We thought you might want to “meet” our friends at Joyful Motherhood who got this party started in the first place. This is a short video explaining (in their words) what they do.  Enjoy!

It’s not too late to DONATE to Joyful Motherhood. Click here!

And please help us spread the word. Share this email with your mama friends. The more. The merrier!

Mother’s Day is just around the corner!
We are inviting you to get your CELEBRATION ON with us! Read below for details:)

Your Baby Booty has partnered up with Joyful Motherhood (a Malawan non-profit) under the umbrella of African Mother’s Health Initiatives.

Why? You Ask.

Because….We stand behind the incredible work they are doing to help mamas and babies in Malawi, one of the poorest countries in Africa.

In honor of Mother’s Day, we’re raising $2,000 smackers on behalf of Joyful Motherhood. That’s a good chunk of change. Moms across the ocean, who have little babies, just like us, (and orphaned babies too) need some help. Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing glimpses of the work Joyful Motherhood does in Malawi.
———————————————————————————————–

You Won’t Believe This Birth Story

One mama in Malawi was pregnant. Her labor started, she lived near the main road leading to the hospital but couldn’t afford the $1.00 bus fare to get there.

She went to her neighbors to trade a piece of cloth she owned for $1.00 so she could get to the hospital.

No one took her up on her offer.

She started walking. The hospital was 6 miles away.

She was in labor.

She felt birth was close, so she walked towards some women working in a field.

They helped deliver her triplets on a piece of plastic on the ground. On the side the road.

Can you imagine?

All because she didn’t have $1.00 to take a bus to the hospital.

The Good News?

After several hours of sitting under a tree with her three new babies, someone gave her a ride to the hospital. It was there that Joyful Motherhood found out about her and stepped in to help her.

They provided her with breastfeeding support and supplemental formula. They did follow up care (at her house in the village) to make sure her babies were growing. They taught her and her community members how to wear her three babies (kangaroo care), to improve their chance for survival. They came to her village and taught her (and her community) the importance of good sanitation, mosquito nets and getting vaccinations. If necessary they provided medicine and extra food for the family.

Joyful Motherhood was there.

If you feel compelled, please donate (click here) & spread the word (share this email!). These mamas thank you from the bottom of their hearts…and so do we!

 by Valentina Pollard of Just Breathe…

My baby girls garner quite a bit of attention when we are out and about. There is definitely something about a double stroller, or one baby on each hip, that draws people to you. Often, along with sweet ohhs and ahhs, we also receive comments like “I bet you have your hands full!” and “You’re so lucky – 2 in 1 and you’re done!”

My hands are incredibly full.

And, I am extremely lucky.

But.

Am I done?

Part of me (err: ALL of me) wants more.

B.A.B.I.E.S.

Just one…

…or two…more.

I vacillate between feeling incredibly guilty for being so greedy as to want more babies (when I was so blessed to have two perfectly healthy ones) and picking out names for our as-of-yet-unborn additional babies.

And the names are gorgeous.

If we never have another child, I will continue to be the happiest mother in the world. But, I (not so secretly) hope we do. I look at Daphne and Poppy and know that they would be such wonderful big sisters to a little girl (could I be so lucky as to have 3 beautiful blooms?) or to an adorable little boy (oh goodness, a little mud covered, mischievous boy…how divine!).

When we were trying to get pregnant, I promised (in my countless, pleading prayers) that I’d never beg for another baby if I could just have one healthy pregnancy and a baby (or two!). Yet here I am, less than a year into motherhood, wanting more. I am not begging (and not trying, either, for those of you wondering)…but I am definitely wanting.

This longing leaves me thinking: Instead of a pre-baby vacation, I think babymoon should be a term used to describe the honeymoon period of parenthood when you feel like you finally have a handle on your day – when your babies are healthy and growing, and you find yourself humming along merrily-merrily-merrily-life-is-but-a-dream…Because, after all, this might just be a phase.

Although I hope not!

