The "S" Word

"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." Hebrews 13:16

I have two "S" words to talk about that many don't like to talk about: "Stay-at-Home" Mom and an even bigger one, "Sacrifice".  I have recently been so encouraged that I am doing the right thing by staying at home with my two daughters.  Within the last couple of months two ladies told me they are quitting their full-time professional careers to stay-at-home with their kids...because "it's just not worth working".  I know this is such a touchy subject for some, and I totally understand.  I do not mean to get up on my soap-box and shake my finger at working moms, but God has impressed upon me to encourage any mom who wants to be encourage that staying at home with your kids (of any age) totally out-weighs any benefit of working outside the home.
I was just researching online for articles of the pros and cons of staying at home and raising your kids yourself.  I have found way more pros than cons.  Here are just a few.  I have attached links to a few articles as well.
Benefits:
Healthier Children
Stronger bond between child(ren) and parent
Child(ren) have a greater sense of security, which leads to greater trust
More time to have fun with your kids, make lasting and meaningful memories
Children develop (intellectually, etc.) faster
Assurance of the high quality of care and the attention your child is getting
You are teaching them YOUR morals and values
Better behaved children
Less stress for parents
Calmer schedule for the whole family
Better nutrition for the whole family
this list goes on and on....

Some may say that they just can't not work...due to financial reasons or in fear that they will lose their identity or they fear they will be lonely at home.  I can 100% assure you that God will take care of you in all these areas....He has for me and so many other women.  I totally understand that single-moms can't stay-at-home or women with husbands that can't physically work.  But if you have a spouse who works and receives (or can receive) health insurance....you CAN stay at home and raise your children.  Sacrifices may have to be made, but the benefits totally out-weigh any short-term sacrifices.  Your children are only at home till they are age 5 or 6.  That is such a short window of time for you to set a firm and healthy foundation for them.  And such a short time span for you to make any financial sacrifices. You will have the rest of your life to work.

Cost of daycare:
On average, U.S. parents pay more than $679 a month, or a whopping $8,150 a year, to send their babies and toddlers to full-time daycare, according to a report from the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (NACCRRA). Depending on where you live and the child care center you choose, you could end up shelling out up to $14,000 a year. Ouch!

Read more: http://www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/1209/Staying-Home-Vs.-Daycare-A-Financial-Conundrum.aspx#ixzz1sWI79HXf

Many women I talk to who work full-time say they are so rushed at night that they have no time to make dinner after work, so they fork over lots of $$$ each month just for going out to eat....money that could be saved if they ate at home.  To save $$$ if you stay-at-home....set a budget, meal plan, use coupons and/or ad match.  Just ask me about any of these and I will give you lots of info/suggestions.

For many ladies with a few sacrifices and a few changes in lifestyle they find that being a stay-at-home mom is more financially beneficial than anything.  "If it's God's will, it's God's bill"....meaning God will always supply your needs!

Pray about your situation and listen to what God wants for you and your family.  And take heart,  God has a great plan for you and your family.

Info from a great article : "New parents are overwhelmed with the onslaught of child relating expenses including baby gear, clothing, diapers, and medical bills. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, raising a child from birth to age 2 costs $13,400 a year. So how can families cut back and survive on less income and endure these added costs?
The common myth is that if both parents work, there will be more income.
But this is not always the case. If you add up the numbers, oftentimes you are not getting ahead financially by working and paying daycare.
When you subtract childcare costs, auto expenses, dry cleaning and other work related expenses many find they are not making that much by working outside the home.
The truth is that we trap ourselves into thinking that we need two incomes to survive. Whether it’s keeping up with the Jones’ or buying high tech toys, it seems when you make more, you spend more. When our income increases, instead of banking the difference, we raise our standard of living.
The pressures of dual working parents can weigh on a family. Sometimes working mothers feel guilty for wanting to work away from home. Then there is the issue of balance. Juggling the pressures of work and home can be tough. Trying to make sure meals are made, the house is clean, and the bills get paid between running kids to soccer practice is trying."
http://www.bizymoms.com/articles/benefits-of-stay-at-home-mom.html
Other resources:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/76084-child-care-vs.-stay-home/
http://homeparents.about.com/cs/stayathomemoms/a/benefits_2.htm

