To bestow without receiving a return is the meaning of giving. Christmas is a time when society puts a great deal of focus on helping others; I have tried to pay it forward when opportunities arise throughout the year. I am thrilled that Adam has this same outlook. We will raise our children with the importance of this understanding.
This year we gave 20 board games, two potato heads, Leap Frog Scout and some other toys to a local organization through O.I.W. Regardless of what we decide to give during the holiday we always drop a toy or two off for Toys for Tots. However, this year it seemed important to keep the giving in our local community. We discussed comforters for a shelter, sweaters and boots for a women’s shelter and even buying hygiene needs for the homeless. However, this year we really wanted to keep our gift local. These toys will be played with right here in Milwaukie.
Kaden is one and has far to many toys. Adam and I are firm that before each birthday and Christmas our children will have to round-up (perhaps a brown bag or garbage bag) toys they would like to donate. They will also take part in helping us to clean out closets and dressers at the end of summer and winter. They will participate in taking these items where we choose, as a family.
We want our kid’s character to be one of giving without asking. Fundamentally, we do hope this plan will help to incorporate the action. At first it will be a challenge for them to comprehend, but over time, conversations and repetition it will convert into an act of helping without even thinking of their own self gain (give to receive at Christmas/birthdays). As they grow they will have an appreciation for what they have as well as finding pleasure in simply paying their good fortune forward.
Adam and I count our blessings every day. If we had to choose only one lesson to impart on our children it would be that they too know their good fortune. Along with this they make the choice to pass along what they are able to afford in materials and/or time to those who are not as privileged because it is in their kind hearts not guilty minds.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
"Don't You Do It" List
I am amazed at some of the things I hear or read that I should not do while pregnant… I admit some make sense, but in fairness women have been having babies for a bit of time now and for years have been taking part in the list below. I have been making a list of some of my favorite “Don’t Do Its”.
DO NOT DRINK. Well, this may as well translate into you won’t get pregnant! Okay. Okay. Seriously, we created our children while using the ‘pill’ (yes, taken daily). Procreation had nothing to do with our lack of birth control. Although, I can’t write that liquor didn’t help in the act of intimacy which is needed to procreate.
What I really do not understand is the French drink wine daily. As a mother of a 15 month old in her 29th week of pregnancy I understand this cultural choice. It seems to be an intelligent social decision that is a tool used to keep peace and sanity among the community members and the home front.
Kudos to France.
DO NOT TOUCH CAT LITTER. No worries. The list is long as to why this “Don’t Do It” doesn’t pertain to me and sadly it has nothing to do with the disease and bacteria issues that are associated with the feline.
It is a boy job
I am totally allergic to felines
Cats gross me out
That being said, I agree with this statement. DO NOT TOUCH LITTER.
YOU ARE NOT EATING FOR TWO. Funny, I feel the baby all night long. I have seen photo after photo of the Sprite. I go to my prenatal appointments. I feel hungrier. Yet, said professionals have the bravado to say I am not eating for two? Do tell me what it is that I carry in my uterus. The old wives tale of the belief that pregnant women are eating for two, so eat according to your hunger has been nixed by medical professionals. They claim a measly additional 200 calories a day will suffice this living being. HA! I hate them.
I tend to go with the ole wives and their take on eating. If I followed the diet by increasing my calories by only 200 a day I would be practicing survival of the fittest and population control. Quite simply stated I would die. I would take Adam down too, for he would probably be my last meal due to starvation or purely from being irritated. Irritation and pissy behavior are side effects of starvation, which clearly and without question this diet would create.
NO INTIMATE RELATIONS. Did you read my first point that without the liquor there is little relations? All joking aside are ‘they’ kidding? If you don’t get the business in now it certainly isn’t going to happen as new parents! Intercourse is a proven way to move into labor… I plan to use this technique if we closely approach birth day without progress. Hell, I may even enjoy a glass of wine before and after.
DON’T EXERCISE. Well, this makes complete sense in reviewing what I have outlined above considering the calorie restriction. There really seems to be no need to work out. I shouldn’t have excess calories to burn! Plus nixing the Bedroom Olympics (a form of exercise, no?) reiterates this no-no. I wasn’t hip to exercising pre-baby, so no real loss here. Score for me! I do get in a great deal of daily Jane Fonda by being Kaden’s Mama. He is a mover, shaker and yes, dancer. Is dancing a “Don’t Do It”? I could be rebelling and not even know it.
