Exploitation of Poor Women, Gay Couple center Surrogacy Controversy

Posted on July 28, 2015

Attention has mounted the past few days over a recent surrogacy case in Thailand in which a surrogate mother refused to allow the American couple who hired her to take their child out of the country when she found out that they were homosexual, Reuters News reports.

Although the woman in the case, Patidta, is not the child’s biological mother, under Thai law the birth mother is recognized as being the mother of the child, and commissioning parents have no automatic legal rights over the newborn.

Apparently Patidta believed she would be giving the baby to a heterosexual couple, but only learned they were homosexual when the couple came to pick the child up. She then refused to let them take the baby.

Women from a poor areas in the world are playing a large role in the multibillion dollar pregnancy surrogacy industry, with many mothers being forced or coerced into carrying a child for someone else.

“Surrogacy depends in many cases on the exploitation of poor women, because it’s the poor who have to sell and the rich that can afford to buy,” Christopher White told CNA July 23.

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Influential Celeb Moms help Promote Breastfeeding among Black Women

Posted on July 28, 2015

black celeb moms promoting breastfeeding

I was stalking the Instagrammed wedding photos from our Bellyitch Bumpwatch alum Yandy Smith, the music manager and e-magazine publisher who stars in the VH1 show Love and Hip Hop. I stopped at a glorious photo of the beautiful new mom breastfeeding her infant daughter Skylar right before the ceremony.

She captioned the photo: “OMG @timefrozen you captured my life in a nutshell in this pic. Baby Skylar started crying right before I walked. I had to walk down the isle a little late because I had to feed her. I love this picture. Thank you for capturing this without me even knowing. Lol. #smithharriswedding2015 #moderndomesticegl”

Marvelous! I love Smith’s IG because in all of her photos she comes off genuinely happy and full of life. She seems nurturing, in love with her new husband and children and she embraces her beautiful and curvy new mom body and is confident in her skin even as she amps up her work out routine in recent weeks to gradually get back to her pre-baby size. She’s a great IG follow.

This discovery came the day after I also spotted an equally wonderful breastfeeding support IG pic from rapper Chris “Ludacris” Bridges wife, Eudoxie Bridges, who is an independently accomplished woman in her own right, having recently received a Master’s degree and pursuing a Medical degree.

The photo featured stacks of breast milk the Gabonese new mom to daughter Candace had recently pumped so dad could feed baby while Eudoxie caught up on some sleep.

“Got the supply ready for daddy’s shift ?? #gotbreastmilk #liquidgoldastheycallit #bestdadever #heismrmom #takesnightshifts,” she captioned the photo.

I think both are serving as wonderful ambassadors to breastfeeding to their community of followers that include lots of black and African American women.

This demo stops breastfeeding earliest out of all other racial groups, partially because of culture stigma.

The Centers for Disease Control reports that African Americans are less likely to breastfeed their children. “Black infants consistently had the lowest rates of breastfeeding initiation and duration across all study years,” the CDC statistics note.

The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies reports that Blacks stop breastfeeding sooner than other races, setting up their children for higher incidences of illnesses and diseases that non-breastfed children succumb to at a higher rate than those who were nursed. The report also links higher rates of infant mortality and low birth weight to lack of breastfeeding.

There is a taboo about it among the black community, perhaps, and those who nurse for too long are not encouraged or supported and are sometimes egged on to stop breastfeeding after a few weeks or months. Although to be fair, shorter breastfeeding times are also linked to working wage-earning mothers who have little to no maternity leave who all have to report to work earlier. Also, moms who have shorter maternity leave and/or work in settings where they do not have a private place to pump and store their milk for their babies, also stop earlier.

Kim Durdin-James, national president of the African-American Breastfeeding Alliance (AABA), summed it up well in saying, “In the best of times, breastfeeding is the optimal feeding choice for young children because it provides babies with all vital nutrients for growth and development, but in times of disaster, breastfeeding can mean the difference between life and death.”

