Traveling with a baby part II

Almost 3 years ago, I wrote one of my more popular posts (Here) about traveling with a baby

We took our first flight with baby M about a week ago. It was a combined 6+ hour flight with a layover. I am still not an expert but with two children who flew early and  what not this is what I have learned.

1. STILL WEAR YOUR BABY

if you have a ring sling you will have to take it off and carry your baby thru security so a soft structured carrier  (ssc) is better for this instance. Alot of SSC's require an infant insert under a certain weight so look into that.

We have only been using the ring sling so far.  Learning how to breastfeed and move has been a huge thing with baby M. He is a mover and a shaker and this has been very helpful. 

Also, on take off and landing some airlines will have take the straps off of your carrier they claim you are not suppose to be attached to the baby

2. Check your accommodations and see if there are things you don't have to bring 

This trip we brought everything: stroller, car seat, rock n play, etc.

There are hotels that will provide a pack n play. 

Also, uber or car rentals also have car seats but it's a take at your own discression.

3. Be comfortable.

I have had better luck at breastfeeding with baby M than I did with W and one of the reasons is because I go to breastfeeding support group. In this group I was recommended to get a haakaa and a  travel my breastfriend feeding pillow.

First, the haakaa is my absolute favorite thing right now. It's a silicone hand pump that you place on the other breast while feeding and collects the let down. 

You can purchase it Here

4. Don't forget about your self.
I am constantly covered in spit up and just have a general dishelveled look about me. Bring an extra shirt for your self just in case

That about does it.
I would love this hear how you fly and your pointers.

~Steph~

Comparing pregnancies

A common phrase used for pregnancy is..
every pregnancy/labor/baby is different.

I know this is something I say to my patients on a regular basis because what works for baby A doesn't always work for baby B and vise versa.

(I want to say these are around the same weeks for comparison)

Since this is my second pregnancy I do not have a lot of experience, but though that it would be fun to do a comparison of some common pregnancy symptoms.

A: is my pregnancy with W (girl)

B: is my current pregnancy (37+weeks with baby boy) 

Nausea/morning sickness: 

A: vomited once most likely due to food poisoning 

B: vomited once most likely due to a 24 bug

Heart burn: 

A: none

B: yes, I have actually had to take tums. It could be worse. 

Acne: 

A: no

B: none

Stretch marks:
A: yes on my thighs and stomach

B: none

Swelling: 

A: yes EVERYWHERE

B: on occasion and mostly just in my ankles (joints) the left more than the right

Food cravings: 

A: spicy (I don't normally do spicy) chicken wings and milk (I also don't drink a lot of milk)

B: fish- I have been eating my allotted two cans of tuna every week 

Headaches:

A: none

B: yes, especially the first half of the pregnancy 

Fatigue:

A: all the time, I always felt like I couldn't catch up

B: I am sleeping more than my norm (while working 5-6 hrs/day),  but I feel more energized after 7 or 8 especially having to chase a toddler all the time 

Discomfort:

A: my hips and sciatica that I was going to the chiropractor regularly around 6-8 weeks and getting monthly massages if not more for relief
B: residual hip pain I have been to the chiropractor 2 x and gotten 3 massages

Weight gain:
A: 28 lbs and weighed more at my 6 week apt
Weight was everywhere
B. 18 lbs and weight was mostly in my belly and butt

Emotions, moodiness, etc. 
A: super moody during pregnancy
B: mostly happy, some moodiness. Pretty emotional postpartum

So, I think that about covers it. Everything you wanted to know about my pregnancies

~Steph~

Introducing..

Birth story to eventually to follow

37 weeks

I AM  FULL TERM.. woo hoo!

If you wanted to recap on how I was doing with W at this time in pregnancy go Here
It's so hot right now

How Far Along: 37 weeks

Total Weight Gain/Loss: +18 lbs (from the drs apt this week)

Maternity Clothes: I have a few key pieces that I am mixing with my current wardrobe 

Stretch Marks: No

Best Moment this week: getting things done and spending time with W

Miss Anything: the ability to go. Like go do things without planning or not being able to do them by myself

Movement: yes, but move,nets have changed now that he is head down

Sleep: meh! Sleeping is overrated

Food: Fruit  

Anything Making you Queasy or Sick: Smells of meat 

Have you started to show:  Yes!

