I know it's not just Hannah and Luke. It seems like the Tooth Fairy has been making visits to our babies and waking them up at all hours. And just when we got them to sleep like champions! No fair! There is something criminal about how new moms are teased with a child who sleeps through the night at 3 months, only to discover that it isn't going to last.
Watch out for using certain kinds of teething gels, try it on yourself first. Would you want to have a numb mouth? They need to feel their mouths for nursing. Why not just try a bit of acetaminophen or an all natural camilia drop? You can get these anywhere. I've seen the camilia in the Super Store or any health food store like the Big Carrot should have it in their baby section.
How long will this phase last? I hear they just keep getting more teeth!
Yikes!
E
Friday, January 29, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Sleep Deprivation
I haven't slept more than three hours since I was five months pregnant due to insomnia and frequent urination. Now Luke is almost six months old. I still have insomnia and he wakes up frequently for various reasons. Currently, he is teething and I can't sleep; not a good combination. We co-sleep and I love cuddling with Luke but when neither of us are sleeping it can be somewhat uncomfortable. I may have actually sat up at 4am last night after waking up every thirty minutes, and said "for fucks sake." I felt like a bad mother for a moment then got up and Luke and I watched an infomercial. I feel nauseous a lot of the time and my head is foggy but I keep reminding myself that Luke is only going to be this little once. I'm sure I won't suffer any long term brain damage. Right?
H
H
Top 10 Worst Baby Shower Gifts
These are some of the more useless or irritating things that we think make terrible baby shower gifts. Please think twice before you give these items.
10. Stuffed toys. Sorry all you Teddy Bear lovers, but they're useless for the first few years.
9. Baby soaps and shampoos and lotions. Especially baby scented things. You don't need them. They smell good just as they are. If you need something, please use all natural products like pure organic shea butter, oatmeal and olive oil.
8. White pants, sleepers, really anything white that goes near the diaper area!
7. Diaper Genie. Just use a regular garbage can and bags.
6. Wipes warmer. Now really people, who invented this thing?
5. Change table. Too expensive for something that you don't need. Just use a change pad.
4. Crib bedding sets. You shouldn't even use bumper pads anyway, or the quilt. Just buy the sheets separately.
3. Pee Pee Tee Pee. Far to powerful a spray to be useful. Plus boys will pull at their jewels and just pull it off anyway. If you want to use a face cloth for protection they work just as well.
2. Ornamental and sentimental keepsakes. These things are tacky and stupid. Nobody wants junk that you have to keep.
1. Anything that takes batteries. For example the Fisher Price Aquarium toy for the crib, toy that make irritating noise etc.
Be careful what you register for... you just might get it!
10. Stuffed toys. Sorry all you Teddy Bear lovers, but they're useless for the first few years.
9. Baby soaps and shampoos and lotions. Especially baby scented things. You don't need them. They smell good just as they are. If you need something, please use all natural products like pure organic shea butter, oatmeal and olive oil.
8. White pants, sleepers, really anything white that goes near the diaper area!
7. Diaper Genie. Just use a regular garbage can and bags.
6. Wipes warmer. Now really people, who invented this thing?
5. Change table. Too expensive for something that you don't need. Just use a change pad.
4. Crib bedding sets. You shouldn't even use bumper pads anyway, or the quilt. Just buy the sheets separately.
3. Pee Pee Tee Pee. Far to powerful a spray to be useful. Plus boys will pull at their jewels and just pull it off anyway. If you want to use a face cloth for protection they work just as well.
2. Ornamental and sentimental keepsakes. These things are tacky and stupid. Nobody wants junk that you have to keep.
1. Anything that takes batteries. For example the Fisher Price Aquarium toy for the crib, toy that make irritating noise etc.
Be careful what you register for... you just might get it!
Top 10 Best Baby Shower Gifts
10. Money for an RESP or an independent savings plan
9. Gift card or cash so parents can get what they didn't realize they would need after the baby comes
8. Baby clothes in larger sizes, small ones are nice but only last so long. 3-6 month or 6-9 months sizes get a lot of wear, but watch the brands, different labels make their sizes fit small.
7. Receiving blankets. Always needed, always useful.
6. Activity toys for when the baby is older ie. Jolly Jumper, Jumperoo, Play Gym and Sophie the Giraffe.
5. Frozen home cooked meals. Because you never have time to cook anything, even a peanut butter sandwich.
4. Molly Maid. Aside from not being able to cook anything, you can't clean anything either!
3. Foam floor squares from Canadian Tire, about $14.99, you get 4 for a square 4 feet X 4 feet. So great for playing on the floor, rolling around etc.
2. Kids books. Board books are great for babies who might rip book pages, but it's nice to start a library of classics.
1. Diapers- cloth preferably. You will use them for years.
Need we say more.
