My oldest daughter did not sleep well as an infant, and I bought a noise machine at a friend's recommendation. It made a huge difference, and my daughter started sleeping much better. The book "the happiest baby on the block" also recommends white noise as it simulates the womb. I have now moved the noise machine into my youngest daughter's room, and my oldest daughter, now 4, no longer uses it. So she is not dependent on it. However, I did find it helpful to bring it when we slept away from home as it blocked out the noises of a new place and was a familar nighttime sound. The noise machine blocks out the noise of the dog barking, my older daughter yelling, my husband clomping down the hall. In the middle of the night, my younger daughter would probably sleep through all that without the noise machine. But in the morning, the noise machine makes the difference between her waking up at 6 or 7:30. As far as breastfeeding, I was kind of grossed out by the idea (for me, not anyone else). I decided I would try, and if it worked, great; if not, I would bottle feed. I went to a class prior to giving birth, and the one thing I remembered was that breastfeeding should NOT hurt. If it does, unlatch and relatch. At first, it would take numerous tries to get the latch right. But, I never had any issues with pain. I also used Gerber's NUK Gentle Moisturizing Balm, which is like a big chap stick. I liked it better than lansinoh as it was not so messy. Plus, it is not harmful to apply and then feed the baby. Anyway, initially nursing did not feel at all natural. But it worked out good for me--so easy and convenient. Our hospital offered a session with a lactation consultant which was very helpful. Good luck with whatever you decide!

Gibby, I come from an alcoholic home, too, and don't drink for the same reason. As you said, I think any addiction can be substituted for another. Kelly, as I said in another thread, deprivation never tends to work for me. The last thing we need is more guilt, and I think the idea of a "detox" is sort of like seeing our bodies and our eating habits as dirty and shameful. I know some people do it w/o that connotation, but it's good to see if this is part of why you want to do it. If so, you may want to reconsider. As for craving vegetables vs. sugar . . .again, using my "look deeper" attitude, think about what you are craving when you want sugar. First of all, remember that most of us DO crave sugar. That is not abnormal. But, is there more? Do you crave energy? Do you feel like you are "treating" yourself when you want the sugar? Again, most of us do like the taste of sugar-- it's programmed into us. Breastmilk is sweet for that reason! I have mentioned that I like the ADDITIVE attitude. So, if you want to eat more fruits and vegetables, go for it! One of the things I learned about myself was that I do like veggies . . .a LOT, but only if they are prepared (vs. just boiled/steamed). For example, I could easily live on veggies the way they are prepared in Ethiopian cuisine. My friend just made a salad with grilled veggies and pesto. I craved it because it was GOOD. Bottom line-- I don't think juicing will cure you of cravings. But, if you want to add more fruits/vegs. into your diet, maybe try preparing them in more interesting ways, as well as juicing, but maybe don't limit yourself to only a juice diet until you have your expectations clearly laid out. (Not saying you don't already.)

As the mother of a 7 yo with a severe peanut allergy I thought you could use the latest info from Food Allergy Network. On a personal side, I did not bf, I did eat peanut products during pregnancy, no one on both sides of family have peanut allergy, although ragweed, mold allergies are on both sides. The study of causes of allergies is just beginning - no one has all the answers. John Yunginger, M.D. - FAN Newsletter Oct/Nov 2001 Medical studies have focused on three areas, including the mother's diet prior to and after the infant's birth; infant breast feeding; and the delayed introduction of allergenic foods into the infants diet. Elimination of allergenic foods such as cows milk and egg from the mother's diet during the last three months of pregnancy does not seem to reduce the infant's chances of developing food allergies after birth. Pediatricians and allergists usually support breast feeding of infants, particularly those born into families whose members have food allergies, eczema, asthma or hay fever. However, small amounts of potentially allergenic foods consumed by a lactating mother may appear in her breast milk and could, theoretically, sensitize her infant. Large scale studies in which mothers avoided eating egg, cows milk, fish, soy and peanut during lactation showed that development of food allergy in their infants could be reduced appreciably, but not prevented entirely. The elimination diets are difficult to follow and have the potential to compromise the mothers nutrition. If such diets are used, the assistance of a registered dietitian should be requested. Early infant exposure to sensitizing foods such as cows milk, egg and soy may be associated with development of eczema. Many allergists suggest delaying introduction of these foods into the diet until the infant is at least six months old. More highly allergenic foods such as peanut, tree nut and fish should be withheld even longer. No one (including an allergist) can predict with certainty whether your child will or will not develop food allergies. Here is a link that might be useful: Food Allergy Network

Dave: I have not lurked or posted here for years. Something posessed me to check in and to post a question today. In the back of my mind I was thinking "I wonder if that wonderful guy "Dave D" is still active and helping others with his advice?" I am sobbing, after reading your post, Dear Dave and family. I thought that loosing my mother was the deepest pain that anyone can feel, but loosing one's child is so much worse. All the plans for the future. Gone. There is nothing as great as the gift of life. Time will help soften the pain, but it won't ever leave you or your wife. In time, like many of us, you will create a special corner in your heart, reserved for your little girl. And you will visit that corner from time to time - remembering the good things - and, I hope, thinking about how lucky you were to have your 9 months of joy with Dagny. Those we love never really leave us. Their spirit lives on forever. Bless you for sharing such painful and private moments with your GW friends. We will always be here for you. All the best for a hopeful future for you and Joanne. Lynne