A VERY Happy New Year

Well you all.... 2014 is almost here and I don't think I'll be able to see it come in. I'll probably fall asleep shortly after publishing this post. But I couldn't go to bed without sharing with you all some great news I that I just recently found out about.

Did you know that the IRS allows offers a breastfeeding tax deduction? I know I hear the gasps. Yes! That is what I said! A breastfeeding tax deduction. So what qualifies for this deduction? Breast pumps! Yes. Those pricey, yet oh so necessary essentials are now allowed as a medical tax deduction and reimbursed by flexible spending accounts.

Now I'm not sure whether other breastfeeding related items can be deducted, but you can receive confirmation of this ability to deduct breastfeeding supplies as well as browse the site to get a more in depth explanation of such deductions here: http://www.irs.gov/uac/Medical-and-Dental-Expenses-Podcast

I hope this was of great help to my breastfeeding mamas.

Happy New Year!

Sh!t People Say to Breastfeeding Mothers

So I thought this video was hilarious. I experienced every single one of these comments. I can laugh at the ridiculousness. But back while I was nursing my children they annoyed me terribly!

Enjoy!

Lactation Cookies!

I must tell you all! I have a sweet tooth that is out of this world! I try my best to manage it, but there are times where I must have my sweets at all costs.
So imagine the feeling that I had when I came across lactation cookies.

Wait... So you mean to tell me that helping my milk supply was just as easy as eating cookies?!?!?! Why didn't my midwife share this with me?

Never fear mommies! I'm here to share with a recipe to not only sate your sweet tooth, but also keep your milk going.

What you'll need:

*Preheat oven to 375

1 cup softened butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons flaxseed meal
4 tablespoons water
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons Brewer's Yeast
3 cups rolled oats (WHOLE, NATURAL oats NOT quick oats)
1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
1 cup chopped nuts of your choice (optional)

Now before I continue I want to emphasize that it's best to buy organic if you're able to. If not, don't let it keep you from enjoying this recipe.
The most important ingredients to insure a boost in milk supply are oatmeal, flax seed and brewer's yeast. There are many variations of this recipe, but the constant in all of them are those 3 ingredients. So be sure not to leave them out!

(OH one more thing! I'm really weird about texture. I don't care for the texture of oatmeal in my cookies so what I like to do is grind them close to powder consistency using either a food processor or high powered blender.)

Now on to the rest of the recipe :)

*Soak flax seeds while you combine the dry ingredients. This allows for them to soften a bit.
*Mix all of your dry ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
*In a separate mixing bowl cream together the butter and sugar.
*Combine the eggs, drained flax seeds, and vanilla with butter/sugar mixture.
*When evenly mixed, add to the dry mixture.

You can either line your pan with parchment paper or grease your pan with butter. I opt for butter, but use whatever suits you.

*Drop mixture on the sheet by the spoonful
*Bake for 8-12 minutes
*(And my favorite part of the recipe) Enjoy!

There are variations of this recipe and I will post others for those with dietary restrictions.

Is Your Period Necessary?

I've heard time and time again that having a menstrual period (or enduring the bleeding and sometimes extreme discomfort that we associate with as normal) is not only unnatural but unnecessary. I've also heard over a period of time that there are ways to eliminate your period and remain fertile.

Curiosity is my middle name so of course I've decided to do a few quick internet searches before diving into literature about the need to have a menstrual period. My search led me to the blog post that I have listed down below.

It would be interesting to hear others thoughts, opinions, and experiences.

Let me tell you! If I can naturally eliminate or at least lessen the amount of times I have my period without needing to forfeit my fertility, I'd be one happy lady!

http://curezone.com/blogs/fm.asp?i=982094

Giver of Life

I thought this picture was amazing. So amazing in fact that I just had to share it with you all! I got this pic from the Facebook page titled Birth Nerds!

World Aids Day 2013. Know your status

It is especially important for mothers and mothers to be get tested for aids. Don't let stigma keep you from knowing your status and taking control of your health.

Down below is a link to a free pdf download with really helpful information about the risk of transmission of HIV from mother to baby. Even more interesting is that the rate of HIV transmission from a breastfeeding, HIV-positive mother to her HIV-negative infant was a lot lower than I expected it to be.

So please, click the link and download and read at your leisure!

http://www.who.int/maternal_child_adolescent/documents/9789241596596/en/index.html

I've also posted below a link to various HIV/AIDS awareness events. Most, I'm sure, will be offering free testing.

http://www.worldaidsday.org/events/