Gender predictions: baby boy 

Labor Signs: Some Braxton hicks, but nothing consistent 

Belly Button In or Out: Innie, but barely. Thank goodness for deep innie to begin with

Wedding ring on or off: I don't wear a ring anymore 

Happy or Moody: meh!  

Looking forward: Snuggling baby, I have been dreaming about him

~ Steph ~

36 weeks

One week til full term.. woo hoo!

If you wanted to recap on how I was doing with W at this time in pregnancy go Here
Baby is head down and measuring 7lbs 6 oz (89th %tile) from ultrasound today

How Far Along: 36 weeks

Total Weight Gain/Loss: +17lbs (from the drs apt this week)

Maternity Clothes: I have a few key pieces that I am mixing with my current wardrobe 

Stretch Marks: No

Best Moment this week: Started maternity leave this week.. yay never ending lists of things to do

Miss Anything: the ability to go. Like go do things without planning or not being able to do them by myself

Movement: yes, this baby moves so much more than Willow. 

I have noticed he moves more when I eat better

Sleep: meh! Sleeping is overrated

Food: Fruit and cold things 

Anything Making you Queasy or Sick: Smells of meat 

Have you started to show:  Yes!

Gender predictions: baby boy 


(This one shows a little more belly)

Labor Signs: Nope

Belly Button In or Out: Innie, but barely 

Wedding ring on or off: I don't wear a ring anymore 

Happy or Moody: meh!  

Looking forward: Snuggling baby, I have been dreaming about it 

~ Steph ~

34 weeks

Single digit weeks.. woo hoo!

If you wanted to recap on how I was doing with W at this time in pregnancy go Here

How Far Along: 34 weeks

Total Weight Gain/Loss: +18lbs (from the drs apt this week)

Maternity Clothes: I have a few key pieces that I am mixing with my current wardrobe 

Stretch Marks: No

Best Moment this week: Being super busy this week and nesting is in full force 

Miss Anything: not having to pee every few minutes

Movement: yes, this baby moves so much more than Willow. 
I have noticed he moves more when I eat better

Sleep: meh!

Food: BJ's pizza and there homemade root beer.. my super craving 

Anything Making you Queasy or Sick: Smells of meat 

Have you started to show:  Yes and I feel like I have doubled in size from last week to this week 

Gender predictions: baby boy 

Labor Signs: Nope

Belly Button In or Out: Innie still, but barely 

Wedding ring on or off: I don't wear a ring anymore 

Happy or Moody: happy 

Looking forward: Snuggling baby, I have been dreaming about it 

~ Steph ~

32 weeks

Here is my 32week update

If you want to compare where I was with W around the same time, go Here

I started to take pictures without my shirt on because I like the way it looks.
I like that it shows my imperfections and flaws, but also the real me.

How Far Along: 32weeks

Total Weight Gain/Loss: +15lbs (from the drs apt this week)

Maternity Clothes: I have a few key pieces that I am mixing with my current wardrobe 

Stretch Marks: No

Best Moment this week: Getting ready for the baby shower, meeting with our doula and nesting (starting baby laundry) 

Miss Anything: being able to go do things like I use to without thinking about it such as hiking with 40 lb W, which I am starting to not tolerate 

Movement: yes, this baby moves so much more than Willow. I have noticed he moves more when I eat better

Sleep: I have been doing ok, but sometimes baby doesn't get the memo we need to sleep especially at night

Food: carbs especially when I eat super healthy

Anything Making you Queasy or Sick: Smells of meat 

Have you started to show:  Yes and I feel like I have doubled in size from last week to this week 
(see photos) 

At 

Gender predictions: baby boy 

Labor Signs: Nope

Belly Button In or Out: Innie

Wedding ring on or off: I don't wear a ring anymore 

Happy or Moody: mostly happy 

Looking forward: Snuggling baby, I have been dreaming about it 

~ Steph ~

26 weeks

Here we are again, another update.
Things are going well with no major complaints.
I really do love being pregnant

If you want to see how I was doing at the same stage preggos with W, go Here

How Far Along: 26 weeks

Total Weight Gain/Loss: +11lbs (from the drs apt this week)

Maternity Clothes: I have a few key pieces that I am mixing with my current wardrobe 

