What articles and features of Mothering issue 140 did you enjoy? [Archive]

blissful_maia

01-03-2007, 09:03 PM

I really adored the article on guilt, "Breaking Free of Mother Guilt". I personally have very little mother guilt personally, since I consider myself well-educated in my decisions regarding pregnancy/birth/parenting. However, as a midwifery student, these are issues that have and will continue to come up. I think it is an encouraging and helpful article for women who are suffering guilt, personal blame or insecurity about their experiences. The personal stories included make it very easy to understand and identifiable for all women. Also, it helps me as a (future) care provider to these women, as I am still working to move past my personal thoughts and ideals of what pregnancy, birth and mothering should be and into a more individual, less judgmental approach to connecting with these women.

And, as always, A Quiet Place. I love Peggy's writing. :o

FrederickMama

01-03-2007, 09:20 PM

My new subscription hasn't kicked in yet :(
And it was not available where i normally buy it ..... I'll have to come back and answer:wink

farmlife

01-03-2007, 09:53 PM

I thought the babywearing was fantastic! Will pass along to mom friends who aren't familiar with all the styles.

I really enjoyed breaking free from motherhood guilt. I made choices I thought were informed at the time with ds1 and am so appreciative of what I've learned in parenting ds2.

I was thinking of letting my sub lapse but will renew after this issue.
Thanks!

tinybutterfly

01-03-2007, 09:58 PM

I haven't read it, but I am interested in the soup recipes and the article on video games.

I don't get a sub anymore, and it is HARD to find Mothering where I live now on the stands.

Plus my sons are older, and most of the articles tend to be for new moms or moms with younger children.

When my babes were little, it was such a great help to me.

I will look for it when we go into the city this month. I am sure I am missing out on some great soup recipes. :lol

hipumpkins

01-03-2007, 10:13 PM

This was my 1st issue. My mom gave me a subscription for Christmas. The article on FGM was very disturbing but in teh right way. So I can't say I enjoyed but it really moved me and makes me want to DO somehting.

On a lighter note..I can't wait to make those soups.

I want to lend out the baby wearing section out to my freind who is pregnant b/c it was informative but a little a late for me.

Meiri

01-03-2007, 10:22 PM

I liked what I've read so far, and voted accordingly.

The article on FGM was an extremely timely reminder. Dad gave me all the change from his desk during our visit last week, and I decided upon reading the article that it will all be donated to that cause. When I (simply) explained to DD what I was doing counting out piles of small change, she immediately agreed with my decision. We have decided between us that all of our future change collecting, which she has now contributed all her pennies to, will go towards this as well.

The mommy guilt article was well done too. Better late than never, considering the number of letters I've seen over the years from moms upset and feeling excluded by the sometimes single-mindedness of this organization on certain issues.

StrawberryFields

01-03-2007, 10:44 PM

I *loved* the babywearing article. I also liked the one on FGM. Very important topic. NAK

witchbaby

01-03-2007, 10:53 PM

bwahahahaha! i JUST picked up the nov/dec issue about 2 days ago! i always manage to buy it right before the next comes out!

nova22

01-03-2007, 11:47 PM

I don't have a subscription anymore, but thanks a lot for tempting me. :wink Those articles sound really interesting (and relevant to me). Neato.

Ambrose

01-04-2007, 04:18 AM

Haven't read it yet but can I just say that I am THRILLED to see a guy on the cover!!!

:thumb

I do request however that some things for toddler age plus would be more frequent in there.... My daughter is past much of the little age stuff so it deters me from buying the magazine. Not much really for me to use.

redhotmama

01-04-2007, 07:42 AM

I devour every issue and wish that every mom in the world had access in your mag. Loved the baby wearing article, you taught this old dog some new tricks!

phathui5

01-04-2007, 09:21 PM

My mom got me a sub for Christmas and I haven't gotten it yet. Should it be starting with this issue?

ombra*luna

01-04-2007, 09:41 PM

OK, I just got mine and I haven't read any of the articles yet, just flipped through it quickly and am going to read it in bed shortly.

I must say, it's really cool to have a subscription. (This is my first issue I've gotten in the mail, although I've been reading it for many years.) I see that the previous issue (which I got like three months ago or something) is still on the magazine stand at the health food store where I had been getting them before, and I have the new one already so that's a big plus right there. Plus, it would probably be a while or so before I noticed the new issue was on the rack, but definitely they still have the previous one up, and I have the new one (January/February with the dad wearing a baby on the front).

I'll come back and vote on the poll later or tomorrow after I've actually read the magazine.

dantesmama

01-04-2007, 11:39 PM

Still waiting for mine . . . :W I really had my hopes up when the mailman came this afternoon, too. *sigh*

lurable

01-05-2007, 11:58 AM

I am very interested in TTouch--has anyone tried this? I had never heard of it before but I think it's a great idea.
I also loved the homebirth article- it sounded a lot like our current situation:lol

cchrissyy

01-05-2007, 07:31 PM

haven't read the whole thing yet...

Niamh

01-09-2007, 02:21 AM

nannyboo

01-09-2007, 08:24 AM

dh made the coconut soup last night and it was excellent!

