Update!

We are all doing great!

• Gracie has been using the toilet. She put up her little potty seat! We are very proud of her!
• I am starting to plan her 3rd Birthday party.
• Wesley is doing great with baby led weaning & is ALMOST crawling!
• Wes and I, are starting to get things in order to be married.

It's happy here

#IfIWereABoy

This is a campaign started by an intactivist on a mission to spread awareness. It's a woman's perspective of routine infant circumcision. Each post is from a different point of view.

" On August 5, 2014, Elite Daily featured a story with pictures of 12 of its female employees holding signs that stated what each of them would do differently if they were men. Elizabeth Baugh, one of the women featured in the article, held a sign with the message "#IfIWereABoy I'd be able to make choices about my own body."
 Elizabeth's message ignores that, annually in the United States, over one million male and intersex children are subjected to forced genital modifications.
 This project catalogs messages from individuals whose bodily autonomy would have been denied if they were male. Their statements use the same format as the signs held in the Elite Daily article. "

"I'm inviting all of you intactivist ladies to join me in taking a new spin on this campaign and point out what is happening to baby boys every single day."

"Please invite all the intactivist women you know to take a photo of yourself holding a sign, and in your own words write "If I Were A Boy" and your own intactivist statement.

If you would like to join the campaign, join the group on Facebook! Take your photo and share it on the page! Tell your intactivist friends! :) I posted mine today.

Here's the page:
https://www.facebook.com/ifIwereaBoyintact/timeline

The end of World Breastfeeding Week..

Yesterday was Day 7, of World Breastfeeding Week. But that doesn't mean that sharing information and awareness about breastfeeding is over. It never ends...

I will be updating my blog with our progress. Tomorrow marks 24 straight weeks of breastfeeding. Wesley Jr has still never had a bottle or taken a pacifier.
I am proud of myself, my body, and my beautiful son!! OUR 6 months is getting closer and closer. I can't believe how fast it has gone by! It really does get easier every week...

"When you feel like giving up, just remember why you started."

That's what I remind myself every time I get frustrated and feel like just quitting. It isn't always a piece of cake. It's all up to ME to nourish our son. His daddy doesn't have to help make bottles or help feed him in the middle of the night. I do all of it on my own. I don't mind, he is my son. It's my responsibility as his mother. But that doesn't mean that I don't get frustrated some times. Some times I want to eat dinner without him on me or to be able to have an hour or two outside the house alone. Because we don't use bottles and I don't want to pump, I am unable to be apart from him. It isn't the best deal but he won't be a baby long. I will miss him wanting to be with me every second of his day and night. One day, I'll be wishing I could go back in time and have my baby boy laying across my chest. I love him so much. He is the sweetest, happiest little boy in the world! All he ever wants, is his mama. <3 p="">
 

World Breastfeeding Week- Day 6 (late post)

Today, I'm leaning more towards KNOWLEDGE.
If you are not sure if you want to breastfeed, ask questions in a support group or a friend that you know on social media. I have not met a breastfeeding mother that isn't willing to help others with their curiosity about nursing. It could help with any doubt you may have about starting or even when you are confused about something later down the road. I would not be where I am today, had it not been for my support groups. Or for asking questions!

I want to share some groups that I am a part of on my personal Facebook page. Not only about breastfeeding, there are many mommy talk groups, where anything goes. Check them out!!

Breastfeeding Help, Private Talk Group - Facebook

Baby Led Weaning- Facebook

Attachment Parenting Talk Group

Mommy Vents: Support, Advice & Discussion

Opinionated Mamas Private Talk Group

La Leche League!

Kelly Mom!

CDC- Breastfeeding

WHO - Breastfeeding Facts

World Breastfeeding Week- Day 5!

Nursing in public is a huge topic of controversy. From all different points of view. There are many opinions and grey areas that people like to stand by. But mine is just this: A woman is a MOTHER. Her sole purpose on this wonderful place called Earth, is to reproduce and nourish beautiful babies. Just because we are a "modern" people now, doesn't mean we need to throw out mother nature. We are the "most intelligent" species on this planet, right? So WHY is it too hard to have the best of both worlds? I use cell phones, toilets and motorized vehicles. Does that mean my instincts as mother disappear everytime a new smartphone comes out? No.
  In this world of "connection", we are farther apart than we have ever been. People are far too into their phones. Mothers lose time with their children because they have their heads in their phones. When I was growing up, I didn't have a cell phone until I was 13 and the only thing it did- was CALL people. I remember when texting didn't exist. I didn't even start texting until I was around 15 or 16. I feel like friendships were more REAL, at that time. You can't really tell how someone feels about you through a text. You can't tell if someone is talking to you because they really want to or because they are bored. Children don't play outside like they use to either. I use to be out and about with my friends until the street lights came on. Sometimes even later. Until we got hungry and ran home for dinner! I really don't want my children to be too into technology. Running around and climbing trees, exercising without even thinking about it! Using their imagination to build forts in the woods or examining creatures they find in the fields. I want them to be PART of the world.
Everything is changing. And I don't like it. Don't get me wrong, I love the internet. I love learning things and having anything I want to know at my fingertips. I love being able to Skype my family and friends that are 1100 miles away. But when it starts changing how we are as PEOPLE, it is getting out of hand. Mothers should NOT be shamed for doing something completely natural and human, just because they are in public. We may have Google glasses and electric cars but a mother will always be a mother. You can't make an app for feeding a baby from the breast. We are HUMAN. Not robots. People seem to think that we are "too advanced" to be feeding our babies this way. We must be old fashioned, I guess.
I love the bond that comes from breastfeeding. I bonded with my daughter while she was eating too, but it's not the same KIND of bond. It's completely different. I breastfed her for 6 weeks before using formula. When you exclusively breastfeed, your baby is attached to YOU. YOU are feeding your baby. You are EVERYTHING to your baby. No one else can feed them, just you. I love that about exclusively breastfeeding. I feel this huge wave of pride, joy and love when my son is eating. He doesn't know any different. He doesn't know that bottles even exist. He knows nothing but ME. It's a beautiful feeling. I am so happy that I have come this far with Wesley Jr. He IS amazing. It takes just as much effort on your baby's part, to breastfeed. They deserve a "great job!", too.
Breastfeeding is such an important experience for mothers. That's one of the reasons why I nurse in public. I hope EACH time that I can change someone's mind about it...
I feel as though breastfeeding is my RIGHT, not only as an American citizen, but also as a human being. So when someone tells a mother to cover up, it's like they are telling them to stop being so human. "It's 2014..." Like we should know formula exists and so do bottles! But you know what, just because something CAN be easier, doesn't make it the best choice. It doesn't mean breastmilk is outdated. Formula is NOT and never will be breastmilk. Your breastmilk is specifically made for your baby. It changes with your baby's growing needs of development. Formula does not.

"People need to understand that when they're deciding between breastmilk and formula, they're not deciding between Coke and Pepsi... They're choosing between a live, pure substance and a dead substance made with the cheapest oils available." - Chele Marmet

With all of this said, nursing in public is a GREAT thing to do. For everyone. The more we see it, the more normal it becomes...
I have nursed in Walmart, at home with family, in our truck, in parking lots with the windows down, in line at the grocery store, at the laundromat, outside in our yard, at an Indians baseball game, in line at the pharmacy, skyping my family, talking to people in stores, on the toilet, in bed, asleep, putting on makeup, eating dinner with one hand, cooking, and cleaning. All while being "uncovered". Why would I do all of that, if I just wanted attention? Why would I do all of that if I thought formula was the same? It's not and I wouldn't. I do all of that for my son. Because he's eating. It's literally that simple. And because he's eating what I was made to feed him. That's it. It's time to wake up people. I will continue nursing in public. I want to nurse in as many places as possible. If I do anything with my breasts out, it's for a great cause.

