Blog - Part 13

Who Am I To Judge? :: Sunday Sanity

March 15, 2014 By: babyproofedparentscomment

Confession time. Back in my pre-baby years, I was known to cringe and walk the other way when I heard a fussy baby in the grocery store. Why would anyone try to shop with a screaming child in tow? I silently questioned. Three years later, I knew the answer. I was now the parent who was anxiously rushing up and down the grocery aisles with my loudly protesting infant because we truly could not go another day without toilet paper. Or toothpaste. Or coffee.

Here’s another confession: I once scolded the “big kids” on the playscape when they were being WAY too loud and WAY too rough around my 18-month-old toddler. “Would you lower your screams to a dull roar, and chill out a little, please?” I protectively demanded, and then turned to glare at their parents who were consumed in cheerful chatter. Five years later, I was the mom who turned my “big boys” loose on the playscape, trusting that they would make “good” choices while I enjoyed a little quality time with my latté and iPhone.

When it comes to parenting, judgment can be a knee-jerk reaction. It’s easy to say, my pregnancy or delivery would never go that way. I would never parent like that. My child would never act that way. And when things go awry (which they tend to do) it is easy to redirect that shame and judgment toward ourselves. I am the only parent who is struggling with this. My child is behaving worse than everyone else’s. All of the other parents have their act together.

Here’s what I now believe: The majority of us parents are doing our absolute best. And in spite of these stellar efforts, we all screw up regularly and struggle with very similar challenges. As parents, we have more in common than not.

Some of the most loving, reassuring words a friend can say in response to my parenting woes are, “Oh, girlfriend, I have struggled with that same situation!” Relief and gratitude wash over me when I feel that instead of judgment, I am receiving understanding and empathy.

In light of this awareness, that we do oh-so-much better when we lift each other up, Cheryl and I have designated the BPP website to be a judgment-free zone. Why? Because between the two of us, we have survived a hell of a lot of parenting challenges. We can truly say, “We’ve been there and we’ve done that.” And if we haven’t, we know a close friend who has. Our births have gone exactly as planned and they have gone completely off-course. Our children have been as sweet as angels and…well…complete a-holes. For every parenting paradigm we’ve latched on to, we’ve hit an obstacle that’s turned our beliefs upside down. We are not in a place to judge, because we don’t want to be judged ourselves.

So, here is your pep talk in the locker room of parenthood: You are not alone on this journey. Regardless of your experiences with fertility, pregnancy or parenting, we are all on the same team. In fact, we’re stronger together than we are apart. When it comes to the act of child rearing, there is no shame in trying your best, floundering and regularly reaching out for help.

Now, when I encounter a screaming baby in the cereal aisle, or see kids playing a little too exhuberantly on the playground, I don’t immediately walk the other way with a look of dismay on my face. Instead, I smile knowingly, and go back to parenting my own kids in my whole-hearted, yet frequently imperfect way.

BPP Sanity Savers:

Identify areas in your own parenting that bring up feelings of guilt, fear or incompetence. Don’t be afraid to discuss them with other trusted, supportive parents.
As you move through your day, observing other parenting styles, see how the positive belief that “we’re on the same team” impacts your view.
Judgment is human and natural, but blocks our ability to have true compassion. Try to notice and soften your judgments of yourself and other parents.

Here’s to compassion and sanity,

Kirsten

Braised Collard Greens with Olive Oil Breadcrumbs :: Friday Foodie

March 13, 2014 By: babyproofedparentscomment

Okay. I’ll be straight with you… my kids become mildly offended when I serve greens to them, rendering this recipe slightly less than family “friendly”. But, as you’re gathering, BPP is all about self-care, which carries over to how your kids see you taking care of your own body, and the resulting impression on them. There are lots of suggestions out there on getting veggies into your child’s diet. My two approaches are to purée and hide them (more on that in the Cheryl’s Tips section below), or to give them a healthy serving, and when they protest, announce, “Mister Collard just wants to sit on your plate.” (Aside: why do I always refer to veggies in the masculine? I’ll have to analyze that.) Bottom line, these buttery-textured greens are delicious and incredibly good for you.

