I'm sorry you guys haven't heard from me much this week! I promise, even though I am silent. I check everything several times a day, so if you want to get a hold of me just send me a message, for I will find it in my lurking. Unfortunately it might be a while before I have time to post more frequently. On top of holiday preparations taking away from my time to post on here and twitter, I've got more going on that's kept me silent.
As I think I mentioned, I started taking classes to finish credits I left unfinished in the midst of my then-impending delivery. I wish I could wait, but if I don't go back soon they'll revoke my financial aid and I'll have a lot of money owed to the school! Also, I'll be working on an internship for some of those credits starting sometime soon.
I might be moving into a bigger place soon! There is this amazing looking 2-bedroom at the other end of the city that is HUGE for the price they are asking, all utilities included. Fingers crossed guys!
Until next time, Good Luck, and Best Wishes!
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Birth Story
My pregnancy was wonderful but it certainly didn't want to end! At 41 weeks, my son was positioned stubbornly face-up and did not want to budge. I was dilated 1 cm, no signs of contractions, not even a Braxton Hicks that I could feel. My baby was happy to stay in my uterus as long as he pleased, thank you very much.
As much as I wanted him to come naturally, as I got further and further past my due date, induction seemed like the best option. My doctor personally did not like letting pregnancies go past the 41 week mark, due to the increased risk for the baby as you go past your due date, and though my son looked healthy, the ultrasound scans estimate that he was all ready 9 lbs, and with him being face up, if I let him grow in there much longer, they were saying a c-section might be the only option. I knew that heavier babies had been born naturally, but I also knew his positioning would make things more difficult. Not to mention the way he was pressing against my back and arteries made it so laying on my back for a long period of time made me dizzy or faint. Even staying still long enough for the NST was enough to make me light headed.
So, for all those reasons listed above, it was decided I would be induced at the 41 week mark. Unfortunately, this coincided with my doctor being away for three days on a conference! I really dislike seeing doctors other than my own, because even through out the pregnancy, I found most other doctors didn't agree with my views, and tried to push their own views on me. Still, I didn't want to wait so long that I'd be forced into a c-section, and knowing that my son would be monitored while I was in the hospital prior to delivery put my mind at ease, because I was getting to the point where I was feeling something was wrong. I was feeling nauseous all the time, and more and more I was being told it wasn't safe to carry beyond 42 weeks. And again, I feared the longer I waited, the more likely I was to end up with a c-section.
So, on the morning of September 27, 2010, I went in to the hospital to begin induction. I had read so many accounts of mothers who were in the same situation as me, who weren't progressing naturally, and a few hours of pitocin were enough to put them into full labor and have them deliver within 6-10 hours. I was hopeful, probably too hopeful, that things would go smoothly. I knew it could take much longer, and while I was OK with that, I was excited to see my son.
I went in at 730 am. It was slow. Hours on a pitocin drip and I still wasn't even feeling contractions, though I had dilated to 3 or 4 cm. I was confused. I was at the max level of pitocin and I still wasn't feeling anything. The monitor was measuring some contractions, but nothing huge. I sat there, hoping to feel something, but the only thing I felt was hungry. It's recommended that you don't eat the night before an induction, so the drugs will work better and so any anesthesia you may require won't make you sick and vomit. This is the first thing I regret listening to.
I was starving. How could the really expect me not to eat, I was 41 weeks pregnant! If I went into labor naturally, I would not have known ahead of time that it was coming, I would have eaten. Yet they still give you anesthesia then don't they? But I was worried, that if something should go wrong and they needed to get my baby out right away, that I shouldn't create any unnecessary complications. I don't think I'll bother next time.
So there I sat, starving, wishing to feel anything but hungry. I shouldn't have wished so hard. As I've now found out, the problem with pitocin is that it is administered as a steady drip, where as the natural oxytocin your body releases to start labor is released in bursts- much better at creating contraction.
I knew pitocin contractions could be more painful, but I did not expect it to effect me like it did. I felt like I got hit by a train. In a matter of minutes, the level of pitocin in my body must have hit that magic level and I went from feeling nothing, to cramping, to feeling pain all over my body. It wasn't that feeling of tightness over my uterus and maybe around the bottom of my spine I was expecting. It was everywhere. My stomach, my entire back, my head. And I was still starving. Everyone told me once the contractions start I would forget my hunger, but I didn't, it only added to how terrible I was feeling.
It wouldn't have been that bad, but the pain didn't go away. That was the one thing that I thought was guaranteed about labor pain. It was supposed to come and go. Every technique I knew about dealing with pain had you focus on each individual contraction, and to focus on either the time until the contraction was over, or how this contraction was different from the last, or something along those lines. But after half an hour, the pain still hadn't developed any hint of lessening or worsening. I didn't know how to handle that. It just made me think that something was wrong. The monitors said my baby was fine, but I still felt like things were not as they should be.
My husband was worrying, and hated seeing me in pain. This was supposed to be a happy experience and while we knew it would be tough, the unexpected nature of my pain had us both worrying. At my last check I was still only 4cm, and despite my pain the contractions on the monitor didn't look any stronger. We decoded after about an hour and a half of the constant pain, that getting an epidural would help me get through the process a lot easier. I took it fully expecting to be in labor for quite a long time to come, and had lost all hope of it ending any time soon.
After getting the epidural, I went up to 5 cm, and stayed there. I watched TV, and watched my monitor that was still going along at the same level of contractions, relieved that I could once again feel nothing but hunger. I was allowed a popsicle and some ice chips, and tried every position under the sun my nurse could think of the help me progress, but still to no avail. Around 8 pm at night, the epidural started to wear off. The pain was dull, but this time it did have a sense of getting stronger then weaker and so forth, which I took as a good sign, though I was getting worried that the pain was all ready coming back and I was getting no closer to giving birth. The doctor who was working the floor that day said she was getting concerned about my lack of progress, and that we'd start talking about 'other options' if I hadn't dilated any further after an hour.
I wasn't sure what 'other options' were, and figured I had plenty of time to think about it after she came back and talkd to me. I hoped I would dilate in that time and that we wouldn't have to discuss anything at all, and put the idea out of my head, instead watching House while being propped up on a birthing ball, looking like what I'm sure is one of the most ridiculous things my husband has ever seen. Because of my returning pain, I was given a button I could press once every 15 minutes to administer more medication through the epidural sight, and I stay focused on making it through each 15 minutes to get that extra boost.
The hour passed quicker than I realized, and again I was still at 5 cm. The doctor then told me that she wanted to give me a c-section, because between my son's size and position, it seemed as if he was not coming out. I was taken completely off guard. My doctor had made it clear that she expect labor to possible take over night, possibly into the next day. What was going wrong that made my doctor want to start a c-section this early? Admittedly, I had been in labor for 11 hours, but that was nothing compared to what other women had been through.
The first thing my brain started to ask was how long she wanted to wait before starting the c-section, to which she replied that she wanted to started immediately. More panic and shock that something might be wrong stopped my mind in its tracks, and she told me she was leaving to page the anesthesiologist before my mind had a chance to catch up with what was happening. A nurse started asking me to sign papers and explain to me that because the epidural was wearing off I was going to be getting a spinal, which would completely numb me and I wouldn't feel and thing. I started crying and I was told not to worry, that I'd see my son soon.
By the time I was done signing the papers, the anesthesiologist was in the room to give me a spinal and my husband was taken to get prepped to go in the operating room with me. Not once was I asked if I wanted a c-section. I felt that I didn't have a choice, and what with them rushing into it, it seemed as if it was an emergency, like something was wrong. I tried to ask why I was getting a c-section and I was told I'd have to talk to my doctor, whom I didn't see again until I was all ready in the OR. At 930 I was being wheeled in to the OR, less than half an hour after I was informed I would be getting a c-section.
My husband still wasn't there. I kept asking where he was but they said they had to wait before letting him in, I asked why and they just told me he'd be there soon. By the time my husband walked in, I was all ready opened up, and he got a nice view while coming in the door. I was having mild trouble breathing, so I had to use most of my energy to keep myself calm. I couldn't talk above a whisper.
