q+a
My babies have taught me
To take one day at a time and celebrate the small miracles in life.
Since becoming a mother
I take nothing for granted—not love, not success, not good health, not itty bitty toe No. 7.
My favorite children’s music
John Nelson’s “Soliloquy.” John regularly visits Seattle Children’s hospital to play for ICU patients – he walked into my son’s room, sat by his bed, and played.
I wish someone would have told me
There isn’t one way to parent. Be the best parent you can be and know that when you blunder, tomorrow’s a new day.
Advice/wisdom that I can share
Your children will teach you more than you could ever teach them. Remember to look and listen for the lessons.
I enjoy most about breastfeeding
Whether pumping or breastfeeding, I have a sense of peaceful pride knowing I’m providing important nourishment to my child.
The best thing about being a mom
Watching my boys develop and grow, and knowing I had at least a little part in that.
The way I “treat” myself
I regularly cheat on my husband with two men: Ben and Jerry. Yes, ice cream is my elixir for most of what ails me.
tamara
Tamara, mom to Benton (3 years) & Iron (5 ½ months)
My story is not too different from other moms who work full-time both in and out of the home. We all have unique challenges and real stresses. But the one that differentiates my life is that one of my children was born with serious medical complications. He struggles with daily functions such as breathing, eating, speech, and mobility. At nearly four years old, he breathes through a tracheostomy, is tube fed, and cannot stand, walk, or talk. He needs trained care ‘round the clock. He has no diagnosis, which means we have no prognosis, so we celebrate life one day at a time. Our second son has so far been the poster child of good health, and we’re so excited to see how each son will influence the other. It’s a beautiful and humbling interaction to witness.
Due to my firstborn’s congenital health issues, he was unable to breastfeed. Doctors didn’t know what was wrong or how to “fix” him. I felt utterly helpless as a new mother. Giving him nourishment was the only thing I knew I could do that would give him strength. As such, I pumped every drop of food he ate (via a feeding tube) for his first year of life. That’s a lot of pumping! My biggest challenge with both boys was/is continuing to pump after returning to work. It’s difficult to squeeze “the squeeze” in between meetings and deadlines. And when you mix a high-stress job with caring for a special needs child with lack of sleep due to the newborn, your milk supply can really suffer!
I’m thrilled I found milkmakers to boost my milk supply. Eat a cookie? I’ll get right on that! milkmakers taste divine, and they are so good for you and your baby. Does it get any better?!!
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