I’m curious: Were you bitten by the baby bug again soon after having your first (or first pair)? Do you think I am crazy (and it is okay to say yes…just this once) for daydreaming about being even more outnumbered than I am already? And, for those of you who have felt the same way I do, any tips on brainwashing your husband into thinking it is a great, fabulous and wonderful idea??? Anyone?

How could I not want more?

————————————–

Valentina Vassallo Pollard started …just breathe… in May 2010 when, after many months, she found herself still holding her breath in hopes of a positive pregnancy test. After a year and a half long journey through the trenches of infertility, she is now living her very own happy ending beginning – a successful first round of IVF resulting in a healthy pregnancy with twin girls. Valentina is busy adjusting to the wonderful world of mommyhood with the arrival of her girls. She is passionate about spreading the word about infertility treatments and the options available to families. She writes about her experiences, hopes, dreams and shopping binges (now mostly baby related) on her blog – www.just-breathe-blog.blogspot.com. Valentina lives in Austin, Texas with her very handsome (and patient) husband, Blake and her twin girls.

by Sarah Blight, Founder of YourBabyBooty and author of this book.

Lessons We Can Learn from Kendall Delivering a Nearly 14 Pound Baby…Naturally

Did you guys read about the mama who gave birth to a 13 pound 13 oz baby NATURALLY (as in without an epidural or any medication)?

Now if you’re like me, your first thought was “thank God my child has a less than 1% chance of being that big” and your second thought being “I hope she had at least a Motrin afterwards” and if we’re all honest here “Oh. My. God.” (as you cross legs).

Here’s a couple takeaways from this story and this mother from Iowa who gave birth to a nearly 14 pound baby:

1. Our bodies were created to give birth. Sure sometimes it doesn’t go as we plan, but no matter how things play out, each time a baby comes out of a woman’s body (whether it’s via c-section or out the va-jay-jay),  it’s a freaking MIRACLE.

2. Childbearing women everywhere are superheros. Period. It takes months of a good diet, drinking lots of water, maybe not splurging on every single desire for a doughnut or glass of wine, getting exercise, peeing every 2 seconds, restless/sleepless nights, prenatal appointments, preparing our homes, our cars, our lives and preparing our minds to give birth to this baby. That’s a huge commitment, it’s life-changing. In the process we are changed into mothers- a process that will continue for the rest of our lives. That is kick ass and so are you. Period.

3. Education is KEY. Did you notice in this article how Kendall Stewardson (mama who delivered this behemoth baby) said:

 “We had decided to research all of our options before we had Judah just to see what would happen to me,” Stewardson said.  “We started to research doing it naturally.  There are a lot of options for women out there, but this seemed like the best thing for me and Judah, and then Asher.”

She didn’t say that you should birth your baby the same way she did. She simply educated herself about her options, I’m guessing found a provider who was down with her goal of not having a c-section with a ginormous baby and they worked together to make it happen. This was clearly the right decision for her and her babies and it worked. I don’t want to put words into Kendall’s mouth, but I’m guessing that if things did not work out as she hoped that she would probably be able to look back with no regrets since she went into it armed with info and education. That’s pretty powerful.

4. Birth Support is Critical.  I love the honesty of her husband in saying that he had moments during the birth where he couldn’t pull it together- birth is emotional! I also love that Kendall and her hubby worked together. Having birth support, whether it’s your husband, sister, mama, BFF or a doula that you’ve hired, is ESSENTIAL to helping you during birth. You’ll have moments where you wonder if you can do this, or times when you need encouragement and reminders that you’re not alone. Birth support rocks. So do you Kendall’s hubby.

What do you guys think about this story?

1. “Breastfeeding, my little slice of hell” – as author/blogger Amy Morrison writes, breastfeeding isn’t always simple, uncomplicated and intuitive, but it’s worth it.

2. “The Lowdown on Cloth Dipaers”- if you’re thinking of using cloth diapers, our guest writer, new mama and cloth diaper addict shares her experiences with many types and brands. Don’t miss this one.

