*this post contains affiliate links :) you get a great product and I get 10% so I can fuel my cloth diaper addiction.
Saturday, April 25, 2015
FUZZIBUNZ Earthday sale
Until 4/27 use code Earthday2015 for free shipping with no minimum!
*this post contains affiliate links :) you get a great product and I get 10% so I can fuel my cloth diaper addiction.
*this post contains affiliate links :) you get a great product and I get 10% so I can fuel my cloth diaper addiction.
Sunday, March 29, 2015
What having daughters taught me about being Body Positive
Ive got 2 little girls, Sophia is 2 years old and Jaguar is 9 weeks old.
Despite their young age they have had a huge impact on how I feel about my body. An even bigger impact on how I show the world my feelings about my body.
We know kids are like sponges they absorb everything they see and hear. I expected the things my daughters pick up to have to do with learning and what they see on TV. I didn't realize that what they are absorbing is me.
My 2 year old loves playing dress up and spends her day pretending to put on her make up and serve coffee. By watching her play I realize that she is learned how to put on her "makeup" by watching me. How is a 2 year old so keen on her surroundings?
I took even bigger note of her mimicking skills after I saw her watching me weigh myself on our household scale. She stopped all her playing and zeroed in on what
mommy was up to. I felt horrible. I did not want my child to inherit my battle with my weight and negative body image. I especially did not want this battle to begin for her at the tender age of 2.
From that moment on I hid the scale and never weigh myself in front of the kids. I always tell them they look great (my 5 year old boy too) and bask in the moment as they return the compliment.
I want to build my children's confidence and let their body positive view shine from within. I know that my daughters will learn to see their bodies through the way I reflect on my own.
If I am proud of my curves and respect this body which birthed 3 amazing kids, then they will grow up to see themselves and others in a more positive light.
Despite their young age they have had a huge impact on how I feel about my body. An even bigger impact on how I show the world my feelings about my body.
We know kids are like sponges they absorb everything they see and hear. I expected the things my daughters pick up to have to do with learning and what they see on TV. I didn't realize that what they are absorbing is me.
My 2 year old loves playing dress up and spends her day pretending to put on her make up and serve coffee. By watching her play I realize that she is learned how to put on her "makeup" by watching me. How is a 2 year old so keen on her surroundings?
I took even bigger note of her mimicking skills after I saw her watching me weigh myself on our household scale. She stopped all her playing and zeroed in on what
From that moment on I hid the scale and never weigh myself in front of the kids. I always tell them they look great (my 5 year old boy too) and bask in the moment as they return the compliment.
I want to build my children's confidence and let their body positive view shine from within. I know that my daughters will learn to see their bodies through the way I reflect on my own.
If I am proud of my curves and respect this body which birthed 3 amazing kids, then they will grow up to see themselves and others in a more positive light.
 |
| Sophia and I when she turned 1 |
Milkies Milk Saver review
Disclaimer: I received the product mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest and thorough review. All opinions are my own.
This week I had the awesome opportunity to review Milkies' Milk Saver by Fairhaven Health.
When I received the Milk Saver I wasn't sure what to expect. But it was ready to use right away. Gave it a wash in warm soapy water and I was ready to see how much milk, if any, I would be able to save.
It can be easily placed inside your nursing tank or bra.
I felt comfortable wearing it, you just slip it into the bra over the breast. Then I began feeding my 9 week old on the other side. I fed her for a good 30 minutes to give my self enough time to see what milk would be saved. I was expecting no more than a few drops.
When I took off the Milk Saver I was in absolute shock. I had leaked half an ounce of precious breastmilk into the Milk Saver. Half an ounce that would have been leaked straight into a breast pad.
Simply WOW. Of course we all have at certain times a heavy breast pad soaked in milk like when we first wake up, but leaking caused by the let down reflex never crossed my mind.
Over the next 4 days I was able to collect a total of 6 ounces by using the Milk Saver while breastfeeding. It takes me over a half an hour to pump 2 ounces. Saving 6 ounces by just wearing this while breastfeeding is amazing. Every drop of breastmilk is precious and moms work very hard to get each drop.
One of the days I wore the Milk Saver during a feeding right after we woke up. During that feeding I leaked 2 ounces. 2 ounces that thanks to the Milk Saver went into a milk storage bag instead of into my breast pad.
