EXPECTANT: Growing a life while growing a family

May 4, 2013 By

A track-mom friend stood by the fence as we cheered our senior girls across the finish line in their last high school race last night. And then my friend did something I didn’t expect. She reached over and hugged me, smiling with teary eyes.

Then I did something I didn’t expect. I had a flashback to bottles and blankets. Swallowing a surprise gulp of my own, I reminded myself that this growing up and moving on thing is good. We don’t have children to keep them forever, but when my husband placed our baby girl in my arms over eighteen years ago, I wasn’t imagining ever letting her go. Preparing to launch one of my birds out of the nest stirs up emotions I didn’t expect. I’ve warned my patient husband to brace himself for some tears. It seems that as we grow a family, we grow as women. This being a mom has been so much that I hoped for and so much more than I ever imagined.

Throughout the journey of motherhood, we add unexpected events and emotions like silver charms on a bracelet. Ever mom knows what it is to anticipate the gift of a child, their stages of growth, and the joys along the way. Baby books reserve spots for those milestones, though no one looks forward to the challenges and the heartaches; they are part of mothering too. As a child grows, so grows a mama’s hopes.

A variety of doorways lead women into motherhood, but whatever their paths of entry, all moms know what it is to have a heart that is truly expectant.

I was mentoring a EXPECTANT by Julie Sandersgroup of young wives when their hearts started to turn with anticipation to their mothering hopes. Each took her own unique path, some encountering surprises right away and others finding it downright painful. Despite the age of my two teenagers who sometimes wandered by as our group chatted, my days of hoping and growing and delivering didn’t seem that long ago. Mothers have a love for mothering other mothers.

As their questions flowed and their hearts opened, I began to write inspirations for them while they grew into motherhood: God’s truth and practical wisdom about their own changes, the other adults in their lives, the children of their wombs and their hearts, and the new normal they couldn’t yet picture. I included transparent stories for when they long to talk to someone who understands … in the middle of the night. Always, my heart hoped to create a gift to uplift sweet women growing into moms.

Now those mamas chase little ones on Sunday mornings. One day they may watch their toddlers-turned-teens run their own last high school races, and they may be surprised at the well of emotions in yet another unexpected motherhood moment. Because of their expectant hearts, an eBook collection of devotions for new and expectant moms called “Expectant” was born.

I’m holding on to the words of Proverbs 3:5-6 as tightly now as I did when we first brought JoHanna home from the hospital. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”  Those words have served me well as a mom, and I pray Jo will take them with her and hold on to them tightly, like she once held on to her blanket. We will trust the Lord as we grow into a new mother-child season.

Expectant is about growing your life while growing a family. If you’re beginning your journey of motherhood or have a friend or loved on who is, this is for that mother with an Expectant heart. I pray your story will be all you’ve hoped for and so much more than you imagined.

To read more about EXPECTANT go here. And buy EXPECTANT for your Kindle or Kindle App here.

by Julie Sanders

PinterestShare
Filed Under: During Pregnancy, During Pregnancy (Mom & Baby), Julie Sanders, Newborn & Baby, Parenting Tagged With: , , , , , , , Leave a Comment

When You Struggle With Infertility and Loss

May 18, 2012 By

A Post From My Blog Last Fall

*I was going in for a routine ultrasound, only to learn the unexpected, my baby had died during the week. No heartbeat.

“My prayer this morning as I waited for the doctor, was somehow, there would be a heartbeat. I requested she try again for my sake and sadly as I knew, there was none. Even though I didn’t hear one, I was comforted as I laid my heart in God’s hands.     
    Fresh tears well up with each passing moment as I continue to grieve the loss of my child. I grieve the dreams that were attached so strongly to her. Each child has a purpose, no matter how long or brief they graced the earth with their presence. What took my breath away, was the realization of God’s hands in this process. Our lives are never perfect, normal, or calm though we would like them to be. If they were, what opportunity would we have to turn to God and ask Him hold our hearts in His hands. How could we be awestruck in how He works in our weaknesses? How would we know it was truly Him?
    During the time of absorbing the news and trying to make sense of it all, I was comforted by so many women who have walked this painful path before me. It’s a part of life, it was nothing I did, nor was it a punishment as some like to believe. Life itself happens, it’s not in our control. We can be humble and ask God to walk with us or reject His presence. I choose to allow Him to mend my heart. I choose to see the wisdom in this process and embrace what He has in store. I know that if I give Him the pieces, He will mend it far better than I could on my own.”

