Subscribe or Trash?

I have a new obsession. Subscriptions.

I'm not sure where it started. Oh yes I do. Junior High. Vogue. No, not Seventeen. Vogue. I've always had expensive taste. I can look at a mountain of shoes and my favorites will be the ones that are $500.

Every. Single. Time.

But I digress...

With the internet, Facebook, and Network marketing at an all time high, it's hard to know what's quality and what's just being shoved down your throat for a quick sale.

So here's a rundown of my favorite subscriptions. You can be your own judge. And please, leave in the comments YOUR favorites. I can always use a new one....Click on the title to go to their website.

VOGUE:
Ok, we already covered that one. But here's the thing with Vogue. The contents aren't in my, um, budget. However the artistry in it's pages can sometimes be breath taking.
Cost: $12-18 dollars a year
Pros: beautiful, discounted from shelf price, great cover stories
Cons: unattainable contents, liberal news stories (maybe that's a pro to you...)

DOLLAR SHAVE CLUB:
This was a fantastic little facebook find. You get 4 razors a month and a handle to start off your subscription. Honestly, I don't use 4 razors a month, but good grief, that's substantially less expensive than buying them at the grocery store. Not only that, these guys are pretty hilarious. Your monthly box comes with a quippy little magazine to read, complete with jokes, satire, and the occasional off-kilter comic. That alone is worth the subscription. Can be shared between 2 shavers.
Cost: $1-9 a month
Pros: great razors, ingenious packaging, attention to detail, satire
Cons: maybe too many razors?? (if that is a con...)

CITRUS LANE:
This is a really fun and creative subscription box for kids. It comes with 4-5 items per box ranging anywhere from toys, clothes, feeding utensils, books, snacks, and there's usually something for mom. A nice bonus. One of June's favorite toys has come from this box. We look forward to it every month. A lot of the items are also earth friendly in someway. There is also an option to switch from month to month gender and age.
Cost: $19-$29 a month
Pros: great content for kids, bonus gift for mom, earth friendly
Cons: a little more costly although worth the money, no way to automatically switch between children (have to log in each month)

VEMMA:
Come on, you know I had to do it. There's too much to say about this in a short paragraph. But let me say a few words: energy, health, wellness, freaking fantastic. Vemma itself lowers your infection markers, naturally increases your anti inflammatory properties, and is a highly absorbable antioxidant. Vemma is the main flagship product with these wonderful benefits. Verve is the healthy energy drink that has a dose of Vemma in it. So who doesn't love healthy energy?
Cost: $64+ depending on products
Pros: again I say energy, less copays at the doctor, less missed work days (yes that's a pro), can provide income
Cons: the Verve packs need to come in 30's instead of 24 so you can have one each day a month

GRAZE:
This is a new one to me, and I'm really excited to try it out. I have a hard time remembering to eat during the busy day with 2 ankle biters. And sometimes all June wants to eat is a "bar." I'm hoping this one gives us more options. There's a ton of natural ingredients. Looks fun.
Cost: $6 per box, ships weekly or every 2 weeks
Pros: healthy, gives you the option of "trashing" certain ingredients, tons of options
Cons: don't have any yet...stay tuned

PARENTS MAGAZINE:
I absolutely LOVE this magazine. It has a ton of fun (and realistic) options for family entertainment, meals, outings, you name it. The parenting suggestions are also doable, realistic, and won't leave everyone scarred at the end of the day. I also appreciate their stance on medical issues. Follow them on twitter.
Cost: $7.99 for 2 years
Pros: affordable, helpful, creative, realistic!
Cons: I need more time to sit down and read them

PRIZE CANDLE:
This was a fun idea but it missed the mark in a few places. They hide a ring (made in China) in a candle, and you burn your candle down to find the ring. They claim to have a $5000 ring in a candle somewhere...Each ring comes with a code to appraise your ring on their website. SPOILER ALERT: it's worth $10. You get a discount for your first candle, so it's worth doing one time. After all, you could have the $5000 ring.
Cost: $15-$24.99
Pros: fun idea, creative gift
Cons: a little on the expensive side, rings are too big for my scrawny fingers

Leave your favorites in the comments!