So it is great to see influential women sharing their experience breastfeeding which perhaps could encourage more to do the same, if they do not face any other impediment to breastfeeding like low supply, extreme discomfort or other problems.

Kudos Eudoxie and Yandy!

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Parenting

Federal Judge rules partially against Transgender student bathroom case

Posted on July 27, 2015

A Federal judge in Virginia today dismissed part of a lawsuit that a transgender filed to get the right to use the boys’ bathroom.

The Daily Press reports that today U.S. District Judge Robert Doumar threw out part of the student’s claim, and also said it is “highly unlikely” that he will grant a preliminary injunction requiring Gloucester County school officials to allow 16-year-old Gavin Grimm to use the boys’ facilities this fall.

In December, Gloucester County school system issued a policy requiring Grimm, who was born female but lives as a male, to use either the girls’ restrooms or a private facility.

The judge decided the policy does not violate federal discrimination laws.

Judge Doumar’s written opinion formalizing that decision on the injunction request will be issued later.

The court still must decide whether the policy violates the U.S. Constitution’s equal protection clause.

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ThrowBack: Eudoxie Agnan Bridges’ African Tribal Maternity Shoot

Posted on July 27, 2015

This is not necessarily new, but still I am crushing on the tribal print skirt, head band and bandeau top in a maternity shoot that Eudoxie Agnan Bridges wore in a maternity shoot she did while pregnant.

It juxtaposed nicely with the traditional Western shot the Gabonsese beauty took with her American husband, Fast and Furious franchise actor and rapper Christopher “Ludacris” Bridges and in with a floor-length lace lounge jacket, also during her final trimester of her first pregnancy.

Also, still loving the tranquil lilac nursery she decorated for their newborn daughter Cadence Gaëlle, that the philanthropist and Med-School student shared on her Instagram.

Atlanta-based photographer Donna Permell of Prime Phocus Photography did a superb job on the shoot!

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Parenting

6 Tricks to Get Your Kid Eating More Salads

Posted on July 27, 2015

If you’re looking for ways to get more fresh veggies into your kid’s diets, serving up salads can be a convenient option. Getting the kids to eat what you serve, on the other hand, can be an entirely different story. With a little creativity and willingness, though, you can dress up a salad that will leave even the most finicky eater willing and wanting to try it.

Before serving up your next tossed salad, try giving it a twist. By simply adding some of the things your kids already like to a basic salad, you can up the eatability factor threefold. While you can add virtually anything you’d like to any green salad, some things may be more appealing to your kids than others.

Here’s a list of six kid-friendly ways you can dress up a salad that may just help get your kids hooked.

Add in fresh fruits. Strawberries, blueberries, apples and pears can make any bowl of greens more appealing. Since kids are more likely to eat foods that they are familiar with, pairing foods they aren’t as eager to eat with ones they eat regularly and like can entice them into eating what’s in front of them. Try lightly grilling the veggies prior to tossing them into the salad for an added twist. Doing so may just spark the kid’s interest.
Top it off with dried fruits. Raisins, dried cranberries and dried apple slices can add both flavor and texture to an ordinary green salad. Sprinkle a handful of berries or a few slices of dried apple over the top of the greens before serving. While your child may be eager to pick these tasty treats off, encourage him to give the veggies a turn too. If you’re feeling adventurous, dehydrate your own fruits for a make your own salad topping bar.
Sprinkle on nuts and seeds. Older children may enjoy a little crunch as they munch, so adding nuts and seeds can bring a new dimension to a basic salad. From walnuts to pine nuts, pumpkin seeds to sunflower seeds, experiment with introducing a variety of nuts to your children on their salads. You can roast seeds and nuts or gulp, even candy them. Candied pecans will be a welcomed addition to most any kid’s salad.
Crumble on cheeses. From soft cheese to hard, shredded to sliced, there are tons of options when it comes to adding cheese to salads. Sprinkled parmesan, shredded Mexican blend, cubed cheddar and crumbled feta and blue cheese will add a burst of flavor the kids may love. Start out with mild cheese like mozzarella, then work your way up to more daring flavors.
Dish up dips. If you’re having trouble getting your child to eat traditional salads, serve a deconstructed one. Add an assortment of fresh veggies to several small bowls, along with some dressing for dipping, and let the kids go to town. Try a variety of dressings, including both creamy and vinaigrette. Don’t forget to try plain old oil and vinegar too.
Pile on some protein. Does your child love chicken, turkey or ham? Instead of serving a sandwich, take the sandwich contents and toss them on a salad. Try topping off your tossed creation with a sliced hardboiled egg or egg or tuna salad. You may be surprised how eager your child is to try your bread free creation.”