Happy and Cheerful

01-09-2007, 10:22 AM

papayapetunia

01-09-2007, 11:35 AM

I was also glad to see the EC letter.

I liked the babywearing article. It would have been helpful for new mothers to show photos of how mothers nurse while wearing a sling though.

And I always like the recipes. We're trying the white bean and kale soup this week. We didn't try any of the recipes from the last issue, but tried the three sisters stew from the previous one and it was delicious!

I liked the homeschooling and fgm ones too.

Sydnee

01-09-2007, 01:48 PM

Babywearing Bliss, mainly because one of my daycare Moms is expecting #2 in the Spring, and wants to sling this time, so I passed on my copy to her.:wink

Arwyn

01-09-2007, 03:47 PM

The babywearing articles were great, and I adored the cover. I like the dads' perspectives, and hope to see more of that. I liked the homeschooling article, and hope to see more POC perspectives as well.

I'm not a fan of the "Neat stuff to buy" spreads.

Don't have my copy with me, or I'd have more to say.

Mamma Christi

01-09-2007, 03:51 PM

I haven't subscribed to mothering magazine yet - but I heard that the babywearing article is a lifesaver.

BTW if anyone wants to send me their copy of this issue (specifically for that article) once they're done reading it please PM me!!

mamadeb

01-09-2007, 03:55 PM

LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the Art of Mothering: Breaking free of Mother-Guilt. We often spend so much of our time researching and weighing the pros and cons. Even if we do not, we make the best decisions for ourselves and family in that moment.

We guilt ourselves enough, we certainly do not need to guilt each other.

Debbie

eleven

01-09-2007, 05:46 PM

I read some of the article on FGM today and it was very moving. It is terrible to know that these things are happening to girls around the world. I plan to donate to Equality Now (http://www.equalitynow.org/), the organization mentioned in the article.

rjruiz_415

01-09-2007, 05:49 PM

has anyonw elso still not recieved thier copy? When do you all normally recieve it?

lilylove

01-10-2007, 07:07 AM

I absolutely loved the babywearing article :love
The FGM article inspired me to be more active.
And I really appreciated the articles written by fathers, and so did my Dh!!!!

AllNaturalWRSJ

01-10-2007, 11:46 AM

I haven't read the entire issue yet but in flipping through I glanced at the Strokes of Genius feature on pg 83. I just love those memory books. I ordered several. They're just so unique and special.

I also found the Wear Your Baby Right article on pg 53 quite helpful..

Cardinal

01-10-2007, 01:48 PM

I love the whole magazine but Babywearing Bliss was the most enjoyable, I felt.

TypingMarie

01-10-2007, 03:39 PM

The babywearing feature helped me finally figure out my ring sling! I also appreciated the article on mother-guilt. I'm still processing my very unpleasant birth experience and the article really spoke to me.

amydidit

01-10-2007, 04:15 PM

I haven't received my mag yet, but it sounds like a great issue!

georgia

01-10-2007, 10:10 PM

Jacque, could you please pass along that I LOVE the switch they made as far as the actual paper the magazine is printed on. It has such a soft hand-feel, which I love so much more than the glossy paper they've used for so long.

I know, picky picky :lol

julie anne

01-10-2007, 11:10 PM

I have fully read Mothering, basically consume it from front to back as soon as I get it :lol . As pp mentioned, loved the baby wearing article. Very complete and many excellent pictures. Would have liked to know which wrap the author used in the photo montage.

Loved the cover and loved the man's letter regarding his view on gun play and how that contributed to him being a pacifist. It was good to get his perspective.

The soups looked good and appreciate the vegetarian options.

homewithtwinsmama

01-11-2007, 02:00 AM

I was reading this and it was starting to sound awfully familiar, espec. the part about the childbirth class in the DC area. Then I flipped back and low and behold the story was written by one of my childbirth students and he WAS describing my class ( and my birth tub). Heehee! I loved the article and my little part in its coming to life!

Lorrie

Turkish Kate

01-11-2007, 04:24 AM

Still haven't received mine yet, but it looks fabulous. I can't wait to read all of the articles and then hand it over to DH for the fatherhood pieces. When, oh when will it arrive?

fyrflymommy

01-11-2007, 09:24 AM

Well, the photo of the nursing twins holding hands in the letters section brought tears to my eyes, it was so precious!

I enjoyed the Mother Guilt article. I have a friend who had an unwanted csection and now has ppd, and when I saw this article I thought of her. I had been wanting to find something helpful for her to read and then voila! this lovely article appeared. My mother even thought it was great.

My dd is not a baby anymore, but I did think that the babywearing special was great. Now if only this issue had come out 5yrs ago when I had an infant :lol

fyrfly

Viola

01-11-2007, 03:25 PM

Well, the photo of the nursing twins holding hands in the letters section brought tears to my eyes, it was so precious!

Yeah, I loved that. I thought the baby wearing article was great and it had tips in it that I discovered through trial and error when I was babywearing, so that was cool. I wished there was a segment about plus-sized babywearing though, because I know bigger moms can have some problems.

