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!
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Nook Lilypad Review
As I'm in complete nesting mode, I need everything right now for baby #2 which I do not NEED. Want maybe but not need. I've been reading some other mommy blogs that highly recommend the Nook Lilypad for tummy time so I gave it a try. I haven't tried it on an actual baby yet, but just by opening it and taking a look at the product itself, I was disappointed.
The pebbles are suppose to promote breathability which is a big reason why I bought it. With newborns during tummy time, they often drop they heads and face plant onto the ground while they are still building muscles to suppose their little heads. The pebbles in my opinion are more decoration than anything else. I received mine a week ago and its completely flat with pebble like pattern sewn on the top fabric. I thought maybe it was because it was squished flat into the tube that it came packaged in but after a week laying it out, it is still flat. My husband and I both ran our fingers across and placed pressure on it and it really is just flat. So, if you are buying based on the beathability factor, I don't recommend it.
The lilypad I received had so much excess fabric that it kind of seemed like a hazard for a newborn. Of course, the pictures of the product does not reflect that so I'm questioning if the item I received was defective. The top layer had so much excess fabric that if you were to pull it up, it could separate from the rest of the pad a good 6 inches. Seems more of a suffocation issue.
The packaging that it came with was questionable. I'm not going to put this on Nook because I bought it from one of their authorized online retailers, Albee baby online so it may be a returned item. I will never know because I'm not going to buy another one to see and there isn't a local store near me that carries it. Being that it's fabric and newborns will be using it, I expect it to be packaged a little bit cleaner. The lilypad came in a cardboard tube that was not sealed and the pad was inside just as it is. No pamphlet, no plastic wrap, nothing. I know I'm suppose to wash it prior to baby but at this point, I want to drench it is 409 and then wash it which is just not right. My organic detergent will not be able to get this clean enough. Who knows where its been and what has touched it. So, I won't be giving this to my baby to use. Probably use it as a very expensive bath mat.
The only thing that did meet my expectation with this is the thick cushion. So, it would have been great when a baby drops their head on the ground. However, due to sanitation and suffocation concren, I will not be using it and I do NOT recommend this product.
By the way, mine did not come folded up the same way as this picture did which convinces me more that the product probably was not new.
The pebbles are suppose to promote breathability which is a big reason why I bought it. With newborns during tummy time, they often drop they heads and face plant onto the ground while they are still building muscles to suppose their little heads. The pebbles in my opinion are more decoration than anything else. I received mine a week ago and its completely flat with pebble like pattern sewn on the top fabric. I thought maybe it was because it was squished flat into the tube that it came packaged in but after a week laying it out, it is still flat. My husband and I both ran our fingers across and placed pressure on it and it really is just flat. So, if you are buying based on the beathability factor, I don't recommend it.
The lilypad I received had so much excess fabric that it kind of seemed like a hazard for a newborn. Of course, the pictures of the product does not reflect that so I'm questioning if the item I received was defective. The top layer had so much excess fabric that if you were to pull it up, it could separate from the rest of the pad a good 6 inches. Seems more of a suffocation issue.
The packaging that it came with was questionable. I'm not going to put this on Nook because I bought it from one of their authorized online retailers, Albee baby online so it may be a returned item. I will never know because I'm not going to buy another one to see and there isn't a local store near me that carries it. Being that it's fabric and newborns will be using it, I expect it to be packaged a little bit cleaner. The lilypad came in a cardboard tube that was not sealed and the pad was inside just as it is. No pamphlet, no plastic wrap, nothing. I know I'm suppose to wash it prior to baby but at this point, I want to drench it is 409 and then wash it which is just not right. My organic detergent will not be able to get this clean enough. Who knows where its been and what has touched it. So, I won't be giving this to my baby to use. Probably use it as a very expensive bath mat.
The only thing that did meet my expectation with this is the thick cushion. So, it would have been great when a baby drops their head on the ground. However, due to sanitation and suffocation concren, I will not be using it and I do NOT recommend this product.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
New from Clek soon!!!
