V is for Vacation. We took a Baby Moon about six months before my son was born. It was wonderful visiting Barcelona and Madrid, getting over morning sickness, and spending time with my husband. We ate all kinds of food, walked around for hours, and visited museums. The whole time, I knew our vacations would never be the same. As soon as there were three of us, my husband and I could no longer be selfish. Even if the two of us went somewhere, we would still talk about our son. Heck, that vacation was before we knew it was a he and we were still talking about him.
Now, three months after my son was born, I need a vacation more than ever. Handing over my son to visitors is a mini vacay. While others coo at him, I run off to throw laundry in the washer, empty the dishwasher, and clean the toilet. That's not really a vacation or even a break.
Another mini vacation was when I slept in the guest room one night. I'd pumped so there was enough milk for the night and my husband answered all our son's calls. I slept all night, something I rarely did during pregnancy. It was almost ruined though when I woke up engorged and ready to burst. I sprinted to the bedroom ready to force the child to nurse. There was no need to force though, he was awake and my husband was out of milk.
We're taking a weekend vacation soon. It's really a trip to visit family. But it will give me a chance to see what future family vacations are like when it's no longer two of us: How much stuff to take, training my husband to take bathroom breaks on road trips, and coping with the unexpected. It's another adventure. Good times.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Bringing Baby Home: Understanding
U is for Understanding. Understanding that things have changed and that this littler creature has needs only parents can meet. Understanding also means patience: when he won't stop crying, when he poops his diaper seconds after it is changed, and patience for weeks of not getting enough sleep.
Understanding that these days are short and I'll want them back someday.
Understanding that your spouse is just as tired as you. Understanding that there are only so many hours in a day. And understanding that nothing will ever be perfect. Understanding and accepting these facts.
Understanding that these days are short and I'll want them back someday.
Understanding that your spouse is just as tired as you. Understanding that there are only so many hours in a day. And understanding that nothing will ever be perfect. Understanding and accepting these facts.
Bringing Baby Home: Target Gift Cards
T is for Target gift cards. People are generous to new parents; we received several Target gift cards. Although I thought I had the room prepared, the changing table well-stocked, and everything washed and ready, we ended up at Target multiple times during the first few weeks.
First it was for diapers, then we wanted Gripe Water. We've gone back for baby wash cloths (yes, I could use adult ones, but these are smaller) and toys for him to ignore. Target is a refuge for new mothers, it is a place where it is OK to take a child, wonder around, look at shoes and jewelry and pick up a few things for the baby--justifying the trip.
One thing Target only has online is cradle sheets. It turns out, bassinets and cradles are different sizes. A local resale shop had the cradle sheets in stock, slightly marked up. Had I known my child was going to be early, I would have ordered them from Target and used a gift card, of course.
First it was for diapers, then we wanted Gripe Water. We've gone back for baby wash cloths (yes, I could use adult ones, but these are smaller) and toys for him to ignore. Target is a refuge for new mothers, it is a place where it is OK to take a child, wonder around, look at shoes and jewelry and pick up a few things for the baby--justifying the trip.
One thing Target only has online is cradle sheets. It turns out, bassinets and cradles are different sizes. A local resale shop had the cradle sheets in stock, slightly marked up. Had I known my child was going to be early, I would have ordered them from Target and used a gift card, of course.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Bringing Baby Home: Sleep
S is for sleep. S is also for sheets. Usually, sleep is done on sheets. With a newborn in the house, parents should sleep anywhere they can sleep anytime they can sleep. Sofa, chairs, the floor, the car, anywhere.
Sleep is difficult--the first few nights at home I wouldn't sleep because I kept listening for noises. Then, I was so tired I slept through all my son's noises. Now that he is in his own room, I sometimes sleep through some noises on the monitor, then again, other nights, I have listened for every little sound. I feel like I can't win and every expert says not to try to develop sleep habits until a baby is four months old. One more month. I can do it. If there is enough coffee.
My baby needs his sleep too, it's important for infants to get enough sleep so their brain can develop and rejuvenate. Napping is important. I am happy to say that at 3 months we are starting to develop napping habits. A step in the right direction--toward sleeping parents.
