Amy Weekley
I'm a stay-at-home mother of two, loving every minute of it. Writing has long been my hobby, and I figure it's time to share my work with the rest of the world. Enjoy!
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- 811,089
- Content
- 96
- Fans
- 104
- Contributor since
- 2/9/2007
Education/Experience
Youngstown State University -- B.A. in English LiteratureInterests
parenting, breastfeeding, cloth diapering, natural childbirth, attachment parenting, pregnancyMotto
Regret and guilt are useless emotions.
Displaying Results 1 - 96 (of 96) for Yahoo! Voices
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How to Remove Absorbent Diaper Gel from LaundryA disposable diaper has made its way into the wash, shedding absorbent gel onto all of your clothing. While it's frustrating to see that diaper gel all over everything, there's no need to panic. You'll have it out in no time.
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Attachment Parenting Does Not Equal Spoiling Your BabyMany parents fear that following the tenets of attachment parenting will spoil their children. But studies have shown that this is far from the case.
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How to Choose the Right Birth Center for Prenatal Care and DeliveryFamilies who desire a natural birth and minimal intervention may be interested in delivering with a midwife at a birth center. When choosing a birth center, it is essential to know whether a particular center can help you meet your birth goals.
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Product Review: Murry's Frozen Fish SticksAfter my disappointing experience with Murry's frozen fish sticks, I would not recommend this product to anyone and will not purchase them in the future for my family. -
How to Clean Your Steam IronIf you use tap water in your steam iron, after using it for a while you may notice some build-up around the steam holes. To remove this build-up, follow these simple steps.
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How to Clean Your Top-Loading Washing MachineAs with any home appliance, your washing machine requires regular maintenance and upkeep to ensure optimal performance. Washing machines can develop a foul odor after long-term use, and this odor will affect the cleanliness of your laundry. -
Helping Your Child Cope with Doctor VisitsGoing to the doctor can be a stressful time for a child, but you can help him get through it calmly and bravely.
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Helping Your Nursling Learn Breastfeeding MannersTeaching breastfeeding manners will not only help make breastfeeding more enjoyable for both of you, but can open the door to teaching other manners later on.
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Should Your Newborn Receive Prophylactic Eye Drops at Birth?Most newborns in the United States will receive prophylactic eye drops shortly after birth. While this treatment is required by law in many areas, parents are free to forbid the treatment (and most other medical interventions) if they so choose.
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Cloth Diaper Care: Dishwasher StrippingIf you have a dishwasher, you can strip detergent residue from your cloth diapers quickly and easily, right in your own kitchen. -
Is the Vitamin K Shot Right for Your Newborn?As with any medical procedure, there are risks associated with the vitamin K shot, and it may not be the best choice for every baby.
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Should You Have an Episiotomy During Delivery?Many doctors perform routine episiotomies as a general principle. However, as with any medical procedure, an episiotomy does carry some risk and may not be the right choice for every new mother.
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Keeping a Clean, Organized House when You Have Small ChildrenWhile having kids around probably means that you're not going to have a perfect, "Martha Stewart"-clean house, you also don't have to live in constant clutter.
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How to Stain Fake Wood PanelingIf you hate the look of your fake wood paneling but can't afford to get rid of it and completely redo the wall, simply follow these steps to stain your paneling for a unique, updated look.
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10 Incredible Uses for Hydrogen PeroxideFrom personal care to household sanitizing, hydrogen peroxide is an incredibly versatile weapon to have on hand.
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Lotus Birth: A Gentler Way to Come into the WorldThere has been a recent push among many parents to seek out more natural, unobtrusive methods of labor and childbirth. This article will describe the practice and origins of lotus birth, as well as outlining the benefits and possible drawbacks to the practice.
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Cloth Diapers: Safe Stain RemovalWhile stains do not affect the performance of cloth diapers, they are rather unattractive. There are various methods available to safely remove stains from cloth diapers without damaging the fabric or irritating your baby's sensitive skin.
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Cloth Diaper Terminology: Types of Cloth DiapersWhen making the switch to cloth diapers, the immense number of different kinds of diapers can be intimidating. While some of the terminology can be confusing at first, most of the different diaper types are self-explanatory once you know a little about them.
