Get Organized For a Successful School Year

By Kimberly Ward- Soul Mom Expert Panel

Now that the summer is drawing to an end, it is time to start preparing for the kids to return to school. Here are a few tips to help you get organized and get them out the door and on to a successful school year. One of the main things that you will need to do before the start of the new school year is to get your children out of their lazy summer routines and into the new fall routine. Adjust your child's bedtime and get them use to waking up earlier. If your child is old enough, get them in the habit of setting their own alarm clocks. This will teach them to be responsible for their time.

In order to steam line your morning routine, spend time in advance organizing your kids' closet. Remove items that they have out grown and make a list of the things you will need to pick up while school shopping. Prepare your children for rainy days as well as clear ones. Try to think of obstacles in advance as to not cause your child stress when conditions change.

Use a central calendar to organize family activities and school functions. Have the calendar in a central area where everyone can see it and add to it when necessary. When your children are old enough, give them the opportunity to have their own planners. This will allow them to keep up with the events and assignments that are specific to their lives.

Finally, have your children clean up and organize their rooms. They will spend countless hours in their rooms studying and doing homework. Make sure that there is a desk, comfortable chair and plenty of lighting. Give them a space to store their books and keep their school supplies.

With the proper organization your child will have a fun and stress free year.

To learn more about Kimberly's inspiring design visit her blog, The Pink Eggshell.

Breastfeeding Advice- From the Mouths of Moms

I try to recommend breastfeeding to any mom-to-be that I know. I know what a wonderful experience it was for me and I want every mom to experience it if she can. I try to make myself a useful resource doling out all kinds of advice… probably not all of it really wanted. Smile. One bit of advice that I give to every woman considering breastfeeding (and asking my opinion) is to be prepared. My personal belief is that a lot of moms try to breastfeed and fail because they are not prepared. I probably over-did it with the reading of nursing horror stories, but, honestly, it was the best preparation. I went into my first breastfeeding experience full aware of the good and the bad. So when my nipples started to get sore, blister, crack and bleed (all of which did happen), it didn’t discourage me…. I expected it and I knew that it was temporary. There will probably be some hard and painful times with a new breastfeeding experience, but you have to weather the storm… good days are in your future.

I asked some Soul Moms for their advice to moms-to-be considering breastfeeding and here is what they shared.

Arika Henderson
Children: Maalik (5 yrs- breastfed until 11 months) Amir (16 months- breastfed until 12 months)

I encourage breastfeeding 100% even if you can hold on to it for 5 months. It’s a wonderful gift to give your child. It is so nourishing for the baby and it’s very natural. God gave us breasts for this very reason. Don’t be discouraged if it seems hard at first. There are a lot resources out there to reach out to for help and motivation.

Margaret G. Murray
Children: Africa (6 yrs- breastfed until 14 months), Egypt (3 yrs- breastfed until 14 months) and Solomon (1- breastfed until 9 months)

I won’t lie to you, it is painful at first until you and the baby get the hang of it, but after that, it’s all good.

Elisa Mangual
Children: Coco (4 yrs- breastfed until 34 months), Gian (16 mos – still breastfeeding)

It's not always easy. In fact, it doesn't always come natural. It does hurt in the beginning. But, if it continues to hurt, something is wrong and you would most likely benefit from outside help - a lactation consultant - to fix the problem. It is truly the rare situation where your child is allergic to your milk. The baby is most likely allergic to something in your diet. Please don't let someone convince you of that without first doing an elimination diet.

Rebecca Jackson-Artis, CLS
Children: Craston III (2 1/2 yrs- still breastfeeding), Jackson (4 months- still breastfeeding)

BE PATIENT! That's what I tell all my new moms. The first 4 weeks are the toughest. If a new mom can get through that, motherhood will be better understood after that. Breastfeeding is 80% mental, 20% physical in my opinion. What is stopping most mothers from being successful at it is facing the huge sacrifice of motherhood and giving in and letting the spiritual connection take over. It will all work out for the best (for both the mother and the child). After a month it gets easier and easier, even for working moms.

Jamilah Scott
Children: Nicholas (13 yrs), Niani (12 yrs- breastfed until 1 year), Naasir (6 yrs- breastfed until 1 year)

1) Prepare ahead of time by using Lanolin to toughen your nipples. This will minimize pain, cracking, bleeding and blistering in the first weeks of nursing. 2) Be patient. The ease of nursing is not always instantaneous, but stick with it....it will be well worth it in the end. 3) Enjoy it! It is a wonderful time of bonding with your baby. They are small for such a short time. Nursing gives you hours of one on one time that can never be taken from you.

Lisa Lee
Children: Faith (5 yrs- breastfed until 11 months) and Solomon (21 months- breastfed until 11 months)

The first few weeks are definitely the hardest so please don't give up during that time. If you're having problems get help from someone ASAP. One of my friends was ready to give up and her mom (a nurse) drove immediately from another state and just sat with her through each breastfeeding session and helped the baby nurse. One day of that help and my friend's son was breastfeeding like a champ!

