Sick with the flu? Keep nursing!

Flu season reinforces the importance of breastfeeding to provide a stream of live antibodies from mom to baby. Medical authorities such as the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine agree that mom should continue nursing as normal during illness, including seasonal influenza or H1N1 type. See the link and keep nursing, DC mamas!

Taking a minute (or five)

So, as I was getting ready to walk out the door this morning, briefcase and breastpump in hand, my soon-to-be one year old boy, Luke, started pulling on my jacket, crying, "Mama!" I was running late -- rushing around taking care of all of the last minute stuff that occupies my mornings (cut up fruit for Luke, make sure his clothes are laid out, give diaper bag to the nanny, feed the dog) -- and thinking about my 10:30 meeting. But, the night before, I had re-read some portions of one of my favorite books: Everyday Blessings: The Inner Work of Mindful Parenting, by Jon and Myla Kabat-Zinn. So, I stopped. Took a minute. Focused on being completely there for him, even for just a few extra minutes. Held him on my lap, kissed his little curls, and tried to absorb all of him for a bit longer.

I still left for work, only five minutes later, and he still tugged on me -- my pant leg this time -- but I felt better. I like to think he did too.

Dr. Christianne Northrup: Reclaim Your Right to Birth Right!

For a doctor's perspective on the idea that natural birth IS normal birth, check out this Huffington Post article by Christianne Northrup, MD.

Welcome!

Welcome to WISDOM Women's Health Collective!  We're excited to connect with other like-minded folks in the Washington, DC region.  On this blog, we'll update you with WWHC events, classes, workshops plus provide our links to things we're reading, listening to, or learning about.