Tag Archives: breastfeeding support

Breastfeeding a Toddler

I posted a little bit about our choice to let our children self-wean over on our SPB blog since it’s Breastfeeding Awareness Month in the USA.  Based on one of the comments that post received on FB, I am going to write more about the “hows” of breastfeeding an older child here today.

As of today, Otter is about two months shy of her fourth birthday, and continues to show interest in nursing.  I plan to continue until she self-weans.

1.) How it works for us.
I am not breastfeeding a toddler or a preschooler as often as I did a newborn.  I want you to know that the analogy of “a dance between two people” is applicable.  Unlike ballroom dancing, in our relationship there is no set leader or follower.  Sometimes I set the boundaries, sometimes my Sweet Pea says no or demands, “now!”…all are acceptable in our breastfeeding relationship.  I encourage you to find what works for you.

It became clear to me that Otter was using breastfeeding as a way to control access to Mommy.  If she didn’t want anyone else to have my attention, then she would demand to breastfeed and would make it impossible to do anything else.  That is when we started to set some boundaries and expectations, and pretty much stick to them.

The boundaries in our relationship: I told her she was always welcome to nurse first thing in the morning, or before bedtime at night.  If she wanted to nurse during the day, she would have to wait until I could lay down with her in bed, or until we could sit in our nursing chair.  If her teeth get involved, it’s an immediate cessation of that nursing session (this does not happen more than once or twice a year).  I also told her that nursing is primarily done at home.  When we are out in public, I ask her to wait.  Occasionally, there are exception: the times that I know she is super-tired or overstimulated and nursing really *is the answer*, we will nurse.

2.) Why my husband supports it, even with a male child.
My husband became an advocate of breastfeeding as we took our first Bradley class in 2004.  I will let him share why he has, and continues to support extended breastfeeding.

Extended Brestfeeding: A father’s viewpoint. By Bruss Bowman

Krystyna and I are parents to 4 wonderful, healthy and happy children.  We committed to together to have the best, healthy pregnancies and labors for all our children.  We took Bradley method birth classes for our first two children and then became certified to teach Bradley and have helped well over a hundred couples on their own personal birth/parenting journeys.  That philosophy of healthy pregnancy/labor/parenting extends into breast feeding of our children, the health benefits of which are well documented and I support whole-heartedly for all our children and extending to those families that we have helped through Bradley as well.
I was posed the question of father’s support for extended breast feeding, that is (in my opinion) a breast feeding relationship that extends beyond 2-3 years.  It is an interesting question for me, given my support for the healthy, natural path of pregnancy, labor and breast feeding; yet a big part of me is unquestionably old school…I wasn’t dragged kicking and screaming to my first Bradley class, I went with a desire to support Krystyna to best of my ability whatever that path might be, but I certainly had a level of skepticism.  Yet my skepticism has fallen away through the years as I have learned and experienced, first hand and through our students, the undeniable benefits of the things we teach and live everyday.
So back to extended breast feeding, this was yet another challenge to my old school dogmatic thinking and I was not 100% comfortable with our family doing this.  But like so many things that came before,  through some introspection and prayer I did become comfortable with this extension, not so much of breast feeding itself but of Krystyna and my commitment to healthy, happy children and being the best parents we can be.
I will tell you that the single thing that made the difference in my decision to support extended breast feeding was the trust that I have in Krystyna as a great Mom who *always* does what she believes in her heart to be the very best things for our children.  Given that trust, her strong desire to extend her breast feeding relationship with our last two children is reason enough for me to support her parenting choices as I have done since we walked through the door of our first Bradley class.
Everyone’s parenting journey is unique to them, so ultimately you must do what is right for you as partners and parents.  Dads, if you are faced with similar circumstances, it is important to communicate and to remember the big picture of health and happiness for you and family.

 

3.) Extended breastfeeding in our family.
All of our children have been breastfed past their first birthday.  They nursed 22 months, 18 months, five years, and 3 years&counting, respectively.  The more I learned, the more committed I was to continuing the breastfeeding relationship until the child self-weaned.

