I've been a member @ Day One even before Edward's birth, but only just attended the New Parent Group. Most babies were about 4 weeks old, feels like a lifetime ago that Edward was, there were 2 other 3 month olds.
Although I have had some amazing support, there's nothing like hearing it from moms who are currently going through it. I look forward to the next one and highly suggest going right from the start. There's always a wonderful lactation nurse moderating and answering questions. I met new moms, learned a lot of fun new things and most importantly found that I wasn't alone.
Love Lots,
Mommy SF
Monday, May 16, 2011
Breastfeeding, natural, really?
I always thought breastfeeding was a natural progression of motherhood. I didn't read lots on the topic probably a mistake, but took a great class at Yoga Garden. I watched friends do it and not once do I remember them complaining about it. Could it be that they had no problems or did I overlook the "potential issues" thinking it wouldn't apply to me? Maybe if I hadn't spent so much of my pregnancy worrying about labor and focused on the thereafter, it would be different.
What I tell moms is that for me, breastfeeding is an ego crusher. I was playing the numbers games, which is imposible to guess since you'll never know exactly how much you're baby is getting. And of course there's all the advice. This is probably some of the funniest:
Edward latched on right after delivery. He did well assuming it was just practice, no "liquid gold" just yet. Over the few days in the hospital, feeding seemed to be around the clock, a trend that continued for about 2 weeks. Although our experience at UCSF was amazing, we unfortunately didn't see a lactation nurse until the third day. (Between a full moon and a storm front, over 22 babies were born in 2 days!)
By then it was too late, my nipples cracked and aching, I cringed at the thought of feeding my little one. I felt guilty and was hard on myself. I wasn't sure if I had the babyblues or if I was being overly dramatic. It was about one week after his birth before I finally talked to my husband about getting help. We visited Day One and were seeing a lactation nurse in no time. We were there every other day checking his weight but when he began losing ounces we finally gave in to supplementing with formula.
The first night, my little Edward gulped down 4 ounces of formula after breastfeeding! He didn't cry as much and seemed to sleep more comfortably through the night. At the recommendation of the lactation nurse I also rented a commercial pump to help increase my milk supply and began taking Fenugreek and Milk Plus. (although I've read that neither are proven to help, I find they have).
Then there's the process of breastfeeding. I just came imagine how anyone finds it comfortable. Each time, I find myself in some strange and awkward position and not because I don't have the props to get me situated but because my little prince tends to squirm to often.
By then it was too late, my nipples cracked and aching, I cringed at the thought of feeding my little one. I felt guilty and was hard on myself. I wasn't sure if I had the babyblues or if I was being overly dramatic. It was about one week after his birth before I finally talked to my husband about getting help. We visited Day One and were seeing a lactation nurse in no time. We were there every other day checking his weight but when he began losing ounces we finally gave in to supplementing with formula.
The first night, my little Edward gulped down 4 ounces of formula after breastfeeding! He didn't cry as much and seemed to sleep more comfortably through the night. At the recommendation of the lactation nurse I also rented a commercial pump to help increase my milk supply and began taking Fenugreek and Milk Plus. (although I've read that neither are proven to help, I find they have).
Then there's the process of breastfeeding. I just came imagine how anyone finds it comfortable. Each time, I find myself in some strange and awkward position and not because I don't have the props to get me situated but because my little prince tends to squirm to often.
What I tell moms is that for me, breastfeeding is an ego crusher. I was playing the numbers games, which is imposible to guess since you'll never know exactly how much you're baby is getting. And of course there's all the advice. This is probably some of the funniest:
- Wear a tight bra, it'll help with your supply
- Don't wear a bra, it'll help with your supply
- Don't use the cigarett hold
- Use the cigarett hold
- Eat more
- Drink more tea
- Increase your sugar intake
- You need more pillows
- Have more confidence
- It's gas, let him cry it out
I'm sure there are more, but in all seriousness, I think if I was more confident about breastfeeding it might have been a better experience but se la vie. He's almost 3 months, at times drinking 6 ounces and supplementing about 50%, breastfeeding may just take a backseat to motherhood. Not because I've thrown in the towel, but I have done a lot to last this long and if my supply hangs in there then by all means I'll continue.
For those moms out there who have no idea what I'm talking about, God Bless you!!
For those moms looking for some great resources Stanford University has these amazing videos:
Love Lots,
Mommy SF
GO Giants!!
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| All the action got the best of him <3 |
The Giants offer a "First Giants Game" certificate which is cute. You can pick one up and drop off your stroller at customer service in Section 119.
Love Lots,
Mommy SF
Monday, May 9, 2011
Celebrating Mother's Day
Reflecting on what it is to be a mother seemed somewhat funny considering I've only been at it for a little over 2 months. But if I haven't earned my stripes in these last two months, well I don't see the point of the day! My little Edward is the best thing that's happened and I couldn't imagine life without him, but the little guy gave me a run for the title.
However, no matter what I've been through, it hasn't been alone. My husband, mom, mother-in-law, sisters and sister-in-law have been with me through the thick of it. Their energy, love and support helped me more than they know.
The African proverb "Ora na azu nwa" which means it takes the community/village to raise a child really comes to mind. Edward is so lucky to have so many wonderful people in his life. And I hope the list of people continues to grow! So this Mother's Day I salute everyone who has had a hand in raising a child. Your efforts may go unnoticed but you are very much loved and needed.
Love Lots,
Mommy SF
However, no matter what I've been through, it hasn't been alone. My husband, mom, mother-in-law, sisters and sister-in-law have been with me through the thick of it. Their energy, love and support helped me more than they know.
The African proverb "Ora na azu nwa" which means it takes the community/village to raise a child really comes to mind. Edward is so lucky to have so many wonderful people in his life. And I hope the list of people continues to grow! So this Mother's Day I salute everyone who has had a hand in raising a child. Your efforts may go unnoticed but you are very much loved and needed.
Love Lots,
Mommy SF
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
M Magazine
Who doesn't love a free magazine? Especially when it comes to all things baby. I was in Burlingame a few weeks ago and picked up a free issue of the April 2011 M Magazine. After a quick gander through lots of ads, I found a few interesting articles, but none grabbed my attention (and my sister's) as the "A Moment with.." section page 98.
It highlights a darling picture of dear Alaina who at 4 years old was asked a series of questions that I think were well, inappropriate. Maybe I'm being dramatic but I don't want Edward thinking about what kind of tattoo he wants or what he would buy for a million dollars at the tender age of 4, isn't that what his teens are for?
Love Lots,
Mommy SF
It highlights a darling picture of dear Alaina who at 4 years old was asked a series of questions that I think were well, inappropriate. Maybe I'm being dramatic but I don't want Edward thinking about what kind of tattoo he wants or what he would buy for a million dollars at the tender age of 4, isn't that what his teens are for?
Love Lots,
Mommy SF
Monday, May 2, 2011
Off The Grid is Back!!
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| Chairman Bao Food Truck |
Love Lots,
Mommy SF
Free Nursing Covers and Carriers at Uddercovers.com
Use Promo Code "FIT" at Both Websites TODAY! | ||
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