Dr. Marsden Wagner on Progressive Parenting Today

Dr.Marsden Wagner will be our very special guest today on Progressive Parenting. We will be discussing the safety of home birth. He spent 15 years Director, Women's and Children's Health, World Health Organization (responsible for Women's and Children's Health in 45 industrialized countries). He's been in many documentaries including, PREGNANT IN AMERICA, THE BUSINESS OF BEING BORN, and ORGASMIC BIRTH. He's also the author of BORN IN THE USA:How a Broken Maternity System Must Be Fixed to Put Women and Children First. I am so excited to have him on the show as he is an inspiration to myself and so many other mother and baby advocates. Tune at 1 pm Thursday March 26th on 88.1 KFCF. Call in with questions at 559-266-8888 or e mail us at progressiveparenting@kfpt.org

Photo Courtesy of Marsden Wagner

Aspartame, What You Don't Know Could Harm Your Children

A few years ago I came across a very interesting movie entitled SWEET MISERY. It was about the dangers of Aspartame. Aspartame is a non caloric sweetener used in many diet soft drinks and food preparations. you know it better as Sweet N Low or Equal. Because it was approved by the FDA we all assume there is nothing dangerous about it.

Recently I've come across some information that has given me serious pause about this chemical that's in so much of what our children consume. On next Thursday's show we will be discussing the dangers of Aspartame and Fluoridated water. These are topics you may otherwise not hear about on other media venues, if you have information or related stories please call into the show. The number to the station is 559-266-8888 call with questions, comments or suggestions.

I've included some videos to give you an idea about aspartame and why we are devoting a show to it. Please watch this video if you know people who consume aspertame daily, think Nutra Sweet, Equal, Sweet n Low, Diet ANYTHING, sugar free gum etc...

Natural Weaning

Lately I've been getting a lot of phone calls and e mails about weaning. According to Norma Jane Bumgarner, author of MOTHERING YOUR NURSING TODDLER, "Every Natural weaning is unique so that it is impossible to guarantee anything about it except that it will happen." Natural weaning occurs on the child's schedule. In his or her own time she decides that it's not absolutely essential to her well being. When it comes early it can be hard on moms. Even if it comes after two years it can be difficult. My oldest stopped at 2 1/2 years old. My youngest also stopped at 2 1/2.
Be aware that you will go through a period of mild depression after a child abruptly stops nursing.

Two hormones, prolactin and oxytocin, play a huge role in breastfeeding. When baby begins the strong sucking action at the breast, this contacts the nerves in your nipples. Impulses from these nerves travel to the pituitary, the master glad in the brain, by way of the hypothalamus, which is near the pleasure center of the brain. Nature intends mothers to enjoy breastfeeding their babies. When baby decides to stop nursing abruptly you will experience a sharp drop in prolactin, which can cause you to feel blue. It turns out I was a prolactin junkie and was very down after my youngest quit abruptly. My friend who is a lactation counselor asked if my daughter had stopped nursing, I was surprised and asked how she knew. She said I had been very depressed lately and she was guessing that could be a reason. Don't be alarmed however, it's easy to work through this if you understand why you are feeling blue. It's also difficult to let go of that special bonding time and that can add to feelings of depression. Be sure to seek out a support group or just talk about it with a lactation counselor. It's always reassuring to know you are not alone.

Now if you are considering leading the weaning, think over all possible alternatives.Perhaps there are some compromises that could be made in order to allow the baby to nurse at least twice a day. Stop and think about whether weaning your baby will really improve matters. It's easy to forget that nursing makes being a mom easier not harder. According to La Leche League International's book, THE WOMANLY ART OF BREASTFEEDING, " Remember that illness and, medications, surgery, or returning to work do not necessarily mean you must wean before you and your baby are ready."

If you can, take your time weaning. Dr. William Sears says, "A wise baby who enjoys a happy nursing relationship is not likely to give it up willingly unless some other form of emotional nourishment is provided which is equally attractive or at least interestingly different." Basically, if you want to wean substitute other kinds of loving care for nursing. Cut one nursing at a time, distract your nurser with a glass of water or juice, or a story or a walk around the block at about the time you would normally nurse. Wait a couple of days to let this arrangement work itself out and to be easy on your breasts, and then go ahead and try and wean out another nursing time. Try not to rush it. It's a big change for the two of you. It doesn't have to be an all or nothing thing. If baby reacts strongly to not being nursed at nap or night time, you might decide to let your little one continue nursing only at those times. Eventually nursing ends and once it's gone it's gone, Enjoy the precious time now and remember there is no wrong or right way, only your way. I encourage you to talk to a local support group for more information or contact a lactation counselor. Email me for information on where to find resources locally at mommymattersonline@sbcglobal,net

Home Birth Number Two!

My last home birth was three years ago, my daughter was born very quickly, from the time I realized I was in labor and had her it was about 1 1/2 hours. In fact, our midwife didn't make it on time and our Doula ended up catching. It was beautiful just the same. No fuss, no complications.
We were ready this time, or so we thought. My contractions started 9 weeks ago and were very painful. After I got the green light at 36 weeks from my midwife, we thought for sure the baby would come any day. We had a lot of false alarms. My first baby was born at 36 and our second at 37, so we thought for sure this baby would be early too. My poor midwife must have come over 7 or 8 times and set up the pool.
Thankfully, my water broke yesterday at 5:30 we had the pool set up by 8:30 and 59 minutes later the baby was born. We had a baby girl in a birthing pool in our living room surrounded by friends and family. My mom grandma and aunt some others I wish could have been there, but I've learned birth is not something we can plan or control.
I am happy that my husband was with me the entire time and I had the assistance of not one but two doulas. During contractions my husband kissed me and kept me focused. I was surrounded by voices of encouragement. I felt safe enough to make all the noise I needed to. My five year old daughter was present and saw her baby sister come into the world. What a blessing, natural/normal childbirth is not strange to her, but all she knows. Our baby girl was born at 9:29pm, she weighed 7 lbs 5 oz and was 20 inches long. She has dark brown hair like her mom and blond eyebrows like her dad! She nurses like a champ and is quiet and calm. Ava is SUCH a great big sister and Uma loves our new addition, but doesn't like it when Ava touches or kisses the baby.
Having the baby at home has been glorious. I am in my home, no one told my husband he couldn't spend the night with me and I get to eat whatever I want! In fact during my labor my husband was hand feeding me berries. This morning I had breakfast in bed, eggs over easy, potatoes and sliced avocado with Odwalla Tangerine Juice. Beat that Any Hospital. I'm not opposed to hospital births, but for me, my home birth was exactly what 'the doctor ordered. The only germs my little one is exposed to are the ones in my home that my breast milk has antibodies already made for. She and I both have been checked on by my midwife and since she lives a few minutes away, I feel good about our safety and know help is a phone call and short drive away.
I'm especially grateful that this home birth allowed us to stay home. Three years ago less than 18 hours after the birth of our second child, we were racing to Valley Children s Hospital. Uma was becoming dusky in color and there we found not only was she producing too many red blood cells, but she also had Downs Syndrome. We spent 10 long days there, I do not wish recovery in the NICU for any mom. So I am particularly grateful that we are comfortably at home with a healthy baby.
Home birth is not for everyone, but if you are on the fence concerning this topic, all I can say is it is a safe alternative to hospital births, and quite beautiful, convenient and private. For more information regarding home birth call me at 559-930-2032 or listen to our show tomorrow afternoon at 1pm on KFPT 88.1 FM.

Breastfeeding On Sesame Street

Thanks for all the comments, and thanks to Tracy who shared this cute clip.