• Created on 8/30/10 by mamazee

It is startling to find out that the United States ranks 29th amongst industrialized nations in terms of our infant mortality rate…that’s right 29th! Wait-it doesn’t stop there-did you know that African Americans have 2.3 times the infant mortality rate as non-Hispanic Whites? Also-more than one million babies die each year because they are born prematurely and about 13 million babies are born too soon according to the March of Dimes. I think I will stop there for now-its a bit too much to take in all at once. The National Healthy Start Association has... read more

• Created on 8/30/10 by mamazee

Taking Off, by Chantey Dayal by Sarah Juliusson of www.MamaRenew.ca – Find Mama Renew on Facebook & Twitter I’ve been on my own with our children for the past four days.  This isn’t all that unusual – over our 8 years of parenting there have been many times when my husband has needed to go away for his work – sometimes for a few days, sometimes for a few weeks.  I fully admit that I have at times felt “stuck” when he’s been out of town, overwhelmed by the sudden reality of single parenting and more than a bit envious of his time... read more

• Created on 8/26/10 by mamazee

A long-term study of pregnant women from the Salinas Valley in California shows that expectant mothers with high levels of pesticides in their bodies (measured by urine samples) are much more likely to have children with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). There was a 500-percent increase in attention problems in 5-year-olds whose moms had had the highest levels of pesticides in their bodies when they were pregnant. These findings add more evidence to another study, published in the journal Pediatrics in May (read more at Time.com)... read more

• Created on 8/24/10 by Momsteader

Michelle at Wicked Whimsy inspired me to go a bit deeper with a comment that I made in an interview over at The Red Lipstick Report: I often hear “women are our own worst enemies” in terms of our culture. I’m tired of that argument. I think everyone is their own worst enemy, and I don’t think it’s about something women have specifically against each other. The uh, broadness, of my experience with the women throughout my life leaves me humble, optimistic, proud, and grateful. I’ve been screwed over by females in business and love, and I’ve planted a few... read more

• Created on 8/24/10 by Mothering Editorial

My son is almost fifteen months and he has no interest in food still. I nurse on demand and we co-sleep, so he nurses often through the night. He is right on as far as development goes, and is a very happy growing boy. I have no issues with him still nursing, but it just seems strange that he wants nothing to do with food. I often offer whatever it is that I am eating but he purses his lips and turns away. Sometimes he will take a bite or two, but that is it. I am a graduate student and my mother watches him when I go to school, and he does the same thing with... read more

• Created on 8/18/10 by Mothering Editorial

Aug 18th, 2010 The CDC has reported that circumcision rates in the US have fallen sharply over the last decade—from 56% of newborn boys circumcised in 2006, to 33% in 2009. Declines are being attributed to the American Academy of Pediatrics statement in 1999 that "existing data [was] not sufficient to recommend routine newborn male circumcision" and reduced insurance coverage of the surgery—among other factors.1  U.S. Newborn Male Circumcision Rate Dropped Sharp. American College of Emergency Physicians. Steep Drop Seen in Circumcisions in U.S. New York... read more

• Created on 8/17/10 by mamazee

WARNING: if you’re a hopeless romantic, searching for Prince Charming or Miss Marvelous, you better leave now. Because I’m about steamroll any Disney-drenched happily-ever-after scenarios. I’m starting my engine. Go now while your ideals are still in tact. You can get yourself some Danielle Steel on Kindle. Okay…I warned you. “What’s with everyone going on about the ‘hard work’ of marriage?” I used to think. “If it’s so hard it musn’t be true love. True love has a meant-to-be-ness about it that’s gotta make everything easier. Like, if it’s THAT hard,... read more

• Created on 8/10/10 by mamazee

I no sooner want to be balanced than I want to be a “good” girl. “Balance” is not something I want to live down to. - me If consensus is overrated, I think balance is too. I have no interest in living a balanced life. I want a life of adventure. - Chris Guillebeau In the end, the quest for balance is bogus. Love your burdens. Love them hard. And when your loves knock you down or your weak ankles trip you up, stop worrying about balancing – ‘cuz you’re not – and bounce. - Kelly Diels Life balance. Low fat cheese. Walking shoes.... read more

• Created on 8/9/10 by mamazee

Venice Beach Dear friends, You can read these affirmations aloud, copy them down, paste them to your mirror…Share your own affirmations…this list is ripe to be added to! Inhale, Exhale, and… I have enough love in my heart for all the people who need me. I parent with love and I love parenting. I take a breath when I get overwhelmed. I allow enough time for transitions. I let go of the hard moments. I fully enjoy the good times. I trust my intuition. I lead with my heart. My... read more

• Created on 8/8/10 by Momsteader

by Sarah Juliusson of www.MamaRenew.ca – Find Mama Renew on Facebook & Twitter That 1980s Pantene shampoo commercial keeps running through my head - Don’t Hate Me Because I’m Beautiful. (watch vintage video here) with one minor change to the wording: Don’t Hate me Because I’ve Had 3 Full Weeks of Time Alone this Summer. I know – I know… this is outrageous!  I can hardly believe it myself.  As a mother of two young boys  this certainly isn’t the norm.  Add them all together, and a trip to visit the grandparents, a... read more