Mastering motherhood

Diva Baby

2010-04-16T15:00:00.000-07:00

My baby girl is such a diva. When she wants your attention she means right now, stop what you are doing and pay attention to me. Yet she crosses her legs in her high chair like she's a lady.

So in all her diva-ness, she doesn't hang onto a toy for very long. She loves to play with it for a few seconds and then throw it on the floor. Then she'll fuss for you to pick it up. This is fine at home, because I keep my floors pretty clean and I can always rinse her toys off. But it's when we go somewhere and she needs something to occupy her that I hate giving her the toys in her bag because I know they'll wind up on the ground.

So I had a brilliant idea! (I'm sure this has already been thought up by some other moms who do this) Madison has this really cute monogrammed binky holder my sister in law gave her, but she doesn't take a paci. So I found another great use for it.

Alot of her little hand toys are designed in a way that I can attach the binky holder around them. Thus, I clip it onto her outfit and voila. She has her toy and if she decides to chunk it, it's still attached to her so that she can still play with it. I am a genius. (I am teasing you know) Isn't it funny how little insignificant things like that can make you happy?

#1 Mess Maker

2010-04-15T16:33:00.000-07:00

How can someone so small, who can't even walk yet, make such a mess. I need to get stock bonds in baby wipes. Seriously, I have to keep a tub of wipes in the kitchen, livingroom, nursery (obviously) and a whole pack in her diaper bags and my purse because those wipes holder just don't hold enough.

Our daughter receives the award for #1 Mess Maker. She doesn't fling her food just yet (thank goodness) but she makes a mess enough with it. Her bibs don't stand a chance.

Oh and laundry stain remover is my new best friend.

Ok, so we found a teething toy that Maddy actually likes. For the green lovin mamas out there, you have to check out the Organic Cornstarch Hand Teether I love it almost as much as she does. It's a teething toy and it rattles.

Just thought I'd share this with you. Thanks for reading.

Rockin' Green Soap Giveaway!

2010-04-09T11:55:00.000-07:00

The Cloth Diaper Whisperer is giving away 2 bags of Rockin' Green cloth diaper laundry detergent!

Visit the blog and enter for a chance to win. There are several ways to enter for multiple entries. But hurry! Comments must be entered by 4/15 at 7pm EST

http://www.theclothdiaperwhisperer.com/

Enviromentally Friendly

2010-03-15T19:46:00.000-07:00

As I have become more aware of eco-friendly and natural products, I made many transitions to organic and greener products in my home. While I was on a site recently looking at cloth diapers, I read a comment someone made about how they hate the idea of all those disposable diapers piling up in landfills that never break down. I have adapted to cloth diapering and I love it for a few reasons opposed to disposables. For one, my baby no longer has diaper rash. Then it occurred to me, what about feminine products? Disposable diapers aren't biodegradable, but there is the option of cloth. Pads and pantiliners are made of a similar plastic lining. They aren't biodegradable. And women are always using them. If diapers are filling landfills, imagine what feminine products are doing. Is there a greener solution that doesn't require washing like with cloth diapers? Just a thought of the many that run through my scatter brain when I'm trying to go to bed. It's funny how my most thoughtful moments come when I'm trying to go to sleep.

Embracing Parenthood with Life's Simple Pleasures

2010-03-06T07:38:00.000-08:00

At the end of a very stressful week, balancing work with a sick infant I find myself relaxing in my mommy version of a spa. Using various scented candles from around the house, I unwind in a hot bath using my baby's bath wash to create a bubbly foam bath and leave only the night light on for a dim lit room. Well, that with the sunlight coming through our little window above the shower. I listen to the soothing sounds of one of my favorite singers, Michael Buble, not minding the toys and rubber ducks lining the edge of our tub and the duck faucet cover. This is what I like to call, mommy bliss. Who knows, I may even paint my toes if the mood strikes me.

Note to self - only use scented candles with similar fragrances. Soft linen doesn't mix too well with apple cinnamon.

