I've been struggling with keeping up with both of my daughters when it comes to breast milk. I've tried the teas, oatmeal, fenugreek, old Chinese ways and nothing has really really worked. Last night, I had this insane craving for a Coke so i sent my husband out to get me a big one. I don't normally drink soda and don't really care for it. Since then, my production has doubled!!! Any other moms try this?? I wish someone told me earlier. It would have saved a lot of tears!!!
So, try Coca Cola!!!!!! Hope it works for you too!! Its not great for you, but it does the trick.
Monday, December 15, 2014
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Ten Must Haves for a Newborn
This list will constantly change as new products are always being introduced to the market. Some of these items weren't around when I had my daughter just 3 years ago. But here they are and its been a life saver for my family:
1. Puj bath - with our first, we got a traditional bath tub and it was scary washing a newborn in it. Not to mention it was a back killer. With this, the baby gets constant running clean water. Due to the small size, your newborn has no where to roll or slide anywhere which leaves you with both hands to wash and move fast. And, since you use this in the sink, your back will thank you. And if you have doubts of whether it will fit in your sink or not, it will. Bathroom sink worked perfect for us.
2. Saline Drops - your baby's nose will most likely get boogies and you can't use anything to help clear it out. Little Remedies has a natural saline solution that you can go to town with since its non medicated. Just salt and water!
3. Swaddle - We have a couple of different ones that we have collected over both the babies. No 2 baby is alike so try to get 2 different ones and see which one works for your family best. We use the Ergobaby wrap and the HALO Sleep sack. With the current weather, we use the HALO Sleep sack since its thicker. The Ergobaby wrap worked well for us at the hospital and it makes diaper changes really easy. The HALO has lots of velcro so be careful when you wash it. The HALO doesn't make diaper changes very easy but it has a lot more options for the thickness that you need depending on the weather. It also has the removable wrap so you can use the sack as a bag to keep baby warm in the mornings.
4. Vaseline - Or something like it. Its commonly overlooked but with your newborn's bottom so tender, it helps to keep a barrier since they poop so much. With the constant wiping, my little one's bottom was getting sensitive. She was too young to put diaper cream on it so I went with a more preventative and natural route. Solved the problem!
5. Bottles - Obviously!! But more importantly, different types of bottles and 2 types of flow for the nipple. Don't invest in buying too many bottles and be prepared to run to the store to buy your baby's favorite one. We started with Dr Brown with my first and luckily she did great with it. With our second, she would only take the Joovy Boob one well and the Size 0 nipple. It doesn't matter if you breast feed or not, you need to be prepared. Most mom's milk doesn't come in till a couple days later so you never know. Maybe open 2 bottles and sterilize those. Keep the rest packaged so you can always return them if you don't need it.
6. Pump - A good one too! Even if you breast feed, you should pump after to clear out your supply and help promote more production. Also, I got Mastisis a couple times already and the pump helped me clear it out. I received a pump from the insurance since the law now provides mothers with pumps and that one was just not as good as the one I had. The one I use and love is the Medela Freestyle.
7. Onesies - and Lots of them. I would say get at least 6 of the white onesies with the built in mittens. They do scratch themselves and no, those other loose mittens DO NOT stay on. I just have the whtie Carter ones. Easy!
8. ZoLi Nail Trimmer - You can't or its not recommended that you cut a newborn's nails since they are so soft. However, they are born with claws or at least both of mine were. So, I got the ZoLi nail trimmer which is just a filer to file them down. Safe and easy. Baby slept right through it and I was confident in using it since I really couldn't hurt her with it.
9. Thermometer - A battery operated one. I know its not as accurate as the traditional ones you stick up their bottom but it is faster and easier. I didn't have the heart to do it the old fashion way and sometimes I just get overly paranoid with a newborn. So, I use the one you shoot into their ear and I typically add 1 degree to it. If it gets close to being a possible fever, then use the old fashion one to get a more accurate reading.
10. Formula - This maybe controversial but I do know and encourage all mommies to give their baby's breastmilk. I'm not going to say breastfeed because I couldn't get both of my girls to breastfeed. I exclusively pump and give my baby breastmilk. As long as she gets it, I'm at peace with how she gets it. However, my kid had a big appetite and she needed more than what I produced the first couple of days. So, I supplemented and she was happy and satisfied. So, get some as backup you always have something to feed your baby. Its kind of like always having something to eat from your kitchen right? Even just a snack.