MamaPam

01-11-2007, 10:33 PM

The babywearing section was great especially helpful to me where the do's and don'ts. I've in the past not tied or positioned baby right for good back support. I also really enjoyed the section on soups. I'm pregnant and have been craving soups as comfort food. I've always been afraid to try making my own chicken broth and thought that it would be too much hassel but am planning to do so next week.

-Pam

DucetteMama21842

01-12-2007, 12:23 AM

I loved the articles that included fathers and the front cover that showed a father babywearing.
:heartbeat :heartbeat :heartbeat :throb:throb :throb :throb :throb :throb
That's EXACTLY what needs to be distributed as widely as possibly to help make mainstream dads feel more comfortable and eventually open up their minds to some other issues included in the magazine.

WAY TO GO MOTHERING!!!

Gracefulmom

01-12-2007, 08:50 AM

The article on babywearing is SO helpful, and couldn't have come at a better time for me. I loved the photo instructions for how to use each type of carrier.

Now I know what I want for our new babe... and can easily show other people how to use what we have! THANK YOU!!

*Any chance that article could be available as a separate reprint?

supermuma

01-12-2007, 12:59 PM

The babywearing article was very helpful :) I really liked it!

snozzberry

01-13-2007, 11:13 AM

I really loved the articles from fathers. When I was done reading the issue cover to cover, I handed it to my husband and had him read the articles from fathers. He loved them!

wild&precious life

01-13-2007, 12:28 PM

The "Freedom from FGM" article really affected me in a powerful and inspiring way. I checked out the Africa blog by Candace Walsh after reading the magazine article and was brought to tears by the account of a baby undergoing FGM. I cannot imagine how this would not be considered abuse by anyone. I feel very strongly that FGM communities around the world need to be educated and taught alternatives to FGM that would enable their girls to go through positive "rites of passage" ceremonies that do not involve cutting - so strongly that I will be donating money given to me for Christmas to the Equality Now Grassroots Fund to End FGM. Thank you Mothering for making me aware of this pressing issue.
Leslie

nermal

01-13-2007, 04:59 PM

The article on FGM has moved me deeply. I'm in the beginning stages of planning a fundraiser I hope to launch at our local production of the Vagina Monolgues. I may not have a lot of money, but I can still try to help.
As soon as I finish the rest of the articles I"m handing it over to a friend who recently quit trying tp nurse hed two week old daughter. She had terrible "advice" at the hospital and now feels her body is inadequate. She can really benifit from the piece on motherhood quilt. That article was due! Good on you for publishing it.
As always the arival of Mothering in my post box brought squeels of delight and the immediate requirement for some rare and peaceful Mamma-time. My partner in parenting is happy to see a Dad on the cover and has already read the piece on Baby wearing during his Pappa-time (ie: on the toilet). He's impressed that the articles in Mothering again have more to do with his life than those in Parenting. Every two months your publication re-centers, engages and entertains our family. I cherish it.

grypx831

01-14-2007, 12:55 AM

The babywearing article was extremely helpful and the soups look delicious! I can't wait to cook some.

loomweaver

01-14-2007, 01:26 AM

The split pea soup was AWESOME!!

The babywearing articles were key-on!
I especially liked the one written about the green silk sling. That's how I felt about my first 'pretty' carrier.

CarenSwan

01-14-2007, 09:58 AM

I was happy to see a mention of Nikki McClure's book, Awake to Nap, in the Cool Stuff section. She's my new discovery and a wonderful artist! I love to share the love!

MommaMoo

01-15-2007, 02:11 PM

This is my favorite recent issue. The babywearing article was enormously helpful to me. I bought (invested is more like it!) a gorgeous silk Zolo. I wish I had this info when ds was born because he was one of those babies who hated the sling. If I had sought out better info and tried a different type of carrier I likely would have found one that worked. Now I know how to carry him properly in the sling in the hip and back position. I was really moved by the FGM article. I made a donation to Equality Now and will be donating more funds in the future. I thought the homeschooling article was lovely, too. I really liked that this issue had more articles concerning people of color. The soup recipes look delicious and I can't wait to try some. I love that a dad was on the cover! Awesome issue!

Edited to add, I would really like to see cloth diapering get the same coverage in a future issue that babywearing got in this one. It would be fantastic to see a comprehensive explanation of different CD systems, ways to wash in various circumstances, comparisons, etc.

mamaboobaAES

01-15-2007, 02:56 PM

I haven't read the whole thing yet but So far I skimmed the ones I voted for.

Arwyn

01-15-2007, 03:12 PM

I like the cloth diaper idea. I would love to see as part of that (hypothetical) issue a look at Elimination Communication and how cloth diapers fit in with that parenting choice (because they do!).

I'm going to a babyshower this weekend (mine :o) and I wish I'd brought this issue with me to help show people what this "crazy babywearing stuff!" is all about!

sntm

01-15-2007, 03:54 PM

The babywearing article was brilliant. The dos and don'ts pictures were invaluable.