This excerpt was from a post on my blog last fall. We had unexpectedly become pregnant with our fourth baby. Because I was told at the age of 15 I would never have kids on my own, each of my babies were and are precious miracles. At 17, however after faithfully taking my birth control (prescribed for cysts and PCOS), I had gotten pregnant. Eight years later, after crying out to God, we finally got pregnant with our son. My doctor knew how much we wanted to complete our family, so after my son’s birth, we wasted no time starting fertility treatments. 22 months later our daughter was born.

Now that you’ve had a crash course history on my mothering journey, it will explains the elation of expecting our fourth. We lost Alex last September and after much prayer, we are going through the process of infertility treatments again. As a MOPS mom, I am surrounded by precious babes all week long during play dates, steering meetings, and of course MOPS meetings. And instead of being bitter, I rejoice. These sweet moms pass their babies into my arms to quench the screaming voice of wanting another. I rejoice because each life is so precious. I rejoice because I know my future is in God’s hands.

What NOT To Say:

Perhaps the hardest part about dealing with infertility and miscarriages are the comments from those who are insensitive, blond (I can freely use this, I am blond) and those who just don’t get it. When I miscarried Alex, I was told:

“It’s God’s way of telling you three is enough.”

“Focus on the blessings you have.”

“Don’t you think you’re being selfish by putting your family through the grief, it’s time to let it go.”

“God let you miscarry because you sinned in using birth control.”

“It was his way of telling you, you can’t afford another one.”

What To Say:

Instead, what I wanted and needed to hear: “I am sorry for your loss. I don’t understand what you’re going through but I’m here for you.”

Sometimes we don’t know what to say and that is OK. But the main focus we need to hear when we are grieving the loss is that it was a child. It was tragic and our lives are in God’s hands. Other ways you can help someone who is grieving the loss of a child is to bring meals, offer to run errands, and if they do have other children, offer to take them for a play date. The best is to offer your shoulder and pray with them.

Open Up Your Heart. Break The Silence

I wanted to share this post with you today because I know the heartache and aching sting to losing a baby, and feeling broken because my body doesn’t work like others. If you’re a mom struggling with infertility and miscarriages, I want to give you a HUGE hug and tell you that God is there in the midst of your heartache and pain. I also encourage you to reach out. Carrying the anger, hurt, and heartache in silence only builds a prison around your heart.

I call this picture "The Whole Family". I was still pregnant with Alex. And Tori was TIRED of the photo shoot!

PinterestShare
Filed Under: During Pregnancy (Mom & Baby), Growth & Development, Heather Riggleman Tagged With: , , , , 3 Comments

Abide in Me

April 16, 2012 By

Close up of baby's foot in mother's handWhen I am asked, “How many children do you have?” I don’t know how to respond. “Three,” I answer, while I finish the sentence in my head, “…here with me and one in Heaven.” I will never forget my daughter, Rachel Faith, even if the only life she experienced was in the womb. She is always with me. As beautiful as she was at birth and at death, those images are not what flutter through my mind. I imagine her dancing with her sister. I twirl her dark curls. I embrace her, though she’s not physically here. Rachel died at birth and age stopped counting, but to me she’s almost 10.

Rachel lived in me. Her heart beat loud and strong while she stayed with me. But she left my body, and our hearts no longer beat in harmony. She was here. Then she was gone. About a week before Rachel Faith was born, I felt a sharp pain on my lower left side. I feared its significance; I knew her birth was near. By this time, the trisomy 18 had been confirmed, and the grim outlook bore gravely down upon me. I fell to my knees and wept. Through tears, I whispered to Rachel, though she could not hear or understand, “Stay with me! Don’t come out! Don’t go!” As long as she was in me, her heart beat. In me, she was alive and strong, vital. Apart from me, her imperfect body could do nothing.

Jesus says in John 15:5 (NKJV), “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” The Greek meno (abide) means to stay in a given place, to continue, endure, or remain. Jesus tells us to stay in Him. In Him, we are alive and strong, vital. In Him, we bear much fruit. Apart from Him, we wither. Apart from Him, we perish. Now, my Rachel could not physically remain in me forever. Her departure from this world was an act of the Father pruning my husband’s and my branches. We faithfully allowed God to work His will in our lives out of obedience to Him. “By this My Father [was] glorified, that you bear much fruit” (John 15:8 NKJV).

