How KangaTu Was Born

Dear World,

I just love birth stories. If you were curious about why KangaTu was born, it of course starts with the birth of my daughter! My experience becoming a mother last year inspired me to create KangaTu and make healthy birth information more accessible to everyone. 

WARNING: There are some graphic details about labor in this post. If you're just here for pictures, go ahead and scroll down for the pictures. Not everyone is into the details, I get that. :)

Obligatory "where's the baby" selfie, on my "due date"

Before:
During my pregnancy, I was obsessed with reading and hearing other birth stories. It helped me learn what to expect (the unexpected!), what to request, what to pack, etc. I had read enough books about birth to become a certified doula. My personal favorite was Peggy Vincent's memoirs about her career as a midwife in the 70s and 80s (Baby Catcher), and Elizabeth Davis's Orgasmic Birth. (Who wouldn't love a book with that title?) I had read enough to know that I wanted a natural, drug-free birth experience attended by nurse midwives. Well, I think there's a saying about making God laugh by making plans, so here's what actually happened:
Around the 33 week mark, I realized that my daughter was in the breech position, meaning her head was up by my ribs instead of down by the nearest exit. At my 34 week appointment, the midwives confirmed it via ultrasound. I was given a thick packet of information about things to do to turn the baby into the proper position. This included holding a bag of frozen peas by the baby's head so she'll turn away from the cold, laying in an inclined position with my knees on the couch and my head toward the ground multiple times a day, acupressure, acupuncture, chiropractic, moxabustion, and finally, attempting an ECV (external cephalic version) procedure at the hospital. Which, by the way, was totally painful and involved greasing my belly with mineral oil. Ew.
When all of these attempts to turn the baby around failed, I had to come to terms with the fact that I would deliver by cesarean section, because nobody in town delivers breech babies the good old fashioned way anymore. When discussing my options with the midwives, I made it clear that I wanted to at least go into labor on my own, in hopes that perhaps the baby will turn herself around during the labor process (which is a common occurrence as well-- leaving only 3% of babies remaining breech before delivery). I was also concerned about the most common complication with babies being delivered by cesarean, which is respiratory problems. Typically this is because the baby's lungs aren't ready for the outside world yet, as C-section complications can frequently be a result of scheduling the surgery too early, or a failed induction of vaginal labor that doesn't progress the way it should. (Again, because baby just isn't ready to come out yet! Fun fact: the love hormone oxytocin is what signals your body to go into labor-- it is triggered when the baby's lungs are mature.) After some discussion, I realized that my caretakers preferred if I scheduled the C-section. They said it would be a calmer, less stressful experience for all. I could schedule for as early as 39 weeks. (NO THANK YOU.) I finally decided to schedule the surgery for almost a week AFTER my estimated due date, to truly give Ellie every chance possible to turn around and to start labor when she's good and ready. (Because at a certain point, cesarean aside, you get pressured to schedule an induction if you go past your due date anyway.) This also made it easier to schedule my sister's flight into town from Chicago, ensuring that she would be there to share the experience. I felt at peace with my decision.
The due date came and went, as expected, and all there was left to do was wait for Friday, when our surgery was scheduled. My sister got into town on Wednesday evening, and we planned to do some shopping on Thursday. At 2:30 Thursday morning, I woke up with some contractions. They weren't close together enough to warrant calling anyone, but they were strong enough that I couldn't go back to sleep right away. After about an hour, I finally drifted back to sleep until about 8:00. I texted my doula to let her know that the contractions were happening and not going away. By pure luck, she happened to be working the OB rotation for nursing school that day, so she would be at the hospital in the correct wing all day. I told her I would let her know if we ended up heading that way.
I went about my business as usual, going out for lunch with my mom, sister, and brother, and then shopping for a couple of hours. After getting back to my mom's house, my contractions were noticeably closer together. She offered to let me take a bath to relax, in her enormous garden tub, so naturally I took her up on that. While soaking in the tub, my water broke-- right as it started to rain outside. I got out of the tub and quickly got dressed to get ready to go to the hospital.
I tried calling my husband a few times, but no answer. He was in a meeting. We drove over to our house (he works from home) to get him. I marched up the stairs and pounded on the door and told him to meet us at the hospital with our car. It was about 3:30.
Hospital:
We got to the hospital around 4:00, where my doula was waiting for us at the door. After I was admitted to a labor room, the receptionist brought a pile of paperwork for me to fill out. I told her that I had already submitted the pre-registration forms three weeks ago so I didn't have to fill anything out. She didn't seem to care and I had to fill these forms out anyway while dealing with increasingly strong contractions. Lovely.
I was given a hospital gown to change into, and was put in a bed so I could get a monitor hooked to me. There was meconium (baby poo) in my fluids when my water broke, so I had to have a monitor strapped to me at all times in the confines of an increasingly uncomfortable hospital bed. I was hooked up to an IV. Two of my midwives (Susan and Mary) showed up to check on us. My cervix was dilated 3 centimeters when they checked at 5:00. They conducted an ultrasound to see if Ellie turned from the labor (although I was still pretty sure she hadn't). She was still breech, so they started communicating with the surgery team about how quickly they could get me to the operating room. I was told that because I had lunch around noon, we had to wait until 8:00 PM before I could be given anesthesia for the surgery. So we had to sit around and wait for three hours while my contractions steadily picked up. Awesome.
On the bright side, we found Seinfeld playing on TV. It was a welcome distraction between me moaning like a banshee for each contraction. As it turned out, I progressed so quickly that we didn't have to wait the whole three hours. I was wheeled back to the operating room around 7:00, and by then I was 7 centimeters dilated with contractions coming every minute or two. Mom was permitted to be back there with me, and my midwife Mary had taken some fabulous pictures for us.
Ellie Thora was born at 7:45 on May 29th. She came during a thunderstorm, on a Thursday. She picked her own time, so I was satisfied with the experience. There were zero complications and I was able to hold her as soon as she was cleaned up.