Its easy to use and easy to clean. I feel it can hold a little over 2 ounces. It isn't totally invisible under clothes but it isn't poking out either. Most importantly it does what it says it does. It saves precious milk that would otherwise be leaked into a breast pad. I really love using this product and will continue to use it during feedings and pumping sessions.
This week I had the awesome opportunity to review Milkies' Milk Saver by Fairhaven Health.
Milk Saver's purpose is meant to do exactly what its name implies, to save breastmilk that comes from the non nursing breast while you feed baby on the other breast. It comes with its own carrying case which serves a double purpose as a stand for the Milk Saver. It is BPA and phthalates free and 100% safe container for your breastmilk.
When I received the Milk Saver I wasn't sure what to expect. But it was ready to use right away. Gave it a wash in warm soapy water and I was ready to see how much milk, if any, I would be able to save.
It can be easily placed inside your nursing tank or bra.
Here I am wearing the Milk Saver
I felt comfortable wearing it, you just slip it into the bra over the breast. Then I began feeding my 9 week old on the other side. I fed her for a good 30 minutes to give my self enough time to see what milk would be saved. I was expecting no more than a few drops.
When I took off the Milk Saver I was in absolute shock. I had leaked half an ounce of precious breastmilk into the Milk Saver. Half an ounce that would have been leaked straight into a breast pad.
The half ounce saved the first time I used the Milk Saver
Simply WOW. Of course we all have at certain times a heavy breast pad soaked in milk like when we first wake up, but leaking caused by the let down reflex never crossed my mind.
Over the next 4 days I was able to collect a total of 6 ounces by using the Milk Saver while breastfeeding. It takes me over a half an hour to pump 2 ounces. Saving 6 ounces by just wearing this while breastfeeding is amazing. Every drop of breastmilk is precious and moms work very hard to get each drop.
One of the days I wore the Milk Saver during a feeding right after we woke up. During that feeding I leaked 2 ounces. 2 ounces that thanks to the Milk Saver went into a milk storage bag instead of into my breast pad.
2 ounces saved by wearing the Milk Saver
Its easy to use and easy to clean. I feel it can hold a little over 2 ounces. It isn't totally invisible under clothes but it isn't poking out either. Most importantly it does what it says it does. It saves precious milk that would otherwise be leaked into a breast pad. I really love using this product and will continue to use it during feedings and pumping sessions.
Check out the Milk Saver and other Milkie's products by going to their page mymilkies.com
Friday, March 27, 2015
Hospitals need to provide more Breastfeeding friendly supplies to new moms
I didn't even have nursing pads.
Adrian at 2 days old was receiving treatment for Jaundice and they sent me home. He needed to stay overnight. To my surprise I woke up completely engorged and the entire bed soaking wet. I didn't have breast pads, didn't even know what they were.
I reminisce back to the days after giving birth while at the hospital my nipples were on fire after having tried to breastfeed that first day. I hadn't packed any nipple cream and I wasn't offered any until much later and the damage had already been done.
Moms need support above all else. And they need information. and why not a little special treatment? Before the changes in NYS law regarding formula in hospitals it was wide spread practice to give formula samples and gift bag with formula. Why aren't we doing the same with breastfeeding supplies? I couldn't find any nipple cream in the supplies that the nurses made available. Sure I could ask for it. Imagine I'm a new mom with no real knowledge on breastfeeding, how would I even know to ask. Why aren't we sent home with breast milk bags and cream and nipple shields. Some hospitals used to give diaper bags full of formula. The support is not the same, even with all the policies changing.
I look at each of my pregnancies as a different stage of me learning how to breastfeed. But why did it have to take 3 pregnancies to get it right? Adrian, my first, had only a slim 3 months of breast milk .
We can do better to support women who choose to breastfeed . We can damn well do a much better job at helping breastfeeding become a realistic option. Not just a short term option either. We need to truly commit to supporting breastfeeding.
Adrian at 2 days old was receiving treatment for Jaundice and they sent me home. He needed to stay overnight. To my surprise I woke up completely engorged and the entire bed soaking wet. I didn't have breast pads, didn't even know what they were.
I reminisce back to the days after giving birth while at the hospital my nipples were on fire after having tried to breastfeed that first day. I hadn't packed any nipple cream and I wasn't offered any until much later and the damage had already been done.
