Inexplicable Ways

Humbly building the universe

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  • Upcoming Childbirth Classes

    Hypnobabies class beginning February in Greenville. Six Tuesday nights from 6pm-9pm. Registration is open. Email for details j_byers(at)bellsouth(dot)net.

    Hypnobabies class beginning mid-March in Greer. Six Thursday nights from 6pm-9pm. Email for details j_byers(at)bellsouth(dot)net.

    Childbirth Crash Course: Dec 3 at 9:30am in Greenville. Email me for details.

    Parenting Series: Breastfeeding, postpartum, baby care, and more. Six classes to choose from or come to all. http://inexplicableways.com/2011/10/28/new-classes/

    Positive discipline for toddlers workshop: Dec 10 in Greenville at 10am. Email me.

    If you don't see a class to meet your schedule, you can contact me for a private class or get together some pregnant friends for a group class.
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Archive for January, 2010

Amber Teething Necklaces

Posted by Inexplicable Ways on January 31, 2010

So what is the deal with those necklaces all the babies are wearing these days?

They are baltic amber teething necklaces.  And no, they are not meant for tots to gnaw on.  The necklace isn’t a teething toy. 

Amber contains succinic acid which is an analgesic and purported healing agent.  As the amber rubs against the baby’s warm skin, it releases oil rich with succinic acid.  Used more commonly in Europe, this homeopathic remedy is non-invasive and, well, stylish. 

Does it work?  I don’t know.  It doesn’t hurt.  And the necklaces are sweet.  Teething bites and frankly, I’ll try anything.  Except orajel.  I tried that with Norah and managed to get her in her eye.  Bad mama moment. 

When looking for a safe amber necklace for your baby, select one that is knotted between each bead.  If the necklace should break, the bead won’t be an immediate choking hazard.  It is recommended that the necklace be removed when children sleep.  If children are chewing on the beads, the necklace should be removed as the amber may chip.

I have purchased several products from Inspired by Finn and have been very pleased with their quick shipping, frequent discounts, and quality.  Plus, it is a work-at-home-mama outfit.  Pick up a pair of babylegs while you’re there.   No, I didn’t receive anything to promote her store!

Posted in Natural Living, Products and Gear | Tagged: , | 12 Comments »

Letting off some steam

Posted by Inexplicable Ways on January 31, 2010

You simply must listen to this song.  I’ve been loving it so these last few months.

Posted in Music | 1 Comment »

A few of my favorite posts over the years

Posted by Inexplicable Ways on January 30, 2010

My very first post:

The purpose of this blog–wow, why am I doing this?  I suppose it is because I have benefitted from other mom’s blogs.  They have graciously given me a glimpse into their homes and lives; assuring me that it is normal for a baby not to sleep through the night, that it is ok to sometimes still wear your pj’s at 3pm, and that it is a good sign that your toddler “nurses” inanimate objects–she will be a great nurturer one day. 

So, here goes…I’m offering a gift in kind–a peak into our life in all its fantastic energy.  We are a work in progress. 

And then some favorite posts:

When Norah got a pea stuck in her nose

The day my lost baby was due

Why I wish doulas didn’t exist

Living poo free (and yes, I still do)

Babywearing dinos

The time Norah got stuck in a shopping cart

So You Want to be a Doula

My sister’s guest post on modern day slavery

Adventures of Dr. Polo Shirt

Work Blunders

How to Prepare for a Hospital Birth

A very honest look at going from one kid to two

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

Twin Day–2/2/10

Posted by Inexplicable Ways on January 30, 2010

Are you pregnant with twins?  Or do you know someone who is?

Acupuncture Center of Greenville will host a special Twin Day just for mamas expecting twins on 2/2 from 4pm-6pm.  The event is FREE and will include free acupuncture and henna art.  I’ll be there to talk about birth options and resources. 

Acupuncture is an excellent health choice for pregnant women.  Chinese medicine can help with specific pregnancy complaints but more than that, it can create an empowering and positive experience of holistic well-being..

Don’t miss out on a special day for these special women!

Posted in Pregnancy | Leave a Comment »

The Break Up

Posted by Inexplicable Ways on January 27, 2010

My sister broke up with her OB this week.  She still hasn’t decided where she will birth but she knows it won’t be at the giant, high c-section rate baby factory–the only place her OB delivers. 

Her regular doctor wasn’t in so she saw another woman in the practice.  The break up went something like this:

Noelle:  I don’t want to deliver at __________.

Doc:  Oh, well, um that’s where we deliver.  Where were you thinking of going?

Noelle:  I’m considering a homebirth.

Doc (with a look of pity):  I don’t think you’ll find any midwives around here.

Noelle:  I know several midwives around here.

Doc:  Not licensed ones.

Noelle:  Yes, licensed ones.

Doc:  Well.  I think you should talk with Dr. _____ [your regular OB].  I’m sure she would be willing to let you try for a natural birth.

Dear reader, please let that settle, won’t you?  I’m sure she would be willing to let you try for a natural birth. 

Sigh.

Posted in Birth, Family, Pregnancy | 9 Comments »

Red Lobster on Wade Hampton Rd in Greenville

Posted by Inexplicable Ways on January 27, 2010

What a friendly place!

Not only do they serve great food but they also provide a complimentary cloth napkin to put over your baby’s head!

Yes, it is true.  Free cloth napkins so that no one else in the restaurant has to see a baby eating his meal. 