My son was born at 1002pm. They started to lower the curtain so I could see him, but as they started to lift him towards me the doctor said he was making too much of a mess and told the nurses to go clean him off. I saw his little purple foot and blood dripping onto the curtain before they stopped and took him. He was on the other side of the room, where I couldn't see around the curtain. My husband could see him, and was whispering in my ear reassuringly the entire time.
When I asked to see him, they said the nurses were checking him out and he looked healthy. At 1020 they announced they were taking him back to my room and said my husband could go with them. He looked at me, but I could all ready see them wheeling the cart out the door of the OR and told him to go with our son, barely getting a glimpse of his now pink skin wrapped in white from across the room.
I started crying, but quickly realized that crying only made it harder to breathe and focused on staying calm. I could feel my body shaking quite a lot and I was told that was normal. I could hear them talking as they finished removing the afterbirth and sewed me back up, but I didn't understand most of what they were saying. It was 1050 before I left the OR and was wheeled back to my room, and I was dying just to see my son and hold him for the first time.
He was in a cart under one of those warming lights while the nurse taking care of him was typing on a computer, and my husband stood next to him and held his hand. I asked if he had gotten a chance to hold him yet, and he said yes. I asked to hold him and the nurse said that I could once she was done with whatever she was doing on the computer. I was too tired and numb to make much of a fuss, and being able to see my son, albeit from a distance, was enough to keep me calm.
It was 1101 when I got a chance to hold him for the first time, almost a full hour after he was born. Once he was in my arms he didn't leave them until they had to bring me to a different room later that night. He fed enthusiastically despite all the medication that had been in my system, though it would take a while for him to latch correctly. I didn't care about anything else but holding him and feeding him.
I loved the nurse who was there that night in the recovery ward. She was in every 30 minutes to check on us, while my husband slept. It was very helpful as there was no way I was sitting up, never mind getting out of bed. From that time on, it was all about my son. I spent 3 and a half days bonding with him and feeding him as much as he wanted.
I actually recovered very quickly from the c-section, and after the first 24 hours of sleepiness wore off, my little boy was just as active as any naturally born baby. I still look back and wish I could have had him naturally. As it would turn out, there was no emergency.
I haven't had depression since having him and I don't cry often, but when I do think about it, it's one of the few things I cry about. And my baby will just look at me and smile as if to let me know it's all OK, that it didn't hurt him. He's a very happy, active baby now and (as far as we can tell) there have been no long term effects on him. He's so well behaved, and he rarely cries. I've been blessed with this perfect little boy and I love him with all my heart.
UPDATE: I'm sorry that this comes across as such a negative experience. Once I had my son I kind of pushed all the negative thoughts I had about having a c-section out of my head, and I just never really knew how to bring it up to anyone after to talk about it, so now that I'm writing about it a lot of those feelings are coming out. The c-section was painless, and more convenient, it makes sense why it's an option, but I just wish is was presented as a option and not a necessity, and I want anyone else out there who may find themselves in the same situation in the future to know that they do have an option.
I'm not trying to say not to get a c-section if it's an emergency, but try and make sure your doctor takes the time to talk to you about what's going on.
As much as I wanted him to come naturally, as I got further and further past my due date, induction seemed like the best option. My doctor personally did not like letting pregnancies go past the 41 week mark, due to the increased risk for the baby as you go past your due date, and though my son looked healthy, the ultrasound scans estimate that he was all ready 9 lbs, and with him being face up, if I let him grow in there much longer, they were saying a c-section might be the only option. I knew that heavier babies had been born naturally, but I also knew his positioning would make things more difficult. Not to mention the way he was pressing against my back and arteries made it so laying on my back for a long period of time made me dizzy or faint. Even staying still long enough for the NST was enough to make me light headed.
So, for all those reasons listed above, it was decided I would be induced at the 41 week mark. Unfortunately, this coincided with my doctor being away for three days on a conference! I really dislike seeing doctors other than my own, because even through out the pregnancy, I found most other doctors didn't agree with my views, and tried to push their own views on me. Still, I didn't want to wait so long that I'd be forced into a c-section, and knowing that my son would be monitored while I was in the hospital prior to delivery put my mind at ease, because I was getting to the point where I was feeling something was wrong. I was feeling nauseous all the time, and more and more I was being told it wasn't safe to carry beyond 42 weeks. And again, I feared the longer I waited, the more likely I was to end up with a c-section.
So, on the morning of September 27, 2010, I went in to the hospital to begin induction. I had read so many accounts of mothers who were in the same situation as me, who weren't progressing naturally, and a few hours of pitocin were enough to put them into full labor and have them deliver within 6-10 hours. I was hopeful, probably too hopeful, that things would go smoothly. I knew it could take much longer, and while I was OK with that, I was excited to see my son.
I went in at 730 am. It was slow. Hours on a pitocin drip and I still wasn't even feeling contractions, though I had dilated to 3 or 4 cm. I was confused. I was at the max level of pitocin and I still wasn't feeling anything. The monitor was measuring some contractions, but nothing huge. I sat there, hoping to feel something, but the only thing I felt was hungry. It's recommended that you don't eat the night before an induction, so the drugs will work better and so any anesthesia you may require won't make you sick and vomit. This is the first thing I regret listening to.
I was starving. How could the really expect me not to eat, I was 41 weeks pregnant! If I went into labor naturally, I would not have known ahead of time that it was coming, I would have eaten. Yet they still give you anesthesia then don't they? But I was worried, that if something should go wrong and they needed to get my baby out right away, that I shouldn't create any unnecessary complications. I don't think I'll bother next time.
So there I sat, starving, wishing to feel anything but hungry. I shouldn't have wished so hard. As I've now found out, the problem with pitocin is that it is administered as a steady drip, where as the natural oxytocin your body releases to start labor is released in bursts- much better at creating contraction.
I knew pitocin contractions could be more painful, but I did not expect it to effect me like it did. I felt like I got hit by a train. In a matter of minutes, the level of pitocin in my body must have hit that magic level and I went from feeling nothing, to cramping, to feeling pain all over my body. It wasn't that feeling of tightness over my uterus and maybe around the bottom of my spine I was expecting. It was everywhere. My stomach, my entire back, my head. And I was still starving. Everyone told me once the contractions start I would forget my hunger, but I didn't, it only added to how terrible I was feeling.
It wouldn't have been that bad, but the pain didn't go away. That was the one thing that I thought was guaranteed about labor pain. It was supposed to come and go. Every technique I knew about dealing with pain had you focus on each individual contraction, and to focus on either the time until the contraction was over, or how this contraction was different from the last, or something along those lines. But after half an hour, the pain still hadn't developed any hint of lessening or worsening. I didn't know how to handle that. It just made me think that something was wrong. The monitors said my baby was fine, but I still felt like things were not as they should be.
My husband was worrying, and hated seeing me in pain. This was supposed to be a happy experience and while we knew it would be tough, the unexpected nature of my pain had us both worrying. At my last check I was still only 4cm, and despite my pain the contractions on the monitor didn't look any stronger. We decoded after about an hour and a half of the constant pain, that getting an epidural would help me get through the process a lot easier. I took it fully expecting to be in labor for quite a long time to come, and had lost all hope of it ending any time soon.
After getting the epidural, I went up to 5 cm, and stayed there. I watched TV, and watched my monitor that was still going along at the same level of contractions, relieved that I could once again feel nothing but hunger. I was allowed a popsicle and some ice chips, and tried every position under the sun my nurse could think of the help me progress, but still to no avail. Around 8 pm at night, the epidural started to wear off. The pain was dull, but this time it did have a sense of getting stronger then weaker and so forth, which I took as a good sign, though I was getting worried that the pain was all ready coming back and I was getting no closer to giving birth. The doctor who was working the floor that day said she was getting concerned about my lack of progress, and that we'd start talking about 'other options' if I hadn't dilated any further after an hour.
