How Important Is Breastfeeding, Really?

PART 2:  What do moms say?
(comments from moms of the La Leche League of Central Oahu group)

Breastfeeding is Practical:

• No hassle or worry about preparation of formula, nothing to sterilize, heat up, clean up
• Breastfeeding is available anytime, anyplace
• Breastfeeding is instant gratification for baby
• Often delays the return of your period
• No worry about baby getting good nutrition
• Economical (it’s free!)
• Helps with losing pregnancy weight

Breastfeeding Deepens Attachment:

• Helps at birth to bond and overcome the newness for baby and mother
• Hormones released during breastfeeding makes you feel good
• Helps you reconnect with your baby during tough times
• Love how baby looks into your eyes during nursing
• Skin to skin contact enhances bond
• Helps baby feel better when they are tired, hungry or hurt
• Nice knowing there’s always something to do to help your baby, a “quick fix”

Breastfeeding Helps You Know How To Be a Mother:

• Gives confidence in mothering abilities
• You’re more in tune with your baby so you can pick up on their cues sooner
• Perseverance through difficulties shows your strength and helps you confront challenges
• Opportunities for mother-to-mother bonding
• More reliance on your maternal instincts, takes outside pressure off and reassure you that you’re doing a good job 

Tips for New Moms

Words of Wisdom from Real Mothers at La Leche League Meetings

From The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, 8^th edition

·      Newborns don’t look like magazine babies.

·      A dirty house builds extra immunities.

·      Wait long enough and it will change, and the questions and answers will be different.

·      Sometimes the books are just wrong.

·      A dog is an excellent floor cleaner.

·      The ideal adult-to-baby ratio is about three to one in the first week.

·      When people offer help, say yes.

·      Listen to your baby.  Respect him and his intuition. He will tell you what he needs.

·      You can only do what you can do.

·      Step outside when you can, throw your shoulders back, take a deep breath, and look up for at least a few seconds.

·      It’s important to see other babies, so you know what’s normal.

·      Join a playgroup. It’s not for the child, it’s for the mother.

Sage Mamas Making A Difference

Gwen Trowbridge
Founder & CEO of Baby Guru, LLC

As we gear up for Gwen to teach Sign, Say & Play, a baby sign language workshop starting September 2nd at the store, she was also kind enough to take a few moments out of her busy schedule to share some thoughts about being a mommy of two healthy and handsome boys as well as a career woman. Gwen was also one of the twelve finalists in our very first Hot Mama Hawaii Contest earlier this year. We have a lot to learn from her example of poise and wisdom.

Baby Guru has such a great concept and mission (I especially love the Mommy Personal Shopper service). How did you even begin to start your own business while still being a new parent yourself?  
I was the Marketing Director for PacificBasin Communications (Publishers of HONOLULU Magazine, Hawaii Business Magazine among others) and I loved my job, but was struggling with balancing my career with my family after I had my first son. I wanted to find something with more flexibility, which meant taking the leap to start my own business. I also wanted to make sure it was something I was passionate about because otherwise I would regret taking time away from my family for my career.  At that time I was having a difficult time finding resources and classes for new parents so I decided to try to fill that void. I was actually pregnant with my second son while I was getting trained and certified for a lot of my services and it reinforced my determination to launch this company to help parents keep their keiki safe, healthy and happy! It’s truly a labor of love!

It's natural for parents to always be thinking of ways to take care of baby that we often forget to take care of ourselves. As a working mother, how do you balance your work life, personal time, and being a caretaker?
It is so true that it is difficult for moms, whether working or stay-at-home moms, to take care of themselves. It’s a struggle for all of us to fulfill our expectations to be the best parent, wife, friend, worker, etc. I talk to so many moms in my business and we’re so hard on ourselves and often each other! I have to remind myself often of the advice I give to other moms...we’re a better mom, wife, worker, and every other role we take on, if we take time for ourselves. It’s important to do those things that fulfill you beyond your family and career... whether it’s going to a yoga class, having a shopping day with your girlfriend or a date night with your husband. There is always more work to do esp. when owning your own business because it’s hard to shut it off. I have to force myself to put it aside and focus on my family and also schedule time for myself separately. If it’s on my calendar like an appointment I’ll make sure it happens!