SUSHI IS BAD FOR YOU & BABY. 911- Emergency: Close down Japan- STAT! I don’t think the Japanese know they are living life dangerously. Send an alert. I understand that certain fish may have more mercury or carry higher risks. That being said, in Japan it is a cultural experience to eat sushi as a dietary staple. For a country accepting abortions as being one of its major three methods of birth control and is considering a ZPG Plan I would say eating raw fish isn’t necessarily a huge concern. The Japanese are thriving in the (squished and tight quarters) people department. Maybe there is something to be said about eating shell fish…oooh la la.
WHO CUT THE CHEESE? So, I can’t eat raw fish and even certain cooked fish. There is now a list of cheese to avoid: Blue Cheese (a favorite), Feta, Brie and Mexican Style Queso. I am beginning to feel as if the American Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology is asking all pregnant women to hold tight to an embargo order. Basically, all pregos please note: If you are pregnant you may not follow the food culture of other countries. It is obviously hazardous.
Side Note:
So far, I have been told and shared that I am to eliminate certain foods from my diet that are exports from France, Switzerland, Mexico, Japan as well as a few states in the homeland Hawaii and Wisconsin. Oh, add China to the list because herbal tea is a “Don’t Do It”. Certain herbs such as red raspberry leaf are associated with contractions. I have noted this and may enjoy a cup of herb vs. the vino as the birth day approaches! Please know that I do feel better knowing I am allowed to eat a hot dog. The comedy!
RID THE NICCOTINE, CAFFIENE AND NARCOTICS. I don’t think there are more selfish acts then expectant women who smoke or use recreational drugs during pregnancy. Period. As a recovering smoker (hehe) I understand how difficult it is to stop, but it is our obligation to the life inside of us to do so. I was fortunate in not picking up the habit after Kaden’s birth. I don’t use drugs… Tums and Tylenol all the way baby. The caffeine is a toughie. I enjoy a ½ caffeinated Egg Nog latte weekly. I like a Pepsi here and there. I brew coffee very rarely. Ironically, it has been recommended by my midwives to have caffeine in order to eliminate or relieve my migraines. This comes from a conservative group of women. I guess if pregnant women have one of the above vices caffeine is so totally minor.
AVOID CLEANING. Done. I am home all day with a toddler… there is no longer such a thing as clean or tidy.
STEER CLEAR OF MICROWAVES & STRESS. Who is going to pay to board my toddler? Honestly, microwave and stress should be avoided during and only during pregnancy? Another ploy to keep us at 200 calories a day.
Well, sorry, Charlie. The microwave is the source that feeds my child and stress comes with my job as Domestic Goddess and Loving Mother. Considering microwave usage is evidence of lacking love and having stress is unlike a goddess I am sure to be demoted to being just a lowly domestic mother…
After creating and dissecting my “Don’t You Do It” List I can see I am losing my stripes…I am rejoicing in that pregnancy doesn’t last forever. I have hopes to be promoted back to my pre-pregnancy status of having goddess-love.
POST SCRIPT: Before the emails flow in about how I need to do this and you can’t believe I wrote that… remember I write with a little dab of humor and splash of sarcasm.
DO NOT DRINK. Well, this may as well translate into you won’t get pregnant! Okay. Okay. Seriously, we created our children while using the ‘pill’ (yes, taken daily). Procreation had nothing to do with our lack of birth control. Although, I can’t write that liquor didn’t help in the act of intimacy which is needed to procreate.
What I really do not understand is the French drink wine daily. As a mother of a 15 month old in her 29th week of pregnancy I understand this cultural choice. It seems to be an intelligent social decision that is a tool used to keep peace and sanity among the community members and the home front.
Kudos to France.
DO NOT TOUCH CAT LITTER. No worries. The list is long as to why this “Don’t Do It” doesn’t pertain to me and sadly it has nothing to do with the disease and bacteria issues that are associated with the feline.
It is a boy job
I am totally allergic to felines
Cats gross me out
That being said, I agree with this statement. DO NOT TOUCH LITTER.
YOU ARE NOT EATING FOR TWO. Funny, I feel the baby all night long. I have seen photo after photo of the Sprite. I go to my prenatal appointments. I feel hungrier. Yet, said professionals have the bravado to say I am not eating for two? Do tell me what it is that I carry in my uterus. The old wives tale of the belief that pregnant women are eating for two, so eat according to your hunger has been nixed by medical professionals. They claim a measly additional 200 calories a day will suffice this living being. HA! I hate them.
I tend to go with the ole wives and their take on eating. If I followed the diet by increasing my calories by only 200 a day I would be practicing survival of the fittest and population control. Quite simply stated I would die. I would take Adam down too, for he would probably be my last meal due to starvation or purely from being irritated. Irritation and pissy behavior are side effects of starvation, which clearly and without question this diet would create.
