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!
Showing posts with label Natural. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Natural. Show all posts
Friday, July 28, 2017
Monday, March 27, 2017
To nurse...
First & most importantly- breast feeding is not for everyone.
Whether your milk does not come in, or formula is just a better route for you and your family- A fed baby, is a happy baby!
That said, if you are able to and elect to nurse, it is super important to have a strong and supportive network of friends and family.
I was fortunate enough to have a friends and relatives with nursing experience, a supportive boyfriend and an incredibly supportive family who didn't mind when I tucked away for an hour with my nursing newborn.
I also had an awesome lactation nurse. They worked with me on several different positions and gave me insight on what could happen to my body as I nursed. It is important to know each of the different positions you can hold your little because early nursing can be somewhat uncomfortable as you and your baby figure it all out, together.
We all cannot be expected to nurse the same way. What works for me may not work for you. However, I will share a few things that have helped me, some trials I have faced & how I have gotten and continue to get through them...
The many different nursing techniques/holds:
1. Cradle
2. Cross cradle
3. Football hold
4. Belly to Belly/Lying Down (my favorite! Especially helpful if you find yourself co-sleeping!)
In the hospital, we worked on cross cradle and football hold. I'm not sure if this is general practice, but the lactation consultant suggested them.
Our first few weeks at home were a bit difficult with nursing. Baby girl seemed to be latching slightly off on my left side and I didn't know what to do. Let me preach: Lanolin...lifesaver. End of story.
I had encountered some BP issues through my pregnancy, so I visited the doctor a week after delivery. The nurse practitioner strongly suggested switching up nursing positions to put latching "pressure" on a different spot, thus avoiding the crack that I was desperate to have heal.
LAMM did not like football hold, but unfortunately- I was suffering from cracked and even bleeding nipples. After a few tries of football hold (while laying down on my bed with her) LAMM's latch corrected and my battle-wounds healed up and we were working together more smoothly. Things finally clicked!
EBF, Pumping, Supplementing or Formula Feeding?
This is a choice we all face with our new little ones and here is how I see it...FED is Best!! I apologize if you have read this already. I tend to reiterate this a LOT because it is so important to know. EBF is not everyone's best plan- do what is right for your family and do not allow anyone make you feel less!
Once LAMM was born, we supplemented. I was still off from my pregnancy hypertension and magnesium drip. I couldn't get up to nurse and didn't want the NICU pumping my baby with saline rather than giving her formula. That, to me, was not the route we wanted to take. So- for the first week or two, we supplemented with Similac Supplementing formula to allow Daddy time to bond with baby and mommy an extra few hours of sleep.
As baby girl grew, I began to nurse as often as possible- determined to get my supply up and producing. I was home with her all of the time, so this wasn't an issue.
When it came to pumping- I really didn't want to. That is putting it mildly.
LAMM was sleeping through the night and if I skipped that overnight pump- I was waking up in pools, wet shirts, wet sheet and I couldn't help but be upset at the waste. So I pumped and massaged and pumped and massaged. Determined to get every drop of liquid gold that I could.
Five weeks after having Layla, I was laid off. This was truly a blessing in disguise. I was able to stay home with her until she turned 7 months and she was EBF up to that point.
HOWEVER- my biggest battle with EBF is that my little will now NOT take a bottle without a fight. Even when she DOES take a bottle, she will only take half to 1 oz of breast milk before calling it quits.
EBF mommy's- a piece of advice- give your baby atleast one bottle a day (if not more). If you have to return to work it will make things much easier on you and baby. If you are returning to work as a nursing mom- check out my pumping at work post!
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!
Whether your milk does not come in, or formula is just a better route for you and your family- A fed baby, is a happy baby!
That said, if you are able to and elect to nurse, it is super important to have a strong and supportive network of friends and family.
I was fortunate enough to have a friends and relatives with nursing experience, a supportive boyfriend and an incredibly supportive family who didn't mind when I tucked away for an hour with my nursing newborn.
I also had an awesome lactation nurse. They worked with me on several different positions and gave me insight on what could happen to my body as I nursed. It is important to know each of the different positions you can hold your little because early nursing can be somewhat uncomfortable as you and your baby figure it all out, together.
We all cannot be expected to nurse the same way. What works for me may not work for you. However, I will share a few things that have helped me, some trials I have faced & how I have gotten and continue to get through them...
