One Year: Parties & "Extended" Nursing

Whoa Mama!

I cannot believe my little has hit the one year mark. When you hear people say "Cherish these moments" because they go by so quickly; don't last forever; Can't get them back, etc. They are 100% RIGHT. 

A Year Full of First's: First Birthday

From first smile (from gas), first laugh and first teeth, to first noticing there are living creatures in the house other than them and couch-surfing and so many more- it really does flash before your eyes.

Plus, the first birthday party that you will inevitably spend months planning and preparing for will come and go like yesterday's news. It really is crazy.

My recommendation for first birthday party's are:

1. Keep things simple and costs low: We made our own invitations and sent digital e-invitations to some. It will save you a ton of money. 

2. Don't go overboard: Invite your friends with kids & have activities that are age appropriate. The party really is for their enjoyment as much as your own.

3. Print ahead to save time: Print a general "Thank You" card in advance and hand them out individually. Most families get their "1 Year" photos done just in advance of the birthday party, but if you do not- choose one of your favorite cell phone snap's & use it!
We personally love PICTURE PEOPLE, which has it's studios inside of BuyBuyBaby stores. We recommend them to all of our friend's with babies/tots because they always have coupons. Their photos are great quality, always same-day prints & affordable prices (I'm talking promos like $18 for 25 prints of your favorite pose!*  (*promos vary) ). They also have the option to buy the photo disc with every shot from your session. Great deal! 

Of course you should thank everyone for coming but give a special "Thank You" card to those who have given your little one a gift for their birthday. 

4. Be realistic. Inevitably something won't work the way you want it (ie: Amazon prime delivering all of your unicorn decorations and favors to the WRONG address, essentially losing them two days before the celebration). 

5. Enjoy it. Take a ton of photos of your setup, those who have helped, your guests enjoying the party & a zillion and a half photos of your baby. If they're anything like my little- they'll stick to eating the fruit off the top of the cake rather than smashing it.

Gift Idea's from LAMM's Mommy

Now that my little is growing into a bigger-little, she is more inquisitive than ever and loves to get her little hands on everything, even things she shouldn't. A few things we received/purchased with gift cards for her summer time *1st* Birthday, that I would recommend are:

1. Water toys: tables, pools, bath toys, toddler sized safety bathtub.

2. Gift Cards: Amazon, ToysRUs/BabiesRUs, Target, Walmart, etc. ANY are glorious & appreciated!

3. Toy remote (because YES, they will constantly turn the television off right as the show you are 
watching reaches a pivotal scene).

4. Toy phone ( I'd think this self-explanatory. However- to be clear- little's LOVE to play/chew on things like this. Better a toy than your actual mobile.)

5. Shoes or no-slip socks. 

" Extended Breast Feeding"

How do you feel about the term? The reason I wanted to touch on this is because my family has consistently been asked- since LAMM hit the 8 month mark- "when will you wean?" and "oh, you're still nursing?" type questions. So if you've been mommy shamed (directly or in-directly) for continuing to nurse passed the "one year" mark, know that you aren't alone.

If you are a breast feeding mama like I am-- TAKE YOUR TIME. No one can decide for you when it is best to wean. You and most important- your baby- will make that decision; decision of when you are both ready.  And to those asking the question(s)--- please back off.  This is meant with no disrespect, but truly it is none of your business. A breast feeding mama's decision to continue nursing is exactly that. It is not negatively impacting your life or body, so please- mind your own business. If this offends you, I apologize.

I really do not like when nursing passed one is termed "extended nursing" or "extended breastfeeding". 
"Extended" implies that the action is continued passed when it "should" have completed or ended. 
First, circling back to what I said previously, no one decides when you "should be" done nursing. Just stop it. 
Second- nursing/breastfeeding is just that- nursing/breastfeeding. No "extended" necessary. 

If I have learned anything this last year and can wish anything for my fellow breast feeding mama's, it is practice patience. Everyone is not as informed as we would like them to be. 

