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!

I Will Now Pronounce You Husband & Wife…SELECTING A WEDDING OFFICIANT

Before you say “I do”, do a little homework on who you select to marry you. The right marriage officiant can make a world of difference in your wedding, marriage and entire life.

A religious ceremony, performed by an ordained officiant such as a priest, rabbi, or minister, is recognized not only by the state, but also by the affiliated religion. 

A civil ceremony is performed by an officiant who has been certified in accordance with state laws — a county clerk, justice of the peace, mayor, or celebrant affiliated with a nonreligious organization.

The officiant you choose can enrich your overall wedding experience and help you prepare for married life. Getting to know your officiant and discussing what you can expect from each other will help eliminate unnecessary anxiety on your wedding day.

Planning my wedding was one of the most empowering things I have ever done. I loved everything about it. Our wedding was a love story. I’ve learned that every couple has one. As a recent Universal Unitarian Wedding Officiant I love helping couples share their story. Being a wedding officiant as I’ve learned is much different than planning a wedding.  Learning on the job has been a blast. I’ve put together a few things that should be covered by both the couple to be wed and the officiant. This is kinda large in volume so I broke it up in two blog post. 

 After the date has been confirmed, find out: 

1. What is your main responsibility as an officiant?
2. Can you recommend other wedding vendors?
3. How much interaction can we expect leading up to the wedding? Are you available for questions?
4. What is your biggest challenge when officiating a wedding?
5. What is the funniest or oddest moment in a wedding you celebrated? 
6. What is your wedding officiant attire?
7. What is your rock bottom wish for every couple?
8. Will you be responsible for mailing the license to the state after the ceremony? 
9. Can you do personalized rituals within the ceremony, e.g, Hand Blessing, Rose Ceremony, Unity Candle, or Sand (uniting of your two families) Ceremony? 
10. Do you require any pre-marital counseling or religious class?
11. Do you have a written agreement or contract?
12. Would you like to join us at the reception? 

What are your credentials? 

Ensure that the officiant is licensed or registered to perform a wedding in your state by contacting the city clerk. You can also ask the officiant which seminary he or she was ordained through, then contact that seminary. Years down the road, you wouldn’t want to discover that your marriage is not legal.

How much do you charge?

Know what, exactly, you will be paying for. Talk about deposits and types of payment, as well as cancellation and refund policies. Inquire about fees for traveling out of town, which include transportation costs, hotels and meals, and costs of (commuting) time. The wedding officiant is the person who must fill out the wedding certificate and send it in. 

Here are a few important questions to ask yourselves:

• Do we feel comfortable in the presence of this officiant? Does he or she seem flexible?
• Does he or she seem genuinely interested in us as a couple, and honor our spiritual beliefs?
• Do we intuitively feel we can entrust ourselves to this person for this important and tender part of our wedding?

More great information here- —->CLICK here <—

Looking to get married in the Charlotte are? Click Here for more information on our newest service from QC supermom!

LOVE, Jabela

Wednesday Wow: Water birth

This past week has been amazing. I helped deliver a baby in water. My son came home from college and I got impregnated! Well, that last one is a stretch, as I am creating something greater inside of me. It’s not a human baby, but it’s almost as incredible. I’ll tell you more about that later. But, now, about that water birth……

What hospital did Adam take Eve to in order to deliver Cain and Able?

Just like it sounds, a water birth is giving birth in water. You may choose to deliver in a bathtub, hot tub (with the temperature turned down), or other pool of water. You can have a water delivery at home, in a birthing center, or in a hospital.

Water is believed to help the mother surrender to the birth process and create a feeling of tranquility

“Amy”, my assistant organizer went into labor. I waited for the call forever seems like, but when it came, the first thing came in my mind was, “pray!” She was more collected than I ever imagined her to be. But I knew the path we were taking was taboo in our current day, social group, and age demographic.  “Amy” had a water birth. No drugs or other excessive procedures were used.

This isn’t “Amy” I just wanted to add it to this post. But it does a great job showing the baby coming out of water.(owners link attached)

When she asked me to be her birthing partner, I jumped all over it. On the morning that she delivered, I pulled out all the tools I could think of, from the relaxing oils, gentle rubs, mind soothing affirmations, forehead compress, minerals infused water, and labor ball-everything!

As her contractions came, she continued to breathe and cruise right through them. Sure, she was in anguish but her when I see that petite thumb of hers pop up from under her, I knew she was doing great. Her loudest moan was at the ring of fire. (That’s right before the baby crowns)

“The power and intensity of your contractions cannot be stronger than you, because it is you.” ~ Unknown

When baby “BP” came out, it felt “right.” I had 9 births but none of them compared to what just happened. “Amy” allowed her body to follow baby BP’s lead. He flowed out when he was ready.  No one yelled “PUSH! “or “HOLD it till the team gets here.”  It was all about “Baby BP”, as nature intended.