Ingredients:

For the Breadcrumbs:

2 slices thick bread (gluten-free if you’re into it), coarsely crumbled
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

For the Greens:

4 bunches collard greens, washed and sliced across the width in 1 inch strips, discarding the thick bottom stems (this will seem like a ton when you’re buying them, but trust me, they reduce dramatically when they cook, and you will want left-overs!)
1 cup chicken or veggie stock
2 heaping tablespoons coconut oil
1 tablespoon kosher salt (I like my food highly seasoned, use less salt if you are sensitive to it)

Technique:

The Breadcrumbs: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, stir the breadcrumbs with the olive oil, salt and pepper, and spread on a small baking sheet. Toast in the oven for about 10 minutes or until golden brown and crunchy.

The Greens: Place the greens in a in a large dutch oven (you might have to stuff them down). Pour in the stock and add the salt and coconut oil (don’t worry if it’s still in a solid form – it will melt fast). Don’t bother stirring yet – too much going on in that pot. Cover with a heavy lid, and place over medium high heat. Check every couple of minutes until the liquid starts to boil. Using tongs, carefully stir the greens together until they are all coated with the liquid and have started to reduce in mass. Replace the lid, and allow the greens to cook at a boil for about 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low, and let them simmer an additional 10 minutes (less time if you like your veggies on the firmer side, more time if you like softer. I used the cooking time for my preference, slightly firm in texture, but a little soft without being squishy or slimy). The greens will have gone from a bright shamrock to a slightly darker camo green. Turn off the heat and remove the lid to stop the steaming. Top each serving with a couple of tablespoons of breadcrumbs and enjoy!

Cheryl’s Tips:

This technique works well with a variety of greens: kale, mustard, Swiss chard, etc. Simply adjust the cooking time to make sure the resulting texture is to your liking. Collards are my favorite, because they aren’t bitter, and their rich texture is heavenly. Make the greens a complete meal by topping a bowl of them with tofu, a fried egg, or a few Mandy’s Meatballs.

I love my mini chopper. It’s the perfect, easy-to-clean size for puréeing small servings of veggies to stir into an already kid-approved pasta sauce or meatball recipe. I usually mix about 1/2 cup of the puréed greens into 2 cups of pasta sauce, then toss with 4 cups of cooked pasta. If you have extra purée, you can freeze it in ice cube trays for future use. If you’re interested in making your own baby food, check out Super Baby Food – full of easy recipes for your little ones, plus a handy chart outlining what foods are safe to try at what ages.

Here’s to Greens and Sanity,

Cheryl

Desperately Seeking… Human Connection :: Tuesday Tip

March 10, 2014 By: babyproofedparentscomment

I can mingle and party with the best of them, but when it comes to recharging my batteries, I’m a classic introvert. Give me a quiet house, a cup of tea, and a good book – I’m as happy as a toddler in a Tupperware drawer. For this reason, I figured that quitting my office job and staying home with my newborn baby was going to be pure nirvana, right?

Ummm… partially right. While there were certainly heavenly slices, there were also incredibly lonely moments, and I noticed a new wave of extroversion taking over my personality.

After a few weeks at home with baby, I yearned for new-parent pals who could answer my infant-care questions and empathize with my parenting struggles. I found myself scanning the playground or bookstore for other new moms and babies, ready to pounce with an invitation for friendship. Gone were the days of scoping out the scene for hot guys – instead I spent my time sizing up other parents, trying to determine if they would be compatible with my little family of three. My standard pick-up line: “Oh, your little one is so cute. How old? Well, he/she seems to get along really well with my little guy.” (Translation: Can we exchange numbers and hang out again? Please? Please?)

Most new parents experience what I call the Baby Paradox: Yes, you are in the constant company of a precious and fascinating little human. But it is also common and normal to struggle with feelings of extreme loneliness and mind-numbing boredom. The cure for this post-baby isolation? Reach out and connect as much as you can.

Here are some ideas for staying connected and making new friendships in the midst of baby-land:

Utilize Social Media: Although some of us are bit burned out, social media can be an amazing resource when you’re home with a new little one. Consider starting a Facebook group for expecting and new parents in your community, and then advertise it in the neighborhood newsletter or bulletin board. Scan MeetUp.com for New Parent Meet and Greets (if you can’t find one, consider creating your own).

Seek Out Existing Groups: Many cities, community centers and churches offer support and educational groups for expecting and new parents. Do an Internet search to see what’s available in your area. A great option, available in Austin and other metropolitan areas, is Bump Club and Beyond, an über-cool networking and informational group for expecting and new parents. Another Austin option for post-baby connection is the wonderful support group, Mothers Unfolding.

