Breast Feeding

I read a book Breast Feeding Sucks.... it's so true! Especially the first 2 weeks of breastfeeding... I am not going to put on this post that everyone should breastfeed, because it's not for everyone. However, I was one of those people that had a lot of trouble breastfeeding, but persevered and got some sort of results. Here are some of my pointers.

1. Talk to the lactation consultants at the hospital and be SURE you understand what the heck they are talking about before you leave!
2. Don't be afraid to call the lactation consultants about breastfeeding... they are happy to help!
3. Go visit the lacation consultant! They can help!
4. Whether it comes from a bottle or a boob, your child will not be messed up!
5. If you have to pump... I did it for 10 1/2 months. It was the best decision for all of our sanity!
6. Pay for a good pump. I loved my Medela Pump In Style
7. Buy extra parts for your pump... especially if you will be pumping often... keeps them clean
8. Don't stop pumping if you get Mastitis (later post).
9. Mix breast milk and formula if you need to, it's still good!
10. Use Fenugreek if you have any trouble producing... I use to take 4X the recommended dose... I got a lot of milk!

Good luck. I solely pumped for 10 months of my son's life and it was a great descision for my family. I would be happy to offer any help I can!

Croup

Did your child wake up last night sounding like he had a baloon in his mouth? Breathing difficultly and a "barking" cough? Mine did. Last year right around this time we ended up in the ER at 2am, because our little man woke up and we were afraid he had swallowed something... by the time we got to the ER his breathing was much better and the doctor didn't even touch him before he said he had croup. So, this time instead of rushing to the ER we tried some other methods to get his breathing and coughing under control...

1. Cold Air- take your little one outside (if it's cold) or even stick his head in the freezer for a few minutes.
2. Steamy Air- Turn on the shower and get the steam going in the bathroom.

The Croup is usually much worse at night and is really scary. Once you have seen it though, you won't make that ER trip again!

** Special Note ** If you child is turning blue in the face/lips... it's NOT Croup! Call 911.

Mom's Group

The number one thing any Mommy needs is a group of other moms. It keeps you sane, gives you other people to go to, and it's a great way to meet new friends!

I am really lucky. In my area there is a Stroller Strides class. It's a great way to meet mommies and get in shape. I have met some really awesome ladies and I can't imagine my life now without them! I look forward to working out for a couple of reasons... 1. I love the friends I have met, 2. Lost some of the baby weight, 3. I get to spend time with my little man.

Another great thing about your Mommy friends is that you can have a MNO (Mom's Night Out). This is a day very different from going out with your non-mommy friends... because these people really want to hear all about your baby trials and tribulations and share with you the same! You get to talk about your little one without the guilty feeling you get with your non-parent friends.

Join a mommy group-- or create one of your own. You need other Mommies.

Why?

As a Mom I am always thinking of ideas that I would give to other moms. So, I thought I would make a blog to include some of the best things I have found out by being a mom... this blog will be lessons learned, gadgets I can't live with out, and antidotes about being called the best word in the world... "Mommy".