Chetana Amma’s latest despatch!
Source: And yes, we persisted!
Posts Tagged ‘Chetana’
The hills were alive with the sound of Tamia….
In News & Notes on 23 March 2015 at 2:40 pmTamia Naira Chetana. Some would say its quite a long name for someone that small. Not quite five months yet, Tamia has gone through quite a bit in this time, justifying the name. “Tamia” is a hill station in Central Madhya Pradesh surrounded by the lush forests of the Gondwana region. In all likelihood, our second daughter was born there… “Naira” is her birth name, given by her caregivers in Shishu Greh, Chhindwara. Lastly, “Chetana,” breaking away from the patriarchal naming norms.
Our first family selfie!
While our roller coaster of a ride lasted less than 2 months, it was a lot longer for her, going from a small hospital in Tamia where she was first treated, to the District Hospital in Chhindwara where she finally started getting some much needed nourishment. Tamia came home with us on the 21st of March. Read the rest of this entry »
Happy Watermelon Birthday!
In Field Notes, What on 17 March 2015 at 4:43 pmWe had the pleasure of Disha’s company just as she was approaching the big 5. She was traveling with her parents to the heart of the country and lucky for us they had a break journey in Mumbai. We thrust a candle into a plump watermelon and burst into an enthusiastic chorus of “Happy Birthday” which delighted Disha to no end. The Birthday Watermelon was sweet and juicy and we ate the whole thing! Cheers to Disha as she sails through the final days of being 4 and three cheers for watermelon birthdays!
Disha enjoys a little watermelon birthday party 🙂
Tip of the Day: Yes, you can celebrate your birthday with watermelon!
New La Leche League Leader in Town
In News & Notes on 3 November 2014 at 8:01 amPlease join AskAmma in congratulating Chetana Amma for completing the training to become a certified La Leche League Leader.
La Leche League, an organization founded more than 50 years ago when breastfeeding rates had dropped close to 20% in the United States, has helped many millions of families get adequate information, technical, emotional, social and political support to defend the time, space, nourishment and respect for women’s bodies that improve our confidence and enhance our ability to breastfeed. My mother was a member and I saw the difference it made for her and for my sister. I too benefitted from the personal support of a La Leche League leader when I experienced difficulty with latch-on in the first days of my daughter’s life.
In India there are communities where women have been breastfeeding for generations, with plenty of support from their families and neighbours. Increasingly however, women are finding themselves without critical support for breastfeeding in the time of need. Breastfeeding rates are dropping in urban as well as rural parts of India. Read the rest of this entry »
Amma please brush my teeth properly!
In Wit on 19 March 2014 at 5:53 amKids just say the darnedest things!
What happens when mythology meets reality? Chetana, Amma of 4 year old Disha in Bangalore, shares this moment inspired by the story of baby Krishna eating mud.
D has probably heard the story of Krishna eating mud from her grandmother. So we were role playing. On her request I was Krishna’s mother and she was Krishna. I had just made a fresh batch of banana ice cream which became her butter.
Read the rest of this entry »
A Journey called Home
In Field Notes on 28 January 2014 at 4:45 amChetana, Amma to almost-four year old Disha in Bangalore, finds there is never a dull moment, right at home, a steady source of entertainment and comfort.
I think for a long time, before D was born, I was under a misconception that staying all day at home could never ever be simulating, would be boring and it is for lazy people.
But D has shown me otherwise in more ways than one. For one – our home and neighborhood is all that she needs to stay happy, healthy and occupied round the clock! 
The half-km radius around our house is enough for her and me to find our fulfillment in so many ways and we keep discovering newer ones everyday.
The half-km radius around our house is enough for her and me to find our fulfillment in so many ways and we keep discovering newer ones everyday.We travel quite a bit for pleasure or work or to visit people. And we love doing that. But coming back to home has its own charm. Read the rest of this entry »
Free Sling
In How on 13 January 2014 at 5:47 amHere is a sling you need not sew or buy. No rings, straps or other fasteners. Just a long piece of cloth and a square knot that you tie yourself. A dupatta, lungi, or shawl, should do, or you can cut a sari in half. Two metres or so is enough to tie around yourself comfortably.
It’s so simple … just go to any rural, especially hilly region in India and you will see many people wearing their babies with just this type of sling. It in the city too, usually among mendicants and migrant workers. Whether it is the Rebozo in Mexico, the Khanga in Africa, it is simply a piece of cloth used for multiple purposes, including baby wearing. Our urban brothers and sisters have also discovered it, to their delight. Read the rest of this entry »
Ups and downs, even upside down!
In Field Notes on 9 August 2013 at 6:39 pmHeartfelt salute to Chetana Amma, who valiantly trooped through serious difficulties to breastfeed her daughter! Three years later, they are still going strong! Chetana reflects on the ups and downs. Her story will offer inspiration and comfort to many who seek support in times of difficulty.
UPDATE: Chetana’s story with pictures appears in The Alternative. And it all started from her blog, Ups and downs, even upside down!.
I was fast asleep. Something mushy and soft was pressing against my face. I tried to brush it away. Then realized that it was D’s stomach. Her head was on my chest, blissfully breastfeeding upside down. I then flipped her, snuggled close and went right back to sleep.
