We're Parents

I Gave Them Life

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I gave them life is a conversation around the thought that strangers feel they can try to silence children from simply being themselves.

i gave them life

I gave them life.

Funny.
Outgoing.
Animated.
Vibrant.
Roaring.
Silly.

All adjectives that would definitely describe my girls. Especially when they are happy and having fun together. They love attention and they know exactly how to get it. I’ve learned to let them live and be themselves because

  1. I don’t want to squash their spirit and
  2. *most* people immediately smile when they see them singing or joking around

Emphasis on most. There always has to be that one person to try to squash people back down.

Especially children. The incessant need to silence children is absurd.

let kids be kids

Recently, the girls and I were at the grocery store (Aldi of course) and as we are walking through the store the girls are singing Jingle Bells (so what it’s mid-January), making jokes, and saying hello to everyone that will look in their direction.  As most kids, they have the need to narrate their shopping trip, ask for everything they can, and hit each other once or twice as soon as I turn my back…because….siblings.

They stop and ask people their names. Delight when people ask them theirs or how old they are right now. And love when someone will listen long enough for a knock-knock joke or other random part of their day (usually it’s that I’m not letting them get a treat).

things strangers should stop doing

So, we get through the store. All my groceries have been scanned and I’m bagging my own groceries. (If you’ve been to an Aldi before you know that there’s a long table opposite the registers where you bag your own stuff). The girls are still playfully joking around and being silly. Not obnoxious, just kids. A lady comes up beside us and is bagging her own things. The lady and I catch eyes and I smile. The girls are tickling each other at this point. The lady says “what did you give them”?

The look of disdain on her face says it all. She didn’t want my kids to be having fun and free. She didn’t want them to be children in that moment. What she wanted was for them to be robotic and sit still and not say a word. She wanted them to fit into this cookie cutter mold that behaved children are quiet.

Without hesitation I answered, “life”.

A few months ago, I wouldn’t have answered this way. I’ve been asked this question before in different ways. “How much candy did they have today?” “What did you feed them for breakfast?” “Think it’s time to cut back the sugar?” All comments from strangers met with an awkward glare from me because we don’t even have sweets that often. This is just them.

Free.
Bold.
Unreserved.
Demonstrative.
Sociable.

I simply gave them life. Life where they get to be independent and make their own choices often (within reason, I’m not crazy). Where they get to learn to be themselves and never let others dim their lights. A life where they get to decide what makes them happy and how they are going to shine a light into others with their big personalities. A life where no one tells them to be less of who they are.

So the next time that someone asks you a similar question about your happy, outgoing child, I encourage you to answer the same way.

I Gave Them Life.

happy kids

12 Procedures to Decline During Pregnancy

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This post about 12 Procedures to Decline During Pregnancy will walk you through routine procedures you can decline. 

Procedures to Decline During Pregnancy

Congratulations! If you are reading this, you are likely pregnant. It’s supposed to be this extremely joyous moment in your life, yet you may often be surprised how many procedures are done during a short period of time in your life. For most women, pregnancy is not a serious medical condition. For those women, it’s important that they know they have a right to decline many unnecessary procedures.

Let’s Discuss WHY you would want to decline procedures during pregnancy

If you have a normal pregnancy – that means no at-risk signs, no prior complications in other pregnancies, no significant risk factors – then there are many things that you are subjected too simply because maternal care is treated as a one-size fits all method.  Especially in the United States, if you choose obstetric care, you are being molded into cookie cutter pregnancy care, with many procedures being absolutely unnecessary. Do you really feel like being poked and prodded for 40+ consecutive weeks? I know I didn’t. For most pregnancies, there are no risk factors, meaning you can decline procedures.

are procedures during pregnancy necessary

What Procedures to Decline During Pregnancy 

1- Nuchal Translucency Screening (Genetic Testing)

This is an ultrasound performed during weeks 11 and 13. It tells you the likelihood your baby may have certain medical conditions, such as Down’s syndrome.   Why Decline? This test is typically only 70-75% accurate. Additionally, ultrasounds heat tissue and it’s advised to be avoided during the first 13 weeks of pregnancy.  Also, if you feel like having a baby with a condition such as Down’s syndrome would not affect your decision to continue your pregnancy, then it’s even more unnecessary.

2- Glucose Testing

Let me start by prefacing that you aren’t all out declining to take a glucose test. Looking at your glucose levels during pregnancy is actually very important.  What you would be declining is the bottled drink they offer to all pregnancies.  Why Decline? There are many other healthier alternatives to the bottled drink. The bottled glucola drink has a high amount of chemicals and an unrealistic amount of sugar that the normal human body would consume. Because of that, many women have false positives during the one hour test, and have to repeat, adding more chemical and more sugar. Learn about your glucose alternatives here. 