I wasn't sure what 'other options' were, and figured I had plenty of time to think about it after she came back and talkd to me. I hoped I would dilate in that time and that we wouldn't have to discuss anything at all, and put the idea out of my head, instead watching House while being propped up on a birthing ball, looking like what I'm sure is one of the most ridiculous things my husband has ever seen. Because of my returning pain, I was given a button I could press once every 15 minutes to administer more medication through the epidural sight, and I stay focused on making it through each 15 minutes to get that extra boost.
The hour passed quicker than I realized, and again I was still at 5 cm. The doctor then told me that she wanted to give me a c-section, because between my son's size and position, it seemed as if he was not coming out. I was taken completely off guard. My doctor had made it clear that she expect labor to possible take over night, possibly into the next day. What was going wrong that made my doctor want to start a c-section this early? Admittedly, I had been in labor for 11 hours, but that was nothing compared to what other women had been through.
The first thing my brain started to ask was how long she wanted to wait before starting the c-section, to which she replied that she wanted to started immediately. More panic and shock that something might be wrong stopped my mind in its tracks, and she told me she was leaving to page the anesthesiologist before my mind had a chance to catch up with what was happening. A nurse started asking me to sign papers and explain to me that because the epidural was wearing off I was going to be getting a spinal, which would completely numb me and I wouldn't feel and thing. I started crying and I was told not to worry, that I'd see my son soon.
By the time I was done signing the papers, the anesthesiologist was in the room to give me a spinal and my husband was taken to get prepped to go in the operating room with me. Not once was I asked if I wanted a c-section. I felt that I didn't have a choice, and what with them rushing into it, it seemed as if it was an emergency, like something was wrong. I tried to ask why I was getting a c-section and I was told I'd have to talk to my doctor, whom I didn't see again until I was all ready in the OR. At 930 I was being wheeled in to the OR, less than half an hour after I was informed I would be getting a c-section.
My husband still wasn't there. I kept asking where he was but they said they had to wait before letting him in, I asked why and they just told me he'd be there soon. By the time my husband walked in, I was all ready opened up, and he got a nice view while coming in the door. I was having mild trouble breathing, so I had to use most of my energy to keep myself calm. I couldn't talk above a whisper.
My son was born at 1002pm. They started to lower the curtain so I could see him, but as they started to lift him towards me the doctor said he was making too much of a mess and told the nurses to go clean him off. I saw his little purple foot and blood dripping onto the curtain before they stopped and took him. He was on the other side of the room, where I couldn't see around the curtain. My husband could see him, and was whispering in my ear reassuringly the entire time.
When I asked to see him, they said the nurses were checking him out and he looked healthy. At 1020 they announced they were taking him back to my room and said my husband could go with them. He looked at me, but I could all ready see them wheeling the cart out the door of the OR and told him to go with our son, barely getting a glimpse of his now pink skin wrapped in white from across the room.
I started crying, but quickly realized that crying only made it harder to breathe and focused on staying calm. I could feel my body shaking quite a lot and I was told that was normal. I could hear them talking as they finished removing the afterbirth and sewed me back up, but I didn't understand most of what they were saying. It was 1050 before I left the OR and was wheeled back to my room, and I was dying just to see my son and hold him for the first time.
He was in a cart under one of those warming lights while the nurse taking care of him was typing on a computer, and my husband stood next to him and held his hand. I asked if he had gotten a chance to hold him yet, and he said yes. I asked to hold him and the nurse said that I could once she was done with whatever she was doing on the computer. I was too tired and numb to make much of a fuss, and being able to see my son, albeit from a distance, was enough to keep me calm.
It was 1101 when I got a chance to hold him for the first time, almost a full hour after he was born. Once he was in my arms he didn't leave them until they had to bring me to a different room later that night. He fed enthusiastically despite all the medication that had been in my system, though it would take a while for him to latch correctly. I didn't care about anything else but holding him and feeding him.
I loved the nurse who was there that night in the recovery ward. She was in every 30 minutes to check on us, while my husband slept. It was very helpful as there was no way I was sitting up, never mind getting out of bed. From that time on, it was all about my son. I spent 3 and a half days bonding with him and feeding him as much as he wanted.
I actually recovered very quickly from the c-section, and after the first 24 hours of sleepiness wore off, my little boy was just as active as any naturally born baby. I still look back and wish I could have had him naturally. As it would turn out, there was no emergency.
I haven't had depression since having him and I don't cry often, but when I do think about it, it's one of the few things I cry about. And my baby will just look at me and smile as if to let me know it's all OK, that it didn't hurt him. He's a very happy, active baby now and (as far as we can tell) there have been no long term effects on him. He's so well behaved, and he rarely cries. I've been blessed with this perfect little boy and I love him with all my heart.
UPDATE: I'm sorry that this comes across as such a negative experience. Once I had my son I kind of pushed all the negative thoughts I had about having a c-section out of my head, and I just never really knew how to bring it up to anyone after to talk about it, so now that I'm writing about it a lot of those feelings are coming out. The c-section was painless, and more convenient, it makes sense why it's an option, but I just wish is was presented as a option and not a necessity, and I want anyone else out there who may find themselves in the same situation in the future to know that they do have an option.
I'm not trying to say not to get a c-section if it's an emergency, but try and make sure your doctor takes the time to talk to you about what's going on.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Let's Get Personal?
It's taken me a while to write a post I feel comfortable publishing. I'm not very good with 'personal' blogs. Informational? No problem. I've spent months writing stories. But write something personal? Why does that seem so scary. I don't want to write about things that no one will want to hear. Obviously, no one wants to hear about my little one's bowel movement patterns or nasal excretions, but if I keep this blog completely impersonal it won't be very interesting either. So where between those two things do I draw the line?
Maybe I should start by introducing myself. I'm the mother of an 11 week old little boy who is amazingly well behaved, and a complete blessing. We live with my darling husband, whom I met in high school. I'm a certified medical assistant, slowly getting back to taking classes to become an R.N. Tomorrow is actually my first day back finishing the credits for some classes I had to leave at the end of my pregnancy.
My husband and I had our first child fairly young, having our first child after we got married and I became a CMA. My mother had my sister and I when she was just about 30, and shortly after, became unable to have any more children. Evidence seems to suggest this is not a side-effect of her previous pregnancies, and likely would have occurred even if she had not yet had children. I have always wanted a family and to be a mother, and I did not want to wait to have children only to find myself in a situation where I could not, or where I would compromise the health of myself or my children to try. Still, I planned to wait until I was ready to have children. As it happens, we introduced our first child into the world this September.
My husband and I have been very fortunate. I became pregnant easily, and besides becoming slightly anemic, I had a wonderful pregnancy. I carried my son to 41 weeks before being induced, and gave birth to a beautiful, healthy boy. I recovered quickly after giving birth, and while breastfeeding exclusively, I've all ready gotten that lovely monthly notice that my body is once again fertile.
I still hope to have one or two more children, but afterward if fate allows, I would like to become a surrogate. I've thought about it in the past, and after having one successful pregnancy, have considered it further. Especially now, becoming part of the blogging community, and finding out about so many families that struggle to have children. There's so many reasons I want to do this, and after I have made my own family complete, I would like to help another family do the same.
Even now, with this blog, I hope in some way to help others out there making their own families, with some of my more informative posts. I hope that I can in some way make a difference and help support someone out there and to help make the wonderful experience of having a family that much easier or more enjoyable.
As you might have gathered from my previous posts, I am a strong believer in breastfeeding and as 'natural' an approach as possible when raising my child. I love cooking, and while I would love to be a Stay-at-Home Mom until my little one goes to school, I will be going to school, and likely working, at least part time.
I hope that some how, some day, I can make a difference in someone's life. I am trying every day to make a good life for my husband and son, and I am devoting myself to a career field where I will be able to help people on a daily basis, though of those things my family certainly does come first.
Maybe I should start by introducing myself. I'm the mother of an 11 week old little boy who is amazingly well behaved, and a complete blessing. We live with my darling husband, whom I met in high school. I'm a certified medical assistant, slowly getting back to taking classes to become an R.N. Tomorrow is actually my first day back finishing the credits for some classes I had to leave at the end of my pregnancy.