Nurse on mamas!
Peace.Love. & Breastfeeding.

Day 5 photo*

Wolrd Breastfeeding Week- Day 4

So today, I got a message on Facebook from someone. I don't know this person at all, in person. Only through Facebook. The message said, "What the... Lol." And then "hey." So I replied with. "hello." He said, "what a pic. A boob." Like I didn't see my breast in my profile picture... My profile picture on my personal page is of my son NURSING. It's one of my favorite photos of him eating. He looks peaceful and comfortable. I just love it. And so in spirit of World Breastfeeding Week, I chose to use it as my main picture for the week. I had never done that before.
Anyways, so I replied back, "yea, it's world breastfeeding week and awareness month." He gave me a thumbs up emoji in return. I wasn't really sure if it was a thumbs up in a supportive way or in a sarcastic rude way... So I just said, "thanks for your support." I figured I'd give the benefit of the doubt and just move on. I got another thumbs up. And a "good thing I'm not a boob guy." I am not sure how that came into the conversation, but it did. And I immediately felt annoyed. WHY does he see my picture as sexual? I'm feeding my son. Why would a person even think that way when they look at it. All you can see is my sons face, him latched, and his hands. It's even in black and white... So I just said, "I guess..." And added: "It's only to help normalize breastfeeding. The more you see it, the more "normal" it becomes. That's the point." And he ended the conversation right there with: " yea. Thanks." I was so glad that it was over so quickly. I didn't feel like arguing with someone about it. I'm so over that. If you don't like it, don't look. If you see it sexually, than I'm sorry but someone didn't teach you how to respect a woman's body enough to know the difference. Definitely don't write me to insult me, disrespect me and annoy me with stupid comments.

Let's continue to nurse in public and share beautiful nursing photos!!

Normalize Breastfeeding
 

 
. Day 4 nursing photo*

My baby doll is growing too fast!

Gracie is going to be 3, in November! "Time flies!" That's no exaggeration...
 I feel like I was just watching her learn how to crawl, last week. She will be in school in two years! I am SO excited about that. I love school supplies. I love the smell of fresh notebooks, shoes, pencils and backpacks. I'm excited for her, even more. She loves playing pretend school at home. She loves coloring, writing notes and watching educational videos. She knows her colors very well. She knows animals. She knows how to count. She knows all the shapes, her favorite is the triangle. If she sees one, she yells out "triangle!". Whether it's a potato chip or a sign on the road. It's adorable. She knows how to identify foods. She makes us so proud!
She literally amazes me sometimes with the things she knows. I'm always asking, where did she learn that? I didn't teach her that... It makes me jealous, which is silly. At a certain point, your babies start learning from other people. They start learning by watching the world. And listening to conversations. It saddened me when I realized it, but I can't possibly teach her EVERYTHING. She's like a sponge! She soaks it all up. She says big words too. For example, today she learned the word "frustrated". And she uses it a sentence, correctly. It's the cutest thing ever. She will be upset at a toy or something and say "mom, I'm frustrated!". I just agree with her and tell her she did a great job at explaining how she feels. It's much better for her to express her feelings with words. When she starts a tantrum, like all 2 year olds do- I ask her to use her words. It helps a lot! That way I am able to understand what is bothering her and talk WITH her about it. She loves learning new words. And I love that she does. So I'm sure she's going to LOVE school! I cant wait to see her smile when the bus stops at our house and picks her up. Of course, I'll be a little sad that she is leaving my side and growing up. But her happiness makes ME happy. And that's all I really care about... So I am super excited for school to begin. I am counting to the day I can take her to buy her supplies and get her ready for the bus. I'm sure when I hear the school bus coming down the road to drop her off, I'll be just as excited for her to come home and tell me everything she learned that day. And to have her back by my side.

Gracie Lynn, my baby doll.

WBW {day 3 photo}

I didn't share my Day 3 photo on last night's blog post. So here it is!

Day 3

*Be sure to follow me on Instagram!
username: Mandasue_08

"When you feel like giving up, just remember why you started."

World Breastfeeding Week- Day 3

How is your breastfeeding week going? Mine is going great! I feel like I have contributed to the cause. I am posting a nursing picture every day on my personal Facebook page, as well as my instagram. I am receiving only positive in return. I have not had a negative comment about it. *So far. I feel as though I am helping to "normalize" breastfeeding! Most of the people on my Facebook are fellow moms, family, or friends from my hometown. Maybe they are getting use to my pictures and it's working!!! Every day, after I post a picture of my son nursing- I expect a rude comment telling me to cover up. Or someone that supports breastfeeding, but only if they are covered. You know how I feel about that. Either you support breastfeeding or you don't. There's no in between.
 Am I really making a difference? I think so! The followers on my instagram are mostly mommies. So it isn't a big deal to post nursing pictures on there. I never get any bad feedback. Although, some of my friends on there do. I HATE it. I hate how someone can take a precious moment captured on camera and ruin the positive from it by saying hurtful things. I hope by sharing my photos, I am spreading awareness... I hope I am helping a mother out there somewhere become comfortable in her own skin. Comfortable enough to feed her baby without feeling like a hundred eyes are burning in the back of her head. I hope it shows young men that breasts aren't a sexual object, they are innocent and nurturing. They are there for one purpose. To feed children. I hope men respect women enough to see the difference. I hope husbands, dads and brothers see that we are not being obscene. We don't need to cover up. I hope the mothers, sisters and friends can see the truth, that we don't do it for attention. We don't want to be pushed into another room during family gatherings or holidays. We don't want to be shamed for doing what's best for our babies. We need YOUR support the most! Women should be standing up for one another. Family should be supportive. Especially the significant others out there that should be encouraging us. We are nourishing our babies in the best way. That's something to be proud of.
I have been blessed with a fiance who isn't bothered by breastfeeding. He was completely supportive of me when I was trying to go uncovered in public. It took a little time, but when I did, he didn't make any negative remarks. He didn't say he was embarrassed by it. He didn't tell me I need to cover up because I'm being inappropriate. I love that about him. He didn't make any deal about it at all. He said do what you want , Whatever makes you happy. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks or says. They don't have to look! He knows how good it is for our son to get my milk. He thinks more moms should try it. He probably even loves that he doesn't have to help feed him! Haha! He knows how exhausting it can be... I feed Wesley on demand. Never have used a bottle. Not once. This is week 23! I have been very committed to exclusively breastfeeding, "from the tap". I do not want to pump. I am at home all day, every day. It just seems like it would be even more work for me to pump while I'm home. With a two year old, no thanks! I'll pass on the extra dishes to wash, the extra money spent on storage bags and worrying about freezer space. Pumping is VERY convenient for some mothers. But I'm no good at it. Breast is easiest for ME.
World Breastfeeding Week isn't just about feeding your baby from the breasts though, it's about babies getting the best milk possible. Whether directly from mama or from a bottle of expressed milk. If you are giving your baby "liquid gold", you are doing an awesome job!
I know that no matter HOW or WHO your baby gets their milk from, you are dedicated. You deserve respect. You deserve to be comfortable feeding your child. Whether 1 month old or 3 years old. Breastfeeding mothers do not deserve to be ridiculed. It's outrageous to me, to think that mamas have to defend something so natural and normal. I don't get it. And that's why I am dedicated to helping other moms on their journey with breastfeeding. I love helping mothers learn to love their own bodies. They truly are amazing. Women are the most beautiful thing on this planet. We can do ANYTHING...
 We can make babies, give birth, feed our babies, and raise them, all by ourselves!
We are strong.
We are powerful.
We are beautiful.
We are WOMAN.