Highly Recommended Reading

This is an amazing blog post, by the "Desiring God" website, that has just shaken my world.  I highly recommend all mothers to read it.  God has a great plan for moms and it is a high calling.  Motherhood is calling....how are you responding?
http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/motherhood-is-a-calling-and-where-your-children-rank

MSPI Encouragement

Many mothers have the frustrating issue of their baby suffering with a "milk intolerance", more specifically a  Milk and Soy Protein Intolerance (aka M.S.P.I).  This is more and more common in babies these days and but is fortunately a intolerance they grow out of, unlike a lactose intolerance (not as common). Both of my daughters have dealt with the milk and soy protein intolerance.  It does seem to be a common factor in families.  My first daughter was put on Nutramigen formula because my doctor at the time did not tell me I could change my diet and still nurse her.  I got wise with my second daughter and got pointers from a lactation consultant.  She too had MSPI, but with diet changes I have been able to nurse her  for 11 months and counting :) The best thing to do when you suspect this is an issue is to see your doctor and a lactation consultant, AND MOST IMPORTANT is know that you CAN still nurse your baby.  It will take some sacrifices and some patience, but it is totally do-able. Remember God never gives you more than you can handle and He will bless you for your sacrifices.  

Here is a list of ingredients to avoid and foods that are MSPI friendly/safe to eat.  This is not a complete list of MSPI friendly foods, but simply ones that my family found to be good for us. 

Please comment on this post if you have any more questions or want more info.

MSPI Diet

Ingredients you HAVE TO VOID: milk, cream, milk solids, nonfat dry milk, casein/caseinate, whey, milk chocolate, butter, lactalbumin, textured vegetable protein, soy flour, soy protein, soy protein isolate, soy beans, soy caseinate

Ingredients/products that are safe: soy oil, soy lecithin (b/c these are oils), can have rice milk, almond milk, and hemp milk

MSPI Friendly Foods:  *check this website out for lots more http://intolerantoffspring.com/tips-and-tidbits/favorite-products-list.html

Dressings:

Dorothy Lynch- salads, baked chicken, flavoring for tacos, etc,

Honey Mustard Dressing- just double check label as each brand may be different

Raspberry Vinaigrette- dbl. ck label

Italian- dbl. ck label

Breads/Rolls/Chips:

Mission brand flour and corn tortilla chips

Lays Potato Chips- plain and BBQ flavors only

Pillsbury Crescent Rolls-(not buttermilk flavor)- not sure if dinner rolls are ok.

Rhoades Rolls “Dinner Rolls”- found in freezer section- great for sandwiches, homemade runzas, monkey bread, rolls, etc.

Corn Tortillas- (flour tortillas may have milk proteins/or soy protein in them- just dbl. ck.)- for tacos, etc.

Bisquick Original and HeartSmart

We make homemade biscuits and pancakes (with the rice milk and best life butter- so it was MSPI friendly)   *ask for recipes if you want them.

“Milk” products:

Rice Dreams Rice Milk- in refrigerated section or on shelf in cereal or baking isle

Almond Milk- many brands of this- in refrig. section

Best Life Buttery Spread- by the other butters/margarines @ wal-mart

Cereals/Oatmeal:

Many cereals are MSPI safe- just dbl. ck. Ingred. List (generic brands are usually not safe b/c could contain traces)

Oatmeal- best to stick with the rolled oats and cook them from scratch and then add your own flavorings/ingred.

Snack Food:

Oreos, fruit snacks, twizzlers, etc .- ck. Ingred. lists

* note most off-brand foods can contain traces of milk and/or soy proteins, so it is best to avoid them. 

Great Recipes: http://www.mspimama.com/

Eating out:

Most food is not MSPI friendly- check the restaurants website for ingredients/allergy list before you go.

Arbys- curly fries and chocolate turnover (strange I know) are the only MSPI friendly food.

Wendy’s – fries, chili, hamburger, there is another sandwich that I have but can’t remember its name and its not listed on their website.

Mc Donalds- a few breakfast foods- ck their website

Burger King- no MSPI friendly foods.

Taco Bell – fresco bean burrito, fresco burrito supreme (chicken only), fresco chicken soft taco, cinnamon twists

Other Mexican Resturants – i.e. El Puerto- get a fajita with no cheese and ask for corn tortilla instead of flour, make sure nothing is breaded.