But my favorite was the soups! We made the tom ka gai this past weekend and it was so delicious we ate every bit of it at lunch (me, DH, and 3 1/2 year old DS). DH had tried a similar type of recipe that was even close to this one in terms of flavor. We used low fat coconut milk and it worked perfectly.

I've never posted in this section, but had to extend major kudos! Split pea soup is next...

DQMama

01-15-2007, 07:09 PM

I voted for babywearing, homebirth, and FGM.

Also, because we are on a journey toward becoming more NFL, I liked the article about letting go of guilt.

Although we did two hospital births, I want something more natural next time. I will stop short of saying I want a homebirth but who knows. However, I was thankful for the article because it cast a traditionally non-mainstream practice in a more mainstream light. I guess it is because it was written from the perspective of a guy, who, as far as I know IRL, tend to be more mainstream than the women I know. Most notably, my dh:) I think he will tend to listen to a guy more. Not because he's sexist, but just because that's the way he is. I want him to read the article and think, "Not all things 'crunchy' are crazy."

As far as babywearing, I learned A LOT. I didn't know about some of those positions could affect baby's breathing (like putting in a newborn parallel to the rails). Of course I know not to cover their face or double them over but I never used the more upright position that was shown.

As a result of reading the FGM article, I have vowed to do something. I always felt like, we have enough issues here in the U.S. to deal with first and then if you have some left over, donate to others. I don't feel that way anymore and frankly, I can't believe I ever did. Just reading what I just wrote sounds insensitive. The part about little girls breaking bones trying to escape...awful. At the minimum I will make a donation. Beyond that I am still looking into it.

DQMama

01-15-2007, 07:13 PM

The babywearing feature helped me finally figure out my ring sling!

Me too! After 3 1/2 yrs LOL. I went right upstairs, put it on, and put dd in it--correctly the first time. Although I must confess I never tried very hard. I'm a pouch girl myself.

DQMama

01-15-2007, 07:16 PM

Haven't read it yet but can I just say that I am THRILLED to see a guy on the cover!!!

Me too! Dh insisted he was a model but he's not--he's a real dad. Silly non-babywearing dh:)

MamaPam

01-15-2007, 09:38 PM

I'm not a fan of the "Neat stuff to buy" spreads.

They are not my favorite thing either althought we did try the new Annies dressing mentioned and loved it.

-Pam

Aura_Kitten

01-15-2007, 09:45 PM

i LOVED the section on babywearing, esp. the part where it shows the wrong way to use a sling (v) the right way ..... apparently i always wore my dd wrong when she was in the sling (explains why it hurt so much). :o i was literally blushing as i read it :lol (reading it thinking "oh my gods i can't believe i was so stupid!!!!!!")...
and the guy on the cover ~ !! :eek !! WOW hooray for babywearing fathers!

and fwiw ~~ i just passed along four back issues about autism to one of my friends, whose son was just diagnosed w/ aspergers (i'm hoping to get her hooked on Mothering and AP / NFL / GD :wink ).

to those who mentioned cloth diapers ~~ search the back issues of Mothering. they already had at LEAST one issue like that, that i know of. :D

Thalia

01-16-2007, 10:20 AM

I liked all of it, but I really enjoyed the babywearing article.

I also really loved seeing that one of the letters about cloth-diapering mentioned using elimination communication in conjunction with cloth-diapering. This is something I can't wait to try with our baby. I think it sounds like a really nice practice that can be used flexibly with all kinds of family situations: with diapers or without, with SAHM's and WOHM's, in the home or with another caregiver, full-time or part-time. Thanks, Mothering, for publishing that letter!

paradoxia13

01-16-2007, 12:11 PM

Mine never arrived! :(

I've emailed circulation, but no response.

~heather

SPOpa

01-17-2007, 08:45 AM

Oh the babywearing section was PERFECT! I wish that I'd had it when my 9 month old was a newborn b/c I had a heck of a time getting him to like the sling.

the pictures are perfect, the instructions so easy to follow and I LOVE and appreciate the "what not to do" pictures as well.

I am buying multiple copies of this issue and will give it to friends as part of their baby shower gifts.

KUDOS to Mothering! What a great great article!

nermal

01-17-2007, 09:33 AM

Last Night my darling fiancee actually said "Well, in Mothering magazine they recomended..." in my dizzy joyful surprise I missed the rest of the sentance. I dont know if the babywearing Dad on the cover or my stratigic placement of the new issue on the back of the toilet tank did the trick... But he's reading it! And finding the articles relevant to our life! And remembering the adivice and including it in our discussions of parenting challenges! Thank you thank you thank you Mothering.

mama2toby

01-18-2007, 12:23 AM

I can't say I enjoyed the aticle on FGM, but that's what I voted for. It really opened my eyes. I think it's really important to get this issue out in the open, even though it's hard to talk and think about.

echodonn

01-18-2007, 06:45 PM

Every month Peggy O. continues to inspire me I cannot even begin the zine till I read "A Quiet Place." I think that the last few months have been such important awareness issues i.e. environmentalism with the cloth diapers and breastfeeding rights. Another important letter was about the importance and evolution of todays father. Michael and I both read it and I believe it was one of those a ha moments for him.

phathui5

01-19-2007, 10:48 PM

I really liked how comprehensive the babywearing article was. I wish I'd had it when I had my first. I made so many mistakes and tried so many uncomfortable positions in the sling with him. We kept at it, but that article could have saved us the trial and (lots of) error.

