Recently, a question was posed on a parenting email list that I belong to. To summarize, a mother of a toddler found herself considering whether to support the idea of Santa. Her worries were those of many families I know – not wanting to lie to our children, discomfort with patriarchy, not wanting to support… Continue reading
Other Writings
Birth Story: Welcome Baby George
It’s hard to believe it was nearly a year ago when my neighbor and friend Beckie mentioned that they would be trying for baby number two and asked what I knew about VBAC. I shared what information I had, but little did I know that it was just the very beginning of an epic journey,… Continue reading
The Philadelphia Free School – Fostering Community-Based Education
Below, I have written about the democratic model of education and the Philadelphia Free School. While I have asked experts to confirm many details, my words come from my own research and experiences. If you are interested in learning more, I encourage you to pursue your own research and form your own conclusions. While discussion… Continue reading
Breaking the “No-Sleep Cycle” in an Overtired Child
Sleep deprivation. Any parent of a young child (or children) has felt its acute sting. Whether it’s those first weeks with a new babe, a developmental leap, or some other cause, we have ALL been there (and if you haven’t you’d do well to not mention it…). Now, I’m not an expert by any means…. Continue reading
Journey to a Paper-Free Kitchen
It started with nagging guilt each time I ripped off another paper towel, even if I ripped it in half. As the boys have gotten older, the guilt has grown with their messes. Granted, there is a lot less spit-up these days (I’ll be touching on this in a later post), but a lot more… Continue reading
Free E-Cycling event
Saturday, January 22nd 9am-2pm FREE Whole Foods Market South Street (929 South Street) & Callowhill (2001 Pennsylvania Avenue) In with the new, out with the old! Did you get new electronic gadgets for the holidays? Come on out to the Free E-Cycling event! Philadelphia’s eForce Recycling, Whole Foods Market South Street’s partner in ongoing programs… Continue reading
Kudos to Green Aisle Grocery
When you walk into the cozy (250 sq ft) space on a wintry day (like today, for instance), you’re greeted with warmth, color, and a smile. Yes, these friendly locavores will even remember your name and are committed to customer service of the highest caliber. Our favorite local (as in a 5 minute walk from my… Continue reading
Bring out the Crayons – Coloring the Memory of Birth
Mothers deserve to feel supported in their choices. They also deserve to feel validated in their heartache. Sometimes the role of a doula is to help color a birth. Even at our most prepared, there are times that births do not go as we had hoped. Circumstances are not always ideal. The education process may… Continue reading
Reflections on my Journey as a Doula
Since the time to write another blog post is long overdue, I’ve decided to reflect for a moment on my path as a doula thus far. When I attended the Birth Arts International training weekend, I left feeling inspired and well prepared. I felt confident that my training stretched well beyond those three days, and… Continue reading