You will have enough emotions, frustrations and tears in the first weeks so please give yourself a break from the breastfeeding haters and those who don't support your role as a mother. Surround yourself instead with positive energy folks who support your role as a breastfeeding mother.

Finally, once you've got the hang of breastfeeding, its up to you and baby how long you want to continue the breastfeeding relationship.

Geri Marvel
Children with ages: Nyatu (36 yrs breastfed until 15 months), Tykari (34- breastfed until 8 months) and Jamilah (31- breastfed until 6 months)

It takes patience to breastfeed and you have to find a place within yourself for this peace and ability to move forward in breastfeeding. Even if you cannot do it long term, as least try for the first 6 weeks. Your child will reap the benefits.

Shantay
Children with ages: Taylor (5 yrs- breastfed until 15 months) and Eli (17 months- breastfed until 15 months

Be very very patient.. Lanisoh ointment is the BOMB!! What you ate before baby you may not be able to eat anymore.

Natasha Nicholes
Children: Nathaniel (10 yrs- breastfed until 18 months), Jessica (2 yrs- breastfed until 15 months), and currently pregnant with twins that I will also breastfeed.

Know that sometimes there is a learning curve, and the way that your girlfriends did it may not always be the way that you are going to do it. Breastfeeding also burns MAJOR calories, so don't feel like a fatty when you feel your hunger rate increasing after doing it, just make sure to pick healthy foods for you and the little one. And know that your child gets just as much enjoyment and love out of you breastfeeding as you do from being able to do it.

Alissa M

Child: Ethan (3 yrs- breastfed until 13 months)

Keep trying. It's may be tough and slightly painful, but once you and baby get the hang of it, it will be worth it in the end be it 2 hours, 2 days, 2 month, 2 years, every little bit helps.

Aisha
Child: Clarke (13 months- breastfed until 1 year)

Be patient. In order to establish milk and a good routine you truly do have to give up a lot in the first 6 weeks (sleep, me time) but once you have been established it is easy breezy. The mothers that do not make it are the inconsistent ones... there is light at the end of the nipple.

Talk with your health insurance provider because my pump and all the supplies were covered by health insurance - yours might be too.

When times get rough, call the La Leche League or a friend - you can be talked through most issues.

Monette Thompson
Child: Kaliya (4 yrs- breastfed until she was 2.5 years)

Understand that you’re going to receive advice from the “experts” and old heads, but always do what works best for you and your child.

Latasha J. Kettles
Child: Lauryn (6 months- still breastfeeding with a goal of one year)

Don't give up. Although it may seem difficult in the beginning, it will get better.


Are you a breastfeeding mom? What is yor advice to moms-to-be considering breastfeeding?

JJ Cole & Skip Hop Baby Gear Giveaway Winner Announced!

The winner of the  J Cole & Skip Hop Baby Gear giveaway from CSN is colorfulcarla! Congratulations!

Thank you to everyone that participated! Please be on the lookout for more great giveaways!

Bottle to Breast- One Mom’s Path to Breastfeeding

This month I have shared quite a bit of breastfeeding information and opinions from breastfeeding experts or moms with experience. I'd like to share a story from a mom-to-be that is planning to breastfeed. Jennifer formula-fed her first daughter, but is now looking forward to trying breastfeeding with her bundle-to-be. Her goal is to breastfeed exclusively for the first 6 months.

Jennifer Polk
Mother to Erykah, age 10, with another daughter due November 3rd

Why didn't you breastfeed your first baby? Concern over the fit with a hectic lifestyle.

What was your bottle-feeding experience? Overall it was good, although we had to switch to a soy formula due to gas.

Do you feel you missed out on anything by bottle-feeding vs breastfeeding? Yes, I wish I had tried breastfeeding if only for awhile.

Your favorite part of bottle-feeding? Ability for others to feed her, including dad and grandparents.

Why have you decided to breastfeed? Different lifestyle and regret not trying it the first time, so I want to try it for the health benefits.

What are your expectations from breastfeeding? Baby will latch on easily. I'll have patience to keep trying if she doesn't. Discomfort will be manageable. I'll eventually be able to pump so dad can have a chance to feed her. I'll be able to supply enough milk for her.

Do you have any fears/concerns about breastfeeding? I'm afraid that one or all of my expectations could be incorrect.

How are you preparing for breastfeeding? I've read up on the subject and registered for a breast pump to use once breastfeeding is established and especially once I return to work. Also, I was introduced to a lactation specialist who's agreed to come to my home for a private class at a reasonable cost. We're holding off on buying anything, other than nursery furniture until after the shower. I do however have nursing bras and nightgowns that I've used throughout my pregnancy.