Cheers!!

I remember as a young child seeing my mom smile over us one night as my brother and I were eating our dinner. When I asked her what she was smiling about she had a simple reply that has lasted all these years in my memory, "Mother's love to see their babies eat."

I don't know if it stuck with me because it was such an odd reply for an young child to fully grasp? Or maybe I had already begun to understand God's working in my heart to fight for impoverished children. Either way, it stuck with me.

During lunch when I sat down with my nearly three year old over grilled cheeses and Sun Chips, we get a knock on the door. (Yes a knock. All potential ringers are warned of their responsibility to babysit if they ring the doorbell.) It's a bright orange box. Vemma.

As I bring it in, June starts saying, "NEXT?? I want NEXT! Pleeeeeease!!"

There goes that same smile across my face and warmth in my heart just as my mother had all those years ago. And I get it. Fully get it.

Cheers Junie. And Cheers to you Vemma NEXT.

                  

"Pollen Vortex!!!" "Shower Before Bed!!" And Other Tales of Allergies in the News....

Although allergies are no joke, this made me chuckle as I opened my inbox this morning. The Pollen Vortex!!! (Gasp!!!) And crunchy ways to take care of yourself during it's brutal quake!! Including a shower!!!!

I wanted to find a picture of the Mucus Queen from Billy Madison, but there wasn't a good one that didn't seem inappropriate in someway. So insert that memory of her wiping snot on her chest . 

Ok all kidding aside, if you need some natural help from allergies (that won't break the bank and won't have you reaching for homemade granola....although there's nothing wrong with that if that's your deal), then for the love of Pete, try Vemma. It's gotten my mom off allergy meds and chronic sinus infections, and it's helped a handful of our friends write farewell letters to their monthly (and sometimes weekly) dates with a needle-wielding allergist. For you - Vemma 1 Pack for a month. For your kid - Vemma NEXT 1 pack for a month. It's under $2 a day, so quit your belly aching and do it. Unless you're one of those people who likes to be miserable. But I hope you aren't. 

(To hear more about what Vemma has done for us and can maybe do for you too, see my page at the top take back your life.)

Now...for your reading pleasure....

“Brutal” Allergy Season Expected.

ABC World News (4/13, story 9, 1:30, Muir) reported, “We’re going to turn now to what is expected to be a brutal allergy season.” Due to the polar vortex and a longer lasting winter in much of the country, “so much is budding out there at once, it’s creating what some are calling the pollen vortex.”

        NBC Nightly News (4/13, story 11, 1:25, Quintanilla) reported that Dr. Mika Roberson, of the Care Point Health Medical Group in Hoboken, NJ, explained that immunotherapy shots taken three to six months before high pollen season may help some people, but people suffering right now are advised to see their physicians and “get skin tested” to ascertain precisely what allergens are bothering them. Over-the-counter nasal sprays and antihistamines can provide some relief.

        The ABC News (4/14, Mohney) website reports, ABC News medical correspondent Jennifer Ashton, MD, “says there are new medications available to those in need including Oralair [grass pollen allergen extract], a new medication made up of freeze-dried grasses that can help combat allergies.” According to experts, “using a neti pot, showering before bed to get rid of pollen particles on the body and keeping windows closed to keep out errant pollen particles are all key.”

        The New York Post (4/12, O'Neill) and the Slate Magazine (4/12, Holthaus) “Future Tense” blog also used the phrase “allergy vortex” in their coverage.

Copied from NAPNAP Publication "PNP Daily News"

"Popular! I'll Help You Be Pop-uuu-lar" In The News

And you thought it was just the nerdy kids that got bullied. Popular kids, watch out!!  

Popularity Tied To Increased Risk Of Getting Bullied.

USA Today (4/1, Healy) reports that according to a study published in the April issue of the American Sociological Review, “as students become more popular and climb the social hierarchy of middle and high school, they are at increased risk for gossip, harassment and even physical attacks from rivals competing for status.” The study of 4,200 eighth, ninth and tenth graders also revealed that “adverse consequences of that bullying – including increased depression, anxiety and anger, and decreased school attachment – are magnified the more popular the victim.”

