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of them suggest that long hair is attractive and flirty, while short hair is seen as revolutionary, strong and confident, among other descriptions!

So let’s start untangling. What do our hairstyles really say about us? Or, rather do they say anything about us? Personally, I hope not.

For purposes of this column, I decided to conduct my own study: a non-funded, non-empirical, non-statistical, non-comparative study to debunk those “experts.”

Like you, I’ve seen my share of bad hair days. And, in revealing the results of my “study,” I’m even prepared to throw myself publically under the bus by publishing proof of my snafus.

It’s ok though; I know you won’t criticize me for my mistakes [see exhibit A]—no matter how high and ridiculous they seem now.

At ECFE we value play as “a child’s work”. Put on your play clothes and join us. Your friends are already here!

THE POWER OF PLAYthe results may astound you!

In order for my “study” to be accurate, we’ll need to take a stroll down memory lane—all the way back to the 80’s. Don’t be alarmed. That foggy cloud is just the Aqua Net. Hold your breath and come with me.

The 80’s were riddled with huge hair-dos. Girls paraded through the aisles of Kmart dumping large, pink cans of Super Hold Aqua Net into their carts, in hopes of making their hair as wide as it was long.

What were we thinking? Some studies would have us believe we were full of ourselves. Big hair = big egos.

Instead, my “results” reveal that this was just the style. These exaggerated, straw-like mops just wanted to fit-in and be a part of something bigger than their locks.

Hair styles took a 180 in the 90’s. Out with the permed, frizzy, teased, crazy kinks and in with the reverse-perm, straightened, serene look. Pull. Straighten. Flat-iron. Repeat.

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The experts say that the soul within this style is narcissistic and serious. My “results” indicate nothing too deep or discerning. I believe these styles evolved from our close, personal friendship with Jennifer Aniston and her “Friends.” See exhibit B.

Moving right along into the wife and motherhood stage of life... many women take a giant leap and go short. I did! See exhibit C.

The fashion historians would interpret this as breaking free from our pasts. I’ve even read that they believe women with short hair view themselves as less attractive than their counter-parts with lengthy manes!

Perhaps there is a simpler explanation. Short hair is easier and some women can’t be bothered fiddling with tresses. And, try this on for size: some just like short hair!

I was prepared to firmly, without resolve, exclaim that these hair aficionados don’t know squat about hair and are only perpetrating long-held myths. But, there are some common threads. Like…

For most of us, our hair matters. I won’t go as far as the “experts” do and paint a broad stroke of what our hair style says about us, but it does matter. It’s the one fashion accessory we wear every day.

Fine. There may be a link to some of these hair myths and the fashion historians that try to explain our styles.

It’s true. We do get a psychological boost if we like our hair. But, I dare say that it isn’t because one length or color or style is more attractive or smarter or more powerful than another.

Ah yes, we make our share of stylistic faux pas. But humans are ever-changing creatures. We evolve. And, if things go well, we grow more independent and confident and comfortable with age. Some take risks. Others don’t. Whether we go long or short, whether we’re thinning, graying, frizzed, tangled, knotted, or cropped—wrap it up, braid it, color it, or cut it—BUT LIKE IT, because our hair matters. PERIOD.

Kathleen is a stay-at-home mom who serves on a number of community boards/committees, is active in her church, kids’ school, and politics and runs to sustain her own mental health! This Philadelphia native is married to a fourth generation North Dakotan, Drew, and proudly considers North Dakota her home. They have three children.

Before becoming a mom, she was director for Bismarck’s Child Advocacy Center and was a speech writer. Kathleen received a BS from The Pennsylvania State University and completed her graduate studies at Temple University, in Philadelphia.

Anita Jalbert expected the birth of her second baby to closely match her first: a hospital setting, husband Sean at her side, after delivery their newborn would be briefly taken away for assessment.

In reality the birth of Emme on January 10, 2011, blew way past expectations. Yes, it happened at Sanford in Fargo. Yes, Sean was there and cut the cord. But then came the moment that transformed the journey!

“I kept thinking they’d take Emme away for measurements, but she stayed right there with us. It was wonderful,” says Anita. “I’m grateful for the experience I had with Tess three years ago, but truly excited about the experience I had with Emme.”

Today approximately 75 percent of women who give birth at Sanford Women’s choose breastfeeding—up significantly from years ago. Breast pumps and improved places for expressing milk have helped, but so has abundant information on the benefits of breastfeeding.

“Moms want to do what’s best for their babies,” says Fran. “We know breastfeeding provides ideal nutrition and protects babies’ health.”

It can be a challenge, especially for the 80 percent of women who return to work.