Losing Rachel evoked desperate emotions. My thoughts echoed Job’s, “May the day of my birth perish…That day – may it turn to darkness…May darkness and deep shadow claim it once more; may a cloud settle over it; may blackness overwhelm its light. That night – may thick darkness seize it; may it not be included among the days of the year nor be entered in any of the months…for it did not shut the doors of the womb on me to hide trouble from my eyes” (Job 3:3-10 NIV). The pain was so intense; I felt it would be better never to have existed at all than to experience such heartbreak.

Though I lingered awhile in the darkness, I could not wallow forever in my misery. I emerged from the pit despair plunged me into, “And I declared that the dead, who had already died, are happier than the living, who are still alive. But better than both is he who has not yet been, who has not seen the evil that is done under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 4:2-3, emphasis mine.) Rachel existed, but she did not live to “see the evil that is done under the sun.” I know she is truly happy, for to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.

From time to time, I gaze my affection upon memories of Rachel. She was here so briefly, they are but few, so I hide those treasured trinkets away in my heart. Often in regard to writing, I tell people I know it’s a God thing when my writing goes a completely different direction than the one I had planned. The same is true in life. I had plans for Rachel. Big ones! But what God had planned for her was so much better. Better than both is he who has not yet been! All Rachel has ever known is Glory. I rejoice in God’s plan. Sure, I cry tears of sorrow from time to time, but I long for time without end when I join her in God’s presence and see what she has always seen.

Jesus wants us to produce fruit for Him. The type of fruit we produce by remaining in God’s love is what results from our example of faith, things such as reaching the lost, drawing His children closer to Him, and exemplifying His gentle mercies. We must continue in Him. We must remain attached to the vine in order to bear fruit. He tells us this 10 times from verses 4-10 of John 15!

If I abide in Christ, and He in me, I am vibrant. As Rachel was alive in me, I am alive in Jesus! Remain in Jesus, dear sisters. “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11 NKJV).

By Jodi Whisenhunt

Enhanced by Zemanta
PinterestShare
Filed Under: Blog, During Pregnancy, During Pregnancy (Mom & Baby), Growth & Development, Health, Safety & Nutrition, Jodi Whisenhunt, MOM Stuff, Newborn & Baby, Newborn & Baby, Parenting, Special Needs Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , 20 Comments

I’m Pregnant – Now What?

April 12, 2012 By

Whether pink lines, a plus sign or a doctor’s diagnosis is the way you discover you are pregnant, a multitude of thoughts and emotions are sure to follow. Some women are excited and receive the news with great anticipation. Others are afraid of what their future might hold and aren’t sure how they are going to deal with the days ahead.

Pregnancy is different for everyone and so are the circumstances associated with it. A thousand questions run through every expectant mom’s mind as she begins her journey down an unfamiliar road. Even if she’s had a baby before, each pregnancy is different and so each pregnancy comes with questions.

And although we realize there are a ton of questions, here are 10 things every pregnant woman should consider:

1. Choose a good doctor or midwife and go early in your pregnancy. While there are an array of variables that should be considered when choosing a healthcare provider (including what type of risk factors you might have, what type of birth you plan on having, where you plan on having your baby and what your insurance will and will not cover) it is important to research the health care providers you are considering and then interview at least two or three of them before you make a decision. Remember, you are hiring them to care for your health needs and your baby’s health needs throughout your pregnancy, so be sure you make the wisest, most informed choice possible. You will also want to go ahead and find the pediatrician you will want your baby to go to once he/she is born.

2. Your actions affect your baby. Many expectant mothers continue to function as if the little life within is unaffected by her actions. If she smokes while she is pregnant  the baby is affected. If she drinks alcohol or does drugs while she is pregnant, the baby is affected. Pregnancy means that little life is dependent upon his/her mom for everything and everything she does affects her baby.