What are you most looking forward to? Bonding with my newborn and feeding her in the way that is most natural for both of us.

Advice to other moms-to-be about breastfeeding: When my first child was born and they placed her in my arms, she opened her mouth and reached her head toward my breast. I had made a decision not to breastfeed so I had to turn down her first and most natural instinct. Many moms and websites for moms give new moms and moms-to-be a hard time for not breastfeeding. I don't agree with this approach and think we should support and respect each others' choices. I will say that the thing that hurt more than anything another mother might have said or done, was having to ignore my newborn as she reached her mouth toward my breast.

Breastfeeding may not be for every mom, but I would encourage all moms who are able to at least consider it and try it. I would also suggest someone make all of us aware of local support groups. I do have fears about breastfeeding--will I be able to do it; will she latch on; can I produce enough milk; what will this do to my breasts; what will this do to my sex life; can I manage this when I go back to work. It would be great to have other moms I could connect with virtually and in real life to share these concerns, hear their solutions and gain and provide the extra support that might make the decision to breast feed a little easier for me or someone else.

Good luck Jennifer! You have a bunch of breastfeeding supporters here at The Soul Mom!

Jennifer Polk is the author the Socially Savvy One, a blog dedicated to savvy social marketing for brands and businesses.

Wet Ones Giveaway- Back to School and Back to Germs... or Not!- CLOSED

It’s been a great summer, but it’s time for back to school. Books, learning, activities… and germs. We all know that classrooms can be Petri-dishes of germs and we come to expect all kinds of sicknesses assumed to be picked-up from all those cute little classmates our kids will run into during the school year.

While germs in the classroom can’t be completely eliminated, something as simple as keeping hands clean can do wonders for stopping the spread of germs (and keeping your cuties healthy). Frequent hand-washing is the best defense, but when soap and water isn’t available, antibacterial hand wipes, like Wet Ones, can be a convenient and effective way to help stop the spread of germs.

This school year, Wet Ones is setting out to provide 99 classrooms around the country with a supply of Wet Ones Antibacterial wipes… 100 travel packs!

The Soul Mom is giving away 100 Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes travel packs to 5 classrooms. Help keep your child’s classroom germ-free and healthy this school year!

To enter, visit www.wetones.com and find your favorite tip for keeping kids germ-free and healthy for this school year and leave your comment below. Comments close on Sunday, August 28 at 11:59 EST. U only. Winners must respond within 48 hours of being contacted or winner announcement or another winner will be selected.

Want extra entries? Do any or all of the following and receive extra entries for each one. Be sure to leave additional separate comments for each additional entry. Thanks and good luck!

SUBSCRIBE to TheSoulMom blog and confirm the subscription (1 entry)

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FOLLOW TheSoulMom on Twitter (1 entry)

TWEET about this giveaway. Tweet: “Win 100 Wet Ones travel packs for your child’s classroom from @thesoulmom. Keep your kids germ-free! #soulfulgiveaway http://bit.ly/cwnMFA” You can also RT TheSoulMom’s giveaway tweet. (1 entry) You can tweet OR RT once a day, but remember to leave the URL to each tweet as a separate comment. You must have at least 50 followers for this entry.

ADD TheSoulMom button to your sidebar. Make sure to include your blog link and let me know where to find the button. (3 entries). Please post your comment 3 times.

FOR 5 EXTRA ENTRIES - BLOG about this giveaway (it can simply be a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways), with a link to my blog and come back and leave the link to your blog post. Please post the comment 5 separate times.

Playtex is providing the prize(s) for this promotion at no cost to me. This promotion is not being administered or sponsored in any way by Playtex or its affiliates, but solely by The Soul Mom. Any questions or comments regarding this promotion must be sent to me at The Soul Mom and not to Playtex.

Loving on Breastfeeding- From the Mouths of Moms

There is so much to love about breastfeeding. Breastfeeding my daughters has created some of the best moments of motherhood and it is the single best parenting decision that I ever made. If I have to pick something favorite about breastfeeding, I’d have to say that I loved when they would reach up and grab my heart pendant necklace (a special gift from my husband). Both girls would wrap their tiny fingers in the heart and play with it through nearly every nursing session. It always reminded me of his love and their love and it was so sweet and tender. To this day, both girls still play with the necklace like they did when they were nursing (yes, I still wear it… it is still special) and it brings back the sweet memories and reminds me of our tender bond.

 I asked some Soul Moms what they loved most about breastfeeding and here is what they shared.

Arika Henderson
Children: Maalik (5 yrs- breastfed until 11 months) Amir (16 months- breastfed until 12 months)

The best thing about breastfeeding was the bond my children shared with me. It is an indescribable feeling to have when your child is nestled into your arms, breathing in your smell, and feeding from you.

 

Margaret G. Murray
Children: Africa (6 yrs- breastfed until 14 months), Egypt (3 yrs- breastfed until 14 months) and Solomon (1- breastfed until 9 months)

It solidifies the mother/child bond. It’s free and readily available.

