Mar 19, 2012

Breastfeeding or Using Formula – Are You Selfish Too?

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The debate over breastfeeding vs formula has been really heating up over the past several years. I would like to see is more discussion that breastfeeding is a lifestyle choice that must fit the dynamics of the family. I could not do this without the support of my husband, or if I had the work schedule that I did in the US or Montreal.Our lifestyle allows me to breastfeed without any stress. I work at home with my husband and can adapt my schedule to my daughter’s needs. I enjoy this time I spend with her and it is relaxing for me. We travel frequently so it is more convenient for us … [Read more...]

Dec 19, 2011

Balancing Work and Motherhood in France

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As you may have noticed, I have not been consistently writing since my daughter was born. In fact, I only wrote one in October and nothing in November. Finally, I am getting back on the wagon.I received 77 days of maternity leave from the French government. Since I am an auto-entrepreneur (similar to a sole proprietor in the USA), I am on the honor system that I don't work while on maternity leave. The purpose of providing women who run businesses with maternity leave is so that they take time off to care for their newborns (read more about maternity leave for auto-entrepreneurs). I am … [Read more...]

Giving Birth in France
Oct 24, 2011

Giving Birth in France – My Birth Story

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On October 6, I gave birth to a healthy baby girl in the small city of Bayeux in France. Juliana was born on her French due date and not a moment sooner than she was ready. We had an eventful, long and difficult labor – of which, I have mixed feelings about my experience at this French hospital.Early afternoon on October 6, my husband’s mother was visiting us to help clean and bring me one of her delicious homemade tarts. … [Read more...]

Sep 30, 2011

Bringing an Infant or Child to a Restaurant in France is Unusual

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Sunday was another beautiful day and we decided to end it by going out for a nice dinner in Bayeux. There was a restaurant that we  passed by earlier in the week that we knew we would have to try out called Lion d'Or. After having a wonderful 3-course dinner, I looked around and realized that there were no children. Yes, it was a bit fancy but it was the only restaurant at this hotel.Then it occurred to me that I could not recall the last time we have eaten out and saw children in the restaurant. Either the kids are very well behaved or their parents leave them at home.This lead to a … [Read more...]

Aug 9, 2011

French Feminist Warns that Going Green is Bad for Women’s Rights

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I never thought that by deciding to breastfeed, use cloth diapers and opt for organic food would be putting women in France in jeopardy of losing the progress they have made in women's rights.In her book, Le Conflit : La Femme et La Mère, Elisabeth Badinter attacks politicians, breastfeeding advocates and psychologist for turning French women into slaves. She further asserts that women do not need to bow down to nature. She thinks that breastfeeding and using cloth diapers is a type of bondage that forces them to spend more time with their children at the expense of their personal … [Read more...]