Here are a few facts about negative affects on a baby because of negative actions of his/her mother:

  • Smoking – decreases oxygen to the baby, increases carbon monoxide, baby’s heart has to work harder to get oxygen in his/her system, constricted blood vessels on mother’s side of placenta causing less oxygen, decreased blood supply, eye disorders and decreased nutrients resulting in low birth weight and slow growth. Not to mention the plethora of chemicals released into a baby’s system and the nicotine addiction that little one has before he/she is ever born.
  • Alcohol or Drugs – causes birth defects, fetal alcohol syndrome, miscarriage, still-birth, low birth weight, facial and physical defects, brain damage, learning disabilities, poor attention span, A.D.D., poor memory, muscle control problems, higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome, premature labor and withdrawals from the addiction he/she develops within the womb.

3. You and your baby need nutritious meals, vitamin supplements and moderate exercise so take care of yourself. As stated above, what you do affects your baby. Talk to your doctor first about what your physical limitations are and what your nutritional needs are, but when you are pregnant, moderate exercise can not only help the baby’s breathing movements and nervous system but it can also help you have an easier delivery and recovery. During pregnancy, a woman’s need for nutritious meals and vitamins also increases.  Most doctors recommend a prenatal vitamin but expectant moms may also want to look into adding fish oil and omega 3 (found in salmon and tuna) and Folic acid (found in leafy green vegetables) into their diets as well as assuring that they have the recommended dose of Vitamin D.

As much as you crave junk food try your best to avoid it during your pregnancy and when you are nursing.

4. Relax and rest. Your body needs more rest and less stress during pregnancy. You may notice that you start nodding out around 2 – 3 p.m. – that’s normal. If you can, take a nap. If you can’t, try to get rest when your body ‘tells’ you that you need it. Also, studies have shown that severe emotional stress during the first months of a woman’s pregnancy can impair nuero-development. Stress happens, but try to avoid allowing yourself to stay stressed out.

5. Drink water and avoid caffeine. If you’re like me, this one is easier said than done… but it’s definitely not only doable, but needed. Your body needs plenty of water, so drink up. On the other hand, neither your body nor your baby need caffeine. Small amounts of caffeine (300 mg or less) do not seem to show any adverse affects however, caffeine is a stimulant and 500 mg or more causes increased heart rates, premature labor, heartburn and may even keep your baby from sleeping.

6. Bonding begins in the womb. It’s natural to see an expectant mom caressing her bulging belly. Bonding begins while your little one is still in the womb, so talk to your baby, sing to your baby and rub your belly. When your baby is born he/she will recognize your voice and know your love.

7. Teach your baby. Believe it or not, as babies develop in the womb they can hear you. They recognize and respond to sounds they repeatedly hear and some research has shown that babies who were read to while still in the womb were more proficient readers with better comprehension levels and a higher self-confidence. So read to that sweet little one. You may just be carrying the next Einstein.

8. Educate yourself. There’s a lot of information out there about how to take your new journey through pregnancy. My friend, Erin MacPherson wrote a book called The Christian Mama’s Guide to Having a Baby that can help you enjoy your pregnancy. And there are a ton of other books that can help you with understanding your pregnancy from a medical perspective as well as books that help you know what to expect.

9. Prepare yourself to become a mother and begin to look for a mentor (if you don’t already have one). It’s easy to get caught up in the wonder of the pregnancy and forget the responsibilities that lie ahead. But moms don’t just happen… especially good moms. I’m not sure why we think that just because we had a mom that we know how to be one. Learning to be a mother is vital to the lifetime that is before you so start preparing to be a mother while you’re pregnant.

This is also the perfect time to find a mentor who can walk with you through not only your pregnancy but through this new season of life as a mom. We weren’t meant to do life alone and women need each other. Now is the time to seek out that Titus 2 to mentor to help you become the best momma you can be.

10. Pray. There is no greater work than prayer… so pray daily for that little one you are carrying… pray daily for yourself… pray daily for your husband… pray daily for your other children (if you have any)… pray daily for your child’s friends and future spouse. Pray for wisdom, pray for protection and direction, pray for your child to have a tender heart that will come to know Jesus at a young age, pray for your child’s integrity, faith and righteousness. Pray. Pray. Pray.

If you are expecting, I know your heart is full and you mind is racing. There are a ton of things to think about before the baby comes. But as you face the coming days, I hope these 10 things will help you consider what a miracle that little life within is. Yes… that precious bundle of joy is a Divine design – carefully crafter by the Creator of the universe and He picked you to be that baby’s mama.

If you’re pregnant now or planning to be, what do you wish was included in the list?

If you’ve already had your baby take a few minutes and look at the list above. What would you add to that list? What do you wish you would have known when you were expecting?