3- Third Trimester Ultrasounds

A late-term ultrasound refers to any ultrasounds after week 24. The excitement of wanting to see your baby before birth is why most women will accept this type of ultrasound. Why Decline? Studies show that late term ultrasounds have been linked to an increase in caesarean section. Additionally, when used to determine size or dating of baby. Late term ultrasounds are highly likely to be off in dating up to 2 weeks and as much as 2 pounds. Studies have shown that late term ultrasounds are off as much as 20-30%.

4- Internal Exams

This is one of the most common procedures done during the third trimester, especially in the last 4 weeks; however, it’s also one of the most unnecessary. It’s also done throughout labor if you labor in a hospital, but you can decline all of these. Why Decline? For one, they can be extremely painful. They also increase the risk for infection. But more importantly, the information obtained during an external exam can change so rapidly, it makes the results obtained void. Also, if done during the last 6 weeks, it is linked to a higher increase in caesarean section. Simply put – Doctors are typically trying to see how effaced and dilated you are; however, you can go from 1cm to 10cm in 60 minutes or it may take 4 weeks, so there’s no need to have any of these done.

5- Early Induction

Also known as an elective birth.  This is where you decide to speed up the birth of the child, typically before or around 38 weeks.  Why Decline? For starters, babies truly need to be born on their own schedule.  Some babies come “early”; however, most births happen at 40 weeks or later, especially during a first pregnancy. When babies are forced to come earlier, they can suffer from a variety of medical conditions, such as breathing problems and jaundice, as well as being more likely to end up in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit).

6- Unnecessary Induction

You’ve made it to 40 weeks! YAY! That doesn’t mean that you automatically need to schedule an induction. In fact, you should wait. One case where you shouldn’t wait is pre-eclampsia. However, many women are induced for convenience, to either the parents or doctor. This type of induction is unnecessary and even dangerous. Why Decline? In fact, up to 60% of mothers who induce unnecessarily end up having an emergency caesarean. Inductions speed up a more painful labor, leading to an epidural which slows down pregnancy and the downward spiral continues. One study found babies born from an induction were almost 65% more likely to end up in neonatal intensive care unit.

things I have to do during pregnancy

7- Epidurals

An epidural during labor is a needle that places anesthesia into a women’s spinal canal. It allows a mother to be awake but feel little to no pain below the point it’s placed. Why Decline? For starters, epidurals slow down labor. The longer you are in labor in a hospital, the higher your risk of caesarean. Also, depending on the length of your labor, an epidural placed early on in your labor may deliver too much medication and hinder your ability to push. An alternative is learning breathing techniques and considering a water birth.

8- Continuous Fetal Monitoring

Ever been sick and forced to lay in bed all day? IT SUCKS! Now, imagine having painful contractions and not being able to move around. During continuous fetal monitoring and electronic band is hooked around your stomach and records your baby’s heartbeat. Why Decline? Being restricted in your movement has an increased risk of caesarean.  Additionally, it’s best for a mother to be able to move around, listen to her own body, and get into a labor position that is ideal for her body and baby.  Ask if your hospital has wireless monitoring or can do intermittent monitoring (monitoring for 10 minutes on, 50 minutes off).

9- Routine IV Hook-up

For many women, continuous monitoring and IV-hook up go hand in hand.  But the truth is that it doesn’t have too. Why Decline? Once you are hooked up to a monitor, you are tethered to a pole, reducing the ability to really move in the desired position your body wants too. Instead, ask for the option of a saline lock (or Hep-Lock). It’s a IV catheter put into your vain. Then it is flushed with saline and capped off. This allows you to move freely while also allowing medical teams to quickly hook up an IV if it’s truly necessary.

10- Breaking Your Water

Sometimes an obstetrician will tel you this is routine or can shorten labor time.  Why Decline? Studies, however, have shown that this can strengthen contractions leading to breathing complications and reduced heart rate for babies. Once a baby’s heart rate drops, your risk for caesarean section greatly increases. For many mothers, their water will break naturally during labor and in some cases, babies will be born in caul. Neither of these warrant medical intervention.