When you have that free moment to indulge yourself (hopefully at least once in a blue moon), what is a sans-kid activity that you like to do?
I recently trained with Team in Training to run the San Diego Marathon in honor of my mom who is battling leukemia. As a non-runner it was a huge challenge for me, but running became an indulgence for me because it was time alone and a way for me to incorporate fitness back into my life. And to pamper myself I love a good pedicure!

What's your favorite part of being a mother of young children?
It’s those moments where they make you feel like the most important person in the world, like when my older son Tanner said the other day that I am cooler than all the Transformers in the world (I actually teared up!) or when my baby Chase holds onto me like a koala bear and we’re almost one person. It makes all those tough moments disappear!

Baby Guru must be evolving as you are evolving, learning, and growing as a family. Anything new or exciting on the horizon we can look forward to? New classes or services, or events?
I am very excited to be working on a cookbook that will feature recipes for baby purees & toddler foods with a regional flare. I will be writing all of the tips, how to's and overview of food safety, benefits of making homemade baby/toddler food and recipes for basic baby purees; Pediatrician Dr. Michael Sia will be writing the sections on food transitions, nutrition and allergies; and local chefs who are also parents will be providing recipes on complex baby purees, finger foods and toddler meals. The daily experience around the dining table is an important one; it’s where a family gets its nutrition and where the family unit is cherished. I hope this cookbook will inspire parents from the start to emphasize the importance of both by cooking healthy, homemade meals. It will be released in summer 2011 by Mutual Publishing. This cookbook is my next baby!

HPL #2: Breastfeeding Lecture

Baby Awearness' Healthy Pregnancy Lecture Series presents

Introduction to Breastfeeding for Pregnant Moms
Taught by: Naoko "Nicky" Lawnsby
Sunday, August 15th, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Cost: Free

RSVP required to lani@babyawearness.com or 988-0010

Learn all about breastfeeding from Honolulu's boob guru Nicky Lawnsby.

In this class, you will gain important knowledge to help mothers successfully feed their baby nature's way:

    * The basics of breastfeeding your newborn: latching, positioning, and breastfeeding cues
    * The basic anatomy and physiology of breastfeeding
    * The myths of breastfeeding
    * What to expect in the hospital and at home
    * How to prepare for returning to work.

Partners are strongly encouraged to attend.

Nicky is Baby Awearness's full-time, in-store lactation consultant who specializes in the very effective technique of traditional Japanese lactation massage. Nicky is also an IBCLC certified Lactation Consultant and has over 20 years of experience in midwifery, breastfeeding, and women's health.

To reserve a spot at the lecture, please call the store at 988-0010 or e-mail lani@babyawearness.com

July's Olelo Noeau By Mele

“Aohe puu kiekie ke hoao ia e pii”
Olelo Noeau 209

This Hawaiian proverb or olelo noeau means, “No cliff is too big that it cannot be scaled.” (Pukui, 1983). This proverb is often used when you find that inner strength to complete a task or reach a goal that almost seemed impossible. Everyday I am faced with many challenges raising five children ranging from the ages two years old to eight years old. Yes, if you do the math I have either been pregnant or breastfeeding for the past ten years. SERIOUSLY, WHAT WAS I THINKING?

To keep my sanity and adult mind on track, I chose to go back to school. I finished my bachelor’s degree in Hawaiian Language in 2000. I had my first baby in 2001. After my third child in 2005, the University of Hawaii at Manoa started a Master’s program for Hawaiian language. I was working full-time at Punana Leo and decided to stop working to go back to school. There were only four of us in the program so the hours worked around a ‘working mom’s’ schedule. With night classes available, I chose to stay home with my babies during the day and go to school at night. Yes, I loved staying home, but not forever. As soon as Dad pulled up his car I was literally handing them off in the driveway. I didn’t feel bad at all for leaving; it actually felt GREAT. Did I ever think I was a bad mother for wanting a break? NEVER. The time for myself gave me peace of mind to really nurture and address my other strengths in life.