The many different nursing techniques/holds:
1. Cradle
2. Cross cradle
3. Football hold
4. Belly to Belly/Lying Down (my favorite! Especially helpful if you find yourself co-sleeping!)
In the hospital, we worked on cross cradle and football hold. I'm not sure if this is general practice, but the lactation consultant suggested them.
Our first few weeks at home were a bit difficult with nursing. Baby girl seemed to be latching slightly off on my left side and I didn't know what to do. Let me preach: Lanolin...lifesaver. End of story.
I had encountered some BP issues through my pregnancy, so I visited the doctor a week after delivery. The nurse practitioner strongly suggested switching up nursing positions to put latching "pressure" on a different spot, thus avoiding the crack that I was desperate to have heal.
LAMM did not like football hold, but unfortunately- I was suffering from cracked and even bleeding nipples. After a few tries of football hold (while laying down on my bed with her) LAMM's latch corrected and my battle-wounds healed up and we were working together more smoothly. Things finally clicked!
 |
| #TreeofLife #Normalizebreastfeeding |
This is a choice we all face with our new little ones and here is how I see it...FED is Best!! I apologize if you have read this already. I tend to reiterate this a LOT because it is so important to know. EBF is not everyone's best plan- do what is right for your family and do not allow anyone make you feel less!
Once LAMM was born, we supplemented. I was still off from my pregnancy hypertension and magnesium drip. I couldn't get up to nurse and didn't want the NICU pumping my baby with saline rather than giving her formula. That, to me, was not the route we wanted to take. So- for the first week or two, we supplemented with Similac Supplementing formula to allow Daddy time to bond with baby and mommy an extra few hours of sleep.
As baby girl grew, I began to nurse as often as possible- determined to get my supply up and producing. I was home with her all of the time, so this wasn't an issue.
When it came to pumping- I really didn't want to. That is putting it mildly.
LAMM was sleeping through the night and if I skipped that overnight pump- I was waking up in pools, wet shirts, wet sheet and I couldn't help but be upset at the waste. So I pumped and massaged and pumped and massaged. Determined to get every drop of liquid gold that I could.
Five weeks after having Layla, I was laid off. This was truly a blessing in disguise. I was able to stay home with her until she turned 7 months and she was EBF up to that point.
HOWEVER- my biggest battle with EBF is that my little will now NOT take a bottle without a fight. Even when she DOES take a bottle, she will only take half to 1 oz of breast milk before calling it quits.
EBF mommy's- a piece of advice- give your baby atleast one bottle a day (if not more). If you have to return to work it will make things much easier on you and baby. If you are returning to work as a nursing mom- check out my pumping at work post!
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!
Pumping at Work
Oh the joys of being a working mama❤. Top off that peanut butter & chocolate swirl sundae, or whichever flavor you prefer, with being a nursing/pumping mama and you are in for a TREAT!
I am fortunate enough to have an extremely accommodating boss- who dressed up my office window with a nice curtain rod and black out curtain. I am able to pump in my office or in any other empty office, if need be.
Some women do not have an office they can hide away and pump in, while still feeling safe and comfortable enough to do so. While we all know that it is essentially NECESSARY to be relaxed to get your best pump flow going- it is not always that easy.
Mama's please know that regardless of what type of company you work for, what state you work or reside in, it is required by the US Dept.of Labor that an employers provide a reasonable break time for an employee to pump/express for her nursing child for 1 year after birth, in an appropriate space (see "Break Time for Nursing Mothers" for more detail). This requirement became effective when the Affordable Care Act was signed into law in 2010.
*Note the employer is not required to pay the employee for this break.
It is extremely important to be mindful of what your employer allows. Talk to your Human Resource department head to gain clarity on what is expected. Tell this individual how long it generally takes for you to finish a pumping session and do your best to stick to that.
If you are in a position where your employer does not pay you for your "pump break", than try to get in a good pumping session before getting to work. Or if you are able to- bring that pump with you to work 15 minutes early and get your pump on before your shift starts.
Also- take advantage of your lunch break. If you are given a 30 minute break--- utilize that time to make sure you get your pumping taken care of. I am a pro when it comes to eating a good snack/ usually my lunch and pumping at the same time. 20-30 minutes and I am ready to go!
These are the sacrifices that we make to give our babies the best of what we can give them. Hang in there and know your rights as a working and nursing mama!
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!
I am fortunate enough to have an extremely accommodating boss- who dressed up my office window with a nice curtain rod and black out curtain. I am able to pump in my office or in any other empty office, if need be.
