Peace, Love and Transformers

My eldest is turning six this week.  It's a bit of a landmark age as he is decidedly no longer a baby and definitely now a kid.  At four I could tell myself he was still baby-ish and at five I could be totally in denial, but six... six is grade one.  Six is BIG.  Six is well beyond "where the hell did the time go" and entering the city limits of "holy crap am I old".  Six.  Wow.

My husband and I do this every year (and now, twice a year!) to ourselves.  What are we going do for his birthday party?  Last year, when the babies were still very tiny and barely home from the NICU we took Quinn and his friends bowling.  It was awesome.  They did the games, the food, the loot bags... we just brought cupcakes and our wallet.  Sha-ZAM!

Like a lot of people, we are now down to one income and looking for ways to save money.  We are also slackers and realized that we had two weeks to pull this all together (and that left a lot of kid friendly reservations out of the question).  As it turns out, we also seem to have short memories as we have forgotten what it is like to have a bunch of kids thundering through the house.  Let's have it at home, we thought.  But what kind of party?  Recently I tie dyed two pink shirts for Quinn for Pink Shirt Day and it was so easy, Sean offered "why don't we do a tie dye party?"

I'm not an artist but there definitely is a part of my soul where the colours dance.  "Yeeeaaah!"  I answered, "that is an AWESOME idea!"

We priced out the materials and sent the invitations.  I did my research and figured out exactly how I was going to [try to!]  keep six 5 to 6 year olds from dyeing each other.  This would work.  This was do-able.  This was going to be fabulous!

I figured the party favours would be no-brainers.  Peace signs, flowers, doves... things that said "groovy" or "far out".  Not exactly rocket science.  The people at the party supply shop were a different story, however;  after running around the store in a panic, I approached a nice young man who looked like he would know what I was talking about as, lets face it, even his hair looked stoned.  I got a blank "Ah-wha'?" for my troubles.  A second, very caffeinated person that my very mellow friend conferred with, looked at both of us with scorn and asked "you mean 60th BIRTHDAY?!"  At my head shake and attempt at an explanation I found them both staring at me, mouths slightly open.  It was then that I realized that Austin Powers was over 15 years ago and that I was really bloody old (and quite possibly completely daft).

The day of the party dawned cloudy, but the sun came out and warmed it into a nice day.  The kids trickled in, one by one.  A few parents (that we also happen to be good friends with) hung around and my Mom visited us for the day.  We had to throw the shirts into the washing machine as they all had to be damp for the best results, so as we were waiting, we did our craft.  I had forgotten that most of them were daycare kids and therefore, preternaturally crafty.  They were all super fast and done before I had a chance to think again, so I put their shoes and coats on them and threw them outside with some chalk to decorate the fence.  I got enough time to get the shirts out of the washer and wrap up our shirts and show the parents what I meant when my girlfriend opened the door to what we thought was screaming.  Turns out, it was chanting: "Tie Dye Par-TY!  Tie Dye Par-TY!".  This should have been heeded as what was to come (and this is before sugar). They all galloped in and we got ready to tie up our shirts.  

The kids had a fabulous time deciding what they wanted to do to their shirts.  Once everyone had a arranged their rubber bands, I has them come out to the yard one by one. They picked their colours and critiqued my technique.  One of my friends had brought a giant smock that they were in turn wrapped up in and I had picked up some small gloves for them to work with.  I think they thought that the rubber gloves were the coolest thing ever, as they all stood there like mini surgeons with their hands up until they had to point something out, which they did proudly, all the while admiring their gloves.  The kids were amazing.  They told me all about rainbows and the sky and their take on the Earth (Sunday was Earth Day as well). Again, this was before the snacks.  As I was finished each shirt and explained to its designer that it had to stay with me a bit longer, I told them to go in and get something to eat.

I'm so proud of my little artists!

