Memorable Moments

Vegetable Jambalaya

November 25, 2024 Recipes
forth-helps-them
vegetable
Serves 6!

This vegetable heavy jambalaya is a fast, throw-everything-in the-pot kind of meal.

It’s spicy, savory and deeply satisfying on a chilly winter day. The leftovers are great for making burritos with whole grain tortillas or warmed up with a fried egg on top.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 stalks celery, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • ½ small green chili, finely chopped
  • 2 large tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp freshly ground pepper
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce
  • ¾ cup long grain rice
  • 3 cups vegetable broth or chicken stock
Mom and toddler looking under sofa

Directions

  • Heat the oil in a large high-sided saucepan over medium-high heat.
  • Add the onion, pepper, and celery, then cook for about 5 minutes, until they become translucent but not brown.
  • Add the rest of the ingredients except for the rice and broth. Let everything cook for about 1 minute to let some of the tomato juices release.
  • Add the rice and slowly pour in the broth.
  • Reduce heat to medium and let the dish cook until the rice absorbs all the liquid, about 20 to 25 minutes.

REFERENCES:

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) emphasizes that singing and rhyming with babies help them develop language and cognitive skills, improving their ability to listen, communicate, and eventually read.
AAP’s “Read, Sing, Play” campaign:
[HealthyChildren.org] (https://www.healthychildren.org)

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), responding to your child’s questions and talking with them is crucial for language development and helps them learn how to express their thoughts.
CDC’s “Positive Parenting Tips”:
[CDC.gov] (https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/positiveparenting/)

Research highlighted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that physical touch, especially skin-to-skin contact, supports emotional regulation and strengthens the bond between a parent and child, which is critical for brain development.
NIH article on the importance of touch: [NIH.gov] (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/)

The CDC explains that positive reinforcement, like praise, helps children learn appropriate behaviors and develop confidence. It encourages them to repeat actions that receive positive feedback.
CDC’s “Essentials for Parenting Toddlers and Preschoolers”:
[CDC.gov] (https://www.cdc.gov/parents/essentials/)

The U.S. Department of Education encourages parents to use everyday moments to talk, listen, and engage with their child, which supports early literacy and cognitive development.
U.S. Department of Education’s “Talk, Read, and Sing Together Every Day!”:
[Ed.gov] (https://www.ed.gov/early-learning/talk-read-sing)

Side Lying Hold

Side-Lying Hold

  1. For the right breast, lie on your right side with your baby facing you.
  2. Pull your baby close. Your baby’s mouth should be level with your nipple.
  3. In this position, you can cradle your baby’s back with your left arm and support yourself with your right arm and/or pillows.
  4. Keep loose clothing and bedding away from your baby.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You want to rest while baby feeds
  • You are breastfeeding in the middle of the night
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Cross Cradle Hold

Cross-Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, use your left arm to hold your baby’s head at your right breast and baby’s body toward your left side. A pillow across your lap can help support your left arm.
  2. Gently place your left hand behind your baby’s ears and neck, with your thumb and index finger behind each ear and your palm between baby’s shoulder blades. Turn your baby’s body toward yours so your tummies are touching.
  3. Hold your breast as if you are squeezing a sandwich. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  4. As your baby’s mouth opens, push gently with your left palm on baby’s head to help them latch on. Make sure you keep your fingers out of the way.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is premature
  • Your baby has a weak suck
  • Your baby needs help to stay latched
  • Your baby needs extra head support
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Football Hold

Clutch or “Football” Hold

  1. For the right breast, hold your baby level, facing up, at your right side.
  2. Put your baby’s head near your right nipple and support their back and legs under your right arm.
  3. Hold the base of your baby’s head with your right palm. A pillow underneath your right arm can help support your baby’s weight.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Bring baby to you instead.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You have large breasts
  • You have flat or inverted nipples
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You are breastfeeding twins
  • Your baby likes to feed in an upright position
  • Your baby has reflux
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Breastfeeding Holds

Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, cradle your baby with your right arm. Your baby will be on their left side across your lap, facing you at nipple level.
  2. Your baby’s head will rest on your right forearm with your baby’s back along your inner arm and palm.
  3. Turn your baby’s tummy toward your tummy. Your left hand is free to support your breast, if needed. Pillows can help support your arm and elbow.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby needs help latching on
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Breastfeeding Holds

Laid-Back Hold

  1. Lean back on a pillow with your baby’s tummy touching yours and their head at breast level. Some moms find that sitting up nearly straight works well. Others prefer to lean back and lie almost flat.
  2. You can place your baby’s cheek near your breast, or you may want to use one hand to hold your breast near your baby. It’s up to you and what you think feels best.
  3. Your baby will naturally find your nipple, latch, and begin to suckle.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is placed on your chest right after birth
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You have large breasts
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position