Runza- “Aztec” salad  (b/c  its grilled chicken and no cheese) with Honey Mustard dressing

Quiznos- many MSPI friendly foods, just check their website

Colds and Babies

To help alleviate cold symptoms: 

1. Pray for quick healing
2. Put saline nasal drops or mist in your baby’s nose to loosen clogged mucus (example product "Ayr")
3. Use a suction bulb to gently extract excess mucus when needed (when you can see a big glob plugging up his nostril) - especially if they are having trouble breathing while eating
4. Raise the head of your baby’s crib mattress by putting a couple of pillows underneath the mattress
5. Run a cool mist humidifier in the child's room while they sleep
6. Give lots of Tender Loving Care
7. Offer lots of fluids- breast milk/formula, water, and Pedialyte (if child is over 6 mo. of age)
8. Rub a dime sized amount of Vick's vapor rub on their chest
9. If fever exists, use proper dosage of Acetaminophen
10. Do not give cold medicine to children under the age of 4 years

 When to call the doctor:

• If your baby is less than three months old and has a temperature of 100.4° or higher, call the doctor immediately. A baby this young needs to be checked for serious infection or disease.
• If your baby is between three months and three years, call your doctor if his temperature reaches 101.5° or higher.
• Also call if you suspect an earache or if you see that your child is in extreme discomfort, is very lethargic, has a seizure, has developed greenish-yellow nasal discharge or a phlegmy/wheezy cough, or is having trouble breathing.

Resources:
http://www.whattoexpect.com/childrens-health-and-safety/childrens-colds.aspx

What to Expect the First Year  written by the authors of  What to Expect When You're Expecting http://www.amazon.com/What-Expect-First-Arlene-Eisenberg/dp/0894805770

God Still Heals

James 5: 14-15 "Are any of you sick?  You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord.  Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well."

Please excuse my grumbling, but I tell you, I am just sick of being sick.  And I am sick of having little ones that are sick.  The saying is true..."when it rains, it pours".  Here has been our last couple of weeks.  Tues: Tessa, my 4 yr. old, came down with a horrible cold with lots of congestion;  Fri: Gillian, my 9 mo. old, came down with a cold as well;  Sat: we take Gillian to the doctor for an ear infection;  Sun:  I come down with the stomach flu;  Mon: I'm still sick & the girls are still full of gunk;  Tues: I go to the doctor for strep throat;  Wed: I get a cold too!  It truly felt like we were living in some kind of crazy horror movie.  Our lives were in ciaos....and my poor husband....bless his heart.  Praise God, today we all feel a lot better.

God planted a seed in my mind, via our nurse practitioner, on Saturday when we took Gillian to convenient care for her ear infection.  She said that Americans actually over-treat ear infections.  She told us she could prescribe an antibiotic or we could wait a couple days to see if the infection cleared up on its own.  I, of course, did not want to deal with a fussy child, so I asked for a prescription.  At the time I was not acting in faith, but acting in the moment of despair and fear.  Now, with a clear mind, I wonder why do we over treat/medicate infections and illnesses?  Why do we run so quickly to the doctor?  Do we lack faith?  Do we think God can't heal us?

James writes in chapter 5 (see verse at top of post) that a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick.  God does heal the sick.   Some may say, "God created brilliant minds to create medicine".  (Be cautious....check out 2 Chronicles 16:12 to see why Asa displeased God).  This statement is true.  Sometimes there is a time and place for medicine; and it is most certainly a part of God's plan to heal some.   It does seem that we don't see as many miraculous healings today as we read about in the Bible.  But we do know God is a god of His word.  If His Word says He will heal....He will heal.  God calls us to "walk by faith, not by sight" 2 Corinthians 5:7.

There are testimonies of God healing cancer and diseases that just bring me to tears.  My question is, "Why limit our faith and only call on Him to heal the "big" stuff?".  Can He not heal my little baby's cold?  Can't he heal my strep throat?  I encourage you to before you run to the doctor, get down on your knees and pray for healing.  Ask your spouse or a loved one to join you in laying hands on your little one, and pray fervently for healing.  Ask fellow believers to pray for the healing you need.  Call on God to be your "Great Physician"....that is one of the names of our great and powerful Lord.  Maybe God will urge you to go to the doctor after your time in prayer....maybe He will ask you to wait and walk by faith. Either way, healing will come and we will praise Him for it.