Abby's Lane

2010-02-23T16:09:00.000-08:00

All you green mamas and grammas out there, the best place for cloth diapers and more free shipping, check out Abby's Lane on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abbys-Lane/

Going Green

2010-02-22T06:53:00.000-08:00

I promote a giveaway Givedaddy.com and we are always giving away green products that are targeted to parents. So I myself have become a little greener and learning more about organic products, especially since I worry about things I give to my daughter. I'm all up for natural, safe products that work. Well, recently I have been fighting a war with disposable diapers. We are constantly buying different brands because in our experience, most of the cheaper diapers give her a rash, and others leak. My baby is a super soaker, so for night time I started putting down these bed pads in her crib that I brought home from the hospital (I call them puppy pads) so that I don't have to constantly wash her sheets. So in my despair to find a diaper that does what it's supposed to without leaving a rash and breaking the bank, I decided to try the greener approach and turn to cloth diapering. Especially since one of her diapers busted at the side during the night and I found this clear jelly substance all over her legs, like silicone. This has really discouraged me from disposable diapers not knowing what kind of chemicals they put in those things. So in my search for finding the right cloth diaper, I believe the most economical choice is the AIO one size cloth diapers so that I can use them for a good while and reuse them as I do plan on having more kids. I've been doing my homework to find different brands of cloth diapers to find the most affordable ones that seem to be of good quality, and learning how to treat cloth diapers with a natural detergent. My one draw back, is that these particular cloth diapers are a little more than the prefold cloth diapers and it is expensive to start up with cloth diapering. As a stay at home mom, I'm on a tight budget even with working from home. I'm having to buy cloth diapers just a couple at a time because they are expensive and I can't afford packages right now. I know in the long run I'll end up saving by using cloth diapers rather than constanly buying disposables and with one size diapers I won't have to continuously buy more sizes. I have been checking out some on Ebay too. However, I have discovered gDiapers which are cloth diapers that combine cloth with the convenience of disposable as they have biodegradable liners that you can flush so you don't have to dunk soiled diapers. I ordered one to try because they sound really good. I'm just not sure how economical they are when considering that I still have to buy the liners instead of reusing them. The purpose of this blog is to hear from other cloth diapering moms to get some pointers on which cloth diapers worked for them and how to find the most affordable choice. I appreciate your comments.

Smarti Pants

2010-02-07T11:50:00.000-08:00

Blogger My Silly Little Boys is having a giveaway for Smarti Pants Cloth Diapers for one lucky parent who enters. These cloth diapers look really neat. They are all in one cloth diapers and the insert can be thrown in the wash inside the diaper! The colors are cute too. This giveaway ends today 2/7/10 at midnight. Enter the giveaway for a chance to win.

2009-11-30T06:36:00.000-08:00

All too often you hear that breastfeeding is the best thing for your baby and that it has more benefits than formula. It is true that breast milk contains nutrients and antibodies that you won't find in any formula. Even cans of formula state on the back that breastfeeding is the best for babies. But where's the compassion for mothers who just cannot breastfeed? The pressure that's put on mothers today to breastfeed makes them feel guilty when they cannot. I was always a big advocate for breastfeeding over formula feeding, especially when my daughter was born 6 weeks early. She latched on very well and everything went fine when we went home. But after a few weeks, she wasn't satisfied. She would cry and fuss because she was still hungry after I nursed her. I tried to pump in between her feedings to have milk on hand to supplement her with, but I just couldn't seem to produce enough. I felt very guilty that I could not continue breastfeeding her, i had to give her formula. I didn't have much support from my husband or my mother whom neither thought it was a big deal that I couldn't give her breast milk. But I realized something on my own. By making the effort to try to make breastfeeding work I was already doing the best I could for my daughter. She did get a good start, she got the very much needed colostrum that comes with the first breastfeeding. She was putting on a healhty weight once I put her on formula. While breastfeeding is best for baby, with the formulas out there today and with the newer versions that have immune support, it is a very agreeable alternative to breast milk.

So for all you mothers who have tried to breastfeed your children and for whatever reason could not, give yourself a pat on the back. You tried and that's saying something. You have already done the best thing you can do for your child and that is trying to give them the best. So leave the guilt behind and know that regardless of what you feed your child, they will thrive because of the love you have for them.

