Upward Moms

09/10/2019

❤️❤️❤️

I think it was Brene Brown who told a story about a village where all the women washed clothes together down by the river. When they all got washing machines, there was a sudden outbreak of depression and no one could figure out why.

It wasn't the washing machines in and of themselves. It was the absence of time spent doing things together. It was the absence of community.

Friends, we’ve gotten so independent.

We’re “fine” we tell ourselves even when in reality we’re depressed, we’re overwhelmed, we’re lonely, and we’re hurting. “We’re fine, we’re just too busy right now” we say when days, weeks, months, and years go by without connecting with friends. I’m fine, I’m fine, I’m fine. It’s so easy to say even when it’s not true.

We’ve become so isolated and it’s hard to know how to get back. It’s so hard to know how to even begin to build the kind of relationships our hearts need. And I think In our current culture, it’s just not as organic as it once was. It's more work now.

Because you know, we have our own washing machines. We don't depend on each other to do laundry, or cook dinner, or raise babies anymore. We don't really depend on each other for much of anything if we're being honest.

In Brene Brown’s book Braving the Wilderness, she says that being lonely affects the length of our life expectancy similar to smoking 15 ci******es a day. I don’t say that to freak anyone out, but to let you know that the longing for connection is LEGIT. I think we’ve treated friendship like a luxury for far too long; friendship isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.

We don't want it. We kind of need it.

Be independent. Be proud of it. But be an independent woman who realizes the value and the importance of opening the door to other good women.

You can do it alone, but you don't have to. Islands are only fun for so long.

There is true magic when women come together and hold hands and share ideas and share stories and struggles and endless bowls of salsa. You use your gifts, and I'll use mine, and then we'll invite that girl over there who brings a completely different set of skills to the table we are building, and we'll watch together as something miraculous unfolds.

Written by Sister, I am with you.❤️

09/08/2019

“Behind every portrait, there is a woman’s story, her unique journey, her transformation.”

11/30/2018

Making cookies with kids can be fun when they are hands on rolling dough and cutting out their favorite shapes! I made these with the kids recently and they loved the experience!

This molasses-dark, ginger-and-spice flavored cookie is perfect for gingerbread men. We roll it a bit thicker than usual, to give the cookies just a hint of chew.

10/22/2018

So. True.

Being Mom - The most important job in the world.💙

09/22/2018

I haven’t made this in years!! Siena asked me to make it! It’s mac n cheese with garlic, breadcrumbs, oregano, tomatoes. Italian style and delish!

09/21/2018

Yup 😁

09/21/2018

It’s what’s for dinner. I can’t wait! Good thing it’s only 30 minutes.

This 30 MINUTE Thai Red Curry Chicken with Vegetables is wonderfully coconut creamy, bursting with layers of flavor, incredibly easy and all made in one pot! Definitely a new favorite at our house and better than any restaurant!

09/20/2018

Siena and I made Buffalo turkey zucchini boats for dinner. She’ll tell you all about it. Her laugh kills me! ❤️

08/31/2017

"Let them eat cake!" Are we as ignorant of our communities as Marie-Antoinette was in the late 1700's? I have seen so many posts scolding people who are donating or collecting donations of infant formula. I completely understand and support the notion that during catastrophes unethical marketing of formula has occurred. Developing countries have been targeted during major states of emergency for mass distribution. I am sickened by the predatory marketing some companies use during the most vulnerable times and I DO NOT support any of these tactics. BUT, let's talk about formula donations and distribution. When a family has chosen to formula feed and has been doing so for some time, they cannot "will" their milk to return when needed. Induced lactation is possible and even probable with the right tools and education, but it is anything but immediate or easy. I have many suggestions for protocols, none of which can be completed while walking waist deep in water or sitting on a rooftop waiting to be rescued. I also believe donor milk is an absolutely legitimate option for supplementing, but is there a directory of lactating women floating down the newly created rivers in town? It will be pretty difficult to search Eats on Feets or similar social media platforms. The fortune person may have a breastfeeding friend that is available for "dinner for two," but don't count on it. So let's discus the formula donations. Families need help. Formula is already overpriced, and the best kind to donate is even more expensive. The ONLY donations that should be made when water is compromised is the ready-made types. Access to clean water or the ability to boil it will be limited. Parents should receive education with the donation. They should be instructed to use clean containers and ni***es, and even though they may be tempted to keep formula that has been partially consumed, they must dispose of it. It is also ideal to cup feed rather than bottle feed to allow for proper cleaning of feeding devices (many are not familiar with or comfortable with this type of feeding and need additional support) I would love to see a "quick guide" that could accompany each donation. Do not worry fellow lactation advocates, our job is not in jeopardy if people need formula. They still need our education, support, kindness, love, empathy and instruction. As an IBCLC, I would be honored to help any mothers in any circumstance with infant feeding. Just in case anyone is curious, I am not referring to any specific post and maybe my colleagues will disagree with my advice, but my heart aches for the victims of Hurricane Harvey and similar emergencies--the most vulnerable victims deserve our collective response to meet their most basic needs. Prayers for everyone affected by the flooding and devastating loss.

08/02/2017

Be a friend to a new mom and lend some breastfeeding support, if you can! If you are unable to do so yourself then refer her to a lactation consultant or other breastfeeding support group. It is so important for new moms to feel that they have the resources and support that are necessary for successful breastfeeding. There isn't one place or person that knows all. As a community we can help each other to achieve the level of knowledge necessary for moms to breastfeed for the first year of their baby's life. As individuals there is more we can do to help our friends and family with new babies. Phoenix has awesome lactation consultants that I know personally who are very dedicated to the profession. Reach out to these people for help. It is money well spent! It is more than breastfeeding support, but is also emotional support that is much needed at a very vulnerable time after a baby is born. I'd say it is around 50/50 breastfeeding support and emotional well being support. Moms need this and if you can lend some support to a friend with a new baby then please do so today. Tell them they are amazing because moms make the world go round!

Here is a great read by a colleague for whom I have a lot of respect.

Background: Breastfeeding initiation rates vary considerably across racial and ethnic groups, maternal age, and education level, yet there are limited data conc...

06/27/2017

"The second hypothesis is that Himba women learn how to breast-feed throughout their childhood. Because women see their moms, siblings and friends breast-feed while growing up."

Many American women want to breast-feed — and try to. Only about half keep it up. It's like they've lost the instinct. One researcher thinks she's figured out why and how to get the instinct back.