Back to work for Mommy!

Well these past few weeks have felt hectic and I have been unable to post on my blog
Sofia is growing so fast and already coo-ing and smiling. Just melts my heart and brings tears to my eyes. Motherhood is so rewarding and draining at the same time. Going back to work, even part time is exhausting! Besides the kids, there is the house work, laundry, cooking, gardening, and finances! I find myself feeling guilty if toys are scattered, laundry is piled, and I can feel dirt on the soles of my feet when walking around the house. But after talking to my friend this past weekend she reminded me that it’s okay to take a “guilt-free Mommy Day”! Music to my ears and a great reminder to chill! Every morning when I wake up I try to get myself ready first – very hard! But if I get dressed, wash my face, comb my hair, and most importantly, eat something, then I feel more whole throughout the day. So, all you mothers out there, take a deep breath, smile, and take a moment for yourself. Better yet, take a day!

Baby Slings

Baby Slings are a must-have for any Mom.  I’ve used a couple different kinds and my all time favorite is the SlingEZee that I received with my first child.  Thank you Jen!  It’s so easy to throw on at any moment, can be adjusted with one hand, and is comfortable.  As with most slings/baby carriers there are an assortment of positions  to use with your child.  I’ve nursed while walking with this one and I’ve carried my infant and 2 yr. old in this sling with no problems.  It also is a light weight material great for summertime and for winter I just thrown a blanket around us. 

I also have a  Moby Wrap that works well too and is very comfy with the soft cotton jersey.  What’s amazing about this wrap is that you can even carry twins with this thing!  Both Moby Wrap and SlingEZee have websites that demonstrate how to tie these suckers on, thankfully!  Especially since the Moby is an intimidatingly long 20 feet of fabric!  (I didn’t measure it, but it seems really long ;o)) But once I got it on it’s super comfy, you just need to leave it on through out the day.  It’s great for just hanging around the house. 

But when I find myself in those hairy moments with the baby screaming, the phone ringing, and my 2yr. old crying and clinging onto my leg, I grab the SlingEZee because I can throw it over my head and were set!  Super Mom to the rescue!

I’ve also got one of the Baby Bjorns hanging in my closet if anyone’s interested.   It works well but the baby seems to be in such an unnatural position.  And if you don’t adjust the length correctly while wearing your baby in the front facing position any leaning forward can cause the material to cover the babies mouth or press against it’s neck in a choking manner.  I’ve seen this happen while out on the town and made sure I had mine set correctly.  And yes, I did tell the mom that her kid was choking!

Happy Baby in the Baby Bjorn

Luckily we have many options out there so we parents can be hands free and keep some sanity!  The manufacturers have come out with some great fabric options and I’m seeing more and more Organic too!  What sling/wrap/carriers do you like?

Those first hours

I remember sitting in my hospital bed that first night with my son when he was only hours old.  My body was shot from delivery and I felt caught in time with overwhelming sensations of my new responsibility.  I remember thinking, “Here is this beautiful being that’s been created inside me, yet I don’t feel like a mother, where do I start?  What do I do?”.  My family is big and I’d taken care of many children growing up but this was different.  Everything seemed so foreign.

Motherhood doesn’t just pop into our heads, some of it is instintual but most of parenting has to be learned.  That is why I have been so grateful for my friends and family who’ve been there for me when I’m exhausted and on the verge of tears.  Just knowing that I’m not alone and that all the feelings are normal is a relief.   My generation and culture doesn’t have the privelege of wisdom that comes from generations of women under one household.  My Mom lives 500 miles away.  Fortunately my in-laws are wonderful and live in the same town.  But sometimes I wish my Mom was around to provide the nurturing that only a Mother can provide.  I do have my network of friends though and we all have the internet to keep us connected.  Even during those wee hours of the morning while I change diapers in the dark !

Hello Blogosphere!

Well this is my first entry, looking forward to setting up a successful and popular blog that will help new moms to find their bearings in this new world!
Just had my second child on April 30, 2009 and I’m finally starting to feel like life is smoothing out. What I’ve found is that the support after childbirth is lacking besides what we women have started in the social networking world. So here I go!

Helpful Nursing Tools

I found some helpful Nursing tools in the May 2009 issue of “Pregnancy” .  Have yet to check them out but maybe you’ll be able to… and I’ll let you know when I do.  Check these items out!

www.EasyExpression.com  ”Easy Expression Bustier is essential for mothers who pump their milk. It allows you to use your hands for something other than holding the flanges in place. The Bustier is a zip-front, strapless design. The zipper is flexible and is backed by a plush, white placket. It is simple to use because you don’t need to remove your blouse or nursing bra. The fabric is a cotton/Lycra blend, so it is very soft and holds the flanges firmly in place. Works with most breast pumps. Enjoy your new found freedom!”

www.mymilkies.com  Save Every Drop!  Great idea for lucky mothers like me who have an abundant supply of milk.

     

 

By the way, this makes me think of another issue to talk about, Breastpads!  Who knew you could nurse and accessorize!  FYI, my favorite nursing pads are the ones made by Lansinoh.