Free code for a sling from Seven Slings via Family Planning.
Now I have never used these slings but I am willing to try them and I wanted to share the promo code with all of you.
Go to the Seven Slings website, click on "Shop Now" and select any baby carrier you would like (be sure to go to their sizing page so you can get the right size carrier for you). Once you have selected your size, you will automatically be directed to the "shopping bag" where you can enter the promo code "holidays". This promo code will take off 100% of the baby carrier purchase and all you are required to pay is the shipping fees.
Happy Holidays
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
La Leche for more than just breastfeeding
As I stated in my previous breastfeeding post I originally thought my supply was low. I was worried my little guy wasn't enough. It was frustrating because no one told me about cluster feeding until I experienced it during Ben's growth spurt. Thus in my frustration, I packed up my little guy and went to a la leche league meeting.
The meeting was completely different than I thought it would be. It was small and intimate - there was a total of 4 mothers there and 2 facilitators. And we discussed more than just breastfeeding, we discussed cloth diapers, baby carriers, mommy and me playgroups in the area. We shared cool websites and discussed returning to work, it was a good experience. Too bad the ladies only meet once a month and once I go back to work it will be during my work hours. I would be lying if I say that the reason I want to go back is not because I am having issues with breastfeeding but rather because I enjoyed the commodore and the small group environment.
It was a good experience and I would recommend them to anyone who needs encouragement when they are having a hard time breastfeeding.
The meeting was completely different than I thought it would be. It was small and intimate - there was a total of 4 mothers there and 2 facilitators. And we discussed more than just breastfeeding, we discussed cloth diapers, baby carriers, mommy and me playgroups in the area. We shared cool websites and discussed returning to work, it was a good experience. Too bad the ladies only meet once a month and once I go back to work it will be during my work hours. I would be lying if I say that the reason I want to go back is not because I am having issues with breastfeeding but rather because I enjoyed the commodore and the small group environment.
It was a good experience and I would recommend them to anyone who needs encouragement when they are having a hard time breastfeeding.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Maybe just maybe I am obsessed
When I was researching different things when I was pregnancy one of the things I rolled upon was cloth diapering. After hearing that it would encourage potty training at an earlier age and that it would save tons of waste in the landfill. On the other hand you use a ton of water in washing the cloth diapers every other or every 2 days. After all my researching the pros and cons I decided cloth diapering was for me.
However, once I had Ben and seeing how tiny he was I was apprehensive about putting cloth diapers on him...don't ask me why. After two weeks of disposables and his belly button stub falling off I transitioned to cloth diapers. I started with prefolds and diaper covers. All I had was one AIO, and about 5 diaper covers with 15 prefolds and about 15 cloth diapers (that I ended up doubling). Anyway, fast forward to the last month and I saw just how many options in cloth diapering I had - prefolds, AIO, AI2, hybrid systems. And there were so many brands and so many people who liked one brand over the other. I started out easy and purchased used lots because I wasn't sure I would stick with it. However, it wasn't before long that I became a little obsessed with buying diapers and trying the different brands. (Poor hubby and his ebay account.)
I started getting a little overwhelmed, so imagine my joy and excitement when I joined a local mommy and me meetup group that's having an information session on cloth diapering... I am so excited. Honestly, it will be at least 60 mins of all cloth diapering advice and seeing what other mothers have been doing.
I can't wait until tonight. I will be sure to share my experience with you all of you.
However, once I had Ben and seeing how tiny he was I was apprehensive about putting cloth diapers on him...don't ask me why. After two weeks of disposables and his belly button stub falling off I transitioned to cloth diapers. I started with prefolds and diaper covers. All I had was one AIO, and about 5 diaper covers with 15 prefolds and about 15 cloth diapers (that I ended up doubling). Anyway, fast forward to the last month and I saw just how many options in cloth diapering I had - prefolds, AIO, AI2, hybrid systems. And there were so many brands and so many people who liked one brand over the other. I started out easy and purchased used lots because I wasn't sure I would stick with it. However, it wasn't before long that I became a little obsessed with buying diapers and trying the different brands. (Poor hubby and his ebay account.)