Elisa Mangual
Children: Coco (4 yrs- breastfed until 34 months), Gian (16 mos – still breastfeeding)

The up to 500 calories a day you'll burn. No easier work out in life. Oh, and the sweet little face looking up at you and tiny hands holding on . . . and when your babe looks up at you and breaks into a smile. Is there anything better than that?

Rebecca Jackson-Artis, CLS
Children: Craston III (2 1/2 yrs- still breastfeeding), Jackson (4 months- still breastfeeding)

There are so many wonderful things about breastfeeding. The best thing, if I had to choose, is the fact I am starting my children off with the best and healthiest start. So, when they are adults they won't have to battle diseases with a compromised immune system and compromised emotional perspective.

Jamilah Scott
Children: Nicholas (13 yrs), Niani (12 yrs- breastfed until 1 year), Naasir (6 yrs- breastfed until 1 year)

No bottle making in the middle of the night!

Lisa Lee
Children: Faith (5 yrs- breastfed until 11 months) and Solomon (21 months- breastfed until 11 months).

I loved breastfeeding Faith (well after the first few weeks). It just such a close bonding experience for both of us. With Solomon it was just harder to relax because I had Faith running around too but I was pleasantly surprised by how much she enjoyed seeing me breastfeed Solomon. She had no jealousy issues with respect to my breastfeeding Solomon.

Geri Marvel
Children with ages: Nyatu (36 yrs breastfed until 15 months), Tykari (34- breastfed until 8 months) and Jamilah (31- breastfed until 6 months)

 Knowing that you are doing what is best for your child and the closeness that you have with your child while breastfeeding

Shantay
Children with ages: Taylor (5 yrs- breastfed until 15 months) and Eli (17 months- breastfed until 15 months)

To me there is not just ONE thing that is the best about breastfeeding. The health benefits for mommy and baby are great. The bond you and your child develop when you look into their eyes whether breastfeeding or bottle feeding

Natasha Nicholes
Children: Nathaniel (10 yrs- breastfed until 18 months), Jessica (2 yrs- breastfed until 15 months), and currently pregnant with twins that I will also breastfeed.

The bond that forms between mom and baby. It is really the single thing that ONLY I can do for my children after they are born. It's a blessing to be able to do it (for me) and I loved knowing that I could provide all the nutrition that they needed.

Alissa M

Child: Ethan (3 yrs- breastfed until 13 months)

It was the bonding time between mother and son. That started a beautiful relationship between the two of us.

Aisha
Child: Clarke (13 months- breastfed until 1 year)

Um... did I mention the cost and convenience??? Yeah - that! But really - also the bonding.

Monette Thompson
Child: Kaliya (4 yrs- breastfed until she was 2.5 years)

The best thing was that it was exclusive to me and my daughter. It was our time together.

 

Latasha J. Kettles
Child: Lauryn (6 months- still breastfeeding with a goal of one year)

The bond that I have with my child is priceless. The way that she gazes into my eyes when she is eating just melts my heart.


Are you a breastfeeding mom? What do you love most about breastfeeding?

Lactation Specialist Advice for African American Moms

When I began reaching out to breastfeeding moms, a friend of mine referred me to Rebecca Jackson-Artis and I am so glad she did. Rebecca is a Certified Lactation Specialist and works as a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor and Lactation Specialist for the City of Chicago Department of Public Health. She has dedicated her career to helping more African American moms successfully breastfeed their babies. I asked Rebecca to share her experiences working with African American moms with TheSoulMom readers. Enjoy!

Why did you become a lactation specialist?

After I began breastfeeding my oldest son and talked to other Black mothers I realized many Black mothers were misinformed about breastfeeding and I became a Certified Lactation Specialist. When I would talk to Black women about my breastfeeding experience they couldn't relate to me because they did not breastfeed. Then I asked them why they didn't breastfeed. Their responses appalled me because much of their reasons were myths and the lack of education about breastfeeding. I also realized they had no knowledge of lactation consultants and the important role they play in the success of mothers’ breastfeeding. I knew I had to become an LC so I could assist Black women in the education of breastfeeding and help them get through the first weeks of it.

What do you do in your role as a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor and Lactation Specialist for the City of Chicago Department of Public Health?

I instruct breastfeeding classes, assess mothers prenatally, provide clinical help, follow-up with mothers throughout their first year of breastfeeding and counsel them along the way. I am on-call 24/7 if they need anything from nipple soreness to talking about the frustrations of motherhood. It is my job to be there for them. I am creating a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program for the CDPH along with Vanessa Stokes, CPC.