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Celebrity

Salute to the late Bobbi Kristina Brown (VIDEO)

Posted on July 27, 2015

bobbi kristina brown22 bellyitchblog.com

We’d like to take this moment to bid a solemn farewell to the late Bobbi Kristina Brown who we featured here on Bellyitch when she was in her mom’s belly, as part of our tribute to singers who performed in videos while pregnant.

“Bobbi Kristina Brown passed away Sunday, July, 26 2015, surrounded by her family. She is finally at peace in the arms of God,” the Houston family wrote in a statement released to the press. “We want to again thank everyone for their tremendous amount of love and support during these last few months.”

At one point, Brown herself was rumored to be expecting with her then fiance Nick Gordon.

Brown was the only daughter of the late great powerhouse singer Whitney Houston and R&B singer and actor Bobby Brown. She died at 22 at a hospice.

bellyitchblog.com bobbi brown and bobby brown

She was found unresponsive in a bathtub on January 31st this year, and suffered irreversible brain damage.

Brown’s mom suffered a similar tragic fate, sadly also discovered in a bathtub after dying from a combination of heart failure related to a reported drug overdose. It was the day before the 2012 Grammy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles, California.

Our thoughts and prayers are also with gospel great Cissy Houston, who not only had to bury her daughter but also her granddaughter in under a span of 5 years, outliving them both.

This is one of our fave songs, not just because of its uniqueness, but because it was the first time we heard little Bobbi featured in one of her mom’s songs (at :30 “Sing Mommy” and at 4:10″Clap Your Hands” )

Today, this lyric (below) from this song is so prolific!

Rest in Paradise, Bobbi!

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Parenting

Back-To-School: 8 Photos of Kids Crossing Dangerous Terrain to Get to School

Posted on July 26, 2015

As we begin another school year, students all over the nation and world will be taking all modes of transportation to get to school.

Most in the U.S. take a school bus, public transportation or take a ride with parents.

Around the world, in certain developing or war-torn areas, some kids traverse more dangerous routes to get to school. Here are a few photos from Amusing Planet of children crossing some pretty treacherous terrain to get to school.

Show these to your kids when and if they ever pitch a fit about walking a few feet or taking a bus to get to school.

Click HERE to get the back story to each image.

You’re welcome!

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Inside Nurseries of Newest Celeb Kids

Posted on July 26, 2015

Three of our recent Bellyitch Bumpwatch moms, Amber Rose, Tamera Mowry-Housley and Eudoxie Agnan Bridges showed off their nurseries recently.

Spotted some of the photos curated from Black Celeb Kids from the Instagram of the trio of high-profile women.

Amber Rose’s son Sebastian’s room

Amber Rose went with a Jake and the Neverland Pirates for son’s Sebastian’s room.

Tamera Mowry-Housley’s daughter Ariah’s nursery

Tamera Mowry-Housley went once again with the brilliant exepertise of Shalena Smith of Shalena Smith Interiors and GaGa Designs for daughter Ariah’s pink nursery . Smith designed Mowry-Housley’s son Aden nursery.

Eudoxie Agnan Bridge’s daughter Cadence’s nursery

Eudoxie went with tranquil purple and used neutral tones to bring together daughter Cadence’s room.