Copied from NAPNAP publication PNP Daily News

(New) Baby Mama Drama, Part 2: CHILD PASSENGER CAR SAFETY

If you offend easily, this is not the blog for you...

I've made a very good living off of other people's bad choices. And frankly, in this day and age, there's no excuse for ignorance in the arena of car safety. I've seen statistics anywhere from 73-98% of car seats are used incorrectly. So here's the down and dirty on keeping your kiddos safe in the car.


THE LAW

Law mandates that a child less than 8 years old and less than 4 feet, 9 inches must be in a car seat device at all times and restrained according to the seat's instruction. Right off the bat that means if you have a 1 year old, they must be in a 5 point harness and rear facing. Period. It's law. Along with that, if you have an older child that no longer sits in a safety seat, they have to be in a seat belt at all times including the shoulder strap. So if you're taking a long road trip and Jr wants to lay down to sleep, he has to stay in the shoulder strap. Period. It's law.

Why is the "law" important? Well if you're asking that question, we have several other things to talk about. But think of it this way....the law is always several years behind expert recommendations. So if it's written in law that something is necessary.....it's really, really necessary.


THE RECOMMENDATION

So what do the experts recommend? A big push that we are trying to make is to keep your baby rear facing until at least 2 years of age or longer. 

Longer?!? But my kid can't see!! His legs are bent!! He doesn't look comfortable!!!

So what. He doesn't know any different. Comfortable? You know what's uncomfortable?? A traumatic brain injury. Skull fractures. Having your face busted into a hundred tiny pieces. That's uncomfortable. And you know what? It happens all the time. Often. Frequently. Don't test me on this. And honestly, have you not seen how kids sit on the floor? If he has to sit with his legs crossed in his seat, he'll live. Thankfully. (And on that note, children are not to ride in the front seat until their 13th birthday.)

And guess what? Other countries with lower death and injury rates keep their kids rear facing well through the toddler years. Think 4 years old. And this is normal to them. Read about it here and watch the video below.

INSTALLATION (of seat and child)

Some installation tips and videos can be found here on the Safe Kids website.

There was once a time when people said you can go to the Firestation down the street to get your seat checked, but that's no longer a great idea. Firemen are not car seat technicians. They can help you read the directions, but that's about it. If you're in the Fort Worth area you can call Safe Kids Tarrant County at 682-885-2634 to schedule a FREE car seat check. Other car seat techs can be found by visiting the Safe Kids website of your area.

But how do you know if your child is in the seat correctly?? Here's a good list to review! Unfortunately this list doesn't discuss proper clip placement. The chest clip should be at the nipples/armpit area. Not lower - this can cause significant abdominal organ injuries.

The tightness is also important. Children do in fact fly out of seats and through windows when their seats are installed correctly but aren't tight enough in the straps. Do the pinch test.

The safest place for them to sit is in the back middle seat. If you don't have a back middle seat, the next safest place is directly behind the driver. (I can already hear the cries of the ignorant mothers...."But I can't see him! What if I need to get to him?" Again I say this: So what. You can't see him. You really need to get to him? Then pull over. You shouldn't be reaching back there anyway to get to a rear facing child. Pull over.)

If you have multiple child passenger safety seats that need to be installed, the infant seat should go in the middle. It is not side impact reinforced. Larger convertible seats are, so they are safer to go behind the driver or passenger. And they should be rear facing. Still.

A NOTE ON FLYING OBJECTS (CHILDREN INCLUDED):
If you don't want your children to be flying objects in a crash, don't put them in a big fluffy coat in their car seat or booster. I promise they won't freeze to death. Just take their coat off before getting in the seat and give them a blanket (as long as they aren't newborns) and they'll be fine. I can't make that same promise if you put them in a fat coat. When a crash happens, the coat compresses and they can fly out of their seats. At high speeds. Through windows. Please hear me: soft skin does not fair well against concrete and asphalt. Nor do growing brains.

Other flying objects include coffee mugs, cds, books, strollers, or anything else you don't have tied down. You think this is over reacting? Let me tell you the story about a kid I saw who had a wreck with a box of ceramics in the back.

