ONLY 18 DAYS LEFT TO WIN YOUR FREE COPY OF "MAMA KNOWS BREAST"!!!

NEW MOMS ARE RAVING ABOUT ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS ON BREASTFEEDING TO COME ALONG IN AGES!! DON'T MISS OUT ON YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO GET THIS FANTASTIC BOOK AND MAKE BREASTFEEDING YOUR BABY MORE ENJOYABLE!!!

ENTER YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO THE RIGHT TO RECEIVE INSTANT UPDATES TO THIS WEBSITE AND A CHANCE TO WIN A COPY OF "MAMA KNOWS BREAST." WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN ON JUNE 16!!!

"I'm Just a Wife and Mother"

An episode of Supernanny last night featured a young mother of 3 children under the age of 5 who made the statement: "I'm just a wife and mother." In this one statement, she highlights a problem that often occurs when a woman does not understand what her role should be after she gives birth, especially if she's a SAHM. 

Once you become a mother it's very tempting to think that's all you are now and that you have no other identity of your own. But it's important to realize that being a mother is only one aspect of who you are,  just like being a father is only one aspect of who your partner is. 

But for a couple of reasons it's difficult for some women to differentiate between their personal identity and being a "mom." One reason is that our American culture seems to expect mothers to be only mothers and to devote 100% of their time and attention to their children. This has, in truth, become the standard of excellence for mothering. In fact, some women find that their friends and family act as if that's the only role they have now and it can be very frustrating for a lot of moms. That's why women who work feel so guilty and torn, because they're not meeting this standard of motherhood. The other reason is that it can be very overwhelming just to focus on your baby, especially during the first few months postpartum, let alone yourself. And this can become a habit that is hard to break even after the first three months are past. 

But it is important to make sure you don't lose that part of you that is uniquely you--that has passions in addition to motherhood. Find a way to meet your own basic needs first, like showering and eating healthy, otherwise you'll start to feel "less than human" as one mother put it. After the first three months are over (or before), start to do the things you used to enjoy prior to becoming a mother. Granted, you won't be able to go back 100% to what you used to do before you had your baby, but little by little you will be able to pursue more and more of the things that you used to enjoy before having your little bundle. And, as your baby gets older, you will have more and more time for yourself.

Until then, know that you don't have to be "just" a housewife and mother. (I like to think of SAHMs as "Chief Household Officer," as one SAHD put it). Don't "lose yourself" just because you become a mother. Being a mother should enhance your life, not restrict it. Enjoy your baby and enjoy yourself!

NEW MOM CENTRAL INTERVIEWS MELANIE BOWDEN ON BLOGTALKRADIO!!!

On Friday, May 23, 2008, New Mom Central interviewed Melanie Bowden, author of "Why Didn't Anyone Tell Me: True Stories of New Motherhood" on Blog Talk Radio. Ms. Bowden is a registered postpartum doula and a mother of 2 children living in Davis, CA.

In addition to her book, Ms. Bowden has published an e-book called "Get Your Articles Published" and has been freelancing for magazines and websites since 1999. Her articles have appeared in over 100 publications including Vibrant Life, Jugglezine, Parents' Monthly, and Writers Weekly. She also teaches magazine writing classes, coaches writers, and speaks to writing and parenting groups. You can find out more about Ms. Bowden by visiting her website at MelanieBowden.com.

The topic of the show was "Why Didn't Anyone Tell Me?" Ms. Bowden and I discussed some of the things that we wish someone would have told us before we became mothers. Ms. Bowden also shared information from her interviews with other mothers about the things they wished someone would have told them when they became mothers for the first time.

Here is the link to the interview: New Mom Central Talk Radio and Melanie Bowden. 



Original post on New Mom Central.

Advice from "Real Moms"

When I was pregnant, and then as a new mom, I liked nothing better than receiving advice from other mothers because I knew that their advice came from tried and true methods. Of course, I didn't always go along with everything I heard, but I found a lot of it to be very helpful.

Here is some more advice from moms who have "been there, done that."


"Do not rush your baby's growth and development. I couldn't wait until she crawled, walked, talked, etc. Now she is three and I miss the baby stage so much."

Michele, mother of 1



"You will cry for no reason. Accept help when it's offered!!! You are NOT supermom, no one is."

Stephanie, mother of 2


"When you're in the hospital the baby latches on like a pro, but then may have issues when home! I don't know why, but that happened with both my boys! My advice would be that nursing hurts, but only for a few days, and be sure to call the lactation nurse OFTEN!! When you need help, they are very helpful."

Beverly, mother of 2

BOOK REVIEW: "Mama Knows Breast: A Beginner's Guide to Breastfeeding," by Andi Silverman

Learning how to breastfeed your baby takes practice and persistence. But it also takes a mentor, someone who can teach you the basics, as well as help you navigate the unique problems you may encounter. Andi Silverman is that mentor.

Even if you have been breastfeeding for a while, the invaluable advice and tips offered in this book will help you iron out any problems you may be having so that you can enjoy breastfeeding your baby even more.

"Mama Knows Breast" is a virtual breastfeeding manual that is based on Silverman’s own experiences, as well as input from other breastfeeding moms. Her intention was to write a book that addresses the issues she wished someone had told her, but the end result is a virtual compendium that covers everything from the basics to more complicated issues such as how to breastfeed if you have had breast augmentation. There is even a chapter called “Answering Your Questions” that addresses just about any question on breastfeeding you might have!

Although the main focus of Silverman’s book is breastfeeding, she takes a holistic approach that includes practical advice on how to care for yourself, as well as tips for adjusting to the lifestyle changes that are brought about once your baby arrives.

The book is written in what I like to call a girlfriendese style, making you feel like Ms. Silverman is speaking to you directly. It is succinct, straightforward, and easy to understand.

Mama Knows Breast is a must-have book for every breastfeeding mother. It’s the closest thing you can get to a lactation consultant without paying for one!


Original post on New Mom Central.