This week, at our friendly Red Lobster, my dear friend nursed her fretful baby.  After she finished, the General Manager popped over and placed a cloth napkin on my friend’s table.  Ms. Helpful Manager patted it and said quietly, “In case you want to nurse again.”  And then fled to the kitchen. 

It seems Mr. and Mrs. Old Grumpypants a few tables away didn’t appreciate seeing a baby nurse and complained.  Rather than offering them a different table, Ms. Helpful Manager chose to embarrass a mother. 

I have some thoughts.  (Surprised?)

1)  Don’t mess with mothers of babies.  Period.  It is the most difficult role on the planet and should be treated with respect.

2)  It really doesn’t matter what you THINK about nursing in public.  Nursing in public is protected by SC LAW.  I don’t really like that my neighbor shoots guns in his backyard but he is protected by law.  Nothing I can do about it.  You don’t like it?  Don’t look.

3)  Again…many babies won’t nurse under cover.  And (see #2) they don’t have to. 

4)  The World Health Organization, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and others recommend that babies be fed “on demand.”  That means that the baby knows when he’s hungry better than we do.  So let the baby eat when he chooses–regardless of convenience or audience.

Please remember:  breastfeeding would not be such a big deal if it was a normal part of our daily interactions.  The more mamas who nurse in public, the less likely that my daughters will be made to feel ashamed one day when they nurse my grandchildren. 

If you work in a business:  leave the mamas alone. 

If you’re uncomfortable around a nursing mama:  see my post on nursing etiquette

Kudos to you, Red Lobster.  I give you the BPA-laden, plastic bottle of formula award.

Posted in Breastfeeding, Food | Tagged: , , | 4 Comments »

iBirth

Posted by Inexplicable Ways on January 23, 2010

Interesting.  iBirth is a virtual childbirth class and doula.  Anyone tried it?

Meanwhile, is there an app for everything??

Yes, apparently.

Posted in Products and Gear | Tagged: | 3 Comments »

Attached

Posted by Inexplicable Ways on January 22, 2010

  There is no such thing as a baby.  There is a baby and a someone.

                                                                                   –Dr. Donald Winnicott

Posted in Parenting | Tagged: | 1 Comment »

The Continuing Saga of a Young Pregnant Couple

Posted by Inexplicable Ways on January 19, 2010

I’m going to keep blogging about them until I’m told to stop!  Hee hee.

In the continuing saga of Noelle and Zach’s first pregnancy:

Noelle found out she is not eligible for FMLA.  Or rather, the small not-for-profit company for whom she works is not required to participate in FMLA.  So no maternity leave that way.

They are, like many couples, wading through their birth options.  The doctor she normally sees only delivers at the large public hospital with a fairly high c-section rate.  She assumed her insurance would cover a freestanding birth center but nope.  Not gonna happen.  A homebirth is a reasonably priced choice–and of course, comes with the added bonus of a low intervention rate–but will still cost considerably more than her out-of-pocket at a hospital.  Choices.  Choices. 

Stay tuned.

In happier news, Noelle and Zach did get to see their wee poppy seed via an 8 week ultrasound.  And got a DVD recording of it to forever keep.  Fancy schmancy!

Posted in Family, Pregnancy | 4 Comments »

Morning Glory

Posted by Inexplicable Ways on January 15, 2010

I’m so happy to announce an exciting new class beginning in February taught by Ashley–the same crafty mama I blogged about in December

Morning Glory Parent-Tot Group
For children ages 1-3 1/2 with a parent, grandparent or caregiver.

A parent-tot group is a nurturing environment where adults attend with their child for play, mealtime and conversation with others on early childhood topics. The small group, limited to 7 families, fosters community and offers a space of support for families. We can further our bonds with our children while cultivating community with others. It is a time to retreat from the busyness of the world and focus our minds on ourselves, our children, and our small group in a warm, lovely environment.

Join us for 2 1/4 hours on Tuesday mornings in our “classroom” – a cozy little guest house on a gorgeous private property in North Greenville’s Green Valley subdivision. Together we will:

~ explore Nature’s beauty as we discover magic hidden around every turn on our group nature walk

~ engage in both outdoor and indoor play with toys made of natural materials

~ learn interactive games, songs, verses and rhymes that reflect the changing seasons; you can take these home and immediately bring into your family life

~ cook and share a nutritious group snack using whole grains, fruits and veggies (organic when available), and herbal teas – all snacks provided

~ work on an adult craft to share with your child (handmade toys are the best gift for a young one-when made by a loved one it’s even better!)

~ experience puppet shows with beautiful, lovingly created all natural puppets

~ spark conversations on parenting and early childhood topics

~ learn the importance of rhythm and purposeful work as a method of guidance, worthy of imitation by our young children

Adults are asked to actively participate in all aspects of the group to provide a healthy model for learning through imitation by the children. Adults will have opportunities to observe, as well as engage in, their child’s play while contemplating their developmental needs. Snack and craft time conversations will focus on early childhood topics previously decided upon by the group. Families have the opportunity to take home photocopies of related articles and all of the songs/rhymes/verses/games for further reading and reference.

The session includes:
Adult Orientation on Saturday, February 6th 9:30-11am
six group classes on Tuesday mornings beginning February 9th – March 23rd 9:15-11:30am
the possibility of one more adult only class later in the session
all snacks and craft materials
handouts for adult reference

Cost:
$125 for one adult with a child
Additional children/adults in the same family may attend.  A discounted fee is offered. 

Please contact Ashley for more information or to register at waldorfmama[at]gmail[dot]com.

Posted in Green Living, Natural Living, Parenting, Play | 6 Comments »

 
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