Puma self-weaned, Night Owl was an emergency wean since I was pregnant with Charger and I was having a lot of contractions when I nursed.  I learned more for the next pregnancy, so I was able to nurse Charger through Otter’s pregnancy – and wow, was he excited when the rich, creamy, newborn milk came in!  You can read about that experience over at the Nursing Nurture webpage, where I shared about our breastfeeding journey. (Part 1: Breastfeeding Through Pregnancy, Part 2: Tandem Nursing)

I weaned Charger a little after his fifth birthday.  If I had heard Dr. Nils Bergman speak about the evolutionary biology of breastfeeding sooner, I would have let him nurse until he started losing his milk teeth, aka baby teeth.  Having learned that all other mammals nurse until the milk teeth fall out, I will be letting Otter nurse until she starts losing her baby teeth, or until she decides that she is finished nursing, whichever comes first.

4.) Tandem Nursing
With the help of my IBCLC and my La Leche League group leaders, I felt ready to tandem nurse.  I set the expectations of what was going to happen well before Otter was born, and I kept reassuring our then toddler that I was still going to be his mommy, and he was going to be able to get milk when we felt he needed it.

Expectations:
The baby was the baby, and she was going to nurse first when she was hungry and he wanted to nurse at the same time.  Since he was a big boy, I encouraged him that he could eat lots of neat things with his teeth; not the baby, she’s too little.  No fun for her. I also had a stack of books next to the bed that we could read together while he waited patiently.

As soon as the baby was finished nursing, he would be invited to nurse.  Or if the baby was napping, of course I would be available to him.  Little by little, that time turned into snuggle time.  By the time he was three, he was only nursing in the morning, for naps, and at bedtime.

Every once in a while, I would nurse them together. I didn’t really care for it at the time, so I didn’t do it very often.  Later as I realized our time as a tandem was ending, I regretted it.  There are so many lovely stories about children’s bonds who are nursed at the breast together.

The two of them did enjoy taking turns.  Sometimes they got possessive about which “side” was theirs, however, most of the time, it was a comedy.  One would finish and call out to the other, “Hey – it’s your turn!!” And a conversation would ensue between them about turns, sides, and which breast had more milk that day.

5.) Other places I have written about extended breastfeeding if you are interested:

Our Journey Into Tandem Nursing May 2012 intro about our chosen path

Still Tandem Nursing August 2012 update

Tandem Nursing – Extended  July 2013 update

My Take on Toddler Nursing – Today August 2013 photojournal of “gymnurstics”…thank goodness that was only a phase!

Nursing By Example: The power of peer-to-peer support

Nursing a Toddler: Benefits, and why it’s good to follow your instincts and your children’s cues

Extended Breastfeeding: the science behind why it’s beneficial

Breastfeeding & Tandem Nursing: Encouraging parents to follow the right path for their family

Now that I know people are looking for more info, I will be adding more links to the breastfeeding resource page about tandem nursing, how to deal with biting and nursing strikes, and other topics related to nursing older children.

In the meantime, I hope this gives you a clearer picture about what breastfeeding older children looks like.  It isn’t common, however, it would be nice if it was normal.

 

 

Breastfeeding Cafe Carnival: helping others reach their breastfeeding goals

breastfeedingcafecarnivalWelcome to The Breastfeeding Cafe Carnival!

This post was written as part of the Breastfeeding Cafe’s Carnival. For more info on the Breastfeeding Cafe, go to www.breastfeedingcafe.wordpress.com. For more info on the Carnival or if you want to participate, contact Claire at clindstrom2 {at} gmail {dot} com. Today’s post is about how you have helped another mom reach her breastfeeding goals. Please read the other blogs in today’s carnival listed below and check back for more posts July 18th-31st!

When you are submersed in the natural birth and natural/gentle parenting community it seems like breastfeeding is everywhere. Pictures, stories, advice and an abundant amount of information surrounding the benefits, etc. etc. etc. But outside of this small (or even large) part of your life there are still all of the other parts, your family, your high school friends and their families, your employees/employers/coworkers to which more times than not formula is the norm. Once you emerge from your baby moon and are back to more of your “normal” activities you may suddenly find yourself feeling super awkward when you have to feed the baby despite your rockstar breastfeeding-in-public confidence you gained in your other circle of natural mama friends during pregnancy and immediately post baby.

I was definitely surprised at how weird some people in my life acted about me nursing, how some  would go on and on about how weird or gross or whatever it was and how it would make others just clam up and not want to talk/look/or hang out with me and baby. I told myself that I would just act completely normal always, no matter what. I wouldn’t get weird, I wouldn’t change my behavior, I would go with what I was comfortable with and I would engage in all conversation positively, truthfully and most of all, sincerely.