Here are some pictures!

Ellie was born butt first! The guy standing in the background is the anesthesiologist. He narrated the whole thing for me (since I couldn't see what was going on). Also, this tool in the lower left corner looks like a metal shoehorn. I'm pretty sure it was used like one, too. Ew.

Here she is getting cleaned up!

I got to hold her as soon as they gave her a hat and blanket! They were still stitching me up on the other side of the sheet.

Recovery didn't take too long, and I was up walking around the next day.

Ellie is now 16 months old (time flies) and we are looking forward to getting KangaTu in full swing! Many big changes are coming soon, so stay tuned for our adventures! 

Love,

Stephanie

Can you spoil a baby?

"It is impossible to treat a child too well. Children are spoiled by being ignored too much or by harshness, not by kindness." - author Sloan Wilson

Me? Spoiled?

Has anyone ever told you that you'll spoil the baby by holding him so much? Hold back on the urge to punch their advice back down their throat and disregard their warning.

Babies who are tended to quickly after crying and held often grown up to be more independent than babies who do not receive this "attachment parenting," a term coined by Dr. William Sears. This practice of bonding and attentive parenting demonstrates trust and safety to a child.

To me, attachment parenting is the only thing that feels natural. I am lucky to be a stay-at-home mom, so I have been able to on-demand nurse and feed, babywear, play, get outdoors, respond to cries quickly and put my son to sleep whenever he needed it, however he needed it, rather than put him on a schedule. He is a sweet, calm, happy baby! And I hope it stays that way.

I understand that parents who go back to work would do things a bit differently, and that's more than okay, because this parenting thing works differently for everyone.

What made me start thinking more about this is a comment someone made to me recently. This pregnant mama was peeved because folks have been telling her she may want a crib or bassinet in the bedroom with herself and husband, whereas she had been planning on putting the baby in his crib from the get-go in his own room. She texted me, saying, among other things, "... I don't want to get into the process of him sleeping with us or beside the bed. I am breastfeeding, but I can get up. What do you think?"

Of course I told her that a lot will depend on her kid but that we ended up co-sleeping because it was much easier for us and we got better sleep not having to wake up and move to another room, put our son back to sleep, come back and put ourselves back to sleep, repeat again and again. This was especially important for us in the first few shocking months of sleep-deprivation during which our child would feed the norm two to three hours.

Then I told her, "You can say, 'My kid's going to ...' as much as you want, but reality could always be different."