One thing about sheets--in the first few days, nursing mothers should have extra sheets for their bed. They should be washed and ready to put on the bed at a moments notice. Spraying is not fun.
Sleep is difficult--the first few nights at home I wouldn't sleep because I kept listening for noises. Then, I was so tired I slept through all my son's noises. Now that he is in his own room, I sometimes sleep through some noises on the monitor, then again, other nights, I have listened for every little sound. I feel like I can't win and every expert says not to try to develop sleep habits until a baby is four months old. One more month. I can do it. If there is enough coffee.
My baby needs his sleep too, it's important for infants to get enough sleep so their brain can develop and rejuvenate. Napping is important. I am happy to say that at 3 months we are starting to develop napping habits. A step in the right direction--toward sleeping parents.
One thing about sheets--in the first few days, nursing mothers should have extra sheets for their bed. They should be washed and ready to put on the bed at a moments notice. Spraying is not fun.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Bringing Baby Home: Room
R is for Room. No, not the baby's room since that is not necessary. R is for room for all the baby's stuff. Diapers. Bouncing chairs. Clothes. Toys. Bath supplies. Medical supplies. Bassinet. Crib. Boppy.
Yes, you can change a baby on the floor, but considering the number of blowouts my son has had while changing his diaper, no way am I changing him on the floor without an acre of padding around him.
No, a bassinet is not necessary and neither is a crib. Some parents chose to co-sleep. Others get the crib and end up co-sleeping, meaning the crib is an expensive storage unit. Nevertheless, even if co-sleeping, baby needs space (room) to sleep.
Yes, a person can bathe a baby in the kitchen sink. Mine is never that clean. And bath supplies are not necessary. I find them nice to have--towels, cloths, soap--and they take up a small amount of space.
Clothes. I guess we could have 1/3 of the clothes we have and be OK. And I am amazed at how quickly he grows out of them--it seems something is too small every day. Even if I had less clothes, they would still be piling up in my laundry room.
Chairs, etc. Not necessary, until he is screaming at 9 at night and I am drained of energy and desperate for him to stop.
Toys, not necessary, but people give them to you, so you need a place to put them.
My Boppy goes everywhere. It took over my cat's favorite place to sleep on the couch. Now my cat needs more room.
Yes, you can change a baby on the floor, but considering the number of blowouts my son has had while changing his diaper, no way am I changing him on the floor without an acre of padding around him.
No, a bassinet is not necessary and neither is a crib. Some parents chose to co-sleep. Others get the crib and end up co-sleeping, meaning the crib is an expensive storage unit. Nevertheless, even if co-sleeping, baby needs space (room) to sleep.
Yes, a person can bathe a baby in the kitchen sink. Mine is never that clean. And bath supplies are not necessary. I find them nice to have--towels, cloths, soap--and they take up a small amount of space.
Clothes. I guess we could have 1/3 of the clothes we have and be OK. And I am amazed at how quickly he grows out of them--it seems something is too small every day. Even if I had less clothes, they would still be piling up in my laundry room.
Chairs, etc. Not necessary, until he is screaming at 9 at night and I am drained of energy and desperate for him to stop.
Toys, not necessary, but people give them to you, so you need a place to put them.
My Boppy goes everywhere. It took over my cat's favorite place to sleep on the couch. Now my cat needs more room.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Bringing Baby Home: Questions
Q is for Questions. Lots and lots of questions. Is it OK to let him sleep if he rolls to his side? Should I wake him to feed him? Why is he crying? Why isn't he crying? What color is his poop? Why are you making me track the color of his poop?
For new parents, bringing a baby home means there are suddenly thousands of questions popping up every hour. And usually, the answers are time, he/she is hungry/sleepy/dirty diaper, and every baby is different.
There are about five baby books in my house which I consulted daily for the first month and now, at 12 weeks, average about once every three days. One reason I look at the books less is because I look online more. Last night we were looking up growth spurts, again. Is 3 months another growth spurt? Why, why is he cluster feeding again? The answer? Sometimes, every baby is different. Grrrr.
The pediatrician can answer health questions, but it seems silly to bother her with certain things. Plus, her job is to take care of my baby's health, not his discipline or to help me get sleep. One more question: If there are lactation consultants, why aren't there sleep consultants?