Gripe Water- My Miracle Elixir

2009-10-12T13:41:00.000-07:00

I knew gripe water was a great natural remedy for colic, but I didn't know that it was also great for other common ailments infants can experience. I discovered that it's also a great quick fix for discomfort associated with teething, hiccups, and reflux. And because it's made with completely natural ingredients, I don't have to worry about giving it to my baby. She recently began teething and has had a problem with reflux although she is not allergic to milk. So now when she starts getting fussy, I simply give her a shot of gripe water and almost instantly she quiets down and becomes calm. I love this stuff. Seriously, for any moms out there who have babies or even toddlers that are colicky, gassy, fussy, teething, or frequently spit up, you have to try gripe water. I am a strong believer in it, and so are many other moms. Gripe water has been around for a very long time and it really works. You can give it to infants as young as two weeks because it's 1oo% safe. (Don't quote me on that, there is a slight chance an infant can have an allergic reaction to an ingredient in gripe water, but it is mostly composed of ginger and fennel extract, sodium bicarbonate, and citric acid. Some formulas have slightly different ingredients) Gripe water is a miracle elixir. For me it is anyway.

My Friend, the Bouncer

2009-09-24T16:09:00.000-07:00

When it comes to trying to calm down a fussy baby, one trick that almost never fails is riding in the car. However, this can be very inconvenient as it can cost you in gas and is not very safe for the environment. It's also not recommended for children with motion sickness. Therefore, I have made a friend with the bouncy seat that was received at my baby shower. It vibrates and also rocks, somewhat mimicking the motions my baby would experience in her car seat. And unlike riding in the car, where you have to eventually take baby out when you get back home, in the bouncy seat, she can stay in it as long as she's content. It doesn't always work in quieting her down, but it seems to be quite effective. I can have the bouncy seat with me in any room in the house. It stays mostly in the kitchen so I can keep an eye on my daughter while cleaning, cooking, or working at the table. She seems to like it as much as I do since she can watch me while I'm working. It's not only convenient, it's portable! So when she goes to gramma's, she can have her bouncy seat with her. Not that she stays in it much, since gramma likes holding the baby most of the time.

Breastfeeding

2009-09-06T18:03:00.000-07:00

Deciding whether to breastfeed or formula feed? This is likely one of the first and most important decisions many first-time parents will make. Consider this: breast milk is the best thing you can provide for your baby to nurture his growth and development. It is the most self-less thing you can do for your baby and is vital to his health.

How babies benefit from breastfeeding

Breast milk contains high levels of nutrients and antibodies that protect babies from numerous illnesses and diseases such as: type 1 diabetes, ear infections, and respiratory problems to name a few.

In addition to fighting off infection, babies have a lower chance of digestive problems as breast milk is more easily digested than formula. Breastfeeding also reduces colic, gas, and spit up since less air is ingested.

How you benefit from breastfeeding:

Looking forward to getting back into those pre-pregnancy jeans? Breastfeeding burns hundreds of calories as your body produces breast milk.

Warming milk is not necessary since breast milk is always the perfect temperature and there is no prep time. Your milk is always in stock since your body continues to produce it.

Breastfeeding reduces postpartum bleeding and can lower levels of stress. What’s more, it brings you and your baby closer. There is no stronger bond between a mother and her baby that which comes from nursing.

Best of all, it’s free! You can spend approximately $60 to $200 on formula every month, but breast milk comes at no cost.

What Will I Need for Breastfeeding?

If you choose to breastfeed exclusively there really isn’t much you will need. There are some optional supplies you may want to make breastfeeding easier. These items include: nursing pads, nursing bras and/or tops, lanolin-based cream, nursing pillow, breast pump, and breast milk storage containers.

Pumping Breast Milk

There may be times when you will be away from baby for a few hours, or want someone else to feed her. To prevent painful engorgement and clogged milk ducts or having extra milk on hand, you will need a breast pump. When choosing the right one, there are two types to consider: manual or electric. Which one you choose depends on your needs and how you will use it. If you are returning to work or supplementing with formula, an electric pump is more efficient. For occasional pumping, a manual pump should be all you need.