Clek will be coming out with an infant insert to be used with the Foonf and the Fllo. I'm not to sure about the details but it seems like the infant insert will allow you to start using the Foonf and the Fllo once your baby is born. That's super exciting for a couple of reasons:
1. You won't have to buy 2 car seats. You can probably get away with buying 1 really good safe car seat for your child and stick with it for 5 to 6 years!
2. Keeping your child rear-facing longer can be easier with less change for your kid. For a child like mine that doesn't like change, it would have been perfect.
3. This will allow me to use my stroller bassinet more. I wouldn't have to bring the car seat out and dock it on the stroller but allow a bassinet which is more comfy for a newborn. Switching between 2 cars can become obsolete if you already own car seats from your previous children (taking into consideration that they are not expired).
I'm excited since we have 1 Orbit infant seat, 1 Orbit toddler seat, and 1 Clek Foonf. We only have 2 bases for the Orbits so now, I'm hoping I can keep 1 Orbit base in each car and a Foonf in one of the cars. That way, no matter what combination we have, the newborn will always fit in one of the cars without worrying about the infant seat. 2 in 1!!!
1. You won't have to buy 2 car seats. You can probably get away with buying 1 really good safe car seat for your child and stick with it for 5 to 6 years!
2. Keeping your child rear-facing longer can be easier with less change for your kid. For a child like mine that doesn't like change, it would have been perfect.
3. This will allow me to use my stroller bassinet more. I wouldn't have to bring the car seat out and dock it on the stroller but allow a bassinet which is more comfy for a newborn. Switching between 2 cars can become obsolete if you already own car seats from your previous children (taking into consideration that they are not expired).
I'm excited since we have 1 Orbit infant seat, 1 Orbit toddler seat, and 1 Clek Foonf. We only have 2 bases for the Orbits so now, I'm hoping I can keep 1 Orbit base in each car and a Foonf in one of the cars. That way, no matter what combination we have, the newborn will always fit in one of the cars without worrying about the infant seat. 2 in 1!!!
We picked a Cord Blood Bank - StemCyte
Through our process of elimination and Ob/gyn recommendation, we went with StemCyte. We liked their collection/processing method, decently local bank (in California), and lack of pushiness!
Although I really won't know much about the collection and processing method until I actually have the baby but my doctor recommended them based on her experience. I tried to do as much research as I could but it just wasn't very clear to differentiate between sales tactics and actual facts. What did help was that StemCyte was a public and private bank. That meant we would have access to the public should anything were to happen. Again, cord blood and tissue banking is an insurance plan so we just do your best to prepare for the worse case scenario.
I wanted something local in California so that it wouldn't be traveling so far after I had the baby. I figure the quicker it gets there, the quicker it'll get processed.
After calling all the banks, ViaCord was the absolute worse about telemarketing me afterwards through phone and email. So much so that I began to lost trust in the business. Where was their focus? Why are they so desperate? And threatening me with increased pricing wasn't going to work.
With StemCyte, it was relatively easy process. When I called in, I felt that I got educated in their product than being pushed to by. In fact, they never tried to get me to start the program but just answered by questions and said goodbye. The process to get started was easy and done within a day. I got my box and now its sitting by the garage door waiting for this little one to come. I've notified my doctor of our choice and have given her the heads up that she will need to do the collection.
So far the best person I've known to ask questions about this whole cord blood and tissue banking is probably your doctor. My doctor was very pro banking so she was informative. She's much more educated than we are and she has actual experience with all the different banks. My doctor doesn't get paid for it so I know her opinion and recommendations were neutral. So I highly recommend asking all your questions to your doctor.
I'll do an update after I have the baby and the good stuff has been processed!
Although I really won't know much about the collection and processing method until I actually have the baby but my doctor recommended them based on her experience. I tried to do as much research as I could but it just wasn't very clear to differentiate between sales tactics and actual facts. What did help was that StemCyte was a public and private bank. That meant we would have access to the public should anything were to happen. Again, cord blood and tissue banking is an insurance plan so we just do your best to prepare for the worse case scenario.
I wanted something local in California so that it wouldn't be traveling so far after I had the baby. I figure the quicker it gets there, the quicker it'll get processed.
After calling all the banks, ViaCord was the absolute worse about telemarketing me afterwards through phone and email. So much so that I began to lost trust in the business. Where was their focus? Why are they so desperate? And threatening me with increased pricing wasn't going to work.