For new parents, bringing a baby home means there are suddenly thousands of questions popping up every hour. And usually, the answers are time, he/she is hungry/sleepy/dirty diaper, and every baby is different.
There are about five baby books in my house which I consulted daily for the first month and now, at 12 weeks, average about once every three days. One reason I look at the books less is because I look online more. Last night we were looking up growth spurts, again. Is 3 months another growth spurt? Why, why is he cluster feeding again? The answer? Sometimes, every baby is different. Grrrr.
The pediatrician can answer health questions, but it seems silly to bother her with certain things. Plus, her job is to take care of my baby's health, not his discipline or to help me get sleep. One more question: If there are lactation consultants, why aren't there sleep consultants?
Monday, September 21, 2009
Bringing Baby Home: Pacifier
P is for Pacifier. There is a reason the pacifier was invented. I imagine women have been sticking things into the mouths of newborns for centuries, just to calm them. Infants are soothed by sucking, whether they suck their thumb or fingers, your thumb or finger, a breast or bottle, or a pacifier.
Before my son came, I was not going to use a pacifier. I'd read too many articles about nipple confusion and about trying to break the pacifier habit as the baby gets older. On the second day home from the hospital, tired, sore, and staring at my screaming child, I shoved the hospital Soothie into his mouth. He calmed down and slept. I thanked God for the invention of the pacifier. We used it sparingly over the next few days, got the OK from the pediatrician (another P thing everyone needs) and have been using it since. And they are stashed everywhere. The Soothie in the crib, one in the diaper bag, one attached to a ribbon attached to his clothes, and one to spare. We might become too dependent upon it, but I will cross that road later. Right now, it stands as one object I needed when bringing baby home. One of the many objects I was determined not to need.
Before my son came, I was not going to use a pacifier. I'd read too many articles about nipple confusion and about trying to break the pacifier habit as the baby gets older. On the second day home from the hospital, tired, sore, and staring at my screaming child, I shoved the hospital Soothie into his mouth. He calmed down and slept. I thanked God for the invention of the pacifier. We used it sparingly over the next few days, got the OK from the pediatrician (another P thing everyone needs) and have been using it since. And they are stashed everywhere. The Soothie in the crib, one in the diaper bag, one attached to a ribbon attached to his clothes, and one to spare. We might become too dependent upon it, but I will cross that road later. Right now, it stands as one object I needed when bringing baby home. One of the many objects I was determined not to need.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Bringing Baby Home: Onesies
O is for Onesie, aka bodysuit. Onesies and blankets and no-brainer gifts for new mothers. We had a pile of onesies for our son, some new, some used, all useful. Some people would argue that babies don't need clothing, especially babies like my son, born in one of the hottest Austin summers on record. However, those people who argue that letting a baby run around in a diaper is OK have not met my son who hates to be naked. It's not that he's cold, he just likes to scream when he is being dressed, undressed, or given a bath or have his diaper changed. Since it was hot outside and inside, onesies were the perfect clothing, not too much, not to little. The baby bear size of clothes for an Austin summer.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Bringing Baby Home: Name
N is for Name. Before leaving the hospital, parents are required to give their child a name. For some people, this is very easy. For us, it was difficult. One reason it was difficult was because we didn't discuss it until the night before my son was born. My husband once said he liked Bible names, and I played around with that thought as I composed a list of about 30 names. I had about 8 on my list at the hospital.
My/our biggest problem was that we wanted to meet him before naming him. Every cat that I've pre-named (before getting) has died and I didn't want that to happen to my son.
So after my c-section, the nurses were helping me think of names. The dry erase board on the wall in our hospital room said "Name: TBD." Sometime that night, my husband said we should give ourselves 24 hours. We selected the first name and he went home to pick up a few things, brought back the baby name book. The middle name was difficult (don't even talk to me about multiple middle names!) because everything I liked before repeated the sounds of the first name and last name. So my son's middle name is strategic, as in, few of the letters are in the first and last name. Both names happen to be from the Bible. We're happy with the name, especially since later in life he can choose what he wants to be called. I don't want to give away the name (privacy) but it's like Thomas, Tommy, Tom. Lots of options.
All this is to say: discuss the name beforehand, but it's OK if you don't have one.