Very Cute!

h/t BlackCelebKids

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5 More Ways to Prepare for an Unexpected Pregnancy

Posted on July 26, 2015

HuffPo republished a recent piece from Go Girl Finance on 5 things you should do if you become unexpectedly pregnant.

It includes a well-thought out list from a woman who learned she and her spouse would be getting a new arrival they did not plan for.

Her advice included things like make sure you have adequate insurance, start saving, cease splurging on frivolous items and be mindful that children don’t need the best, so just be frugal.

From a financial standpoint, this is great advice. However, from an emotional standpoint, especially for a woman who is not committed yet to the person she winds up pregnant with, the preparation will require additional steps.

Here is what I will add:

1. Seek support immediately from a close family member, friend, clergy, therapist, close neighbor, psychic, or whomever you feel close enough to or comfortable with discussing things like an unplanned pregnancy.

You don’t want to rush into anything like abortion, adoption, solo-parenthood or forced commitment with a person you don’t want to stay committed to without being able to process and talk out your concerns and feelings.

Going through it all in your head is not a good idea because your feelings and thoughts will change and adjust hourly, if not daily. This is a highly emotional time. Also, due to your pregnancy, your hormones will be all over the place.

2. If you decide to end the pregnancy or go through the pregnancy and then put up your child for adoption, spend a little extra time getting counseling for the psychological short and long term effects of those decisions as they will stay with you for the rest of your life. They may haunt you when you least expect it years into the future so be aware and prepared to process feelings associated with an abortion or adoption when they crop again later.

Further, different states have different laws. You need to know what you can and cannot do. Also, Religious people will have separate feelings to deal with as well, based on their beliefs, moral and religious codes and upbringing.

I have friends who face a little infertility or later give birth to a child with a disability who have blamed it on a past abortion they had. Even Toni Braxton wrote in her autobiography that she felt having a son with autism was punishment from God for having aborted a child early in her career because it wasn’t convenient.

3. If you decide to go through with the pregnancy, make sure you have emotional and financial support from family and close ties. You cannot go it alone, especially if you decide to not continue with the relationship with the man for whom you are pregnant. Pregnancy and parenthood are majors life altering undertakings.

4. See the steps from this HuffPo piece and secure healthcare and mind your finances. If you are in school still or have a low to moderate income job, do some research into what supplemental income, food or healthcare support may be available to you. The U.S. Government will cover unwed teens and their children under Medicare and the new Healthcare law (euphemistically called “Obamacare”) expands coverage to other low-income adults. Find out when the enrollment period is and get covered.

If you are in school, you will need to make plans for taking exams if they interfere with your due date and when you return, you’ll have to now work in childcare when you’re in class. You may have to forgo night or evening classes depending on your support options.

5. If you and your partner are committed, sit down and start mapping out plans for future, including division of labor and how your pooled income will be spent. Make sure you still put aside even $25 or more each paycheck for your own personal fund so you have some independence and a modest safety net just in case things go south. It’s best to be prepared than simply move forward on hope and a prayer for a good outcome.

Also, check out your job’s human resources manual to see what your rights are and if you have a female co-worker who has had a baby before, see if you can have lunch with her and ask her what to expect.

Being mindful and prepared is the best way to go into an unplanned pregnancy.

Image: HuffPo

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Instagram: Celeb Moms Share moments With their Children

Posted on July 25, 2015

Model mom Lily Aldridge posted a photo with daughter Dixie, 3, via Instagram Saturday.

“When in Rome #RomanHoliday #Gelato,” the Victoria’s Secret model, 29, captioned the mommy-and-me image during their Italian getaway.

She wasn’t the only celeb mom we’ve bump watched in recent years sharing precious moments of themselves with their children in social media.

Here are a few others we spotted.

Actress Kate Hudson shared a pic of her and her kids feet.

“#HOME “In this home… We do second chances. We do real. We do mistakes. We do I’m sorry’s. We do LOUD REAL WELL. We do hugs. We do TOGETHER best of all.” #SnuggleTime,” the Good People actress, 36, captioned the image of their bare feet.