Category Archives: child

Breastfeeding Dilemma

There seems to be common misconception about what breasts are supposed to do. As sexualized as they have become in modern times it is no wonder that a lot of women are confused as to their intended purpose, which is to feed babies.
Yes, breasts are sexy, and depending on preference, the larger the better. However, did anyone stop to think why large breasts are deemed so desirable? Because they imply fertility and large stores of milk once the baby arrives.
I know that some women cannot breastfeed due to not producing enough milk. Or they have some other physical reasons for being unable to. These are not the women I am thinking of for this article.
I do not understand why so many women are completely freaked out by the prospect of breastfeeding. I understand it is a strange sensation. Having done it for two kids now, I have to say it is not like anything I have ever felt, and frankly cannot describe it.
Some women I know cannot handle this sensation, and they choose to pump and feed their children expressed milk. At least these babies are still receiving breast milk. Then there are the women who chose not to do this, and their babies get only formula. That is their choice, and I will not judge.
However, there are women who think breastfeeding is wrong because breasts are sexual organs and it disturbs them to think of babies feeding from them. These are the ones I have a problem with. Let me reiterate that there were two other sexual organs involved in producing the baby, so really, it is not too far fetched that a third should be feeding him. I am not sure when society started sexualizing breasts to the point where they are no longer seen for their natural intended purpose.
How do you feel about it?

Realization of Motherhood: I Like Kids

I always knew I wanted to have kids. That was never the question, however, I did not always like kids. More specifically I did not always like other people’s kids. Now, having two kids, has helped me realize that it was not that I did not like kids, but more accurately, I did not understand them.
I am an only child who was brought up in a very protective environment. Growing up I was pretty isolated. I never came into contact with other little children until I went to kindergarten. Basically I had no real knowledge of how children operate.
Spending each day figuring out how my daughter and son work, what they like and don’t like, how they react to different things, has helped me gain a whole new understanding for children. I no longer regard children as these cute little frightening bundles. I communicate with them, wave hello and try to talk to them to find out things like their names and age. I actually started taking interest in other people’s children, not just because they are cute, but because they are in fact people.
Yesterday, when a mother with a cute little boy came into my office I could not help but smile and engage him in conversation. I could not help but wonder if my little boy will look and act like that in a few years. I was smiling from the inside. It is as if having kids transformed a part of me that I did not know was there.
How did having kids change your perspective?

Dealing With Colic

Ever since my son was born, the C word loomed in the back of my mind, and we were all too terrified to breathe it. After having my daughter, who turned out to be a complete little angel, I was sure I would be paying for it with my son. There was no way I could get away with having two little blessings who hardly ever cried, and were content practically all the time, sleeping through the night at merely a few months of age.
I had heard all the stories about children with colic. I have friends who suffered through months of prolonged, unabated crying. These babies were inconsolable. For me the worst part is not the crying in itself, but the pang a mother feels when she sees her little one so distressed and cannot do anything to soothe them. This was my biggest fear.
All the books say that colic usually commences around the third week, and I waited, practically holding my breath when the time came. Last night, as my son turned six weeks, I exhaled. He certainly cries more than my daughter ever did, but it is a far cry from colic.
For all those parents out there who are not so lucky, hang in there. You are doing great, and it will pass. I know that is easy for me to say, not having gone through it, but having witnessed it with others, I know there is a light at the end of the tunnel, even if you cannot see it yet.
Did your baby have colic? What did you do?