What does your Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program hope to accomplish?
The BFPC program goals are to place a full-time lactation specialist at every WIC clinic/food store in the City of Chicago, have 100% of mothers initiate breastfeeding and have a lactation triage clinic where mothers can come in times of need. Our goals may seem lofty but we are positive our program can make a huge difference in the right direction. We are here for ALL mothers of ALL races and ALL economic backgrounds.

African-American moms are least likely to breastfeed according to the statistics. Why do you think this is so?
There are several elements which impede in the process of Black mothers breastfeeding.

(1) Stresses of an African-American woman: African-American women have many things sitting on their shoulders (financial burdens, emotional burdens, community burdens). African-American women feel they must take care of so much that to add a baby to the breast who depends 100% on them for their total nutrition is a lot to mentally handle.

(2) The lack of support: In many cases, the African-American family may not support the African-American breastfeeding mom. "Put a bottle in that baby's mouth," they’ll say. When the mother is having complications breastfeeding there may not be a family member who comforts and assists her. Many family members see breastfeeding as weird or provocative so they may discourage the mom from being successful...many times because they were unsuccessful with breastfeeding. Some fathers are not there to support the mother and those who are may have limited knowledge about it and lack encouragement.

(3) Work/School: Some African-American women feel it's a burden to pump at school or at work. For example, if you are a teacher, police officer, restaurant worker or mail carrier it is very difficult to schedule pumping times. Also, if the mother doesn't know the law, which the employer must follow, then she may give up on breastfeeding finding no other option or support. If she is a student she may not realize school counselors are there to help her with her class schedule and schedule pumping times.

(4) No education and resources: Surprisingly, many times OB/GYNs don't support African-American women breastfeeding. Some pediatricians ignore the importance of it when it comes to African-American children. I've seen it for myself. Some medical professionals and hospitals assume since she is African-American she will not breastfeed. They may offer her very little information and support. Since many women in the African-American community do not breastfeed there's not much knowledge being spread either. Many don't know about the online support and classes that are offered regarding lactation. Therefore misperceptions like, "...it hurts...," are spread and not clarified. No one is there to debunk that rumor and tell mothers if the latch is correct and done at the correct time it doesn't hurt!

(5) It's viewed as sexual: There are many African-American women who have been taught to demonize their bodies. Their breasts should be covered up because it's horrible to have your breasts exposed. Then when it's time to breastfeed she is completely humiliated to even talk about breastfeeding. When I tell them it's the only reason they have breasts, to feed a child that is, their eyes change to a sense of understanding they never realized.

And It doesn't matter the economic status, education level or age. Many African-American women are having a difficult time with the concept of breastfeeding.

What are some of the most common reasons for not breastfeeding (or challenges to breastfeeding) that you have encountered?
The most common statements I hear when African-American women choose to formula feed are "It hurts," "I'm not putting a baby at my breast. That's gross," "I work/go to school," "I don't want a spoiled child," "I take medications," "I smoke," "The baby always wants you," "It doesn't make that much of a difference to breastfeed or give my baby formula," "My man/husband doesn't want me to breastfeed," "My baby is healthy so why should I have to breastfeed?" And it goes on and on and on. One mother actually told me she wasn't going to breastfeed because she is not a calm person. "You have to be calm to breastfeed and I'm certainly not calm." Many mothers tell me they are not going to breastfeed because their diet is bad. My response is… if you know it's bad then change it! Studies have shown even women who starve provide better nutrition than formula. I wouldn't encourage poor eating habits but that should not be an excuse not to breastfeed.

Every time a mother comes up with a reason not to breastfeed I tell her there is rarely a legitimate reason. Unless she is of the 5% of women in the world who cannot produce an adequate amount of milk or has cancer and is on chemotherapy she can put her child to her breast. In the U.S., if she has HIV/AIDS she cannot breastfeed either. Otherwise, breastfeed your child! I know I sound harsh and unforgiving but breastfeeding your child is the difference between sickness and health, hyper and calm, violence and peace, death and life. Yes, it's that serious!

I was a formula fed baby and I can say, for the most part, I have been healthy but if you really look at me I'm not. I have had chronic illnesses that seem minor but unnecessary for me to experience them. And yes, there is a great possibility if I was breastfed I would not have to deal with the illnesses. I now have to be extra careful about what I eat and how I treat my body because I did not get the optimal start I should have received. If you do not do what nature intended, you will have to suffer the consequences. Nature always wins. Isn't there a saying, "Never defy the laws of nature."? Women are meant to be a part of conception, cultivate life within them, bring that life into the world and nourish and nurture that life until that human being can eat food without complication.