She said, "Yeah, I just don't want to have a spoiled brat on my hands."

That's when it struck me: Not everyone in our generation understands that tending to a baby or small child's needs on-demand is important to their development and will not spoil a child! Her thought-process surprised me, as I consider it an outdated way of child-rearing.

I think of it this way: A baby can't communicate wants versus needs, so each cry is a need. Likewise, a toddler or small child still has not mastered the art of self-expression (hello, temper tantrums) to convey what they want or need, but this does not mean they are spoiled. They are telling us in the most effective way they have at their disposal that something in their little world is not quite right. And it is our responsibility to respond appropriately and lovingly, not dismissively, and that does not mean by always saying yes. A child who has his needs met and has this sense of security is more likely to become a happier, more confident and independent person, according to research.

My son is only just 1 year old and still can't tell me what he needs, mostly. He's learned to arch his back and flail his legs and cry, usually if I set him down in his play area and he isn't wanting the independent playtime. This isn't a product of spoilage; he simply wants interaction from me or my husband or the dogs or cat, or, in some cases, the Roomba. I do sometimes leave him in the play yard when he responds like this, but only when I need him out of trouble for long enough to use the bathroom or eat or put something in the oven. Then I grab him back up or get in there and play with him.

We don't claim to be perfect or near-perfect parents, but we do the best we can with the evidence-based information that's out there. It's a lot to weed through but totally worth it.

Now, "My Super Sweet 16"? Totally, utterly rotten to the core.

"Children desperately need to know - and to hear in ways they understand and remember - that they're loved and valued by mom and dad." - author Paul Smalley

Here are a few good links:
WebMD: "Is Your Child Spoiled?"
Ask Dr. Sears: "Spoiled Children or Healthy Babies?"
Attachment Parenting: "Respond with Sensitivity"
Parenting Science: "The Science of Attachment Parenting"
Psychology Today: "Can You Spoil Your Baby?"

Every mom has a "thing." What's yours?

Dear World,
As I progress in my journey through motherhood, I've come to realize that every mom has a "thing" or two. What do I mean by "thing?" A soapbox. A cause. A topic of interest in the vast terrifying realm of parenting that we focus on. There are too many for us to do research and be a know-it-all about them all (but bless us we try), so typically moms will pick a handful that they really care about, and that becomes their thing. I'm going to list a few of the hot button issues that people make their mom "thing." (Note: this is not intended to make fun of anyone...these are ALL important even though not all of them are my "thing," per se.)

Here are some examples:
1. Car seat safety- Some parents hyper research car seats, have them installed by professionals (typically of the fireman variety), and then make it their God-given mission to tell everyone about car seat safety. And why shouldn't they? Kids are statistically more likely to die in a car accident than most other things, so why don't we care more about car safety? This type of parent is quick to let you know that you're letting your child ride in a death trap if the 5 point harness isn't adjusted to the armpits. They also scour the internet for all baby equipment recalls to make sure their stuff is up to code. These parents are also typically on the lookout for improper car seat use on a shopping cart. (Seriously guys, they can fall out.)

WHERE ARE THE STRAPS?

2. Vaccines- Some people are pro-vax, some are anti-vax, some are pro-parental choice in conjunction with either side. People who get fired up about vaccines are ready to tell you how your child could die-- regardless of the choice you made for your kids. Just thank them and pretend to agree with whatever side they're on so they don't accuse you of wanting to murder your child.


3. Clean eating- In the United States, it's pretty well known that our eating habits (and lack of exercise) are getting us fat. Some people take it to the extreme by preaching about the benefits of organic/non-GMO/vegan/vegetarian/paleo lifestyles. I have researched some of this stuff myself, and I mostly just wish the government would outlaw junky food, but it's not happening here...because, 'merica.

Hold up. Is this watermelon organic? Did it come from a sustainable farming situation?

4. Breastfeeding/Bottle feeding- Again, this is a nutrition issue we have in the United States, but also partially a maternity leave issue. A lot of women have a huge desire to breastfeed but when they have to go back to work after 8 weeks of maternity leave, it's tempting/easier/works better for some folks to switch to formula. On mommy blogs and Facebook posts, you will see all out WAR between breastfeeding advocates and bottle feeding advocates. Guys, we're all doing the best we can. Why don't we just ask our society for better leave options? (PS- Netflix is great. I hope more follow suit).