 

 

World Breastfeeding Week- Day 2

Today was "The Big Latch On"! This morning at 10:30am, women all over the world latched their babies together for an entire minute. Pumping mothers were also included in the latch on event. The goal was to get even more latch ons than the previous year. If you missed it this year, you can participate next year or help spread the word! For more information, check out The Big Latch On! I did not attend any events this year, but Wesley was latched this morning, as always. We may go to a latch on in our area next August, but that depends on whether Wesley is still breastfeeding... He would be 18 months at that time. My goal is 1 year, but babies don't usually wean "cold turkey". It can take time or we may not be ready to stop. Only time will tell!

 

 

Daily Breastfeeding Photos:

Day 1 

Day 2

 

Happy World Breastfeeding Week! -Day 1

It's World Breastfeeding Week! From August 1st-7th. A whole week dedicated to helping, supporting and normalizing breastfeeding. And not just in America. Many mothers around the GLOBE need support. While America is at the top of the charts for discriminating breastfeeding mothers, we are most certainly not alone.
World Breastfeeding week is not just about awareness. You can help by sharing great information to new breastfeeding mothers or by talking to an expecting mother about her option to breastfeed. You can help by nursing in public or giving a breastfeeding mom a "great job" as you walk by in the grocery store. Anything as simple as a smile, can go a long way. Breastfeeding isn't as easy as it looks for everyone. Some mothers come across many obstacles during their journey. I've had a great experience thus far. We are 23 weeks in, as of tomorrow! 160 days, today! It feels great!!
 To the mamas still working on those first few weeks- keep going! It truly gets easier.
To the mamas going on 6 months- you're awesome! If this was your goal, well done! If you aren't quite done yet, don't stop now!
To the mamas going on 1yr- don't stop if you don't want to, nurse on! The benefits of breastmilk do not end at one year.
To the mamas going on 3 yrs- you're amazing! Wean your baby when you TWO are ready! Not when someone tells you it's time. Each baby is different. Each child weans at their OWN pace.
To the mamas that haven't quite found the courage to breastfeed in public- I hope you do. I hope when you do, you feel empowered and free. I hope you get smiles, not stares. I know you can do it! You are mother. You are strong and brave. If you can handle everything you've been through so far, you can do this! But do it on your own time. There are millions and millions of mamas out there just like you. You are NOT alone.
To the mamas that nurse in public on a daily, weekly or monthly basis- Go you!!! Thank you for normalizing breastfeeding! Thanks for making something normal, normal. Feed your baby! You're doing a great thing every single time you feed your baby. You are helping everyone around you see how innocent and beautiful it is to nurse. Keep calm and nurse on mama!
To the mamas who choose to cover up in public- whether you are covered or not, you are helping. You are doing a wonderful job of showing how our babies don't eat on any one's schedule but their own. And you WILL feed your baby. And just because you're covered doesn't mean it is something to be ashamed of. It doesn't mean you are ashamed of yourself. It doesn't mean you don't support nursing uncovered. It is your preference. You would nurse uncovered if YOU wanted to, you choose not to. And that's okay too!
World Breastfeeding Week isn't just for the mamas that are nursing right now. It's not for the mamas that nursed for a year. It's for ALL the mamas that have nursed. Whether it was for 2 days or 2 years. It's for those mamas expecting a new baby. It's for the mamas that need the support to keep going, when in doubt. For the mamas that didn't have the chance to nurse but wish they did. It's for the mamas helping other mamas. It's for the mamas having some tough times with latching, milk supply or discrimination. For the mamas fighting for their right to feed their baby with friends, family or strangers. Breastmilk is not just milk. It's liquid gold. It's the best gift you can give your baby and the world. It's the closest you can be to your baby. It's the power and love you feel when you can nourish your baby with your body. It's the journey you two will have in your hearts for the rest of your life. It's more than milk. It's sleepless nights and stressful days. It's bad looks at the store and that sleepy smile on your chest. It's LOVE...

Happy World Breastfeeding Week!!!!!!!!

*I will be posting a nursing picture on every day to help normalize breastfeeding on social media*

Which "mom" type are you?

What kind of mother am I? Have you ever been asked this? Have you ever asked yourself this question? It seems these days, mothers are put into categories of many kinds:

• Crunchy
• Semi-crunchy
• Working/professional
• Stay at home mom
• Teen mom

Basically, if you practice one of the following, you are on your way to the snap, crackle, CRUNCH:
 extended breastfeeding (beyond a year)
 cloth diapers
 home schooling
 drug-free births
 baby wearing
 adoptive breastfeeding
 co-sleeping or family beds
 full-time parenting

Another definition: a home birthing, extended breastfeeding, co-sleeping, cloth diapering, baby wearing, non circing, non vaxing, organic feeding, baby-led, attachment parenting mama.

So, I guess I fall into that category! I am all about natural parenting. It's my calling. I could never do CIO (cry it out) with my babies. I just mentally couldn't do it. So we all bedshare. It works for us. We get more sleep and breastfeeding is more convenient that way. Our daughter is going to be 3, in November. She still sleeps with us 5 out of 7 nights a week. Sometimes, every night. She falls asleep in the recliner, her bed, or on the floor and will sleep there all night. If she wakes up, she will find our bed. Its pretty big (a king), so it's not hard for her to jump in and go back to sleep.Our son is 5 months old. He sleeps next to me every night, all night long. He's never slept anywhere other than next to me. I'm not saying that everyone should bedshare. There are SAFE guidelines to bedsharing.
The Safe Sleep Seven:

1. No smoking for Mama
2. Sober Parents- No alcohol & no sleep meds
3. Breastfeeding mother- day & night
4. Healthy, Full term baby
5. Baby on his/her back
6. No sweat, no swaddle!
7. Safe Surface- no super soft mattress, no heavy blankets, no toys, no extra pillows. Don't cover the head, only the body. Fill in any gaps between the bed using towels or baby blankets.

 I don't agree with making a baby or a child for that matter, cry themselves to sleep. If they are crying, something isn't right. Crying is an obvious cue for mother to fix the problem. There are better ways to do it. You can let them fall asleep and then place them their bed. You can lay one of your shirts next to baby, so they can smell you. Babies get a sense of comfort and calm when held by mama. They feel protected and relaxed when you are there. You can't blame them. Their whole world revolves around YOU. And vice versa...

