Behind the Bellani Women

When I have many things to write I’m often paralyzed with the amount of it. This is me today. So I have to write the simplest of thoughts that keeps striking me. As a new mom (and a mom to two others) I eat out of containers, bowls, Star Wars plates, whatever I can find. I have a beautiful set of square-shaped stone salad plates. I never use them anymore. Last night I put my plain old sandwich on one, as silly as it may sound, the plate made my sandwich taste better. I felt more like me.

Can you believe it has been four weeks since the little one’s birth? I certainly can’t! I haven’t even finished thank you cards and she is reminding me that I need to pay attention. She began smiling on June 1st. I’m yet to locate a Baby Book for her, so I have no place to write this down. Thank you blog for fulfilling this need.

I was trying to soothe little Emilia at the grocery store late this afternoon. I kept chatting with her, asking her what was wrong, you know, saying all of those things we say to our little ones when they cry (aka scream) for no apparent reason, or just because the grocery store is not a good idea at 5 o’clock on a Thursday after working all day. Finally I said to her, “honey, don’t cry, our life is very good.” I was really struck by that. My/Our life really is great. We have so many wonderful things to be thankful for, I just need to remember that more often.

I don’t feel the desire to discuss the purchases of the celebrities that join us at Bellani Maternity. The next time Katie and Suri make it in I will be tight lipped…read about this nonsense

Monday, the New York Times published an article regarding Similac Organic Formula. It also came up in a class this evening. As I’ve been bombarded with Similac Marketing all month at home, I felt this needs to get to every family.

When many of us see the word Organic, we believe that in some way, this product is healthier for us and our children. We ultimately know that we need to read labels, and learn about products, but after staying up half the night, we just see Organic, and think, good choice. Well, what many not realize is what they are purchasing in Similac Organic Formula, they just bought sugar!

The article says Similac Organic is much sweeter than other formulas because it is the only major brand of organic formula that is sweetened with cane sugar or sucrose.

The Times stresses that no health problems in babies have been associated with Similac Organic. However pediatricians might warn of the following risks in giving babies cane sugar: Sucrose can harm tooth enamel faster than other sugars; once babies get used to its sweeter taste, they might resist less sweet formulas or solid foods; and some studies suggest that they might overeat, leading to rapid weight gain in the first year, which is often a statistical predictor of childhood obesity.

Tonight I taught my first Breastfeeding Essentials class since having Emilia. What a great group to have as my first class back. I’d like to thank the wonderful members of my class who asked thoughtful questions, and also were patient with me while I gushed about my new little one.

Helping prepare families for the early days of Breastfeeding is one of my favorite responsibilities. I love seeing them enjoy the experience of breastfeeding after their babies are born, and am proud to be a resource if families need us during this special time. Thank you Sarah, Ed, Melissa, Ed, and Veronica for being there tonight.