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Best Fabrics for Sewing Your Own Cloth DiapersMany of the more popular cloth diapers are expensive, leaving many parents feeling that they cannot make the switch. With minimal sewing skills and the right fabrics, you can sew your own cloth diapers at home, for much less than you'd pay for brand-name diapers.
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Becoming a Better Cook: Fake it 'Til You Make ItI'm a terrible cook. But over the years, I've learned a few simple tricks to help me fake my way to great home cooked meals.
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Surviving a Long-distance Relationship: Tips from Someone Who's Been ThereWhen my husband and I were first dating, our entire pre-marriage relationship was conducted from a distance of one to two hours. If you are in a long-distance relationship and really want to make it last, follow these tips from someone who's been there.
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Placentophagia: How to Prepare the Placenta for ConsumptionThere are a number of ways to experience the benefits of placentophagia, including eating the meat raw, cooking, or drying into a powder to be taken as a supplement.
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Placentophagia: Benefits of Eating the PlacentaPlacentophagia has been observed throughout history in many parts of the world. Studies have shown that eating the placenta can curb postpartum depression, replenish nutrients, increase milk production, and slow postpartum hemorrhage.
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Eliminating Dinnertime StressIn today's busy family, dinnertime can often be a time of stress and commotion, instead of the relaxing family experience that we want it to be. But even the busiest family can eliminate some of the stress of dinnertime by following a few simple guidelines.
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The Basics of Breastmilk StorageStoring breastmilk is a simple process, but certain guidelines must be followed to ensure that your breastmilk remains suitable for your baby.
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Optical Brighteners: Are Your Clothes as Clean as They Appear?For years, laundry detergent companies have been using optical brighteners to achieve brighter whites and colors. But what exactly are optical brighteners? How do they work, and what environmental repercussions can stem from their use?
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Confessions of a Bad MotherWe women need to stick together. As long as we're at each other's throats, wewill never be able to break free of the stereotypes that have for so long held us back.
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Hypokalemic Periodic ParalysisErin was reading to her two daughters, when she suddenly began to feel weak. She lay her head down, and was unable to move. Her entire body was paralyzed, but she was conscious. "I could hear them and kept thinking that I needed to let them know I was okay, but I couldn't."
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Cloth Diapers: Blueberry Hook and Loop Pocket Diaper Vs. Starbunz Breathable Windpro Pocket DiaperI recently let my curiosity get the best of me purchased these two pocket diapers for my daughter. I found the Starbunz to be of excellent quality, where the Blueberry diaper fell far short of my expectations.
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Cloth Diaper Covers: Bummis Super Whisper Wrap VS. Proraps ClassicI found that both diaper covers worked well, with some slight disadvantages and benefits to each. Both diaper covers were used with both prefolds and contour diapers, during the day and overnight. -
The Importance of On-Demand NursingBabies are, by their very nature, inconvenient. They are not "built" to work around our schedule or meet our needs. While on-demand nursing may seem inconvenient, it is the best situation for both you and your baby.
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Staying Positive: Just Let it GoIn today's world, it seems that everyone has a chip on his shoulder. With all this negativity around, it's hard to stay positive and cheerful. But taking a deep breath and just letting go of the anger can change your mindset for the better.
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Family on the Go: Eating Healthy on a Tight ScheduleBusy families often find it difficult to make time for healthy food, but you don't have to sacrifice your family's health in the name of convenience. -
Rainy-day Mood BoostersMany people experience periods of sadness or depression when it rains, known as the "rainy-day blues." While there's nothing that we can do to change the weather, there are a few things that we can do to boost our spirits and clear away the rainy-day blues.
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Writing Personalized Wedding VowsPersonalized vows can be beautiful and moving, but they can also be boring and uninspired. There are a few things you should keep in mind to help you create lovely vows that speak to you and your future spouse.
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Creating a Glamorous Centerpiece Without Breaking the BankA beautiful centerpiece is essential for dressing up your table at a wedding, banquet, party, or even just your dining room table at home, but pre-made centerpieces can be pricey.
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The Working Parent's Guide to Family BondingHow can we balance work with family time while still getting the most out of both? How can we be successful at our jobs and still have a close bond with our children?
