A friend of mine sent this link my way and I thought I would share it with all of you!!
Need a nursing cover? How about a free one? You just pay shipping...which is about $8.49. You cant make one that cheap!!
Go here: https://www.uddercovers.com/index1.php
Click on the "Essence Collection." Enter the promotional code "onefree."
Unfortunately, all the "neutral" colors are gone...only pink and blue left...but if you know what you're having then it works out!!
Happy nursing!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Who doesnt love freebies?!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Stinky Ol' Cabbage...Not Just for Eating!!
I recieved this interesting article in a news letter today. Just thought I'd share!
Cabbage Leaves as Treatment for Breast Engorgement
By Elizabeth Ballering, RN, SNM II at Orgeon Health Sciences University
Your milk has come in and boy do you know it! Perhaps your breasts are so hard and tender your baby can't latch to nurse. Perhaps expressing by hand or pump is not working either. You may be at the point where you'll try whatever is available for some relief. Its time to try Cabbage Leaves.
The theory is that there is some chemical in cabbages leaves that reduces milk supply. Research is scant in this area and it isn't conclusive that cabbage leaves are a miracle cure for engorgement. However there are no harmful effects if used correctly and many women have found them to very helpful. Cabbage leaves, with the help of your infant nursing frequently (every 2-3 hours), might be the answer for you.
Uses for Cabbage Leaves
Local engorgement of specific areas (for example those horrible arpit lumps without other areas of engorgement)
- Milk engorgement
- Venous engorgement
- Suppression of lactation for any reason
Do not use cabbage leaves if you have an allergy or sensitivity to cabbage (or broccoli, cauliflower, or brussell sprouts for that matter). If a rash appears, immediately discontinue using cabbages leaves and call your health care provider.
Be warned - there might a strong odor of cooked cabbage leaves!
How to Use Cabbage Leaves
Wash the leaves thoroughly.
The veins can be crushed or removed to allow them to be more form fitting to the breast. They can be chilled in the refrigerator as some feel they are more soothing cold, but it is not necessary. Place in a bra, wrapped around the breast with the nipple exposed. Leave on for 2 hours or until wilted and change to fresh leaves if you need to.
Check to see how your breasts are responding with each change and stop using the leaves once engorgement is reduced. Prolonged use AFTER engorgement has subsided carries the risk of suppressing your milk production.
Resources
Nikodem, V.C, Danziger, D., Gebka, N., Gulmezoglu, A.M., and Hofmeyr, G.J (1993). Do cabbage leaves prevent breast engorgement? A randomized, controlled study. Birth: Issues in Perinatal Care and Education 20(2), pp. 61-64.
Roberts, K.L. (1995). A comparison of chilled cabbage leaves and chilled gelpaks in reducing breast engorgement. Journal of Human Lactation 11(1), pp. 17-20.
Roberts, K.L., Reiter, M., and Schuster, D. (1995). A comparison of chilled and room temperature cabbage leaves in treating breast engorgement. Journal of Human Lactation 11(3), pp. 191-194.
Rosier, W (1988). Cool cabbage compresses. Breastfeeding Review 12, pp. 28-31.
Smith, M.K. (2000). New perspectives on engorgement. Leaven, 35(6), pp. 134-36. Retrieved from WWW March 1, 2001.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Good Ol' Consumer Reports
How much do you think you know about modern day maternity care? Follow the link above and see how you measure up!
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Now let me tell you why I appreciated this quiz. There are times that I've discussed the issues addressed above and am met with skepticism while my thoughts are simply written off as an "extreme" sort of view. "You're blinded by your own personal bias." But to have an organization like Consumer Reports, who's entire mission is to present objective reviews of various aspects of our society, agree with the same ideas that I have labeled me as "extreme".....well, its rewarding! Score one for the underdogs!
Grace and Peace...
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Help a Valley Birth Center
I hope you dont mind me posting this here, but our local birth center, the oldest in Texas, is struggling and needs help. Here is a forwarded letter from Holy Family Birth Center's midwife, Nancy Sandrock.
-------
Hi Friends,
I am popping in to send out a plea...I am sending this to several lists and folks I know, so I apologize if this is a duplicate, and I also apologize if you are already one of our long time supporters ...
Last year I was asked to come down to Holy Family Services and try to keep it from closing. All the patients had been sent out of the service and there had been no CNM's there full-time for several months. I started seeing patients the week after I got here, and we started having births the next month. It has been a long, sometimes trying year.
I have tried- but I am only one person-. Our staff has been valiant as well. We have updated billing and charges. We have tried our hand at a few fundraisers. We have applied for grants, most of them still pending, many turned down, a few small ones obtained, but none enough to sustain us as yet. Contrary to some thoughts, though Holy Family is on land from the Catholic Diocese, we receive no financial support from the diocese itself, though a few of the parishes try to help us when they are able.
We have been reaching out to our local surrounding communities, but the dollar is not stretching as much for anyone now days.
The bottom line is this 25 year old Free Standing Birth Center, the oldest in Texas, and legendary in midwifery circles because of the legacy of Sister Angela Murdaugh, is very short on funds. We are at a crisis point, and we are praying like crazy that money starts coming in, or we *will* have to face the very real possibility of closing.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE...if you know of a way you, or a group you are associated with can help, PLEASE DO!
