Just a reminder, if you are looking to get out and about with other AP mamas

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/northidahonaturalfamilies/

North Idaho Natural Families was created for the express purpose of bringing together the diverse group of natural families in our community. Natural family living is a process, and we are all at different areas on the spectrum. We are here to support each other on our journeys to becoming better mothers, stronger families, and a more connected community.

We have regular activities and outings such as: Moms night, park days, play groups, family potlucks, summer hikes, as well as activities for home schoolers.

Our group may be something you would enjoy if some of the following things are in your areas of interest:

sustainable living, reducing your carbon foot print, organic foods, whole foods, supporting local business and agriculture, gardening, recycling, Attachment Parenting, co-sleeping, gentle discipline, alternative medicine, homebirth, natural birth, breastfeeding, La Leche League, baby-wearing, preschool co-ops, homeschooling or unschooling, selective/delayed/non-vaccinating, etc.

We are a group with diverse political and religious backgrounds, and we respect that about each other.

Serving Coeur d’ Alene, Hayden, Post Falls, and surrounding areas.

any mamas out there with extra breast milk they would donate to an incredible baby girl? i have a 7 month old miracle baby, (yes, they are all miracles, some, like mine, are just more complicated miracles!!! ) she is a micro preemie but doing amazing. i purchased milk from the san jose milk bank first while she was in the NICU, then hooked up with the ”milkshare” group, so she has been on donor milk (plus what little i pump) since birth. i have numerous excellent donor references, and have become a pro at the ins and outs of milk donation. my baby is now consuming more than our local donor is pumping, and i am desperately looking for milk for her. with my first daughter (6 years old) i exclusively breast fed her first 12 months, then was a ”closet” nurser for 2 more years. she was full term and healthy as can be. now, to have had another beautiful baby girl with lots of complications, i believe she needs breast milk more than ever. it is DEVASTATING not to be able to supply her myself, but by using donor milk, i am doing the next best thing, in my opinion. her story is amazing, we are a local (spokane) family, and i would love to hear from anyone that might be able to help. thanks so, so much!

Lauren,

I would start w/ people you know, if there is anyone who may want to keep her for you. If not, you just need to start interviewing. I’m not sure how much you can pay, but it does often, though not always go hand in hand with the quality. (I worked in the daycare/nanny etc industry prior to being a SAHM). If you can afford $20 a day, then you can probably find a good at home care provider, with a small group of children. I’ve seen rates from $13 a day. Go visit, see how the other daycare kids respond to the provider. Do things appear clean? children happy? If LOTS of the kids are grouchy, crabby, fussy, bad mood, I wouldnt go back. Its normal for one or two to have a rough day at any given time, but if ALL are its probably a reflection on the provider.

Lastly, I’m not sure if you are single mom or married, but if you are a two income family, maybe look to see if you can cut things back in anyway that would allow you to stay at home. Add up daycare costs, gas, lunches/coffees out, eating out that you do b/c you are too tired to cook after working, housecleaning service, dry cleaning, any other expenses that go along with you working, dont forget the amount you pay in taxes. Could you downsize or get rid of a car?

Some women find that once they take all that into consideration, it actually COSTS them money to work vs stay home. I dont know what you do, or how what I said may apply, but food for thought anyway.

Hey ladies. I am desperately seeking help. I am going to have to put my 3 month old daughter in daycare and I have no idea how it works. I have a very strange schedule and need a place that can accommodate it. Also I cant afford much but I dont want to sacrifice quality for cost. If anyone can offer me advice I would appreciate it! I live in Post Falls, ID.

Hey April, just saw your post. I wore Andrew (who started to walk at 13 mo) until it got uncomfortable (being pregnant and all). My husband still wear’s him occasionally if we’re out doing something thats not stroller friendly and Andrew’s tired. He mostly just out grew it, he still likes to cuddle so he’ll run over and sit on my lap for a few seconds and then he’s up and gone agian. He’s got to much exploration to do to want to be in a carrier. Sometimes he’ll ask though, a couple days ago he dragged over the new mai tei I got saying ”this… this… this” with the saddest look on his face. I put him in and two minutes later he wanted to get back down so he could play with his books.

Thats the great thing about attachment parenting, when you do it… and they get older… you have a very attached child who knows that when he wants to be held you hold him. So he doesn’t want it anymore… he wants something else that he can’t have. Like daddy’s beer!