5. Whatever your kid's health issue is- Yep. I know. You've researched everything under the sun about <insert health issue here>. This is actually a default because anyone with a child with needs different from "the norm" would (hopefully) do this. My baby has an intolerance for eggs. You better hope eggs never come up in a conversation, because I will weave you a lovely tale involving projectile vomit.


6. Germs- You know the type. She carries hand sanitizer in the diaper bag, in the car, and has a backup in the trunk in case either runs out. Don't forget the handi-wipes, too! She wipes down the grocery cart before touching it or putting baby in. She also opens the bathroom door handle with the paper towel before throwing it away. I get it mama, you don't know who touched any of that. You don't have time to get sick and neither does your baby.


So there's just a few examples of mom "things." What did I miss? What's your "thing?"

Love,
Steph

Can I nurse your baby?

     Would you let another woman nurse your child? Would you nurse another woman's child? Historically speaking, wet nurses and cross nursing are nothing new. The act of breast feeding another woman's child was quite common in ancient times due to the high rates of maternal mortality and still continues today in some countries, however, it seems to be a taboo subject in todays Western cultures.

     Salma Hayek was on a goodwill trip to Africa in 2009 when she encountered a newborn child whose mother had no milk. What did she do? She nursed that baby! She later told an interviewer "The baby was perfectly healthy, but the mother didn't have any milk. He was very hungry. I was weaning Valentina, but I still had a lot of milk that I was pumping, so I breast-fed the baby. You should have seen his eyes. When he felt the nourishment he immediately stopped crying."

"If you have milk, you have milk, and if they're hungry, they're hungry."
~Salma Hayek

     I'm currently nursing my second child and though I've always said I'd happily nurse another babe, or allow someone to nurse one of mine if they were to be in need, it was only recently that the opportunity presented itself, and it was most certainly not in a way I would have ever expected. I wasn't in a third world country where babies were starving. It wasn't the child of a friend who might  have had a low supply. It thankfully wasn't my own child that needed to be fed. I was in a public records department here in North Carolina, waiting on some paperwork, while watching a woman attempt to give her 3 month old baby a juice box. Yes, you read that right, she was giving an infant a juice box. But let's back up just a bit....

     I went to get a copy of my daughters birth certificate and found myself in a waiting room with several other people including another mother, her baby, her friend, and the baby's father. Having my own family with me we naturally got into small talk about our little darlings... Her daughter was 3 months old- beautiful round face with a head full of curly hair; she looked small for her age but by no means unhealthy. We had been waiting for about 15 minutes when her child began to get fussy.  I overheard the mom ask dad to run out to the car for a bottle. Several minutes pass by and when the father returned some time later he told the mother that he couldn't find it anywhere (insert man joke here), but he did manage to bring the ladies back a soda. The mother laid into him pretty good: where the bottle was located, that, yes, she did indeed pack it, if he would have just looked right there, on and on. She finally stopped when he pulled a Hi-C juice box from his pocket. "Oh, I didn't know we had that with us!" she said with a smile. All the while, her friend had been holding the baby and was letting her lick the condensation from outside of the soda bottle. The only thing I could think about by this point were the dirty hands that had touched the vending machine plastic bottle and hoping I wasn't going to witness a 3 month old being given a soda, but before I could blink an eye, the straw from the juice box was in her mouth.

                                          

                                          

     

      Watching an infant attempt with all her little might to drink from a straw is pitiful, you could just see how hard she was trying, and the look in her eyes made it clear she was hungry and clearly would have settle for anything.  Watching a mother get frustrated with said infant over not being able to drink properly from it really hit a nerve and got my heart racing. She was a new mama getting frantic, her baby was crying, and we have all been there. I was trying not to pass judgement; not to have that look of astonishment and disgust written across my face. In those moments when we as mothers aren't showing our best sides we don't need other moms looking down upon us, we need help. Don't be part of the problem be part of the solution, right? My mind was going 100MPH thinking of something I could say or do to without causing a scene. I wanted to shout at the woman "Are you crazy! She is a baby! She can't drink from a straw yet! Don't fuss at her, just send boyfriend's lazy butt back out to the car to get the bottle!!" That likely would have only angered or hurt her, possibly both, so I was relieved when much more gentle words fell from my lips, without a second thought I asked, "Would you like me to nurse your baby?" She looked at me like I had 2 heads but I continued "Do you think she would try to drink from a breast if I offered it to her? Has she ever breastfed?"

