The Imperfect Community

[Scout]

Patents are expensive and time consuming and the general feeling right now among other sling vendors is that they don't offer us much protection, because someone could copy your product but change the smallest thing, and then the patent wouldn't really help.

[kathyjm]

I hope to work from home someday as well

Be carefull what you wish for!!!

I am one frazzled, over stretched, over worked, TIRED mom!!

[new053105]

Kathy - I don't care, I am so tired of companies being full of bullshit, etc.

This job I am taking..they claimed they were going to pay me a certain amout (what I was asking) and then went down when I agreed to take the job. I am tired and done.

I want to work when I want, not be tied to a fucking schedule..etc. That and my dd needs me, and I can't be there for her, because I am a single mom running a fucking rat race and for what? I don't make shit for money, we are always rushed, etc.

I hate being a single parent.

[kathyjm]

kendra...I totally get what you are saying. Look around, there are some awesome companies out there who do support telecommuting and have great benefits! I was a single parent of two for 7 years and they were both in daycare.I slaved away to pay that damn daycare bill...it was more than my frigging house payment. But I put in my time with my company (AT&T) and did the commute (to San franciso) for a few years and earned my way to telecommute which is what I've been doing full time for the last 5 years. While my company is global (we are scattered everywhere) they're being acquired by another company (yuck! i'm so not looking forward to this deal closing--i'm so loyal to AT&T because they are so good to their employees!) so I doubt they're hiring but I bet you can do a little research on the net and find a list of companies who have telecommuting programs.

[kathyjm]

Here are some links to check out, maybe you can find something somewhere and start looking...these links mention the bay area a lot but that doesn't mean you can't find something in your neck of the woods, I have a few team mates who are located up north. Unless of course you're interested in the self employment route, that I have no experience with!


Telework resources
These Web sites have information to help companies set up telework programs.

-- www.att.com/telework -- AT&T's guide includes information about the company's own telework program, how to get started and other resources.

-- www.baytelework.org -- San Francisco Bay Area association for people interested in telework.

-- www.gilgordon.com -- Run by a telecommuting consultant, this site consolidates information from around the world on telework and virtual offices.

-- www.langhoff.com -- Includes advice for wannabes, lots of links and some irreverent anecdotes; run by a self-styled televangelist.

-- www.sun.com/aboutsun/iwork -- Information about Sun's iWork program.

-- www.teleworkcollaborative .com -- Sells guidebooks, kits and online training about telework.

-- www.workingfromanywhere.org -- Run by ITAC, formerly the International Telework Association & Council, and now an advisory group to World at Work, an HR association.

Source: Chronicle research

E-mail Carolyn Said at csaid@sfchronicle.com.

[kathyjm]

Scout:

Just got back from a family get together and my sister was there with little Colton. She LOVES LOVES LOVES the sling and everyone was so impressed with it. We heard lots of "wish they had that when I had a baby" comments. I must admit, I wish I had one too!

I think he's still slightly too small for it (he's 5 pounds 9 oz now) and since he's just getting over bradycardia episodes it's important for his neck to be in a neutral position and he tends to slump in it so my sister had to be pretty careful but it still was so convenient and I can tell she'll use it A LOT!

[Scout]

I'm so glad she likes it! Do you think she might need a smaller size? The baby shouldn't hang below her waist. Here's a pic with a 3-week old baby in the cradle carry showing how it should look:


Also, she can tuck a small, folded receiving blanket behind his head and shoulders for extra support while he's still so small.

[kathyjm]

I think it's a good fit...he's pretty much like your picture. The blanket is a good idea, i'll let her know. I'm sure once he gets over his preemie hurdles it'll work just great. He's still not even supposed to be born yet for 25 more days!

[DietCokeHead]

Kristy- can you sit while slinging the baby? We are traveling in Jan (by plane) and I am thinking the bjorn wasnt so great when sitting. Would a 3 month old be mostly in the cradle position?

[Scout]

Yep, you can. Are you coming over to the dark side?

[DietCokeHead]

I don't know, I might be! I will check out your site after the kiddos go to bed!

[DietCokeHead]

Kristy- Can I measure myself for this while I am still pg? Or is it best to wait until I don't have something the size of a basketball living in my uterus?

[Scout]

You can measure, but telling me your normal non-pg height (and if you are short or long-waisted), weight, clothing, and bra size will probably be more accurate. The size calculator at http://www.hotslings.com should work for you (they are our manufacturer). You can pm me with that info if ya don't want to post it, lol. I'm so excited that you want to try it out! I'll be happy to hook you up.

[kathyjm]

Wanted to add one more thing for anyone who is considering this...

I orderd the extra support peice thinking it would come in handy when the baby gets bigger. But my sister has been using it A LOT...she says it's much easier for her while recovering from the c section to use the support.

[Scout]

Check out the new site, a la Prescott!