By Stephanie Shott

 

PinterestShare
Filed Under: During Pregnancy, During Pregnancy (Mom & Baby), MOM Stuff, Stephanie Shott, Uncategorized 6 Comments

Expecting Stretch Marks

February 20, 2012 By

During the 40 weeks of pregnancy, a woman’s body does things she never imagined it could do. It begs for us to use the word “miracle” to describe the whole, amazing process. When our skin stretches more than it’s happy to, reddish or purplish marks develop that remind me of childhood poison ivy moments, minus the scratching. Primarily due to heredity, stretch marks may appear on your stomach, chest, or behind, anywhere the body is doing the miraculous work of growing to accommodate carrying and bearing new life.

photo by Maya picture

They appear gradually, so you may not even notice them at first or even until after delivery. Eventually, discolorations usually fade to more gray, whitish, or skin-colored tones, but a well-trained mommy eye usually knows where her marks are.  Lotions and oils and creams relieve some of the pregnancy itchiness that some expectant moms may feel, but they really are no match for the need for our skin to stretch to do great things. Becoming a mom requires that we expand in every way.

For the first season of our lives, we mainly think about ourselves. Marriage stretches us to let go of our own desires and blend with another person, but bearing a child takes it to a whole new level. We yield our schedules, our pleasures, and our expectations to the needs of another; we let go of a lot. Not as obvious as changes on thighs or abs, the greatest changes take place in the heart and mind of a woman.

Emotionally, mentally, and physically, our lives bear the “stretch marks” of being miraculously changed as a woman, to become the mother God calls us to be. It’s a gradual process of expanding our hearts to put someone else more, to add the needs of our child before our own, and to bear the weight of their life over ours.  Such love stretches a marriage. Such love stretches a mother.

In moments when we feel we cannot stretch more without popping emotionally, mentally, or physically, God reminds us that, “My grace is sufficient for you. For power is perfected in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9).

Expect “stretch marks” in the process of becoming a mother, before and after delivery, but not all stretch marks are hereditary. The stretching of our lives is unique to each mother, and God invites us to generously massage the salve of His healing balm of grace and encouragement into the moments when we strain.  The stretching will leave marks, but they will be beautiful evidence of God’s work in the life of someone He calls to become a “Mommy.”

  • How is God stretching you/has He stretched you to grow into a mom?
PinterestShare
Filed Under: During Pregnancy, During Pregnancy (Mom & Baby), Julie Sanders, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , 2 Comments

40 Weeks of Growing Trust

February 8, 2012 By

The test stick turns pink, and suddenly your whole world changes. Within days you may start to feel your body change, and new thoughts cross your mind that you never considered before.  How will life change professionally, intimately, financially, and physically? With the passing of each day on the calendar, you may feel like time is running out to get a firm hold on the coming addition to your family and the changes to your world.  Forty weeks will pass faster than you think, and the urge to be in control may grow right along with the size of your tummy and your belly button! But pregnancy is not just about growing a baby; it’s about growing our trust.

While the egg grows into an embryo with arm buds and hiccups, God uses the same weeks to take a woman’s heart and prepare her for the task of motherhood. Stretch marks might show up on her hips, but they’ll also show up on her heart. While we prepare a nursery and read up on nursing and pre-school, we also need to grow our ability to trust God.

You won’t find it on a baby registry or wrapped up to be received at a shower, but trust in God is a mother’s greatest resource. Many new moms learn early on that we cannot be in control of our conception, though we long to conceive. We can’t be in control our baby’s arrival, though we long to schedule. We can’t be in control of our delivery, though we develop a birthing plan. When our bundle of joy starts to eat cereal, roll over, crawl, ride a bike, or get on a school bus, mothers are reminded over and over that we cannot control the events in those who call us “Mommy” and own our hearts. We must trust the Heavenly Father to do what’s best for our treasures and to watch over them.

Thankfully, unlike us, our Father is not limited and given to sleep deprivation. He sees the future and knows the past. We may not be able to grasp it, but He is totally sufficient to watch over our little ones and to give us all we need to be the mommies He has called us to be.

“ Do you not know?  Have you not heard?  The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.  He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.  He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”  Isaiah 40:28-29

Sweet mom-to-be, if there’s a baby growing inside your belly, let your trust in the tireless Heavenly Father grow in your heart. Even now, He is watching over your baby’s life, and He will not ever stop.