And next time, put your paint in the trunk.

Here's the thing guys. This is simple. It's not difficult. We aren't suggesting you build a fort to place around them anytime they leave the house. This takes no extra time and very little if any extra effort. I would love to place pictures of what my forward facing patients look like, but apparently that's illegal. It's a shame. I think that's the only way some of you would see the risk you take. But please, let my professional knowledge and experience be enough for you to do the wise thing and follow these recommendations.

The Breastfeeding Propaganda

Oh yes. Yet another post about breastfeeding.

I've become very weary of the anti-breastfeeding world. And I'm not talking about the mamas who feel like they can't do it, or even the mamas who don't want to do it. I'm talking about the mamas who treat those of us who are doing it like we're weird or crazy or "granola." Whatever that means.

You wouldn't be calling Eve "granola" or treating her like she's a loon for feeding her child the way God made her body to. Even the formula companies agree that "breast is best."

And HEAR ME - I am NOT saying if you didn't nurse your kid that you made a wrong choice or that you're a bad mom. What I am saying is just because you didn't breastfeed doesn't mean you should make me feel like a Crazy for doing it!! It may have been inconvenient for you to nurse but it's extremely convenient for me (and my baby) to nurse. And we'll do it until he's done.

This blog popped up in my feed today and it was a homerun as far as I'm concerned.

If I get one more question or snarky comment about covering up in public for modesty's sake (which I do) or about people's "rights" to do as they please in this arena, I might pop.

What the non-breastfeeding crowd doesn't understand is that those of us who do nurse our children are just as much (if not more so) persecuted for our choice than they. There's a lot of irony there.

Eat up babies. No matter how you do it. And tell your mamas to be nice.

(New) Baby Mama Drama, Part 1: FEEDING

Don't worry New Mama. We've all been there...what the heck are those for anyway???

Here's the thing. You've heard the expression "There's more than one way to skin a cat," right? Well, there's definitely more than one way to have a baby and raise a baby. I get asked by new mama's all the time about car seats, breast feeding, sleep problems, starting solids....and I'm no expert, but between having 2 kids of my own and nearly 10 years of experience in pediatric medicine, I've got a few tricks up my sleeve. So here is one of my favorites:

BREASTFEEDING

I hit this one first because it's the most special to me. Not the most important necessarily, but real dear to my heart. I have been fortunate enough to nurse both of my babies. And loved, loved, loved that special bonding time. My oldest nursed for a little over 12 months, and so far I'm about 7 months on my second one. Please hear me mama's that did nurse or give pumped breast milk - I am not judging you, shaming you, or saying you did wrong by your baby. Again...cat skinning.... Ok. Now that that's out of the way...here's a few tips for you to be successful.
   -  when your baby eats, you are either feeding them straight from the breast or pumping (This is crucial. The amount of milk you make works off supply and demand. So if for some reason your doctor or midwife is having you supplement with formula, give the baby the formula and then pump!!! Every. single. time. If you aren't stimulating the nipple when the baby eats, your body doesn't know to make more.)
   -  your job for the first couple of weeks is to feed that baby whenever they are hungry. If he starts to fuss for more milk just 30 minutes after you feed him , feed him again. If he wakes up at night to eat, feed him. Frequent feedings early on will help set your breast tissue up to make more milk now and in the future. If you want to try to sleep train him later, then wait until you've got a good solid supply which will take a good 6 weeks.
  -  it's always good to take a change of shirts out and about for you when you're newly feeding. Milk happens. :)
  -  the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months. This allows baby to get all of their needed nutrients straight from mama with all the added benefits of immunity without risks of food allergies. Some studies have shown that adding in food (or even supplementing with formula) before 6 months decreases the effectiveness of the immunity that baby gets from your milk. So unless there's a milk supply issue, try not to supplement with formula.
  -  keep taking your prenatal vitamin with DHA (good for baby, good for mama's energy)
  -  eat one extra small meal a day. This isn't your cue to go crazy, but if you are still hungry, eat again. Don't worry about losing that baby weight. Breast feeding will do it for you. And if you're hungry, your body needs it. I recommend a daily (or twice daily) Bod-e shake that you can get here. This has great health properties, is super easy, and tastes like melted ice cream. I use it a breakfast, for a snack, and even for dessert occasionally. Yes, I do.