11- Episiotomy 

An episiotomy is when a cut is made to the opening of the vagina to enlarge the space for the baby’s head to come out. In very, very rare cases this may be needed. Specifically, to use forceps in order to quickly get a baby out and avoid a caesarean. Why Decline? However, if your doctor wants to just do an episiotomy because they see you may tear, it’s unnecessary. They actually take longer to heal than a natural tear, the risk for infection is increases, and complications from sewing the cut afterwards are likely. This is something you should ask your care provider about before labor.

12-Automatic Repeat Caesarean

A Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC) is highly, highly possible for most women. More than 75% of women who go for a VBAC are successful. Some doctors will try to say a VBAC is not an option, but there are always options for different care providers. Why Decline? Caesareans are major surgery and the more often a caesarean is preformed, the great the risks are to the mother. Recovery time is also reduced for vaginal deliveries.  Check out ICANN for more information on VBACs.

risks during pregnancy

Final Thoughts on Procedures to Decline During Pregnancy

The overall idea is to decline unnecessary procedures that force you into a cookie cutter mold of pregnancy. With the rising rates of American maternal and infant mortality, it’s important to look at why this is happening. One reason is that with normal pregnancies that don’t need these procedures, the risk of caesarean rises. If we can continue to speak for our rights as women, we will hopefully start to see those numbers decline.

These resources may help you delve deeper into this topic:


25 Ways to Practice Self-Care After Kids Go To Bed

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25 Ways to Practice Self-Care After Kids Go To Bed are simple, lost cost solutions to get more self-care back into your life. 

ways to practice self-care Affiliate links contained in this post help us to earn a commission to keep this site running. Thank you for your support.

I remember when I first got pregnant, I swore nothing would be different.  It’s just a little baby, how much could life really change.  Fast forward, five years, and life has determined that to be a lie. Parenting has been the most challenging, yet most rewarding experience I’ve ever had in my life.  I wouldn’t change it for the world. However, within the last year or so, I’ve pushing for me more.

I struggled with undiagnosed postpartum depression and anxiety with my first and diagnosed, but worse the second time around. One thing that didn’t click with me for the longest time was that I was doing nothing for self-care. Before having kids, there was so many little things that I would do that there no longer seemed to be time for. Thankfully, with the help of some amazing people who came into my life over the last two years, I’m prioritizing self-care.

My friend Alice said it best when she said that prioritizing herself is important “so that I can be my best self for others too.” That includes our family, friends, co-workers and anyone that we come in contact with throughout the day.

Today, I wanted to share with you 25 Ways to Practice Self-Care After Kids Go To Bed

ways to practice self-care after kids go to bed

We asked some of our favorite mom friends for their self-care ideas that help them the most. All of these ideas are low-cost or free things that you can do in your own home after the kids go to bed. I’m fully aware that for many, leaving the house isn’t an option. But there’s still plenty of ways to practice self-care.

  1. Make Homemade Hot Chocolate, make sure to add extra marshmallows (and maybe some Baileys)
  2. Take A Bubble Bath (add in some DIY Bath Bombs for even more relaxation)
  3. Doodle
  4. Try a DIY Exfoliating Salt Scrub
  5. Put Earbuds in and listen to your favorite podcast or music while blocking out all other noise
  6. Do your nails with a simple polish or get a gel look
  7. Take class on YouTube – like yoga, learn how to cook something new, crocheting tutorial, etc)
  8. Binge your favorite show or classic favorite teenage movie
  9. Rearrange a Space to give it a new look and new feel
  10. Color Under a Fort (it still makes you just as happy as it did when you were 10)
  11. Declutter a Space
  12. Meditate
  13. Re-learn how to breathe using a breathing app
  14. Journal your thoughts
  15. Read a book you’ve been wanting to for the longest time
  16. “Window-shop” on Amazon and make a wishlist of cool things you find
  17. Bake Something that makes you happy to eat
  18. Make something that brings our your artistic side (painting, needlework, sewing)
  19. Enhance the smell of your house by using essential oils in a diffuser or burning incense
  20. Play music that takes you back to a fun and happy time
  21. Do a 10-20 minute workout from a YouTube video (Zumba is a fun one)
  22. Deep condition your hair or do a mud mask facial
  23. Listen to a motivational speaker
  24. Garden
  25. Just sit for a few minutes in silence (this is paired well with #13)

Just find a way to get a few minutes in every day.