My/our biggest problem was that we wanted to meet him before naming him. Every cat that I've pre-named (before getting) has died and I didn't want that to happen to my son.
So after my c-section, the nurses were helping me think of names. The dry erase board on the wall in our hospital room said "Name: TBD." Sometime that night, my husband said we should give ourselves 24 hours. We selected the first name and he went home to pick up a few things, brought back the baby name book. The middle name was difficult (don't even talk to me about multiple middle names!) because everything I liked before repeated the sounds of the first name and last name. So my son's middle name is strategic, as in, few of the letters are in the first and last name. Both names happen to be from the Bible. We're happy with the name, especially since later in life he can choose what he wants to be called. I don't want to give away the name (privacy) but it's like Thomas, Tommy, Tom. Lots of options.
All this is to say: discuss the name beforehand, but it's OK if you don't have one.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Bringing Baby Home: Music
M is for Music. Two days after bringing him home, we discovered music relaxed my son. We put him in the bouncy chair, switched on the music, and watched him drift off. It worked so well, that we started playing the music on his mobile. He doesn't cry when the music is playing but the second it stops, he starts.
My son hates having his diaper changed. Hates it. So I looked up ways to make diaper changing easier and the answer seemed to be to sing to him. Um, no. Not with my voice--a former band geek I know too much about pitch and being in tune to subject him to my voice. As an alternative, I played music from a Baby Einstein toy my aunt gave me because my cousin's daughter loves the Takealong Tunes. It worked! Sometimes. Not all the time. He's started to turn his head and watch it while I change the diaper. He still kicks.
He was 7 weeks when I got the gift of eating lunch and dinner back thanks to the Lights and Melodies Discovery Center. He loves the lights, the classical music, and to bat at the hanging star and ball. At Target, the Press and Play Pals: Duck prevented a meltdown, so we bought it.
Lest this post turn out to be an ad for Baby Einstein, I've also had success with toys that play music and music boxes. And yesterday we went to a musical storytime at the library. Once he woke up, he loved it. I loved it and would be willing to spend the money for Heartsong Music Together, who led the storytime. And I've looked into getting a CD of Austin artist Sara Hickman's music.
I've relented a little bit and sing to him, mainly oldies since he likes to "stand" and tends to wobble a bit. Somehow that cute little wobble makes me think of Surfing USA and Twist and Shout.
My son hates having his diaper changed. Hates it. So I looked up ways to make diaper changing easier and the answer seemed to be to sing to him. Um, no. Not with my voice--a former band geek I know too much about pitch and being in tune to subject him to my voice. As an alternative, I played music from a Baby Einstein toy my aunt gave me because my cousin's daughter loves the Takealong Tunes. It worked! Sometimes. Not all the time. He's started to turn his head and watch it while I change the diaper. He still kicks.
He was 7 weeks when I got the gift of eating lunch and dinner back thanks to the Lights and Melodies Discovery Center. He loves the lights, the classical music, and to bat at the hanging star and ball. At Target, the Press and Play Pals: Duck prevented a meltdown, so we bought it.
Lest this post turn out to be an ad for Baby Einstein, I've also had success with toys that play music and music boxes. And yesterday we went to a musical storytime at the library. Once he woke up, he loved it. I loved it and would be willing to spend the money for Heartsong Music Together, who led the storytime. And I've looked into getting a CD of Austin artist Sara Hickman's music.
I've relented a little bit and sing to him, mainly oldies since he likes to "stand" and tends to wobble a bit. Somehow that cute little wobble makes me think of Surfing USA and Twist and Shout.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Bringing Baby Home: Laundry Detergent
L is for Lots of Laundry Detergent.
Yes, everyone says babies create laundry and this is true, as evidenced by the piles of used burp cloths piled up around the house. Yes, we are using cloth diapers, so that adds to the pile of laundry, but I suspect we would be overwhelmed even if we didn't use those.
We already had Tide Free for our workout clothes and soccer uniforms but got All Free and Clear because it was a good deal. We can use both for the diapers but somehow, the All works better. We already used regular Cheer or Tide for our clothes and now have Dreft for our son's things.
I suspect we will eventually just get down to regular Cheer or Tide and All, but for right now, we have plenty of cleaning options.
