Changes

If you’ve noticed that my blog has been a little dormant this past month, there’s a reason behind it. April 3, 2013 I was notified that my Father was tragically killed in a snowmobile accident the previous night. I have been gone seeing to his final arrangements and will be gone again soon to complete details.

Life has definitely changed for me. My Father was my hero in many aspects. His presence in my life is deeply missed. There will be many changes in the future for me and this blog. Some exciting ones no doubt! So stay tuned, and be patient as I forge through this new frontier.

In memory of
Charles (Chuck) N. Wadkins

 

Brandi Monson
CD(DONA)
Serving Southeast Kansas and Northeast Oklahoma
Since 2005

 

Sale!

May 1-9 30% off on all in-stock items in my etsy shop over $5.00!

Coupon code: 1IRSALE

Primitive Belly Necklace

 

International Doula Month

Doula power (Photo credit: jakekrohn)

May has been dubbed International Doula Month, it’s also Pregnancy Awareness Month, and contains International Midwives day on the 5th,  a perfect trio wouldn’t you say?

Share your birth story that includes a doula with us in the comments section!

Pregnancy Blessings & Happy Mother’s Day!!

Brandi Monson

CD(DONA)

Serving Southeast Kansas and Northeast Oklahoma

Including the cities of: Independence & Coffeyville Kansas and surrounding areas.

Related articles

• The Doula Dilemma: 5 Reasons You Should Consider Getting a Labor Coach (thebump.com)

 

My Hero of the Week…

KerryAnn Foster

This week, my hero is KerryAnn Foster. I have blogged about KerryAnn and her blog “Cooking Traditional Foods” before, here. I discovered KerryAnn after reading Nourishing Traditions several years ago. I quickly wanted to adopt some of the traditional foods and drinks that the book espoused by the author. KerryAnn’s menu mailer was an answer to prayer at a time when I felt overwhelmed about making dietary changes.

KerryAnn is my hero this week, not because of her creative business or fantastic recipes (you should try them). She is my hero this week for her recent post about Breastfeeding and how the rush to recommend homemade formula harms mothers.  KerryAnn’s moving testimony of what breastfeeding her own children did for her is beautiful. I appreciate her sharing the very private details about herself to benefit others.

“Nursing gave me my confidence in my body back.  It gave me strength I never knew I had.  It convinced me in my ability to persevere despite difficulties.  It gave me the power I needed to stand up for myself and my children. It gave me the strength to go against culture, against popularity and even go in a different direction than my friends. It made me in tune with my children so I could anticipate and respond to their needs before they would have to ask.” ~KerryAnn Foster

I commend her courage in speaking out against the negative breastfeeding information published by followers of a Traditional Foods diet/lifestyle, like those espoused by the WAPF.

“Why are traditional foodists perpetuating the myth that women’s bodies aren’t good enough? That really is the crux of the issue for most women upset by the nursing information posted on the WAPF website. It has bothered me for years and I’m glad that I finally took the opportunity today to speak out about it.”

KerryAnn is participating in a blog carnival in support of breastfeeding. Thanks to her and all of the blogs participating, to equip and empower women to eat healthy and nurse their babies!

Brandi Monson
CD(DONA)
Serving Southeast KansasAnd Northeast Oklahoma
Since 2005

Why are traditional foodists perpetuating the myth that women’s bodies aren’t good enough? That really is the crux of the issue for most women upset by the nursing information posted on the WAPF website. It has bothered me for years and I’m glad that I finally took the opportunity today to speak out about it.

Related articles

• The Weston A. Price Foundation’s Dangerous Breastfeeding Advice Should NOT Be Ignored | unlatched. (bearthangel.wordpress.com)

 

Did you know?

…that a pregnant and nursing mother’s body becomes more efficient and absorbs more nutrients to accommodate the needs of her growing baby and newborn? Her metabolism also changes so that more energy can go to the baby rather the mother. The babe in utero takes the nutrition that it needs, even at times, at the expense of the mother if her diet is lacking in nutrients. During breastfeeding, the mother’s body is able to make vitamins “de novo” and all vitamins and minerals found in her milk are very bioavailable to the baby, therefore even if the mother’s diet is lacking the baby still gets the nutrition he/she needs. Our bodies are quite amazing!

Nutrition in pregnancy and lactation is important. Depending on which source you use, the nutritional needs of the pregnant and lactating mother can vary. The official USDA position can be found here.  My other blog posts on nutrition.

Eating nutrient dense foods, high quality proteins, “clean” foods without pesticides and hormones added are also important as is pure water. Avoiding harmful foods, foods high in trans-fats, sugars, artificial sweeteners, sodas and caffeinated drinks. Make sure that the fuel you put into your body is premium, especially when growing or nourishing a baby!

Brandi Monson
CD(DONA)
Serving Southeast Kansas
And Northeast Oklahoma
Since 2005

 

My Hero of the Week….

Is Dr. David Stewart.

David Stewart
Copyright © 2003 – 2010 – Care Publications

I found out about Dr. Stewart when I became a Young Living Essential Oils distributor. Dr. Stewart has published several books about the action of essential oils on the human brain and body, the chemistry of oils, and the historical and biblical use of essential oils. Although good content, that’s not the main reason he’s my hero!

Dr. Stewart, PhD.  D.N.M., is a supporter of the midwifery model of care and a Certified Childbirth Educator (CCE). It is this support of midwifery, safe birthing alternatives and breastfeeding that makes him my hero of the week!

One of his flyers on breastfeeding (published by La Leche League International, LLLI) sold over two million copies in ten languages.

Dr. Stewart has two books on the subject of birth:

• Safe Alternatives in Childbirth

• The Five Standards for Safe Childbearing

For more information this unsung hero, click here and here.

Brandi Monson
Doula
Serving Southeast Kansas
and
Northeast Oklahoma
Since 2005

 

The Weston A. Price Foundation’s Dangerous Breastfeeding Advice Should NOT Be Ignored | unlatched.

What’s the big to-do about WAPF and breastfeeding??

“This is a call-to-action for health professionals, breastfeeding advocates, and natural food advocates to voice concerns and outrage over this misinformation.  We need to all demand to see their proof and studies they are basing their claims on.

We need to continue to support and educate mothers and provide evidence-based information. Our voices need to be louder than theirs.  Let’s drown them out.

For more information, please read the Best for Babes Foundation breakdown of the “booby traps” in the WAPF’s breastfeeding info:  “From Karo Syrup to Goat Milk – The Formulas May Change, but the Booby Traps Remain the Same””

 

Read the full article here:

The Weston A. Price Foundation’s Dangerous Breastfeeding Advice Should NOT Be Ignored | unlatched..

Brandi Monson
CD(DONA)
Serving Southeast Kansas
and Northeast Oklahoma