Last night I had the opportunity to showcase Sporty Mommas at LMNT! It’s a cool art museum in Midtown. They host parties, weddings and other special events. Tonight it was all about gaining money for your business. I met some really cool people doing some neat things. From make up artists to a detective that trained people to use fire arms. There was a sweet lady from New York and her son that is a chef. It is always good to network and see what other entrepreneurs are up to.

It is the weekend baby!!! And it is a busy one. I have a photo shoot and two birthday parties on Saturday. You know how we Sporty Mommas do it. Hope you all have a fabulous Friday. Keep spreading the love!

XO,

My breastfeeding journey isn’t unlike that of many other women. I had some good days, some triumphs, disappointments and regrets. In retrospect, I realize I didn’t do my due diligence as an expecting mother. I knew I WANTED to breastfeed and that was it. I thought it was something that would come automatically. After all isn’t breastfeeding natural? Boy was I in for a surprise. Although I breastfed my son until he was about 9 months; I weaned after returning to work and starting nursing school; I was unable to produce enough milk to exclusively breastfeed. Why you may ask? I didn’t understand supply and demand. What’s worse, women who for whatever reason, don’t breastfeed exclusively face an ever growing stigma. They feel like bad mothers.

This weekend during the premiere of BREASTMILK, we were introduced to women from various social economic backgrounds and cultures that faced a similar dilemma. Women that felt scrutinized and unsupported at work, at home, and in public. Think about it for a moment:

* If you were returning to work, would you be able to pump every 2-3 hours, in a stress free, clean room (cannot be a bathroom)?
* At the hospital, did your nurses encourage formula?
* Did you leave the hospital with a gift bag filled with formula?
* Do you give women who breastfeed in public strange looks?
* Do you have a support system?

Women in our society have so many options and we should support each other’s decisions. We don’t know what difficulties someone is facing until we walk in their shoes. My lactation instructor Gini Baker, would always say “You did the best you could, with what you knew”. This is a part of the reason I have chosen to work with pregnant women. To pass on the information I’ve learned on my own journey.

Breastmilk is BEST. Nothing manufactured can compare to it. I am an avid supporter of doing so exclusively. There are so many resources available to help you on your journey. Seek the help of a IBCLC or CLC. La Leche League has weekly free meetings. If you’re having difficulty, don’t quit and don’t face it alone. Find a group of supporters; after all, they don’t say it takes a “Village” for nothing!

Breasfeeding Week is August 1-7.

Written by:

Nicole Vascianna
Momma of 1, RN and CLC (certified lactation counselor) and founder of The Village Maternity Services.
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I can’t believe our trip to Antigua is less than a month away. You know what that means…..shopping! I have been searching for the perfect dress to wear for the wedding. I don’t know if I should wear white or look for something else since the Bride will probably be wearing white. We have spent a lot of time researching the resort and all the great activities they have. I am a little nervous about leaving the kids for the first time. I know, I have to get over it. The hubby and I have not been on a trip in over 7 years! It is time. How did you feel when you went on your first vacation without the kiddos? #countingdown

You know the saying, “Every child is different”? It is so true. I have been pulling my hair out over how different my youngest child is compared to the other two. I mean I don’t really compare them. It’s just that what worked for them, does not work for her. Her theme song is definitely “I’m different, yeah I’m different”! I love her strength and determination but now it is two weeks before school starts and girlfriend needs to be potty trained!
Did you know that 40% of kids aren’t potty trained by age 3? I didn’t, so I don’t feel bad. I have tried the reward system using stickers or candy every time she pees. (She likes the stickers better than the candy) We have made a big celebration doing the potty dance and cheering for her. It worked for one day. So what strategies helped you potty train your toddler?

It seems like I am still in recovery mode from our family vacation. My kids did not want to go to sleep last night or wake up this morning for camp. I think I may have gotten like 5 hours of sleep. I jumped up to get them ready for camp. Made breakfast, packed lunches and dashed out of the door. As I was walking into the gym, I realized there was something flapping on my butt. You won’t believe I put my pants on backwards this morning. Lol, that is what happens when you only have 5 hours of sleep. I made it to the gym 15 minutes late to work out with “Mike and Mari”. I never thought I would say I miss working out, but I really did. Now I am off to Kinkos to run flyers for Thursday night’s event at LMNT. Gotta keep pushing!!!!!

My husband and I survived the summer road trip! It wasn’t easy with three munchkins. I cannot tell you how many times we had to say stop whining or sit in your seat lol. I am so glad to be back home where I can tell them to go to their rooms. We really had a great vacation. Usually we rush around from park to park, but this trip we took it easy. Yesterday we enjoyed the pool at the resort and we even did a little outlet shopping. It is August and that means back on the grind. I have some big things coming up for Sporty Mommas and I have to get this 2.5 year old potty trained in three weeks. Wish me luck! Peace, Love and dream big!!!