Yes, everyone says babies create laundry and this is true, as evidenced by the piles of used burp cloths piled up around the house. Yes, we are using cloth diapers, so that adds to the pile of laundry, but I suspect we would be overwhelmed even if we didn't use those.
We already had Tide Free for our workout clothes and soccer uniforms but got All Free and Clear because it was a good deal. We can use both for the diapers but somehow, the All works better. We already used regular Cheer or Tide for our clothes and now have Dreft for our son's things.
I suspect we will eventually just get down to regular Cheer or Tide and All, but for right now, we have plenty of cleaning options.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Bringing Baby Home: Kit, First Aid Kit
K is for First Aid Kit. Every house should have one but babies have special needs. We got a stocked first aid kit from my father--ironic since he's never had an up-to-date first aid kit--before my son was born. Of course I still stress over whether or not I have all I will need, should the need arise.
Baby 411 says:
Band Aids - we have lots considering I cut myself loading the dishwaher
non-stick dressing and tape - in kit
butterfly bandages - hmmmm
Ace Wrap - soccer players, we have several
roll of gauze dressing - yes, have
rectal thermometer - almost any thermometer can be rectal, except the new forehead ones
petroleum jelly - lots from my running days
acetaminophen - of course we have it
ibuprofen - again, of course
antibiotic ointment - that's vague
Benadryl - I didn't feel like typing out the non-brand name
saline nose drops - nope, don't have, Baby 411 says I can make these
decongestant nose spray - nope and I guess my allergy medicine won't cut it
1% hydrocortisone cream - somewhere
emergency phone numbers - hmmm, I just know 911
baking soda - in the pantry, for baking
tweezers - for my eyebrows and useless ones in Swiss Army Knives
measuring spoon, cup or dropper - yes, have
Today's Moms says I need one for the diaper bag with:
an instant read thermometer - nope, don't have
baby nail clippers - we've been using a nail file since I cry trying to clip his nails
aspirator - oh, for the nose! I had to Google this
Milicon - not in the diaper bag
non-aspirin fever reducer - usually in my purse
So we're ready for home emergencies (unless I need to call Poison control) but not on-the-go emergencies. Well, good thing I made this list.
Baby 411 says:
Band Aids - we have lots considering I cut myself loading the dishwaher
non-stick dressing and tape - in kit
butterfly bandages - hmmmm
Ace Wrap - soccer players, we have several
roll of gauze dressing - yes, have
rectal thermometer - almost any thermometer can be rectal, except the new forehead ones
petroleum jelly - lots from my running days
acetaminophen - of course we have it
ibuprofen - again, of course
antibiotic ointment - that's vague
Benadryl - I didn't feel like typing out the non-brand name
saline nose drops - nope, don't have, Baby 411 says I can make these
decongestant nose spray - nope and I guess my allergy medicine won't cut it
1% hydrocortisone cream - somewhere
emergency phone numbers - hmmm, I just know 911
baking soda - in the pantry, for baking
tweezers - for my eyebrows and useless ones in Swiss Army Knives
measuring spoon, cup or dropper - yes, have
Today's Moms says I need one for the diaper bag with:
an instant read thermometer - nope, don't have
baby nail clippers - we've been using a nail file since I cry trying to clip his nails
aspirator - oh, for the nose! I had to Google this
Milicon - not in the diaper bag
non-aspirin fever reducer - usually in my purse
So we're ready for home emergencies (unless I need to call Poison control) but not on-the-go emergencies. Well, good thing I made this list.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Bringing Baby Home: Jammies
J is for Jammies. Yes, they are called sleepers, but sometimes coming up with an "J" thing can be difficult. And no, we don't necessarily need baby PJs when a onesie will work just fine. However, in my mind, few things are as adorable as a baby or toddler in those cute little footed PJs. They look so snugly, cuddly, sweet and sleepy. I can't resist them.
A sleepsack would also work and would probably work well for my son since he hate being swaddled. We avoided swaddle blankets too. So, it's adorable sleepers (jammies, for the sake of this post) for us.