Stretch Marks: No

Best Moment this week: being on a staycation for a total of 3 weeks and spending 3 days at Disneyland last week

Miss Anything: being able to go do things like I use to without thinking about it such as hiking with 40 lb W, which I am starting to not tolerate 

Movement: yes, this baby moves so much , I feel like he is using my bladder as a trampoline 

Sleep: I have been doing ok

Food: salty everything 

Anything Making you Queasy or Sick: A big piece of meat like chicken or pork chops.. no thanks 

Have you started to show:  Yes, it's there

Gender predictions: baby boy 

Labor Signs: Nope 

Belly Button In or Out: Innie

Wedding ring on or off: I don't wear a ring anymore 

Happy or Moody: Happy and I have a lot of energy 

Looking forward: The baby shower and all the upcoming things to do before he gets here

~ Steph ~

Halloween 2015

So, I just realized that I never posted about our family costume last Halloween.
I do realize we are 2 months out and I am already planning for this year but that's life.

W was Pebbles from the Flintstones



I made a pinafore dress and stuck black felt on it and some blue bloomers.
The car behind her was made over a cozy truck we got for free and used as a base.
It's amazing what some cardboard, paint and wood could do.

We took the car trick or treating, although she can walk it's not very far.



This is the family.
P's costume was orange felt sewed in a tube made longer with black felt triangles a and a blue felt tie.
My dress is also made from felt.
The necklace is styrofoam balls cut into geometric shapes to look like rocks.
I used felt because it's sturdy and doesn't need hemming.


What were you for Halloween? What are you going to be this year?

~Steph~

Dear Willow: YOU ARE GOING TO BE TWO!

I can't believe it! 

Two years ago today I was feeling like such a cow

and now I look at the little girl you are becoming.

You are independent and strong willed.

Don't ever let anyone tell you that's a bad thing.

Credit: echo photography

Currently when I ask you how old you are,
 you say three and think it's so funny. Then you correct it to two. 

You have quite the personality already.

Credit: echo photography

Tickles, chunkies or gotchus are your favorite and you always demand more.

You are polite and usually say please and thank you.

I love you so much, my Willow Leigh.


~ Mom ~

Mommy review 1.5 years in

So, I want to start with .. being a mother is easily the hardest thing I have ever done.

As Willow quickly approaches 18 months I just wanted to reflect on this wild adventure we have taken.

I love being a mother and it has given me a new sense of self worth and gratitude. Being a mother is unlike anything we know or want to know. You can read and prepare, but you don't truly know what it will be like until you are in the moment.

This also comes from being a postpartum nurse now, because I do see it EVERYDAY. 

Both P and I are pretty relaxed on our parenting methods.

This comes from several places, but we want to shower our baby with love.

We both work full time and want our daughter to know us so that also plays a role in this.

Mostly we try to take her lead and let her go with some corrections when needed. 

There are so many things, products, opinions, etc., out there  and we have found what works best for us, our family and, our needs.

Here are a few things we did..

We clothed diapered for over a year until she started to develop a chaffing rash because she is too tall/big so we had to switch to disposables. We use seventh generation free and clear.

We supplemented her from birth with Enfamil AR. This is just what worked for us.

We started solids  around 5 months, she was so interested in food earlier than that, but could not handle it. Now she eats everything and is food motivated. She had a real interest in eating with utensils so we let her and now she can feed herself.

We weaned her off the bottle just after 13 months.

She still mostly takes two 1-2 hour naps a day and sleeps 10-12 hours through the night in her crib. We give her milk in a sippy cup before bed (I know, big no no but that's what works).

She has slept in her own room from around 4 months and in a crib since about 6 months. We just all sleep better with this arrangement.

At the 18 month mark, she has about 20 ish words and some signs such as thank you, all done, more, etc. She runs, climbs, likes to feed her dolls and wipe their faces. She loves being outside and playing. For the most part she is a pretty happy and relaxed kid.

Having a toddler though, is like going on a blind date every day,

you do not know what your going to get.

~ Steph ~

Oversharer: The truth about Breastfeeding

Around Willows birthday I shared "our" ( I say our, because it was my body who did the birthing) birth story and everyone loved my over sharing so this "series/post" for all of your over sharers out there. 