NO INTIMATE RELATIONS. Did you read my first point that without the liquor there is little relations? All joking aside are ‘they’ kidding? If you don’t get the business in now it certainly isn’t going to happen as new parents! Intercourse is a proven way to move into labor… I plan to use this technique if we closely approach birth day without progress. Hell, I may even enjoy a glass of wine before and after.
DON’T EXERCISE. Well, this makes complete sense in reviewing what I have outlined above considering the calorie restriction. There really seems to be no need to work out. I shouldn’t have excess calories to burn! Plus nixing the Bedroom Olympics (a form of exercise, no?) reiterates this no-no. I wasn’t hip to exercising pre-baby, so no real loss here. Score for me! I do get in a great deal of daily Jane Fonda by being Kaden’s Mama. He is a mover, shaker and yes, dancer. Is dancing a “Don’t Do It”? I could be rebelling and not even know it.
SUSHI IS BAD FOR YOU & BABY. 911- Emergency: Close down Japan- STAT! I don’t think the Japanese know they are living life dangerously. Send an alert. I understand that certain fish may have more mercury or carry higher risks. That being said, in Japan it is a cultural experience to eat sushi as a dietary staple. For a country accepting abortions as being one of its major three methods of birth control and is considering a ZPG Plan I would say eating raw fish isn’t necessarily a huge concern. The Japanese are thriving in the (squished and tight quarters) people department. Maybe there is something to be said about eating shell fish…oooh la la.
WHO CUT THE CHEESE? So, I can’t eat raw fish and even certain cooked fish. There is now a list of cheese to avoid: Blue Cheese (a favorite), Feta, Brie and Mexican Style Queso. I am beginning to feel as if the American Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology is asking all pregnant women to hold tight to an embargo order. Basically, all pregos please note: If you are pregnant you may not follow the food culture of other countries. It is obviously hazardous.
Side Note:
So far, I have been told and shared that I am to eliminate certain foods from my diet that are exports from France, Switzerland, Mexico, Japan as well as a few states in the homeland Hawaii and Wisconsin. Oh, add China to the list because herbal tea is a “Don’t Do It”. Certain herbs such as red raspberry leaf are associated with contractions. I have noted this and may enjoy a cup of herb vs. the vino as the birth day approaches! Please know that I do feel better knowing I am allowed to eat a hot dog. The comedy!
RID THE NICCOTINE, CAFFIENE AND NARCOTICS. I don’t think there are more selfish acts then expectant women who smoke or use recreational drugs during pregnancy. Period. As a recovering smoker (hehe) I understand how difficult it is to stop, but it is our obligation to the life inside of us to do so. I was fortunate in not picking up the habit after Kaden’s birth. I don’t use drugs… Tums and Tylenol all the way baby. The caffeine is a toughie. I enjoy a ½ caffeinated Egg Nog latte weekly. I like a Pepsi here and there. I brew coffee very rarely. Ironically, it has been recommended by my midwives to have caffeine in order to eliminate or relieve my migraines. This comes from a conservative group of women. I guess if pregnant women have one of the above vices caffeine is so totally minor.
AVOID CLEANING. Done. I am home all day with a toddler… there is no longer such a thing as clean or tidy.
STEER CLEAR OF MICROWAVES & STRESS. Who is going to pay to board my toddler? Honestly, microwave and stress should be avoided during and only during pregnancy? Another ploy to keep us at 200 calories a day.
Well, sorry, Charlie. The microwave is the source that feeds my child and stress comes with my job as Domestic Goddess and Loving Mother. Considering microwave usage is evidence of lacking love and having stress is unlike a goddess I am sure to be demoted to being just a lowly domestic mother…
After creating and dissecting my “Don’t You Do It” List I can see I am losing my stripes…I am rejoicing in that pregnancy doesn’t last forever. I have hopes to be promoted back to my pre-pregnancy status of having goddess-love.
POST SCRIPT: Before the emails flow in about how I need to do this and you can’t believe I wrote that… remember I write with a little dab of humor and splash of sarcasm.
The Mommy List
I keep a journal. Through this journal, I have marked tips that have made my life and family’s life a bit easier. As my girlfriends have entered the sisterhood of motherhood I have decided to list tips helping to pay forward all the kindnesses I received as a brand new Mom and include this in their card. I also include in their gift many of the items I list. My hope is in sharing this list my lady friends have been or will be able to pay forward the list adding their own tricks and know how. I am a believer that it doesn’t take a village to raise a child, but to care for a new mom.