You may be surprised to learn that we are not big on processed sugar around here (at least, when it comes to the kids).  They had their choice of 100% fruit juice (no added sugar), milk or water and veggies, fruit and chips/party mix to eat (it's a party, you need some junk). There was still a lot of natural sugar to be had, so they were all happily bouncing around screaming playing in the basement. One of the Dads kindly volunteered to supervise and had to switch out with another parent due to sensory overload (and that's with him having only partial hearing)!  He told them he had to go check on the adults and (creepily) in unison, they answered "Good!  It's too quiet up there!"

It was no where near time for cake, so I thought I'd grab a snack and chill for a minute. I was jolted from my veggies and Pepsi (I get the added sugar) by another chant, this time: "CAKE!  CAKE!  CAKE..." that shook the floor.  Well, I'd better get that cake rocking then. After my small mishap with cake sparklers (don't ask...), the kids gallumphed upstairs and we sang Happy Birthday to Quinn. 

About 20 minutes later both the sugar and the following epiphany hit:

Giving children sugar is exactly the same as giving adults alcohol.

It's true.  Compare the birthday party to the average adult party.  I use boys as an example but trust me, it is the same with girls.  It starts off easy with the mutual friend introductions.

Host: "This is Bobby, he is my school friend and this is Johnny and we swim together.  Both of you like Transformers!  Yay!
Bobby: "I like the Autobots!"
Johnny: "I like the Decepticons!  Let's play!"
Bobby: "Roll out!"

Host: "This is Bob.  He and I went to uni together.  This is Jean, we work together.  You both are hockey fanatics.
Bob: "Boston?"
Jean: "Nope.  Montreal."
Bob: "Cool.  Beer?"

As both parties go on, they get louder and louder.  "Cake!  Cake! Cake!"  "Chug! Chug! Chug!".  Finally, as things are winding down, the refined sugar cake and ice cream comes out.  For grownups, there's shots.  Suddenly, what was previously a fun time, is not.

In both cases, something gets knocked over, spilled or broken.  Everything is really loud and boisterous and inevitably, someone is crying.  Finally all it takes is one bad look and this happens:

Bobby: "Autobots are the best"
Johnny: "Decepticons RULE!"
Bobby: "TAKE THAT DECEPTICON!"

Bob: "Guy LaFleur.. oh yeah, there's an athlete!  How much did he smoke a day again?
Jean: "Prob-bab-lee less, den dat twat, Bobby h'Orr!"
Bob: "☠☠☠☠ YOU!"

...And in both cases, it is ON!

Eventually, people start going home.  In our case, we still had a bunch of boys and one girl left in the basement, holding her own in what was rapidly becoming The Lord of the Flies.  Thankfully, it was pretty easy with the kids:  we separated the Autobots and the Decepticons and peace and love was restored to the universe.  With grown ups, it usually doesn't end until somebody calls the cops.

No one got hurt and everyone now has a piece of wearable art.   At least for the majority of the afternoon it was a celebration. Quinn got what every kid really wants too, to play with his friends.  We had a little more to celebrate than usual as my Mom and Quinn share a birthday (hers is a milestone number this year as well).  Zoe got her first taste of potato chips as she cruised everyone's plates and later got a burst of sugar herself when she got a lick (or two) of icing.  (She later flumped into a heap in the middle of her crib and did not wake up until late the next morning).  Wyatt decided that it was a perfect day to sit up all on his own, which he did and surprised a whole room of adults.  He has yet to repeat his performance, but it was enough to make a room full of parents happy.

The next week or so is full of appointments and tests and all sorts of medical things for Wyatt.  There will be anxious feelings and sleepless nights.  There will be planning and sorting and organizing until we are exhausted and crabby and don't feel like talking any more.  This entry, for the most part, isn't about Wyatt or Down Syndrome or the usual things... so much so that I considered posting it on my other blog.  It is however, about family and the people in it.  Sometimes we take the front seat, sometimes we take the back.  This week is all about Quinn and his birthday.  Soon, it will be all Wyatt again.   In the meantime, we will celebrate what a wonderful big dude Quinn is becoming and the great guy he will one day become.  This week is about changes, happy thoughts... and cake.