This is all my opinion and what I have experienced through this process and was written intermittently during the process
Warning: this post is about breastfeeding and may or may not include pictures, fyi

Since birth, I have breastfed my little Willow.
She latched immediately and than we ran into multiple problems



When I held my breast my nipples would invert, thus making it hard for her to latch on. When a nurse saw this she recommended a nipple Shield. She measured me and gave me several. When the lactation consultant (LC) made her rounds she double checked and also approved the use of the shield to start off with and wean from there. In the hospital you have a ton of support available and we learned a lot and tried not to get frustrated. Especially that babies don't actually need any food for the first couple days, so the colostrum you do have before your milk comes in, is enough.

We were discharged on a Tuesday and had to go back to the pediatrician on Wednesday for a weight and jaundice check. Turns out my milk had not come in and Willow was losing a lot of weight and her bilirubin (jaundice) levels were high, which was concerning and we needed to start supplementing. This started the first of many internal fights of why my body was not goo enough to not be able to feed my baby without help. The next day we had a follow up weight check and she gained 4 oz from all that formula. From that day on we supplemented. Let me tell you that that little formula made me feel awful and I hated the fact that I was not given the full opportunity to try 100%. Granted I could have said no, but I was scared. Even as a nure when it is your baby or your body it is a very scary thought to think about.



A week later Miss W and I spent days naked and just did nurse ins. I took fenugreek, drank tea and baked cookies. It helped here and there, but the only thing that improved things was the amount of feedings I was having. Some days we gave her more formula than others and some days, mainly when P was away, she didn't get any. Still til this day she usually gets at least one bottle of formula before bed.



I am a modern women and have slowly come to the conclusion that I can not have everything. Every ounce I give my daughter is better than nothing. I have been back to work for over  a month now and pumping sucks. Again I was back to eating cookies, drinking tea and taking supplements. I changed the amount and frequency I was pumping. Last night I pumped 10 whole ounces while at work, I know women who do not have a problem with supply and that is not a lot, but it is a huge improvement for me from the 5-7 ounces I was pumping.

As time went on breastfeeding and pumping became second nature, but I still felt tied down by it. We started solids just shy of 6 months and that made her very happy. Willow weaned herself from the breast around 9 months. When I say she weaned herself she would scream at me when I would put her on so we stopped. I still follow her cues and take her lead. It was amazing to go as long as we did and that makes me happy. I am glad that I could provide for her for that long. At her 12 month visit she is 90-95th% in height, weight and head circumference so we can not complain.


How was your breastfeeding journey?

Life

Hello.. Web universe.. How are you! [crickets]. Ok .. That's fine. 

I have just  been thinking about where I have been and where I am now.

Two years ago, I was working on my beast of a unit that I thoroughly enjoyed and learned a lot of my basic nursing skills from and miss every day. I was traveling a lot because P was working for the airlines, which was tough but fun. We lived in our house on Pennsylvania street. And.. Almost married 2 years.

Fast forward..

We are living in our 2nd apt in California, have a 9 month old daughter, I work at Cedars-Sanai, and P is flying rich people around in a G4. Yeah, it's different but I wouldn't change it for the world. If you would have asked me 2 years ago if I would see my self here the answer would be no. I never thought we would leave Illinois or have kids so soon, etc etc. it's funny how life works that way?



~ Steph ~

Pregnancy photo project

So, I decided to try to take a photo every week to see baby's growth. As you can see towards the end I got lazy. If you missed any of the updates, you can go here

At 4 weeks, when I found out I was pregnant

                     

At 8 weeks, confirmed with an ultrasound

                                  



  
                       Week #15 I ran/walked a marathon, it sucked but I finished it

                                         
                     Week #18 at walt disney world in Florida with my mom

20 week ultrasound, confirming gender. I was team green and did not find out the gender

     

                                    


                                                      

                                                week # 30 in sacramento visiting friends

            

   
                                      34 weeks pretending I am not pregnant

                   

                                   36 weeks maternity photoshoot      

  37 weeks getting lunch with my seester

                               

 and my last week being pregnant

the last belly shot I have at 39 weeks and 4 days



It is pretty neat to see the progression over the weeks.
and.. this is what we got.



Did you do a photo montage of your pregnancy? I would love to see it.

~ Steph ~