I think this is one of the biggest keys in helping other moms. I would always bring my baby when meeting with my friends, mamas and non mamas alike and he would always need to nurse at some point. I would never comment on their choices to formula feed or ever bring up why I chose to breastfeed unless someone asked. If someone asked me about how everything was going with the babe obviously breastfeeding would come up and I would be honest about our struggles, successes and what parenting is like when you are the sole food source. I really feel that because of this laid back attitude and honesty I connected with other moms that were interested in breastfeeding but it had not worked for them for whatever reason or moms that maybe weren’t ever interested but now had a different take on it. I was always very open about what breastfeeding was like for us, how we did no solids until six months, that we were still nursing at one year, 18 months and 2 years and everything in between.

During this time I became the go-to breastfeeding person for two of my old work friends, one a first time mama and one who gave up very early with her first baby and was now nursing her second baby. Another pregnant friend who hadn’t considered nursing at all before but was interested and after baby latching in the hospital went with it and another high school acquaintance who was going to breastfeed but had never known anyone to nurse past one year. Once they all had decided (on their own) they *wanted* to breastfeed giving them advice and information was super fun and extremely helpful! From supplements to pumping advice to ditching the feeding schedules, I had a great time sharing my experience and research. Breastfeeding comes with a HUGE amount of uncertainty, something you can’t really understand ahead of time so I think sometimes it is nice just to know you are not alone in your thoughts or worries and to know there are always an abundance of options.

I am a huge proponent and supporter of breastfeeding and although not a hugely outspoken advocate unless approached or engaged (and there are obviously many varying positions on the matter). I really feel that because of the stigma of breastfeeding in our culture and the attitude so many people (and women!) have towards it, that a natural, sincere approach is best. By being open and honest and not having an opinion on whether or not people in my life supported, cared about, or wanted to breastfeed their own children I was able to help a few mamas and babies I may not have been able to otherwise!

How do you feel about advocacy? Are there any friends, family members, etc. that you have helped during their breastfeeding journey?

Here are more posts by the Breastfeeding Cafe Carnival participants! Check back because more will be added throughout the day.

Until Next Year…

(Image from https://www.facebook.com/MochaManual)

August has been Breastfeeding Awareness Month in the United States for several years now.  It kicks off with World Breastfeeding Awareness Month on August 1-7th.  This year, a group of concerned lactivists proposed a Black Breastfeeding Week to close out the month.  It has been met with unexpected and vehement opposition.

I would expect anyone who reads about pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding to understand why this is necessary.  Our black citizens have more incidence of lower birth weight and prematurity than other ethnic groups.  The black community has higher prenatal and maternal mortality rates than any other segment of the population.  And, they have lower rates of breastfeeding than any other ethnic groups.  This is not race mongering.  These are cold, hard and pathetic statistics in a day and age when we are supposedly “enlightened”.

We can all agree that breastfeeding offers the best start in life.  Our human milk is made just for our human babies, and it evolves to meet their needs as they grow into toddlerhood.  If there is a group that needs to hear this message loud and clear, then absolutely, dedicate a week out of the month to raise awareness.  End of story.  Start of advocacy.

Instead of arguing whether or not this is necessary, jump in and ask, how can we help?  I don’t care what race, color, creed or orientation, if you say your group needs help with increasing the number of Motherbabys choosing to breastfeed, and then going on to have successful breastfeeding relationships, then help is what they should get.  End of story.  Start of advocacy.

Breastfeeding is not an exclusive club.  The whole point of Breastfeeding Awareness Month is to educate people *everywhere* about the benefits, the struggles, the need for support, and the myriad of options (besides formula) that are available to families who want to feed their babies human milk.  When a group acknowledges that their is a disparity in breastfeeding rates and wants to do something about it, then by all means, give them the time and attention they are asking for.  Breastmilk is free, local and sustainable…what do we lose by ensuring that all mamas have equal access to correct, accurate and inspiring information and support?

We have enjoyed sharing our breastfeeding anecdotes, reflections on our journey as breastfeeding mamas, and pictures of breastfeeding and the lifestyle choices that support breastfeeding with you this month.  Did you see any black MotherBabys?  Me neither.

You can count on this: next year, we will be helping our sisters who want to see all the benefits of breastfeeding to improve outcomes and quality of life for the MotherBabys in the black community.

Now that I am ready to jump off my soapbox, please share with us.  Did you learn anything new this month?  Were you inspired by a mama in your community?  Please let us know – we love reading about your breastfeeding milestones.