The lack of "things to buy" articles was something I have always liked about Mothering. It's part of why I don't read magazines like Parents and Child. So, even though it's "natural" stuff, I'm not thrilled about that being in there.

TRIBE

01-20-2007, 04:33 PM

I loved the picture on the front.

I enjoyed the article on FGM. It was factual and in-your-face while being understanding of hang-ups we might have about the issue.

I loved the babywearing article-and the side articles (especially about the amautik). It covered the basics and included tips and tricks that may not be common knowledge.

But my favorite thing, the thing that kept me from cancelling my subscription after last issue's letter by Peggy about cloth diapering, was the one, single, letter to the editor about EC. It was only one letter, and it was the ONLY mention I've seen of EC in the magazine ever-even though it is obviously the best choice for the environment when it comes to elimination-but it was, finally, an acknowledgment that we, the mothers who use EC, do exist. And I appreciated that.

Just going to qoute my friend here as I agree with everything she said.

The cover rawked my world harder than the breastfeeding one a few issues back. It's beocming more common to see dads babywearing and this just helps it along.

The article on babywearing was fantastic. I have been a sling wearer and maker for over 5 years and surprisingly enough I learned something new about newborns in the cradle position while in a ring sling. I also learned why I couldn't get the hang of a mei tei! The amautik, gorgeous, makes me wish I lived in a colder climate :lol

It was wonderful to see the letter about EC. We have used it shortly for 3 children and I greatly contribute it to the early "potty learning" my 2 youngest have gone thru.

I knew only little bits and pieces about FGM, the article on it was very eye opening. I have been searching for a cause/charity to donate to during the year and this is one my whole heart will be going in to.

coobabysmom

01-24-2007, 08:31 AM

as usual, I read and enjoyed every article!
This month, I especially loved the dad's and homebirth and the comprehensive steps to good baby-wearing.

beachbaby

01-24-2007, 12:17 PM

I especially loved the babywearing article...keeping the issue to lend out to new mama friends in hopes of showing them both the benefits *and* specifics of bw. Although there are lots of Internet sites out there, I think it can be overwhelming to new parents to wade through all the information online about babywearing...plus the how-to section would great to have on hand when learning to use new carriers--no having to print out instructions, etc. I really think it could make the difference for some new parents who are on the fence about babywearing or who wouldn't otherwise take the time to do extensive Internet research. I agree with the PP who suggested doing the same sort of comprehensive article on cloth diapers...

Jennifer3141

01-25-2007, 02:31 PM

The babywearing article was just amazing in this issue!! I'll be keeping this one until we move on from beabywearing and then I'll pass it on.

**Mia**

01-27-2007, 10:13 PM

I loved this issue, as pretty much every other one I have. I love how the magazine reinforces what I know and believe as well as constantly teaches me new things and opens me up to new possibilities.

~pi

01-28-2007, 06:20 PM

The babywearing article was great -- I had just shown a friend how to put her newborn in a wrap, so I was able to clip the article and send it to her for more info.

I liked the letting go of guilt article, especially the paragraph:

Furthermore, and crucially, those who promote such information must recognize that while such choices [...] are documentably ideal for most families most of the time, there sometimes really are exceptions, limits on information, and limits on what is possible.

mamaboobaAES

01-28-2007, 08:34 PM

I just read the FGM article and liked it - I also liked You Want to Give Birth Where? which could've been written by my hubbie. LOL

mamaboobaAES

01-28-2007, 08:35 PM

Oh yeah, I actually didn't care for the guilt article. I thought it was kind of trite.

brendon

01-30-2007, 08:37 AM

The only article/section that I didn't care for was the advertisement for trying new products...the, "I recommend" just doesn't belong in the magazine.

YogaMama04

01-31-2007, 07:49 AM

The FGM article was powerful.....and one that you couldn't put down (out of guilt if nothing else once you started reading it). I can't stress enough how important it is for information like this to be placed in magazines read by those of us living and dealing with "first world problems."

Also disappointed about the product recommendation article....even though the stuff was more in line with what I would want to buy, there are already plenty of advertisements in the 'zine, and I think the Mothering ad sales department does a good job of recruiting ads that fit its culture, so having this in the editorial section seemed unecessary.

Really enjoyed this month!