We are a 501c3 non-profit corporation- so any funds that can be raised on our behalf are tax-deductible.
Perhaps sponsor a fund-raiser, a garage sale, solicit donations from friends of midwives, we would be so grateful.
Feel free to pass on this plea so that we have a chance to stay open!
Thank You!
Nancy Sandrock, RNC, CNM, MSN
Executive Director, Holy Family Services
5819 N. FM 88
Weslaco, Texas 78596
956-969-2538
www.holyfamilybirthcenter.com
----
Thank you,
Nicole Hoff, IBCLC, CD, CBE
BA Maternal & Child Health Studies,
Specialization in Lactation
CEO & Director of Bright Babies, LLC
BRIGHT BABIES
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
Breast Pump Rentals & Sales
Certified Doula - Birth Partner
Certified Childbirth Educator
Midwife Apprentice
Baby Sign Language Instructor
...and much more!
Serving Families of South Texas
24/7 Ph. Line: (956) 245-1787
email: nicole@blessedbirthday.com
www.BlessedBirthDay.com
www.MyBrightBabies.com
Wife to Matt, Mom to Jaryn & Kamden
Blog: www.HoffHouse.blogspot.com
Behold, children are a gift of the Lord.
The fruit of the womb is a reward!Psalms 127:3
Thursday, October 30, 2008
RGV Mother & Baby Coalition
RGV Mother & Baby Coalition
Join a new and important network...
The RGV Mother & Baby Coalition
We are a network committed to improving access to options for women and families in the RGV. Become a member and be a part of spreading the word to every Valley mother and family about the valuable resources and support they have right here in South Texas. Join with us in promoting and protecting maternal and child health, prenatal care, "normal birth," childbirth education, doula services, breastfeeding, nutrition, parent and child bonding, recreation, and much more.
OUR MISSION:
To empower, support, and advocate for families in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas. We aim to provide women and their families the tools to help them make informed decisions about pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and the postpartum experience. To provide woman and their families compassionate support throughout the childbearing, birthing, and parenting experience. To help woman build confidence and trust in themselves, their body, and birth. To help them embrace pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and the postpartum time. To help promote, support, and protect normal childbirth and breastfeeding.
Everyone in the community is welcomed to join and be a part of this wonderful local mother & baby support network. You don't have to be a mom or have a baby! We need support from people all over the community! Your participation can be as involved as you would like, and will be much appreciated.
At the moment the group will be started online, but will eventually become an active coalition. We will be having meetings and a newsletter starting in 2009!
Please consider joining today and pass on this information to others.
To join, click here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rgvmotherbabycoalition/
This Yahoo group allows subscribers to post messages and discuss mother & baby issues and provides a sense of community among citizens who support Valley families.
Thank you!
Monday, June 2, 2008
Baby Signing Workshop in Harlingen
You're Invited!
Baby Signing Workshop
Around six or seven months, a baby's cognitive abilities will be developed enough to begin teaching sign language. Baby will already understand the power of vocalization — they cry and you pick them up — but you might not know if they're hungry, needs a change, or is in pain. By 8 to 12 months they may start signing back. Baby sign language gives them a tool to express needs and wants exactly.
Bright Babies Presents....
BABY SIGNING WORKSHOP
Saturday, June 28, 2008
3-5 pm
Lone Star Restaurant, Harlingen, TX
Tuition: $45 to get you started signing
Includes:
Food, drinks, and signing fun!
Tuition for 1 parent and child
Dinner and drinks for 1 adult, dessert for 1 adult
Goodie bag & snack for 1 child (infant or toddler)
Learning resources & packet of handouts
Baby Signing Guide Book
There will be:
Starting to Sign Training
Videos
Parent & Child Activities
Games & Prizes
Children are welcome to attend, especially older siblings. The class can be a bit long for mobile young children. The first hour is mostly training with the second hour being more hands-on interaction if you would like to have someone bring the young child in at that time. You will be free to move around at all times. We will have high chairs and a playpen.
You will learn:
·how to begin signing with your baby
·effective ways to begin teaching signs at home
·easy ways to use signs in daily routines
·what to expect as your baby transitions from signs to speech
·highlights signs that are most important in the lives of babies
·introduces play activities that reinforce important language, cognitive and social- emotional skills
·brings families together to share their signing experiences
Designed for expectant parents, parents with children ages birth to 2 years, day care and childcare providers, teachers, and any that works with parents and children.
Why use Sign language?
Your 8 month old could ask for milk or a drink
Your 10 month old could ask to read
Your 12 month old could say he is hot
Your 18 month old could tell you he is happy!
SIGNING...
• Reduces frustration and builds trust.
• Allows baby to share his/her world with you
• Strengthens the parent/infant bond
• Reveals how smart babies really are.
• Promotes positive emotional development.
• Boosts babies' self-confidence.
• Helps babies learn to talk.
• Jumpstarts intellectual development
Come hungry and ready to learn!
Call or email to reserve your seat!
(956) 245-1787
Feel free to forward information to family & friends!
Learn more at: http://mybrightbabies.com/
Thanks, Nicole Hoff
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