Does a dog say while she's pregnant "I'll see if I can breastfeed"? No, she just does it. Does a giraffe go to a clinic to get formula if breastfeeding doesn't fit into her schedule? No, she just provides what is necessary for her calf and doesn't think twice about it. Does a bear find breastfeeding awkward and disgusting? No because she knows there is nothing wrong with her body and what nature intended

Share some success stories:
I have a mother now enjoying the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding because she came into my office and listened. She formula fed her first son almost 9 years ago and had no clue what breastfeeding did for her and her child. Once she received the information she went home to think about it and called me a week later with millions of questions. I answered them and at the end of our conversation she decided to "try" it. She had her son two weeks later and called me from the hospital for help. I talked her through it (I was out-of-town) and she is still breastfeeding 3 months later! The last time I talked to her she told me she doesn't know why she didn't breastfeed her first child because it is so much easier than formula feeding. She loves the bonding, losing weight, not getting her menses and not having to get up at night to feed her son. She has been sharing her experience with other mothers.

I have another mother who was a childhood friend of mine. Before she became pregnant with her third child she told me she wanted to breastfeed exclusively. During her pregnancy she called me for preparation (she breastfed her second child for a month with difficulty) and was ready to breastfeed hoping to avoid complications. When she began breastfeeding her third child complications started, which challenged her mentally and physically. She stuck it out for weeks calling me almost in tears. Lo and behold she is still nursing her 3 month old with a huge smile on her face and the complications gone.
Challenges happen but patience and support prevails!

What advice for other women that may be interested in being a lactation consultant?
If you are an African-American woman and are even mildly interested in becoming a Lactation Consultant please DO IT! The more of us the better. We need to spread the word to each other. African-American women who are Gen Xers or younger WE NEED YOU! To know and see a young Black woman talk, encourage and guide other Black women about breastfeeding is a powerful thing. There are certified courses all over the United States.

What resources for African-American breastfeeding moms would you recommend?
Some resources for Black mothers who breastfeed are Blacktating, Black Mothers' Breastfeeding Association, La Leche League and local Mommy Groups. I'm sure there are others but those come to mind for now. I'm starting a group called The Abiyamo Omo Society (on Facebook) which supports Black mothers with natural parenting from natural childbirth to organic eating and, of course, breastfeeding.

Rebecca Jackson-Artis Bio:
Rebecca Jackson-Artis, CLS is a Black woman who chose to be an actor, writer and Certified Lactation Specialist. She lives in Chicago with her husband, Craston, two sons, Craston III (2 1/2 years) and Jackson (5 months) and during the summer her step-daughter, India (8 years). Rebecca works for the Chicago Department of Public Health/WIC as a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor and Lactation Consultant. She will perform in a One-Woman-Show this Fall called "...And Another Thing..." which exposes her challenges as a lactating mother, being a daughter of a stroke survivor and love of ridiculous politics.

Dora the Explorer- Giveaway Winner Announced!

Thank You to everyone that participated in the Dora the Explorer Giveaway!

Our winner is Kim D! Congrats Kim and I hope you enjoy your Dora book collection!!

Make sure to check out the current Soul Mom giveaway!

Winner selected via random.org

Free Baby Stuff- JJ Cole & Skip Hop Giveaway from CSN!- CLOSED

The other week, I promised an exciting baby gear giveaway from CSN and now it's time! If you don’t know, CSN has over 200 stores with tons of fabulous finds including great baby products like cribs, twin beds, crib bedding, car seats, toys, baby carriers, diaper bags... you name it. I actually got my baby's crib bedding and my toddler's bedding from CSN.

I selected to review a JJ Cole diapers and wipes pod with matching JJ Cole bib in Pink Daisy and a Skip Hop pacifer pocket in Black Geo. I thought that these items would come in handy during the busy summer months and I must say that they did!

My little sweetie in her Pink Daisy JJ Cole bib... too cute!

The diapers and wipes pod is perfect for diaper changes on the go. I had gotten to the point where I did not tote the huge diaper bag to the bathroom for every diaper change while out, I simply carried a diaper and a wipe or two. The pod made it so much easier. I could carry 3 diapers, wipes and the changing pad that it came with. It was easier, compact and much more stylish. Love it. I keep it in the diaper bag.

I use the bib at home and throw it in the diaper bag for eating on the go. It's washable, which I love and has a handy pocket to catch wandering cherrios and food bits that miss the mouth and usually land on those oh-so-cute clothes. One thing I love most is that the bib closes with a snap. Most bibs close with velcro, which my one-year-old can easily rip from her neck. This bib stays on!

The pacifier pocket has also turned out to be a handy friend. I keep an extra paci in it and it stays nice and clean (and easily found) in the diaper bag. My child's pacifier is all rubber and rather large, so I can only keep one in at a time, but that's all I need! It does have a snapping closure, so you could snap in on the outside of your diaper bag, but I just drop it in the bag.

The Soul Mom is giving away a JJ Cole diapers and wipes pod, a matching JJ Cole bib and a Skip Hop pacifer pocket to one lucky mom!