3. “DIY Nursery Art”- You don’t have to pay a fortune to make your little one’s pad look like a million bucks. Here are great, easy ideas to make your own nursery art, even if you’re not the next Rembrandt.

4. “Pregancy with Twins, the Unexpected Twists & Turns”- Booty Blogger Valentina shares very candidly her personal experience with infertility, IVF, and then pregnancy, with TWINS!

5. “What to Expect When She’s Expecting”- written from a man’s point of view, this post is not to be missed:) Pass it on to the men in your life.

6. “Reading to Your Baby Can…”- book lover and blogger Vanessa from Silly Eagle Books shares how reading can impact your little bundle of joy, in the best ways!

7. “10 Things Never to Say to a Pregnant Woman”- there are things that should never be said, aloud, to a woman who is pregnant. Period.

8.  “Adopted, We’re a Family”- the adoption journey of one family, so touching and honest.

9. “Babywearing Rocks, Literally”- there are many many benefits (besides being hands-free) for you and your little one when you wear them.

10. “Stages of Pregnancy”- let’s be honest. There are stages of pregnancy, some more fun and flattering than others.

For 2012, is there any topic YOU would like us to write about? Please share below and have a Happy New Year!

How about getting just a Tylenol after you’ve had a c-section?

‘Tis the season when most of us take a look around and realize that despite our sometimes stressful lives and circumstances, we have a lot to be thankful for and a whole lot more than so many others.

Here at Your Baby Booty, we really love helping people. It’s our passion and our calling. What you may  not know is that we’ve partnered with an amazing (and small) non-profit called African Mothers Health Initiatives in Malawi Africa that is doing HUGE things. But they still need our help!

Malawi is one of the poorest countries in Africa and for several reasons ie government corruption, decreasing foreign aid, an extreme fuel shortage- the poorest of the poor continue to struggle. Imagine being a poor mama who had to have an emergency c-section, the only pain meds you’ll receive after your major surgery is a Tylenol.  Even the most basic antibiotics, medical supplies and medical care is a DREAM for most of the women in Malawi.

A little orphan being cared for by his ailing grandma needs some extra nutrition & assistance

The deaths of mamas in Malawi is increasing and more babies are being orphaned and left to be cared for by impoverished and unequipped families. This is the reason that African Mothers Health Initiatives exists and they are needed NOW more than EVER!

AMHI educates the village about hygiene & caring for newborns & vulnerable mamas.

AMHI educates, equips, gives needed medicine, formula and aid to vulnerable mamas as well as orphaned babies.  They have both a Mother Care Program and a Baby Care Program with full and part-time nurses who go to these tiny villages and give very basic and very needed care.

Will you help? Since fuel is over $9.00 a gallon over there (yikes!) and formula is crazy expensive, it takes about $75 per month to support one baby orphan with formula and basic care. But any amount you can donate, literally every penny of it, will go to helping! Every bit counts!  Please help us help these mamas and babies:)

Click here to find out more and donate:)

Founder Joanne Chiwaula has lots of babies & mamas who depend on her and her non-profit.

by Valentina Pollard of …just breathe

Blessings

The holiday season is upon us and with it the time to count our blessings and give thanks for what we have in life. And what a year to be thankful. As I write this, Poppy is stretched across my chest, cooing in her sleep. I am blessed. My sweet Daphne is in her daddy’s arms, snuggled in for the evening. We are so thankful.

This just might be the most wonderful holiday Blake and I will ever have. Sure, there is only more fun in store as our babies become little girls, but there will never be another year like this one. Our first as parents, fresh off the infertility rollercoaster and lapping up all the happiness and drool that comes with having two new babies.

Thanksgiving was a critical time last year. Blake and I were in the middle of IVF and, on Thanksgiving, were waiting to find out if I had responded well enough to the injections to proceed with the embryo retrieval…or if we would need to cancel the cycle. We took a chance on a mediocre response to the protocol and then, a few days before Christmas, saw our two babies for the first time. Our prayers had been answered.

As the months followed, we awaited the arrival of our two little girls. They surprised us with an early entrance into this world and our heads have been spinning (and hearts bursting) ever since. And now, here we are again. One year later. Full circle.