I started getting a little overwhelmed, so imagine my joy and excitement when I joined a local mommy and me meetup group that's having an information session on cloth diapering... I am so excited. Honestly, it will be at least 60 mins of all cloth diapering advice and seeing what other mothers have been doing.
I can't wait until tonight. I will be sure to share my experience with you all of you.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
2 months
My dearest Ben,
Yesterday marked your 2 month birthday. And we went to the doctor to find out your weight is off the growth chart at 14lbs 15oz and in the 97th percentile for your length 23.75in and average in the head circumference with 40cm. All this and you are my little butterball...I love you.
In the past month you have brought added joy to our life. Mommy is not a morning person but every morning when you wake up you smile and giggle as if to say let's get this party started and that wakes your mommy up in the best mood ever. Who knew you would make me a morning person...thank you.
You coo now each and everyday and we have mini conversations. You are starting to learn to control your limbs and will now reach out to grab things. Mommy's shirt if she's taking too long to feed you, the little lion on your floor toy and so many other things. You love to stand and are elated when Daddy and I pull you up on your chubby legs.
In the past month we have turned around your schedule so that you no longer sleep all morning but wake up at 8 or 9 am and stay awake for at least 2-3 hours. You go down for your nap at 2pm without fail and get mad if I try and delay it. And for the last week and a half I have been able to successfully put you to bed by 10pm. Thank you for going to bed by 10 it gives mommy and daddy a chance to relax and bond.
You have weathered one holiday, meeting your great aunts and uncles on your daddy's side of the family. You took your first airplane ride and did an outstanding job. You didn't cry on the flight, you ate, played and slept...everyone was amazed at how calm you were for such a little guy.
You are growing up so fast my little guy, while I love each day seeing you change and grow. A part of me is sadden at just how fast you seem to be growing up. I wish I could video tape each one of your laughs, smiles and funny faces.
Mommy loves you Bengie, thanks for being 100% you.
Te Amo Amor!
Yesterday marked your 2 month birthday. And we went to the doctor to find out your weight is off the growth chart at 14lbs 15oz and in the 97th percentile for your length 23.75in and average in the head circumference with 40cm. All this and you are my little butterball...I love you.
In the past month you have brought added joy to our life. Mommy is not a morning person but every morning when you wake up you smile and giggle as if to say let's get this party started and that wakes your mommy up in the best mood ever. Who knew you would make me a morning person...thank you.
You coo now each and everyday and we have mini conversations. You are starting to learn to control your limbs and will now reach out to grab things. Mommy's shirt if she's taking too long to feed you, the little lion on your floor toy and so many other things. You love to stand and are elated when Daddy and I pull you up on your chubby legs.
In the past month we have turned around your schedule so that you no longer sleep all morning but wake up at 8 or 9 am and stay awake for at least 2-3 hours. You go down for your nap at 2pm without fail and get mad if I try and delay it. And for the last week and a half I have been able to successfully put you to bed by 10pm. Thank you for going to bed by 10 it gives mommy and daddy a chance to relax and bond.
You have weathered one holiday, meeting your great aunts and uncles on your daddy's side of the family. You took your first airplane ride and did an outstanding job. You didn't cry on the flight, you ate, played and slept...everyone was amazed at how calm you were for such a little guy.
You are growing up so fast my little guy, while I love each day seeing you change and grow. A part of me is sadden at just how fast you seem to be growing up. I wish I could video tape each one of your laughs, smiles and funny faces.
Mommy loves you Bengie, thanks for being 100% you.
Te Amo Amor!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Breastfeeding - my journey
Since studies have shown breastfeeding is best for babies, I decided I wanted to breastfed my little guy.
What no one told me:
To begin with at the birthing classes the instructor informed us during the breastfeeding session that breastfeeding should not hurt as long as the baby was latched on correctly.
Well, I found out that was not true..AT ALL!
They neglect to tell you that latched on correctly or not, it takes 2 weeks for your nipples to toughen up. So the first suck when the initial latch on actually happens is frightfully painful. During week one I seriously considered giving up. However, 6 weeks later I am glad I didn't. there was definitely no way I could prep my nipples for the trauma they had to undergo.