Moms need support above all else. And they need information. and why not a little special treatment? Before the changes in NYS law regarding formula in hospitals it was wide spread practice to give formula samples and gift bag with formula. Why aren't we doing the same with breastfeeding supplies? I couldn't find any nipple cream in the supplies that the nurses made available. Sure I could ask for it. Imagine I'm a new mom with no real knowledge on breastfeeding, how would I even know to ask. Why aren't we sent home with breast milk bags and cream and nipple shields. Some hospitals used to give diaper bags full of formula. The support is not the same, even with all the policies changing.
I look at each of my pregnancies as a different stage of me learning how to breastfeed. But why did it have to take 3 pregnancies to get it right? Adrian, my first, had only a slim 3 months of breast milk .
We can do better to support women who choose to breastfeed . We can damn well do a much better job at helping breastfeeding become a realistic option. Not just a short term option either. We need to truly commit to supporting breastfeeding.
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Six breastfeeding strategies from 16 Minute Club
Wendy from the breastfeeding subscription box service 16 Minute Club has been awesome enough to share with us a post on 6 important breastfeeding tips. When you're done reading be sure to check out her page. http://blog.16minuteclub.com/cms/blog/posts/six-successful-strategies-for-the-first-6-weeks-of-breastfeeding
Six Successful Strategies for the First 6 Weeks of BreastfeedingPosted on Dec 31
By Wendy
Six Successful Strategies for the First 6 Weeks of Breastfeeding
Developing a healthy nursing relationship with your newborn is crucial during the first six weeks of their life. Being sleep deprived and recovering from birth can make these first six weeks the hardest.
Here are six strategies to keep in mind for the best breastfeeding success.
1. Have a Lactation Consultant on Speed Dial:
It is important to find a lactation consultant you like and trust before you give birth. They can be your rock during the first few weeks of breastfeeding. The lactation nurses at the hospital can be a good resource too, but the problem comes when there are too many nurses telling you to do different things. It can be overwhelming and not very helpful. This is why it is good to find one consultant beforehand that you can rely on for help while you are in the hospital and when you return home. Many consultants are more than happy to answer texts and questions all day long because they have a genuine love and care for new moms and babies. Don’t be afraid to ask for help constantly.
2.Attend a Breastfeeding Support Group:
Another helpful resource is a breastfeeding support group or a La Leche meeting. This is a great way to get any questions answered and to find new moms who are in the same boat as you. There are many women and articles that make breastfeeding look easy and painless, and that is not always the case. These group meetings will help motivate you to get past the hard weeks and remind you of the amazing reasons for breastfeeding in the first place.
3.Don’t Think About Supplementing Yet:
Majority of babies go through a growing curve during their first month of life. Many hospitals will want to push supplementing right after birth because of jaundice or a lower birth rate. If the hospital is being too pushy, inform them that you are going to make an appointment with the baby’s doctor so that she can better access if there is a need to supplement or if the weight loss was just due to extra fluids from birth. Many doctors will also recommend supplementing if the baby has not grown by the two week mark. Again, it is important not to give in, but to instead ask if you can return at the baby’s six week mark to better assess the growth and need for supplementing. You can say that you prefer a second opinion from a different pediatrician. In some cases, supplementing is essential. However, for most new moms and babies, they just need the first six weeks to get the hang of things.
4.Nurse without a Schedule:
Schedules are a great thing for moms and babies, but they really should not be thought of until your milk supply is fully developed and the baby has grown a bit more. For the first six weeks, the word “schedule” should be thrown out of your vocabulary. Your baby will be going through a lot of changes the first six weeks, which requires a lot of nursing. As hard as it seems, it is just best to relax and nurse as much as possible.
5. Nourish Yourself:
You are doing an amazing thing for your child by giving them the best milk. It is so important to remember to nourish yourself properly during this time. You need the best nutrients to help you heal from birth and produce the best milk. Soups made from homemade bone broth and healthy vegetables and meat can help keep you hydrated and provide you with the necessary vitamins and minerals you need. Another great and easy meal for mom’s health and milk supply is a smoothie made with coconut milk and coconut oil. Coconut milk will help hydrate you, while coconut oil provides your body and milk with much needed healthy fats. Stay away from sugar and processed foods, which can make your energy crash once the added sugar has left your blood stream.
6. Have a Good Support Team:
Your spouse or partner can be valuable support for you during the first six weeks, but don’t just assume they know how to support you. Take your spouse or partner to lactation support meetings so that they can better assist you in breastfeeding. If people come over to visit the baby, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Any visitor can get you a glass of water, make you a quick meal, or do a simple chore. Most people will want to help, but they just don’t know how.