Wordless Wednesday: Bonding with Coach

Babywearing on a hike

Babywearing on a hike

Music and dance

Music and dance

Play with your baby - does this look like wrestling to you?

Play with your baby – does this look like wrestling to you?

Make faces with baby

Make faces with baby

Snuggle with baby

Snuggle with nursling

SPB Father's Day 2013

Read to your nursling

Coaches with children

Coaches with children

Steady uncertain legs

Steady uncertain legs

Comfort your nursling

Comfort your nursling

Keep your nursling warm

Keep your nursling warm

To see coaches bonding with younger nurslings, visit Wordless Wednesday over at Sweet Pea Births

 

Family Events: August 19-23, 2013

Looking for something to do with your family this week?  Cassandra and I are posting events and classes in our respective geographic areas…look for us…maybe we will see you there!!

Disclaimer: A listing here does not imply endorsement by Sweet Pea Families or our families.

Please call ahead to ensure the event is happening as listed.  We pull our events from many different sources and cannot guarantee accuracy.  Looking for more baby-friendly events or breastfeeding support groups?  Visit our listings at Sweet Pea Births.

MONDAY, AUGUST 19, 2013
Splash Pad
Kids will love to splash around!
San Tan Village @ 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
2218 E Williams Field Rd
Gilbert, AZ  85295
480-282-9500

Free Baby Dance Class
Fun dance class for walkers through 2.5 years old – No charge.
USA Youth Fitness Center @ 9:00 am to 9:30 am
1530 S Gilbert Rd
Gilbert 85296
480-926-1480

Splash Playground
One-acre splash park as waterfalls that turn into streams.  There is an “ocean”, toy whales, and a “sandy beach”
Cox Splash Playground @ 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Mill Ave & Rio Salado Parkway
Tempe, AZ 85282
480-350-8625

Family Storytime
Bring the family for stories, finger plays, music and rhyming activities
Arabian Library @ 6:30 – 7:00 pm
10215 E. McDowell Mountain Rd
Scottsdale, AZ  85255
480-321-7323

CALIFORNIA
Summer Garden Potluck Picnic
Celebrate the summer with good food and jazz
Community Garden at Adult School @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
http://www.sustainablepg.org/events.php

TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2013
Spray Pad Fun
Cool water playground features a spray pad with snake head sprays and ground sprays.
Pecos Park @ 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
17010 S 48th St.
Phoenix (Ahwatukee), AZ 85048
602-262-6111

Tumbleweed Tots
This indoor play area is designed for children 5 years of age and under to play under parental/guardian supervision. This fun, safe and clean area will have plenty of toys, equipment and activities that are sure to keep the kids entertained. There is a maximum of four children per adult. Fee included in all TRC family passes.
Tumbleweed Rec Center @ 9am – 11am
745 E. Germann
Chandler AZ 85286
(480) 782-2900

Smart Play: Older Babies (6 months-12 months old)  
Who knew there was actually a science to the most beneficial techniques to use when interacting with your baby to help their brain develop? In this class, participants will learn how play affects their child’s lifelong brain development, what toys/activities are best for their child at this age, and how to look at a toy and instantly see its developmental benefits. Babies welcome and encouraged!
These are some of the techniques Brie shared on Channel 3’s “Your Life A to Z” on her June 27th appearance! Class costs $10 per person or $12 per couple
Baby Town  @ 9:30am-10:30am
3787 S. Gilbert Rd.
Gilbert, AZ
480-299-1154 or visit www.babybasics4u.com

Smart Play: Toddlers I (1 yr olds)
Who knew there was actually a science to the most beneficial techniques to use when interacting with your toddler to help their brain develop? In this class, participants will learn how play affects their child’s lifelong brain development, what toys/activities are best for their child at this age, and how to look at a toy and instantly see its developmental benefits. Toddlers welcome and encouraged!
These are some of the techniques Brie shared on Channel 3’s “Your Life A to Z” on her June 27th appearance! Class costs $10 per person or $12 per couple
Baby Town  @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
3787 S. Gilbert Rd.
Gilbert, AZ
480-299-1154 or visit www.babybasics4u.com