1. Puj bath - with our first, we got a traditional bath tub and it was scary washing a newborn in it. Not to mention it was a back killer. With this, the baby gets constant running clean water. Due to the small size, your newborn has no where to roll or slide anywhere which leaves you with both hands to wash and move fast. And, since you use this in the sink, your back will thank you. And if you have doubts of whether it will fit in your sink or not, it will. Bathroom sink worked perfect for us.
2. Saline Drops - your baby's nose will most likely get boogies and you can't use anything to help clear it out. Little Remedies has a natural saline solution that you can go to town with since its non medicated. Just salt and water!
3. Swaddle - We have a couple of different ones that we have collected over both the babies. No 2 baby is alike so try to get 2 different ones and see which one works for your family best. We use the Ergobaby wrap and the HALO Sleep sack. With the current weather, we use the HALO Sleep sack since its thicker. The Ergobaby wrap worked well for us at the hospital and it makes diaper changes really easy. The HALO has lots of velcro so be careful when you wash it. The HALO doesn't make diaper changes very easy but it has a lot more options for the thickness that you need depending on the weather. It also has the removable wrap so you can use the sack as a bag to keep baby warm in the mornings.
4. Vaseline - Or something like it. Its commonly overlooked but with your newborn's bottom so tender, it helps to keep a barrier since they poop so much. With the constant wiping, my little one's bottom was getting sensitive. She was too young to put diaper cream on it so I went with a more preventative and natural route. Solved the problem!
5. Bottles - Obviously!! But more importantly, different types of bottles and 2 types of flow for the nipple. Don't invest in buying too many bottles and be prepared to run to the store to buy your baby's favorite one. We started with Dr Brown with my first and luckily she did great with it. With our second, she would only take the Joovy Boob one well and the Size 0 nipple. It doesn't matter if you breast feed or not, you need to be prepared. Most mom's milk doesn't come in till a couple days later so you never know. Maybe open 2 bottles and sterilize those. Keep the rest packaged so you can always return them if you don't need it.
6. Pump - A good one too! Even if you breast feed, you should pump after to clear out your supply and help promote more production. Also, I got Mastisis a couple times already and the pump helped me clear it out. I received a pump from the insurance since the law now provides mothers with pumps and that one was just not as good as the one I had. The one I use and love is the Medela Freestyle.
7. Onesies - and Lots of them. I would say get at least 6 of the white onesies with the built in mittens. They do scratch themselves and no, those other loose mittens DO NOT stay on. I just have the whtie Carter ones. Easy!
8. ZoLi Nail Trimmer - You can't or its not recommended that you cut a newborn's nails since they are so soft. However, they are born with claws or at least both of mine were. So, I got the ZoLi nail trimmer which is just a filer to file them down. Safe and easy. Baby slept right through it and I was confident in using it since I really couldn't hurt her with it.
9. Thermometer - A battery operated one. I know its not as accurate as the traditional ones you stick up their bottom but it is faster and easier. I didn't have the heart to do it the old fashion way and sometimes I just get overly paranoid with a newborn. So, I use the one you shoot into their ear and I typically add 1 degree to it. If it gets close to being a possible fever, then use the old fashion one to get a more accurate reading.
10. Formula - This maybe controversial but I do know and encourage all mommies to give their baby's breastmilk. I'm not going to say breastfeed because I couldn't get both of my girls to breastfeed. I exclusively pump and give my baby breastmilk. As long as she gets it, I'm at peace with how she gets it. However, my kid had a big appetite and she needed more than what I produced the first couple of days. So, I supplemented and she was happy and satisfied. So, get some as backup you always have something to feed your baby. Its kind of like always having something to eat from your kitchen right? Even just a snack.
She's here!
So, I haven't blogged in a while but it has been pretty crazy adjusting to a new baby with a toddler. All the moms that have done this, you deserve a degree some sort because I'm not sure how to juggle both. Anyways, I promise to get back to blogging and in fact, in the next post, I will list my top 10 must haves with a newborn. But here is my newest little love!
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