Naturally, this year I feel like Thanksgiving and Christmas hold more meaning than ever before. So, whether it is the sentimentality of the season itself or the thrill of having Santa visit our house for the first time, I am counting down the days and playing my Radiant Fireplace dvd on repeat (sadly, it is still summertime weather in Austin).

My wish for these girls is simple: I want them to grow up in a home full of love and comfort. And I hope the holidays signify everything we are as a family. Loving. Sentimental. Thoughtful. I want November to feel like a cozy sweater and December to smell like warm apple cider.

Yes, it is safe to say that we have high expectations for this holiday season. And every year hereafter. These baby girls are in for a treat, and so are we.

————————————————————-

More about our Booty Blogger:

Valentina Vassallo Pollard started …just breathe… in May 2010 when, after many months, she found herself still holding her breath in hopes of a positive pregnancy test. After a year and a half long journey through the trenches of infertility, she is now living her very own happy ending beginning – a successful first round of IVF resulting in a healthy pregnancy with twin girls. Valentina is busy adjusting to the wonderful world of mommyhood with the arrival of her girls, now months old. She is passionate about spreading the word about infertility treatments and the options available to families. She writes about her experiences, hopes, dreams and shopping binges (now mostly baby related) on her blog – www.just-breathe-blog.blogspot.com. Valentina lives in Austin, Texas with her very handsome (and patient) husband, Blake.

Well…. we don’t really know. BUT

by Sarah Blight author of Going to the MotherLand and Founder of Your Baby Booty

When Pregnant: 5 weeks part deux

A couple years ago I went back to Minneapolis, Minnesota to visit family. While I was there, I borrowed my aunt’s car and toodled around my old neighborhood. Since I was in kindergarten when we moved from Minneapolis, things are a little hazy for me. Nevertheless, when I did finally pull into our hood and see my old house I was like “Yep. This is exactly how I remember it.”  The apple tree still in the backyard- though slightly bigger, the playhouse still intact – though slightly smaller, and the pond still where it used to be. There was something oddly comforting about looking around and seeing that all was mostly, as I remembered it.

Now that I’m embarking on pregnancy numero dos, I feel the same way. Yep… here we are, it’s pretty much exactly as I remembered it. Insomnia? Check. Strange ass dreams? Check. Feeling like I’m wearing a lead-suit? Check. Food cravings…already?? Check.

Maybe it’s just that I know now what’s coming down the road, but it seems like everything is happening earlier this time around, like my body is also remembering “oh yeah, I’ve been here before.” So we’re off, like a herd of turtles (as my grandpa would say).

I will say that the Breyers Snickers Ice Cream sitting in my freezer right now, along with the caffeine free diet coke to go with it, are fabulous companions on this hormone laden journey.

by Sarah Blight Founder of Your Baby Booty and Author of Going to the MotherLand

When Pregnant: 5 Weeks

Someone peel me off the floor and put me in bed. I’m done. D-u-n. Seriously. How can one person be so friggin tired? I could sleep 20 hours a day and still feel exhausted. Like a deep in the bones, I feel like I’m wearing full body armor from the 16^th century…tired.

I was chatting with Steve about how I feel when Mr. Pregnancy reminded me that my body is doubling my blood for baby, and that my heart rate will be increasing by 12- 15 beats per minute to get all that blood through my body.

He makes a good point.

There is definitely a party going on that I am blissfully unaware of, but that is making my ass tired.

So I guess this is my first “symptom”, either that or I’m just a sack of lazy bones. I’d prefer to go with #1.

Oh and by the way, I’m not sure what this is all about but I have restless leg syndrome (RLS) something TERRIBLE right now.  Thinking back, I had it really bad with my last pregnancy, but I don’t remember it kicking in so early. I think my legs could run a marathon on their own day and night. It drives my poor hubby crazy in bed at night, but I can’t seem to stop moving them. I wonder if this is a “normal” occurrence for women during pregnancy?  Need to do some checking to see.