My husband and I had our first child fairly young, having our first child after we got married and I became a CMA. My mother had my sister and I when she was just about 30, and shortly after, became unable to have any more children. Evidence seems to suggest this is not a side-effect of her previous pregnancies, and likely would have occurred even if she had not yet had children. I have always wanted a family and to be a mother, and I did not want to wait to have children only to find myself in a situation where I could not, or where I would compromise the health of myself or my children to try. Still, I planned to wait until I was ready to have children. As it happens, we introduced our first child into the world this September.
My husband and I have been very fortunate. I became pregnant easily, and besides becoming slightly anemic, I had a wonderful pregnancy. I carried my son to 41 weeks before being induced, and gave birth to a beautiful, healthy boy. I recovered quickly after giving birth, and while breastfeeding exclusively, I've all ready gotten that lovely monthly notice that my body is once again fertile.
I still hope to have one or two more children, but afterward if fate allows, I would like to become a surrogate. I've thought about it in the past, and after having one successful pregnancy, have considered it further. Especially now, becoming part of the blogging community, and finding out about so many families that struggle to have children. There's so many reasons I want to do this, and after I have made my own family complete, I would like to help another family do the same.
Even now, with this blog, I hope in some way to help others out there making their own families, with some of my more informative posts. I hope that I can in some way make a difference and help support someone out there and to help make the wonderful experience of having a family that much easier or more enjoyable.
As you might have gathered from my previous posts, I am a strong believer in breastfeeding and as 'natural' an approach as possible when raising my child. I love cooking, and while I would love to be a Stay-at-Home Mom until my little one goes to school, I will be going to school, and likely working, at least part time.
I hope that some how, some day, I can make a difference in someone's life. I am trying every day to make a good life for my husband and son, and I am devoting myself to a career field where I will be able to help people on a daily basis, though of those things my family certainly does come first.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
SIDS Facts You Might Not Know
SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is a heartbreaking, unexplainable tragedy that we have all heard of. While there is no known exact cause, research has found was to reduce the risk, and fortunately since the launch of the "Back to Sleep" campaign, the incidence of SIDS had decreased over 50%. But besides putting our babies to sleep on their backs, as opposed to the stomach or sides, what else can be done to prevent SIDS? While some risk factors are fairly obvious, others you might not expect.
First, the more obvious. Avoid cigarette smoke, both during pregnancy and direct or indirect exposure to your infant after birth. Use of street drugs during pregnancy also increases risk of SIDS.
Get good care early in pregnancy, assure good nutrition, and take the necessary vitamins.
Avoid becoming pregnant in the teen years. The more babies a mother has in her teen years, the more the risk for SIDS increased.
Premature babies are more likely to be victims of SIDS, take extra care if your baby is premature.
Some things you might not expect:
Not only is SIDS related to (seemingly) mild respiratory infections in some cases, gastrointestinal problems (such as vomiting and diarrhea) are also associated with a higher incidence of SIDS.
Wait AT LEAST one year between the birth of one child and the beginning of your next pregnancy. The closer your pregnancies, the higher the risk of SIDS.
Make sure the baby has a firm mattress. Do not use any sorts of blankets, covers, or bumpers. That's right, even blankets.
Let the baby sleep in the same room, but do not share a bed. Babies who sleep in a separate room have a higher incidence of SIDS.
Do not over-clothe your baby,just enough clothes to keep them warm without covers. Keep the room temperature comfortable but not too warm.. Overheating is also associated with a higher risk of SIDS.
Do not let your baby sleep on an adult bed, or other soft surface. and again, avoid covers.
Breastfeed! Studies show breastfed infants have a lower risk of SIDS!
A New Study shows low serotonin levels may be linked o SIDS, as babies may be less easily aroused from sleep.
Offer a pacifier. It is also found that babies who use a pacifier show a lower incidence of SIDS.
Good Luck, and Best Wishes!
First, the more obvious. Avoid cigarette smoke, both during pregnancy and direct or indirect exposure to your infant after birth. Use of street drugs during pregnancy also increases risk of SIDS.
Get good care early in pregnancy, assure good nutrition, and take the necessary vitamins.
Avoid becoming pregnant in the teen years. The more babies a mother has in her teen years, the more the risk for SIDS increased.
Premature babies are more likely to be victims of SIDS, take extra care if your baby is premature.
Some things you might not expect:
Not only is SIDS related to (seemingly) mild respiratory infections in some cases, gastrointestinal problems (such as vomiting and diarrhea) are also associated with a higher incidence of SIDS.
Wait AT LEAST one year between the birth of one child and the beginning of your next pregnancy. The closer your pregnancies, the higher the risk of SIDS.
Make sure the baby has a firm mattress. Do not use any sorts of blankets, covers, or bumpers. That's right, even blankets.
Let the baby sleep in the same room, but do not share a bed. Babies who sleep in a separate room have a higher incidence of SIDS.
Do not over-clothe your baby,just enough clothes to keep them warm without covers. Keep the room temperature comfortable but not too warm.. Overheating is also associated with a higher risk of SIDS.
Do not let your baby sleep on an adult bed, or other soft surface. and again, avoid covers.
Breastfeed! Studies show breastfed infants have a lower risk of SIDS!
A New Study shows low serotonin levels may be linked o SIDS, as babies may be less easily aroused from sleep.
Offer a pacifier. It is also found that babies who use a pacifier show a lower incidence of SIDS.
Good Luck, and Best Wishes!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Home-made Baby Food: A Natural Start to Solids
Lately I've been getting a lot of questions about my plans for when to start my son on solids, and while I plan to continue the recommended 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding, it's had me thinking a lot about what I'll feed him when he is ready for solids. I found this wonderful website about Homemade Baby Food that has me excited at the idea.
While there are many new, 'organic' options out there for store-bought baby food, making your own baby food with ingredients you buy yourself is not only less expensive, but everyone knows there's nothing like fresh, homemade food.
But what about the iron and vitamins that are added to comercial baby food products? Usually, breastfed babies won't need supplement, but if you talk to your pediatrician they can give you prescriptions for vitamins and iron that comes in liquid form that can be added to you baby's food or given separately with a dropper.
For mothers who spend the months breastfeeding and forming that special bond with their little one, they often find it difficult when they switch their little ones to solid food who no longer depend on them for their nutrition. Not only do you get to make your baby food full of love :) you can thin out your purees with breast milk for added benefit!
While thinking about Homemade baby food might bring you visions of messy kitchen and stressed preparation, it's easier than you may think. Foods like bananas like avocado are so soft they only require peeling and light mashing with a fork! For younger babies you may choose to water down this puree with the liquid of your choice, but if you wait the recommended 6 months before introducing solids, this shouldn't be a problem.
Not only are avocados easy to prepare, they are an excellent form of nutrition for you little one, and are even an good alternative as a first food opposed to the traditional baby cereal. It has be found that breastfed infants especially may benefit from starting on solids that are not cereals, and this fact has been recognized by La Leche League and others. While you may choose to stick with tradition, you should still consider adding avocados to your baby's diet. They have nearly all the vitamins and minerals your little one will need, and the website I mentioned above has a full page outlining their benefits. For some reason, I can't find commercial avocado baby food, probably due to the tendency of avocados to brown quickly after peeling, it would be hard to find a way to keep it fresh long enough to sell.
There are so many wonderful recipes out there for baby food that you can't find sold in stores. Let your baby experience new tastes all made with love and fresh ingredients! Good Luck, and Best Wishes!
While there are many new, 'organic' options out there for store-bought baby food, making your own baby food with ingredients you buy yourself is not only less expensive, but everyone knows there's nothing like fresh, homemade food.
But what about the iron and vitamins that are added to comercial baby food products? Usually, breastfed babies won't need supplement, but if you talk to your pediatrician they can give you prescriptions for vitamins and iron that comes in liquid form that can be added to you baby's food or given separately with a dropper.
For mothers who spend the months breastfeeding and forming that special bond with their little one, they often find it difficult when they switch their little ones to solid food who no longer depend on them for their nutrition. Not only do you get to make your baby food full of love :) you can thin out your purees with breast milk for added benefit!