Sometimes I get so caught up in my children that I forget about the other passions I have in my life. And when those passions challenge me, like hours and hours of research, I remember my inner strength that comes from the love I have for my children to help me get through these situations. I try to raise them to be ambitious and thorough, so finishing a task they take on is very important. So they are my strength that pulls me to the top of that steep cliff.

To all the Moms and Dads out there who do whatever it is in life that requires that inner strength, my hats off to you. It is never an easy thing to have to dig deep, make sacrifices, and accomplish the things we want in life.

June's Olelo Noeau by Mele

“Pipili no ka pilali I ke kumu kukui”
olelo noeau 2662

This Hawaiian Proverb, or olelo noeau means, “the pilali gum sticks to the kukui tree.” (Pukui 1983). 

This proverb is often used when referring to the strong bond between a child and a loved one. Whether it be a grandparent, parent, an aunty or uncle, it usually speaks of the bond between generations. As I mentioned before, I was born and raised on the island of Maui. Every summer my children are blessed with visiting their grandparents. And in return it is definitely a break for me =). All five children spend time living a ‘simple life.’ That’s what I call it. However, my two older boys, who are 8 and 7 years old, claim that’s how poor people live.

So, my father being a hardworking grandpa tells them, “No, this is how a family that works together lives. We raise and grow the food we need to stay healthy. We work hard doing so that we can use our money to buy fun stuff.”

Working hard in the taro patches and feeding the cows -- my boys decide this is kind of a cool thing, but nonetheless a weird lifestyle. I remember getting a call from my son telling me, “Mom, did you know that they pick the oranges from the tree and just eat it? And what’s even worse is they climb the tree and they don’t even wash the fruit.” I was laughing so much. However, I thought to myself, this is such a small thing that I overlooked as a parent, MY SIMPLE LIFE.

It’s amazing how in such a short time away from such a ‘rich’ generation we lose so much of who we are and what we overlook to perpetuate in our children. The bond between a child and a grandparent is priceless. Yes, yes, I know how our mothers can and will step on our toes, but if we allow them an inch, they will teach our children how to accomplish a mile in more ways than imaginable.

The bond between my children and their grandparents are so strong that sometimes it makes me sad to hear them cry because they miss them. However, with the ‘money for fun stuff’ that Papa spoke of, I was able to buy the kiddies a little computer that has skype ready to go whenever they need to say hello.

Debuting Olelo Noeau by Mele

Mele, our newest Baby A team member, presents a monthly blog column inspired by Hawaiian proverbs. Mele is a brave mother of five who is also working towards a Masters to develop Hawaiian education curriculum. Out of all of us, she knows very well how to juggle the demands and joys of raising her little ones while still holding on to her sanity and sense-of-self.


“I maikai ke kalo i ka oha”
olelo noeau 1232

My blog posts will feature Hawaiian proverbs and how it may have helped me to understand my values in the life i live and how I make choices in raising my children. I don’t always make the right choices, but I live and learn. Although these are Hawaiian proverbs they may just as well pertain to your life experiences whether you are of Hawaiian ancestry or not. So please, if you like it, love it, hate it, or whatever, I just say ENJOY IT and you may find your stories have some similarities. The best thing about it is, it is UNIQUE because it’s YOUR story.

Haalohi in our loi. Keanae, Maui, 2009.

This Hawaiian proverb or olelo noeau means, “the goodness of the taro is judged by the youngest plant it produces.” (Pukui, 1983).

Everyday I am faced with questions ranging from what should I feed my children for snack today to what school is right for them. I am constantly asking myself what was best for me while growing up. As I remember, reflect, and gather everything that worked I remember, OMG, I’m raising my kids after some shifting of paradigms. So now, I’m starting to freak out and think, I don’t think I know what I need to do.

So back to the drawing board I go. Stressing out and realizing if I think about this for an hour then I may get to sleep for five hours and hopefully wake up eager to start the new day. Forget it, right? I’m human and I want six hours of sleep because a well-rested mommy means a happy mommy. Now at 5 a.m. I’m up and start my day. My four older children are greeted by my 2-year-old who, of course, loves his day because he doesn’t have to be anywhere. However, just having that happy attitude helps in starting my kids’ day off on "the right side of the bed."