Peace and Love, Baby.

Roll out!

Wordless Wednesday: Springtime Fun

(Clicky to embiggen)

Defending the Boob

I'll start off right now by saying this post isn't for everyone.  It has boobs in it. 

Lactating ones.

I realize that half of you stopped reading after the last line, but to be fair, I've probably gained a few weird fetish dudes by now so I'm sure it all balances out somehow. 

In any event:  My name is Jen and I am an extended breastfeeding Mom.

As their biological mother, I chose to breastfeed all three of my kids.   I did this as I believe this is the best start that I can give them. I am not here to make you feel bad if you didn't;  we are fortunate enough to live in an area of the world that allows us options.   However, it's my blog and right now we are all about the boobies. 

It's sad in this day and age that you have to defend your choices as a mother, no matter what direction you take.   I am very lucky to have been able to breastfeed my twins up until now.  I struggled with my eldest for 6 months before giving up and switching him to formula. I wish I had known then what I know now (and had gotten a decent pump!)  The babies are now almost 14 months old and we are still going strong.   When Wyatt was born, I was open to any an all options for him in particular;  if it turned out that he needed to be tube or bottle fed pumped milk, then I would have done that.  We were very pleased when he was able to breast feed; not only would it provide the best dietary option and boost his immunity, but the increased resistance would give his oral-facial muscles a better start. 

As part of the 31 for 21 Blogging Challenge that I participated in last October, I put out this Factoid Friday:  7 Good Reasons to Breastfeed Your Baby with Down Syndrome.  Babies with Down Syndrome commonly have feeding problems;  I came across a study from Italy where 57% of babies with DS born in the four university hospitals were bottle fed (Pisacane, etc, 2003)  Depression and frustration were two of the most common cited reasons.  Feeding difficulties was the most common.  Only 30% of the children admitted to the NICU were breastfed.  I've run into similar studies from South America.  My advice to any new DS parent facing their options would be to do the research.  If you can do it, do it for the 7 Reasons that I've listed.

Now that the babies are 13+ months, I've now moved into very uncharted waters.  I'm now part of a new category:  the extended breastfeeder.  I have had (mostly well meaning) folks ask me "how long are you going to keep that up?" and the like.  (Also, "why are you still feeding both of them?", like I can pick one of them?) The stereotype, of course, is the "crunchy" mom who breastfeeds until the kid is in middle school... and yes, I have been asked that as well. Both Wyatt and Zoe are eating a variety of solid foods.  When I am at home, they continue to receive breast milk (they are supplemented with homogenized milk when I am working and there is not enough pumped milk in the fridge).  Why am I still doing this?

Really, it's more like: why the hell wouldn't I be?

There is no medical explanation as why I should cease breastfeeding my twins;  those 7 reasons still apply.  Between my insane work schedule and, well, life, any close, quiet snuggle time I get with the babies is important.  So what is the issue then, other than a vague societal idea that it is somehow weird and unnecessary?

To be honest, I did think about quitting.  It would be easier in some respects.  Pumping at work can be a drag, when all I want to do on my break is close my eyes for a few minutes or possibly eat something at a comfortable pace.  I might also want a glass of wine or two (or three) some evening at home. Then there is Zoe, who now has a mouthful of teeth.  Sharp, needle-like teeth.  I probably don't need to expound on that one. 

Ultimately, for me, it comes down to Wyatt.  Yes, he is eating solids, well above what is "expected" of a child with Down Syndrome at his age.  However, is solid food and cow's milk the best I can do for him and his special needs?