As I re-enter this journey I have revisited my list. I have already forgotten some things! I am grateful I kept a record.
PRE BABY
Pack clothes for the hospital that fit you during month 4 of your pregnancy.
If you are not breastfeeding (or unsure) pack a bra without under wire one size smaller than your pre-pregnancy cup. Just as our pregnancy and labor/delivery are different experiences so is the process of the milk arriving and dry up.
Buy several frozen dinners or prepare many freezer friendly meals in advance. This allows a quick and easy (prep and clean up) when day suddenly turns to night. Food is so important it keeps your energy level up when you are sleep deprived. I actually am a fan of the 9x13 rule… anyone who visits must bring a meal in a 9x13 pan!
Have a healthy stock of thank you cards and stamps!
Every time you shop at the market buy one package of diapers beginning the second trimester. You will be so happy you did this. Mix it up between NB, 1 and 2. We didn’t buy diapers after Kaden was born for 4 months… at this time I started being one to two packages ahead.
Have formula at home regardless of breastfeeding choice.
Have ibuprofen in your home. You will probably take 800 mg (4 tablets) every 8/12 hours after returning home for a period of time. This will help the swelling and cramping.
Call pediatricians office: Does pediatrician make hospital calls to your delivering hospital? Perform circumcisions if it is a boy?
If pediatrician doesn’t perform circumcision does your midwife/OBGYN?
Know if your insurance covers the entire cost of a circumcision. Some companies consider this a cosmetic alteration and do not cover the procedure.
If insurance doesn’t cover the procedure is it less expensive to take baby to the doctor’s office? For example: Providence charges $600.00 for their midwife to perform. To use a pediatrician Providence charges a ‘use’ fee of $300 on top of the pediatrician’s fees. Going to the doctor’s office 3 days later cost a total of $100.00. We saved $500.00 from our pockets.
Buy a large package of pads and panty liners for your home.
Adjust the straps to the car seat and properly install in the car at week 38. You want to know how the seat works having it secure before going to the hospital. The nurse will not let you leave until it is inspected.
Pack insurance information to alert company of baby arrival. Bring pediatricians number to give to nursing staff if they are able to come to hospital to perform checkup.
BABY IS HERE
If Daddy chooses not to cut the cord who says Grandma or someone else can’t? Think of it symbolizing the circle of life! How remarkable to share with a grandparent that the family has come full circle.
If you are formula feeding let the nurse know the brand. They will begin baby on this formula.
Have the hospital call pediatrician to come to hospital for checkup. He/she will also perform the circumcision if they practice this procedure.
Dad can help the nurse with the foot and hand prints. It gives him something special to all his own.
Visitors come at all hours. Make the staff the bad people! If you become overwhelmed have a code that Dad (and other support people) knows when it is time to find a nurse to clear the room or turn away new comers. The nurse will find a reason.
This is your baby. Do not feel bad about your care choices! For example: ask people to wash their hands before holding the baby. Remind people not to be a baby ‘hog’ if others are there to see baby. If someone smells of smoke tell them to strip on down or come back later. If for whatever reason you do not want baby held by others speak up.
When at the hospital take (don’t even ask) 2 receiving blankets home. These are the best swaddling blankets as well as a perfect weight. Pack one right in your bag and the other will be wrapped around baby when you leave.
Ask for 2 (or more) hospital pacifiers. These can’t be beat.
If you're formula feeding ask the nurse for both formula and extra nipples for home. They will provide you with a fair amount.
When you pack to go home take the diapers and wipes too. These items are thrown out because they are no longer sterile. Take the aspirator, Johnson and Johnson baby soap, comb and etc. It all gets tossed. The blue hospital aspirator is superior to those in the kits!
Ask the nurse for a good supply of pads.
If you are uncomfortable wearing panties ask for a few pairs of gauze ones to take home. Be sure they are size small!
If you do not breastfeed do not stimulate your breasts in any way. Do not let any water in the shower pulsate. Keep your back to the water! I stayed wrapped for 3 solid days.
BRINGING HOME BABY
Always accept the help offered to you. If someone wants to clean a bathroom or fold laundry let them. It gives you time to spend with your baby or rest.
Have the 9x13 rule. If anyone asks what they can do or bring ask them to bring a 9x13 pan of something ready to bake. I am serious.
Rest. If you can’t sleep lay down and at least rest. Let Dad learn to comfort baby too. This pays off!
Have bottles measured with formula and the nipple upside down into bottle for night time. All you will need is to add the water, shake and feed. So much help.