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Creating Open Lines of Communication with Your ChildA common complaint of parents, especially parents of teenagers, is, "He never talks to me about his life." Too often, parents feel their children growing distant, and are at a loss for ways to close the gap. Communicating with your child is a key element of good parenting.
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Protecting Your Child from Negative InfluencesOur world today is full of violence, drugs, and irresponsible behavior. It's scary to think that our children are growing up in this world. But there are ways to help teach our children to protect themselves and steer clear of these negative influences.
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Product Review: Medela Harmony Breast PumpI purchased the Medela Harmony Breast Pump to use occasionally to store extra breast milk in case of emergency. I found it to be a terrific hand pump - easy to use, comfortable, and effective for expressing breast milk. -
Infant Sleep Problems: How to Deal With Your High-Needs BabyHigh needs babies can be difficult to deal with, especially during the night. With a little patience and understanding, you can take some of the stress out of a long night and get some rest for you and your baby. -
Looking for Inspiration: How to Find Topics for Articles on Associated ContentOne of the most common questions in the Associated Content forums is, "What should I write about?" Here are some suggestions on how to find inspiration for your work here at Associated Content. -
What Serious Girl Gamers Want in a Quality VideogameI am a girl gamer. Scratch that - I am a serious girl gamer. Apparently, this makes me nearly invisible to the gaming industry. -
Strong Videogame Women that We LoveThere are a handful of female videogame characters that stand out in the crowd. They are not content to prance around half-naked while the boys do all the serious work - these chicks have real intelligence and aren't afraid to show it.
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Product Review: Playskool Peek-N-Play Discovery DomeThe Playskool Peek-N-Play Discovery Dome is a wonderful toy that is designed to grow with your child and provide for plenty of parent-child interaction. -
Bedsharing: The Facts About the Family BedRecently, the term "attachment parenting" has come into the spotlight as a wonderful way to raise your children. One of the key points of attachment parenting is bedsharing, but it's a concept that is often misunderstood. -
How to Strip Cloth DiapersFrom time to time, you may notice that your cloth diapers begin to smell a little funky, even fresh out of the wash. You can eliminate odor and leakage issues by stripping your diapers. This is a fairly simple process. -
Saving Money on Baby Gear: Natural Parenting is Less Expensive and Better for Your Baby!Having a baby can be expensive, but it doesn't have to completely break the bank. Take some cues from the natural parenting movement to save money while giving your child a terrific start in life. -
Child-led Weaning: Don't Worry, You Won't Have to Go with Him to CollegeChild-led weaning is one of the key points of the natural parenting movement. While the basics of child-led weaning are pretty self-explanatory, there are some common questions and misconceptions that parents may have.
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Breastfeeding Help: Nursing StrikeNursing strikes are common in breastfeeding babies of all ages, and can be caused by many factors. Here are the characteristics and some of the causes of a nursing strike, and what you can do to help get baby back to the breast. -
My Biggest Secret: I Am a Breastfeeding MilitantI have been labeled a "breastfeeding militant." At first, I recoiled - I'm not militant, I'm just a promoter, a supporter. But the more I think about it, the more I realize that I AM militant. And I'm proud of it.
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Breastfeeding Help: Nipple ConfusionNipple confusion is a common reason for breastfeeding failure. Following are the causes of nipple confusion, ways to prevent it, and what to do if it happens to you and your baby. -
Breastfeeding Help: ThrushOne of the most common breastfeeding complications is thrush. Thrush is usually not serious and can be treated at home, but if the infection does not respond to home treatments, a doctor can prescribe medication to help clear up the infection. -
Breastfeeding Help: OversupplyA common problem that breastfeeding mothers encounter is oversupply (often called a foremilk/hindmilk imbalance or overactive/forceful letdown). Oversupply is not a serious problem and can be easily corrected without medical intervention. -
Breastfeeding Help: MastitisMastitis is a common ailment affecting many breastfeeding mothers. While painful, mastitis can often be treated at home without medical intervention. -
Breastfeeding Help: Low Milk SupplyMany mothers find themselves plagued with low milk supply. But low milk supply does not have to spell doom for a breastfeeding mother and child. -
How to Make the Most Out of Your Wholesale Club MembershipShopping at the local wholesale club can be a great way for large families to save money. But even small families can save enough money to offset the cost of club membership. Here are some tips to make the most out of your wholesale club membership.