It is true that after 6 months, with any baby, supplementary feeding is recommended.  However, that does not mean that breast milk ceases to be of any nutritional value.  In fact, once you are over the year point, it is the exact opposite.  In 2005, Mandel determined that milk from mothers who had been breastfeeding for over a year showed "significantly increased fat and energy contents, compared with milk expressed by women who have been lactating for shorter periods."  To further expound on this, Dewey (2001) found that "Breast milk continues to provide substantial amounts of key nutrients well beyond the first year of life, especially protein, fat, and most vitamins."  In fact, when analyzed, 448 ml of breast milk (in ages 12-23 months) provides (of the daily requirement):

• 29% of energy
• 43% of protein
• 36% of calcium
• 75% of vitamin A
• 76% of folate
• 94% of vitamin B12
• 60% of vitamin C

After the first year then, breast milk continues to be a valid form of nutrition for a toddler.  What else can it do?  Building on our previous 7 reasons:


"1)  Breastfeeding provides antibodies and protection from illness"

After the first year, breast milk continues to provide immunity and fight infection.  In fact, it has been shown that breast fed toddlers have less infections and a reduced severity of illness (Gulick, 1986). Also, breast milk has an increased amount of antibodies in the second year (Goldman, Goldblum, Garza, 1983) which increases even further at the time of weaning (Goldman, 1983).  It would seem that extended breastfeeding is a beneficial practice for the health of any child, especially one who is statistically prone to infection and illness due to his genetic make up.

"2)  Breastfeeding improves mouth and tongue co-ordination which will aid in speech and language development"
  
Breastfeeding provides a variety of "positive effects on the development of an infant's oral cavity, including improved shaping of the hard palate resulting in proper alignment of teeth and fewer problems with malocclusions." (Palmer, 1983). In terms of both motor skills and early language development, another study found "The proportion of infants who mastered the specific milestones increased consistently with increasing duration of breastfeeding." (Vestergaard, etc,1999).  Therefore, extended breastfeeding would only continue to enhance speech and language development.

"3)  Breastfeeding promotes increased brain growth due to DHA, a fatty acid that is not found in most formulas or cow's milk." 

Extensive research in this area has shown that there is a direct relationship between breastfeeding and cognitive ability.  Of particular note is a study from 2002, whereby "a significant positive association between duration of breastfeeding and intelligence was observed in 2 independent samples of young adults, assessed with 2 different intelligence tests." (Mortenson, etc, 2002).  Extended breastfeeding then, would further aid any child's cognitive development;  ostensibly providing a boost to one who was developmentally delayed.

"4)  Breastfeeding provides the opportunity for extra sensory stimulation as there is more skin to skin contact"

Many studies have shown that breastfeeding enhances motor skills and overall development.  In fact, "The psychomotor and social development of breast-fed babies clearly differs from that of bottle-fed ones and leads at the age of 12 months to significant developmental advantages of the psychomotor and social capabilities." (Baumgartner, 1984).  As the senses develop the more they are stimulated, it would be easy to infer that the more one is breastfed, the more developed the senses would become.  It is obvious how this would be helpful to a child with Down Syndrome.

"5)  Breastfeeding fosters closeness"
and
 "6)  Breastfeeding enhances mothering skills"

I think this quote says it best;

"A major reason for practicing sustained breastfeeding in industrialized countries in the face of social disapproval has been the belief that it provides a closer bond between mother and child. These children are often said to be more secure and more independent. They continue to remember this close bond and their mothers believe that it continues in some sense, even into adolescence, easing the difficulties in the mother-child relationship during this period." (Grenier, 1995)  

The strong bonds created with breastfeeding appear to last well into childhood, at least by our perceptions.  Ferguson found "significant associations between the duration of breastfeeding and maternal and teacher ratings of conduct disorder obtained at six, seven and eight years" (Ferguson, et al, 1987). 
 