While thinking about Homemade baby food might bring you visions of messy kitchen and stressed preparation, it's easier than you may think. Foods like bananas like avocado are so soft they only require peeling and light mashing with a fork! For younger babies you may choose to water down this puree with the liquid of your choice, but if you wait the recommended 6 months before introducing solids, this shouldn't be a problem.
Not only are avocados easy to prepare, they are an excellent form of nutrition for you little one, and are even an good alternative as a first food opposed to the traditional baby cereal. It has be found that breastfed infants especially may benefit from starting on solids that are not cereals, and this fact has been recognized by La Leche League and others. While you may choose to stick with tradition, you should still consider adding avocados to your baby's diet. They have nearly all the vitamins and minerals your little one will need, and the website I mentioned above has a full page outlining their benefits. For some reason, I can't find commercial avocado baby food, probably due to the tendency of avocados to brown quickly after peeling, it would be hard to find a way to keep it fresh long enough to sell.
There are so many wonderful recipes out there for baby food that you can't find sold in stores. Let your baby experience new tastes all made with love and fresh ingredients! Good Luck, and Best Wishes!
Monday, December 6, 2010
The Challenege of Breastfeeding: You CAN Do It
There's so many good reasons to want to breastfeed. It is recommended that a baby exclusively breastfeeds for the first 6 months. It gives your baby valuable immunities, helps the mother's body get back to normal after giving birth, and creates such a special bond between mother and child. I'm not here to persuade anyone, but there are so many articles with evidence of the benefits of breastfeeding I find it hard to imagine why any mother would chose not to try.
Many mothers worry that they will not be able to create enough milk for their little one, especially if they have heard horror stories from other mothers who did not have the best experiences with breastfeeding, and ended up switching to formula. It's true, many mothers have trouble establishing a milk supply, but with time and effort, this problem can almost always be solved. There are many accounts of women being able to breastfeed twins, so it's very likely your body will be able to supply for just one.
It can take as much as 6 weeks, or possibly more if you face unusual challenges, to establish a good milk supply to get your little one gaining weight in the same ranges as formula-fed infants. Even when you are struggling to establish a milk supply, your baby should gain at least half an ounce a day. Even at this level though, your pediatrician may start to recommend supplements. If this happens, request to have an appointment in another 4-7days to re-evaluate your child's weight gain, and in the mean time look up tips online for increasing milk supply to help your child gain weight. If your pediatrician is still worried about your child's weight gain, you may have to start supplementing with formula, but continuing to supply as much as your child's nourishment with feeding as possible will help you keep up your milk supply, and possibly allow you to switch back to exclusive breastfeeding in the future.
Here are some tips that helped me when establishing a milk supply:
Most importantly, speak with a lactation consultant to ensure your baby has a good latch. Review with other lactation consultants if your baby has a weight gain problem. Follow up, make sure things are still going well. In addition to the consultant at your pediatrician's office, every hospital has at least one on call if you have any concerns. She's not just there for when you're in the hospital, don't be afraid to call! And of course your local WIC office also has lactation consultants ready to help, even if you are not on the WIC program.
Nurse from only one side per feeding. Some will tell you to try offering both sides, to stimulate both for milk production, but nursing from one side ensures your baby gets all of calorie-rich hind-milk to help your little one gain weight, and the more time you spend on one breast the more milk that breast is told to produce. Save the other breast for the next feeding.
After your little one finishes a feeding and refuses to drink any more, use a breast pump to express as much milk as you can from that same breast. Leave the pump going for a few minutes even after the last drop of milk is released, this provides extra stimulation to signal to your milk ducts to produce more. DO NOT feed this expressed milk to your little one, store it away. There are plenty of articles online telling you how to store breast milk. Using a bottle to feed this expressed milk will take away from the time your baby spends on the breast. The stored milk will come in especially useful if your pediatrician does recommend supplements, as it will help you prevent introducing formula to your baby. Again, leave the other breast full for the next feeding.
Feed frequently! Even if your little one is sleeping or seems uninterested in feeding, babies will continue to suckle instinctively, even while sleeping, once you get them latched on. Feed a minimum of every 2 hours. If your pediatrician is concerned with weight gain, this goes for night time feedings too! Every. Two. Hours. Don't worry, it won't last forever. Actually, it should only take a few days before you can go back to slightly longer night time sleeping. How will you do it, you may ask? Take a 'nursing vacation' Go to bed for 2-3 days, with your baby in a co-sleeper or bassinet by the bedside. Relax, watch TV, use the internet, read, eat and drink plenty of liquids. Take naps whenever your baby is sleeping. The extra time in bed will more than account for the frequency of feedings you wake up for, and by the end of it you should have a much more luck with your milk supply.
The most important thing is DON'T GIVE UP. Most mothers I know who switched to formula did so within the first few weeks, before they ever had a chance to get their milk supply up.
Reasons women stop breastfeeding, and how you can work around them:
Illness. In some cases, mothers become sick, and can not take the exhaustion of waking up every two hours on their bodies, not only weak from giving birth but compounded by illness. If you can stick it out though, please try. Remember all the women who have done it back when there was no formula! Even when you are ill, your body will continue to produce enough milk for the baby. Whether you continue to breastfeed is usually determined not by physical limitations but by your ability to continue through exhaustion and stress.
Medication. Related to the one before this. Most mothers are under the impression that they can not take any kind of medicaton while breastfeeding for fear that it will be passed through the milk to their child. The truth is there are very few medications that will prevent you from breastfeeding, the warning medications put on their boxes is to precautionary. Call your child's pediatrician, as they will know most which medications will effect your child.
Pain. Now, most articles on breastfeeding will warn you of 'fullness' or 'soreness' when your milk starts coming in. What they don't mention is the pain so sharp that it makes you jump out of your skin and nearly sends you through the roof. The good news, it isn't constant pain, it only lasts for a few seconds to a few minutes at the beginning of a feed, while your little one is suckling on empty ducts that haven't figured out when they need to be full yet. More good news is, it's very temporary, often lasting less than a day, though it can continue for a few days. Unfortunately for those of you out there who are unlucky, the intensity of that pain can seem torture, even if it only last 12 short hours, when you add it too the exhaustion from giving birth and being woken up at regular intervals, its extremely tempting to grab some formula. Remember, even when it seems at its worse, that it WILL go away, and breastfeeding will soon become a comforting, soothing experience for you.
Returning to work. Most countries in the world offer ample amounts of maternity leave, ranging from 6 months to several years, the majority of which is paid. While living in the United States does not guaranteed you this much, there is luckily one law in place to help. The Family Medical Leave Act allows for up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave, so if that's how long it takes for you to establish breastfeeding, take that time, and know your rights. Also, the law generally requires a break every 4 hours, which is how often you will need to pump milk to prevent overfilling and clogged milk ducts, which could lead to infection. More good news is thanks to the recent health care bill, companies with more than 50 employees will soon have to provide a private space other than a bathroom for the purpose of letting nursing mothers express breast milk.
Flat or Inverted nipples. I admit I don't have much experience is this area but This Website has wonderful advice.
Babies breastfeed, not "nipple-feed", and if a baby is able to take in a good mouthful of breast, most types of inverted or flat nipples will not cause a problem during breastfeeding. However, some types of nipples are harder for the baby to latch onto, especially at first, but in most cases, patience, persistence, proper latch-on technique, and perhaps a few other helpful measures will pay off.
Babies with physical or mental barriers. The most common issue with breastfeeding is a baby born with tongue-tie. I have tongue-tie and my son has inherited a moderate case of it. He had difficulty latching on correctly at first, but with time and practice, things got better without medical intervention. It took 3 weeks for him to gain enough weight to hit the minimum level of 1/2 oz a day, and by 6 weeks he was gaining right along average with other babies his age. Of course, babies can have much bigger barriers to overcome. Though an uncommon condition This is one of my favorite success stories.