With StemCyte, it was relatively easy process. When I called in, I felt that I got educated in their product than being pushed to by. In fact, they never tried to get me to start the program but just answered by questions and said goodbye. The process to get started was easy and done within a day. I got my box and now its sitting by the garage door waiting for this little one to come. I've notified my doctor of our choice and have given her the heads up that she will need to do the collection.
So far the best person I've known to ask questions about this whole cord blood and tissue banking is probably your doctor. My doctor was very pro banking so she was informative. She's much more educated than we are and she has actual experience with all the different banks. My doctor doesn't get paid for it so I know her opinion and recommendations were neutral. So I highly recommend asking all your questions to your doctor.
I'll do an update after I have the baby and the good stuff has been processed!
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Orbit G3 Frame review
So we've had the G2 frame for almost 3 years now and perhaps the only 2 things that really bother me were the brakes and the single cup holder. The G3 took my breath away. Yes, I've become that woman that obsesses over baby products.
Here are what I'm loving about the new G3 frame:
1. The brakes and flip flop/barefoot friendly. Its probably the friendliest brake system I've encountered. So, Orbit took the questionable G2 brake system to #1. Thank you Orbit Baby!!!
2. The double cup holders. You have no idea how much that means to our family. Now, how do I add a 3rd?
3. One hand fold. The G2 was already a pretty simple system but now, they simplified it even more.
4. Maneuverability. That's a long word. I hope I spelled it right. I was happy with the G2 but the G3 is smoother, easier to turn, and more absorbent on the bumps.
5. G2 family friendly. From a family that has the entire G2 line, when the G3 came out, my heart sank. I know, its not that serious but really, after investing so much money you would hope that your investment last a while and be the newest. I think the people at Orbit thought about that instead of being greedy and made the new G3 compatible with the G2 products. With baby girl number 2 due in 5 weeks, I'm really in nesting mode. Getting the G3 frame was like having my first born all over again. We didn't get too much use out of our infant carseat since my daughter wanted to sit upright at 7 months so we got the Orbit toddler car seat for her. So, I really wouldn't have been too happy about having to buy a new infant car seat since who knows how long this lil one will want to stay in it. I'm hoping for a year this time.
So, thank you Orbit Baby for making a newer and better version of the G2 without making my Orbit Baby collection outdated. And most of all, thank you for standing behind your products with great customer service and warranty. For most of my readers in the Bay Area, they are LOCAL!! And yes, you can just go to them if you need something. So for those of use that live here in Northern California, Orbit Baby is your best choice!
Here are what I'm loving about the new G3 frame:
1. The brakes and flip flop/barefoot friendly. Its probably the friendliest brake system I've encountered. So, Orbit took the questionable G2 brake system to #1. Thank you Orbit Baby!!!
2. The double cup holders. You have no idea how much that means to our family. Now, how do I add a 3rd?
3. One hand fold. The G2 was already a pretty simple system but now, they simplified it even more.
4. Maneuverability. That's a long word. I hope I spelled it right. I was happy with the G2 but the G3 is smoother, easier to turn, and more absorbent on the bumps.
5. G2 family friendly. From a family that has the entire G2 line, when the G3 came out, my heart sank. I know, its not that serious but really, after investing so much money you would hope that your investment last a while and be the newest. I think the people at Orbit thought about that instead of being greedy and made the new G3 compatible with the G2 products. With baby girl number 2 due in 5 weeks, I'm really in nesting mode. Getting the G3 frame was like having my first born all over again. We didn't get too much use out of our infant carseat since my daughter wanted to sit upright at 7 months so we got the Orbit toddler car seat for her. So, I really wouldn't have been too happy about having to buy a new infant car seat since who knows how long this lil one will want to stay in it. I'm hoping for a year this time.
So, thank you Orbit Baby for making a newer and better version of the G2 without making my Orbit Baby collection outdated. And most of all, thank you for standing behind your products with great customer service and warranty. For most of my readers in the Bay Area, they are LOCAL!! And yes, you can just go to them if you need something. So for those of use that live here in Northern California, Orbit Baby is your best choice!
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