To enter, visit the CSN site to pick your (1) favorite JJ Cole diapers and wipes pod/bib design (I picked Pink Daisy, Cocoa Tree is shown above... but there are more!) and (2) your favorite Skip Hop pacifier pocket design (I picked Black Geo) then let me know your picks in a comment below. Please leave your email address. Comments close on Saturday, August 21st at 11:59 EST. Open to US Only. Winner must respond within 48 hours of being contacted (or winner announcement post) or another winner will be selected.

Want extra entries? Do any or all of the following and receive extra entries. Be sure to leave additional separate comments for each additional entry. Thanks and good luck!

SUBSCRIBE to TheSoulMom blog (1 entry)

FOLLOW TheSoulMom blog (1 entry)

LIKE TheSoulMom on Facebook (1 entry)

FOLLOW TheSoulMom on Twitter (1 entry)

TWEET about this giveaway. Tweet: “Win baby gear! JJ Cole diapers & wipes pod, matching bib and Skip Hop pacifier pocket from @thesoulmom http://bit.ly/at79ZA #soulfulgiveaway” (1 entry)
You can tweet once a day, but remember to leave the URL to each tweet as a separate comment. You must have at least 50 followers for this entry.

FOR 3 EXTRA ENTRIES - ADD TheSoulMom button to your sidebar. Make sure to include your blog link and let me know where to find the button. Please post the comment 3 times

FOR 5 EXTRA ENTRIES - BLOG about this giveaway (it can simply be a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways), with a link to my blog and come back and leave the link to your blog post. Please post the comment 5 separate times.

Good luck!

Please note, I was provided a free diapers and wipes pod, bib and pacifer pocket BUT this does not influence my post or my opinion of these products. My writing and my perspective is mine alone.

Children's Vision and Learning Month

In addition to being Breastfeeding Awareness Month, August is also Children’s Vision and Learning Month. A time for parents and educators to become more informed about the link between vision and learning.

Unfortunately, a lot of vision problems go undiagnosed in young children and can often be mistaken as learning or behavior issues. One in four children has an undiagnosed vision problem that can lead to problems in school and even effect learning if not properly treated.

The problem with diagnosing children is that they may not report any symptoms, as they may think that their vision is normal- they have no comparison. By complete happenstance my husband and I learned that our daughter suffered from amblyopia, also called "lazy eye." This is a condition where one eye is weaker than the other and the stronger eye increasingly does the work of seeing. She happened to have a stubborn bump on her eye, actually a chalazion, which we originally thought was a stye. She was sent to the eye institute and after a complete eye exam they informed us of her vision condition and her need to wear glasses.

We were stunned, as we saw no symptoms that would have led us to believe she had vision problems. And what was even scarier… if she never got the bump, we would have never known of her vision issues. The good news is, early detection and early treatment of amblyopia usually results in normal vision. We bought her cute glasses (she is actually now on her 4th pair in one year) so if we can just keep her glasses on (and in one piece) we’ll be in good shape. We were lucky that her condition had not progressed to a point where it could not be corrected and that her vision had not begun to affect her learning.

So what should you do? Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with the optometrist for your child before s/he returns to school. The school vision screening is not thorough enough and many vision problems can go undetected. A child can pass the school vision screening, have 20/20 vision and still have vision problems that need treatment.

You can also be on the lookout for the five most common signs that a vision problem may be interfering with your child’s ability to read and learn:

1. Skips lines, rereads lines
2. Poor reading comprehension
3. Takes much longer doing homework than it should take
4. Reverses letters like b’s into d’s when reading
5. Has a short attention span with reading and schoolwork

If you child shows the above signs, consider getting an eye exam in the near future for your child.

Why We Breastfeed- From the Mouths of Moms

When I had my first baby there was no doubt in my mind that I would breastfeed her. In fact, I knew that I would breastfeed long before I was pregnant. I am very lucky in the fact that my family has generational nursing. I knew that if I dared bring a baby in my grandmother's house that wasn't breastfed, I'd have some explaining to do. I watched my grandmother talk young mother after mother into nursing their babies, so I just knew. She explained that it was best for the baby and best for the mom too. So I wasn't surprised to learn of all the great benefits of breastfeeding after I started doing my research. My mind had already been made up and that information was just icing on the cake.

Every nursing mom has her own story and her own reasons for why she decided to breastfeed her babies. I asked some Soul Moms why they decided to breastfeed and here is what they shared.

Arika Henderson
Children: Maalik (5 yrs- breastfed until 11 months) Amir (16 months- breastfed until 12 months)

I took natural child birth classes for 12 weeks, and they really educated me on the importance of breastfeeding. It prevents a lot of health issues and it is also a remedy for some health issues. Also, I learned that it was a lot cheaper to breastfeed than to formula feed. I felt that the formula stained the clothing and it smelled in contrast to breast milk, that leaves no stains and has no smell. Also, I wanted that bond between me and my baby, which the classes talked about so much.