Use room temp water for bottle prep. You will be so grateful when you are half asleep or on the go that baby drinks at this temp vs having to warm the water first.
If you do not want company tell them. But be honest, so people don’t worry. There is no shame or guilt in taking time to adjust. It is exciting to have your new family home!
Have at least one person (outside of Dad) you check in with every day. If you do not return anyone else’s phone calls always call or text this person back. Have this person be your safe person. If you have a bad day be honest. Feel free to talk to this person open and honestly. Postpartum is serious. It can be 6 months before it affects new moms. There is no embarrassment in postpartum. Be real about what is happening and seek help immediately.
The first few outings of running errands and/or shopping take someone with you. A new mother’s body is truly healing in needing its time to recover. You may physically tire easily; begin heavy bleeding or severe cramping without notice. I was exhausted my first real day out on day seven of postpartum.
Keep a tote packed with diapers, wipes, outfits, burp cloth, bottle and etc ready to go in baby’s room. As baby stays for visits it is much easier to leave a bag other than your diaper bag which has your organization and knowledge of what is returned and what is dirty.
Keep extra diapers and wipes in all vehicles. Diaper bags only hold so much! Dad should have his own bag, too.
If baby will be spending great amount of time at someone else’s home have the typical items there for use. It makes life so much easier to go to Grandma’s when diapers, formula, a pacifier, blankets and etc is already there. You get to just go…
Keep a Tide pen in your diaper bag. This helps eliminate stains.
We love NB Pampers. There is a line that vertically that changes color when baby is wet.
Kirkland (Costco) wipes are great… a huge box of over 700 for $15.00.
Use a lingerie bag to wash baby socks. They will go missing in the laundry.
Vaseline is natural. It has been recommended (to me) by a few pediatricians to use this vs. ointments or creams. It shields wicking moisture. Kaden has had a run of tummy issues and never a rash. It is far more economical too.
If you warm the formula or baby food baby learns this expectation. What do you do when baby is hungry and there is no place to warm milk or puree? Hot tap water for milk as well as both fridge and room temp for purees eliminates a ‘picky’ eater.
I keep bottled water in the diaper bag. Kaden doesn’t mind room temperature formula! Easy.
Using different pacifier brands at the very beginning helps deter brand preference.
Baby will remove a pacifier from accidentally pulling on the loop. The Mam brand doesn’t have the loop. It saves all from frustration!
Have a professional bra fitting 4-6 weeks after bringing home baby. You don’t have to buy a bra at Nordstrom’s, but the ladies have proper training to fit you. They are proven to be the best fitters. It will make a difference.
Hanging a bag (i.e. mesh) on the highchair is a convenient way to store bibs.
Johnson and Johnson Vapor body wash is great to use for congested children.
Disposable washcloths are the best invention ever! It makes a bath easy when time is short or smelly baby needs say bath number 3 or 4 of the day! These are still a favorite of ours. We used during camping and times when Kaden has been ill.
For all baby items needing batteries write the size on the outside of the battery cover. Each toy, bouncer, mat and the like uses a different size. This will save you time from unscrewing and help with your battery stock.
If a toy can fit through the hole of a toilet paper roll or paper towel roll it can fit down baby’s throat.
In case of a diaper explosion or vomiting in the crib double-up and layer 2 fitted sheets. You can remove the dirty linens not having to remake the bed in the middle of the night! For example: mattress, sheet, mattress cover and sheet.
Shop a season ahead for Baby. For example: Summer apparel is a great price right now. Why pay $18.00 for a pair of shorts when it is $4.00 now? Regardless I will have to buy clothes every few months. I choose to be ahead of the game instead of buying now. It is worth the savings.
Also, if you know you will have an event requiring winter clothes in the summer or summer clothes in the winter stock up at the end of the season. Sweatshirts are hard to find come late spring and throughout summer, but we need these for camping!
Take your own time away from family. Go for a walk. Have a pop, coffee or water with a friend. You don’t have to be gone long, but take time. It will refresh you.
I receive incredible deals via the internet. Belong to a blog.
Celebrate your family every single day.
As I re-enter this journey I have revisited my list. I have already forgotten some things! I am grateful I kept a record.
PRE BABY
Pack clothes for the hospital that fit you during month 4 of your pregnancy.
If you are not breastfeeding (or unsure) pack a bra without under wire one size smaller than your pre-pregnancy cup. Just as our pregnancy and labor/delivery are different experiences so is the process of the milk arriving and dry up.