Secondly, my full supply doesn't come in until about 6-8 weeks. I thought that what I was producing from the beginning would be all I would produce. Not so, I was concerned my supply was low and my son wasn't getting enough. Turns out my milk supply has increased week after week and that my son who gained 3lbs in his first month of life was getting more than enough.
Best part of breastfeeding:
The calories burned!!!! LOL...also the ability to bond with my son in a way nothing else allows. The first few weeks it felt like it was just me and this appendage but now he stays awake for part of the feeding and we bond or at least I feel like we are bonding ( it could be all in my head).
The whole process definitely started out as a big ordeal because my son has favored one breast and would have trouble latching on to his favorite side but would latch on no problems to his least favorite side...my nipple would cauliflower which was painful and horrible so I spoke to a lactation consultant and we worked it out. In the end so worth it and I plan on breastfeeding exclusively for 6 months and then breastfeeding up until a year if I can pump for that time but at least until he's nine month.
What no one told me:
To begin with at the birthing classes the instructor informed us during the breastfeeding session that breastfeeding should not hurt as long as the baby was latched on correctly.
Well, I found out that was not true..AT ALL!
They neglect to tell you that latched on correctly or not, it takes 2 weeks for your nipples to toughen up. So the first suck when the initial latch on actually happens is frightfully painful. During week one I seriously considered giving up. However, 6 weeks later I am glad I didn't. there was definitely no way I could prep my nipples for the trauma they had to undergo.
Secondly, my full supply doesn't come in until about 6-8 weeks. I thought that what I was producing from the beginning would be all I would produce. Not so, I was concerned my supply was low and my son wasn't getting enough. Turns out my milk supply has increased week after week and that my son who gained 3lbs in his first month of life was getting more than enough.
Best part of breastfeeding:
The calories burned!!!! LOL...also the ability to bond with my son in a way nothing else allows. The first few weeks it felt like it was just me and this appendage but now he stays awake for part of the feeding and we bond or at least I feel like we are bonding ( it could be all in my head).
The whole process definitely started out as a big ordeal because my son has favored one breast and would have trouble latching on to his favorite side but would latch on no problems to his least favorite side...my nipple would cauliflower which was painful and horrible so I spoke to a lactation consultant and we worked it out. In the end so worth it and I plan on breastfeeding exclusively for 6 months and then breastfeeding up until a year if I can pump for that time but at least until he's nine month.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Baby week 8
Best thing in the whole world is to wake up in the morning to a baby that smiles at your voice.
Each morning when I wake up I look at my little guy who is co sleeping in his bassinet and I say morning sunshine and I get the biggest grin ever from my little guy, who then proceeds to suck on his fist letting me know he wants to eat. LOL...
The days are flying by and in about a month I will have to return to work and leave my little guy at home. Although I am not sure how that will work yet. I haven't researched any daycare facilities or in home nannies. The truth is I don't want to go back to work not as I did before anyway. I wouldn't mind working mornings since I need to work to stay a breast in my profession and for my sanity and adult interaction.
I am torn as to what to do and realize that no decision will be easy. My profession allows me to work part-time but I probably wouldn't be able to do that at my current company. I have spent the last two months not thinking about it but now need to consider my options. Still unsure what I will do.
In other news my little man is getting so big and handsome. He smile constantly and only cries during his fussy period at night and when he's hungry. Lately we have had to keep him awake during the morning so he would go down at a decent time at night. Otherwise he would be fussy and stay awake until about midnight, which is a no no once I start doing some kind of work. So far so good he's been going down by 8pm and staying asleep at least 6 hours a night...YIPPY....
Last Sunday was his first time sleeping for 6 hours straight it was awesome...The first 4 weeks were a blur but now the fog is gone and each day is good and I get to experience my little guy and his developing personality.
Each morning when I wake up I look at my little guy who is co sleeping in his bassinet and I say morning sunshine and I get the biggest grin ever from my little guy, who then proceeds to suck on his fist letting me know he wants to eat. LOL...
