Breastfeeding mom asked to leave public library computer room – UPDATE

I wanted to share a quick update. I’ll make this long story short- So back in August of 2012, Noah was just 2 months old when then Beatties Ford Regional library, librarian manager, Ms Iris, asked me to stop feeding Noah where I was seated.

This the exact shirt, day, position, and hour with which Noah’s feeding was violated.

“Wednesday Wow!  Breastfeeding In the QC,” by Kelle Pressley, qcsupermom, 22 August 2012:

I thought this would be a quick visit, but it wasn’t so I shift [my two month old baby] inside my white, thin, cotton shirt to feed him.  The only thing visible was his soft curly brown locks.  Seconds later a library volunteer approached me(twice),then the female security guard (twice), and finally the older female supervisor.  The message was consistent, plain and clear.  I cannot nurse at the computer.  I had to stop, get up and go into their 8x10ft nursing cellar.  I refused each time telling them I knew my rights and not only were they violating my rights as a library patron, but also as a breastfeeding mom.

The coverage with Dan from SafeLibraries was interesting as well –

SafeLibraries @CMLibrary, which harassed #bfing @QCSuperMOM, has blocked me from reading its @Twitter feed! So much for #FreeSpeech! http://t.co/EwWrSABw 9/4/12 9:05 AM-Tuesday, 4September2012

.

cmlibrary @SafeLibraries Untrue. ^jd 9/4/12 9:10 AM-Tuesday, 4September2012

(Click here to read it all)

So yeah, I was heated for a long time. But got over it as the feeling of accomplishment

 

filled my spirit. Knowing that standing my ground would definitely encourage other moms to breastfeed with pride as well. And it did. The story traveled further than I have traveled so far.  I could never be hushed for something I believe in- I’ve always been

stubborn like that.  But here’s the update.  

That little dark stuff room is now a nicer place to nurse.  Of course if you want to let the liquid gold flow in the lobby you can, but, I thought I would share that with you.

I was there this week and ran into a long time employee of the library.  She,  Ms Vivian shared with me that it was created after my breastfeeding incident in 20I2. She then invited me to tour inside the newly updated nursing moms space. What was a flex space for small storage is now a intimate, cozy, tiny silo for all nursing mom’s.

I’m okay with that, but more importantly interested in ensuring more staff*, understand the importance of not breaking breastfeeding moments.

Breastfeeding is normal. It can be done in public by women who ARE more comfortable with it than I was with no problem. And the fact is, in most place, they’re protected by law to do so. – CafeMom

Breastfeeding is normal

-To all the new moms that a fearful, ashamed and any other way un-encouraged to feed your baby your liquid gold, please read this and understand that you are everything your baby needs to survive! It was given to us as a gift from God. Before there was formula, there was breast milk. And if you truly want to give your child the absolute best, go on and slide a boob up in your little ones mouth.

12 most Ridiculous Places Moms Have Gotten Smacked for Breastfeeding

Today, Noah is a water loving, homeschooled, world traveling,  garden sowing, basketball playing, Discovery place going, ChickFila eating, superhero!

Wednesday Wow: Keep Those Icky Germs Away-Herbal Remedies

Phew! Can you believe we are headed into the winter season already? There is nothing more pitiful than to look in your child’s eyes and see pain, congestion and low energy. Over the years, I’ve put together some of my favorite herbal blends for my family. Because they don’t always like my culinary creations, I try to mix it up a bit with power herbs to reach the same goal of a high immune system.

 

Kombucha-A happy gut is a healthy body. The main part of your immune system is in your gut, so keeping it supplied with good bacteria will help make a stronger body. There are a few ways to do this but a good probiotic and/or fermented foods in your diet like kombucha  will help populate the good bacteria in your body.

Powdered herbs into blender shakes/Smoothies– ADD IN  cod liver oil, collagen/ food sources of vitamin C  with some berries, steamed greens and coconut water every day to make sure we are starting off on the right foot.

Soap -When flu prevention experts advise you to wash your hands, they don’t mean a light drizzle of water. As mama always said, use soap and warm water — and rub hands for 15 to 20 seconds. Sing the ‘Happy Birthday’ song twice while rubbing, to keep track of the time.

What You’ll Need

• A natural bar soap of choice. Homemade bar soaps usually work well and my other favorites are Dr. Bronners, african black soap, and Kombucha soap (available here).
• Distilled or filtered water
• A dispenser: Reuse an old soap dispenser, use a glass one or metal one, or make one out of a mason jar by drilling a hole in the top and hot gluing on the top of a soap pump dispenser.