BCFD

01-31-2007, 04:55 PM

I received Mothering Mag as a gift from a close AP friend of mine and I honestly have to say that I would never renew this subscription. I voted for the Your Letters section because of the slight mention of adoption (one very small letter and it didn't even reference the actual adoption process). My biggest gripe about this magazine is that it's called MOTHERING, yet it is geared 100% towards biological mothers (breastfeeding and home birthing takes about a good 85% of the magazine - even the advertisements!). While I do appreciate articles on babywearing, cloth diapering, homeschooling, and recipes I really feel excluded every single time this magazine shows up in my mailbox. Even those articles such as babywearing always is geared towards "nursing your baby in your sling". I think I even remember reading a recipe that said something about it being good for "nursing moms". I just can't relate and instead look forward to my issue of Adoptive Families. At least I know what to expect by the name of that magazine. :::sigh:::

As an AP adoptive mother to 3 beautiful girls who has induced lactation to feel a part of "the in crowd", I always find myself very hurt by the ads and articles in Mothering. My partner refuses to even flip through the mag and has told me, on more than one occassion, to just cancel the subscription all together. The only reason I don't is because I just keep thinking that at some point, adoption will be talked about in this magazine.

I wish the editors of Mothering would hear this and include something about adoption in every issue. Thanks for listening.

Ilaria

02-01-2007, 06:12 PM

dharmamama

02-01-2007, 07:05 PM

I wish the editors of Mothering would hear this and include something about adoption in every issue.

I agree. I, too, canceled my Mothering subscription after my toddler son joined us via adoption. I found the articles not relevant anymore. Now that I have adopted an almost-teen with HIV, I feel like Mothering has nothing to offer me.

I'm done nursing. I will not be having any more kids, so homebirth and circ info no longer interests me. The vaccination issue has been resolved for us.

I would like to see more articles about actually living with your kids, not birthing them. Nursing, slinging, and cloth diapering are only the start of mothering. Most of mothering comes after these things.

I think the name of the magazine should be changed to Birthing.

Namaste!

sweetfeet

02-02-2007, 07:47 AM

I would like to see more articles about actually living with your kids, not birthing them. Nursing, slinging, and cloth diapering are only the start of mothering. Most of mothering comes after these things.

I agree. I really only found Mothering mag useful for the first 18 months of my daughter's life and then I canceled my sub. I have a newborn now but I still don't find the mag relevant to what is going on in my life because I know what I'm doing with the baby, it's the 4 year old that I'm finding a challenge to parent and what comes along with having an almost school aged child.

DvlDg

02-03-2007, 08:18 AM

I really like the baby-wearing article. Great pics and good instructions. I don't have a baby yet but I'm definately gonna refer to this article when the time comes.

bri276

02-03-2007, 12:41 PM

I would like to see more articles about actually living with your kids, not birthing them. Nursing, slinging, and cloth diapering are only the start of mothering. Most of mothering comes after these things.

SUCH a good point. Also for special needs moms of babies who couldn't/can't do all of the great NFL/AP things we strive for, there is no diversity. Everyone says there is no AP checklist but it sure feels like there is when you can't do what have now become the equivalent of the mainstream aspects of AP. No magazine can be perfect. But they could try to include families who can't fall under the stereotypical perfect AP ideal, whether that's due to blended families, adoption, or special needs/health issues in the children OR parents.

mamak05

02-03-2007, 02:49 PM

The babywearing article was fantastic. I have loaned my copy to a pregnant friend so she can start figuring out what type of sling she wants.

My husband and I (he always reads too) both enjoyed hearing the father's voices in this issue. I particularly liked the homebirth story. It resonated because it showed the couple's learning process and mind shift to how a home birth can be the right decision for their family, and not a scary one.

We made the kale and bean soup right away! Tasty! Thanks for promoting the goodness of broths for toddlers/children and ways to incorporate them into other types of cooking.

I enjoyed the homeschooling article because it offered a very interesting perspective on homeschooling in America, and yet is applicable to all.

Breastfeeding is such an amazing and profound experience. I love the bond I have with my daughter because of it. I love knowing she's getting awesome nutrition and that MY body(!) is providing it. I hope she nurses til she's 7 at least. I thank Mothering for being a voice of support and encouragement to families who chose to breastfeed their children. The symbol is a wonderful visual reminder of this.

BCFD

02-07-2007, 01:30 PM

I hope she nurses til she's 7 at least.

This is an honest to goodness question....do people really nurse that long?

gilamama

02-08-2007, 06:17 PM

me and my dd 3yo were VERY disapointed that the babaywearing article did not teach how to wear you 2 children together like the author did in that cool pic. (well she was more disapointed than me :lol) but couldn't ya share a bit of the expertise?

gilamama

02-08-2007, 06:19 PM

SUCH a good point. Also for special needs moms of babies who couldn't/can't do all of the great NFL/AP things we strive for, there is no diversity. Everyone says there is no AP checklist but it sure feels like there is when you can't do what have now become the equivalent of the mainstream aspects of AP. No magazine can be perfect. But they could try to include families who can't fall under the stereotypical perfect AP ideal, whether that's due to blended families, adoption, or special needs/health issues in the children OR parents.

i think articles about gente discipline are so needed and would be helpful to all readers, even those with out kids. :)

Quirky

02-14-2007, 06:00 AM

The babywearing section was awesome.

The mother's guilt article SUCKED with its reference to male genital mutilation andthe author nonchalantly admitting she would subject her future sons to it. This in an issue with a powerful article on FGM....really pathetic. But not surprising since it happens all the time on Mothering. I guess boys are not quite as precious as little girls...or maybe because FGM is done in Africa it's more brutal. Blech. :irked:

Ditto to this.