Getting Support

Having family, friends, and coworkers support your efforts to breastfeed makes it easier. A lactation consultant can ensure your breastfeeding experience is a pleasant one. You should check with your doctor or lactation expert for any questions or problems you have.

When deciding whether to breastfeed or formula feed your baby, consider what’s important to his health. Any pediatrician will tell you that breast milk is better than even the best formula. You want to give your baby the very best, so why not start with what you feed him?

The Dreaded C

2009-09-06T15:11:00.000-07:00

When it comes to having a C-section, many women can be very nervous and unsure. It's a surgical procedure that may be required for the safe delivery of a baby. Knowing what to expect may help ease some of the concerns and worries you have.

Today, having a baby by cesarean delivery is becoming more common. While it is mainly only performed for medically necessary purposes, some women actually prefer to deliver by cesarean as opposed to vaginally. This may be because some women are scared about the pain from labor or simply want more control over the delivery. C-sections are usually performed because it is not possible or too risky for a natural delivery.

It may be determined that you will need a c-section before you go into labor. Reasons for this may be due to having had a previous c-section, expecting multiple babies or a large baby, the position of the baby (being breech- which is bottom first or sideways), or if you have a serious health condition such as high blood pressure, which may put you at risk if you should go into labor.

Sometimes a c-section isn't determined prior to labor. This is usually due to complications that may arise during labor, such as an abnormal fetal heart rate or the umbilical cord becomes entangled around the baby's head or neck. Whether it is planned or not, having a c-section is a safe procedure.

Before the section, you will be given an IV and anesthesia (either an epidural or spinal block) that will numb you from the chest down. You are still awake for the procedure (except in rare instances when it's an emergency and you are put out completely) and allowed to have your partner or a close relative with you. You will also have a coach sitting near your head for emotional support and inform you on what's going on. You will then have a catheter inserted and your abdomen washed with an antiseptic solution. The operating room staff will check you to be sure you are completely numb (from the chest to your feet) before they make the incision. A sterile curtain is placed at your chest so that you do not see yourself getting cut.

The surgeons and operating room staff will explain each step to you beforehand so that you understand what's going on. Feel free to ask any questions you may have. If at any point during the procedure you experience pain or discomfort, an analgesic will be administered via IV.

For whatever reason it is determined you will have a c-section, it is a safe procedure and may be the only way to safely deliver your baby. Having a cesarean can be a life-saving operation if there are health risks for the mother or baby. There are cosmetic benefits to having a c-section. The baby is born with a perfectly round head instead of pointy and cone-shaped from passing through the birth canal. Concerned you won't be able to wear that favorite bikini again? No worry- a horizontal 'bikini cut' is made just below the bikini line, so that your scar is not visible.

Recovering from a c-section takes longer than a vaginal and you will need help from your spouse, partner, or friend when you get home. On the positive side, this means staying in bed and letting someone else do the housework for the first few weeks. Extra care is needed as you will have to keep the incision clean as it heals. You may have stitches or staples, that will need to be removed, depending on the doctor's preference. Your doctor will also give you pain medication to help with discomfort and pain from your incision as you heal. While getting plenty of rest and taking it easy is very important, you will need to get up and move around a little to speed up recovery.

Being well informed about the procedure and asking any questions you are concerned about will help you in easing your fears and worries. As with any major surgery, there are risks involved, but the chances of these risks are low. Most mothers and babies will recovery successfully with little or no problems.

The 3 Rs

2009-09-06T14:23:00.000-07:00

There are three important activities for baby that can be stimulating and calming. The three Rs: Read, Rock and Ride.

Reading can be a vital form of stimulation for a baby's growth and development. It's never too early to begin reading books to your baby. It helps them build skills such as listening, memory, and vocabulary. Babies also love to hear their parents' voices, so it can very comforting to read aloud to them. Older babies like to reach out and try to grab at pictures in books which can be stimulating for their imagination.

Rocking is a very soothing way to comfort a fussy baby. While in the womb, babies get used to the rocking motion that's caused from mom's movements. It's only natural that rocking is consoling as babies are familiar with it. Many mothers find that rocking helps to put babies to sleep. This is fine on occasion, but not recommended for a nightly routine since babies may become too dependent and won't learn to sleep on their own when they get older.