When trying to establish a good latch, especially when barriers are present for either mother or child, it is important to remember that babies are tired and very groggy after the birthing process. Studies have shown babies whose mothers received epidurals have a harder time latching on, and if you were given a spinal block or other anesthesia, it will only increase this effect. Add this to the physical limitations of mother or child, and the result is a several week or even months long process at teaching a baby a proper latch. And once a child gets used to bottles, espcially if the bottle was introduced prior to 2 weeks, nipple confusion only compounds the issue. As things pile up, it may be very difficult, and seemingly impossible, for you little one to breastfeed.
I want to make it clear that this post is NOT attacking mothers who choose not to breastfeed, or those who begin breastfeeding but switch to formula for any of the reasons listed above, or for any other reasons. There's always some things that just can't be helped, from psychical complications with the mother, to issues preventing a baby from obtaining or sustaining a sufficient latch, but there are more and more devices and techniques out there to help people in these situations and with the right support and determination, breastfeeding may still be a success, though it will be a much more difficult road. I understand that not everyone is as fortunate as I am, and that over half of mothers who begin breastfeeding switch partially or completely to formula by the time their child is three months old. I was fortunate enough to have to support that I did that allowed me to continue exclusively breastfeeding, and I merely wish to extend the same support to mothers out there that are hoping to accomplish the same thing. It IS possible, and the more you believe that, the more likely you are to succeed.
Good Luck, and Best Wishes!
Many mothers worry that they will not be able to create enough milk for their little one, especially if they have heard horror stories from other mothers who did not have the best experiences with breastfeeding, and ended up switching to formula. It's true, many mothers have trouble establishing a milk supply, but with time and effort, this problem can almost always be solved. There are many accounts of women being able to breastfeed twins, so it's very likely your body will be able to supply for just one.
It can take as much as 6 weeks, or possibly more if you face unusual challenges, to establish a good milk supply to get your little one gaining weight in the same ranges as formula-fed infants. Even when you are struggling to establish a milk supply, your baby should gain at least half an ounce a day. Even at this level though, your pediatrician may start to recommend supplements. If this happens, request to have an appointment in another 4-7days to re-evaluate your child's weight gain, and in the mean time look up tips online for increasing milk supply to help your child gain weight. If your pediatrician is still worried about your child's weight gain, you may have to start supplementing with formula, but continuing to supply as much as your child's nourishment with feeding as possible will help you keep up your milk supply, and possibly allow you to switch back to exclusive breastfeeding in the future.
Here are some tips that helped me when establishing a milk supply:
Most importantly, speak with a lactation consultant to ensure your baby has a good latch. Review with other lactation consultants if your baby has a weight gain problem. Follow up, make sure things are still going well. In addition to the consultant at your pediatrician's office, every hospital has at least one on call if you have any concerns. She's not just there for when you're in the hospital, don't be afraid to call! And of course your local WIC office also has lactation consultants ready to help, even if you are not on the WIC program.
Nurse from only one side per feeding. Some will tell you to try offering both sides, to stimulate both for milk production, but nursing from one side ensures your baby gets all of calorie-rich hind-milk to help your little one gain weight, and the more time you spend on one breast the more milk that breast is told to produce. Save the other breast for the next feeding.
After your little one finishes a feeding and refuses to drink any more, use a breast pump to express as much milk as you can from that same breast. Leave the pump going for a few minutes even after the last drop of milk is released, this provides extra stimulation to signal to your milk ducts to produce more. DO NOT feed this expressed milk to your little one, store it away. There are plenty of articles online telling you how to store breast milk. Using a bottle to feed this expressed milk will take away from the time your baby spends on the breast. The stored milk will come in especially useful if your pediatrician does recommend supplements, as it will help you prevent introducing formula to your baby. Again, leave the other breast full for the next feeding.
Feed frequently! Even if your little one is sleeping or seems uninterested in feeding, babies will continue to suckle instinctively, even while sleeping, once you get them latched on. Feed a minimum of every 2 hours. If your pediatrician is concerned with weight gain, this goes for night time feedings too! Every. Two. Hours. Don't worry, it won't last forever. Actually, it should only take a few days before you can go back to slightly longer night time sleeping. How will you do it, you may ask? Take a 'nursing vacation' Go to bed for 2-3 days, with your baby in a co-sleeper or bassinet by the bedside. Relax, watch TV, use the internet, read, eat and drink plenty of liquids. Take naps whenever your baby is sleeping. The extra time in bed will more than account for the frequency of feedings you wake up for, and by the end of it you should have a much more luck with your milk supply.
The most important thing is DON'T GIVE UP. Most mothers I know who switched to formula did so within the first few weeks, before they ever had a chance to get their milk supply up.
Reasons women stop breastfeeding, and how you can work around them:
Illness. In some cases, mothers become sick, and can not take the exhaustion of waking up every two hours on their bodies, not only weak from giving birth but compounded by illness. If you can stick it out though, please try. Remember all the women who have done it back when there was no formula! Even when you are ill, your body will continue to produce enough milk for the baby. Whether you continue to breastfeed is usually determined not by physical limitations but by your ability to continue through exhaustion and stress.
Medication. Related to the one before this. Most mothers are under the impression that they can not take any kind of medicaton while breastfeeding for fear that it will be passed through the milk to their child. The truth is there are very few medications that will prevent you from breastfeeding, the warning medications put on their boxes is to precautionary. Call your child's pediatrician, as they will know most which medications will effect your child.
Pain. Now, most articles on breastfeeding will warn you of 'fullness' or 'soreness' when your milk starts coming in. What they don't mention is the pain so sharp that it makes you jump out of your skin and nearly sends you through the roof. The good news, it isn't constant pain, it only lasts for a few seconds to a few minutes at the beginning of a feed, while your little one is suckling on empty ducts that haven't figured out when they need to be full yet. More good news is, it's very temporary, often lasting less than a day, though it can continue for a few days. Unfortunately for those of you out there who are unlucky, the intensity of that pain can seem torture, even if it only last 12 short hours, when you add it too the exhaustion from giving birth and being woken up at regular intervals, its extremely tempting to grab some formula. Remember, even when it seems at its worse, that it WILL go away, and breastfeeding will soon become a comforting, soothing experience for you.
Returning to work. Most countries in the world offer ample amounts of maternity leave, ranging from 6 months to several years, the majority of which is paid. While living in the United States does not guaranteed you this much, there is luckily one law in place to help. The Family Medical Leave Act allows for up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave, so if that's how long it takes for you to establish breastfeeding, take that time, and know your rights. Also, the law generally requires a break every 4 hours, which is how often you will need to pump milk to prevent overfilling and clogged milk ducts, which could lead to infection. More good news is thanks to the recent health care bill, companies with more than 50 employees will soon have to provide a private space other than a bathroom for the purpose of letting nursing mothers express breast milk.
Flat or Inverted nipples. I admit I don't have much experience is this area but This Website has wonderful advice.
Babies breastfeed, not "nipple-feed", and if a baby is able to take in a good mouthful of breast, most types of inverted or flat nipples will not cause a problem during breastfeeding. However, some types of nipples are harder for the baby to latch onto, especially at first, but in most cases, patience, persistence, proper latch-on technique, and perhaps a few other helpful measures will pay off.
Babies with physical or mental barriers. The most common issue with breastfeeding is a baby born with tongue-tie. I have tongue-tie and my son has inherited a moderate case of it. He had difficulty latching on correctly at first, but with time and practice, things got better without medical intervention. It took 3 weeks for him to gain enough weight to hit the minimum level of 1/2 oz a day, and by 6 weeks he was gaining right along average with other babies his age. Of course, babies can have much bigger barriers to overcome. Though an uncommon condition This is one of my favorite success stories.
When trying to establish a good latch, especially when barriers are present for either mother or child, it is important to remember that babies are tired and very groggy after the birthing process. Studies have shown babies whose mothers received epidurals have a harder time latching on, and if you were given a spinal block or other anesthesia, it will only increase this effect. Add this to the physical limitations of mother or child, and the result is a several week or even months long process at teaching a baby a proper latch. And once a child gets used to bottles, espcially if the bottle was introduced prior to 2 weeks, nipple confusion only compounds the issue. As things pile up, it may be very difficult, and seemingly impossible, for you little one to breastfeed.