Give Family and Friends the Green Light: Your loved ones might be trying to give you and your new little one space, thinking that you need time to rest and bond. Let them know that you are very open to visits – give them the best times and set up regular dates.

Make Out-Of-The-Nest Time for Both Parents: When baby is old enough to take a bottle or survive a couple hours without mom, make plans with a friend and get OUT (yes, out of the house, into the fresh air, into the world). Dads and parenting partners can also struggle with symptoms of social-withdrawal, so encourage your partner to take some time on the weekend to connect with pals. And whenever you can, load up the Ergo, Baby Bjorn or Moby and get the whole family out on an adventure, even if it only lasts an hour.

Three years after becoming a mom, I was taking my second baby for a walk when a woman came flying out of her house in sweat pants, a t-shirt and noticeably un-washed hair. “Hi!! Hi!” she exclaimed, “Is that a baby in your stroller? I have a newborn in the house. Do you live in the neighborhood? Hi…”

I just nodded knowingly and handed her my phone number. “Let’s hang out soon!” I said as I walked away, happy that I could offer another new mom a brief escape from the sometimes lonely land of newborns.

BPP Sanity Savers:

While you are pregnant, begin researching new-parent social groups and play groups in your community that might be a resource for you later.
Let family and friends know that you will love their visits and support after baby has arrived. Give them a schedule of ideal times once you have become accustomed to your little one’s ebb and flow.
Make sure that both you and your partner get time to fly the coop. As soon as you can, go on small adventures as a family. The fresh air and human connection will do you good!

Here’s to strength and sanity,

Kirsten

Three Times A Dad :: Wednesday Wisdom

February 25, 2014 By: babyproofedparents4 Comments

The Lee Family

Meet Lloyd Lee. Lloyd is an awesome dad with a unique perspective – he has coached his wife, Chelese, through three different births in two different settings. And they have three sweet daughters to show for it. When not spending time at home with “the girls”, this native Texan is working hard at his green construction & solar business, Native, or enjoying BBQ and quality craft-beers at his family-owned micro-brewery, Smoke’n Hops.

BPP: As we can see in your photo, you are surrounded by lovely ladies. Be honest – what’s it like to be the only male in a family of five?

LL: I’ve learned that although many people make emotionally-based decisions which they later rationalize with logic, the women in my life are content with just the first part of this decision making process. Besides this, there is a great deal more glitter, random singing, dressing up, and hugging than the primarily male household in which I grew up.

BPP: Your wife, Chelese, gave birth to your first little girl over seven years ago. Can you remember what that moment was like?

LL: Definitely. It was a mixture of pride in Chelese, astonishment that her body could do what I was witnessing, relief that the baby was healthy, and an immediate sense of heightened responsibility.

BPP: You have had the unique experience of coaching Chelese through two hospital births and one midwife-assisted birth in a birthing center. Can you share with us the key differences that you noticed between the two settings?

LL: The hospital births felt like a well-rehearsed process. Not so much for us, but for the numerous staff members who had been through this countless times. They knew and followed the process and if things weren’t going accordingly, changes were made to bring it back within bounds. The birthing center was a completely different experience. They approach each birth as a unique experience and allow the mother and baby to dictate the rules vs. having preconceived notions of what it should be like. This fundamental difference empowers the mother to focus on the job at hand and not worry about missing a deadline for progress, which will result in intervention.

BPP: Since you are now a childbirth veteran, any suggestions for dads or birth partners on how to support the woman who is laboring and delivering?

LL: Know your partner and how they want to be supported. Support comes in lots of forms and not everyone responds to it the same way. My wife appreciated verbal support, physical contact, and reminders of how the birth was progressing. Try to stick to the birth plan and act as the liaison between the mother and hospital staff. Without this, the mother may make decisions to expedite delivery that may leave her feeling defeated later.

BPP: Without getting too graphic, can you share what it is like to be at the other end of the labor and delivery experience? Oh, what the heck, you can get graphic if you would like.

LL: Pretty amazing. I never fully appreciated why it’s referred to as labor until witnessing it myself. The “miracle” of childbirth does not involve pixie dust or magic. It’s laden with blood, sweat, and tears. Nothing reminds you that we are another animal roaming this planet like the instant that your baby’s head pops out.