Some women do not have an office they can hide away and pump in, while still feeling safe and comfortable enough to do so. While we all know that it is essentially NECESSARY to be relaxed to get your best pump flow going- it is not always that easy.
Mama's please know that regardless of what type of company you work for, what state you work or reside in, it is required by the US Dept.of Labor that an employers provide a reasonable break time for an employee to pump/express for her nursing child for 1 year after birth, in an appropriate space (see "Break Time for Nursing Mothers" for more detail). This requirement became effective when the Affordable Care Act was signed into law in 2010.
*Note the employer is not required to pay the employee for this break.
It is extremely important to be mindful of what your employer allows. Talk to your Human Resource department head to gain clarity on what is expected. Tell this individual how long it generally takes for you to finish a pumping session and do your best to stick to that.
If you are in a position where your employer does not pay you for your "pump break", than try to get in a good pumping session before getting to work. Or if you are able to- bring that pump with you to work 15 minutes early and get your pump on before your shift starts.
Also- take advantage of your lunch break. If you are given a 30 minute break--- utilize that time to make sure you get your pumping taken care of. I am a pro when it comes to eating a good snack/ usually my lunch and pumping at the same time. 20-30 minutes and I am ready to go!
These are the sacrifices that we make to give our babies the best of what we can give them. Hang in there and know your rights as a working and nursing mama!
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!
Monday, January 30, 2017
Soft as a LAMM Bum Balm: 3 (or 4) ingredients
Happy Monday! I sit here in utter disbelief that its about to be February! Where is the time going already?!
Like many mommy's, I am usually on the prowl for a safer, more natural way to treat my baby girls ailments. I was so excited to give the "homemade" route a try and went to town on ordering and shopping for the ingredients I would need to successfully do so.
I am a huge proponent of Baby Aquaphor and Burt's Bee's multi purpose ointments. They are my everyday use products that keep my little Princess smoothe bottomed & free of diaper rash- redness.
That being said- I plan to use the homemade ointment intermittently while still using my go-to products.
* Be mindful to always test each ingredient on your child's skin to ensure no allergic reaction!*
My first attempt is homemade *NATURAL* diaper cream/ointment. This is what I did and what products I used:
Step 1: Melt together 1/2 cup Shea Butter, 1/2 cup coconut oil and 2 tbsp Beeswax
Step 2: Once melted, pour into your 4 oz jar (Mine are from the Target dollar section & are adorable!)
Step 3: Cool & cap! The balm will be the consistency of a lip-balm once set.
Step 4: For a creamier, more pliable texture- I suggest whipping your balm. If you elect to do this--- step 4 is actually your step 3. While whipping, add in 10 to 15 drops of your Lavender essential oil. If you are using an adjusted amount of shea butter and coconut oil[aka Carrier Oil] (ie: making a smaller batch), you will use LESS Lavender Oil.
Once whipped, re-fill the container and you're ready to use your homemade booty balm!
Again, please be sure to always check with your pediatrician before trying any new products---especially if your little has any sensitivities!
Wishing all of your littles a happy, comfy bum!
- Mommy & LAMM
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!
Like many mommy's, I am usually on the prowl for a safer, more natural way to treat my baby girls ailments. I was so excited to give the "homemade" route a try and went to town on ordering and shopping for the ingredients I would need to successfully do so.
I am a huge proponent of Baby Aquaphor and Burt's Bee's multi purpose ointments. They are my everyday use products that keep my little Princess smoothe bottomed & free of diaper rash- redness.
That being said- I plan to use the homemade ointment intermittently while still using my go-to products.
* Be mindful to always test each ingredient on your child's skin to ensure no allergic reaction!*
My first attempt is homemade *NATURAL* diaper cream/ointment. This is what I did and what products I used:
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| Organic Beesworks White Beeswax Pellets $11.78 (14 oz) Amazon Coconut Oil Not pictured: Organic Shea Butter, Lavender Essential Oil |
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Again, please be sure to always check with your pediatrician before trying any new products---especially if your little has any sensitivities!
Wishing all of your littles a happy, comfy bum!
- Mommy & LAMM
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!
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About Me
- Tiffany
- Glen Cove, New York, United States
- I am 29 years old and a new mommy, to my little LAMM. Layla Aria-Marie. I love my little family & our little zoo! I'd love to share my tips & tricks in regard to having a new baby, still showing love to my 5 fur-babies and just all-around life!