That said- I am so happy with our little's pediatrician; she is knowledgeable and supportive of breastfeeding and really hears my questions and concerns. If you do not have a supportive pediatrician and are uncomfortable or being pushed into something you and your baby may not be ready for, I suggest looking into an alternative pediatrician or reaching out to social media mommy groups for insight. Many mama's and daddy's share their pediatrician's suggestions with others. Do not be shy to voice concern or apprehension. 
#HumanMilkforHumanBabies #TheresNoSuchThingAsEXTENDEDNursing #NursingIsNursing


Really take the time to look back over the last year at everything your little has learned to do, the milestones accomplished and fun you have had together. Take as many pictures as you can and make as many memories as physically possible. These really are moments that you will never get again- so be present and enjoy them.






Disclaimer: All opinions recorded on this blog are strictly my own. I am not a medical professional & my advice should not replace that of your own or your child's medical professional. Always consult a doctor before trying anything new with your child! 

Teething...

It is important to note, Mommy's and Daddy's, that the term "teething" does not necessarily indicate or mean that your little one's teeth are going to pop right out. Per my pediatrician (and most others), teething occurs from 2 months to 2 years of age. 

Prepare yourself for a lot of drool & keep those teething toys handy!!! ( *Layla LOVES her teething raspberry and banana! We are going on almost 9 months of on/off usage.)

My little LAMM officially has cut EIGHT teeth, the two most recent coming in just says after her FIRST birthday.  She's been steadily teething since her 3 month pediatrician appointment, when we were told her gums were swelling, prepped & ready for teethies.

For the most part, LAMM has been taking teething like a champ, but these last two have been pretty troublesome for my little. Proof of her pain became evident when I received a message from daycare that she was having a very tough day & not her normal, bubbly self. LAMM is a champ and as I mentioned, we never had an issue with her teething effecting her behavior passed her morning wake-up, let alone into the afternoon. The 'tale' that teething pain is at it's worst in the wee-hours has proven false(atleast for our family).

In the earlier months, LAMM would develop little baby pimple like bumps around her jaw from the excessive amounts of drool and would soak several bibs a day, all while looking insanely adorable!

These newer teeth have turned my happy bunny into a raging rabbit who wants to chew on everything. I have even suffered a few "nursing nips". Breastfeeding mama's can relate, or certainly will when the time (& surprise) arrives.

My suggestion is Baby Orajel Naturals directly to the gums, a small dose of Infant Tylenol for the tough nights & repeat the Tylenol every 4-6 hours through the night! Thus far, when my LAMM misses her follow up Tylenol, we all are greeted with hourly fussing sessions. On top of not wanting your little babe to be in pain- you will also begin to feel the effects of the restless nights.

We have also found it to be helpful if baby gets a nice warm bath followed by some lavender body lotion!

In addition to these treatments, it's important to give your little something they CAN chew on; chewable's that are not your fingers, their fingers, or other body parts.

There are many brands of teething wafers/biscuits. My intention was to try to make some home-made, but with everything else going on- I have not been able to find the time.  We've been quite happy with all of these brands & their many flavors; check them out HERE.

Now- preventing "nursing nips" is tough. Fortunately, my little one has only caught me two or three times (in total), and after hearing me screech in surprise and seeing the little twinge of pain look cross my face- she usually releases from nursing when she is done.
If you let your baby pacify on you, know you are not alone, but prepare yourself for the need to possible say "stop please", or tap your babes lips with a "no-no".

Another imporant thing to realize is that your child cannot actually BITE if they are actively nursing. When you see your child is no longer drinking, the best thing you can do to prevent bites/nips is to remove the child from your breast. IF you encounter a nursing nip, remove the child from the breast. This could be seen as "conditioned behavior". Once the child has been removed from the breast two or three times, they will understand that their biting causes them to lose access to the boo-ba. This has been incredibly helpful in our household. There is no need to smack your baby/child's mouth/hands, etc.

With all of this said- I send all teething mommy's & daddy's my love and compassion. We know your pain & can relate. Hang in there, little ones!








Disclaimer: All opinions recorded on this blog are strictly my own. I am not a medical professional & my advice should not replace that of your own or your child's medical professional. Always consult a doctor before trying anything new with your child!