By Julie Sanders

PinterestShare
Filed Under: During Pregnancy, During Pregnancy (Mom & Baby), Growth & Development, Julie Sanders, Newborn & Baby Tagged With: , , , , , , 1 Comment

Parenting out of the Pit of Addiction

January 27, 2012 By

It hadn’t been long since she arrived at the shelter, this young mother of four whose face showed years of experience beyond her age. With her eyes down, we worked on a felt scarf and ate cookies.  Sorting colored beads, we picked through the bowl together. She began to share pieces of her story with every bead she chose. Spousal abuse led to despondence, to single substance abuse, to more substances, to corrupt companions, to more violence, to total loss in the pit of addiction. As she whispered the names of separated children through quivering lips she said, “I’ve done a lot of things wrong, but it doesn’t have to be that way anymore.”

Dallas Drug Addiction Treatment

Photo credit: Flickr - www.taylortexasmedicine

My friend isn’t alone. The 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that over 23 million Americans aged 12 and older needed treatment for drug and alcohol abuse;  only 10% received help.  No economic group or age group is excluded. Life sends many women searching for ways to dull pain or deal with stresses such as sleeplessness or anxiety. Prescription pain medications are often the gateway to dependence on stimulants, painkillers, tranquilizers, sedatives, or stronger drugs.

Mothers are among the users. It often begins in private until mothers find themselves parenting out of a pit of addiction. Children bear emotional and sometimes physical scars of their mother’s choices. The added guilt and sense of powerlessness add to a woman’s hopeless outlook. Is there escape from the pit?

There is hope. There is escape from slavery to substances that destroy and captivate us, robbing our children from the mom God wants for them. There can be restoration. God’s word is full of promise. Romans 8:1 assures us that, “there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus” (NLT).

 

No condemnation, though we’re declared guilty. Jesus makes it possible for mothers to be rescued from the pit, along with their children. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Cor. 5:17 – ESV). God can take a mom in the grip of destruction and free her, making her new.

“We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.  For one who has died has been set free from sin” (Rom. 6:6-7).  There IS a way for addicted mothers to be freed from the hold of substances that enslaves. Do you have a friend whose eyes are empty and cast down, whose body shows signs of toxins within, whose children bear marks of a mom in the pit? Are you in the pit?

 

They are not without hope. Maybe you’ve done a lot wrong, but it doesn’t have to be that way anymore.

Let a hand lift you up (Eccl. 4:9,10) and show you the God who offers forgiveness, newness, and freedom. Do you need to reach out to a friend? She will thank you, and so will her children.

 

If you or someone you know is dealing with an addiction, this is a good place to start in finding professional help from a Biblical perspective. If the moms of The Mom Initiative can be of help to you, we would be glad for you to contact us and let us walk with you out of the pit and into newness of life.

By Julie Sanders

PinterestShare
Filed Under: During Pregnancy, During Pregnancy (Mom & Baby), Julie Sanders Tagged With: , , , Leave a Comment

Preventing Picky Eaters

December 21, 2011 By

 

Is it really possible to raise children who aren’t picky eaters? Are there any tips to make mealtime a healthy haven of eating pleasure? It’s a dilemma most moms deal with at some time or another.

The journey to healthy kids who eat healthy food and make mealtime more relaxing and less contentious begins before they are ever born and their propensity to prefer healthy foods over junk food is nurtured throughout their childhood.