I'm definitely not a teen mom. I was 21 when I had my daughter. Still young, but not a teenager. I have nothing against them. My mother had me when she was 16. We grew up together. She told me all the time how she missed out on a lot being a teen mom. So I just don't see the rush that most young women are Into. Have fun! Don't rush into being an adult. Children are huge responsibilities! They change you. They change your relationships. All of them. Your friends will change, you will, your goals and dreams change, your responsibilities, the way you interact with other people your age, your relationship with family can change, and your romantic relationships change as well. Suddenly, it's not about you two anymore. It's about the baby. You lose that alone time. You lose sleep. You lose sanity. You lose your free spirit sometimes as well, because you have to quickly become responsible for another human being. I go back in my mind to when I was 16. I can NOT imagine me, the naive Amanda- walking around with a baby to be responsible for. Not because I couldn't do it. But because I was a child. Mentally more than anything. I could've done it, but my choices for that baby would not be the same ones that I make today. I probably would've formula fed my baby. Not that formula is bad. I used formula on my daughter after 6 weeks. But I would've chose formula for the WRONG reasons. Like, so I can go out with friends easier. Or because I am too immature to be selfless. Or maybe even because I'm going to school and pumping would be too much for me to handle. The way I would've parented as a teen, is probably the complete OPPOSITE of the way I mother now, as an adult. My world was about my boyfriend. My cellphone. My grades. My popularity. My mischievous behavior. I am so happy that I didn't have a baby as a teenager. I would not have been ready. I wouldn't have been ready at 18 or 19 either. I have changed so much in the past 5 years, I don't even know the person I was then. So my parenting would've been different as well. I'm happy with how I've evolved as a mother.
I am not a working/professional mom. Have I worked? Yes. Will I work again? Yes. But right now, my life is at home. With my babies. When my children are in school I plan to start college again. Or start a business. But right now, all I plan to be is a mother. 24/7. My children need me at home. They need me to be there to feed them, to talk to them, to teach them, and to know them. I like knowing EVERYTHING about them. I know how many times a day Gracie watches 101 Dalmatians. And that she can draw a smiley face. I wouldn't know that if I wasn't sitting next to her while she was coloring. I looked down at her work and she drew a smile. It was such a big deal for the both of us. She never drew anything other than shapes. I was so excited, I asked her to draw 10 more smiles for me!! I wouldn't even know she can do that, had I been at work. Those little things mean so much to me. I don't see myself anywhere but home. Happily, at least. I'm fortunate enough to be able to stay home. A lot of moms are not. I'm so thankful that Wesley is a hard working father. He works 5 days a week. He leaves at 5:30am and doesn't come home until 4pm. He works physically. He busts his butt. Thankfully it's for good money! He has worked weekends, even months at a time without ANY days off. He's worked double shifts and asked to work more. He is an awesome worker. He will do anything to make sure his children have food and we can live comfortably. He did graduate college, but doesn't want to work in the field he got hid degree in. And that is disappointing for him, but he is very determined. I have faith in him. He can do anything that he sets his mind to.
"Semi- Crunchy" is more, ME. I cloth diaper, breastfeed, co sleep, co bathe, baby wear, I'm at home 24/7, I have had a natural birth, but I want an unassisted home birth someday! I didn't circumcise my son, I question vaccinations and I try to keep my children on a healthy eating path. I am an attachment parenting mama. I like using positive encouragement. We are doing baby led weaning. The only thing I can not say I do when it comes to being "crunchy", is eating only organic. Don't get me wrong, I love the idea! But we both love greasy pizza and Chinese take out way too much to give it up for good. However, I do plan to have a garden of vegetables. That's on my list. And after learning how chickens that we eat are treated, I may switch to organic meats. I have already told Wesley that I want chickens. I had them growing up and I loved getting fresh eggs. It was so fun taking care of baby chicks. Or as my grandma calls them, "bitties". Wesley plans to buy a WHOLE cow or maybe raising some ourselves. I think we are on our path to being 95% crunchy! We will always love our greasy pizza!

Vaccinations: How much do you know about them?

I never questioned vaccinations when my daughter was due for them. I was a first time mother. I was still learning how MUCH you have to think about when you have babies.
Gracie is almost 3 now and has had all recommended and scheduled vaccinations. I have never counted how many she's had. I allowed my baby to endure this procedure without even RESEARCHING what each one was, what it was made of, the side effects, risks, or anything! How crazy is that?! I am so particular about anything my babies do. So I can't even believe I never questioned vaccines. I preach about knowing your options and researching all the time... And here I am, allowing nurses to inject god knows what into my babies!
When I was pregnant with Wesley Jr, it hit me. I need to study vaccinations this time around. I had been blind about vaccinations. I never would have thought to question them. After all, they are MADE to help people. But, it is my RESPONSIBILITY to research, learn, think, choose, and make the best decision for my children. I needed to KNOW what was put into my tiny baby's bodies. What is in that needle? Are my babies better off without that? Are chicken pox really that bad? I thought polio was basically extinct?
When I was filling out my birth plan for Wesley's birth, I came across the Hep B shot-that's administered after birth. You can CHOOSE whether or not your baby gets it. If you choose not to, you'll have to sign a form indicating that you declined the offer. So I looked up what Hep B was for, the risks and the side effects. I decided to get it. My daughter got it, so I was sure my son would be fine. And he was! Thank goodness!
After I had my son, I knew he would be due for more at 2 months. He got that first set of shots. The Dtap, Hib, Prevnar 13, and Rota.
He did fine with all of them. He didn't show any signs of discomfort when he returned home. Other than his poop changing from yellow and seedy to dark orange and stinky, nothing made me think negatively about them. I guessed it was the rota virus vaccine. But his pediatrician said if it's from the Rota vaccine, it would be green poop. It wasn't, so maybe it was another vaccine that was bothering him... I will never know. He was due just the other day for his second dose of all those vaccines. I had been doing my research like I planned. But my attention was taken from vaccine schedules, to moving into our new place. I could have studied every night until he had his appointment, but it is SO exhausting and confusing! Trying to figure out all the statistics, if he will ever really NEED the vaccine, what IF this vaccine hurt him?, what if I don't get it and I regret it?! All of these "what if" questions ran through my mind.
When his 5 month check up came, I freaked out. I couldn't sleep the couple of nights leading up to it. I was mentally exhausted. I asked for help from my fiance, but he told me he trusted my choice and knew I would try to do what's best. So I was left alone, with all this information coming from all directions. It was giving me anxiety. The entire ride to the pediatricians office, I felt sick. After he was weighed and measured, the nurse left and I REALLY got nervous. I knew at any moment his pediatrician was coming in to ask us how everything was going. I was shaking a little bit. I had read sooo many articles about how safe vaccines were and also read how gross and deceiving they were. So I was lost. But I knew it was decision time. Was I going to pass on all vaccinations? Delay them? Space them apart? Get them? I had no idea! And I should have. That feeling was scary. I had been perfectly fine and content when Gracie had her shots. Never worried me once. I cried when she cried, of course. But other than that, I was only told to watch for a fever. She did so well each time! Had I just been lucky? What IF my son is the complete opposite? I felt as if I never should've read about vaccinations. Kind of like- " I don't know, won't hurt me." But I did KNOW. And it bothered me. I knew the ingredients. I knew that people were questioning vaccines. I knew that natural immunity was real. I knew that most of the diseases were not even around anymore. Even IF they were, my babies had a very slim chance of ever having them. And IF they did get the measles or the Rota virus, they aren't going to necessarily KILL my children. We have amazing medical treatment. It is 2014. Rota Virus can be protected by breast milk. So until baby is done with breast milk, they probably won't need that vaccine. The vaccine itself can cause diarrhea. Which is actually what it is SUPPOSE to prevent. That makes hardly any sense to me. Of course Rota Virus would be horrible for a baby, but lots of people have diarrhea. They hydrate, get better and live. Same with chicken pox. Many people have had them. They are unpleasant, but is the condition so bad that you want to risk them having an adverse/serious reaction to the vaccine? Its like choosing which poison you want to drink. The fact that you are CONTAGIOUS after getting the chicken pox vaccine, is ridiculous. Isn't that why vaccines exist? To end the spread of diseases and illnesses? Then why give your child the live virus and spread it anyways? They don't mention this, but pregnant women are VERY susceptible to every live vaccination your child receives. So how is that safe for the community? If a pregnant woman gets something it could cause miscarriage, birth defects or still birth. I wish I would've known that when I was pregnant!
Back to Wesley. After his pediatrician and I discussed all the vaccines, he assured me that they are completely safe, then left the room. I was still so confused. I wasn't sure if he was just telling me those things because he gets paid for each one you get OR because he really believes it. I have trusted doctors in my past and because I put my belief in them, I ended up in a worse condition. And it has affected my life, greatly.
So there I was... Waiting for the nurse to walk in at any moment and inject him! My fiance and I were talking about everything. He told me to do what I felt was right. He would trust any decision I made because he knew I took everything very seriously. He has always been "pro vax". He has always thought they are good to have. So I was caught in between. I started to cry... I felt like a failure.
The nurse walked in and asked me if I wanted to step out while his vaccines were given. I refused. I want to be THERE for him. Always. No matter how HARD it is for me. So I gathered my strength and held his hand. He just woke up, so he was shocked when the first needle went into his thigh. Poor baby. It bled immediately and he screamed horribly. I felt sick, again. NOT for doing them. I felt horrible for not knowing more and not being 100% sure of my decision.
After they were all done, I calmed Wesley down enough to nurse for a few minutes. I told him I was sorry and I was just trying to do what's best for him.
I have always talked to my babies as if they could understand me. They might not understand the words I'm saying, but they can tell how I FEEL when I say something. They know when I am angry, sad, happy or sorry.
The doctor actually asked me if I wanted to nurse him DURING his shots. I said no way. That could confuse him. He might have thought I was upset with him and hurt him. Which could cause problems with him eating. He might not latch anymore or could refuse to eat. I don't think mixing breastfeeding with pain is a good idea... Wesley is 21 weeks old and has never had a bottle or formula. I don't want to risk it. We have worked hard for this!
The moral of this story is to RESEARCH. Even if you are "pro vax" and are 100% sure you want your children to have all of them. Look them up. Read about them. Learn what you are agreeing to. That way, you have the KNOWLEDGE to make a decision. One way or the other, you'll know what you want. Not what the doctor tells you, you want. What's best for some parents- is not for others.
You have a CHOICE. You can get all of them. You can get none. You can pick the ones you want and don't want. You can space them apart. You can wait until your baby is older. You can do what YOU want to do. But you have to decide. And that's where I am on the fence. What will I do? As of this moment, I have NO idea. But I will be doing my homework.
Some parents probably ask- why would you NOT get them? It depends on where you stand in many places. If you are anti-abortion, you might not know but there is aborted fetal tissue in some vaccines. If you don't like the sound of mercury injected into your baby, learn about Thimerosal.
There are so many controversies surrounding vaccines today...
When you know better, you do better.  Good luck mamas!