Buy several frozen dinners or prepare many freezer friendly meals in advance. This allows a quick and easy (prep and clean up) when day suddenly turns to night. Food is so important it keeps your energy level up when you are sleep deprived. I actually am a fan of the 9x13 rule… anyone who visits must bring a meal in a 9x13 pan!
Have a healthy stock of thank you cards and stamps!
Every time you shop at the market buy one package of diapers beginning the second trimester. You will be so happy you did this. Mix it up between NB, 1 and 2. We didn’t buy diapers after Kaden was born for 4 months… at this time I started being one to two packages ahead.
Have formula at home regardless of breastfeeding choice.
Have ibuprofen in your home. You will probably take 800 mg (4 tablets) every 8/12 hours after returning home for a period of time. This will help the swelling and cramping.
Call pediatricians office: Does pediatrician make hospital calls to your delivering hospital? Perform circumcisions if it is a boy?
If pediatrician doesn’t perform circumcision does your midwife/OBGYN?
Know if your insurance covers the entire cost of a circumcision. Some companies consider this a cosmetic alteration and do not cover the procedure.
If insurance doesn’t cover the procedure is it less expensive to take baby to the doctor’s office? For example: Providence charges $600.00 for their midwife to perform. To use a pediatrician Providence charges a ‘use’ fee of $300 on top of the pediatrician’s fees. Going to the doctor’s office 3 days later cost a total of $100.00. We saved $500.00 from our pockets.
Buy a large package of pads and panty liners for your home.
Adjust the straps to the car seat and properly install in the car at week 38. You want to know how the seat works having it secure before going to the hospital. The nurse will not let you leave until it is inspected.
Pack insurance information to alert company of baby arrival. Bring pediatricians number to give to nursing staff if they are able to come to hospital to perform checkup.
BABY IS HERE
If Daddy chooses not to cut the cord who says Grandma or someone else can’t? Think of it symbolizing the circle of life! How remarkable to share with a grandparent that the family has come full circle.
If you are formula feeding let the nurse know the brand. They will begin baby on this formula.
Have the hospital call pediatrician to come to hospital for checkup. He/she will also perform the circumcision if they practice this procedure.
Dad can help the nurse with the foot and hand prints. It gives him something special to all his own.
Visitors come at all hours. Make the staff the bad people! If you become overwhelmed have a code that Dad (and other support people) knows when it is time to find a nurse to clear the room or turn away new comers. The nurse will find a reason.
This is your baby. Do not feel bad about your care choices! For example: ask people to wash their hands before holding the baby. Remind people not to be a baby ‘hog’ if others are there to see baby. If someone smells of smoke tell them to strip on down or come back later. If for whatever reason you do not want baby held by others speak up.
When at the hospital take (don’t even ask) 2 receiving blankets home. These are the best swaddling blankets as well as a perfect weight. Pack one right in your bag and the other will be wrapped around baby when you leave.
Ask for 2 (or more) hospital pacifiers. These can’t be beat.
If you're formula feeding ask the nurse for both formula and extra nipples for home. They will provide you with a fair amount.
When you pack to go home take the diapers and wipes too. These items are thrown out because they are no longer sterile. Take the aspirator, Johnson and Johnson baby soap, comb and etc. It all gets tossed. The blue hospital aspirator is superior to those in the kits!
Ask the nurse for a good supply of pads.
If you are uncomfortable wearing panties ask for a few pairs of gauze ones to take home. Be sure they are size small!
If you do not breastfeed do not stimulate your breasts in any way. Do not let any water in the shower pulsate. Keep your back to the water! I stayed wrapped for 3 solid days.
BRINGING HOME BABY
Always accept the help offered to you. If someone wants to clean a bathroom or fold laundry let them. It gives you time to spend with your baby or rest.
Have the 9x13 rule. If anyone asks what they can do or bring ask them to bring a 9x13 pan of something ready to bake. I am serious.
Rest. If you can’t sleep lay down and at least rest. Let Dad learn to comfort baby too. This pays off!
Have bottles measured with formula and the nipple upside down into bottle for night time. All you will need is to add the water, shake and feed. So much help.
Use room temp water for bottle prep. You will be so grateful when you are half asleep or on the go that baby drinks at this temp vs having to warm the water first.
If you do not want company tell them. But be honest, so people don’t worry. There is no shame or guilt in taking time to adjust. It is exciting to have your new family home!
Have at least one person (outside of Dad) you check in with every day. If you do not return anyone else’s phone calls always call or text this person back. Have this person be your safe person. If you have a bad day be honest. Feel free to talk to this person open and honestly. Postpartum is serious. It can be 6 months before it affects new moms. There is no embarrassment in postpartum. Be real about what is happening and seek help immediately.