I'm wondering if my lack of faith allowed our time of sickness to be prolonged.  Maybe if I had fell to my knees on Tuesday, when Tessa came down with the cold,  God would have stopped it all right then and there.  I guess I will never know; but I am sure that the next time one of us gets sick, I am running first to my "Great Physician", not to my greatly over-priced physician ;)

"for I am the Lord, who heals you." Exodus 15:26
"The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results."  James 5:16

Wisdom from Above

"If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you.  He will not rebuke you for asking."  James 1:5

I have to tell you from the start, that in writing these devotions/blogs, I am totally out of my comfort zone.  I am in no way an expert at breastfeeding, but I do have a calling to do it.  Several months ago, God started nudging me to write devotions for breastfeeding moms.  I first thought it would be in a book form, so I starting brainstorming topics and gathering materials.  Yet I kept putting off writing any form of a complete devotional....I was fearful.  I feared that I don't have the kind of wisdom or knowledge it takes to create a nursing devotional.
Through a Bible study I am doing, the book of James has been showing me that all the wisdom we need comes from above.  Not wisdom from ourselves, or from others....just from Him.  So, I started.  As I was looking for scriptural material for this devotion, I came upon the lyrics of the old hymn "Trust and Obey".  By no means am I lover of old hymns, but the its words speak volumes to the amount of trust we need to have in Christ, and the imperative need for us to obey all He calls us to do.
You may be sitting there reading this (and possibly nursing your precious baby at this very moment) questioning whether you have the wisdom it takes to nurse your little one through all the struggles.  Will I have wisdom to handle let-down frustrations?  Will I have the wisdom needed to jump the hurdles of low milk supply?  Will I have the wisdom for anything that comes my way?  The answer is YES!  God has called you to breastfeed your baby.  Trust and obey.  He is all you need in your times of need.
Whenever I doubt in my ability to continue nursing my daughter, I have to remind myself that there were not books like "What to Expect The First Year", or the aid of a lactation consultants hundreds of years ago....yet, women were breastfeeding their babies....and they were successful at it.  God gave them wisdom and He will give you wisdom too.  Like James 1:5 says, you just have to ask Him for it.  We don't need self-confidence....we need God-confidence.  "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9.
I encourage you today to have peace in knowing that God has all the wisdom you need, and He is so ready to give it to you...just ask Him for it.

Suggested Prayer:
Dear God,  I come to you asking for wisdom.  I am struggling with__________.  I don't have the wisdom in me to handle all that comes with nursing this beautiful baby you have given me.  I do know you have ALL the wisdom I need.  Please grant me the peace and discernment that I need.  Speak to me and guide me in the direction you want me to go.  I love you Lord, and I thank you in advance for the answers you are going to give me.  Amen.

Link to "Trust and Obey" lyrics http://4praise.com/cgi-bin/files/lyr/2699.htm
Link to "Trust and Obey" video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYVoVD8kLiY

The Beginning

I am so excited to create this blog to share with other nursing moms how God is encouraging me, and what He is wanting me to encourage you with.  Every few days I am will create a devotion that will bring God's Word into context with the daily struggles and triumphs we go through in nursing our little ones.  Practical advice, information from experts, and links to resources will be added in; and I will try to share some of my experiences as well.  I have two beautiful daughters...Tessa, 4 1/2 (the 1/2 is so important to her), and Gillian, 8 months.  I was only able to nurse Tessa for 3 weeks before we realized she had MSPI (milk and soy protein intolerance).  For the rest of her infancy she was on very expensive formula.  While I was pregnant with Gillian, a lactation consultant gave me priceless advice and information, and by the grace of God I have been able to exclusively breastfeed Gillian, even though she has had MSPI also.  I have gone through many ups and downs with nursing along with trying to stay on top of everything else happening in my life. God truly is my source of energy and sanity.  I hope I can give you verses, Spirit-led words of encouragement, and some practical advice to help you enjoy the fabulous opportunity to breastfeed your precious little one.  I look forward to going on the journey with you!