BPP: Any suggestions on how birth partners can communicate with the nurse, doctors, doulas and/or midwives?

LL: I would just recommend communicating desires related to how you’d like the birth to go. It doesn’t guarantee it will go as planned, but having a plan helps all parties understand expectations.

BPP: After each baby was born, how did you support Chelese as she recovered from the delivery?

LL: The biggest area of support is to let the mother sleep. Laboring and giving birth are exhausting and having a new baby that relies on its mother for food makes for limited sleep. Also, it sometimes takes the baby a little while to get the hang of breastfeeding. Being supportive through this process is important because it can be stressful for the mother.

BPP: What was it like for you the first few days and weeks after bringing your new babies home?

LL: It’s amazing how quickly you forget the size of a newborn. I spend the first few days marveling at the tiny-ness of the new addition to the family.

BPP: : If you had to give one sanity-saving tip to expecting or new parents, what would it be?

LL: It’s cliche that kids change your lives, which is absolutely true, but I think it’s important to not let your kids change how you live. We try to do most of the same things we used to do before kids, with them in tow. Kids are resilient and keeping them isolated to the house doesn’t help them or the new parents.

Lloyd’s Sanity Savers:

When acting as a birth partner, know your partner’s wishes and the birth plan before heading into the delivery room. You will be functioning as a support person, advocate and liaison for the woman that is giving birth. That’s a big job to take on!
After baby is born, mom will continue to need emotional support and time to rest while she recovers from the delivery and adjusts to breast-feeding.
Witnessing the birth of a child is amazing and inspiring – savor the experience and don’t let the adventure stop there. Your children will benefit if you continue to live your life to the fullest, with them along for the ride.

Thanks for sharing the often untold story of what it is like on other side of the delivery experience, Lloyd. We appreciate your insights and perspective! – C & K ♥

Gluten-Free Lemon Ginger Scones :: Friday Foodie

February 20, 2014 By: babyproofedparentscomment

These sweet-tart-delightful scones are a mash-up between two of my favorite recipes: Elana Amsterdam’s basic scones (see her amazing gluten-free/paleo website: http://www.elanaspantry.com), and my sweet friend Sara’s decadent lemon ginger scones. They are perfectly enjoyed for breakfast or a mid-day snack, and the almond flour adds some healthy protein to the mix.

Ingredients:

The Scones:

2 cups almond flour (sometimes called almond meal)
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger powder
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
1/4 cup chopped crystalized or candied ginger
zest of 2 lemons
1 egg
3 tablespoons agave nectar

The Glaze (optional, but mmmm):

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1 cup confectioners sugar

Technique:

The Scones: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients except for the the egg and agave nectar in a medium mixing bowl. In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg and agave nectar together, then mix into the dough, which will be chunky/lumpy and feel like sticky, heavy, gritty play-dough (I know, doesn’t sound awesome yet). No need to kneed, just mess with it with your hands or a non-stick spoon until it looks pretty consistent. On a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, use your hands to form the dough into a flat circle, about an inch thick. Use a pizza cutter to slice the dough into 6-8 triangles, and gently move the triangles apart so they’re not touching. Bake for 10 minutes, until the scones are light brown around the edges. While they’re baking…

The Glaze: Whisk the lemon juice and confectioners sugar to form a glaze. If you like thin glaze, you can add more juice, and more sugar will thicken it up like icing. I used the measurements for my personal favorite consistency, which melts over the warm scones but doesn’t drip everywhere.

Let the baked scones cool for about 5 minutes, put them on a plate and drizzle the glaze over them. Eat them right now!

Cheryl’s Tips:

Scones are fun to make, because they are very difficult to mess up (a major plus in my book, as baking is not my forte). Don’t worry if they’re not pretty, because if they’re warm, they’ll be delicious. Give me taste over aesthetic any day.

These are not only gluten-free, but paleo “friendly” – friendlier if you omit the ginger candy and glaze. Stay tuned for more about the health advantages of eating gluten-free/paleo foods. Almond flour is essentially very finely ground almonds – the stage immediately preceding almond butter. You can find it and all of the other ingredients for the scones at your local Whole Foods.