A sleepsack would also work and would probably work well for my son since he hate being swaddled. We avoided swaddle blankets too. So, it's adorable sleepers (jammies, for the sake of this post) for us.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Bringing Baby Home: Infant Positioner
As I said in a previous post, reading the information on SIDS in Baby 411 scared me. I don't want my child to die because I didn't do something as simple as turn on a fan. So of course I knew to put him on his back to sleep.
What I didn't count on was the fact that he rolls from side to side. My child is a thrasher. Add to that his aerodynamic breech baby head preventing him from laying on the back of his head, well, putting him down to sleep brought my fears to the surface.
Before he was born, I had read that infant positioners were a waste of money. After getting home from the hospital and trying to get him to sleep on his back, I caved and got a cheap, $8 sleep positioner. I felt much better, though he hated it. I figure it's one of many things that I will make him use or do that he hates.
We don't use it anymore--his head is perfect now--but I am grateful I purchased it and wish I had thought of it before he was born.
What I didn't count on was the fact that he rolls from side to side. My child is a thrasher. Add to that his aerodynamic breech baby head preventing him from laying on the back of his head, well, putting him down to sleep brought my fears to the surface.
Before he was born, I had read that infant positioners were a waste of money. After getting home from the hospital and trying to get him to sleep on his back, I caved and got a cheap, $8 sleep positioner. I felt much better, though he hated it. I figure it's one of many things that I will make him use or do that he hates.
We don't use it anymore--his head is perfect now--but I am grateful I purchased it and wish I had thought of it before he was born.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Bringing Baby Home: Help books
H is for Help Books, helpful books about babies. These are not to be confused with instruction manuals, which would explain what to do and how. Baby help books are guides, they give suggestions on what to do and how. I would rather have an instruction book but we will continue to muddle along with our guides and trial and error.
I am a reader and a book person. Before baby, I would hit the library once a week and it was rare for me to leave with less than five books. When I found out I was pregnant, I checked out several books on pregnancy and babies. Below are some of the books and websites I've looked at over and over again. I'm ignoring the pregnancy books though, since they are not guidebooks to infants.
The Mother of All Baby Books - very good lists about development but the sickness/disease section is difficult to read through. It needs more book titles or spaces between paragraphs since it all runs together. Good section on breastfeeding and birth recovery.
Baby 411 - very good. Everything is broken down, though I think the breastfeeding section could be longer. Lots of resources. Discussions on discipline and breaks down the various methods used to get babies to sleep. This book is most responsible for scaring me about SIDS.
Baby Bargains - very helpful in making purchase decisions. It explains everything (like the different types of car seats) and is full of safety information and recall info.
Nursing Mother's Companion - very thorough. Has information on everything related to breastfeeding, though I wish it were broken down better - the order does not make much sense to me. For example, the section on breast pumps is in the 2 month plus chapter. Very good information on medications breastfeeding mothers can take and cannot take.
Womanly Art of Breastfeeding - I've not read this, but it is the La Leche League book. It seemed like it would be very helpful at first.
BabyCenter.com - I love the weekly emails about development, first in pregnancy and now that my boy is growing. The book is also helpful and has lots of charts and statistics on development.
TheNest.com - best for the pregnancy checklist and for the What Size is Baby Fruit Chart. I've not looked at it since our baby was born.
Happiest Baby on the Block - I watched a video and wrote down the suggestions on how to sooth a newborn. The Mother of All Baby Books and Baby 411 cover info in this book and source it.
There are many, many other books out there, but these are my tops for baby guidebooks.
I am a reader and a book person. Before baby, I would hit the library once a week and it was rare for me to leave with less than five books. When I found out I was pregnant, I checked out several books on pregnancy and babies. Below are some of the books and websites I've looked at over and over again. I'm ignoring the pregnancy books though, since they are not guidebooks to infants.
The Mother of All Baby Books - very good lists about development but the sickness/disease section is difficult to read through. It needs more book titles or spaces between paragraphs since it all runs together. Good section on breastfeeding and birth recovery.
Baby 411 - very good. Everything is broken down, though I think the breastfeeding section could be longer. Lots of resources. Discussions on discipline and breaks down the various methods used to get babies to sleep. This book is most responsible for scaring me about SIDS.
Baby Bargains - very helpful in making purchase decisions. It explains everything (like the different types of car seats) and is full of safety information and recall info.