Pottery Barn Kids Story Time
Kids of all ages are invited to story time every Tuesday at 11:00 am.  Members receive an official book club passport at their first story time, plus a special gift after attending five story times.  To locate a store near you, click HERE
Store Near You @ 11:00 – 11:30 am
Chandler Fashion Center
3111 West Chandler Blvd
Chandler , AZ 85226
(480) 899-7155
Scottsdale Fashion Square
7014 e. Camelback Road
Scottsdale , AZ 85251
(480) 423-3813

Family Play Class
Free Preview of Gymboree’s School Skills Class.  Helps build key social, emotional, and intellectual skills needed for school.  Classes are offered throught the day.  Call to register for one.
Gymboree Play & Music (Scottsdale) @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
7077 E. Bell Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85013

Family Storytime
Families can enjoy stories, songs and rhymes.  For ages birth to five.
Acacia Library @ 11:30 am – 12:00 pm
750 E Townley Ave
Phoenix, AZ  85020
602-534-2468

Open Gym
Kids will enjoy playing and doing gymnastics at open gym.  For ages 18 months to 12 years old.  Cost is $7.00
USA Fitness Center @ 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
1530 S. Gilbert Rd
Gilbert, AZ 85296
480-926-1480

Free Movie
Kids can get out of the heat and enjoy a family-friendly movie rated PG or G.
Desert Sage Library @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
7602 W. Encanto Blvd.
Phoenix, AZ 85035
602-534-5276

Fish Feeding
Come see an 18,500 gallon freshwater aquarium that offers an up-close view of trophy-sized catfish, bass, striper and blue gill.  Feeding includes an informative presentation about the fish.  Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 pm and Tuesdays at 6:00 pm.  Also, every day kids can help us feed the trout in our Trout Stream at 1:30pm.
Bass Pro Shop Trout Stream @ 1:30 pm
Bass Pro Shop Aquarium @ 6:00 pm
1133 N Dobson Rd
Mesa 85201
602-606-5600

La Leche League – Chandler
LLL is an international, nonprofit, nonsectarian organization dedicated to providing education, information, support, and encouragement to women who want to breastfeed. All women, especially pregnant and nursing mothers, are welcome to attend our meetings. To find a meeting in your area, visit http://www.lllofaz.org/
**Husbands Welcome**
Whole Foods @ 7:00 pm
2955 West Ray Road
Chandler, AZ 85224
(SE corner of Ray Rd & 101 Freeway)

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2013
Bird Watching
Check out interactive exhibits, an interpretive loop, and a children’s free play area with a water feature and monarch play structure.  Visitors can check out a piar of binoculars and a bird guide and head into the habitat for bird watching.  Free admission.
Rio Salado Audubon Center @ 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
3131 S. Central Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85040
602-468-6470

Free Baby Dance Class
Fun dance class for walkers through 2.5 years old – No charge.
USA Youth Fitness Center @ 9:00 am to 9:30 am
1530 S Gilbert Rd
Gilbert 85296
480-926-1480

National Geographic Kids Club 
The Chandler Fashion Center Kids Club is a great opportunity for your child to learn in a fun, interactive setting.  Meet in the Gap wing near the Food Court now through mid-November!
This week’s theme:  Clap your hands and stomp your feet. Feel the rhythm of the jungle beat.
Chandler Fashion Center @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
3111 W Chandler Blvd
Chandler, AZ 85226
480-812-8488

Music Time
Enjoy singing, simple instruments and movement with your child.  For children 5 and under and their caregivers.
Bookmans Mesa @ 10:00 – 10:30 am
1056 S Country Club Dr
Mesa, AZ 85210
480-835-0505

Family Yoga
Midwives Rising! @ 10:00 am
531 E Lynwood St.
Phoenix, AZ
602-242-4446

Inn Mommies: Explorers Playgroup 
Crawling children to four years old: This playgroup for moms and babies that are exploring their world.  It is open to women that have given birth at home, at Babymoon Inn or in a hospital. Delight and stimulate your baby in this short yet action packed class full of music, movement, and rhymes for baby and mommy. You will be reminded of great songs and rhymes for baby and you may even learn a few new ones. Get to know other families during playtime that follows each class. Younger siblings are welcome in the Explorers group.  For more info visit http://babymooninn.com/community/
Babymoon Inn  @ 10:00 am
202 East Morris Drive
Phoenix, AZ
(602) 314-7755 ‎

Toddler Storytime
Toddlers and parents can enjoy stories, songs and games to help encourage emerging language skills.  For children 24 months to 36 months old.
Burton Barr Library @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
1221 N Central Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-262-4636