The first few outings of running errands and/or shopping take someone with you. A new mother’s body is truly healing in needing its time to recover. You may physically tire easily; begin heavy bleeding or severe cramping without notice. I was exhausted my first real day out on day seven of postpartum.
Keep a tote packed with diapers, wipes, outfits, burp cloth, bottle and etc ready to go in baby’s room. As baby stays for visits it is much easier to leave a bag other than your diaper bag which has your organization and knowledge of what is returned and what is dirty.
Keep extra diapers and wipes in all vehicles. Diaper bags only hold so much! Dad should have his own bag, too.
If baby will be spending great amount of time at someone else’s home have the typical items there for use. It makes life so much easier to go to Grandma’s when diapers, formula, a pacifier, blankets and etc is already there. You get to just go…
Keep a Tide pen in your diaper bag. This helps eliminate stains.
We love NB Pampers. There is a line that vertically that changes color when baby is wet.
Kirkland (Costco) wipes are great… a huge box of over 700 for $15.00.
Use a lingerie bag to wash baby socks. They will go missing in the laundry.
Vaseline is natural. It has been recommended (to me) by a few pediatricians to use this vs. ointments or creams. It shields wicking moisture. Kaden has had a run of tummy issues and never a rash. It is far more economical too.
If you warm the formula or baby food baby learns this expectation. What do you do when baby is hungry and there is no place to warm milk or puree? Hot tap water for milk as well as both fridge and room temp for purees eliminates a ‘picky’ eater.
I keep bottled water in the diaper bag. Kaden doesn’t mind room temperature formula! Easy.
Using different pacifier brands at the very beginning helps deter brand preference.
Baby will remove a pacifier from accidentally pulling on the loop. The Mam brand doesn’t have the loop. It saves all from frustration!
Have a professional bra fitting 4-6 weeks after bringing home baby. You don’t have to buy a bra at Nordstrom’s, but the ladies have proper training to fit you. They are proven to be the best fitters. It will make a difference.
Hanging a bag (i.e. mesh) on the highchair is a convenient way to store bibs.
Johnson and Johnson Vapor body wash is great to use for congested children.
Disposable washcloths are the best invention ever! It makes a bath easy when time is short or smelly baby needs say bath number 3 or 4 of the day! These are still a favorite of ours. We used during camping and times when Kaden has been ill.
For all baby items needing batteries write the size on the outside of the battery cover. Each toy, bouncer, mat and the like uses a different size. This will save you time from unscrewing and help with your battery stock.
If a toy can fit through the hole of a toilet paper roll or paper towel roll it can fit down baby’s throat.
In case of a diaper explosion or vomiting in the crib double-up and layer 2 fitted sheets. You can remove the dirty linens not having to remake the bed in the middle of the night! For example: mattress, sheet, mattress cover and sheet.
Shop a season ahead for Baby. For example: Summer apparel is a great price right now. Why pay $18.00 for a pair of shorts when it is $4.00 now? Regardless I will have to buy clothes every few months. I choose to be ahead of the game instead of buying now. It is worth the savings.
Also, if you know you will have an event requiring winter clothes in the summer or summer clothes in the winter stock up at the end of the season. Sweatshirts are hard to find come late spring and throughout summer, but we need these for camping!
Take your own time away from family. Go for a walk. Have a pop, coffee or water with a friend. You don’t have to be gone long, but take time. It will refresh you.
I receive incredible deals via the internet. Belong to a blog.
Celebrate your family every single day.
T MINUS 15 WEEKS
NOTE: This was written November 16th, 2009…
I had a moment of panic last night… I am 25 weeks pregnant. This means we literally have (give or take) 15 weeks until the Sprite comes home. What? 15 weeks? No. It can’t be. I lean over and grab my phone off the night stand and start counting backwards from Feb 28th, 2010 to current day. Yep, 13-17 weeks until shim is here.
OH MY GOD!
“Hey, babe you up?” I ask Adam. “What are you doing?” He answers. “Do you realize we are going to have a baby in like 15 weeks?” Calmly as if this isn’t a 911 emergency he answers ‘Yep”. I sit straight up in bed. My thoughts are spinning all out of sorts in disbelief. All I can say, “We have nothing! We have to start doing something!”
I have a moment of panic. I am a BAD mom. I mean with Kaden we were well on our way in having everything done. I think we were in our first trimester and he had a pretty complete room. I have not even purchased a package of diapers!
I had to count backwards again and guess what? The weeks don’t change.