I get it.  Taking time for yourself isn’t easy.  But you owe it to yourself to attempt to take a few minutes each day and do something for yourself.  These are all ways that you can practice self-care without ever leaving your house and that cost little to nothing.

how to practice self-care

 Special thanks the following friends for help with this 25 Ways to Practice Self-Care After Kids Go To Bed post: 

A Whole Story, Ok Dani, BernettaStyle, Bianca Dottin, Hustle or Hyde, And Starring As Herself….MrsRKFJ, Anointed Heels, Mia Cupcake, The Shirley Journey, Give An Eff, and Courtney’s Sweets

Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

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Disclosure: These Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies are part of a sponsored post on behalf of GOJO, the makers of PURELL ® Multi Surface Disinfectant. Thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

Growing up, I used to always laugh at my mom. No matter how many times we asked her what she wanted for any holiday, her answer was always, “to just be happy and with her family.” “That’s not a gift,” I would always snap back. To her it was the only thing that she truly wanted. It took me a long time to realize why, but now that I’m a mom, I realize that being with the ones you love and being happy together with them is really the only thing that any of us need. I also always remember the joy she had when she
was gifted something that was homemade.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I love a gift being purchased off my actual ongoing wishlist; however, there’s something just warm and fuzzy that happens when you know someone took the time out to hand make you a gift. Knowing that someone labored over something brings so much joy to me.


For me, with close friends, I love making goodies for them.

Sometimes I take goodies to parties or luncheons. My favorite of all is taking a new mom delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies along with a delicious meal. While these cookies are good for everyone, they are especially great for their combination of oatmeal, flax seed, and peanut butter for a new mom who happens to be breastfeeding. But I also love wrapping up these Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies and making it part of a holiday present.

One thing I always make sure to do is to clean my kitchen down before I start making food for other people. I try to honestly keep my kitchen the cleanest place in our house because we are always having friends over and I want them to feel confident that the food they are getting from our house is safe and made in a clean environment.

Keeping it all WORRY-FREE!

I’m currently loving the NEW! PURELL® Multi Surface Disinfectant. Not only does it kill 99.99% of viruses and bacteria in 30 seconds, but it is also formulated for food surfaces and is worry-free around pets and kids. Essentially, PURELL® Multi Surface Disinfectant uses alcohol to work like bleach would, but there’s no harsh chemicals or fumes that will irritate you. And you don’t have to worrying about rinsing afterwards. Easy peasy.

Once I make sure the kitchen is disinfected and clean and I’d be willing myself to eat off the counters, it’s time for cookie making. These Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies are such a fun little homemade treat to gift to anyone. They are so simple to make with minimal ingredients.

Tip: The secret ingredient is always love.

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Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
Author: Larisha Campbell
Ingredients
  • 2/3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp flax seed
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • Pinch salt
  • Pinch nutmeg
  • 1 cup  peanut butter 
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup pb chips
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. In a large bowl, add the oats, brown sugar flax seed, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt.
  3. Stir to combine.
  4. In the same bowl, stir in peanut butter, vanilla, and egg.
  5. Stir together until very well combined.
  6. Fold in the chocolate and peanut butter chips.
  7. Scoop out 1 tbsp balls onto a non-stick or parchment lined baking sheet.
  8. Cook for 7-8 minutes or until beginning to turn golden brown. Don't overcook.
  9. Remove from oven and let cool.
  10. Once cooled serve immediately or store in an air-tight container.

The BRAND NEW PURELL® Multi-Surface disinfectant is currently available online at Amazon.com, Jet.com and Walmart.com. In addition, it is available at select grocers including: Publix, H-E-B, Shoprite and Harris Teeter in January 2018. Go grab some today!

 

Mommy Sleepovers Let Moms Chill Out

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Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Auntie Anne’s new Lemonade Iced Tea.  Thoughts & opinions are 100% our own.   

A few months ago, I introduced you to The Mommy Sleepover and discussed why you needed it in your own life.

Truth Moment: I don’t think many of you were listening to me. 

You may have read it and said it seemed like a great passing idea, but have you done it yet?  Well, have you?  It’s okay if you haven’t, really, I promise you it is. But, let’s fix it. Because you…YES…YOU…the one reading the screen right this second, deserve to chill out.

Listen….hold on, get really close to the screen right now….YOU NEED a mommy sleepover. Why?

Mommy Sleepovers Let Moms Chill Out! 

It’s summertime. Your kids are driving you nuts.  You’re ready for school to be back in session (unless, you homeschool like us and then you REALLY need a break). BUT….finding time for yourself it hard.  There either literally isn’t any time left or you feel guilty about doing something away from your kids. Guess what!? You can have the best of both worlds with a mommy sleepover.

My friends and I have been doing mommy sleepovers for almost a year now, every few months, and it’s been one of the best things for our sanity and our friendship. Motherhood is hard, insanely hard as we all know, but one night we are allowed to chill out and relax.  The kids all play with each other and we sit around, laugh, and joke all night.