I love my citrus grater. Hold the grater firmly in your non-dominant hand, and your lemon/lime/orange in the other, then lightly rub all sides of the fruit against the grater over a bowl. It does all the work for you, perfectly zesting the flavorful part of the rind and leaving the white part behind. Be careful and don’t use too much pressure, as you don’t want to slip and get bodily zest in your food.

Here’s to strength, sanity and family-proofed meals.

Cheryl

Feed Your Baby, Feed Your Senses :: Tuesday Tip

February 17, 2014 By: babyproofedparents1 Comment

This story might be familiar to some of you, and a cautionary tale to others. My daughter had colic. For several weeks, between the hours of 4 pm and 1 am, she was either crying uncontrollably, breast feeding, or stunned into brief silence by the sound of the vacuum cleaner (we had super clean floors during this time).

One evening, J (my kids’ awesome dad) and I were invited to a happy hour. We decided he should go, as I tended to have an easier time soothing her as the parent with the milk supply, and she would definitely not have been a “happy” addition to the hour if we tried to take her along. When he walked back into the house, he smelled like outside and red wine. I stood close to him and inhaled deeply several times in a row, like an addict huffing paint fumes from a paper sack. I was floored at how amazing a scent other than our sweet baby girl, breast milk and spit-up could be.

When you are in the throws of life with a new baby, you are hyper-focused on making them comfortable: warm, fed, held, diapered, bathed, etc…and this is good and instinctual. The only draw back is how easily you can forget to do many of these things for yourself. Feeding your own needs gives you the endurance to feed your baby’s needs. This goes for partners too – we are in this together, and we all need sweet soothing to keep our sanity in tact. Doing something nurturing for each of your five senses, every day, is a great way to keep yourself fueled.

Here are some of my favorite examples:

Smell: Stock up on some of your favorite scented candles. Take a few seconds to light one in whatever room you’re spending the most time in. The smell of a few drops of essential lavender oil on a pillow near where you breastfeed can help relax you.

Touch: Treat yourself to some new lounge pants and super soft t-shirts. You’ll spend a ton of time at home in the first few months, so having cute, comfortable clothes you feel good in can help cheer you up. Hot baths soothe your body and your spirit. Back rubs and hugs for and from your partner feel great and help you stay close and connected.

Sight: Surround yourself with photos of friends, family and artwork that either makes you feel calm or cracks you up. No Edvard Munch in the nursery, okay? If you can change the scenery when you breastfeed, try different spots in the house, or near a window where you can see outside.

Hearing: Music. Take the extra five seconds to turn it on. Whatever helps you transcend, feel happy, upbeat, relaxed… identify the feeling you crave and choose the music to best elicit it. And don’t pressure yourself to play kid-friendly music only – chances are good your baby will love hearing whatever you listened to while he or she rocked out in your belly.

Taste: Make sure to eat and drink. It is so easy to forget this when you’re trying to keep up with the voracious appetite of a newborn. Go with suggestions from your OB or midwife on what’s best if you’re breast-feeding, find some things you love and savor them every day. I used to say “good morning” out loud and smile at my cup of decaf before taking the first sip. It was that delicious.

BPP Sanity Savers:

Taking care of yourself is imperative to the endurance needed for caring for a newborn.
Think about what your senses love the most, and stock up on supplies for feeding them in advance. Attend to all 5, every day.
Talk with your partner in advance about ways you can help each other nurture yourselves – you both need and deserve TLC!

Here’s to strength and sanity,

Cheryl

Letting Go :: Sunday Sanity

February 15, 2014 By: babyproofedparents1 Comment

When I became pregnant with my first child, I had no clue that I was embarking on the most intense period of personal development I have ever experienced. Forget those self-help books I had filled my shelves with. My new baby became my guru, counselor and coach all wrapped up in one dimpled package.

Perhaps I should have guessed that major growth was coming my way when my acupuncturist shared some advice on giving birth. She explained that most women reach a point in their labor when they feel like they might just die if they have to endure any more pain. This is an important part of the labor, she reasoned, because a part of you IS dying. You are essentially being reborn as a mother, a parent. The mind-numbing pain serves as a signal to surrender completely to the labor, to let go of control and to give in to the natural process of life. My acupuncturist urged me to practice surrendering as I awaited the big day.

