Me in a diaper bag

This is a blog where parents come to me with questions or advice. Like an, "Ask Amy," format. I can't answer everyone's questions, but I will address issues that I feel I can REALLY help with and those that are most commonly asked about.

ABOUT ME
I grew up in a family of 7. I was the youngest after two brothers and two sisters. My 2nd brother died at age 11 of a brain tumor. This experience opened my eyes not only to death but to what it means to have an eternal perspective. I truly do my best to live without regrets.

I was always an observer. I learned how to learn, lie, be honest, teach, listen and speak simply by observing those around me. I'm a good studier of people! I have made a lot of mistakes I am not proud of, but I will readily share them if they are applicable to help someone else.

I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, also known as a "mormon." I am not here to preach the gospel, but my beliefs do have a positive influence on my perspective. I respect people no matter what your beliefs are. When it comes to judging, it is simply to decide if a person or thing belongs in mine or my children's life or not. When it comes to standards, I don't hold you to mine, but you better believe I hold you to YOURS.

I have been married a decade this August. I consider those 10 years to be in two separate pieces. Before and after we were split for 6 months. A REAL separation, my husband was in New York and I was in Utah, living on my own. I know what abuse is like. I know what disrespecting your spouse is, I know I am guilty to a certain extent just as much as that guy was. "That guy" is not the same man I am currently married to. Yes, my husband has the same body, but he is now a man better than I could have dreamed up myself. I use our trials, downfalls and triumphs when I give relationship advice to friends and family. Anyone that has actually taken that advice has seen fruit from it.

I have had 5 children with 5 very different birth experiences. I have experienced labor with and without pitocin, with and without an epidural. I have experienced two c-sections, one that resulted in a T incision and one that almost lead to the removal of my uterus. I have had planned pregnancies and surprises. I have had a miscarriage at 14 weeks and 6 weeks. I have had severe pre-eclampsia for one pregnancy, gestational diabetes for one pregnancy, extreme nausea for 3 pregnancies, 2 healthy pregnancies. I have had two babies in the NICU. I have nursed 4 children for 12 months or more and am currently nursing baby number 5 with the intention of nursing until her due date (she was 6 weeks early, her older siblings got kicked off on their birthdays).

I was a working mom for almost eight years and a stay-at-home mom for 2 years. I get both sides and understand pros and cons of both!

You will see I use the word I A LOT. It sounds like I'm pretty full of myself with a gigantic ego. Let me help you right now by suggesting you understand who I am. Once you understand me, you'll be able to get the tone of this blog. I give advice purely from my own experience and research. When I give advice, I usually add, "my experience is," "I have tried," "I usually do," "I have read," "I have learned..." This doesn't mean I am all knowing or that what I say is the only truth or 100% fact. I know what I know and that's the best I can do. I don't get offended if you choose to not take it.  I do know what I am talking about because if I don't already know it, I research it. If I don't find answers that fit as nicely as I hoped, I say so.

I love EVERYONE. Nursing moms, formula moms, protesters, observers, Amish, Athiest, space cases, PHDs (yep, I'm calling people PHDs because they deserve it). If I hurt someone, I do everything in my power to try to make it right. I still say things plainly though, not with the intention of hurting but to be constructive.

I respect medical professionals and am sooo grateful for medicine! I also respect my body, time and natural resources. There is a balance between letting your body work it out, using natural remedies and seeing a doctor.

So there ya go... I could go on, but you get the idea. When it comes to people, relationships, birth, breastfeeding and parenting - I have a lot of experience packed into 28 years. I am passionate about two things - research and helping others. Frankly, I need this blog to simply have all my tips and advice in one place because I'm tired of repeating the same thing ten times!!!

SEND YOUR QUESTION to AskAmyloo@gmail.com
Thank you for reading!