The days are flying by and in about a month I will have to return to work and leave my little guy at home. Although I am not sure how that will work yet. I haven't researched any daycare facilities or in home nannies. The truth is I don't want to go back to work not as I did before anyway. I wouldn't mind working mornings since I need to work to stay a breast in my profession and for my sanity and adult interaction.
I am torn as to what to do and realize that no decision will be easy. My profession allows me to work part-time but I probably wouldn't be able to do that at my current company. I have spent the last two months not thinking about it but now need to consider my options. Still unsure what I will do.
In other news my little man is getting so big and handsome. He smile constantly and only cries during his fussy period at night and when he's hungry. Lately we have had to keep him awake during the morning so he would go down at a decent time at night. Otherwise he would be fussy and stay awake until about midnight, which is a no no once I start doing some kind of work. So far so good he's been going down by 8pm and staying asleep at least 6 hours a night...YIPPY....
Last Sunday was his first time sleeping for 6 hours straight it was awesome...The first 4 weeks were a blur but now the fog is gone and each day is good and I get to experience my little guy and his developing personality.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Birth Story - Final Installment
At midnight the Tuesday after I was sent home...My contractions were coming every ten minutes.
I spent all night sitting up and sleeping between contractions, and writing down the frequency of the contractions. By Wednesday morning I was contracting between 8-6 minutes apart but it wasn't consistent. I headed to the hospital because it was 45 mins away, but I wasn't consistently contracting every 5 mins, when I called my doctor, the 3rd doc in the practice told me to take a Tylenol for the pain but to call back when the contractions were 5 mins apart for an hour or more. Hubby and my mom didn't want to leave the area of the hospital so I convinced hubby to walk around the hospital grounds for an hour, it was pretty chilly so this lead to him getting a cold later. Then we decided to leave the hospital and we went to Marshalls and the grocery store...After 3 hours we decided to head back to MIL because I was tired of walking around and I wanted to relax and try and take a nap...
When we got back to the house around noon. I sat in an arm chair and napped while breathing through contractions... At around 3 pm the contractions started feeling a bit more painful, so I had hubby bring up the exercise ball. I rocked back and forth on the ball for two hours. At one point I felt sharp pain in my back and my pelvis, it felt like the baby was trying to go into my pelvis bones...it was so painful. At about 5, the contractions were coming 6 mins apart on a consistent basis, but it wasn't 5 mins and I didn't want to go to the hospital because I was afraid they would force me to lay in bed, which is so not what I wanted. Up until this point my water had not broken, although, I was peeing a ton. So I couldn't be completely sure. Since I couldn't figure out if my water broke but the contractions were definitely between 5-6 mins. Thus my hubby and my mom convinced me we needed to head to the hospital... my mom kept saying we had nothing to basis how fast things were going to progress since this was my first baby...but if it took all day for the contractions to be 5-6 mins apart I figured I had time. However, there were 2 of them so I got in the car and to the hospital we went.
I got to the hospital around 6, since the registration desk was closed I went straight to the maternity ward and then my mom went to check me in. While I was being checked in I explained to the nurse that was working on my paper I wanted to have a natural birth and told me as long as the baby looked strong I didn't have to stay in bed...what a relief...I was so terrified of having to labor in bed. Once I was checked in the hospitalist checked me to see how dilated I was... I was dilated 7 a tight 8 cm...WHAT!!!!!!!
Of course I couldn't go home at that point but still my water had not broken. I asked if I could have a pain killer to take the edge off the pain but the nurse said it was I was too dilated but that I could take a hot shower... So I jumped in the shower for an hour...after an hour the contractions were 1-2 min apart...and the most painful thing ever. I rocked on the ball for 30 mins and then danced with my mom for a while. But nothing seemed to work and I was terrified of getting into bed... At midnight, my doctor from my practice came back to check on me...it was a blessing to have the doctor that I liked there and who knew my history and wishes. At midnight I was still only 8 cm and my water hadn't broken...at that point I was exhausted and it was my last chance for an epidural...so I took it...