One thing we’ve learned is that we have more fun when we aren’t cooking the majority of food to bring over. Our very first sleepover, we all made a dish or two and while it was good, we knew we wanted to make our lives easier.  Since then, we’ve figured out other ways to make our lives easier when it comes to eating at our sleepovers. Recently, I learned that Auntie Anne’s now has catering.

SAY WHATTT!?

Listen. I grew up where the only time we had Auntie Anne’s was when we went to the mall.  It was always an amazing treat and I begged for a pretzel and lemonade. I loved when Andrew and I first got together and I learned he also had a love of grabbing a pretzel every time we went to the mall. Since having kids, mall trips, for our family, don’t happen often, but Auntie Anne’s catering changes the game!

I easily put an order in for what I wanted to grab for the party – a sampler platter of mini pretzel nuggets, a dozen other pretzels, a gallon of strawberry lemonade, their famous original lemonade, and tea.

Hold the front door. 

Did I just say I got tea from Auntie Anne’s?  Yup, I did. Auntie Anne’s just launched a brand new product. Iced Tea.  And when mixed with their famous original lemonade, for Lemonade Iced Tea…it’s AHMAZING! Available in unsweet or sweetened iced tea, it’s the perfect way for everyone to chill out whether you need a catering order or you’re just grabbing a treat for yourself.

Our sleepover went off without a hitch once again and being able to cater some of the food made it even easier to chill out.

So…are you ready to chill out now?  Grab your fav girlfriends, set a date, place your Auntie Anne’s catering order and have a blast!  Share with us using #TheMommySleepover once you do!

For more information, visit AuntieAnnes.com. To receive the latest offers – including a free pretzel for your birthday – download the My Pretzel Perks app.

I Didn’t Realize How Much I Still Want Another Baby

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We’re never having another baby.

I’ll never celebrate a 1st birthday again.

My baby will never be a big sister.

Motherhood has this weird effect on you. It’s literally a roller coaster of highs and lows. And the scary part is, you never really realize how the hormonal changes are going to hit you, or even when, until you’re knee deep in uncontrollable sobbing.

Today, we celebrated our baby’s 2nd birthday. Even though she’s 2 now, she will forever and always be my baby. We happily gave her whatever she wanted to do the whole day. She got to pick her meal options the whole day (oatmeal, cream cheese toast, and Chick-fil-a for those enquiring minds). We let her go to Target and pick out candy (she choose gummy bears) after she said that’s what she wanted to do. She got to make all the choices. It was such a simple and carefree day.

But that doesn’t mean there wasn’t low moments either.

Seeing her newborn picture pop up in my newsfeed instantly brought me back to those first moments of having her in our life. Seeing the first picture of her and her older sister bonding immediately hit me that she will never get to play the big sister role. I know that our nursing relationship may be coming to an end sooner than later. She’s running out of “firsts” to celebrate.

I didn’t realize how much I still want another baby.

I want to feel life growing inside of me again. Little hiccups and legs stretching.

I want to see Andrew’s giddy face as he feels the baby move for the first time.

Part of me wishes we could argue again about what we are going to name our baby.

I want to feel the rush of naturally giving birth and holding a squishy human for the very first time.

I want to feel the instant bond of euphoria as I nourish my baby into their first milk drink coma.

Desperately, I yearn to watch as my girls bond with a new baby. Loving and kissing and snuggling with their sibling.

I want to watch as this person that I helped to create grow into their own unique personality.

And as much as I love my girls with all of my heart, part of me will always want to have given Andrew a son.

I didn’t realize how much I still want another baby, but I’m trying to accept this is our reality.

One Less Worry – Introducing BINTO

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Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Binto. Thoughts and opinions 100% my own.

Shortly after finding out I was pregnant with our first child, Andrew and I decided that I would be a stay-at-home mom.  It was my dream to be able to stay at home with my kids when we had them. Fast forward, 5 years and this roller coaster of parenthood has been nothing like I imagined it would be. As much as I knew I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom, I also wanted to run my own business. However, what I didn’t realize at the time is how insanely busy both of those things are every single day. Running a business is all consuming, yet so are children. You want to give both of your “babies” your full undivided attention all the time.

There’s simply not enough hours. 

There’s really not enough hours in the day for me to give my attention to everything. Naturally, I’ve worked hard to divide and conquer.  Working hard to figure out how I can maximize my time most effectively. Sometimes it’s easier to figure out and sometimes not. Being able to order as much online as possible is one of the things that immensely helps save me time.  However, it’s not always easy.  Working hard to live a healthier lifestyle means that I have to get creative with our budget sometimes. Luckily, there’s companies that understand that and work to ensure I can have the best of everything.