Right then I knew without a doubt that we, moms were highly connected to GOD.

So happy to say that mom, baby and placenta are all doing well. I wish that more moms would open their minds to it.

I could get use to this. Hmmm “Kelle The Doula….what a nice ring to my ears!

BIRTH WITHOUT FEAR! He’s here! Welcome to the World “baby BP!”

Resources:

START HERE- POWERFUL LOGIC AND ONE MOM DECODED TO CHOOSE WATERBIRTH

Stars that water birth their baby’s

 Water birth pros and cons

Research documents on waterbirth

Watch videos here on water births

Documentary of couple’s journey to baby and all the tricks they used to get to he water birth.  (a real good one)

Friday Four: 4 Things NOT to Say To A Breastfeeding Mom

I’ve found that ignorance is crippling and mentally abusive. Without thought, people will say the very first things that come to their minds. When new breastfeeding moms are on the receiving end of the rant. It’s time to rethink some things. Breastfeeding moms need support not cruelty.

So you decide to breast feed and today is the big day to venture forth and BOOM! You’re hit with the ignorance. Here’s your POW!

1. “I thought breastfeeding meant you’ll lose weight in no time?” Although I’ve nursed 6 babies myself, I have always had a weight battle myself, but that’s another story altogether. Weight  loss is inevitable for breastfeeding moms but not all moms lose weight at the same rate.
2. “Aren’t your boobs going to sag?” First off, breasts were put on women by God so that they could feed their babies. Secondly, my breasts have never looked better.  They fuller and rounder now that they’re able to make milk for my son.  I found this video to help with build those muscles up there- Push-ups and chest fly exercises to lift the breast demo    
3. “Can’t you  cover up, pump, or nurse in the bathroom or something?”  Wow! I’ve gotten that before and it was dealt with properly. As a matter of fact, my story went international. Most times I have a breastfeeding top, nursing bib, or any sort of makeshift cover to hide under so that you don’t see my exposed jugs. I really don’t have to. Breastfeeding is perfectly legal, so insinuating that it’s bothersome is telling a mom that she doesn’t have rights as a mother. Telling me my breastfeeding bothers you might just mean you’re looking a wee bit too close!
4. “Isn’t breastfeeding for moms who are too cheap to buy formula?” Yes, maybe part of why I breastfeed is because it is budget-friendly.Although there is always WIC to help cover his formula if I ever needed it. However, this is not enough motivation for me. While cost-cutting is a by-product of breastfeeding, the reason why I nurse my child is because it’s my decision to do so, and I believe my milk can more than suffice for his current needs. Plus, I don’t have to bother cleaning bottles, sterilizing, and buying formula (hello, savings, convenience and maxed out nutrition!) 

I went to the hospital to see my niece. It was great seeing how supportive the hospital staff was in supporting her desire to nurse. Although times are changing, we have a long way to go. But with one baby at a time, we can help make breastfeeding, nursing a first thought!

If you need more help with nursing, contact Loving Support’s peer counselors. The counselors are women who have successfully breastfed their babies and are available to help others. While you’re at it, read this article from Smart Start regarding general health benefits to nursing. Here’s another great tip. Click on each highlighted link. I’ve linked up to wonderful supplemental info there.

Till the next drip of mom’s milk, take care! QC Supermom

Friday Four: 4 Secret of uses for BREAST MILK!

Breastmilk – it’s not just for babies anymore! 

I’ve compiled some amazing uses for breastmilk – nature’s super food.  

Medicinal

1.For Babies Only  

1. Get Rid of Diaper Rash: Breastmilk can help heal diaper rash, so squirt some on, allow it to dry in the air, and watch the rash disappear.
2. Clear Up Baby Acne and Eczema: Massage breastmilk onto your baby’s face to clear up baby acne.
3. Cradle Cap: Conventional mama wisdom says to massage breastmilk onto baby’s scalp to get rid of it.
4. Donate It: If you have breastmilk in abundant supply, consider donating your milk, either to a friend/ acquaintance or through a milk bank.

2. For Everyone

1. Pain Relief: The endorphins in breastmilk can actually reduce pain felt by your child, so nurse away anytime your little one gets hurt.
   
2. Ear Infections: Dr. Mercola says that there is a simple solution for childhood ear infections: just “put a few drops of breast milk in the ear canal every few hours. This usually works to clear up the infection within 24-48 hours and is far safer.
3. Prevent Childhood Illnesses: Because your baby’s immune system is not mature, theantibodies present in breastmilk can help protect him against a variety of childhood illnesses, including “ear infections, upper and lower respiratory ailments, allergies, intestinal disorders, colds, viruses, staph, strep and e coli infections, diabetes, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, many childhood cancers, meningitis, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, salmonella, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome(SIDS),” asthma, and more.
   