Henna belly tatoos are a cool way to celebrate and show off your bump- for the hip mom who has everything!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Good article on Vitamin D
"Newman argues that recommending vitamin D for every breastfed baby sends a message that breastfeeding is deficient. He also points out that many parents find the supplements expensive - a worthwhile expense in those situations where they are needed, but a waste of money if they are not. In addition, some babies don’t react well to the vitamin drops; one of McKellar’s friend’s daughters threw up every time she was given the supplement."
http://www.todaysparent.com/baby/breastfeeding/article.jsp?content=855905
http://www.todaysparent.com/baby/breastfeeding/article.jsp?content=855905
Hair Cut
Hello Everyone,
I think we can all agree that it really feels great to get your hair done. Scalp massage, an hour to relax, then you look fabulous for the rest of the day. This is hard to do when your baby is small, you're breastfeeding and the salon is down town. But aren't we the ones who deserve it the most?
I took my babysitter along with me (aka Nan) so we could both get our hair done and do the old switcheroo with Brody. She went first, we were early and my hair dresser Mike B. wasn't in yet. Did I mention that we were at House of Lords on Yonge St. just south of Bloor? If anyone has ever even walked past there you will know that the music is pumping, the hair dressers are often pierced and leather clad, (that's why I love taking my mother in law lol) but it's a great and reasonably priced place to get your hair done. If your hair dresser shows up.
NEVER EVER stand up a new mom who booked an appointment a week ago, made special plans to get down there and hasn't had a hair cut in 5 months! Alas, Bess did my hair, highlights and all, looks pretty good if I must say so myself.
Did I mention the loud music? Brody slept most of the time, whether he was overwhelmed by the experience or is just a great baby, taking him with us was great.
But I would not ever call this a baby friendly place to get your hair cut. Had I been brave enough to venture into the washroom, it would have slayed me to find a change table. They offered that I could sit in the back and feed him, but I feel comfortable breastfeeding and feel the need to do it out in public as much as I can to support breastfeeding and mothers in general (or to piss people off, lol).
After our hair, we went to have coffee. I love to sit in the window of Second Cup and nurse him, possibly spraying the window, just so people walking by can see what we hardly ever see- a breastfeeding mother. Don't we always see the baby with the bottle in their mouths? I think we should start walking down the street with our little ones latched on, leaky boobs and all, proud that we are doing our best.
btw, my hair still looks good today, thanks Bess!
E
I think we can all agree that it really feels great to get your hair done. Scalp massage, an hour to relax, then you look fabulous for the rest of the day. This is hard to do when your baby is small, you're breastfeeding and the salon is down town. But aren't we the ones who deserve it the most?
I took my babysitter along with me (aka Nan) so we could both get our hair done and do the old switcheroo with Brody. She went first, we were early and my hair dresser Mike B. wasn't in yet. Did I mention that we were at House of Lords on Yonge St. just south of Bloor? If anyone has ever even walked past there you will know that the music is pumping, the hair dressers are often pierced and leather clad, (that's why I love taking my mother in law lol) but it's a great and reasonably priced place to get your hair done. If your hair dresser shows up.
NEVER EVER stand up a new mom who booked an appointment a week ago, made special plans to get down there and hasn't had a hair cut in 5 months! Alas, Bess did my hair, highlights and all, looks pretty good if I must say so myself.
Did I mention the loud music? Brody slept most of the time, whether he was overwhelmed by the experience or is just a great baby, taking him with us was great.
But I would not ever call this a baby friendly place to get your hair cut. Had I been brave enough to venture into the washroom, it would have slayed me to find a change table. They offered that I could sit in the back and feed him, but I feel comfortable breastfeeding and feel the need to do it out in public as much as I can to support breastfeeding and mothers in general (or to piss people off, lol).
After our hair, we went to have coffee. I love to sit in the window of Second Cup and nurse him, possibly spraying the window, just so people walking by can see what we hardly ever see- a breastfeeding mother. Don't we always see the baby with the bottle in their mouths? I think we should start walking down the street with our little ones latched on, leaky boobs and all, proud that we are doing our best.
btw, my hair still looks good today, thanks Bess!
E
Monday, January 25, 2010
When a Homebirth Fails
I wanted a homebirth for exactly the same reasons as Emma. The thought of bringing my healthy baby boy into the world in a place for the sick and dying seemed wrong. Unfortunately, Luke did end up being born by c-section in the hospital after more than twenty hours of labour at home. I am so glad that I tried for a homebirth and still feel sad that it wasn't able to happen. Because of the c-section I wasn't the first person to hold my son and he came into this world at a moment when I felt terrified. It was not the birth I had hoped for but the c-section saved Luke's life. I am grateful for the medical intervention because I know that it was neccessary.
Hannah
Hannah
Friday, January 22, 2010
Homebirth- The Natural Option
People always ask me the same question: "Why?". I like to think "Why not?". If you are a healthy woman, if your baby is healthy, why would you not consider the most natural and empowering option available to birth your baby?
Homebirth is not as scary as you might think. I laboured for 15 hours before meeting Brody for the first time. He was alert, we were in awe and we were at home.