Going through the motions of getting washed up and dressed they come to the table and wait patiently for breakfast. After that we’re all packed up and ready to face the world. The older boys help get everyone situated in their car seats and at all four different drop-offs, the boys give each other knuckles and kisses for sister. Just as they each leave my car is when I see how the simple things I overlook are the values they have grasped to get through life just fine. No matter what paradigm we live in, values within a family and what makes it work can be applied to any lifestyle and our children will be the ones to portray it in the best way they can.

So, as a parent sometimes I need to step back and remember what I value and what values I make into lifestyles for our children. The best reward is, of course, watching these values amongst siblings. However, the breathtaking moment is when they leave the car and you watch how they treat their peers and other people in their community. Don’t get me wrong, my babies are little adults and WE ALL HAVE OUR MOMENTS. We will never have a perfect day, but we have a lot of good ones. They are always watching and learning. I am who my children will one day want to be like, so if I see they value what I value, I am doing what it takes to raise my children to be successful. My children are the fruits that my ancestors and I have produced. I humbly say, I am proud of who they are. (MD)

National Woman's Health Week

Did you know that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in celebrating National Woman's Health Week? The week of May 9th to 15th was dedicated to empowering women to make their health a top priority. In honor of this, I would like to remind women that breastfeeding is a health preventative behavior that reaps benefits for a lifetime. Avoiding or abandoning breastfeeding increases a woman's risk of developing premenopausal breast cancer, ovarian cancer, type II diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), hyperlipidemia, and cardiovascular disease.

The decision to breastfeed greatly promotes good public health behavior that benefits not only infants but also their mothers. During National Women's Health Week, communities, businesses, government, health organizations, and other groups work together to educate women about steps they can take to improve their physical and mental health as well as lower their risks of certain diseases. Women are often the caregivers for their spouses, children, and even their own elderly parents that they forget to focus on their own health. But research shows that when women take care of themselves, the health of their family improves.

Healthcare providers are urged to remind the childbearing population of women that they work with of the importance of breastfeeding as a method of reducing diseases and conditions that can rob them and their family of a healthy mother. Heart disease, for instance, is the number one killer of women in the U.S. Epidemiological data suggests that women who do not breastfeed or wean too early face a higher risk of disease and early death.

We should celebrate National Woman's Health week by wishing all moms a Happy and Healthy Mother's Day, every day.

In Honor of Being a Mother

we share some thoughts about being a mom ... all of us here at Baby A and Hot Mama wish you a very happy Mother's Day!

Ashley
My favorite thing about being a mother is watching my little baby intellectually and physically develop. Everyday she learns something new and it is amazing.

Holli
I love the joy on my son's face when he makes new discoveries and tells me stories and when he attacks me with kisses.

Julliet
I love hearing the sound of my children's laughter; I love watching them learn and discover their inner strengths through experiences they encounter. I'm their biggest fan and am honored to be their mom. My own appreciation for my mom has deepened through my experiences. Happy Mothers' Day ~ here's to us!

Lani
Laughing and playing with my little one is a lot of fun. My baby has a great sense of humor.

Mel, owner, Hot Mama Maternity
I adore being a mom. It's when my son looks up at me and for no reason at all says "Mommy, I love you." It just melts my heart every time. I also adore when my daughter is nursing and she strokes my hair and smiles at me with her eyes; she absolutely warms my soul with one look.

Anna, store manager, Hot Mama Maternity
I guess i never realized the saying my own mom said to me when i was little, "You'll never know real unconditional love until you become a mom." And she's right on that one. I love being a mom because it gives me joy to see my own child grow each day. I love that I am the one resposible in his deveploment. He is beautiful and perfect to me. I love him for all his little smiles, touches, stares, sounds. I can't wait for more of what's to come. I especially love him because he is one created together by me and my loving husband.

Care to share about your favorite part or moment about being a mom? We would love to know!