Nursing Mother's Companion - very thorough. Has information on everything related to breastfeeding, though I wish it were broken down better - the order does not make much sense to me. For example, the section on breast pumps is in the 2 month plus chapter. Very good information on medications breastfeeding mothers can take and cannot take.
Womanly Art of Breastfeeding - I've not read this, but it is the La Leche League book. It seemed like it would be very helpful at first.
BabyCenter.com - I love the weekly emails about development, first in pregnancy and now that my boy is growing. The book is also helpful and has lots of charts and statistics on development.
TheNest.com - best for the pregnancy checklist and for the What Size is Baby Fruit Chart. I've not looked at it since our baby was born.
Happiest Baby on the Block - I watched a video and wrote down the suggestions on how to sooth a newborn. The Mother of All Baby Books and Baby 411 cover info in this book and source it.
There are many, many other books out there, but these are my tops for baby guidebooks.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Bringing Baby Home: Gear
G is for Gear. Shortly after finding out I was pregnant, I looked at the Babies R Us website and asked "What in the heck is baby gear?" Dictionary.com describes gear as " implements, tools, or apparatus, esp. as used for a particular occupation or activity; paraphernalia."
OK, but possessing a baby is not the same as an activity or occupation, like fishing or fisherperson. Still, there is gear required. Baby gear seems to be car seats, strollers, diaper bags, carriers, play yards, swings, bouncers and shopping car seats. I would also add all feeding implements, first aid implements, nursery decor and furniture, blankets, toys, and bath items. In fact, everything related to babies is considered gear. Only items are split into sections for feeding, bathtime, nursery decor, sleeping, and then gear. Gear, then, seems to be the stuff you carry around with the baby.
I'm rambling and he is crying.
OK, but possessing a baby is not the same as an activity or occupation, like fishing or fisherperson. Still, there is gear required. Baby gear seems to be car seats, strollers, diaper bags, carriers, play yards, swings, bouncers and shopping car seats. I would also add all feeding implements, first aid implements, nursery decor and furniture, blankets, toys, and bath items. In fact, everything related to babies is considered gear. Only items are split into sections for feeding, bathtime, nursery decor, sleeping, and then gear. Gear, then, seems to be the stuff you carry around with the baby.
I'm rambling and he is crying.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Bringing Baby Home: Friends, Family, Food
F is for Friends. F is for Family. F is for Food. F is for Functioning Again. The first three Fs lead to the fourth one.
New babies bring an outpouring of love from others. People bring food, clothes, laundry detergent, and toys. People mail gifts. People show up and cook. My father cleaned out the litterbox. Love expressed as help and gifts from friends and family gave us time to bond with our son, get used to the lack of sleep, and enjoy the new life. They helped get us what we needed and didn't know we needed--extra changing pads, lasagna, sheets--and allowed us to get going again.
I could not have gotten through the emotional and physical changes of bringing my son into this world without the help of my friends and family. And their food, as I keep telling my son, if I don't eat, neither does he. Thank you, everyone.
New babies bring an outpouring of love from others. People bring food, clothes, laundry detergent, and toys. People mail gifts. People show up and cook. My father cleaned out the litterbox. Love expressed as help and gifts from friends and family gave us time to bond with our son, get used to the lack of sleep, and enjoy the new life. They helped get us what we needed and didn't know we needed--extra changing pads, lasagna, sheets--and allowed us to get going again.
I could not have gotten through the emotional and physical changes of bringing my son into this world without the help of my friends and family. And their food, as I keep telling my son, if I don't eat, neither does he. Thank you, everyone.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Bringing Baby Home: Email
E is for Email. What I really mean my email is technology. People really can't have babies today without spreading the word via text message, email, Facebook, and Twitter. I was able to send photos of my son with my cell phone, even with my sad little phone. Photos were posted on Facebook before we left the hospital. And now I can share photos with Snapfish or Picasa and keep on online Kidmondo journal.
Email is just the tip of the iceberg on ways to spread news about the new little one. Sometimes, I have a hard time remembering what life was like before the internet and cellphones.
Email is just the tip of the iceberg on ways to spread news about the new little one. Sometimes, I have a hard time remembering what life was like before the internet and cellphones.
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