     I would love to say that the story ended happily ever after: that I came in like a mama knight and whisked the little princess off to the comfort of some boogie milk, far away from the evil artificially flavored chemical water. But sadly, no, that wasn't how the story ended this day. The mother shot me a few more strange looks then declined my offer, and right when she was doing so, before I could plead my case for the sake of her child any longer, my name was called up to the window to collect my documents. Much earlier, my boyfriend had taken our daughter for a stroll to burn some time and put some more change in the meter. He walking in right as I was asking to breastfeed the other child and my name was being called. He kind of gave me a confused look and nudged me towards the teller at the window. So on I went without looking back, partly because I didn't want to give the mother that look I had been trying not to give her since the whole thing began, partly because I didn't want to see that sweet little baby girl struggling with a straw stuck in the juice box. We got my daughter's birth certificate and left. 

    

      I has hesitant to write about my experience at first because I feel like moms today are already scrutinized and judged for every little thing when we need to be supporting and uplifting one another. I don't think this woman is a bad mother, rather, I think she simply didn't know any better. Her mama probably gave her juice as a baby and so the cycle continues. But what was I to do? Just stand there and watch it unfold or step in and try to be the change I want to see in the world? All of this happened months ago and I still dwell on what I could have done differently. Looking back, I wish I would have stuck around for a few more minutes to talk to the mother, maybe help educate her about why juice is not good for infants, offer to go get the bottle myself, perhaps even ask again to nurse the baby. The last thing I wanted to do was insult or anger her though. So, readers, what would you have done? Would you ever offer to nurse another woman's baby? Would you allow another mother to nurse your own child? 

     As mothers, the one thing that connects us is the desire to keep children safe and healthy. I think it's universal truth that any mother hears a baby cry, even if it isn't her own baby, and her soul jumps at the chance to help soothe the child in need.  Something happens when she gives birth, a switch is turned on, she will always be a mother in her heart. It's a beautiful connection and I hope the mother I encountered that day understood where I was coming from- I was just trying to help. One mama reaching out to another in need. After all, it really does take a village to raise a child. 

The Ultimate Guide Birth Resources in Wilmington, North Carolina

Local Birth Resource List- Wilmington, NC

Brought to you by KangaTu!

                  

www.kangatu.com

Birth Educators

Jen Quinn, Joyful Births (Bradley Method) Joyfulbirths731@gmail.com (254)978-1301

Gaby Merediz, TMuffin (Lamaze) www.tmuffin.com  (910)367-5722

Mama Love postpartum doulas (Lamaze)  http://mamalovenc.com/ (910)342-6455

CLEs, CLCs, IBCLCs

Lindsey Hurd, MS, RD, LDN, IBCLC- www.angelfoodnutrition.com (919)801-5445

Jaime Brownlee, IBCLC- (910)279-9535

Colette B. Waddill, MSN, RN, IBCLC (910)515-8705

Rachel Birkenhauer, CLC- http://www.lactationcounselingservices.com/  (614)717-8487

Hospitals that are BabyFriendly™

New Hanover Regional Medical Center: Betty H. Cameron Women’s and Children’s Hospital- Baby friendly since October 2014, http://www.nhrmc.org/betty-h-cameron (910)343-7000

Breast Pump Rental Sites

TMuffin- www.tmuffin.com (910)367-5722

Walgreens, 17^th street location (across from hospital) www.walgreens.com (910)343-2988

Johnson Home Medical http://www.johnsondrugco.com (910)686-2988

La Leche League Leaders/Meetings

LLL of Wilmington, NC http://www.lllofnc.org/groups/Wilmington.html

Leaders:

Norma 910-538-6455 (Also serves Spanish speakers)