Furthermore, I am 100% opposed to all forms of genital mutilation on either gender. I thought it was TOTALLY unnecessary for the FGM article to minimize the harms of male circumcision, which, BTW, is not just a US phenomenon -- the papers report on hundreds of boys around the world dying from circumcision every year.

I thought the flip dismissal of the harms of male circumcision undermined the credibility of the FGM article for me, as well as undermined Mothering magazine's proud history of opposition to routine infant circumcision. If a new reader picked up this issue and read the Mother Guilt article, freely admitting that the author would circ future boys, and the FGM article back to back, he or she might well come away thinking "well, I'd never cut my daughter but it's fine to cut my son. After all, male circumcision doesn't affect men's sex lives." And nothing could be further from the truth.

It is sexism, pure and simple, to say that one gender is uniquely deserving of genital protection and the other is not.

It is sexist, and, I believe, implicitly racist and colonialist, to focus solely on stopping "the harmful traditions of those backwards people over there in deep, dark [ignorant] Africa" while completely failing to acknowledge that we circumcise boys here for the exact same reasons that women circumcise their daughters in Africa -- because it's "cleaner," because "no woman will ever sleep with an uncircumcised man," because "it's our tradition, a child should look like his parent, and besides, circumcision isn't harmful."

We should work to fight ALL forms of genital mutilation in all places that these shameful traditions continue. But we shouldn't be hypocrites. We have no credibility to speak out against FGM around the world when cosmetic male genital mutilation continues to be the most common surgery in the United States, and 1 million baby boys lose the most sensitive parts of their penis every year for no good reason.

Ilaria

02-14-2007, 10:06 AM

:clap :clap :bow :bow

I'm glad that someone else agrees that the hypocrisy boggles the mind...kinda like if they had had an African author write the article on mom's guilt and nonchalantly mention that "of course, being African, I would have had to get a daughter cut, but..." Sick really.

Jacque Savageau

02-14-2007, 11:40 AM

Just a reminder, this poll is to let Mothering know what you liked or didn't about the magazine. I have asked in the forum stickie, please use keep this thread on topic, this is not a place to air your grievances Nor is this a thread for discussion. Let's keep this to your own personal thoughts.

Welcome! Mothering Magazine would like your opinion. We've created this forum to hold polls on the current issue of Mothering Magazine.

Peggy will be reading these polls, so this is a great opportunity for everyone to give their thoughts and opinions on the current issue of the magazine.

Please note

This forum is ONLY for polls on the current issue of Mothering Magazine.
We will create a poll for each issue of the Magazine.
Please do not attempt to start threads in this forum as it is moderated and they will be deleted.
Please keep your posts on topic with the poll; this is not a place to air your grievances or chitchat.

Thank you for taking the time to give your thoughts and opinions.

trmpetplaya

02-15-2007, 04:55 PM

I was very disappointed in the way that the FGM article minimized MGM. FGM is horrendous and we have no need to minimize the harms of cutting boys' genitals in order for cutting girls' genitals to be recognized for the atrocity it is.

The article made it sound as though girls' genitals are inherently more valuable than boys' and that's simply not true. Had I the misfortune of being born a boy, I would have had half the erogenous tissue on my genitals chopped off (both my brothers were cut). I am so thankful that I was born a GIRL. I am so thankful that my MIL was a wise woman who didn't have dh circumcised.

It also was disturbing to have FGM referred to correctly as mutilation, but to hear MGM referred to as the more socially acceptable and less offensive term "circumcision." If they truly are both mutilation as the author does state at one point - then why didn't she refer to MGM as mutilation anywhere else in the article?

I noticed also that this article had no citations or references at the end. This is in direct contrast to the other articles on MGM that Mothering has run in the past. Those articles were chock full of facts (had at least a column and a half of references at the end each) and this article was just an emotional tug on readers' hearts from what I could tell. Which is fine, but it was completely unnecessary to downplay the mutilation of one gender to give an accurate portrayal of the similar atrocities that are done to the other.

Those are my personal thoughts about this article. I pray that Mothering takes our comments to heart... My dh agrees with me wholeheartedly and was quite offended that his genitals' worth was downplayed in the article merely because (through no fault of his own) he is not female.

I almost forgot, but I really enjoyed the babywearing section and the homebirth articles. I want to learn how to tandem baby-wear though like that one picture and was disappointed that there were no specific instructions for that hold. I'm expecting my 2nd child in late June/early July and would LOVE to be able to sling both dd (who will be almost 20 months old) and the new babe at the same time.

The issue was a good one, IMHO, except for the FGM article and the bit in the Mommy Guilt article about topical pain relievers for those who choose circumcision. Topical pain relievers have been shown to do absolutely nothing for relieving circumcision pain and that statement may mislead parents who don't want to circumcise because of the pain involved.

http://www.cirp.org/library/pain/

love and peace. :love

TigerTail

02-15-2007, 05:42 PM

It was an unfortunate juxtaposition of articles, & I hope future issues will address this editorial oversight.

