June 18, 2007
Great Babywearing DVD
by flowermama
I (and my children ;)) recently watched the Tummy 2 Tummy Babywearing Instructional DVD. I started babywearing about 10-11 years ago, and I admit I've been kind of stuck in the past and know most about ring slings, but not so much about other types of carriers. I feel like watching this DVD has brought me current in my knowledge. :D
In the past I've watched videos on babywearing that were put out by particular companies for the type of carriers they sold, but this DVD was comprehensive and thorough. To have so much information in a well-organized format is invaluable.
I found it helpful that after I watched it, I was able to go back and watch specific sections (I'm now trying to get the hang of wearing my toddler on my back in a ring sling). 
The DVD covers four main types of carriers -- Ring Slings, Pouches, Asian Back Carriers, and Simple Pieces of Cloth which includes wraps, shawls, and pareos. And within each section we learned about the various choices available for that type of carrier. We also learned reasons why some people like a certain type over another type. I appreciated, though, that each of the moms were very respectful of the different choices out there, not saying that one thing is better than the other or getting down on other carriers, but explaining that different types (or ways of wearing a particular type of carrier) work better for different people.
The DVD is very thorough, and the moms showing and telling how to use the carriers share their baby-wearing expertise in a way that makes wearing babies and toddlers look do-able, fun, comfortable, and very cool.
They present important safety tips, and they share very useful information in the troubleshooting sections.
One "warning," though ;) -- this DVD made me and my children *really* want to have another baby in our family. :D
If you are confused by all the different types of carriers out there, if you are not enjoying the carrier you have and are not sure if you are wearing it right, if you want to try something new but are worried you won't be able to figure it out. . . for whatever reason. . . if you love babywearing and/or want to learn more about the how-to's of babywearing, I think you will enjoy this DVD very much.
Posted by flowermama at 12:30 PM | Comments (0)
MainNovember 13, 2005
A Christian Definition of AP
by
Basically, I believe that my job as a mom is to be a suffering servant for my little one and always wash her (adorable little)feet before I take any glory myself, because she is the "least of these" in our family. It's a pain in the butt sometimes, and I do resent it sometimes, but that's because I'm sinful. I don't think that Jesus resented us, and He suffered all the way to the cross for us. And I am called to do the same for my babies. I just do it sinfully.
That's what I think AP is, putting your kids' needs first, and not giving them any reason to think that they are lesser than their parents, or that they cannot count on them, or that their needs are unimportant. But not that they can get away with whatever they want to.
Posted by at 05:36 PM | Comments (0)
MainNovember 12, 2005
Mommies, Babies and Chemistry
by
Awhile back I came across this facinating article about The Chemistry of Attachment, by Linda F. Palmer. My mother was asking me more about Reactive Attachment Disorder, and this article touches on the oxcytocin/cortisol impact on infant brain development. The wonderful way God has designed mothers and babies continually amazes me.
Here are some quotes from the article, of the creative chemicals that connect us.
Oxcytocin
Under the early influence of oxytocin, nerve junctions in certain areas of mother's brain actually undergo reorganization, thereby making her maternal behaviors "hard-wired."
Persistent regular body contact and other nurturing acts by parents produce a constant, elevated level of oxytocin in the infant, which in turn provides a valuable reduction in the infant's stress-hormone responses. . . the resulting high or low level of oxytocin will control the permanent organization of the stress-handling portion of the baby's brain-promoting lasting "securely attached" or "insecure" characteristics in the adolescent and adult.
When an infant does not receive regular oxytocin-producing responsive care, the resultant stress responses cause elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Chronic cortisol elevations in infants . . .are shown in biochemical studies to be associated with permanent brain changes that lead to elevated responses to stress throughout life,
Vasopressin
Released in response to nearness and touch, vasopressin promotes bonding between the father and the mother, helps the father recognize and bond to his baby. . . It has gained a reputation as the "monogamy hormone."
Prolactin
. . .prolactin is released in response to suckling, promoting milk production as well as maternal behaviors. Prolactin relaxes mother. . . so she has no strong desire to hop up and do other things.
Opioids
Babies need milk, and opioids are nature's reward to them for obtaining it. . . The first few episodes of sucking organize nerve pathways in the newborn's brain, conditioning her to continue this activity.
Prolonged elevation of prolactin in the attached parent stimulates the opioid system, heightening the rewards for intimate, loving family relationships. . .
Once a strong opioid bonding has occurred, separation can become emotionally upsetting, and in the infant possibly even physically uncomfortable when opioid levels decrease in the brain, much like the withdrawal symptoms from cocaine or heroin. When opioid levels become low, one might feel like going home to hold the baby or like crying for a parent's warm embrace. . .
Norepinephrine
Norepinephrine helps organize the infant's stress control system
Pheromones
Newborns are much more sensitive to pheromones than adults. . . . Through these, baby most likely learns how to perceive the level of stress in the caretakers around her, such as when mother is experiencing fear or joy. . . .body odors and pheromones can only be sensed when people are physically very near each other.
Posted by at 07:25 AM | Comments (1)