4. Poison Ivy/Oak/Sumac: Try dabbing at the itchy spots with a cotton ball soaked in breastmilk.
5. Prevent Adult Illnesses: Research has also shown that breastfeeding can help give “lifetime protection from Crohn’s Disease, ulcerative colitis, some lymphomas, insulin dependent diabetes, breast and ovarian cancer” osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, and others.
   
6. Prevent Illnesses in the Breastfeeding Mother: Breastfeeding reduces the nursing mother’s risk of breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancer, protects mothers against anemia, and can stabilize the progress of endometriosis.
   
7. Cuts and Scrapes: Breastmilk is actually a natural antiseptic, and it can be used to soothe and promote healing of cuts and scrapes.
8. Insect Bites and Stings: The antiseptic and antibacterial properties of breastmilk can reduce itching and promote healing of insect bites and stings.
9. Conjunctivitis/Stys: While there have been no studies (to my knowledge) that prove whether it help get rid of conjunctivitis or stys, many breastfeeding mothers have found it helpful. And from the research on clogged tear ducts, it may follow that breastmilk – especially colostrum – could be beneficial.
10. Sleep Aid for Baby/Child: Nucleotides in breastmilk actually help babies go to sleep.  With out a doubt it makes for the pacifier!
11. Tranquilizer for Mom: Hormones released in mamas while breastfeeding decrease blood pressure and act to calm and soothe mothers, helping them sleep.
    
12. Congestion in Infants/Children: Breastmilk’s antimicrobial properties can also help babies and children when you squirt it into little noses.
13. Cough in Infants/Children: Little ones with a cough need to stay hydrated – give them fluids and environmental-specific antibodies by nursing or expressing breastmilk.
14. Birth Control: “Lactational amenorrhea is the natural postnatal infertility that occurs when a woman is amenorrheic and fully breastfeeding.” In other words, exclusive breastfeeding can help with child spacing. (I challenge this one myself!)
    
15. Fever in Infants/Children: For a child with a fever, you want to keep him hydrated. Let him nurse or drink expressed breastmilk – it will quench thirst and provide antibodies.
16. Cold Sores and Fever Blisters: Pat a cold sore or fever blister with a cotton ball soaked in breastmilk to help promote healing and relieve pain.
17. Burns: Mothering shares that a burn treated with a mixture of breastmilk and smashed up blueberries will heal more quickly.
18. Infected Wounds: Apply breastmilk to the infected area to take advantage of its antiseptic properties.
19. Wound Cleaning: If you are out and about and someone gets hurt, use breastmilk to clean out the wound if you do not have access to another cleansing agent.
20. Warts: According to Mothering, put “a breastmilk-saturated cotton ball on the wart for a few minutes twice a day. Continue for several days until the wart dries up.”

3. Cosmetic & Practical Uses  

1. Clear Up Teen/Adult Acne: Use a mixture of breastmilk and coconut oil on a cotton ball to help clear up acne in teens and adults.⁸
2. Soap: “Milk is touted as an ideal ingredient for skin care products because it contains essential proteins, amino acids, and vitamin A, which nourishes skin. Milk is also rich in lactic acid, which cleanses and softens.” Check out two recipes for breastmilk soap and oneEtsy shop that sells breastmilk soap.
3. Red or Puffy Eyes: If you don’t have cucumber slices for your puffy eyes, saturate two cotton balls with cold breastmilk.
4. Moisten Chapped Lips: If you run out of lip balm and need instant relief, rub some breastmilk on your lips.
5. Lotion: One resourceful mama has published a recipe for a homemade breastmilk, oats, and honey lotion.

4. For Consumption  

1. Popsicles: Either freeze plain old breastmilk into those little plastic popsicle forms, or jazz it up with some green smoothie add-ins. Let teething toddlers have healthy, cold relief.
2. Mesh Feeder: If you don’t have popsicle molds, you can also freeze breastmilk into ice cube trays, then put some in a mesh feeder for teething toddlers.
3. Baby Food: If you are making your little one fresh baby food, add some breastmilk to the mix!
4. Sherbet: What a great way to help a little one with a fever or a sore throat – sherbet made from mama milk!
5. Anything that Calls for Milk: You can use breastmilk in just about any recipe that calls for milk; this site has recipes for everything from macaroni and cheese to french toast.Well, I didn’t say that it wasn’t weird now did I?  However,
   

                        mothers across generations have tried and can attest to the powers of breastmilk.- Till next time, QC Supermom!

   (Love the picture here?So did I. I’m Not sure where I found them at, but they are beautiful & I had to share!)