I just couldn't imagine another 4 hours of the pelvic rocking pain...So I got the epidural, I was all over the nurse who allowed me to hold her while I was getting my epidural...I was so grateful for the nurses...they were all really nice and thoughtful. After the epidural, my contractions slowed considerly but I was able to sleep. Sometime during the night the doctor came in and broke my water, but the contractions still were not strong enough so they gave me potocin to help with the contractions...At 4am they took me off the epidural and told me I had to start pushing but since I couldn't feel the contractions I couldn't be on the epidural. Once the epidural wore off...I had to push for 90 mins because my little guy was still too high...then finally he started crowning and I gave one last strong push and the doctor helped him out...at 6:03am on Thursday morning. During most of the pushing my mom was there holding my leg and helping me push...and she helped me with the one thing I was afraid of...pooping on the table...which I did but my mom who is a nurse cleaned me up and of course the other nurses didn't skip a beat but I was mildly horrified for about a millisecond...oh well... Where was the hubby you wonder, he had gotten a cold and spent most of my active labor sleeping in the sleeper in the room...he got up a few time but would just go back to lie down he kept saying he didn't want to get me and the baby sick.
Once it was time for the baby to come out, hubby was up and they offered me a mirror, which I declined. But hubby saw the whole thing and then much to my surprise he cut the umbilical cord. I was so proud of him...he took tons of pictures.
Of course Benjamin came out screaming, they placed him on my stomach, and he looked at me then they whisked him off to be cleaned and weighed...I must say it never really hit me that I was having a baby until he was on my stomach and looked into my eyes...I was overwhelmed and still crying from the previous pain of pushing and the overwhelming emotions of having this little guy... Once he was cleaned up, I tried to breastfeed him, and it was fine but it's still all a blur. I got to rest for 2 hours and then headed to the another room. We stayed in the hospital until Saturday at which point we were released at 10 pm because we had to wait for Ben to pee after his circumcision.
Since I couldn't get my pediatrician to see Ben within 3 days after his birth, the pediatrician at the hospital told me to bring him back to the nursery after his billirubin test on Monday. On Monday after being released it turned out that Ben's billirubin level had increased and he had lost 14oz. So they decided to readmit him to put him under the lights in the nursery...I thought I was going to die...I mean I just had him and have fallen in love and now I had to leave him in the hospital over night... They let me use the hospital pump so that I they could give him breast milk but otherwise had to use formula to supplement his feedings so that he could poop and pee more often. The next day I was at the hospital by 10am and spent the whole day there with my little man and by 5pm they released him back into my care...I was so happy...
What an ordeal but still it was worth it to make sure that the jaundice was under control and that my Benny was healthy...
I spent all night sitting up and sleeping between contractions, and writing down the frequency of the contractions. By Wednesday morning I was contracting between 8-6 minutes apart but it wasn't consistent. I headed to the hospital because it was 45 mins away, but I wasn't consistently contracting every 5 mins, when I called my doctor, the 3rd doc in the practice told me to take a Tylenol for the pain but to call back when the contractions were 5 mins apart for an hour or more. Hubby and my mom didn't want to leave the area of the hospital so I convinced hubby to walk around the hospital grounds for an hour, it was pretty chilly so this lead to him getting a cold later. Then we decided to leave the hospital and we went to Marshalls and the grocery store...After 3 hours we decided to head back to MIL because I was tired of walking around and I wanted to relax and try and take a nap...
When we got back to the house around noon. I sat in an arm chair and napped while breathing through contractions... At around 3 pm the contractions started feeling a bit more painful, so I had hubby bring up the exercise ball. I rocked back and forth on the ball for two hours. At one point I felt sharp pain in my back and my pelvis, it felt like the baby was trying to go into my pelvis bones...it was so painful. At about 5, the contractions were coming 6 mins apart on a consistent basis, but it wasn't 5 mins and I didn't want to go to the hospital because I was afraid they would force me to lay in bed, which is so not what I wanted. Up until this point my water had not broken, although, I was peeing a ton. So I couldn't be completely sure. Since I couldn't figure out if my water broke but the contractions were definitely between 5-6 mins. Thus my hubby and my mom convinced me we needed to head to the hospital... my mom kept saying we had nothing to basis how fast things were going to progress since this was my first baby...but if it took all day for the contractions to be 5-6 mins apart I figured I had time. However, there were 2 of them so I got in the car and to the hospital we went.
