My beleifs and who I am.

For those who are recently reading my Blog(or are new facebook friends)You should be warned now.
I know what I beleive and have strong opinions. Before I get to that though I want to let you know what I believe and why.

First I am christian. This is important as it shapes a lot of my beliefs. I beleive that we were created and the earth and all the animals by God.
As such I beleive that god made us perfect, then after the fall of man in genesis we became sinful. As such We are a sinful people.
I do not place one sin above another. As God says they are all equal. Due to this I have strong views on things deemed "sinful" by the Bible.
This includes but isn't limited to: Stealing, adultry, murder, lying, and homosexuality to name a few.
I also beleive that it is possible to care about a person and disagree with something in their lifestyle or personal decisions they've made. How many of us have family we love but that has done something we disagree with? Weather it's something as simple as who they date, where they choose to live, how they raise their kids, or as big as living a homosexual lifestyle it doesn't mean we can't love that family member.
As a Christian I'm instructed to love ALL humans. And as such it's the same thing for me.

I also believe women where created to birth babies naturally. And that we were also created to be able to feed them naturally with the breasts we were born with.
There is only a very tiny percentage of women who CAN'T nurse. Of course we all know many who "weren't able to" and sadly many of them were "booby trapped" either through their environment, a well meaning pediatrician/family member, lack of emotional or physical support,  or many other things.
I don't judge these women. It was not their fault. They did what they could. I don't judge those who use formula either. Because I am also a firm believer that women and families should have the right to choose how to raise their children, and that starts with where they give birth, how they give birth, who they choose to see(if at all) for their families care, and how they feed thier children.
This also extends into their right to choose to vaccinate or not, and homeschool, or unschool, or whatever.
As a parent I think those choices and everything in between belong to the parents and should stay that way.
However I am also pro life, and pro adoption. I beleive that it is NOT our right to choose to terminate life. to me it is murder. As such I will post pro life posts to my page.
While I am all for women's right to choose many things, What about baby's right to life? Anywho I won't argue the details of this here that's another post for another day.

You will see boobs on my facebook page, becasue I beleive in normalizing breastfeeding.
You will see posts about homosexuality on my page, as well as natural childbirth, vaccinations(I'm personally anti vaccinations but that's just me),  carseat safety facts, potty training info, baby led weaning, babywearing, CIO, Anti CIO, Positive discipline, Natural consequences, and so much more.

I have lots of links and research to back up my beliefs. I have scripture to back up my spiritual beliefs. If you don't agree that's fine with me. But my page is for my thoughts. As yours is for yours. Civil disagreements are fine, discussion is encouraged, but outright rudeness won't be tolerated. And I will delete comments as I see fit.

This goes for my blog too. ;)

Babywearing for the Plus sized mama's

What started it all:

I was asked recently what I'd recommend for a plus sized mama who wants to baby-wear.
First thing I'd recommend is to buy a tape measure and measure your waist. Knowing this measurement will help you when buying a carrier. In many cases a carrier has straps and you need to know if they are going to fit your waist.
Measure just above your hips and at your natural waist(usually around your bellybutton). If the measurements for the carrier's waist ties/belt will wrap around the largest measurement with room to tie a knot(I'd guess add extra 2 feet) then you are probably safe.

DIY Products:

For the crafty mama's I'd first recommend making a carrier. A Mei tie or a stretchy wrap will be fairly simple.
Stretchy's are recommended to start at 5 yards but If you go with 6-7 you will probably be safe. I'm a size L(when newly breastfeeding) 36D cup and a 5 yard wrap is PLENTY long enough for me. I'd guess it would fit an XL mama as well and you could add another yard per size and it won't hurt anything. Once you've wrapped a squish up in the wrap you will be able to tell if it's too long. And if it is, simply trim the "tails" shorter.



Here's some great tutorials on making a stretchy wrap:
http://aaronandmelissaanderson.blogspot.com/2012/10/diy-moby-wrap.html
http://www.elleapparelblog.com/2012/02/moby-wrap-tutorial.html
The stretchy in this requires some sewing but would be super cute and even cheaper to make:
http://lulastic.co.uk/parenting/babywearing/babywearing-three-easy-and-quick-diy-sling-tutorials/
And in case I forgot to mention it this is typically a NO SEW project!
There is a downside to stretchy wraps though, they really start to get uncomfortable for mom and baby at about 15lbs and you CAN NOT wear them to do a back carry as it is NOT safe.
Here are some of my favorite Stetchy wrap Videos: (You can also look for directions for using the "moby", or "sleepy" wrap but beware any that say it's ok to do a back carry.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J19oOkQ61hI&list
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhBmqw7npYU


Next would be a mei tie. This one is VERY easy to make if you can do a simple straight stitch on your sewing machine. I recommend this pattern:

McCall's M5678

Ignore the pouch sling as it's unsafe. The striped version is the one you want. Simply make the straps LONGER and you'll be set.
You can use this for a newborn, and infant and even small toddlers.
For free patterns:
http://www.grumblesandgrunts.com/2010/10/how-to-sew-mei-tai-baby-carrier.html
http://www.afullerday.com/2008/01/diy-hood-to-headrest-mei-tai-tutorial.html


And wearing directions:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f61gevDtAwQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59oTw0NyTbY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7wn0I-Q0hE&list=PLWP8nuAo3nbNVl_DZiQB9HgIIYjzVo9g9&index=9
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YW75FWt1Z0A&list=PLWP8nuAo3nbNVl_DZiQB9HgIIYjzVo9g9&index=10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-DlyAxI_uA

On the Market:

Now there are products you can buy that will accommodate the plus sized mama.
Wrap Conversion Mie Ties are a great one. The straps are VERY long, and wide, so super comfy. They are more expensive as they are made from pricey woven wraps. You can also look for a Mei Tie with "wrap straps" and that should work.