What You Need- to do is:

• Click this link for the entire recipe and how to instructions.

 

Strong Tea-Keep things moving by drinking water. This will help stimulate your immune system during an illness because it helps your body flush the germs. Making the water into a tea is a bonus.

Natural Mamma Immune Boosting Tea and Recipe

Recipe Type: Herbal Tea

Author: Amanda http://www.naturallivingmamma.com

Prep time: 5 mins    Cook time: 20 mins  Total time: 25 mins

Ingredients

• 1 part Elderberry
• 2 parts Rose Hips
• 2 parts Echinacea puroporea
• 2 parts Chamomile
• 2 parts Astragalus

Instructions

1. Combine herbs and use 1tsp of the mix per cup of boiling water. Let steep at least 20 minutes up to 8 hours for full medicinal effect. Drink 2-3 cups a day as needed to support immune function.

 Mouth Wash  (if you have a Doterra or Young Living connection, you’re good! )

How To Make Homemade Mouthwash

• 1 cup of Purified Water
• ¼ tsp salt
• 5-10 drops of Thieves Essential Oil (depends on how strong you want it)
• 4 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil
• 2 drops of Frankincense Essential Oil
• Optional: 1 tsp baking soda
• Glass bottle (essential oils can degrade plastic)

Getting our herbs and spices from our garden and local farmer’s market is nice too. Being able to grab Western medicine is easy. But do you really want to be completely dependent on someone else for your healing. Let’s be like the ants and do more for ourselves. It works!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

This list, as simple as it titled, needs to be shared. – Hand Washing

Make your own laundry soap, and all-purpose cleaner . You’ll save money and provide healthier options for your family.

Check Out this HippyHomemakers tincture. It’s EASY to make AND she has a list of healing herbs.

Dynamite Herbal Infusions listed here.

Soap Making- Click here

 

In Total Wellness, Jabela

 

 

Wednesday Wow: Family Valentine’s Day Party GiveAway

Want to win tickets to the 3rd annual Family Valentines Day Party this Saturday in the QC? I hope so because this contest is too easy!  The perks of being a small time blogger is paying off for you.

We are having a “Sweet Minion” Family Valentine’s Day Party! As a mom, finding affordable opportunities for my family to enjoy together is a priority. It’s rare that we go out ALL together, but when we do, it has to make sense, and it has to be safe!  This is it! We’re having:

• A live DJ (Julie Brim)
• A Real Magician (Houdini’s World)
• A Vegan based Dessert bar (Cassie’s Sweetz)
• A $5.Gift Shop  (various vendors selling brand new items for $5. or less!)
•  Fun  games, photo opportunities 
• A SAFE family event with Free parking! 

Here’s how to get some of these 32 tickets. If you belong to any of the following categories- read up!

Note: These offers excludes goodie bags and reserved tables. We want to make sure we are serving the ones that need this the most. And because our entertainment is so amazing, we want to have a good crowd for them to absorb the loving energy!

So be sure to tag your favorite business, organization, club, and group. This is gonna be huge!

If you have a non profit, like our page and we will give you a family four pack.

If you own a daycare, like our page and we will give you a family four pack.

If you own a support group for families, like our page and we will give you a family four pack.

If you are a organizer for a mom group, like our page and we will give you a family four pack.

Give the passes to whomever you choose! This offer is for the 1st 4 industries to enter. That’s 16 people. Now for the public sector. We need more traffic. We’re new’ish.

 Don’t expect to be offered a chair when you are visiting a place where the chief sits on the floor. (Ghana)

So I have 4 family packs to give you!  And yes, for up to $80 per family in value, there’s a few things I’ll need from you. (trust me, it’s easier than you think)

1. Like and follow–> my blog, FB, Twitter, Instagram and then comment on this post BELOW or here on the event page. The more you like, the better your chances! Fair right?
2. That’s IT. Winners will be announced on Facebook,called & or emailed! Hurry the party is THIS SATURDAY!

See you Saturday at the hottest mom powered family event of the year!

Kids in the QC, Valentine’s Day Party!!

Bring out the Minions! We are gonna have a ball! Our Valentines’s Day Party for kids in the QC is getting on or roll!!

Every year it get’s better! And to think, it all powered by Charlotte moms!!! Queen City Stay At Home Moms to be specific.

The first thing we did was bring back our guest from last year. They deserve it. Our venue was overbooked & I was notified 2 days before the event and although we found another venue, and still had fun, it was not the same. We felt awful about it! So bringing them back for free was just a result of good upbringing.