These six strategies will set you up for breastfeeding success during the first weeks. Remember, your only job is to take care of yourself and your baby, so don’t worry about laundry, cleaning, or other tasks that can wait.
Six Successful Strategies for the First 6 Weeks of BreastfeedingPosted on Dec 31
By Wendy
Six Successful Strategies for the First 6 Weeks of Breastfeeding
Developing a healthy nursing relationship with your newborn is crucial during the first six weeks of their life. Being sleep deprived and recovering from birth can make these first six weeks the hardest.
Here are six strategies to keep in mind for the best breastfeeding success.
1. Have a Lactation Consultant on Speed Dial:
It is important to find a lactation consultant you like and trust before you give birth. They can be your rock during the first few weeks of breastfeeding. The lactation nurses at the hospital can be a good resource too, but the problem comes when there are too many nurses telling you to do different things. It can be overwhelming and not very helpful. This is why it is good to find one consultant beforehand that you can rely on for help while you are in the hospital and when you return home. Many consultants are more than happy to answer texts and questions all day long because they have a genuine love and care for new moms and babies. Don’t be afraid to ask for help constantly.
2.Attend a Breastfeeding Support Group:
Another helpful resource is a breastfeeding support group or a La Leche meeting. This is a great way to get any questions answered and to find new moms who are in the same boat as you. There are many women and articles that make breastfeeding look easy and painless, and that is not always the case. These group meetings will help motivate you to get past the hard weeks and remind you of the amazing reasons for breastfeeding in the first place.
3.Don’t Think About Supplementing Yet:
Majority of babies go through a growing curve during their first month of life. Many hospitals will want to push supplementing right after birth because of jaundice or a lower birth rate. If the hospital is being too pushy, inform them that you are going to make an appointment with the baby’s doctor so that she can better access if there is a need to supplement or if the weight loss was just due to extra fluids from birth. Many doctors will also recommend supplementing if the baby has not grown by the two week mark. Again, it is important not to give in, but to instead ask if you can return at the baby’s six week mark to better assess the growth and need for supplementing. You can say that you prefer a second opinion from a different pediatrician. In some cases, supplementing is essential. However, for most new moms and babies, they just need the first six weeks to get the hang of things.
4.Nurse without a Schedule:
Schedules are a great thing for moms and babies, but they really should not be thought of until your milk supply is fully developed and the baby has grown a bit more. For the first six weeks, the word “schedule” should be thrown out of your vocabulary. Your baby will be going through a lot of changes the first six weeks, which requires a lot of nursing. As hard as it seems, it is just best to relax and nurse as much as possible.
5. Nourish Yourself:
You are doing an amazing thing for your child by giving them the best milk. It is so important to remember to nourish yourself properly during this time. You need the best nutrients to help you heal from birth and produce the best milk. Soups made from homemade bone broth and healthy vegetables and meat can help keep you hydrated and provide you with the necessary vitamins and minerals you need. Another great and easy meal for mom’s health and milk supply is a smoothie made with coconut milk and coconut oil. Coconut milk will help hydrate you, while coconut oil provides your body and milk with much needed healthy fats. Stay away from sugar and processed foods, which can make your energy crash once the added sugar has left your blood stream.
6. Have a Good Support Team:
Your spouse or partner can be valuable support for you during the first six weeks, but don’t just assume they know how to support you. Take your spouse or partner to lactation support meetings so that they can better assist you in breastfeeding. If people come over to visit the baby, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Any visitor can get you a glass of water, make you a quick meal, or do a simple chore. Most people will want to help, but they just don’t know how.
These six strategies will set you up for breastfeeding success during the first weeks. Remember, your only job is to take care of yourself and your baby, so don’t worry about laundry, cleaning, or other tasks that can wait.
Monday, March 16, 2015
Avoiding becoming the unsolicited advisor
Avoiding becoming the unsolicited advisor
I'm the first amongst my friends to have started having kids. Now some of them are either on their first or pregnant with their first child.
I feel I've learned so much through my pregnancies and I get really excited about being able to share what I've learned. But I have to remind myself that when I was still a new mom I wanted to learn on my own. I didn't like other mothers (my own ) to bombard me with advise. Despite it being well meaning and in no way geared towards making me feel inadequate it did result in making me feel like I was in over my head and didn't know what I was doing.