Enter BINTO. 

BINTO is a subscription-based box service, created by women’s health professionals, that delivers a box of curated products related to fertility and reproductive health to your home each month. Don’t let the name fool you, you don’t have to be pregnant. Whether you are still waiting for your first child, or you’ve already had children, the BINTO can be tailored to your needs. Their goal – to make your life simple and less stressful. Furthermore, they want to provide woman with safe and effective products that are designed to support fertility and reproductive health.

Currently, inside each period support box, contains:

  • Organic cotton tampons
  • Probiotics
  • Prenatal and regular multivitamins with built-in DHA
  • and feminine wipes

The purpose of this is to send you personalized monthly products that cost less than if you purchased them individually.  Additionally, by setting up a subscription service, you no longer have to worry about forgetting to order more or running out.

The BINTO team is also currently working on a box for menopausal support and curating additional products to be included in each box. At this time, BINTO currently costs $35/month for a period support box and $60/month for a fertility support box. All products inside are made free from harmful chemicals like parabens, phthalates, and preservatives and are made sustainably.  Additionally, you have constant access to the FREE  online knowledge center which includes a streamlined library of reliable online information on topics ranging from ovulation tracking to endometriosis.

You can learn more about and purchase your own BINTO here.

 

What do you REALLY need for breastfeeding?

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If you’re pregnant and plan to breastfeed, you’ve likely asked yourself this question.

What do you REALLY need for breastfeeding?

It’s really quite simple.

  1. A baby
  2. A boob

That’s actually it. You don’t even need two boobs (though it helps). Just one will do.

However, I know you really want to know what will help your transition go more smoothly. I’m not going to lie, the first 4-6 weeks is tough as you adjust and anything that you can do to make your life easier, I highly recommend. I’m not going to sit here and say that those first few weeks are sunshine and rainbows, and that breastfeeding isn’t going to hurt.  Who actually ever said that never breastfed before. While I’m being honest in that it isn’t an easy transition, I will say that it’s 100% worth the tough days.  I nursed our firstborn until just over 4 years old and I’m currently nursing our 23 month old.  Those strenuous days are well behind me and most of the time, I can barely recall those moments.

4 Things I Highly Recommend to Everyone 

  1. Nipple Cream.
    • I personally tried half a dozen or more brands over the two children. My #1 preference is Motherlove, however, for money saving I typically just buy the 3 pack of Earth Mama Angel Baby Brand.
    • Looking for a cheaper option?  You can use coconut oil or even just expressed milk on your nipples after every feeding.
  2. Reusable Nursing Pads
    • Don’t waste your time on buying disposable ones.  Not only are reusable better for the environment, they are so much softer and stay in place better.
  3. Boppy/Nursing Pillow
    • Tip: Buy this early on in your third trimester and use to support your growing belly throughout the last trimester. The shape really helps support your belly and baby once here.
    • Need a cheaper option? Just use the pillows you have in your home.
  4. Breastmilk Storage Bags
      • You will likely need to hand express in those first few weeks just enough to relieve the engorgement. Having breastmilk storage milks handy, will allow you to save the milk in those early days.


4 Things I Think Able Helpful but not Necessary

  1. Breast Shells
    • I had never even heard of breast shells before I was about to leave the hospital after having our first. Our nurse gave them to us and they saved me. They stop your nipples from rubbing on your clothes. During those first few days of adjusting, especially with your first, it allows you to be comfortable.
    • Need a cheaper option?  Just stay topless as often as possible.
  2. Milk Savers
    • This is the one product I regret not getting for either pregnancy.  I didn’t know about it with my first, but did with my second. Milk Savers collects milk from one side while you nurse of the other side.  Typically, this milk would just be lost in your nursing pad, but with Milk Savers it’s saved inside. Then, you can transfer to a storage bag and save. I have friend’s who use them and swear by them.
  3. The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding Book
    • The holy grail of breastfeeding books.  If you really want to read everything about breastfeeding this is the book for you.
    • Need a cheaper option? Almost all libraries carry this book.
    • Also check out KellyMom.com for a ton of breastfeeding information if you can’t afford the book
  4. Baby Carrier
      • I think every parent needs a baby carrier. It’s so much better for getting around, but it also makes breastfeeding a breeze.  I personally never used breastfeeding covers because our first daughter freaked out. However, using a carrier, allows me to nurse discretely and still keep going.