I am a planner. I plan everything. I almost annoy myself in how far in advance I plan out activities. I mean, I literally have next summer planned out. The “Festival of December” is scheduled. I know what I am giving certain people for NEXT year’s Christmas. My unborn has no diapers or even a baby book started.
Call CSD right now. I am already failing this child’s needs. I am the worst mother.
So, what do I do today? I call Mom. I tell her about last nights anxiety. I mean, really I have not bought an outfit. I have not started making space. I have done nothing, zip, zero and zilch. Of course, she laughs at me. She says what do ‘we’ need? I have the baby and we shop according once shim is here. Oh, sure it sounds so easy. As if that is suppose to calm my nerves.
It does.
I realize that my lack of planning has nothing to do with my excitement level. It has everything to do with the fact that I am caring for an active toddler and buzzing around on a holiday high. And it is true that the after you have your first child things are a bit more mellow and easy going. It is a nice change of pace. Did I really just type that this new point-of-view or better described lackadaisical attitude is a nice change?
I hope that the sprite doesn’t come early. We are so totally not at all ready. To be honest, with the entire holiday hubbub I don’t see us stocking up on supplies in the coming weeks. However, here in the near future we may want to consider buying a car seat. We can’t take the baby home with out this necessity. I suppose Mom is right all the niceties can wait until the sprite is born; it just isn’t my style.
I go about my day and the panic subsides. I go to bed and diapers, bottles, strollers and car seats dance in my head…
It is 6:30 and Kaden and I wake up. I quickly feed him breakfast. Still in our pajamas I get my shoes on and I load him up into the car. Destination: Safeway. I can breathe a little easier because this afternoon sitting in our children’s room is a package of newborn diapers.
Slowly but surely we will get another pack of diapers, car seat, clothes, crib and yadda-yadda. For now, I find calmness in having our single pack of Pampers.
I had a moment of panic last night… I am 25 weeks pregnant. This means we literally have (give or take) 15 weeks until the Sprite comes home. What? 15 weeks? No. It can’t be. I lean over and grab my phone off the night stand and start counting backwards from Feb 28th, 2010 to current day. Yep, 13-17 weeks until shim is here.
OH MY GOD!
“Hey, babe you up?” I ask Adam. “What are you doing?” He answers. “Do you realize we are going to have a baby in like 15 weeks?” Calmly as if this isn’t a 911 emergency he answers ‘Yep”. I sit straight up in bed. My thoughts are spinning all out of sorts in disbelief. All I can say, “We have nothing! We have to start doing something!”
I have a moment of panic. I am a BAD mom. I mean with Kaden we were well on our way in having everything done. I think we were in our first trimester and he had a pretty complete room. I have not even purchased a package of diapers!
I had to count backwards again and guess what? The weeks don’t change.
I am a planner. I plan everything. I almost annoy myself in how far in advance I plan out activities. I mean, I literally have next summer planned out. The “Festival of December” is scheduled. I know what I am giving certain people for NEXT year’s Christmas. My unborn has no diapers or even a baby book started.
Call CSD right now. I am already failing this child’s needs. I am the worst mother.
So, what do I do today? I call Mom. I tell her about last nights anxiety. I mean, really I have not bought an outfit. I have not started making space. I have done nothing, zip, zero and zilch. Of course, she laughs at me. She says what do ‘we’ need? I have the baby and we shop according once shim is here. Oh, sure it sounds so easy. As if that is suppose to calm my nerves.
It does.
I realize that my lack of planning has nothing to do with my excitement level. It has everything to do with the fact that I am caring for an active toddler and buzzing around on a holiday high. And it is true that the after you have your first child things are a bit more mellow and easy going. It is a nice change of pace. Did I really just type that this new point-of-view or better described lackadaisical attitude is a nice change?
I hope that the sprite doesn’t come early. We are so totally not at all ready. To be honest, with the entire holiday hubbub I don’t see us stocking up on supplies in the coming weeks. However, here in the near future we may want to consider buying a car seat. We can’t take the baby home with out this necessity. I suppose Mom is right all the niceties can wait until the sprite is born; it just isn’t my style.
I go about my day and the panic subsides. I go to bed and diapers, bottles, strollers and car seats dance in my head…
It is 6:30 and Kaden and I wake up. I quickly feed him breakfast. Still in our pajamas I get my shoes on and I load him up into the car. Destination: Safeway. I can breathe a little easier because this afternoon sitting in our children’s room is a package of newborn diapers.
Slowly but surely we will get another pack of diapers, car seat, clothes, crib and yadda-yadda. For now, I find calmness in having our single pack of Pampers.
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