Gulp… How did she know that control was an issue for me? That I grew up in a chaotic, single-parent home, and that I learned to cope with the chaos by attempting to manipulate my environment, my appearance, my everything? “Surrender – Let Go,” became my silent mantra for the remainder of my pregnancy.

Predictably, my new theme song slipped my mind as I worked my way through the labor. But the significance of the event did not escape me; the natural birth of my son was an incredibly transformative experience. And afterward, I thought, Whew – hard part over!

Heh-heh. Little did I know that Aidan’s birth was only the beginning of my own “rebirth,” and that my new baby boy would unwittingly encourage me to give up control in the weeks and months to come.

It began two weeks after his arrival. Aidan wasn’t gaining weight, despite my zealous attempts to breast-feed him. Consequently, I had to swallow my pride… and seek some help. When he was four weeks old and developed baby acne, cradle cap and a splotchy rash, I confronted my own appearance-related insecurities. And when he was two and I had to lug him, bawling and flailing, out of the library when he wasn’t quite ready to leave, I let go of other people’s perceptions and judgments.

I let go of being on time, having stain-free clothing, getting a full night’s sleep, knowing all the answers…

I let go.

I realized that I was also surrendering and quietly letting down my walls. I surrendered to the jubilant hugs, slobbery kisses and uninhibited cuddling that only a little one can bestow. Surrendered to the most pure, unadulterated and unwavering love I have ever given or received in my life.

Naturally, this is an ongoing journey for me. I still battle with various control issues. I have two boys now, and catch myself pacing the house tense-shouldered, miffed that I am not in complete control of my hand-print covered, laundry-filled home. The tension usually signals me to breathe and start up my old chant, “Surrender – Let Go.” My sons seem determined to teach me this important life lesson, even if they have to spill 200 cups of sticky juice to get the message through. Stubborn like their mama, they’re going to break me of my control habit, regardless of what it takes!

BPP Sanity Savers

Your process of surrender can begin before your baby arrives. Have a plan and be prepared for your birth, but hold on as loosely as you can.
Identify the areas of your life in which you have a tightly-gripped, non-negotiable need for control. Try to think of small ways to relax in these areas, even if just in your mind.
Remember that the beautiful insanity of a new baby is short (even though difficult chapters can seem to take an eternity). Try to embrace the lack of control as much as you can.

Here’s to strength and sanity,

Kirsten

Labor & Delivery Nurse :: Wednesday Wisdom

February 11, 2014 By: babyproofedparents2 Comments

Emmy, her fiancé, Ross, and Charlotte.

One of the goals of this blog is to share the experiences and wisdom of the amazing peeps who help deliver babies into the world. We will be featuring interviews with midwives, ObGyn’s, and doulas, presenting a wide range of opinions and perspectives. For this Wednesday’s Wisdom, we are talking with Labor and Delivery Nurse, Emmy Voosen, RN. Emmy graduated from UT Austin’s nursing school in 2011. She has worked as an L&D nurse for the last two years and genuinely adores her job. Emmy says that, “Bringing new life into the world is overwhelmingly rewarding and exciting!”

BPP: Emmy, you seem to have chosen the right career path – it is evident how much you love what you do. How did you decide to become a labor and delivery nurse?
EV: It was very easy, actually. My mother was a labor and delivery nurse and I can remember thinking, ‘Man, coolest job ever!’ as a child. I followed my childhood dream, and there isn’t a doubt in my mind that this is where I am supposed to be.

BPP: Approximately how many births have you assisted with?
EV: Oh, goodness. Too many to count!

BPP: What has surprised you the most about being an L&D nurse?
EV: The stress level. Although deliveries usually bring smiles and happy times, some nights are so busy (darn those full moons!) that there is little to no time to use the restroom, drink water, or even sit down during the 12 hour shift. It is a good thing I love what I do!

BPP: Any suggestions on how parents-to-be can prepare for labor, delivery and/or postpartum recovery?
EV: Attend prenatal classes. In my experience, mothers and fathers who do so are less anxious and have a better idea of what to expect. Look around your area! Here in New Braunfels at Christus Santa Rosa Hospital, multiple classes are offered—including breastfeeding, childbirth preparation, big brother/big sister, and how to take care of mom/baby once you’re home. There are tons of resources out there to help expectant and new moms and their families.