3 Things I Think Able Necessary Depending on Life

These last two things are either absolutely necessary or not depending on your life. If you are a mom who works in the home, then you don’t necessarily need a a breastpump or bottles. I personally never left for me than a few hours for the first 6 months of our girls life, and in those cases had a better outcome hand expressing; however, I know that’s not a realistic expectation for many.

  1. Manual Pump
    • I highly recommend if you are a working mom outside the home, you keep a manual pump inside your car.  You never know when you will forget a piece to an electric pump, but having a manual back up will always come in handy.
    • Standard Manual Pump like Medela is highly recommend.
    • New silicone pumps are taking over for easy use and storage purposes.
  2. Electric Pump
    • There’s so many options to have. We personally used a Lansinoh Double Electric.
    • Many moms love Freemies because you can discretely use them and keep working
  3. Bottles
      • Some kids are picky so you may have to try a few options.  We love the Kiinde system for storage and bottle usage.


Working Mom?

Check out our 25 Tips for Working Moms Who Want to Make Breastfeeding Work.

I personally never used nursing bras, tanks, or other clothes.  Instead, I opted for soft bras, regular tank tops, and regular shirts like v-necks that allowed for easy access. You can definitely grab all those if you like them more, but I chose to save money and not use them.

Here’s everything we mentioned in this post:


I Hope They Know

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It’s 9:00pm. I just got our baby down for the second time tonight.  I’m laying in the bed with one of our girls on either side of me. Listening to each breath they take, holding their soft hands, taking in the sweet scent of their growing bodies. In this moment, there’s no other place I’d rather be. Everything, in this very moment, is perfect.

But the day was not. 

Don’t get me wrong, there were absolutely beautiful moments to our day, but as I lie here reflecting, all I feel is an overwhelming sense of guilt about how I could have been such a better mom today.

I was grumpy when I woke up this morning.

I stayed up late the night before and in turn didn’t get as much sleep as I needed. I was short and lost my temper not even being up an hour. My oldest coming up to me and asking, “What’s wrong, mommy?”  Me, explaining to her, that I was just really tired. Her, telling me, that it’s okay I could rest, she’ll take care of her baby sister.

There was another time when I snapped about the toys. “Can you please just pick up the toys!?”  It’s never really about the toys. It’s the anxiety.  The anxiety of never having a clean enough house.  Never being able to keep up with the mess. Never being able to control things not going back in the order that I want them too.

Why did no one tell me about the anxiety before giving birth?

“Mommy, I cleaned up”.  I know she’s trying her hardest, but I look and just want to run away. She sees the look on my face and knows I’m disappointed. Not disappointed in her, although that’s how it comes across, but disappointed that I don’t have some magical wand that can fix all our problems.  Why can’t someone just make the anxiety and depression go away. It’s the cruelest thing that can happen to a mother. A mother that wants to be warm and loving and ends up being the complete opposite most days because the anxiety is all consuming.

I yelled today because they were just being sisters. 

Fighting over who gets the glittery pink Easter egg even though Easter has been over for weeks.  Fighting over who gets the the most toys on their egg hunt, or who gets to pick the next show on Netflix. Two sisters, playing a little too rough with each other until someone gets hurt.  And with each bickering moment, I find myself getting closer and closer to blowing my lid. I just want to feel like I can breathe for a moment without the stress. But I never feel like my body is calm.

I find myself walking to the garage and just standing there for a moment to gather my composure. Or sitting in the car for a moment after starting it before walking back in the house to grab the kids. Sometimes it’s so loud in my head that I can’t hear myself think and in turn I just scream. And while I scream at them I feel like this horrible person and immediately wish I could take it all back.  It doesn’t make anything better. My girls stand there confused and upset because the person who is supposed to love them unconditionally just hurt them.

Because I couldn’t control my emotions.

I hope they know it’s not their fault.

I hope they know there’s nothing they could have done better.

I hope they know they aren’t to blame for my actions.

I hope they know they are amazing.

I hope they know they are exactly what I need to model after.

I hope they know they are teaching me more than I could ever teach them.

I hope they know my love. 

My unconditional, dying, passionate love for them. And that because of them, I will wake up tomorrow and try to be a better mom to them all over again.  And I know that some days I will fail and I will fail miserably.  But I also know that some days, we will get it all right. And it’s those days that I hope they know they should hold close and remember. It’s those day I continue to strive for. I hope they know I love them.

For now, I’ll just lay here and whisper to them how much I do.

The New Moms Morning Routine

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This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Weave Made Media® and Hyperbiotics, but all my opinions are my own. #weavemade #HealthiestDaysAhead   http://my-disclosur.es/RgFrEH.”

