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

39 weeks

This week we made our induction appointment for Monday.
It was not an easy decision based on what happened last time, but baby is not showing a lot of motivation of getting out anytime soon and they are still worried about him being large.

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

How Far Along: 39 weeks

Total Weight Gain/Loss: +20 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: nesting and getting things checked off my list that have been there forever

Miss Anything: freedom

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

Sleep: meh! Sleeping is overrated. I sleep better when P is gone because I get the bed to myself and all my pillows 

Food: Fruit  

Anything Making you Queasy or Sick: too much dairy is giving me whisked heartburn/reflux

Have you started to show:  Yes!

Gender predictions: baby boy 

Labor Signs: Some Braxton hicks, but nothing consistent 

Belly Button In or Out: um.. both? It's right on the edge 

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

Happy or Moody: meh!  

Looking forward: Snuggling, holding, kissing MY baby. I am done.

~ Steph ~

38 weeks

It's birth month for this little one. 

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

How Far Along: 38 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: nesting and crossing things off my list. I also hiked 4x last week, it was quite exciting 

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: Spiced foods & too much dairy

Have you started to show:  Yes!


Here is a good belly pic for those following

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 ~

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 ~