Alissa 910-297-4902

Julia 910-791-2853

Jaime 910-279-9535

Elaine 719-393-2683

Ashton 910-777-3315

Denise 910-612-7885

Labor Doulas

Jessica Cooper- http://www.happyfamilieshappybabies.com/ (910)377-7450

Amber Bell https://www.facebook.com/Happymommydoula  (910) 554-7690

Meredith Christie, CPM http://www.birthwithconfidencenc.com/ (910) 274-8415

Celey Cumbo http://www.wilmingtoncoastaldoulas.com/ (910)707-4507

Candace Edwards http://birthherway.com/ (910)233-7989

Nicole Havelka http://wilmingtondoula.com/ (910)200-8646

Lindsey Hurd  http://angelfoodlactationandnutrition.com/   (910)801-5445

Julie Small https://www.facebook.com/juliethedoulaNC?_rdr (910)231-9623

Whitney Teel http://www.wilmingtoncoastaldoulas.com/ (910)707-4507

Hannah Plaskus https://www.facebook.com/HannahaDoula28403 (802)673-7708

Jen Quinn Joyfulbirths731@gmail.com (254)978-1301

Stephanie Sondermann Luther, http://www.awomanswellbeingdoula.com/ (910)833-2143, (910)399-2486

Postpartum Doulas

Mama Love postpartum doulas- http://mamalovenc.com/ (910)342-6455

Courtney Gomez- (910)338-6112

Stephanie Sondermann Luther, http://www.awomanswellbeingdoula.com/ (910)833-2143, (910)399-2486

Cranial Sacral Therapists

Oasis Cranial Sacral Therapy http://oasiscst.com/ (910)620-8512

McKay Healing Arts http://mckayacupuncture.com/ (910)791-1981

Chiropractors (specializing in pregnant women and infants)

Dr. Shaver Chiropractic and Natural Medicine http://www.shavernaturalmedicine.com/ (910)452-5555

Family Tree Chiropractic http://www.familytreechiropractic.net/ (910)769-2338

Dr. Aaron Richardet and Dr. Nikki Bailey Spinal Care of Wilmington www.spinalcareofwilmington.com (910)798-5560

Mother’s Support Groups

Breastfeeding support group- New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Betty Cameron Women’s and Children’s Hospital- http://www.nhrmc.org/new-hanover-regional-medical-center (910)343-7000- Meets every Monday at 11:00 AM

Birth Circle- Hosted by Cape Fear Area Doulas http://capefearareadoulas.org/

Happy Families, Happy Babies-(Postpartum coaching and support group)  www.happyfamilieshappybabies.com (910)377-7450

Midwives

University Physicians Nurse Midwives- http://university-physicians.net/index.php/areas-of-health/nurse-midwifery-services/ (910)815-5190

Home Midwifery Service http://midwiferyservices.net/ (910)200-8389

Birth Centers

(2.5 hours away from Wilmington, located in Chapel Hill, NC) Women’s Birth and Wellness Center- http://ncbirthcenter.com/ (919)933-3301

Acupuncturists

Jeremy Linquist, Carolina Beach Community Acupunture- http://www.jeremylinquistacupuncture.com/ (910)202-4718

Dr. Shaver Chiropractic and Natural Medicine http://www.shavernaturalmedicine.com/ (910)452-5555

McKay Healing Arts http://mckayacupuncture.com/ (910)791-1981

Pregnancy and New Mom Fitness

Fit4Mom http://wilmington.fit4mom.com/ (910)352-1765

Heartsong Yoga and Wellness http://www.heathertillyoga.com/ (910)520-7752

Birth Photographers

Dana Jackson Photography http://danajacksonphotography.com/ (910)297-6244

Lotus Lily Photography http://lotuslilyphotography.com/

Unique U Photography http://www.unique-u-photography.com/ (910) 228-2457

Cool Breeze Photography http://coolbreezephotosnc.com/  (910) 431-7854

Shutter Bunny Photography http://ShutterBunnyPhotography.com (910)777-4645

Millie Holloman Photography http://www.millieholloman.com/ (888)316-3136

Studio 412 Imagery https://www.facebook.com/studio412imageryanddesign (843) 251-9750

Car Seat Safety Specialists

City of Wilmington Fire Department- http://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/fire_department/public_education/child_car_safety_seat_inspection  Call: Meg Langston (910)343-4784 or Wendy Gianni-King (910)342-2731