I remember sitting at my baby shower with our first.  My sister made me up this awesome gift basket basket for things I would need postpartum.  Most of it, I understood.  There were pads and snacks, a notebook, chapstick, and so much more.  But there were a few things, like tucks pads and a peri bottle, that I looked in confusion as all the moms in the room busted out laughing.  They were all in on this secret that I had no clue about. But soon I would learn.

My sister, to the best of her ability, would guide me those 41+ weeks through my pregnancy.  Teaching me about what to expect both during pregnancy and postpartum.  Still, there was so much that she could never teach that I would just have to experience on my own. So much of parenting is learning as you go, however, you can also learn so much from others’ experiences.

Today, I want to share with you our New Moms Morning Routine.  Whether this is your first baby or your fifth, each time you have a new and unique adjustment period.  One of the best things that you can do for your mental health is to establish a morning routine as quickly as you can. Getting into a groove will leaving you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle every day with energy.

Here’s our New Moms Morning Routine in 5 simple steps.  

I promise if you do each of these things, you will feel much better every day. Not going to lie, not everyday will be sunshine and rainbows, but overall, much better! 

       1. Wash Your Face. 

  • Okay, if we are being honest here, you likely aren’t going to have time to shower every morning. While many other sites recommend meditating, exercising, or journaling, the truth is we don’t always have time for that.  We think those are great ideas, but simply washing your face in the morning will have you feeling like a new person.

      2. Make Yourself Breakfast. 

  • This doesn’t have to be something outrageous.  I’m not asking you to make yourself poached eggs with crepes and berry compote every morning (although that does sound delish). Make yourself a smoothie.  Hard boil eggs once a week and eat two throughout the week. Or even avocado toast. Breastfeeding?  Check out our lactation recipes. 

      3. Take a probiotic.

  • I honestly wish someone told me about probiotics when I was a young adult, even before having kids, but it wasn’t until I had given birth with my first that I learned about them. Probiotics have multiple functions, but in this scenario they provide temporary relief for anxiety, depression, and overall mental health. Hyperbiotics, a probiotic brand found at your local Target, encourages healthy, regular bowl movements (which if you’ve given birth know just how important help in that department is!).  The Pro-Moms blend is prefect for both pregnant and nursing moms because it encourages full nutrient absorption which aids in a healthier immune system. Pro-Moms also helps produce essential B vitamins and contains natural folate. It also doesn’t have to be refrigerated, so you can keep it by your bedside and always remember to take it.

      4. Take a postnatal vitamin (or continue your prenatal vitamins). 

  • You just had a baby! You body needs all those vitamins and nutrients replenished as quickly as possible.  It’s really important to continue taking your vitamins every day, but especially a quality postnatal or prenatal for the first 6 weeks after childbirth.

      5. Fill up a water bottle. 

  • I know some of you are going to hate me for this, but you need water. Put down the juice and soda, and pick up a bottle. Fill it with water as often as you need.  You should continuously feel hydrated and not parched. Drink until you feel quenched. Don’t care for water?  Try flavoring it (Pinterest has a bajillion different ideas) or try coconut water.  If you are a breastfeeding mama, I try to aim for 64oz a day.

A bit more

Everyone has heard to do the things above, except maybe the probiotics. Let me give you a bit more information about them. Hyperbiotics, a premium probiotic blend, is now available at Target. Their blends help by:

  • supporting your immune system response
  • optimizing your best digestive health.
  • promoting improved immunity
  • leading to more energy and clarity

Specifically speaking about Hyperbiotics formulas – they are vegetarian, non-GMO, free of lactose, gluten, and sugar. There’s also no soy, nuts, iron, artificial flavors or colors, and no preservatives. Also, unlikely many other probiotic companies, Hyperbiotics blends don’t have to be refrigerated, which means you can take them with you anywhere.  They use a patented manufacturing process called LiveBac® that guarantees their blends for 18 months after manufacturing with no refrigeration.

Hyperbiotics isn’t just for MOMS!  There’s a blend specifically for women and one for kids, as well as two additional blends for I encourage you to live healthier days by taking Hyperbiotics blend daily. #FollowYourGut to Target and purchase them today! To learn more about Hyperbiotics, visit www.hyperbiotics.com.

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Weave Made Media® and Hyperbiotics, but all my opinions are my own. #weavemade #HealthiestDaysAhead   http://my-disclosur.es/RgFrEH.”

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Probiotics support many facets of overall health when taken regularly as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

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