I want to make it clear that this post is NOT attacking mothers who choose not to breastfeed, or those who begin breastfeeding but switch to formula for any of the reasons listed above, or for any other reasons. There's always some things that just can't be helped, from psychical complications with the mother, to issues preventing a baby from obtaining or sustaining a sufficient latch, but there are more and more devices and techniques out there to help people in these situations and with the right support and determination, breastfeeding may still be a success, though it will be a much more difficult road. I understand that not everyone is as fortunate as I am, and that over half of mothers who begin breastfeeding switch partially or completely to formula by the time their child is three months old. I was fortunate enough to have to support that I did that allowed me to continue exclusively breastfeeding, and I merely wish to extend the same support to mothers out there that are hoping to accomplish the same thing. It IS possible, and the more you believe that, the more likely you are to succeed.
Good Luck, and Best Wishes!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Buying for your Bundle of Joy: Advice for First Time Moms
So you're expecting a little one, congratulations! There's some things you're going to hear over and over again, about being prepared for sleepless nights and not having time for yourself, because its not about you any more. This blog isn't about those things. It's less about the concept of parenthood and more about those items that will make it easier.
If you're anything like I was, you're going to obsess over exactly which items to put on your baby registry. You're going to see the cutest thing, and you're going to want exactly what you want. This is a mistake, and you will realize how unimportant your pickiness was soon after baby arrives, because as cute as that Thing You Love is, that Thing You're Not So Crazy About But Serves The Same Purpose will look just as cute when your little bundle of joy is using it. Don't get me wrong, RESEARCH, know which BRAND of item that you want, but don't get too caught up on details like color or design, and don't go overly expensive when there's a brand of equal quality for a more reasonable price that someone will buy it for.
Again, if you're like me, you have people in your family who are picky about where they shop for you, and they want you to create a registry that is not at your Dream Store. Do yourself a favor and make a registry there, because they are going to shop there whether you like it or not and at least this way you can make sure what they buy you from there is something you can use. Create a second registry at the store you want for those who are more willing to listen to you wishes, but trust me when I say it's worth the trouble.
Now while I've all ready mentioned the importance of researching the items on your registry, or the items you will ultimately purchase for you little one, I also know there's nothing like advice from someone with experience. And while your mothers and older relatives will be of great help, most of them know little about the newest brands and items out there for babies.
Let's get started.
The most important thing, and something I now realize I should have researched more BEFORE the baby arrived: what brand of diapers will you use? Not all diapers are equal! I got an assortment of brands at my shower and the only diapers that seem NOT to leak on a regular basis were Pampers and Huggies, and even still, Pampers is far better at drawing moisture away from the skin and preventing irritation. Huggies brags about their more comfortable shape, but when your child is newborn and no where near crawling age, trust me, the higher risk of a diaper rash definitely make Huggies LESS comfortable. Perhaps Huggies will be better for older babies, who are more mobile, and don't require so many frequent diaper changes, but I've yet to reach that point with my son.
The next most important thing: wipes. This is the area that Huggies excels in, nothing compares. I'll admit, I haven't tried the pampers brand, but that's because I can't really find many stores that carry Pampers wipes, Huggies is by far more popular.
Other things you'll want for diaper changing, besides that table to match the baby furniture set you love, or the stylish diaper bag you've got your eye on is a portable waterproof changing pad and a refillable small on the go wipes container. You'll also want to invest in carry-size hand sanitizer bottles for when you are not near a sink.
And of course: DIAPER RASH OINTMENT! If you are the type to buy brand names, go for Desitin, but a generic brand equivalent will work just as well if you compare the ingredients. Look for zinc oxide and make sure it's not water based, or urine will wash it away.
And don't forget to get a good diaper pail to have next to your changing table at home, look for ones that are more air-tight to eliminate odor, such as the Diaper Champ.
Now that we've gotten past the poopy business, now to eating! I am a firm believer of exclusive breastfeeding, so the following advice will be for mothers who at least partially provide nutrition for their babies through nursing.
An absolute MUST for breastfeeding is the boppy pillow, or a pillow with similar shape. It provides much needed support and saves you A LOT of muscle soreness. It's also nice to prop your little one up against before the develop the support to hold themselves up or use chairs.
You will also need an insulated bag for transporting breast milk when you are away from refrigeration, conveniently sized, reusable icepack, and freezer safe storage containers to match whatever breast pump you choose to use.
As far as bottles go I recommend Playtex with wide nipples. Drop-ins or VentAire will prevent your baby from swallowing too much gas, and the wide nipples helps prevent nipple confusion.
For those of you out there who have trouble affording an electric breast pump, which can possibly be the most expensive item on your list, and aren't lucky enough to have a state Medicaid insurance that provides one for you, they can be rented from WIC for $10-$20 a month.
UPDATE: After some research on starting my baby on solids, I've decided I'm going to make all his baby food for him. For more information see my post on homemade baby food. If this is something you'd like to do, then you need a food processor and baby food freezer trays (though regular ice cube trays could also suffice).
Last on the essentials list is items for your babies health you'll want to make sure you have before you bring your little one home. A multi-purpose thermometer. Rectal temperatures are the most accurate, and there for the ones doctors will recommend you use, but if you're just looking for a quick reference axillary (underarm) temperature will come in handy. Keep in mind that your newborn won't be able to take temperatures orally or have ear canals big enough for temperatures by that route for quite some time.
You'll want to have a pair of baby nail trimmers, as your little cutie can have quite the set of claws on them when they arrive, and if you don't want the scratching up their perfect little face, it will be a necessity.
Lastly, make sure you have infant Tylenol (or whichever infant pain reliever/ fever reducer your pediatrician recommends) because if your baby gets sick unexpectedly in their first few weeks home, you won't want to run out in the middle of the night to get it.
Now, past the basics and on to the fun stuff! Pacifiers for newborns are quite different from the majority of the pacifiers you will find out there. Most are made for larger mouth with teeth, and have much tougher nipples. The only ones my newborn would take were the Soothie pacifier they give you at the hospital, but you can find it at most superstores (Walmart, Target, etc) Be careful not to buy the Super Soothie, as those are made out of thicker plastic for one your baby gets teeth.
Now Soothie pacifiers have these wonderful things called Wubbanubs, where they are connected to adorable stuffed animals make it so they stay in your child's mouth SOOOO much easier when they are too young to keep it in by themselves. Not only are they adorable, but they are helpful. By far one of my favorite baby items. Unfortunately, you'll probably have to order one online if you want one, but in my opinion it's worth it if you have the money to spare.
When it comes to picking out toys, mobiles, and playmats, keep in mind that a newborns don't have the best vision and the objects that will stimulate their vision are the earliest are black-and-white patterns with high contrast, and the color red. While pastels are adorable, bright primary colors will be much more stimulating to the youngest of little ones. And while you might love that animal themed toy, basic shapes like circles, triangles, and squares will be easier for your child to differentiate between.
You'll want at least one playmat to put on the floor for 'tummy time' Since it is recommended babies DO NOT sleep on their stomachs to prevent the risk of SIDS, babies will need increased awake time on their stomach, supervised by an adult. This will help them build the muscles necessary for pushing themselves up, and eventually crawling. It is recommended a baby gets at least 10 minutes of tummy time at least once a day.
Another item that you should have on your list is baby monitors. Get a set made by a brand associated with electronics, such as Sony, as these are usually more reliable and have less static. For convenience, look for monitors that are long-range, and are rechargeable, so you won't have to buy new batteries all the time.
Now, when it comes to bigger items like car seats and strollers, all I can say is what you want will depend on personal preference, but the most important thing is to choose a reliable brand. This is one thing you do NOT
want to skimp on. Same thing for cribs, though I recommend staying away from drop-side cribs, as they are so often recalled do to potential danger.
Something you might not think of is having a bassinet. Even if you play to set up the crib in the same room as you, a bassinet can be placed right up against your bedside at night, and moved out of the way during the day. It's worth it to you have your baby at arm's reach in those early weeks before they learn to sleep through the night, and it's especially convenient if you are breastfeeding.
