, J. (1992).
Temperature, metabolic adaptation and crying in healthy full-term newborns cared for skin-to-skin or in a cot. Acta Paediatrica, 81, 488-493.
-Wahlberg, V., Affonso, D., & Persson, B. (1992). A retrospective comparative study using the kangaroo method as a complement to standard incubator care. European Journal of Public Health, 2(1), 34-37.
-Meyer, K., & Anderson, G.C. (1999). Using kangaroo care in a clinical setting with full-term infants having breastfeeding difficulties.
American Journal of Maternal Child Nursing, 24, 190-192.
-Gray, L., Watt, L., & Blass, E.M. (2000). Skin-to-skin contact is analgesic in healthy newborns. Pediatrics, 105, 14.
-Ludington-Hoe, S.M., Lewis, T., Morgan, K., Cong, X., Anderson, L., Reese, S. (2006). Breast-infant temperature synchrony with twins during shared Kangaroo Care. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing, 35, 1-9.
-Insel, T.R. (1997). A neurobiological basis of social attachment.
American Journal of Psychiatry, 154, 726-735.
-Carter, S.C. (1998). Neuroendocrine perspectives on social attachment and love. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 23, 779-818.
-Lamb, M.E. (1982). Individual differences in infant sociability:
Their origins and implications for cognitive development. In H.W.
Reese & L. P. Lipsitt (Eds.), Advances in child development and behavior