I chose to breastfeed. I failed on my first attempt but really soared with my daughters.
Now I get so excited I want to tell all moms to be and all new mommies all I know about breastfeeding. But again I need to hold back. To learn let them come to me.
A new mom is like a wilderness sprite. She cant be startled or she'll be scared away. Its such a strange time in our lives. Most of us are pretty secure in our lives when suddenly motherhood turns it all upside down.
I figured it out, so will these new moms in my life. If they want my advice then I'm 100% here for them. And if they want to hear what I've got to say about breastfeeding than I'll be elated at the chance to share my thoughts.
But no one should be denied the chance to make their own mistakes. To learn along their own path. New mommies, it will get better. And when it feels it wont, know that you have people in your life who want only to help.
Friday, March 13, 2015
The value of a parent is not determined by whether they are stay at home parents or working parents.
Am on my third maternity leave currently taking care of my six week old baby. This time feels different. I'm so comfortable, so happy being home taking care of my family that I am dreading going back.
I enjoy being a working mom. Yes, when it came time to go back to work during my last maternity leaves I felt sad at leaving them behind. So young still , Sophia only 12 weeks old and Adrian close to three years old. Still I was glad to go back to work. I had no routine at home. It was so hectic at home. I dont feel guilty for being a working mom, I love my kids and love being able to provide for them.
During my first maternity leave I was dealing with all the novelties and difficulties of being a first time mom. So much so that I spent most of it with my own mother just out of fear that I couldnt figure it out on my own.
During my second maternity leave I was overwhelmed by having a toddler and a newborn. I was learning to breastfeed and dealing with just staying sane. I spent the first week of this time not even being able to sit up due to a spinal headache caused by the epidural during labor. It wasn't a fun time. I wasnt at my best mommy wise. It was survival mode through and through.
Now its baby number three. Of course I am facing a new lot of obstacles. But I also believe in myself a lot more. Ive got the hang of things in the breastfeeding department and I have the most important tool of all; I have a routine now.
This isn't to say that things are smooth sailing. I believe happiness and harmony aren't the lack of havoc and difficulties. No, happiness and harmony can be found when you learn to embrace the craziness, the hectic and the commotion that comes with being a mom.
I've developed a pride in keeping my home organized and clean but embraced that some days I might only be able to pass a disinfectant wipe over some door handles, while the rest of the house looks like my laundry exploded.
Some days are pure bliss. Baby Jaguar is content nursing quietly as Adrian is in school and Sophia plays happily with her tea set.
Other days its a page right out of Dante's Inferno. But those days are just as precious and I am having difficulty trading them in for hours spent at a computer in a small office.
Am on my third maternity leave currently taking care of my six week old baby. This time feels different. I'm so comfortable, so happy being home taking care of my family that I am dreading going back.
I enjoy being a working mom. Yes, when it came time to go back to work during my last maternity leaves I felt sad at leaving them behind. So young still , Sophia only 12 weeks old and Adrian close to three years old. Still I was glad to go back to work. I had no routine at home. It was so hectic at home. I dont feel guilty for being a working mom, I love my kids and love being able to provide for them.
During my first maternity leave I was dealing with all the novelties and difficulties of being a first time mom. So much so that I spent most of it with my own mother just out of fear that I couldnt figure it out on my own.
During my second maternity leave I was overwhelmed by having a toddler and a newborn. I was learning to breastfeed and dealing with just staying sane. I spent the first week of this time not even being able to sit up due to a spinal headache caused by the epidural during labor. It wasn't a fun time. I wasnt at my best mommy wise. It was survival mode through and through.
Now its baby number three. Of course I am facing a new lot of obstacles. But I also believe in myself a lot more. Ive got the hang of things in the breastfeeding department and I have the most important tool of all; I have a routine now.
This isn't to say that things are smooth sailing. I believe happiness and harmony aren't the lack of havoc and difficulties. No, happiness and harmony can be found when you learn to embrace the craziness, the hectic and the commotion that comes with being a mom.
I've developed a pride in keeping my home organized and clean but embraced that some days I might only be able to pass a disinfectant wipe over some door handles, while the rest of the house looks like my laundry exploded.
Some days are pure bliss. Baby Jaguar is content nursing quietly as Adrian is in school and Sophia plays happily with her tea set.
Other days its a page right out of Dante's Inferno. But those days are just as precious and I am having difficulty trading them in for hours spent at a computer in a small office.
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