So, how can we prevent picky eaters…

  • Begin in the womb and while you breastfeed. While your sweet little bundle of joy is developing within your womb she is being nourished through your amniotic sac. She not only receives the nutrition she needs, but flavors of the food you eat are being transmitted, as well. The same is true when you breastfeed. Studies show that what they receive from you becomes what they desire as they grow up.
  • Start Early. Toddlers are often little eating machines. They put just about everything in their mouths. Take advantage of that stage. Introduce a variety of healthy foods to them while they are still in the ‘hand-to-mouth’ phase. Avoid potentially high allergenic foods and things like honey during the first year, but other than that, expose them to a wide range of foods – especially healthy ones.
  • Limit Snacks. Keep snacks down to a minimum and determine to keep healthy snacks on hand. Cut carrots, celery and even broccoli and keep them in a “snack container” in the fridge. When your child wants something between meals, offer them one something from the snack container and let them have all the water they want. If you don’t get their taste buds accustomed to sweets or chips in between meals, then they won’t crave those things.
  • Be Fruity. Fruit is a healthy addition to your child’s breakfast, a great part of any lunch and a wonderful after dinner dessert. When you make it part of the meal or the treat they get when they eat a healthy dinner, they are more prone to eat a nutritious meal and crave fruit instead of chocolate.
  • Let Them Help. Children LOVE to help. It makes them feel valued – it makes them feel like they’re part of the process…part of your world. When you’re at the store, let them help pick out the fruits and vegetables you’ll be taking home to prepare. Let them help clean produce before you put it up; allow them to have a helping hand in picking out the recipes (When they’re small, a cookbook with pictures is very helpful).
  • Educate and Connect. Teach your children how wonderful fruits and vegetables are for them. Since blueberries are known to be high in antioxidants, you can make up fun little names to help associate their benefits…like “Big Girl(or Boy) Blueberries” or “Strong Body Building Blueberries”. It may seem silly but you are planting little seeds that will help them always relate blueberries to strength or something that helps you grow to be a big girl or boy.
  • Make Food Fun. Kids love having fun. Use cookie cutters to create fun little shapes out of their sandwiches. Make their plate a festive food delight. Make a smiley face using raisins, grapes or bananas and celery sticks or carrots.
  • Define Eating Time. Family mealtime is important. Children thrive on routine and it’s important for them to know that they eat their meals with their family and that on a normal basis they have specific times when they eat. If you don’t define their eating time, they will become ‘pickers’ as well as picky eaters.
  • Give Them a Choice. When it’s time to eat and you give them the choice to eat what you serve or not eat at all. It doesn’t have to escalate into a food war. Just give them the choice eat or not to eat. It won’t take long for them to realize if they are hungry, they need to eat what is served. There may always be one or two things they don’t really like. They also should be allowed to have one or two types of foods they don’t really like. We all have a couple of things that turn our stomachs every time we taste them…your children will too. As they grow and you find out what it is they don’t like, just either put a small dab of that specific food on their plate with the chance their taste buds may change or don’t put it on their plate at all.
  • Be Their Example. Children are natural imitators. What they see, they do. That can be a good thing, but that can also be a bad thing. It’s hard to instill how wonderful it is to eat fruits and vegetables when you’ve got chocolate dripping from the corner of your lip. They will look to you to not only tell them what is right but to show them what is right by your example. Since many of us have developed our own bad eating habits, it’s definitely not always easy, but it’s another way we put their needs before our own…and when we do we show them we love them.

Eating habits aren’t always easy to define, but picky eaters become picky because parents struggle with controlling what their children eat. It’s inconvenient. It’s frustrating and it’s even sacrificial, but it’s one of the ways we love them well.

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:10-20

 

PinterestShare
Filed Under: Childhood, During Pregnancy, During Pregnancy (Mom & Baby), Newborn & Baby, Toddler & Preschooler, Toddlers & Preschool Tagged With: , , , Leave a Comment

Conception

December 19, 2011 By

From the time the chromosomes collide, fertilization takes place and a baby begins its journey in life.

It takes about three days for the baby to makes its way to the womb where it will reside for the next 39 weeks or so. But make no mistake about it, this little life tucked in your tummy is now your child.

Scientifically speaking the processs goes something like this:

After ovulation the egg which has been released into your fallopian tubes awaits fertilization. When one sperm cell penetrates a mature egg it becomes a fertilized egg and instantly the sex of the baby is determined.

The fertilized egg (called a Zygote) then takes a few days to travel down the fallopian tube where it will attach itself (called implantation) to the wall of the womb and remain there until the baby in born.

Medically, your precious baby is called an embryo from the moment of conception to the eighth week of pregnancy. From the eighth week until birth your baby is called a fetus.

It’s a beautifully complicated process that reminds us of how great our God is. Think about it! Your precious cargo is a Divine design – carefully crafted by the Creator of the Universe!

Sweet mom, there are a host of wonderous happenings taking place in your womb as your baby develops. I know it can be a little scary, but aren’t you glad you can rest in the fact that God has a plan for that little life and that God has a plan for you?

“You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.” Psalm 139:13-14

PinterestShare
Filed Under: During Pregnancy (Mom & Baby), Uncategorized Tagged With: , Leave a Comment