There are countless lists offering the ultimate guide to packing your hospital birth bag. We’ve even got one to share with you! There are many similarities across these lists, but we’re including five less common items that will make your labor and initial postpartum at the hospital more comfortable and ultimately more complete.
It is hard to imagine that what we consider “normal” in the USA can be so vastly different across the globe. While pregnancy and birth is the same biologically, how our cultures handle the experience varies quite a lot.
Why does going to the grocery store alone feel like a vacation? It’s seriously a cathartic experience to just walk the aisles without tending to another being – who you deeply love. (Or is that just me?) When I learned that I was accompanying my husband on a five day international incentive trip, I was more overwhelmed than excited. It’s a luxury to go a few miles to the grocery store solo – a five day international trip without my kids? How was I going to prepare to leave my girls?
Nerd Alert! I’m a huge Harry Potter fan. (Like own a wand and used to dress up for every movie and book premiere level of nerd.) And in honor of Harry Potter and J.K. Rowling’s birthday today – July 31st – we’re reviewing some of the best parenting lessons learned from the series, according to me and my HP-lovin’ mom friends.
Whether by breast or bottle, nipple flow rate can make a big difference in an infant’s feeding success. Some babies may need to pull away from the nipple to take a breath break if the nipple flow is too fast; otherwise you may observe coughing, choking, gulping, or significant liquid loss down the baby’s chin.
The term self-care has become a buzzword in our culture. Maybe you think you know what it means or maybe you’re not quite sure what it’s really referring to. Should you be taking bubble baths nightly surrounded by candles?
Who’s got mom-guilt? I’m not going to waste your time (since we both know how precious that commodity is) trying to convince you that you should not feel mommy guilt. It’s just inevitable. You are a terrific mother. Look at all you are juggling! And you are killin’ it at work, girl!
In the spirit of Oktoberfest, we’re exploring how beer helps breastfeeding mommas. So get in on the festive-beer-drinking-fun!
Did you know April is “Child Abuse Prevention Month”? That’s not to say it’s the only month to prevent it, but as with any specially designated day, week or month, it’s to bring awareness to the reality of a particular issue society is still struggling to overcome. In April, we acknowledge that child abuse is still prevalent and re-open the dialogue for ways to prevent it from happening.
While doulas have been supporting women before, during and after childbirth for centuries, to this day they continue to prove time and time again how their involvement in birth lowers the need for unnecessary medical intervention. Additionally, a mother’s success with breastfeeding her newborn is exponentially higher when she enlists the support of a doula.
“Is that normal?” I remember asking. “Not usually…” the timid new nurse replied. When the more senior nurse returned, she explained to me what it meant. My baby had a meconium (he pooped in the womb and it mixed with the amniotic fluid) and the fear was that he might inhale it (meconium aspiration).
You might be wondering why we’re challenging the “No” list, or thinking “isn’t it just there to help keep you and your baby safe?” Great question and here’s our position: we believe in the autonomy of women. You know you best, even when you doubt yourself. Yes, it’s great to have guidelines, but who wants to live their life according to a list of “no’s”? You’re creating life itself, and while that’s a mighty responsibility, you’re also quite capable of making good decisions while you’re pregnant.
Sanity can be slippery when you’re a parent, especially when you’re sifting through racks (or pages) of possible baby products, trying to anticipate your (and your baby’s) needs. When another parent (particularly one you know and trust) says “this thing is a lifesaver!” – take note.
The quality of storytime starts and ends with me. Talking about what is in the pictures, pointing out colors and shapes, expressing emotions and encouraging participation are all ways to make storytime more engaging and impactful. But not all books are created equal. Below are my top six (and B-approved) books to have in baby’s library for a higher-quality storytime experience.
According to this article from History Channel’s website, President’s Day became a national holiday in an effort to give workers more three-day weekends. Well that was a positive change made in the early 1970’s, because everyone loves a three-day weekend! When your child has no school, it’s nice to have the day off with them.
As we become increasingly more aware of the effects of postpartum depression, we’re learning how important it is to develop a support system. Talking to others and having someone relate to all of the tough situations we’re juggling in this sleepless season can be life-changing.
Preparing to birth your baby in a hospital can be both reassuring and unsettling at the same time. I found myself more unsettled than reassured and resolved to overcome my angst. I was amazed at how little I knew about my body’s capabilities to birth. I was equally amazed to learn about the tendencies of medical staff.
Happy National Bath Safety Month! I remember the first few times my husband and I tried to bathe Baby B. It reminded me of my farmtown days when we tried to catch greased pigs at the county fair (yes, really) and they’d slip and squirm right out of your fingers. Except now, slipping was NOT an option.