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Breastfeeding Help: Plugged Milk DuctMany breastfeeding moms will experience a plugged milk duct at least once. While a plugged milk duct can be quite painful, it is not usually serious, and can be easily treated at home. -
Breastfeeding Help: EngorgementOne of the most common complaints that new breastfeeding mothers have is engorgement. While the pain is temporary and should only last for a few days, there are some things you can do to speed relief from engorgement pain. -
Product Review: Bare Minerals Makeup Getting Started KitYou've probably seen the Bare Minerals infomercials and magazine ads. They promise great things with their makeup. But does the makeup actually work as well as they say? -
Happy and Healthy Baby: Benefits of Extended BreastfeedingOne of the most common questions that nursing moms have is, "When should I stop breastfeeding my baby?" Unfortunately, there is no simple answer.
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How to Make Your Own Baby FoodCommercial baby food is expensive, and let's face it, not always nutritious. And with the recent recalls of contaminated baby food, it can be downright scary to feed your baby. You don't have to buy commercial baby food to give your child the nutrition he needs. -
Why Public Smoking Bans Are Not DiscriminationIn recent months, a number of cities and states have passed laws banning public smoking. Smokers are prohibited from lighting up on public property and in many businesses, including restaurants. These smoking bans have caused quite a stir. -
What to Do when Baby Won't Sleep Through the NightOne of the most difficult adjustments we make as new parents is learning to deal with less sleep. We want our babies to sleep through the night so that we can get back to our normal sleep habits. Unfortunately, that's not always what baby has in mind. -
How to Stop ProcrastinatingProcrastination is a hard habit to break, but it can be done with a little bit of planning and determination. Here are five simple steps to breaking the cycle of procrastination. -
What Every Parent Should Know About BabywearingYou may have heard the term "babywearing," but you may not understand what it means. You might think it's silly, awkward, or inconvenient. But babywearing has been around for millenia as a practical way to carry baby while still being able to go about your day. -
How to Procrastinate like a ProSo you have a really big project that needs done and you really don't want to do it. Whatever it is that you've been putting off, you can be a more effective procrastinator (and have more fun) by following these tips. -
Videogame Chicks: Your Digital FantasyVideogame developers seem to think that they can't sell their games unless they include fodder for the adolescent sexual fantasy. It's hard to find a quality game that doesn't have at least one instance of pixilated cleavage.
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Product Review: Fisher-Price Select-a-Show SootherWhen my 8-month-old daughter began having trouble sleeping, I purchased the Fisher-Price Select-a-Show Soother to try to help her sleep with music and gentle light. I found it to be an overall good product with only some slight problems. -
Breastfeeding the Premature InfantOne of the most important things you can do for your preemie's health is to breastfeed, yet many mothers of premature babies are discouraged from breastfeeding. Premature infants need breastmilk even more than babies born at full-term. -
10 Great Ways to Use Breastmilk (other Than Feeding Your Child)From cuts and scrapes to major illness and surgery, breastmilk can be used to boost immunities, fight infections, and soothe skin.