Last but not least is riding. When all else fails, riding baby in the car works nearly every time. Though not every baby likes riding in the car, the vibrating motions can be very soothing. You often hear parents say that they ride their babies in the car in the middle of the night to put them to sleep. This is a tried and true method for calming baby.

Preemies

2009-09-04T20:14:00.000-07:00

There are many joys that come from becoming a parent for the first time. Likewise, there are many worries too. One of these fears is having a premature baby, generally defined as a baby born before37 weeks of gestation. While there are some factors that contribute to premature birth, it is not always certain what causes premature labor.

Some factors that contribute to an early delivery can be avoided such as drug use, smoking, poor or no prenatal care, and heavy-duty work or work requiring you to stand for long periods of time.

Even if you do everything right in your pregnancy, there are still factors that can lead to a premature birth that are not avoidable. These may be complications in pregnancy such as: preeclampsia, no or very little amniotic fluid, abnormal uterus structure, and infections. Some women are more at risk of having a premature baby such as those may be underweight, have chronic illnesses or are considered a high risk pregnancy.

Having a premature infant can be very stressful for a parent. These special babies are usually very small and can have very few or a great deal of complications. Babies with complications are treated in an intensive care unit and for a preemie that may mean spending weeks in an incubator. As difficult as it may be for a parent to see their baby in this state, there is hope as more and more premature infants are being saved by the advances in technology and medicine.

Premature infants often take longer to catch up to babies that are born full term and usually reach milestones a little later. While most premature infants do catch up and grow to be healthy and normal, there are complications preemies may experience that they will not outgrow.

Women everywhere are taking steps to prevent premature births and getting educated about ways to recognize premature labor. Step up and help stop prematurity. Getting adequate prenatal care and being informed about premature labor can help lead to healthy full term pregnancy.

Caffeine Addict

2009-09-04T15:42:00.000-07:00

I do admit it. I have a problem with addiction. I am addicted to caffeine. Oh sure, it sounds silly to you, but this is a real problem that many people face and don't realize it. I mean, sure you have your dedicated coffee and tea drinkers, your coca cola fanatics, but I am talking hardcore take-it-any way caffeine addict.

It fuels my energy so that I cannot function a day without it. If I try, I go through withdrawal symptoms. Yes, withdrawal symptoms, like an addict to drugs. Actually caffeine itself is a drug. Bet you didn't know that little tidbit! Much to your surprise, having an addiction to caffeine is worse than an addiction to drugs. You can't go to rehab or a 7 step process to overcome your addiction. You just learn to cope with it or manage to find a way to wean yourself off of it. Truth be told, caffeine addicts don't really look for a cure.

I suppose the root of my problem stems from the fact that I'm from Louisiana. A state where people love their Community Coffee in the afternoon with cake. When it goes on sale at the local grocery store, they stock up on it like it's being discontinued or something. I would hate to see that ever happen. Not only that, but the old folks around here, for some reason, always end up serving coffee milk to their grandchildren. IN THEIR BOTTLES!!! Well, maybe not quite, but at least once they reach sippy-cup stage.

Ever notice how college campuses thrive on suckers for caffeine by putting up convenient little starbucks booths? It's very taunting for new freshman who get 3 hours of sleep the night before an exam because they spent all night studying. Yep, places like those only feed into my addiction. And having a baby on my hands who eats every 2-3 hours only gives me more reason to give in to my addiction.

I've probably consumed such quantities of caffeine thus far in my life it somewhat composes my DNA. Sure it's unhealthy, but what isn't these days? I would hate to see what my kidneys look like from the amount of sodas I've had. I'll drink a six pack of Cola over beer any day ( I can't get sick from cola, and being hyped up on that much sugar and caffeine, I'm bound to have a good time)

I imagine by the time I'm old and wrinkly, after my kids have stuck my butt in the nursing home, I will have to have a 24 hr main line of caffeine in my IV drip and my diapers will be consistent of coffee grounds.