The Parent Voice

Before my daughter was born, I had heard of elimination communication (EC) but quickly wrote it off as not for us. Then 10 months ago it became something I do with my daughter, and I wish we had started sooner! I would love to share with you what elimination communication is, its purpose, and some basic information on getting started.

I remember asking my midwife many “Is this normal?” questions during the first days and weeks after my daughter was born. There was a lot I did not know about how newborns look and act.

Technology plays a significant role in our culture, and we want to model healthy boundaries for our child. 

Kids always make me smile, especially with some of the things they say. When I go to the schools to do the sealant program, I hear all sorts of things.

Recently, in the Live and Learn with Your Baby class I attend, we listened to a guest speaker, Marissa, discuss body safety. It can be a difficult topic to talk about (or even think about), but it is essential for the safety and well -being of our kids. I am grateful for a class that was willing to approach this topic so that I could feel more confident about keeping my daughter safe, and so I want to share what I learned.

Before using cloth diapers, I had no idea how to begin, so I wanted to expand a bit for those interested but overwhelmed by the idea of using cloth diapers. My top tips are to pick the type of diaper that works for you, ensure you get a good fit on your baby, and figure out a wash routine to keep your diapers clean.

People can have cavities and gum disease long before experiencing pain and discomfort. Once a person feels pain or their permanent (adult) tooth is mobile, the disease process is much more complicated to treat.

One common concern is the cost of raising children. Contrary to popular belief, I do not believe babies have to be as expensive as some people think. Babies do not need the best of everything. They need the best of you - your love and attention.

Your relationship will likely look a little different in the postpartum season, and that is okay. This does not mean neglecting your marriage; communicate with each other and find what works for you as a couple.

It was easy to find information about what to expect immediately postpartum, but I did not see much about recovery after the first few months. I felt like my body was permanently damaged and worried that I would always have discomfort.