Anktangle: About

I'm a Registered Nurse turned work from home momma to one and a half year old Daniel. I currently spend my days caring for him and witnessing him as he grows and discovers his world. I also enjoy my "crunchy" domestic life: cooking, gardening, creating, and writing about all of it.

I went to nursing school with the goal of becoming a Certified Nurse-Midwife. I worked as a nurse for a few years, then I decided to pursue my dream of motherhood before furthering my education and taking on such a demanding career. I've since taken a few courses toward becoming a Lactation Consultant and I'm also a formally trained Labor Doula—I just can't stay away from birth, babies, and breastfeeding!

YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED TO KNOW

The name "Anktangle" comes from a conversation that failed miserably I had with Jaymz when I was pregnant with Daniel. I wrote about it here (including some questionable scientific "facts" about the cause of pregnancy-induced brain fog). Basically, I couldn't think of how to pronounce the word "rectangle," but I was convinced I was saying it correctly (as "anktangle") ...and Jaymz almost crashed the car because he was laughing so hard.

I've made a commitment to being unapologetically honest in what I write here, while continuing to be mindful of the feelings of others. This means (among other things) that I don't sugar-coat the difficulties I sometimes have as a parent, and I also sometimes write about conflict or controversial topics. I never intend to hurt anyone, and I take great care to understand and consider perspectives different than my own. I welcome respectful discussion on any topic, even if we fundamentally disagree. Just please know in advance that none of my writing is meant as an attack on you; I promise. I am simply writing my truth, and truth is something I place very high value on. Truth is my identity. Sat Nam.

MY FAMILY

Jaymz is my partner and co-parent on this journey. He's a software engineer who is generous enough to coach me through some of the more confusing technical aspects of blogging. We've been connected all our lives in some ways, but we've been friends since high school, together for five and a half years, and married for four. He's still my best friend in the world.

In May 2010, our son Daniel was born at home in water with only Jaymz and our midwives in attendance. Baby D tried to come too early and then took his sweet time getting here in the end, but I wouldn't trade my labor and birth experience for anything. I enjoyed giving birth so much that I hope to do it again some day!

Daniel has Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), a neurological condition that affects the way his brain interprets sensory input. I write about sensory processing some, since it affects so many aspects of our family life. I wrote our story of Daniel's early diagnosis and intervention (at just seven months old), which is published in the book Sensational Journeys: 48 Stories of Sensory Processing Disorder by Hartley Steiner.

Jaymz and I practice many aspects of natural (and secure attachment focused) parenting, including unmedicated, low-intervention birth, breastfeeding, babywearing, cloth diapering, elimination communication, gentle discipline, and ecologically-conscious living. I follow my instincts and intuition as much as I can, and it has led me down this path and to this parenting style. I completely respect that this is not the best fit for all families, and I have no expectations that you should make the same choices I do.

OTHER THINGS I DO

I have an Etsy shop, Anktangle Creations, which features handmade items for home and family. It's a fun way for me to be creative without keeping everything I make. I hope you'll visit both my shop and its Facebook fan page.

I'm Lead Editor at Natural Parents Network, where I have the privilege of working closely with Co-Founders Lauren of Hobo Mama and Dionna of Code Name: Mama, as well as an amazing team of writers and volunteers.

I also have the honor of attending births as a Labor Doula, primarily through providing backup to my doula partner, Crystalyn Reed. I love being witness to the power, magic, and mostly the divine that is present in birth.

KEEP IN TOUCH

I'm happy to answer any questions you have, or just have a chat with you! I also welcome your submissions of original guest posts, which you can learn more about here.

Please feel free to contact me via email: anktangle@gmail.com, through my contact form, or connect with me on Facebook and Twitter. (It may take me a few days to answer emails, but it doesn't mean I don't care!)

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