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How Not to Read Classic LiteratureMost people hear the words "classic literature" and cringe. Ugh... if it's a classic, it must be booooo-RING! When did this negative connotation attach itself to the phrase "classic literature?" -
Nursing in Public is Not Offensive: One Mother's PerspectiveBreastfeeding is a natural, nurturing act, yet many people find it offensive and disgusting. Here are some of the most common arguments against breastfeeding in public, and one mother's perspective on why those arguments just don't hold water. -
How to Talk to Your Child's Pediatrician During a Sick VisitWhen your child is sick, the last thing on your mind is professional etiquette. You want answers, and you want them now. But there are a few things you must do in order to get those answers and help your child get well. -
How to Talk to Your Child's Pediatrician During a Well VisitWell visits are important in keeping track of your child's development and overall health. To get the most out of your well-child visit, there are a few things you should keep in mind. -
7 Natural Ways to Soothe Cold SymptomsThese days, we tend to over-medicate ourselves. But more often than not, natural remedies can be just as effective at soothing symptoms, without risk of side effects or overdose. -
Establishing a Successful Breastfeeding RelationshipWith all the stories we hear about mothers who were unable to breastfeed, many new mothers worry that they may not be successful in breastfeeding their babies. Don't let misinformation undermine your chances at having a successful breastfeeding relationship. -
Why Does Christianity Have Such a Bad Rap?Why do so many people find it difficult to be faithful? Why does Christianity carry so many negative connotations in our country? Why are so many believers turning away from their faith in disgust? In short, when did Christianity get such a bad rap, and why? -
The Consumerism Epidemic in AmericaHow many of life's "essentials" do we actually need? -
Decorating for Renters: 9 Tips for Sprucing Up Your Rental PropertySo you've found a great apartment at a great price. It's fantastic - except that it's boring. It doesn't really reflect your sense of style. Here are 9 great ways to spruce up your rental without breaking the bank. -
Switching from Formula to Breastmilk: 3 Options Every Mother Should Know AboutWith all the talk about the risks of formula, many mothers wish that they had chosen to breastfeed. Adoptive mothers may wish to breastfeed, but feel that it's not an option. There are ways for mothers who are not currently lactating to make the switch back to the breast. -
10 Most Egregious Writing Mistakes on the WebAs the internet becomes more accessible, more and more people find themselves writing on a daily basis. Our writing skills (or lack thereof) are on display for family and friends, and sometimes the general public. All too often, those writing skills just don't measure up. -
8 Ways that Breastfeeding Benefits the MotherYou've heard about the many benefits that breastmilk provides to a baby. But did you know that breastfeeding is actually good for the mother too? Here are some of the top ways that breastfeeding benefits a mother. -
How to Care for Your Cloth DiapersOnce you've gotten started with cloth diapering, you will undoubtedly have questions about how to care for your diapers. Here are some basic guidelines for diaper care. -
Top 10 Unexpected Uses for VinegarYou know that you can use vinegar for cooking, and it's great to mix with baking soda to make a kicking volcano science project. But did you know that vinegar is also a powerful disinfectant and grease-cutter?
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How to Tell If Your Baby is Ready for Solid FoodsA new baby brings new challenges, and new things to worry about. One of the most common questions that new parents have is when to introduce solid foods. Here are some common signs that baby may be ready for solids. -
Debunking Common Misconceptions About BreastfeedingIf you are having a baby and are trying to decide how best to feed your child, don't let doubt and common misconceptions cloud your judgment. Talk to your doctor and a lactation consultant, and read this article. -
How to Get Organized on a Tight BudgetFace it: you have too much clutter, and it's driving you crazy. You hate to have company over. Even if you spent hours cleaning and straightening, it would still look cluttered. Don't despair! Here are some great ways to de-clutter your home without breaking the bank. -
How to Fight with Your Spouse: 5 Ground Rules to Save Your MarriageIt may seem silly to set "rules" for arguing, but it is often the key to saving the marriage. -
How to Choose the Right Cloth Diapering System for Your FamilyMaking the switch to cloth diapers can be a daunting task. Before you begin your search for the perfect cloth diapering system, here are a few things to keep in mind. -
Top 5 Unexpected Mommy LessonsParenthood is quite a learning experience, and there are some things about babies that no amount of research can prepare you for. -
Got Clutter? Don't Recycle It... Freecycle It!Freecycling is kind of like recycling, or maybe like hand-me-downs. And you can get all kinds of things, but it's all free. Free plus recycle equals "freecycle." Get it?
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10 Best Ways to Enjoy Your Tax Refund This YearIs that tax money burning a hole in your pocket? Here are the top 10 ways to spend that money with style.
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Cloth Diapering: Common Questions and MisconceptionsIf you're a new parent, or even an old pro, and are thinking about cloth diapering, this article can help you make the decision that's right for you.
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How to Create the Ultimate Breastfeeding Gift BasketGoing to a baby shower, but don't want to give the same old thing? Want to give a gift that is thoughtful as well as useful? Make a gift basket!
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Let's Get Serious: The Big Issues About AbortionHave you really thought through your feelings toward abortion? Do you have questions about the pro-life movement? Read this article.