Swings are nice for keeping your baby quiet, if you are lucky enough to have a child that will take to them, though I don't recommend any particular brand, just make sure, as always, that it is a reliable brand.
And lastly, you'll want to think about getting a baby carrier or sling to you use to keep your baby close without tiring your arms out, it will be especially helpful for those fussy times when they want to be held for hours on end.
Sometimes it seems hard to stay sane when preparing for you little bundle of joy, but in the end when it's all said and done and you get those quite moments to relax while they sleep, you'll be glad for the effort you took. Good luck, and best wishes!
If you're anything like I was, you're going to obsess over exactly which items to put on your baby registry. You're going to see the cutest thing, and you're going to want exactly what you want. This is a mistake, and you will realize how unimportant your pickiness was soon after baby arrives, because as cute as that Thing You Love is, that Thing You're Not So Crazy About But Serves The Same Purpose will look just as cute when your little bundle of joy is using it. Don't get me wrong, RESEARCH, know which BRAND of item that you want, but don't get too caught up on details like color or design, and don't go overly expensive when there's a brand of equal quality for a more reasonable price that someone will buy it for.
Again, if you're like me, you have people in your family who are picky about where they shop for you, and they want you to create a registry that is not at your Dream Store. Do yourself a favor and make a registry there, because they are going to shop there whether you like it or not and at least this way you can make sure what they buy you from there is something you can use. Create a second registry at the store you want for those who are more willing to listen to you wishes, but trust me when I say it's worth the trouble.
Now while I've all ready mentioned the importance of researching the items on your registry, or the items you will ultimately purchase for you little one, I also know there's nothing like advice from someone with experience. And while your mothers and older relatives will be of great help, most of them know little about the newest brands and items out there for babies.
Let's get started.
The most important thing, and something I now realize I should have researched more BEFORE the baby arrived: what brand of diapers will you use? Not all diapers are equal! I got an assortment of brands at my shower and the only diapers that seem NOT to leak on a regular basis were Pampers and Huggies, and even still, Pampers is far better at drawing moisture away from the skin and preventing irritation. Huggies brags about their more comfortable shape, but when your child is newborn and no where near crawling age, trust me, the higher risk of a diaper rash definitely make Huggies LESS comfortable. Perhaps Huggies will be better for older babies, who are more mobile, and don't require so many frequent diaper changes, but I've yet to reach that point with my son.
The next most important thing: wipes. This is the area that Huggies excels in, nothing compares. I'll admit, I haven't tried the pampers brand, but that's because I can't really find many stores that carry Pampers wipes, Huggies is by far more popular.
Other things you'll want for diaper changing, besides that table to match the baby furniture set you love, or the stylish diaper bag you've got your eye on is a portable waterproof changing pad and a refillable small on the go wipes container. You'll also want to invest in carry-size hand sanitizer bottles for when you are not near a sink.
And of course: DIAPER RASH OINTMENT! If you are the type to buy brand names, go for Desitin, but a generic brand equivalent will work just as well if you compare the ingredients. Look for zinc oxide and make sure it's not water based, or urine will wash it away.
And don't forget to get a good diaper pail to have next to your changing table at home, look for ones that are more air-tight to eliminate odor, such as the Diaper Champ.
Now that we've gotten past the poopy business, now to eating! I am a firm believer of exclusive breastfeeding, so the following advice will be for mothers who at least partially provide nutrition for their babies through nursing.
An absolute MUST for breastfeeding is the boppy pillow, or a pillow with similar shape. It provides much needed support and saves you A LOT of muscle soreness. It's also nice to prop your little one up against before the develop the support to hold themselves up or use chairs.
You will also need an insulated bag for transporting breast milk when you are away from refrigeration, conveniently sized, reusable icepack, and freezer safe storage containers to match whatever breast pump you choose to use.
As far as bottles go I recommend Playtex with wide nipples. Drop-ins or VentAire will prevent your baby from swallowing too much gas, and the wide nipples helps prevent nipple confusion.
For those of you out there who have trouble affording an electric breast pump, which can possibly be the most expensive item on your list, and aren't lucky enough to have a state Medicaid insurance that provides one for you, they can be rented from WIC for $10-$20 a month.
UPDATE: After some research on starting my baby on solids, I've decided I'm going to make all his baby food for him. For more information see my post on homemade baby food. If this is something you'd like to do, then you need a food processor and baby food freezer trays (though regular ice cube trays could also suffice).
Last on the essentials list is items for your babies health you'll want to make sure you have before you bring your little one home. A multi-purpose thermometer. Rectal temperatures are the most accurate, and there for the ones doctors will recommend you use, but if you're just looking for a quick reference axillary (underarm) temperature will come in handy. Keep in mind that your newborn won't be able to take temperatures orally or have ear canals big enough for temperatures by that route for quite some time.
You'll want to have a pair of baby nail trimmers, as your little cutie can have quite the set of claws on them when they arrive, and if you don't want the scratching up their perfect little face, it will be a necessity.
Lastly, make sure you have infant Tylenol (or whichever infant pain reliever/ fever reducer your pediatrician recommends) because if your baby gets sick unexpectedly in their first few weeks home, you won't want to run out in the middle of the night to get it.
Now, past the basics and on to the fun stuff! Pacifiers for newborns are quite different from the majority of the pacifiers you will find out there. Most are made for larger mouth with teeth, and have much tougher nipples. The only ones my newborn would take were the Soothie pacifier they give you at the hospital, but you can find it at most superstores (Walmart, Target, etc) Be careful not to buy the Super Soothie, as those are made out of thicker plastic for one your baby gets teeth.
Now Soothie pacifiers have these wonderful things called Wubbanubs, where they are connected to adorable stuffed animals make it so they stay in your child's mouth SOOOO much easier when they are too young to keep it in by themselves. Not only are they adorable, but they are helpful. By far one of my favorite baby items. Unfortunately, you'll probably have to order one online if you want one, but in my opinion it's worth it if you have the money to spare.
When it comes to picking out toys, mobiles, and playmats, keep in mind that a newborns don't have the best vision and the objects that will stimulate their vision are the earliest are black-and-white patterns with high contrast, and the color red. While pastels are adorable, bright primary colors will be much more stimulating to the youngest of little ones. And while you might love that animal themed toy, basic shapes like circles, triangles, and squares will be easier for your child to differentiate between.
You'll want at least one playmat to put on the floor for 'tummy time' Since it is recommended babies DO NOT sleep on their stomachs to prevent the risk of SIDS, babies will need increased awake time on their stomach, supervised by an adult. This will help them build the muscles necessary for pushing themselves up, and eventually crawling. It is recommended a baby gets at least 10 minutes of tummy time at least once a day.
Another item that you should have on your list is baby monitors. Get a set made by a brand associated with electronics, such as Sony, as these are usually more reliable and have less static. For convenience, look for monitors that are long-range, and are rechargeable, so you won't have to buy new batteries all the time.
Now, when it comes to bigger items like car seats and strollers, all I can say is what you want will depend on personal preference, but the most important thing is to choose a reliable brand. This is one thing you do NOT
want to skimp on. Same thing for cribs, though I recommend staying away from drop-side cribs, as they are so often recalled do to potential danger.
Something you might not think of is having a bassinet. Even if you play to set up the crib in the same room as you, a bassinet can be placed right up against your bedside at night, and moved out of the way during the day. It's worth it to you have your baby at arm's reach in those early weeks before they learn to sleep through the night, and it's especially convenient if you are breastfeeding.
Swings are nice for keeping your baby quiet, if you are lucky enough to have a child that will take to them, though I don't recommend any particular brand, just make sure, as always, that it is a reliable brand.
And lastly, you'll want to think about getting a baby carrier or sling to you use to keep your baby close without tiring your arms out, it will be especially helpful for those fussy times when they want to be held for hours on end.
Sometimes it seems hard to stay sane when preparing for you little bundle of joy, but in the end when it's all said and done and you get those quite moments to relax while they sleep, you'll be glad for the effort you took. Good luck, and best wishes!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)