Open Gym
Kids will enjoy playing and doing gymnastics at open gym.  For ages 18 months to 12 years old.  Cost is $7.00
USA Fitness Center @ 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
1530 S. Gilbert Rd
Gilbert, AZ 85296
480-926-1480

Stuffington Bear Factory Tour
Come see a working factory where America’s most loveable companion, the teddy bear, is manufactured.  You will learn about the designing of the bears including how they are cut, sewn together, and stuffed with an up-close look at the manufacturing floor.  The mini-tour lasts about 15 – 20 minutes and includes lots o f fun information about the history of Teddy Bears.
Stuffington Bear Factory @ 1:00 pm
2302 E. Thomas Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85016

Art Appreciation
View the art at the Phoenix Art Museum and begin a lifelong appreciation of art with your little one – Free Admission this afternoon.
Phoenix Art Museum @ 3:00 – 9:00 pm
1625 N Central Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-256-7539

Agritopia Farmer’s Market
Specialty crops, food trucks, vendors, artisan food products
Agritopia @ 4:00 – 8:00 pm
13000 E Ray Rd
Gilbert, AZ 85296
480-988-1238

Phoenix Public Market
“our Open-Air Market is a natural gathering place that celebrates neighborhoods and the neighbors. It offers an eclectic high-quality mix of: Fresh in-season fruits and vegetables, produce, flowers, jams, baked goods, dried beans, free-range eggs and honey, live plants and unique local arts and crafts, tasty hot foods, music, and more.”

Open Air Market @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
721 N Central
Phoenix, AZ

Cloth Diaper 101
Cloth Diaper Show & Tell with Rachel
Midwives Rising! @ 6:30 pm
531 E Lynwood St.
Phoenix, AZ
602-242-4446

THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2013
Tumbleweed Tots
This indoor play area is designed for children 5 years of age and under to play under parental/guardian supervision. This fun, safe and clean area will have plenty of toys, equipment and activities that are sure to keep the kids entertained. There is a maximum of four children per adult. Fee included in all TRC family passes.
Tumbleweed Rec Center @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
745 E. Germann
Chandler AZ 85286
(480) 782-2900

Family Storytime
Bring the kids for stories, songs and fingerplays.
Palomino Library @ 10:00 – 10:30 am
12575 E Via Linda
Scottsdale, AZ 85259
480-312-7323

Open Gym
Kids will enjoy playing and doing gymnastics at open gym.  For ages 18 months to 12 years old.  Cost is $7.00
USA Fitness Center @ 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
1530 S. Gilbert Rd
Gilbert, AZ 85296
480-926-1480

Superstition Farmer’s Market
Dinner, shopping and fun at a working farm.  Local and organic foods, grill for dinner, and a petting zoo.
Superstition Farm @ 4:30 – 7:30 pm
3440 S Hawes Rd
Mesa, AZ 85212
602-432-6865

Flashlight Tour
Sensory adventures where you will see, hear and feel the desert night: birds, tortoises, insects and night-blooming flowers.  Please bring a flashlight and wear comfortable walking shoes – for families and children of all ages.  $18/adult, $10/ 13-18 yo, $8/ 3-12 yo, free for 2 and under.
Desert Botanical Garden @ 7:00 pm
1201 N Galvin Pkwy
Phoenix, AZ 85008
480-941-1225

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013
Walk the Trails at Boyce Thompson Arboretum
The arboretum features more than 3,200 different desert plants and most can be seen along the 1.5 mile main trail.  Enjoy the shade and beauty of a wide variety of trees.  Cost is $9 for adults and $4.50 for children ages five to 12; free for kids under 5.
Boyce Thompson Arboretum @ 6:00 am – 3:00 pm
37615 W Highway 60
Superior, AZ 85273
520-689-2811

Aquatic Playground Splash Pad
Kids can cool off at this 8,500 square foot water park featuring ground geysers, cattail and nearly 30 different nozzles and buckets.  Cost is $1.50 for adults, $.50 for ages 3-17; free for 2 and under
Aquatic Playground splash pad @ 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
83rd Ave & Berridge Lane
Glendale 85301
623-930-2820

Mesa Farmers Market
Come meet some great farming people and shop for locally grown fruits and vegetables.
Rendezvous Green @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
263 N Center St
Mesa 85201
623-848-1234

Music Together
Class Demo
Midwives Rising! @ 10:00 am
531 E Lynwood St.
Phoenix, AZ
602-242-4446