Here are some great links for information about vaccines:
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia - Vaccine Education

A Mother Questioning Vaccines

CDC: Vaccine Information Sheets

Our Little Family!

 

This is ME.

This is Wesley! aka- "daddy"

 

This is Mama & Gracie Lynn
 

Our newest addition: Wesley Jr!





Our Journey With Breastfeeding: 18 weeks!

Today marks 18 whole weeks of EBF (exclusively breastfeeding) my baby boy, Wesley Jr!

Nursing Wesley: 2 days old

Each week is a new milestone and I'm always so happy to say we've made it that much longer in this journey together. Because its not just me who has done all the hard work, its him too. Exclusively Breastfeeding means you don't use formula. Most will pump and use bottles. But we are "straight from the tap", the way nature intended. He has also never taken a pacifier. But not all ebf babies are this way. My son definitely knows it's fake. He makes a gaggy face and pushes it out. I've tried it like three times... never works. Different pacifiers too. I just don't think its ever gonna happen. No big deal, just figure I'd try. It's really sweet actually, to know that your baby doesn't want anything replacing you. He's definitely mama's boy!

When Wesley was born, I had a natural birth. NO induction, NO pain relief, NO epidural. WE did it, TOGETHER. "The way you give birth changes you. The baby isn't the only person being born during childbirth. The mother is too."

When Wesley came out, he made a few sounds and was placed on my chest, immediately.

Wesley Jr holding mama's finger after his birth

He held my finger tightly and just looked me in the eyes...

I believe that first time together can be VERY important in how well your breastfeeding journey can go. We got to have immediate contact, I held him for a while before he was even taken to be weighed. During that time, we both had lots of changes happening from hormones, pheromones, and signals in my body to feed my baby. He was able to get a whiff of mama and my body was telling me to produce colostrum for him. After he was weighed and had some warm clothes put on, he was quickly given back to me to nurse. He latched on within 20 seconds of his mouth touching me.

With my daughter, we were BOTH new to it. So a lactation consultant helped me try different positions and used sugar water to get her to latch. But she figured it out. And so did I. She did great with nursing. I had six weeks of breastfeeding her and pumping for her. I wish I had done it longer for us. I was such a NEW mother and had NO support. I let my workplace scare me into quitting all together. They were gonna make me pump in the bathroom! I didn't want to, so I just quit pumping. Then, I stopped breastfeeding because I didn't know how to get my breasts to stop leaking at work! If I had the support from fellow breastfeeding mothers and friends, like I do NOW, I wouldn't have stopped pumping or breastfeeding for her. So we used formula after those 6 weeks. And I didn't know this at the time, but the first 6 weeks are the hardest. If you can get past those- you're doing great!

Mama feeding Gracie Lynn: 2 days old

Wesley nursed wonderfully during our hospital stay. My nurse gave me a paper to fill out every time he nursed. I did that for the first two or three times. It was so often that I just stopped. She would come in and ask how long he nursed and it was always either 30 minutes or a couple times in an hour. So my nurse wasn't worried. We were making a great team together, me and Wesley. When he wasn't sleeping, he was eating.

I wasn't really worried about milk supply. I had too much with my daughter and I never dried up before I got pregnant with Wesley. Even after I had been done breastfeeding for over a year! I'm not sure WHY that was... But I could squeeze milk out for a long time. Then I got pregnant with Wesley and it turned into Colostrum again. Colostrum is usually yellow, but it can be clear. It's the first milk your body produces during pregnancy. You don't need much of it to do the job. What colostrum lacks in volume, is made up for in POWER. Some people refer to colostrum as "high octane" milk because it's full of antibodies and immunoglobins. This helps protect newborns as they come into our world of bacteria and viruses. It's very important and very healthy for baby. It's as though your giving baby his or her first vaccination. It also works as a laxative to help expel the first poo, meconium.

Newborns stomach size

Lots of mothers worry that their baby isn't eating enough and decide to supplement with formula. When that happens, supply usually isn't even an issue and using formula only makes it a real problem. Breastfeeding is basically all about supply and demand. The more baby sucks, the more you will make. Growth spurts are stressful for breastfeeding mothers because baby seems to eat more often or longer than usual. This makes mama think it's her body not doing it's job. But in reality, a growth spurt is normal and baby WILL suck longer and more often to tell your body to make more milk. That's just how it works.