"7)  Breastfeeding reduces the risk of Type 2 diabetes"

Breastfeeding your child reduces his or her chances of developing Type 2 diabetes.  What is not commonly known is that extended breastfeeding decreases the mother's chance of developing Type 2 DM as well.  According to the Journal of the American Medical Association:  "increased duration of breastfeeding was associated with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes".  In fact, for each year of lactation, a woman decreases her chances by 15%.  (Stuebe, etc, 2005).  With that in mind, if a woman has two children and breastfeeds them both for two years, she has reduced her chances of developing Type 2 diabetes by 60%.  Other diabetes related finds of note:  suppressed lactation actually increases the chances of diabetes. Also: "lactation was associated with improved glucose tolerance, fasting glucose, and total area under the glucose tolerance curve. In an analysis stratified by use of insulin during pregnancy, fasting glucose levels were significantly lower in the lactating group." (Stuebe, etc, 2005)

As it turns out there is also some evidence that extended breastfeeding reduces the mother's risk of certain cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoporosis.


Contrary to popular belief then, extended breastfeeding (past the first year) has valid benefits for both mother and baby. I must admit, although it can be tricky (mainly due to other people), it provides a quiet time that I can spend with both my babies at once.  They make eye contact with me, they make eye contact with each other.  Occasionally, one will poke at the other, but that is the story with any siblings.  It's also easy and free, which scores bonus points as well.  I won't know for sure if it will make the difference between Wyatt taking this course or another in high school.  I will know that when I do get a chance to cool it for a bit, I can rest easy knowing that I did my very best for him and his sister.  Which is all any of us aspire to do, really.

Long live the boobies.  To my twins at least, they're like no udder. 



---------------------------------
Baumgartner, C. Psychomotor and social development of breastfed and bottle-fed babies during their first year of life. Acta Paediatrica Hungarica 1984; 25(4):409-17. 

Dewey KG. Nutrition, Growth, and Complementary Feeding of the Breastfed Infant. Pediatric Clinics of North American. February 2001;48(1).

Ferguson, D. M. et al. Breastfeeding and subsequent social adjustment in six- to eight-year-old children. J Child Psychology and Psychiatry 1987; 28:378-86.

Gulick EE. The effects of breastfeeding on toddler health. Pediatr Nurs. 1986 Jan-Feb;12(1):51-4.

Goldman AS et al. Immunologic components in human milk during weaning. Acta Paediatr Scand. 1983 Jan;72(1):133-4.

Goldman AS, Goldblum RM, Garza C. Immunologic components in human milk during the second year of lactation. Acta Paediatr Scand. 1983 May;72(3):461-2.


Mandel D, Lubetzky R, Dollberg S, Barak S, Mimouni FB. Fat and Energy Contents of Expressed Human Breast Milk in Prolonged Lactation. Pediatrics. 2005 Sept; 116(3):e432-e435.

Mortensen EL, Michaelsen KF, Sanders SA, Reinisch JM. The Association Between Duration of Breastfeeding and Adult Intelligence. JAMA. 2002;287:2365-2371.

Nursing Beyond One Year by Sally Kneidel, NEW BEGINNINGS, Vol. 6 No. 4, July-August 1990, pp. 99-103.

Palmer, B. The Influence of Breastfeeding on the Development of the Oral Cavity: A Commentary. Journal of Human Lactation. 1998;14(2):93-98

Pisacane A, Toscano E, Pirri I, Continisio P, Andria G, Zoli B, Strisciuglio P, Concolino D, Piccione M, Lo Giudice C, Vicari S.  Down syndrome and breastfeeding.  Acta Paediatr. 2003;Dec;92(12):1479-81.

Stuebe A., Rich-Edwards J., Willett W,  Manson J, Michels M, Duration of Lactation and Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes.  JAMA 2005;294(20):2601-2610.

Sustained breastfeeding, complementation, and care by Ted Greiner, Food and Nutrition Bulletin, 16(4):313-319, 1995

Vestergaard M, Obel C, Henriksen TB, Sorensen HT, Skajaa E, Ostergaard J. Duration of breastfeeding and developmental milestones during the latter half of infancy. Acta Paediatr. 1999 Dec;88(12):1327-32.