BPP: In your opinion, advantages and disadvantages of having a hospital birth?
EV: After seeing some of the things that can go wrong during childbirth, I could not, in good conscience, recommend that anyone give birth outside of a hospital (just my opinion). Although hospitals can feel sterile and cold, there is a comfort in knowing that you are surrounded by professionals equipped to handle emergencies for mother and baby, and that you are close to an OR if a cesarean section becomes necessary. Some of the benefits of delivering at home or in a birthing center, not within a hospital, would be the comfort and familiarity of the environment and freedom to move and change positions without being on continuous fetal monitoring. However, it all comes down to making informed decisions and personal preferences.

BPP: Do you have a favorite birth story?
EV: Being my cousin’s nurse for the birth of her first daughter (she has 3 boys!) will always have a special place in my heart. It was an honor to be her nurse and witness another miracle of life.

BPP: How can birth partners be helpful to the woman who is delivering?
EV: Take prenatal classes together. Discuss the mother’s plan and wishes for labor so the partner is on the same page and knows how to support her best. Simply be present (examples: hold her hand, rub her back.) Every woman is different, but having a partner there to listen to your needs/requests/complaints and provide unconditional support is extremely helpful during the challenging, yet rewarding, process of labor and delivery.

BPP: How do you interact with doulas and midwives who are in the delivery room with the expecting parents?
EV: We work as a team. It is their job as well as mine to advocate for the patient. We collaborate to provide the best care for the expectant mother and her family.

BPP: You have not become a parent yet. Has being an L&D nurse impacted your views and plans for starting a family?
EV: Definitely! Being an L&D nurse has really opened my eyes. I have seen the love and joy that is brought on with the birth of a new baby, but I have also encountered just how much work this new bundle of joy can be. Having a baby is life changing and I have come to realize that there will be a time for me, but just not right now. ; )

BPP: If you had to give one sanity-saving tip to new parents, what would it be?
EV: This is more for mothers-to-be, but I would recommend becoming educated on the process, while keeping an open mind when it comes to your labor and childbirth experience. Often times, people have rigid and specific birth plans. This can lead to more anxiety and, occasionally, feelings of failure if things don’t go exactly as planned. Also, use the nurses, ask questions, and let us know how we can make you most comfortable during the labor process. We are there to support you during this exciting, yet nerve-racking experience!

Emmy’s Sanity Savers:

Take prenatal classes with your birth partner so that you both feel informed and prepared for childbirth and postpartum recovery. (We personally recommend a baby proofed parents workshop. Just sayin’.)
Keep an open mind about the labor and delivery process. Be informed, think positively and then go with the flow.
Communicate openly and freely with your nurse (or midwife or doula). If they’re anything like Emmy, they feel honored to be part of your birth experience and they want to support you in any way they can!

Thanks Emmy – great pointers for any expecting couple, whether they are planning a hospital or home birth! – C & K ♥

Mandy’s Meatballs :: Friday Foodie

February 6, 2014 By: babyproofedparentscomment

These delicious meatballs are adapted from a recipe that came from one of the coolest mamas we know (you’ll be hearing more from her down the road). My favorite thing about this dish is that every savory bite is a perfectly nutritionally balanced… and as you’re gathering, we’re all about the balance. Also, they freeze really well, so double up and save half for a night when you’d rather play than mess up the kitchen.

Ingredients:

1 pound ground grass-fed beef or bison
1/2 pound pork, chicken or turkey Italian sausage (spicy or sweet)
1 cup steamed white or brown rice
1/2 c finely chopped onion
1/2 c finely grated zucchini
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Spike Seasoning (optional)
1 16 ounce can tomato sauce

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients except for the tomato sauce. Form into 1 inch balls, and place in a lightly greased casserole dish. Drizzle the tomato sauce over the meatballs, and bake uncovered for 1 hour. Stand in your kitchen, and breathe deep – they smell amazing and taste even bettah.

Cheryl’s Tips:

What’s Spike Seasoning? The bomb. A yummy, natural seasoning alternative to typical blends that use msg and other junk that’s hard to pronounce. Look for it at your local health food store, or at http://spike-it-up.com/

Another kitchen tip: Keep a box of surgical gloves handy (tee hee) for forming meatballs, deboning chicken, etc. Keeps gunk out from under your gorgeous fingernails and makes clean-up easy.

Here’s to strength, sanity and really yummy meals.

Cheryl