I got to the hospital around 6, since the registration desk was closed I went straight to the maternity ward and then my mom went to check me in. While I was being checked in I explained to the nurse that was working on my paper I wanted to have a natural birth and told me as long as the baby looked strong I didn't have to stay in bed...what a relief...I was so terrified of having to labor in bed. Once I was checked in the hospitalist checked me to see how dilated I was... I was dilated 7 a tight 8 cm...WHAT!!!!!!!
Of course I couldn't go home at that point but still my water had not broken. I asked if I could have a pain killer to take the edge off the pain but the nurse said it was I was too dilated but that I could take a hot shower... So I jumped in the shower for an hour...after an hour the contractions were 1-2 min apart...and the most painful thing ever. I rocked on the ball for 30 mins and then danced with my mom for a while. But nothing seemed to work and I was terrified of getting into bed... At midnight, my doctor from my practice came back to check on me...it was a blessing to have the doctor that I liked there and who knew my history and wishes. At midnight I was still only 8 cm and my water hadn't broken...at that point I was exhausted and it was my last chance for an epidural...so I took it...
I just couldn't imagine another 4 hours of the pelvic rocking pain...So I got the epidural, I was all over the nurse who allowed me to hold her while I was getting my epidural...I was so grateful for the nurses...they were all really nice and thoughtful. After the epidural, my contractions slowed considerly but I was able to sleep. Sometime during the night the doctor came in and broke my water, but the contractions still were not strong enough so they gave me potocin to help with the contractions...At 4am they took me off the epidural and told me I had to start pushing but since I couldn't feel the contractions I couldn't be on the epidural. Once the epidural wore off...I had to push for 90 mins because my little guy was still too high...then finally he started crowning and I gave one last strong push and the doctor helped him out...at 6:03am on Thursday morning. During most of the pushing my mom was there holding my leg and helping me push...and she helped me with the one thing I was afraid of...pooping on the table...which I did but my mom who is a nurse cleaned me up and of course the other nurses didn't skip a beat but I was mildly horrified for about a millisecond...oh well... Where was the hubby you wonder, he had gotten a cold and spent most of my active labor sleeping in the sleeper in the room...he got up a few time but would just go back to lie down he kept saying he didn't want to get me and the baby sick.
Once it was time for the baby to come out, hubby was up and they offered me a mirror, which I declined. But hubby saw the whole thing and then much to my surprise he cut the umbilical cord. I was so proud of him...he took tons of pictures.
Of course Benjamin came out screaming, they placed him on my stomach, and he looked at me then they whisked him off to be cleaned and weighed...I must say it never really hit me that I was having a baby until he was on my stomach and looked into my eyes...I was overwhelmed and still crying from the previous pain of pushing and the overwhelming emotions of having this little guy... Once he was cleaned up, I tried to breastfeed him, and it was fine but it's still all a blur. I got to rest for 2 hours and then headed to the another room. We stayed in the hospital until Saturday at which point we were released at 10 pm because we had to wait for Ben to pee after his circumcision.
Since I couldn't get my pediatrician to see Ben within 3 days after his birth, the pediatrician at the hospital told me to bring him back to the nursery after his billirubin test on Monday. On Monday after being released it turned out that Ben's billirubin level had increased and he had lost 14oz. So they decided to readmit him to put him under the lights in the nursery...I thought I was going to die...I mean I just had him and have fallen in love and now I had to leave him in the hospital over night... They let me use the hospital pump so that I they could give him breast milk but otherwise had to use formula to supplement his feedings so that he could poop and pee more often. The next day I was at the hospital by 10am and spent the whole day there with my little man and by 5pm they released him back into my care...I was so happy...
What an ordeal but still it was worth it to make sure that the jaundice was under control and that my Benny was healthy...
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