I was always resigned to the idea that if our homebirth plan did not work out and we ended up in the hospital I would be alright with that. However, with everything working out as smoothly as a labour and delivery could, I feel the need to spread the word about this most empowering experience.
Often people comment "That was really brave!". I wouldn't say brave, it just felt right. My husband had some concerns, but after meeting with the Midwife for a Homebirth information session, all his fears subsided.
What if something goes wrong? Having a midwife does not guarantee that you will have a homebirth, (there are always reasons why having your baby in the hospital is the best option for you) but it does allow you to give it your best shot. Midwives are trained professionals who are equipped to deal with emergency situations. If something happens, they will get you the most appropriate care as quickly as possible. It's a little different from the days when the midwife would arrive, boil water and get the towels. Now they bring medication and oxygen, and the only reason for boiled water is tea.
Think it's messy? Don't want to get blood and placenta on your new carpet?
Don't worry. If properly prepared there will be no sign that you just gave birth except for a bag of garbage, a bag of laundry, oh yea, and a baby.
It doesn't take much to prepare, a few receiving blankets and a plastic sheet for the bed are almost everything you need. And Gatorade. Lots of Gatorade.
As Midwives and Homebirths are becoming more mainstream in Canada, Toronto in particular, we encourage anyone and everyone to at least give it some consideration.
Cheers,
E
Homebirth is not as scary as you might think. I laboured for 15 hours before meeting Brody for the first time. He was alert, we were in awe and we were at home.
I was always resigned to the idea that if our homebirth plan did not work out and we ended up in the hospital I would be alright with that. However, with everything working out as smoothly as a labour and delivery could, I feel the need to spread the word about this most empowering experience.
Often people comment "That was really brave!". I wouldn't say brave, it just felt right. My husband had some concerns, but after meeting with the Midwife for a Homebirth information session, all his fears subsided.
What if something goes wrong? Having a midwife does not guarantee that you will have a homebirth, (there are always reasons why having your baby in the hospital is the best option for you) but it does allow you to give it your best shot. Midwives are trained professionals who are equipped to deal with emergency situations. If something happens, they will get you the most appropriate care as quickly as possible. It's a little different from the days when the midwife would arrive, boil water and get the towels. Now they bring medication and oxygen, and the only reason for boiled water is tea.
Think it's messy? Don't want to get blood and placenta on your new carpet?
Don't worry. If properly prepared there will be no sign that you just gave birth except for a bag of garbage, a bag of laundry, oh yea, and a baby.
It doesn't take much to prepare, a few receiving blankets and a plastic sheet for the bed are almost everything you need. And Gatorade. Lots of Gatorade.
I don't know how anyone gets in the car and goes to the hospital. I really don't. When the contractions are going strong, maybe you are throwing up and exhausted, it seems to me that being at home is the most comforting and relaxing place to be.
A lot of women have natural births, but allow the hospital to medicalize what should be a normal process with EFMs, IVs etc. Not to mention the risk of hospital acquired bacterial infections.
As Midwives and Homebirths are becoming more mainstream in Canada, Toronto in particular, we encourage anyone and everyone to at least give it some consideration.
Cheers,
E
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Not All Babies Are Cute
"Thank you for your interest in Kamera Kids. Unfortunately we are unable to offer your child representation at this time. We invite you to re-apply in 6 months with new photos and measurements. Due to the amount of applications we receive, we cannot elaborate as to the reasons your child was not accepted. Some reasons are: photo quality, look/size of the child may be in conflict with another on our roster, etc." - Kamera Kids
Okay, admit it you know you've seen a baby that isn't cute. You might even admit that the baby is ugly. But not your baby. No, your baby is the cutest baby. Ever. Definitely cute enough for modeling. At least we thought so. Before you read the next bit we aren't out to make our babies famous. We just thought it might be something fun to do. We both submitted adorable photos of the boys with high hopes, only to receive the rejection form letter email. Brutal. But why? Their reasons are not specific (see form letter above). We're sure it was the photo quality and not little Luke's manly comb over and adorable double chin. We know Brody looks mature for his age, but that seems like some form of discrimination. What? Is he not "baby" enough for you? We know for a fact that our boys are cute! No matter what your baby looks like s/he is perfect to you. Try not to think about the saying "Only a face a mother could love." All babies really are beautiful.
Okay, admit it you know you've seen a baby that isn't cute. You might even admit that the baby is ugly. But not your baby. No, your baby is the cutest baby. Ever. Definitely cute enough for modeling. At least we thought so. Before you read the next bit we aren't out to make our babies famous. We just thought it might be something fun to do. We both submitted adorable photos of the boys with high hopes, only to receive the rejection form letter email. Brutal. But why? Their reasons are not specific (see form letter above). We're sure it was the photo quality and not little Luke's manly comb over and adorable double chin. We know Brody looks mature for his age, but that seems like some form of discrimination. What? Is he not "baby" enough for you? We know for a fact that our boys are cute! No matter what your baby looks like s/he is perfect to you. Try not to think about the saying "Only a face a mother could love." All babies really are beautiful.
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