• Last updated 9/16/12 by Mothering Editorial

By Kathleen G. Auerbach Web Exclusive Are you pregnant or a new mother? If so, you’ll soon want to be in touch with professionals who can help you have the breastfeeding experience you desire. But because lactation consultants (LCs) are a recent addition to the health field, they tend to be one of a community’s better kept secrets. In other words, they can be difficult to find. One of the easiest ways to locate an LC is to ask your doctor. Most LCs have connections within the medical community. An even better method, however – especially if you learn of... read more

• Last updated 9/16/12 by Mothering Editorial

The baby’s hold on your areola with her mouth is called “latching on.” Latching on properly will ensure that the baby gets enough milk without hurting your nipples. Follow the steps below to help you and your baby latch on: 1. First, get comfortable. In the early hours after birth, this will probably mean sitting up in bed. Try sitting up straight and supporting your back with pillows, and keep more pillows nearby to support your arm, neck, or knees. Later on, you will find other spots that feel right, such as the couch... read more

• Last updated 9/18/12 by Melanie Mayo

A Marlin, Texas elementary school teacher has resigned after the Principal of the school, Wes Brown, refused to provide her with time away from her classroom to pump breastmilk. Anna Johnson-Smith requested teacher’s aids to cover her classroom for short durations during the day so she could pump on the schedule suggested by her daughter’s pediatrician. In an email sent to newly hired Principal Wes Brown on Aug. 1, Smith informed him she was a nursing mother and would need a room for pumping and coverage for her class at 9:30 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. She said her... read more

• Last updated 8/7/12 by Cynthia Lair

Focus FOLATE! And where do you find folate?  In foliage!  Dark leafy greens!  If you’ve never tried this Americanized version of bibimbop for breakfast today is the day.  Especially if you want to have strong steady energy all day long.  When I have a big day in front of me and need to stay sharp BE BOP BREAKFAST is the best morning meal.  Brown rice sauteed with scallions, egg over easy, braised dark leafy greens and some sassy condiments.  Printable recipe here.  Trust me.  Cereal from a box does not even begin to... read more

• Last updated 9/10/12 by Melanie Mayo

Fewer cesarean births, shorter hospital stays and higher breastfeeding rates were the outcomes of a recent collaborative maternity care study that included more than 1200 women at the South Community Birth Program in Vancouver, reports the University of British Columbia today. The program’s midwives, family physicians, nurses and doulas provide care as a team, with many of the women and their partners receiving some of their care and counseling in a group setting. The study compared those women’s outcomes with an equal number of women receiving standard care at other... read more

• Last updated 9/12/12 by Lindsay Karns

This past week I have been doing some online research on mothers from around the world. How mothering is done the same, and how mothering is done differently. Perusing images of mothers from all corners of the globe. Why? I guess I have been yearning for some sort of connection. It is very grounding to think that I would have anything in common with say, and African woman who lives in a small village with no running water or electricity, for example. But our commonalities are vast. We both use our clothes to mop up spit up. We both wear our babies close throughout the... read more

• Last updated 10/18/12 by Melanie Mayo

(Photo courtesy of http://katelyndemidow.blogspot.com/)         I am going to commit a huge natural parenting faux pas and admit something…. I kind of hate co-sleeping. I don’t actually 100% hate it.  There are lots of beautiful things about sleeping with your kids.  But, since I am complaining (I will get back to the good stuff later) I should mention some things that make me think I won’t miss this stage. ~Being squished ~Waking up numerous... read more

• Last updated 8/12/12 by Laura Grace Weldon

  I don’t take credit for my children’s many accomplishments. They are their own remarkable people. As a new mother I didn’t have this quite figured out. Yes, I knew that babies arrive on this planet with all sorts of traits wired in. I knew it’s up to us to gently nurture them, shelter them from harm (including the damage cynicism can do), allow them to take on challenges, help them learn to trust themselves, and let learning unfold in delight. But I had a few early years when I thought, probably with obnoxious smugness, that my wonderful parenting had something to do... read more

• Last updated 10/18/12 by AdinaL

This giveaway has ended. Thanks to everyone who entered! The randomly chosen winner is Jennifer!  Jennifer says, ”4th baby due in October. This looks so relaxing!”  Congrats!! You will be contacted by email.  Win an Okoa Sustainable Beechwood Stand and Organic Baby Hammock (valued at $500) from Hushamok! To Enter “Like” Hushamok on Facebook and make sure you are a fan of  Mothering on our Facebook page - and then leave a comment on this blog post for entry. For a Second Entry Share this giveaway with friends and post a... read more

• Last updated 8/24/12 by Mothering Editorial

By Kyla Steinkraus Issue 144 September/October 2007 I attempted to wean my son, Caleb, at 12 months because most of the articles I'd read stated that a mother should breastfeed for six months to a year. When I hit the one-year mark, I thought I'd met my goal, but Caleb had different ideas. We had gradually weaned during the day, and only nap and bedtime nursing remained. One night, a few days after Caleb's first birthday, I refused to let him nurse at bedtime. Tears spurting down his cheeks, he turned to me with huge, wet eyes and stricken gaze, as if to say, "What... read more