MistyMM

02-17-2007, 01:21 PM

I totally agree on the comments about the FGM article and the "mother guilt" article. I was sorely disappointed at how the author of the FGM article just exacerbated media hype on FGM only talking about the most extreme - and rare - form of FGM (infibulation) and choosing to completely ignore the less extreme FGM that is what millions of girls go through every year. I'm disappointed at how the author undermines the cause against MGM by referring to it as "Male circumcision" instead of MGM to lessen it's negative response, and the way she suggests that if you are in the fight against MGM you are doing a disservice to girls around the world suffering from FGM (Like the boys aren't suffering?) I'm disappointed that the article was written clearly and solely for an emotional response about a horrible practice that only happens to a small amount of girls (since she only addressed infibulation, I will not count the millions of girls who go through lesser forms of FGM as part of the article), while belittling the horrible practice that happens to boys simply because they are boys. The entire article was simply media hype and designed to draw attention away from MGM. Just look at how many people posted in this thread that they would donate to equality now. Well, since when does equality mean "girls only"? why not donate to NOCIRC who is not only against MGM, or FGM, exclusively, but instead is against ALL genital cutting?

I was upset at the juxtaposition of the mother guilt article (I'd circumcise my boys and I'm a mothering author!) and the FGM article (circumcising boy's isn't bad, and does'tn affect their sex life)

I, in fact, was so disgusted by these two articles, that I put the magazine down and didn't finish reading, nor will I, so I cannot comment on the other articles.

I hope to not see the same mistake twice by Mothering mag, or I will cancel my subscription. I also hope that they make a mention of this very important oversight in their next issue, as if they don't they are encouraging male circumcision, which is not the stance I thought Mothering takes.

jenP

02-19-2007, 05:04 PM

Ditto to this.

Furthermore, I am 100% opposed to all forms of genital mutilation on either gender. I thought it was TOTALLY unnecessary for the FGM article to minimize the harms of male circumcision, which, BTW, is not just a US phenomenon -- the papers report on hundreds of boys around the world dying from circumcision every year.

I thought the flip dismissal of the harms of male circumcision undermined the credibility of the FGM article for me, as well as undermined Mothering magazine's proud history of opposition to routine infant circumcision. If a new reader picked up this issue and read the Mother Guilt article, freely admitting that the author would circ future boys, and the FGM article back to back, he or she might well come away thinking "well, I'd never cut my daughter but it's fine to cut my son. After all, male circumcision doesn't affect men's sex lives." And nothing could be further from the truth.

It is sexism, pure and simple, to say that one gender is uniquely deserving of genital protection and the other is not.

It is sexist, and, I believe, implicitly racist and colonialist, to focus solely on stopping "the harmful traditions of those backwards people over there in deep, dark [ignorant] Africa" while completely failing to acknowledge that we circumcise boys here for the exact same reasons that women circumcise their daughters in Africa -- because it's "cleaner," because "no woman will ever sleep with an uncircumcised man," because "it's our tradition, a child should look like his parent, and besides, circumcision isn't harmful."

We should work to fight ALL forms of genital mutilation in all places that these shameful traditions continue. But we shouldn't be hypocrites. We have no credibility to speak out against FGM around the world when cosmetic male genital mutilation continues to be the most common surgery in the United States, and 1 million baby boys lose the most sensitive parts of their penis every year for no good reason.

I couldn't have said it any better so I just quoted Quirky's post. I flipped through this magazine on the stand but after noticing these things she pointed out, I did not buy it.
While Mothering's informative articles on circumcision in the past have been very useful, it is one thing to educate parents so they can make an informed choice on circumcising their boys (in other words, it IS the parent's choice and whatever they decide will be okay) vs. a call to action and activism to STOP a practice in another country. Why no call to activism and action to STOP MGM in our country????
Yes, FGM is bad. But they did not have to trivialize MGM in the article in order to make FGM seem worst, and the bit in Mother Guilt article was just preposterous.
I hope the next issue is a call to action to end MGM in the USA!

On another note, I'd like to see more practical articles on using Gentle Discipline with children of all ages. WIth lots of real-life examples.

Jen

flapjack

02-22-2007, 03:31 PM

I LOVED the fact that one of the articles (dad loves homebirth) was written by a European- Mothering is now very widely available as a US import over here, and it's really nice to see something that is global-centric. I've read previous issues, and I tend to end up coming to my DDC with a million questions about American culture ;) The babywearing feature was great too, but could have benefitted from showing ways of carrying a toddler, other than with an ergo.

Jyates

02-23-2007, 10:45 AM

I enjoyed the guilt article due to the fact that I didn't know a lot of the information I am learning through mothering now. I had a c-section as my FORMER doctor recommended and now since they did a T-cut he stated that I would have to have more c-sections. This is very far fetched from the fact that I wanted to have a natural birth with no meds whatsoever.

This article made me feel much better about that fact..and the fact that I was unable to breastfeed...my milk never came in..and I tried for 6 weeks to get it in. These things were very hard for me...and it also helped me to realize to really start researching now before I decide to do anything invoving my families well-being.

I appreciated the article so much!!!!!

Jen:)