OWIE!!!
  -  If it hurts real bad, there's a very good chance there's something wrong. Check with your hospital to get a follow up lactation consult. Sometimes they'll come to your house, and it may be included already in your hospital stay. You can also contact For Babies' Sake and they'll help you out!
  -  super sore nipples can be cured (yes, cured) with a prescription from your doctor or midwife. (only the midwives with a masters degree in nursing can write prescriptions - so if you had your baby with a midwife in the hospital, they're able to write prescriptions; the majority of RN midwives do not deliver at birthing homes or in homes.) Jack Newman's All Purpose Nipple Ointment will have you better in less than a day. You will need a compounding pharmacy and it may take a few calls back and forth to make sure they have the ingredients. Tell them that it is imperative you get the prescription today and if they can't do it, you will need to call another pharmacy. If you're in Arlington/Ft Worth area, the Randol Mill Pharmacy has been incredible! Some prescriptions call for an added advil powder as well. Make sure your pharmacy is making an ointment and not a cream.  If your healthcare provider is unfamiliar with APNO, tell them the formula and that it can be found online from multiple breastfeeding resources. A lactation consultant will also recommend it.


SUPPLY ISSUES
  -  remember, when your baby is eating, you are either feeding them from the breast or pumping. This is key to keeping up your supply.
  -  fenugreek and mother's milk tea are extremely helpful to most people. Here's more about it from Kelly Mom.
  -  you may have a well meaning pediatrician, midwife, or nurse practitioner that tells you to supplement with formula. This is usually not necessary unless there are other issues going on. If your baby is gaining weight, there is no need to supplement. Doing so will only cause your supply to decrease further. If your baby is not gaining weight properly or is losing weight, you may need to supplement for a short period of time while you work on your supply. You do that by pumping. And pumping. And pumping some more. Feed your baby from the breast first every time, then pump while they take a bottle. This takes time, energy, and a lot of patience. But it can be done! If you're not sure how much milk you're making, you can exclusively pump for a couple of days and give baby that expressed milk. This will let you (and your healthcare provider) know how much milk you're making. Keep in mind that your baby is more effective than a pump so they are probably getting out more milk than what you are able to pump. Here is a great article on the issue.


WHAT DOES IT HELP?
This is a heavy question. Not only is this one of the sweetest bonding times you can ever have with your baby, but you can both have extremely great physical health outcomes from it.  Breast feeding has been known for a very long time to reduce ear infections, respiratory infections, and many other childhood illnesses, (not to mention much faster weight loss for a previously preggo mama!) but we're also finding some new things it does! Including:
  -  reducing obesity
  -  improving brain development 
  -  increasing IQ
  -  reducing breast cancer, heart attacks, hypertension for mom


"I JUST CAN'T DO IT!"
  -  A recent study showed that mom's who had a "breastfeeding only" goal missed their mark. What does that mean? They aren't getting the support they need. Wether that's from healthcare providers answering questions, family members (including dads), or their workplace, mama's need help!! Here's a great link about workplace laws and breastfeeding for us working mamas out there.  Please know this, there is help out there. Ask questions!! Don't give up, because you can do it! You can always email me for ANY questions you have. If I can't help you, I can point you to the right person. It's not a bother. At all.
  -  You're not alone. Other mamas have trouble and need help. So pick up the phone, get on your email, and get some help! We all need help, no matter who we are.

Bottom line is this: if you can't breastfeed, get tired of breastfeeding, don't have the support, or just flat out don't want to do it, that doesn't make you a bad mama. Your child will still love you. They can still be doctors or lawyers or rocket scientists. They can still grow up to be healthy, well-rounded people. So cut yourself some slack. If you are like one of those mama's that really wants to breastfeed and wants to be successful at it, then find the help you need to do it.


RESOURCES:
Kelly Mom
For Babies Sake
La Leche League of Texas
THR Lactation Consultants
Me!!