Margaret G. Murray
Children: Africa (6 yrs- breastfed until 14 months), Egypt (3 yrs- breastfed until 14 months) and Solomon (1- breastfed until 9 months)

It was healthier for them and me. They never got ear infections, allergies or any other illnesses commonly associated with children that have not breastfed.

Elisa Mangual
Children: Coco (4 yrs- breastfed until 34 months), Gian (16 mos – still breastfeeding)

How could I not? It's why God created for them, so, I figured there was nothing better. It changes consistency with every feeding to meet the nutritional and medical needs of my child at that moment. The mix of carbs, proteins and fats adjusts naturally to meet their nutritional needs. If they have been exposed to something, there is information in their saliva that sends messages to my body once contact is made so that my body will make antibodies for my babe. I was able to pass to them imunity to chicken pox that was good for a year since I'd had it as a child. Plus, the skin to skin contact evokes that "falling in love" hormone. Which, let’s face it, if that little monster or rug rat is driving you batty and you're exhausted, you both need that! It's one of nature's ways of increasing that mother/child bond.

Rebecca Jackson-Artis, CLS
Children: Craston III (2 1/2 yrs- still breastfeeding), Jackson (4 months- still breastfeeding)

I was formula fed and had no clue how important breastfeeding was until I went to college and the guy I was dating (who was a microbiology major) told me the benefits of breastfeeding. My doctor, at the time, reinstated the importance and advised me not to get a breast reduction at 20 years old. Once I was in my 20s I began eating more holistically and researched healthier methods of living. I came across so many wonderful things about starting children's lives off with the best nutrition by breastfeeding. I felt there was no other option for me but to breastfeed.

Jamilah Scott
Children: Nicholas (13 yrs), Niani (12 yrs- breastfed until 1 year), Naasir (6 yrs- breastfed until 1 year)

I knew it was the best thing for them, I wanted the bonding experience with my babies, and it was FREE!

Lisa Lee
Children: Faith (5 yrs- breastfed until 11 months) and Solomon (21 months- breastfed until 11 months).

I thought it was the best thing health-wise for them. The research seemed pretty clear about the health benefits. 

Geri Marvel
Children with ages: Nyatu (36 yrs breastfed until 15 months), Tykari (34- breastfed until 8 months) and Jamilah (31- breastfed until 6 months)

Research told me that it was best for my babies and it is the traditional thing to do in my family. As the number of children I cared for grew, I no longer could breast feed for as long as I might have liked because my time and attention were more spread out.

Shantay
Children with ages: Taylor (5 yrs- breastfed until 15 months) and Eli (17 months- breastfed until 15 months)

I decided to breastfeed for the health benefits at the time when i had my daughter it was VERY economical because the price of formula was a lot.

Natasha Nicholes

Children: Nathaniel (10 yrs- breastfed until 18 months), Jessica (2 yrs- breastfed until 15 months), and currently pregnant with twins that I will also breastfeed.

Several reasons: Cost effective, bonding ,nutritional value, immunity booster, not having to tote bottles around, not having to warm bottles up in the middle of the night, and I was able to - and so many mothers struggle with it. I am proud to have breastfed and 'nicely' urge those pregnant women that I know to do so too.

Alissa M
Child: Ethan (3 yrs- breastfed until 13 months)

I did some research and saw all the benefits for both baby and myself, so I couldn't lose. Besides it being healthier for baby vs formula, it contributed greatly to my weight loss.

Aisha
Child: Clarke (13 months- breastfed until 1 year)

Nutrition: The nutritional value could not be beat. Formula has tried had to duplicate the yummy goodness that is breastmilk for years and I figured - for all the effort it must be because nature got it right! The one thing formula cannot do is change based on the needs of the child. As the child grows and develops so does the breastmilk.

Convenience: Nothing better at 3am then just rolling over and popping a nipple in the mouth ... woooo hooo. Bottles who??? Bottle warmer what??? Yeah, don't need that... just pop the sucker out and get it going!

Cost: Other than the potential costs of pumping products (i.e. pump, storage bags and containers) nursing is just cheaper than formula. Once, I got so frustrated with breastfeeding and considered buying formula.... until *drum roll please* I saw the price!!! Oh goodness, I got the pump so fast! The cost is reason alone to nurse.

Bonding: Indeed, all mothers can bond with their child without breastfeeding but dare I say that this connection is one that simply cannot be duplicated! The feeling that you are responsible for the nutrition of your child and knowing that being warm and close to your body is an extension of them being in the womb. I love it. I miss it actually.

Monette Thompson
Child: Kaliya (4 yrs- breastfed until she was 2.5 years)

My daughter has sickle cell, so keeping her healthy and well nourished was and continues to be priority.

Latasha J. Kettles
Child: Lauryn (6 months- still breastfeeding with a goal of one year)

The health benefits alone drove me to choose breastfeeding...but the money savings don't hurt!!!


Are you a breastfeeding mom? Why did you decide to breastfeed?