Being able to breastfeed my children is an incredible privilege. Breast milk is a very complex and beneficial substance that contains nutrients, growth factors, hormones, enzymes, and other substances that are immune-protective (source). Moreover, human breasts have the astounding ability to produce milk that dynamically responds to changing … [Read more...] about Why You Should Consider Donating Breast Milk
babies
Thriving Amid the Messes of Motherhood
Being a mother means facing one mess after another. There are poopy diapers, floors covered in toys, appliances covered in greasy handprints, backseats strewn with snack crumbs, and bedsheets soiled with vomit. When I work to get one of these messes cleaned up, you can be certain my kids are busy making the others! Literal messes are … [Read more...] about Thriving Amid the Messes of Motherhood
A Skill You Must Master In Order to Get Things Done When You Have Young Kids
There are a lot of skills you must master when you become a parent. You eventually get comfortable and confident in your new role and are able to balance parenthood with all of the other tasks you face. I felt I arrived at this point about the time I found out I was expecting my second child. Learning how to mother two little blessings … [Read more...] about A Skill You Must Master In Order to Get Things Done When You Have Young Kids
How to Keep Your Cool When Your Baby Won’t Stop Crying
If you’ve ever had a newborn, then it doesn’t surprise you to hear that babies cry. Sometimes they cry quite a bit. In fact, sometimes they cry inconsolably for hours with no apparent reason for the crying. There are many great articles out there that suggest strategies to calm fussy newborns (see a couple examples here and here). That … [Read more...] about How to Keep Your Cool When Your Baby Won’t Stop Crying
Another Blessing Has Arrived!
Though I still have posts publishing regularly, Of The Hearth’s social media pages have been pretty quiet this past week because I’ve been a little busy with this precious one: We welcomed our second daughter, Nitara Irene, on June 24th. Nitara means “deeply rooted” and Irene means “peace.” She weighed 8 lbs 7 oz and was 19 in … [Read more...] about Another Blessing Has Arrived!
Things to Consider When Deciding Whether or Not to Cloth Diaper (Part 2)
Last week we began looking at factors that parents should consider when deciding if disposable or cloth diapers are best for their families. We discussed the financial implications of cloth diapering, if cloth diapers are “greener” than disposables, and what it takes to wash cloth diapers. Let’s examine two additional factors today: … [Read more...] about Things to Consider When Deciding Whether or Not to Cloth Diaper (Part 2)
Things to Consider When Deciding Whether or Not to Cloth Diaper (Part 1)
Many couples know what type of diapers they will use before they even become pregnant. They know there is absolutely no way they will use cloth diapers or they feel strongly that cloth is the only way to go. Other couples need to engage in lengthy deliberations before deciding which are best for their families. My husband and I found … [Read more...] about Things to Consider When Deciding Whether or Not to Cloth Diaper (Part 1)
Getting Time with Your Spouse When You Have No Babysitter for the Kids
One-on-one time with your spouse is beneficial in any marriage relationship, but it takes on new importance and is particularly elusive for parents of young children. At first glance, it seems like finding alone time is simple: Just leave the kids with a sitter for a few hours! However, for many couples, this is easier said than … [Read more...] about Getting Time with Your Spouse When You Have No Babysitter for the Kids