Next you can try the infantino Sash Carrier:
http://www.amazon.com/Infantino-Sash-Carrier-Black-Gray/dp/B005C9ODQ6
There are several reviews that state it to be great for plus sized mommies. And there are a few variations of the carrier with different "prints". So long as it's the mei tie carrier this is a GREAT carrier. And you can get them used online for so cheap. An excellent alternative to a bjorn, snuggli or other crotch dangler, or expensive carrier.

Ergo Carrier:
This carrier on it's own isn't perfect for this but This company sells an extension belt that makes the waist big enough and that is what you'd need:
http://www.amazon.com/ERGO-Baby-Carrier-Waist-Extension/dp/B00273Z0AS/ref=sr_1_4?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1379991498&sr=1-4&keywords=ergo+waist+extender

A ring sling:
Most ring slings come in sizes but you can find plenty of mom's who custom make them and can make them the lengt you need. You typically measure from your shoulder to your hip double that, then from your shoulder to where you want the tail to hit on your leg. Though each sling maker will have recomendations for measureing.
Or just buy and XL or Large sling. Make sure the product is made with Sling rings and not any other kind. Sling rings are weight tested individually up to 100 lbs and are MADE for baby wearing. Any other ring is not tested for such and has unknown weight and lead contents. It also may be welded which is a weak point in a ring and can cause breakage, or can tear fabric and cause injury to your baby.
I recommend the following sellers:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/SnuggyBaby
https://www.facebook.com/Bynanas


Lastly I'd recommended wraps. Wraps are really the MOST versatile carrier out there. And super supportive. Wraps come in many brands but some good starter LittleFrog, Wrap Nap Fairy, BB Slen, Bara Barn,and Chimparoo.
Budget is anything under 100.00 as most wraps are several hundered dollars or more. Even more so for discontinued and hard to find "prints"/colors. All wraps that aren't termed "stretchy" are woven and are great for newborn and up in age. You can wear a 4 year old or a newborn in a woven wrap.

You can even make one yourself with a little work from a tablecloth. There are many tutorials over at the babywearer forums on how to do so. ;)

Photo credit goes to my beautiful mama friends for volunteering their photo's for me to use! Thanks Tamera S., Becky W., And Sabine K.!

Babywearing Tips and Tricks

I'm copying this from my facebook notes since I felt the info is too good to only share with my "friends" and family. :)

I am a crunchier mama and love to wear my little one. I have back issues and felt wearing her would be easier on my spine than carrying around the bucket style carseat. I also see so many mama's having trouble lugging their baby 6 months plus in age and the extra 15lbs of carseat on their own. I felt babies in these seats don't get as much attention either as they are talked about rather than talked to.  There are so many benefits to baby wearing too. 

The upright position is good for babies with reflux. It can help them feel safe and close to mama which is great when external stimuli scares or startles them. And it's just so sweet to feel your little one snuggle up against you and sigh right before they fall asleep. 

It's also so good for their hip and spine development If they are in a carrier that spreads from knee to knee rather than "dangles" from the crotch. (ie Baby Bjorn and snuggly=bad) 

Anywho I have found so many cool resources for babywearing and wanted to put them somewhere where they don't get lost. So the babywearing Tips, Tricks, and Videos Note is written.

“Research supports that people who hug more are happier. When a couple hugs for six seconds or more, mood-boosting/bonding chemicals called oxytocin and serotonin are released at an optimum level.”

“Babies who are hugged more even evidence better physical development and more brain power. “Children who get sustained form of touching, such as a long hug everyday are smarter.” Quote from Jay Gordon, M.D., co-author of “Brighter Baby”.”

Mai tie: 

taking baby out without untying the mai tie: http://youtu.be/c7wn0I-Q0hE

 

Putting baby back in without untying mai tie: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YW75FWt1Z0A&feature=youtu.be

 

My favorite way to put baby in a back carry:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59oTw0NyTbY

 

apron and non apron tie:http://www.thebabywearer.com/forum/showthread.php?392923-How-to-tie-APRON-and-NON-APRON

 

-*Pics*

baby wearing in a Mai Tie with a newborn

mai tie using a back carry. Sweetness was about 6-8 months old in this photo. 

Ergo or Soft Structured Carrier (SSC):

 Putting baby on back easier more secure:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jUZMK0D2As

 

Ergo Piggyback style:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfUGUL7Y0P8

 

Egro Hip carry:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWYZ5pKLt_w&feature=relmfu

 

ERgo Orginal, Preformance, and Sport review: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap6ro1nnDLs&feature=related

 

Pictures:

Babywearing at a park 

on the trolley

  

At the zoo..

On the airplane ( the straps meant when she fell asleep I could also sleep and not worry about dropping her.)

At Target! 

For my back the SSC has really been awesome. It gives me support and puts Sweetness's weight on my hips and has padding and security plus lots of ways to adjust it. I highly recommend this style of carrier.