This is our 3rd year.

Here’s 2013- It’s theme was A Veggie Sweet Day  . It was at Monkey Joes and the kids had  unlimited access to the bounce houses during the party!

Here’s 2014- it’s theme was “Disney Side Love”- the goodie bags were a hit with parents and their small well dressed characters alike!

This year’s theme is Minions! The children will LOVE it! Having a dedicated Pinterest board does help as well!  This year we added a karaoke Dj and invited one of Charlotte best family centered non profit service organizations to join in.

If you have children, do not miss this party! Everyone is welcome! But you gotta get your tickets!  Follow along on Facebook for more updates.  See you soon!

Your Mom Maven in the QC,

Jabela,  QC Supermom

Can’t wait to use these online tools for promotions:

MInion Images

Minion Facts

Get your celebration started! Check out my $5* Minion Shop. It’s loaded with really cute affiliates links to some awesome Minions gifts, games and decor! Unisex Two Eyes Crochet Hat Ski Cap Black Friday Cyber Monday

Despicable Me In-ear Headphones Earbuds for Mobile Phone Mp3 Minions Dave Carl 3.5mm Earphones Quality Sound Includes 3 Additional Earplug Covers – Great for Kids, Boys, Girls, Adults, Gifts

Memory Game Despicable Me Edition

MINIONS – Minion GOGGLES

Despicable Me Tattoos, 24ct

Despicable Me Minion Mini Tin Tote Box 4.125″x 5.5″ x 2.5″

Peeking Minions (9″ x 3-1/4″) Die Cut Decal Bumper Sticker For WIndows, Cars, Trucks, Etc.

 

 

Wednesday Wow: Cluster of Health Food Product Reviews WITH KIDS

In our quest to eat healthy, I welcome the opportunity to explore new foods with my tribe.This month, I received and reviewed three natural products. Let me tell you about them before you buy them.

The Products:    

Food for Life Baking Co. #Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Grain Pasta

Evoke Healthy Foods- Natural Muesli- Antioxidant

Brad’s Raw Foods Broccoli Poppers

Back of the Evoke Healthy Foods- Natural Muesli- Antioxidant package.

Evoke Natural Muesli 

Brad’s RAW  Broccoli Poppers

Food for Life Baking Co. #Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Grain Pasta –

RESULTS-

What I will not purchase:

The Sprouted Grain Pasta. If you are not a master chef. A chef that make miracles, leave it on the shelf. It is chalky and bland. To eat it, you would have to drown the pasta in sauce and chant “This is Good For Me,So I will Eat it and Smile.” I do think  the dry pasta work great as a craft item. Look for a coupon first thought, it’s a tad bit pricey. I would rather try to make it myself.Or give up pasta if I had no choice.

What I will purchase:

The Muesli –  (pronounced “muse-lee”) is a simple mix of real ingredients, typically consisting of untoasted or lightly toasted grains, nuts, seeds and dried fruits.. It goes with almost everything. Ice cream, yogurt, grind some up to use as meal, with or without oatmeal, in a trail mix or right out the bag. It’s filling and the taste pleasing. It has goji berries, cacao nibs, walnuts, and blueberries!  YES!!! The price is comparable to other gains I frequently purchase.

The verdict is STILL out on-  Brad’s Raw Foods Broccoli Poppers.  The broccoli is dried, sprinkled with cheese and dried out again. The taste is unusual, but not bad. It’s not one that you could just eat the entire bag in one sitting.

Well, that’s it. Now go shopping!

• As with anything else we review, All opinions are our own. Any health food company we work with has a record of food integrity before we would consider working with them. Also know that though we are a large family, and may vote something off the menu, it does not mean that you shouldn’t ‘give it a try.
• What I did learn is dehydrated food retains more of it’s nutrients than either frozen or canned foods. But tonight, it think I’ll make this  roasted broccoli recipe instead.

• I grew up in the church, but never really noticed the significance of the scripture. Just in case you missed it too. – here you go…it’s from the New Living Translation;
  “Now go and get some wheat, barley, beans, lentils, millet, and emmer wheat, and mix them together in a storage jar. Use them to make bread for yourself during the 390 days you will be lying on your side.
• “Now go and get some wheat, barley, beans, lentils, millet, and emmer wheat, and mix them together in a storage jar. Use them to make bread for yourself during the 390 days you will be lying on your side.
• Wanna know the difference between muesli and granola? Click here! 

Eat Up,

Jabela