Babywearing Meeting
     Back for another month at Scottsdale Fashion Square. This time it will be in an empty restaurant space that was formerly Marcella’s at the East end of the mall, near Barney’s. There is a double door facing Camelback Road (facing south) on the outside of the building. You will need to enter through those. 🙂
Stop by and check out our carrier library, bring a friend and learn how to use one you already have, or just come out to play and chat.
As always you can join BWIP at any meeting for only $30/year and enjoy great benefits such as being able to borrow a carrier from our library for up to a month at a time. One of the last meetings to “Join in June” and be entered into our carrier drawing.
Scottsdale Fashion Square (Barney’s entrance) @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
7014 East Camelback Road
Scottsdale, Arizona 85251

Siblings! Class
Baby number 2 on the way? Don’t sweat it! In this workshop participants will get helpful tips on preparing siblings for a new baby as well as a discussion on how to get sibling to stop fighting and get along better. Class costs $11 per person or $13.50 per couple.
Baby Basics Office @ 10:00 – 11:00 am
5425 E. Bell Rd., Suite 142
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
480-299-1154 or visit www.babybasics4u.com

Storytime: Little Mouse by Alison Murray
Sometime the nickname Little Mouse just doesn’t seem to fit, like when you feel as brave as a lion or as loud as an elephant. Other times, it’s nice to be quiet and cozy, cuddly and dozy, especially when you’re snuggled up on Mommy’s lap.
Barnes & Noble @ 10:30 AM
Chandler Fashion Mall
3111 W. Chandler Blvd #2054
Chandler, AZ 85226
480-792-1312

Food Truck Friday
Phoenix Public Market @ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
721 N Central
Phoenix, AZ

Free Outdoor Concert – Tempe
Bring the family out to enjoy great live music performed by a variety of musicians.  Choose from two stages of entertainment.  For more information click HERE
http://tempemarketplace.com/events/live-music/
Tempe Marketplace @ 7:00 pm
2000 E Rio Salado Pkwy
Tempe 85281
480-966-9338

Free Outdoor Concert – N. Phoenix/Scottsdale
Bring the family out to enjoy great live music performed by a variety of musicians.  Choose from two stages of entertainment.  For more information click HERE
Desert Ridge Marketplace @ 7:00 – 9:00 pm
21001 N Tatum Blvd
Phoenix 85050
480-513-7586

Free Concert: Chandler
¡FlaMÉXico! Mariachi Meets Flamenco is a musical reflection of two cultures forming a new vision. Arizona-born composer Chris Burton Jácome charged his project ¡FlaMÉXico! with finding, creating and celebrating the musical confluences of Spain’s Flamenco and México’s Mariachi.
No tickets required, all shows are FREE.  All seating is first come, first served. Doors open at 6:30pm, and seating starts at 7pm. Suggested donations: $5/person, $10/family. More concert information here.
Chandler Center for the Arts @ 7:30 pm
250 N. Arizona Ave.
Chandler, AZ

CALIFORNIA
Celebrate the Outdoors
Throughout the month of August, MY Museum celebrates the outdoors with a special activity every Friday! Starry Night:  Join us August 23rd for an afternoon with the stars!

For more information and admission prices, visit http://www.mymuseum.org/plan/calendar/ 
Monterey County Youth Museum @ 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
425 Washington Street
Monterey, CA 93940

Do you have an event you want to add to our list?  We are happy to list your event in our weekly blog posts.  Any event, class, support group or meeting that fits into our philosophy of pregnancy, childbirth and parenting will be considered for our listing.  We reserve the right to decline requests that do not promote healthy families and peaceful parenting.

To submit your event:
Please follow this format (same as above).  Anything that is not “copy-paste” ready may not be posted – it will depend on how much time I have between homeschooling and loving on four littles.  If I don’t sleep, it seriously impedes my ability to be a peaceful mama, and that is not fun for anybody.  Thank you for understanding!

Submit your event information to:
sweetpeafamilies {at} gmail {dot} com

Information to send me:
Event Name
Description & Cost
Location Name & Time
Address
Contact Phone Number

For more baby-friendly fun or breastfeeding support groups, visit our listing at Sweet Pea Births.

Please leave us a comment – it will be moderated and posted.

Disclaimer:  
The material included on this site is for informational purposes only.
It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation.  Cassandra Okamoto, Krystyna and Bruss Bowman, and Bowman House, LLC accept no liability for the content of this site, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided.