IMG: Sxc.hu

What type of delivery did mom have? If mom had a regular birth with no tears it may not be as uncomfortable going home. Mom may want to still take it easy though since it does make you slightly off-balanced once you’ve delivered a baby and no longer have that extra weight. Find out from “MOM” what she wants and how she feels.

If mom tore during delivery she may be a bit sore, especially if she had to get stitches. You would not believe the pain down there after giving birth and ripping open. The stitches sometimes get snagged on the clothing and it makes it very hard to use the restroom. Mom might need the following items:

- tucks (these will relieve the pain and help for hemorroids)
-  lots of rest and NO jumping around, you’ll pull those stitches)

If mom had a c-section there is an entire list of at home care, most of the time the doctor will give it to you before leaving the hospital. Make sure to follow it to the “t.”

Finally, make sure mom gets enough sleep and nutrition. Even if mom says she isn’t hungry she just gave birth and carried a child for 9-10 months in her body, she needs food. Also make sure mom has plenty of water and isn’t stressed. If mom says she would prefer no visitors for the first week, let her have the time alone. She may be trying to adjust or not want to stress over cleaning the house.

I hope this helps those that have a mom coming home from the hospital, she needs care too.

Post from: Babylune

IMG: Ferree

Earlier today I was uploading “Elf” into the DVD for Little A, he had grabbed a diaper and was playing with this sisters’ toys. I thought nothing of it and went about loading his movie, that is until I heard, “Mom help!”

When I looked over I see that Little A has a dirty diaper beside him (thankfully just pee) and a new one all on, except he couldn’t strap it just right as it got stuck under him. But you could see he took the initiative and all. He was so proud once I helped him he kept repeating, “I did it!” Yeah I think he’s ready.

A few months ago we went through the whole thing when he’d run to his potty and go. But that was short lived, where he once carried his potty in all the rooms he now has it in the bathroom but doesn’t really use it. What would you do?

Post from: Babylune

IMG: Sxc.hu

Real quickly though, before we get into the survey there is a magazine offer for you: In November Pregnancy.org is offereing a 10% discount on the vitamins by using the coupon code PREG10 during checkout and all orders this month will receive a free copy of the film Being Dad USA, valued at $24.95.

400 pregnant women took part in this survey, which once again was done by Pregnancy.org. Over half admitted to having a very poor diet and bad exercise, let alone none took their pre-natals. I must ask now, how many of you took your pre-natals while you were pregnant? Why? I was actually told by my doctor not to take them, instead to take Flinstone vitamins.

The survey goes on to state:
- 61% don’t take a pre-natal vitamin daily as they feel it makes them more nauseous
- 55% did not seek expert advice on which pre-natal vitamin was suitable for them
- Over 25% of respondents admitted to consuming alcohol, cigarettes or caffeine
- Folate and Iron are the most sought after vitamins/minerals in a pre-natal vitamin but over 50% respondents don’t know what foods naturally contain them
- When asked what they look for in a pre-natal vitamin price was considered more important than absorption rates or ingredient quality
- 80% don’t change their pre-natal vitamin formula from pre-conception to breastfeeding

To get more information on vidtamins or vitamin supplements you may want to try getting a hold of the message boards at http://www.pregnancy.org and find out if anyone has suggestions on how you can get your vitamins even if you can’t handle them.

Post from: Babylune

IMG: sxc.hu

Tips for Families with Preemies trying to Keep Healthy This Season

Employ Good Hand Washing: You don’t have to be an expert to know that hand washing is essential in keeping germs at bay. Preemies are more susceptible to infections and any one coming in contact with a preemie baby should wash his or her hands.

Keep Baby Warm This Winter: While preemies are in the hospital, their body temperature is constantly being monitored and kept warm. So when it’s time to bring your preemie home, it’s important to keep him or her warm and comfortable at home too. A good way to keep a preemie warm is by keeping a hat on his or her head, as most heat is lost through a baby’s head. Also be sure their hands and feet are toasty too!

Keep Breastfeeding. There is nothing healthier for your newborn baby than breast milk. If you can’t feed your baby directly because she is having trouble latching on, set up a good pumping routine. Like Suzy’s story, I recommend that you pump hands-free so you can hold and/or stroke your baby while you pump. Doing so aids in milk production and brings you closer to your baby.

Take care of yourself. Parents of preemies often find themselves spending hours and days, if not weeks, in the neo-natal intensive care unit. Plus, caring for a preemie can take an incredible amount of time. New moms should be sure to take care of themselves too! Don’t be shy about accepting help from well-intentioned family and friends and get plenty of rest, eat well and exercise moderately as recommended by your doctor.

Get Support: Parents of preemies can feel comforted in the fact that they are not alone and that there are support groups they can work with, such as your local March of Dimes Chapter or Preemies Today online and remote support groups. They can also seek support and encouragement from their doctors, nurses, or other parents.

Post from: Babylune

My own baby is going through the “Me” stage but not as the “it’s mine.” For example, I brought out two chairs and he claimed one, “Me” and sat in it. Another time he asked me something using “me” in reference to him. So apparently he has realized now that he is a little person and “me” is who he is. (Did that make any sense?)

As far as baby new stories go, I’m so happy to see that little Briant Rodriguez was not only found but alive and is back home with his parents and siblings. Sad news though about “Baby Angel” which was later discovered to have been murdered twice by his own mother. (shame)She suffocated him, revived him and decided no she did want him dead and did it again. Someone found the little boy buried in a playground.

So, it’s Friday and you don’t have to stay on topic you can chat about anything. Here are a few things to get you started just in case you think you have nothing to say:

-Officer Saves Baby Sea Lion:  He/she was found on the expressway and safely brought to a marine center.

-Baby used as Weapon:  An aunt uses her 2 month old nephew as a shield, tosses him at guards and runs off. Leaving him unconscious.

- Wordy Wednesday: I’ve been showing ya’ll the nest on my front porch, the birds finally flew out this week.

-  2nd baby dies from swine flu: Are you worried about it?

- 550 lb woman gives birth: I was shocked after reading most woman can’t get pregnant after a certain amount of weight. But more that the baby was only 4.4lbs.

Post from: Babylune

IMG: Sxc.hu

The little girl only weight a little less than 17 pounds and is 16 month old, that’s a pound per month she’s been alive almost. This little baby has been through it all too, in just a few short months she had:

a brain hemorrhage, chronic lung disease, an open heart duct, life-threatening high blood pressure and an immature gut, which meant she was unable to digest milk.

She was allowed to go home with her parents at 3-and-a-half months but was still suffering from reflux, where stomach contents come back into the esophagus or mouth and make babies stop breathing.

Doesn’t that just make you sad and want to find her and give her one giant hug? I bet it does. Either way this girl is a survivor and while most kids would love to hear they get to eat the following this is actually the prescribed diet from the doctor:

special diet, eating foods like yogurt, roast duck and pork, pesto, vegetables cooked in olive oil, chocolate and milky desserts.

What do you think?

Post from: Babylune

IMG: Sxc.hu

Even the La Leche League states that you should NOT breastfeed your baby while intoxicated and that you should wait until you are sober. Currently it is unknown what her blood alcohol level was and even if she was drunk. The assistant state’s attorney, Carmel Mattison has stated this will be the first time they’ve accused any mother of breast-feeding while drunk.

A lactation consultant in Altru had this to say:

“No matter how little you drink, you are potentially exposing your baby to alcohol. You need to make that decision for yourself.” – Dee Grabanski

According to the La Leche League FAQ:

Mothers who are intoxicated should not breastfeed until they are completely sober, at which time most of the alcohol will have left the mother’s blood. Drinking to the point of intoxication, or binge drinking, by breastfeeding mothers has not been adequately studied. Since all of the risks are not understood, drinking to the point of intoxication is not advised.

Post from: Babylune

I never intended this but I buy Gerber and Parent’s Choice. Gerber is what I tend to buy all his baby food, I’ve always used this company so I trust it. As for his favorite I’d have to say it would be Puffs by Parent’s Choice. He just loves his banana puffs and oatmeal cereal. (oatmeal is Gerber)

What’s your favorite?

Each hour today, we are blogging for charity.  Please consider making a donation to The Children’s Hunger Fund. You could be helping feed a child.

Post from: Babylune

Post from: Babylune

On this blog and elsewhere, there have been a lot of helpful hints about how to make a healthy meal quickly, and even suggestions for vitamin rich recipes that are especially important for new mothers to eat to rebuild their tissues (but not the new fatty ones), restore their energy and help prevent postpartum depression.

The sad truth is, new mothers seldom get to sit down and eat their health meals while they’re still hot. And that is too bad because a warm, cooked meal is so soothing that it can help to control stress.

I recommend serving your own meals on a microwaveable dish so that you can pop it in for a warm up if you’re interrupted at meal times by a crying baby. Keeping a little extra sauce or pan juices on the side can be used to stop your meal from drying out.

The best meal to eat warm may just be breakfast. In particular: oatmeal. Oatmeal contains vitamin K, which helps with blood clotting and healing tissue injuries…which all birthing mothers have probably experienced regardless of how their babies were delivered.

I like mine served with slices of fresh apple, a sprinkling of cinnemon and fruit yogurt is one of my favorites. Studies have shown that cooked oats are healthy for every part of your body (see this Eating Fabulous post if you want some study details).

There is another benefit to oatmeal. While I am no Thrifty Mommy, I appreciate how hard I work for my money. Three minute oats are cheap. To tell you the truth, I cook them in a little under three minutes. First, I pour some boiling water over the raw oats and apple slices. I cover the bowl with a plate and let it steam while I get the yogurt and cinnamon out. Then, I stir in the yogurt, add a bit of cinnamon and microwave it for about 30 seconds. Sometimes, I add a little milk to think the mixture out.

I especially enjoy this breakfast when I wake up before everyone else and the house is completely quiet. It’s a nice way to start the day.

Post from: Babylune