Spit-up On My Shoulder

It can be hard to accept the cosmetic changes in our bodies after delivering a baby. Stretch marks, c-section scars, poochy tummies, and droopy breasts happen. I’ve never had a c-section, but I definitely have the other three!
Previously I’ve written posts on how we can learn to love our unique, imperfect bodies. [...]

It’s Independence Day, but do you feel free to be the parent you dreamed of? There is so much judgment of parents in this country (particularly brand new ones.) Why is that?
I remember being shocked after Danielle was born about how quickly people were ready to criticize or question what I [...]

In continuing the Father’s Day Theme, here are some websites for expectant and new dads:
Great Dad - Helpful information to answer dad’s questions on numerous topics including Sleep, Sex, and Baby Massage, among many.
Funky Stork: A website for modern expectant fathers and hip new dads. Good info on keeping balance as you become a [...]

This week both of my daughters graduated from their respective schools. One from elementary school (Linda) and one from junior high (Danielle). In so many ways these changes feel like experiencing birth again. They are more steps in the process of letting go that begins at childbirth - no wonder the intense part [...]

Thank you to Melissa Patrice Anderson for allowing me to post her beautiful essay of self-love. It originally appeared on Mother’s Day in the Sacramento Bee.
SHE LOVES HER POSTPARTUM BODY

by Melissa Patrice Anderson
The story of Anya’s pregnancy is written here. My belly button, new and different, remembers her relentless growth. The flesh [...]

Today is the final installment of my interview with Eric Maisel, author of Ten Zen Seconds. We’ve been discussing how the TZS techniques can work for new parents.
TZS combines a deep, ten second breath with one of twelve useful thoughts (called incantations) to bring you purpose, power, and calm. I’ve been using [...]

Welcome to part 3 of my interview with Eric Maisel, creativity coach and author of Ten Zen Seconds. Today we continue our discussion on how the Ten Zen Seconds’ (TZS) techniques can benefit you as a new parent.
TZS combines a deep, ten second breath with 1 of 12 powerful thoughts called incantations. I’ve [...]

Welcome to Part 2 of my interview with Eric Maisel about his book Ten Zen Seconds. The Ten Zen Seconds (TZS) techniques have been so helpful to me that I wanted to share how you can use them too.
The TZS method involves combining a long, deep breath with 1 of 12 useful thoughts called incantations. [...]

My interview with Eric Maisel, the author of Ten Zen Seconds, starts today. The entire interview will appear in 4 consecutive posts.
THE INTERVIEW:
MB: Welcome, Eric, to Spit-Up On My Shoulder.
Can you summarize for us the philosophy behind Ten Zen Seconds? It’s wonderful to know that a new parent can find calm is [...]

Save the date: May 26th. That is when the first part of my interview with Eric Maisel, creativity coach and author, will be posted at Spit-Up On My Shoulder. We will be talking about Eric’s new book Ten Zen Seconds. The entire interview will be posted on consecutive days here.
I [...]