Mental Health Providers (specializing in postpartum depression)

Alfreda Gee, LCSW- New Hanover County Health Department (910)343-5667

Happy Families, Happy Babies-(Postpartum coaching and support group)  www.happyfamilieshappybabies.com (910)377-7450

Chrysalis Center for Counseling http://chrysaliscenter-nc.com/ (910)790-9500

Cloth Diapering Resources

Green Baby Diaper Service http://www.greenbabybiz.com/home/ (910)399-3051

Baby Wearing Resources

TMuffin- www.tmuffin.com (910)367-5722

Other Birth/Breastfeeding Goods and Services

Placenta Works, Placenta encapsulation services www.placentaworks.com (607)343-5178

Lizard Lane, homemade natural soap with local ingredients—makes breastmilk soap

https://www.facebook.com/lizardlane28405

4 Kid-Friendly things to do in Wilmington, NC

Dear World,
As many of you know, I've been having many adventures since my departure from South Carolina. I've been to the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, New Jersey, New York, Las Vegas, Florida, Panama, and North Carolina all in the couple of years. What an exciting ride!
We're settled in Carolina Beach, NC for now so I'll share some kid-friendly things we have to offer in this area, in case you're ever wanting to visit.

Downtown Wilmington-
If you like history and/or movies, this is a great place to take a tour! If your children are old enough to appreciate history and old pretty houses, there are a few options. You can hop on the FREE trolley that rides around the downtown area or you can pay to take a horse carriage ride to learn about the history of this fascinating town. (The horses are all rescued clydesdales, which is pretty cool.) From pirates hiding treasure to soldiers fighting in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, there are plenty of exciting stories to be told about downtown Wilmington. There is even a walking ghost tour if your family is brave enough to try it!
Not the tour type? No worries, there is still plenty to see. There are tons of unique shops around town with plenty of exciting things to offer. One of my personal favorites is the Black Cat Shoppe, which is full of gag gifts and quirky magnets. You can walk along the Cape Fear River and admire the Battleship North Carolina nestled up to the bank on the other side. If you need a break from all of this walking around, there are tons of restaurants to choose from! I personally love the Copper Penny for lunch.
In case it's a rainy day, there is a Children's Museum and a Serpentarium downtown, about a block away from each other. I have not gone to either yet, but they seem like good options to nurture your little one's inquisitive mind.

Battleship NC- 
Across the Cape Fear river from downtown Wilmington, you can see a real battleship! This is set up like a museum, so you pay admission and then explore the boat. I went with my family a few years ago and we spent about three hours guiding ourselves through the enormous vessel. The youngest child with us was about 4 at the time, and he had a blast! There are many rooms full of interesting anecdotes and descriptions, and lots of cool gizmos to see.

A boat so big that this plane fits easily on the deck, with plenty of room to spare!

For more information on visiting the ship, click here to see their website.

Tregembo Animal Park-

I hesitate to call this place a "zoo," because it's kind of small...but that's pretty much what it is. Kids love animals, and this place has a unique opportunity for you. At the entrance to the zoo, you can buy peanuts and corn to feed the animals. THAT'S RIGHT! Against all of the typical zoo rules, you are allowed to feed most of the animals at this place, which is super fun. Obviously, if your child has peanut allergies, you might want to be careful here. This isn't a super big zoo, and can easily be done in a couple of hours.

A few years ago, the people working here let us hold baby alligators. This is my bestie ROCKING an alligator.

Like peacocks? That's good, because they run around freely all over the park.

For more information, you can visit their website here.

Greenfield Park-

Parks are so much fun for kids. (And also free. Free is good.) This one features a lake full of gators, paddle boats for rent, beautiful trees and flowers, ducks, geese, and of course, a playground. I usually hit up this park when I want to take a walk on their pathway and enjoy the nature. Here are some pictures of my Greenfield adventures:

Oh hello, Mr. Cardinal.

What an inviting bench.

Baby gosling following mother goose

Not sure what kind of snake this is, but he was small and friendly!

During warmer times of the year, you can spy alligators sunbathing.

In the spring, you can find an explosion of azalea blossoms. 

Nothing makes you feel like a kid again quite like looking up at towering trees.

More adventures to come!
Love,
Steph