 

So the first few weeks with Wesley were fine. They say it's the hardest because it CAN be painful. Especially if baby hasn't quite figured out a good latch. It takes TIME. Don't think just because baby can't get it right away, that it's impossible. The baby is learning just like YOU are.
 After those first few weeks, the pain subsided and engorgement stopped. I thought engorgement was just how it would always be, but I found out that's NOT the case. When your supply regulates after the first few weeks and again after the growth spurts, they don't really become engorged anymore. Unless you skip a feeding of course. But other than that, they feel normal again. Well, until another growth spurt. So you can tell why I thought maybe something was wrong.

Nursing Wesley is a full time deal. I nurse on demand. Which means: No clocks, No timing of sessions, No limits. HE lets me know when he wants to nurse. It can be for many different reasons. It can be for comfort, so he can fall asleep.. It could be because he's hungry. It could also be because he is thirsty. None are ever rejected. Our son is a very happy baby! He gets to nurse to sleep, sleep using me as a pacifier and gets the special bond that comes with it. He never wakes up crying at night. He's always slept through the night with me. Other than rolling over and latching on to me. He has it pretty good, you could say.

 Overall, I am very happy with our success and very proud of us for making it this far. My goals are to reach 6 months, 1 year and to transition from breasts to sippy cup when he's ready to wean from my breasts. I don't ever want to introduce a bottle. That's just more work for me to clean up! And the process of taking his bottle away could be hard. It wasn't for my daughter, but he could be the complete opposite. So I'd just rather not use one at all.

Wesley is what you would call a "distracted" nurser. His attention is taken from nursing, pretty easily. If I start to talk to someone, whether it's on the phone or in person, he will unlatch and whine until ALL of my attention is on him again. He wants mama to be looking at him and using our time to bond. It's really sweet that he is so attached to me. Some people would say no way, that's too much. But I cherish these times with him and I try not to forget that he will be a little boy soon. Then a young man. Then a man, in someone else's life. So I will do as my baby boy wishes. If it makes our time more special for the both of us.
He is also distracted by any sudden noises or someone talking loudly. If something that sounds interesting is happening while he's eating, he unlatches and listens. Or if it is annoying him, he gets upset until whatever it is, stops. My baby boy just wants his time with me to be special and to feel my eyes looking down at him. He smiles when I talk to him. He loves when I rub his cheek. He blushes. When I'm talking, he will unlatch and just stare at me until I look at him. When I look down, he's has this serious face and then it changes to a giant toothless grin! He throws his face back on to me and continues with his snack. I can tell already, that he just adores me. I love it. Every time. I'm so glad WE are doing this. I can't imagine not doing it. After all the wonderful and happy feelings we've shared. Breastfeeding is a strong bond between mother and child. It's the way we were meant to feel. It's what we were meant to experience together. To have that extra time for US to be close. No one else can be this close, with my baby. Because of these 18 weeks, I wish I could share the feelings and explain how great it is with other mothers. But the only way a mother can understand, is to do it herself. I wish that all mothers AT LEAST give it a TRY. A real one. Its sooo worth the commitment. It's something you'll never ever forget. After you get through the learning part together, you can't understand why you questioned it in the firt place. It becomes instincutal. You know exactly what every sound from your baby means. You know him like he's a part of you. And he is. You're connected not only emotionally, but physically. It's really beautiful. Your link, as mother and baby does not end when the umbilical cord is cut. You will always be connected within your hearts after your baby's birth. (Imagine how much closer you can be to your baby when that link is not cut so soon.) My son and I, have been linked together for an entire pregnancy AND going on 5 months. We are still TOGETHER. He leans on ME to support him with nourishment, comfort, warmth and safety.
I know that not all mothers can experience this with their baby. And I feel for those mothers who desperately long for it. Those who can, should really try. Even if you can't breastfeed, you can still give your baby the best milk. Your milk. The milk specially made and designed for your baby's needs. Not mine and not the woman's down the street. Yours.
There are hundreds and thousands of mamas out there willing to help. Just reach out and ask for it. I will help ANY mama in need of advice or support.


I am a full supporter of nursing in public (NIP). Some people say they support breastfeeding, just not in public. Well, that just doesn't make any sense. We can't tell our babies to stop being hungry just because we are out in public. They have to eat just like a bottle fed baby. And no, I will not pump just to satisfy a stranger. A stranger who has a problem with a baby EATING! Don't look. There is no such thing as "being modest" while breastfeeding. We don't want people to see our breasts. That's NOT the goal. The goal is to get my baby latched on quickly and to enjoy my time out of the house. I was nervous in the beginning. I used a blanket to cover up when we were shopping. But after the first three times, I was sick of it. A blanket is just a bigger way of catching someone's eye. Most people don't even realize you are breastfeeding unless you have on a cover. It shouts "hey, look at me! I'm breastfeeding and hiding myself". I just wear a nursing shirt or an under shirt and pull my top shirt up so he can eat. I was shaking the first time I went uncovered. I felt like everyone was staring at me and giving me looks. But it was my own paranoia from hearing so much negativity around breastfeeding in public. When I realized the second and third time, that no one was looking or making rude comments, I became more comfortable. Now I forget he's even eating sometimes. I have nursed most often in Walmart, while we are checking out or while walking around shopping. I've done it in a couple different stores. I've never had anyone come up to me and tell me to cover up because I smile when I make eye contact and I don't make it look like I'm afraid. The more confidence you have, the better chance you'll have that someone won't take advantage of your vulnerability with a rude remark. So own it! Nurse your baby, wherever and whenever baby needs!

Here are a few breastfeeding pictures of us:

Wesley's FIRST latch and feeding!

Gracie meeting her baby brother for the first time!

Breast is Best!

Just sitting around... Burning Calories!

I hope to continue this journey for as long as possible. My next update will be aroud 20 weeks. I will share new stories, how he's doing with breastfeeding, and if he has any TEETH yet! That will be new for both of us! Wish us luck!

DIY: Mason Jar Solar Lights

Mason Jar Solar Lights


I found this awesome idea while browsing Facebook. I love ideas like this. It's unique and completely do-able! Plus, you can't have too many mason jars around the house. I'm definitely doing this.

Okay, so step 1 is to get some mason jars and solar lights. (like these)

Next, you'll need to remove the stick from the solar lights and the lids from the jars. Take the solar lights and place them inside the jars. You should glue them to the top of the jars so they are secure. For this you can use a glue gun. (super glue would probably work as well)

After it dries, it's done! It's super easy and so cute! Set them on your porch, around a pool, or what I'm gonna try to do is hang them around the front porch area.

This is what it looks like at night. I love it!

Hope you all like this idea and if you do this project, let me know how it went! If you have any extra steps or wanna add an idea to this DIY.. do so in the comments. Thanks!

"When you Know Better, you can Do Better"

So every few days or so, at least once or twice a week- I get into my intactivist mood. What in the world is an "intactivist"? Intactivists are not anti-circumcision. Intactivists are solely concerned with forced circumcisions of minors and take no position agaisnt the personal choices of consenting adults with regards to their own bodies. It is very important to me as a mother to inform other mothers of the outrageuos procedure America is so socially accustom to doing. Let's all just ask ourselves, WHY? Before we even get to the actual health "benefits" associated with routine infant circumcision. Let's ask, who started this and how did it even come about? I bet you're thinking it started way way back in biblical times. I'm sorry my friend, but that is not true. How did it begin and when? For decades, American doctors have advocated circumcision as a way to reduce risk of inflammations and diseases. In the 1800s and early 1900s, circumcision was promoted, with little evidence, as a cure to such medical problems as bed wetting, blindness, clubfoot, curvature of the spine, crossed eyes, deafness, dumbness, epilepsy, falling down caused by weak muscles, incontinence, nervousness, spinal paralysis and tuberculosis. But perhaps the affliction for which circumcision most famously promised a cure was masturbation. Now, how ridiculous does that sound? Very. How would having a prepuce (foreskin) cause these problems? How would it have anything at all, to do with a penis? It just doesn't make any sense. To me, at least. Some people see doctors as 'Gods", they know "everything" and only do what's best. I've learned from my own lessons trusting doctors, that's just not the case. Doctors are people just like you and me. Sure they have degrees and know all the correct terms for all the body parts but that doesn't mean they know everything. They learn everything from tests, experiments, studies , trial and error.

I know what you're probably thinking... She's just judgemental and likes to defy authority. That's not how i would say it. I would say, I think with both my senses. Common and horse. My high school science teacher explained that saying to me and I have never forgotten. Now, just so we don't get off the topic here... Let's look back at we've come to know so far. One- Circumcision was suggested by doctors just a couple hundred years ago to cure maturbation, most famously. And I can tell you right now, that does NOT work. So then why do parents keep signing for it to be done? Let's explore the tiny itty bitty "benefits" of circumcision dcctors will tell mothers. There's the chance it may prevent STD's. Well, I don't know about your sons, but my infant won't be having any sex. So that's not a concern as a mother for me. Now, when he's an adult and decides to make that decision to become sexually active, he will also have the choice to wear a condom! Cutting his functioning prepuce from his body, that has many reasons for being there is just extreme when a condom can have the same effect, without all the screaming and caring for a wound after being brought into the world. So two- condoms work to prevent std's, no body altering needed. That's a relief!

I am not against circumcision for medically necessary reasons. But doing this to a newborn baby, needs to be justified with exceptional and undoubtful reasons. The baby is strapped down, which is a strange and uncomfortable position after being scrunched up tightly inside the womb for all that time. Here's how the procedure is done... http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xjkd30_infant-circumcision-injection-and-procedure_news This procedure was done with "pain relief". Watching this video when I was pregnant with our son, made me cry hysterically, because I thought that I didn't really have a choice. My fiance was circumcised as an infant and thought it was like a "right of passage" for boys. We argued for months about the topic. I changed my mind immediately after watching how it was done. It isn't just a "snip" from the tip of the penis. It's a ripping, tearing, crushing, clamping and then cutting. After the giant needle is injected to cause an erection. *yuck* After the video, I researched what the foreskin was for and why it was there since everyone called it a "birth defect". Because when I was growing up, my mother told me that my little brother was circumcised and it is cleaner. If this is the case, then why is the foreskin there? I found out so much from actually digging into the facts and so called benefits.
Like this: The foreskin is more than just skin; it is a complex, highly mobile, and beautifully engineered organ composed of an intricate web of blood vessels, muscle, and nerves. In fact, the foreskin contains about 240 feet of nerve fibers and tens of thousands of specialized erotogenic nerve endings of various types, which can feel the slightest pressure, the lightest touch, the smallest motion, the subtlest changes in temperature, and the finest gradations in texture.

Nature has designed the delicate glans (commonly called the head of the penis) to be an internal organ. In the normal, intact penis, the glans is a glistening, rich red or purple color. The foreskin protects the glans and keeps it in excellent condition.

In many ways, the foreskin is just like the eyelid. It covers, cleans, and protects the glans just as the eyelid covers, cleans, and protects the eye. Also, just as the eyelid can open and close to uncover the eye, so the foreskin can open to reveal the delicate glans. The foreskin's inside fold is lined with a smooth red tissue called mucous membrane. This type of tissue is also found lining the lips, the inside of the mouth, and the inner fold of the eyelid. The foreskin's soothing inner fold gently keeps the surface of the glans healthy, clean, shiny, warm, soft, moist, and sensitive.

So there ya have it. It's not "just skin". It is NOT a birth defect. Every mammal in the world has a prepuce or foreskin. Including females. Yes, we have one too! It's our "clitoral hood". It protects our most sensitive sexual organ as well. Now think about this, WHAT IF we lived in a world where little girls were held down and their clitoris was removed, or their clitoris was burned with acid? That would be insane, right? Well, we do actually. Lots of countries practice female genital mutilation in order to prohibit the female of pleasuring herself and feeling sexual pleasure period. To avoid sex before marriage or masturbation. That's crazy right?! Hmmm.... it sounds a bit familiar. It was legal in the United States for girls to be mutilated per the "parents choice". Back in 1997, it became illegal. Somehow BOYS genital rights and integrity were ignored and they are Still being circumcised fresh out of the womb every single day. And every single year at LEAST 117 baby boys DIE for this cosmetic election signed by mother. Am I the only mother who is thinking in her mind, how is this possible? Why are boys seen as imperfect for being natural and whole?

Take this for an example: Your daughter is born, she's beautiful, perfect, and you would never think of harming her. But a doctor tells you its benefical to have her clitoral hood removed after birth to reduce the chances of a uti, yeast infections, bad smells during her menstrual cycle, it will take less time to wash, and of course it will "look better"...? Would you do it? I don't think so. Girls have sooo many more hygiene issues to worry about growing up, than any intact boy would in a lifetime. So why protect her and not him? Doesn't make much sense does it?
The chances of your son dying from complications of circumcision are higher than the chance he will ever need a circumcision for a medical reason. Sounds like keeping him intact is safer. After all, it is his penis. Shall he decide he wants it done as an adult, he can choose to do it himself. And as an adult he will have full anesthesia, he will be choosing, he will be less likely to have an infection during the healing process, and his foreskin won't be ripped from his penis because it will already be retractable around puberty. "Pulling back" the skin or "forefully retracting" it is NOT needed to care for the intact penis. I'm really not even sure who started this myth but I would guess it's because it retracts in adulthood without pain or irritation so it must be done as a baby as well. If only mothers were more educated about how the penis actually grows and works. So why not WAIT for him to decide how it looks and works? I'm not against medically necessary circumcision at all. I just hate the idea that perfectly healthy baby boys are forced to look like their fathers, give a blood sacrifice in the name of a God they don't know even exists, or because some women have never seen a normal intact penis and request a mutilated one instead.

The foreskin is self cleaning just like the vagina. It is literally there to protect any bacteria (the bad kind) from causing infections and uti. If he does get one (like many women and circumcised men do as well)then all he would need is an antibiotic. So that's not a good enough reason to do it.
Some doctors say it can lower the chance of getting penile cancer. But that's a very very rare cancer anyways. A girl has a much much higher chance of getting breast cancer and dying than any man does of getting penile cancer. Whether he's circumcised or not. Breast cancer IS the number one killing cancer of women. I have never seen a mother say she's choosing to have her daughter's breasts removed after birth, so she doesn't have to worry about her getting breast cancer. And that would actually make more sense than RIC. But that would be "crazy". Have I made any sense with this?

The American Academy of Pediatrics says "the benefits of circumcision are not significant enough to recommend circumcision as a routine procedure, and therefore is not medically necessary." Deciding to have your son circumcised is a "personal choice". Quite often it is a cultural, religious and "personal preference" that makes you choose to have it done. Let's think about what all of this means exactly. Well, cultural means that you are doing it because that's what everyone else does or because it's the "cool thing" to do. No thanks! Religious- You choosing your child's religion for him and carving it into his genitals? Sounds good, Not! Sounds a bit crazy, so No thanks! And don't get me started on "it's a personal decision". Think about what that really means. It usually means the person undergoing the procedure or the person being affected by the decision is actually making the decision. Is mommy going through the pain? Is mommy or daddy going to be strapped down and have their parts changed? No. Well, then that answers whether it's a mother or a father's personal choice.

So, now we know some new things about the foreskin and routine infant circumcision. It changes the penis physically, causing it to become an external organ, destroying all the natural functions of the foreskin. Leaving the penis open to dry out and rub against his clothes causing keratinization. It leaves a scar on both his genitals and his mind. Because after all, that was WHY it started in the first place: to scar him enough that he won't touch himself without remembering it. It doesn't reduce stds, condoms do. It isn't "cleaner", either. And you don't "pull it back" to clean underneath. I hear moms say that a lot. You actually do the complete opposite and never retract his foreskin. No, not even just a little. He should be left to do that on his own when he is ready. The AAP states it is not needed for cleansing. Routine Infant Circumcision is cosmetic and steals young boys of their human rights. The first experience they have in their new life is cruel, cold, full of confusion, fear, pain, and shock. You wouldn't have it done to your daughter and daddy doesn't need to match. How many mothers make sure their daughters genitals match theirs? I don't know any. And I mean really, have you ever looked down there with a hand mirror? You may not realize it until you've seen one close up and personal, but the vagina isn't the prettiest thing in the world either.

Now you know how I feel about R.I.C and why I want every mother to take her whole baby home. We must stop this barbaric and cruel tradition in our country. If you're a number person: It is estimated that around 20% of the world's men are circumcised. Not as many as you thought, huh? The majority of these men are Muslims. But this number also includes other areas of the world for medical reasons or cultural reasons in the United States. It also depends on location and age group. For example, in the US, about 85% of males born between 1950 and 1980 are circumcised. (That's a lot!) While only about 45% of males born between 1995 and 2005 are circumcised. It's decreased over the last few decades. Parents are becoming more educated about the male foreskin and mothers are becoming educated about how easy it is to leave your son intact. That was my goal with my fiance. After months of showing and sharing research with him, HE was the one who said "No" when the doctors asked if we were choosing to circumcise our beautiful son. My doctor was relieved, he smiled at us along with the nurses, who thanked us for making the right decision. They said they hated doing it and it was great that we actually researched about it before just going along with what we thought was "normal". That felt SO good! I had imagined I would be arguing with my doctor about it and feel insulted for not choosing to have it done. So it just made my son's birth that much better. We were all happy and healthy. No altering needed in this little family. It took a lot of courage and strength for my fiance to decide to leave our son intact. It's hard to break this family cycle of mutilation. So he's our sons hero, I say. It makes me smile. And that's how it should be. Your first week with your new baby should be happy, calm, relaxed and natural. Not tainted with cleaning an open wound and checking for infection on your sons genitals after every diaper change. That just doesn't sound appealing to me.

So I ask every new mom and every mother who is having another son, to do her research and listen to her heart. Watch the video, read about the foreskin, protect him, don't cut him.

Please take your Whole baby home! He is Perfect the way he was made. "When You Know Better, You Can Do Better."

*If you'd like more info, click the links above: Dr Momma and The Whole Network*

Practice Makes Perfect.

Today is Sunday... As a mother, it's just like every other day of the week. Except, that "Daddy" is home the whole day! It's nice when he's home. He spends time with the babies and I get to use both of my arms. haha! So what's going on in this family? Well, Gracie is in a phase where she tears everthing into pieces, anything made of paper. Tissue paper, newspaper, notebook paper, and her favorite of all: Toilet paper. Yay. I don't really get upset, I mean she's TWO. My mind set about it is: oh well, tell her it's not what it's for and move on. I get called a 'pushover" and some people like to make comments about how my daughter is going to run over me... I guess I just see parenting as something other than discipline. It's more of GUIDANCE to me. Punishing my daughter for being curious and having thoughts of her own isn't my idea of being mommy. I'm not raising a warrior. I'm trying to raise a nice, thoughtful, smart, brave, and outgoing young lady. Saying "NO, NO, NO!" all the time is kind of negative. And I see it to be a constant self esteem stabber. Not my thing. Because seriously, if I dont punish her for it, what is she going to do later in life? Go around tearing up her neighbors toilet paper in the middle of the night just for fun? I doubt it. So, obviously you can guess: I'm a passive parent. I don't really know any labels for it. Not any nice ones anyway... Some people call it "Attachment Parenting", I think. But I would be attached to my babies no matter what world I lived in.. so I just don't see the point in calling it that... To make it clear without labels and gray areas; I am a mother who likes guiding and giving positive comments and encouraging independence. Rather than using their childhood as a time to sculpt a person with negativity and constant ridicule. For instance, I don't see a problem with letting my daughter try to pour her own drinks. Sounds good to me! But some people like to tell her no, she'll just make a mess and to just stop. I don't. I let her try, I show her HOW and tell her she "did a great job" at it. Even IF she makes a mess. You cant live LIFE without making mistakes... That's how we learn who we are and how things work. "Practice makes Perfect".

A little about me...

Manda is my name.

I am starting this blog to share info about things I'm passionate about. I am a "birth junkie". I am in love with breastfeeding. Today marks 17 straight weeks of Exclusively Breastfeeding (EBF) our son, Wesley Jr. I am engaged. My fiance is Wesley, he is a country, hard working father. We started our thing almost 5 years ago now. We met through friends in Florida, where I grew up. He's a "Hoosier", born and raised in Indiana. And thats where we currently stay now with our two small children. Our daughter was born on November 4th, 2011. Her name is Gracie Lynn. She got her middle name from my sister and her grandmother on daddy's side. Our son is named after daddy, Wesley! He was born February 22, 2014. I am blessed with two beautiful and smart babies. For sure.

I am 23 years old, will be 24 in August. (can't believe it!)
I graduated high school in 2008. I never finished my degree in college... We started a family.
I am looking into taking classes to become a midwife or a doula. Possibly even a birth photographer. I just want to have a career, if any, as something I love to do. I don't want a job I hate going to.

I'm a stay at home mama who's main focus right now is the children. Raising them. Trying to teach them something every day.
I dont pretend to be perfect and we dont have lots of money. But we do have each other. That's all that I honestly care about anymore.
My life use to be about parties, boys, Lil Wayne and looking nice. NOW, it's all about being "mama". And I'm very happy with it. It suits me better. If i do anything great in life, I want to be a good mother. I want my children to say they never felt abandoned and always knew we care about them more than anything else.

So,,, thats just a quick expliantion of who I am and why I started this blog.

I hope I can inspire someone the way I have been inspired. I hope everything I share is appreciated and passed on, as it was to me.

I love birth, breastfeeding, and intactivism.

If you do too, follow me.