Milk Maid Tea Experiment

I must start this post by mentioning I am VERY pro breastfeeding.  I do not look down on mothers who use formula, but I always wonder why.  If it comes up in conversation, it is always the same thing "I wasn't producing enough milk"  What does that even mean?  Breastfeeding works best if you do it.  I know it can be hard to wait it out; especially, if you feel your baby isn't getting enough milk, usually they are though, but if you continue to feed the baby it will work out, and if your supply is still low, there is much you can do to increase it.  Assess your lifestyle, your diet, your stress level, your determination. 

I must also mention, I am not in the medical field and do not in any way possess a medical degree except for the one I issued myself in the ability to 'Self Diagnose'.  I am also not a Lactation Consultant.  I am not going to provide any studies or research in this post, I will simply speak from experience and conversations I have had with others. 

My son has been exclusively breastfed for 4 and a half months....his entire precious life.  At first I wondered if I wasn't producing enough milk.  Now I think that maybe I just don't store a lot, I have small storage tanks maybe!!!  My milk came in right away which was wonderful.  At our 1 week check up I mentioned to my doctor that I was concerned I had a low milk supply,

and she was not at all concerned as Sutton was back up to his birth weight in less than a week, on average they say it takes up to 2 weeks.  She did give me a prescription for a medication which can aid in more milk supply.  In fact, she said she had a patient who adopted, and was able to breastfeed because of this medication.  I did not fill the prescription as when talking with a friend about my concerns, she basically told me that my body knows what to do, and if the baby doesn't suck the body doesn't produce.  Tough it out, hang in there, and most importantly to keep at it.  I consider her a hero in my breastfeeding adventures.  Another thing she told me was to not have any formula on hand, it will only make me want to use it when I am struggling the most.  I had to follow my instinct, by body and my son.

Here, almost 5 months later, I still wonder.  I think just because I cannot pump very well.  It takes me at least 2 days and 4 pumping sessions to get a 5oz bottle.  Everyone knows though that a baby sucking at the breast is far more effective than a breast pump ever will be.

Regardless of the fact that I KNOW I am producing enough milk, I still regularly eat oatmeal as it does enhance my supply, and it is so healthy and yummy too, and I get to eat copious amounts of brown sugar! 

I was at one of my favourite children's boutiques when I came across the Earth Mama Angel Baby Products.  They had a 'Milk Maid Tea' for breastfeeding mothers.  I figured I would give it a shot. It contained 16 tea bags for $9.99.  That works out to $0.62 a cup. 

Man oh man does it ever work.  I was going to try it for 10 days, but I just quit last night and did it for 6 days.  It really does work.  My breasts were definitely larger, huge even.  Alan and I pointed and laughed that I was going to topple over.  I was also able to pump more than usual.  I was slightly engorged, but not too engorged that I was in complete discomfort.

As I mentioned in a previous post....all (or close to all) women can breastfeed.  I often hear people say that they cannot, as they didn't have enough milk.  How did they know?  One cannot determine how many ounces of milk they have.  The more you feed the more you produce, and a pump can never replace a baby. 

For the first month or so, Sutton was ALWAYS on the breast.  Several people told me he was comfort sucking and to put an end to it immediately.  I didn't want to to deprive him comfort at all, and I wanted to wait it out.  I now truly believe that he was increasing my supply.  My son and my body worked together.  There are still times when Sutton 'comfort sucks' and sometimes I know he is just needing comfort and other times I think he is increasing my supply.  Breastfeeding is a 'Supply and Demand' business after all.  The more the baby sucks, the more you produce.  Just as your body can conceive a child, carry a child and deliver a child, it can also nourish a child.  I am sure there are some circumstances where mothers cannot or do not produce enough milk, but I also believe that determination plays a huge role.  If a doctor says you aren't producing enough milk do you believe them?  How do they know?  Their medical degree doesn't enable them to see through your skin and into your milk ducts.  As long as your child is healthy, content and gaining weight properly that is indication that you ARE producing enough milk.  Never trust a pump alone.  Had I have done this, it means that my son is only getting 2 oz of milk per day.  I know this isn't true.  I make sure my breast is emptied as much as possible to aid in my body's ability to continue the supply and demand.

So, to conclude my experiment, the Earth Mama Angel Baby Tea is very effective.  Please see the ingredients below.  I am sure the main ingredient of Fenugreek is the reason it is so effective.  I have heard of doctors who prescribe Fenugreek pills as well for the reason of increasing milk supply.  I will use this tea again if I want to quickly enhance my supply to be able to pump a few bottles.  It seemed to work very quickly.  I noticed by the next day for sure.  The taste wasn't bad.  I could smell and taste the peppermint most. 

It also states not to use if you are Pregnant.  I am not sure why.  I assume it has something to do with the Red Raspberry Leaf in it, or maybe because you do not want to stimulate milk supply too early in your pregnancy.  I am not sure why, but I wasn't concerned as I am not pregnant.  As with anything, do your research and ask a professional.  Most places who sell these products are very well informed as well.

Funny Boy!

Sutton is so funny!!!!  He makes me laugh every single day, many times a day!  Watching him learn and grow and discover new things makes me want to have 20 kids to I can watch it for the rest of my life! 

We are on a regular schedule now, and I love that.  It has variances of course, but we are up at the same time every day and his naps are at about the same time, and the same length.  Frees up my day a bit, but I find myself waiting for him to wake up.  I could nap, but I would much rather use his time sleeping as time for me to do what I want.  Which is often just sitting, or being on the computer.

This week, I was changing Sutton, and I let him air out while I was going through his clothes.  I noticed he started to pee.  I covered it with my hand, and thought he was finished, so I grabbed a cloth, he then continued to pee and it went in his eye, nose and ear.  And of course it went all over his arm, leg and bum.  It was so funny.  Then a couple days later, he did #2 while I was changing him again.

Sutton loves naked time, and he uses that time to roll around.  He feels so free and kicks like mad!  Rolling is really his new favourite thing to do.  At play group yesterday, we had a demonstrator there for baby massage and Sutton was too busy rolling around to be masssaged!  haha  He still prefers to stand as much as possible.  He enjoys playing in his back as well.  He is able to roll both ways but prefers to go from back to tummy.  Tummy time is also much more fun now than it used to be.  He no longer has to be bribed with a mirror!  He also gets less frustrated!  Thank god, seeing him struggle was hard, but he was learning at the same time.  He is so strong.  Everyone comments that for 4 months he has incredible strength!

Sutton smiles all the time, and he has a few different smiles.  They are so cute.  My eyes still water when Sutton smiles at Alan.  Sutton has started to laugh a little.  I think he is copying me more than truly laughing, and I can't wait for the day when he laughs a real laugh at something real.

A few days ago I put Sutton in his Exersaucer for the first time since he has been big enough for it.  I put the 1000 batteries in it, and he was so suprised at all the sounds, and motion.  So much to see, listen to and touch.  He just looked at everything with amazment.  He didn't know what to do, it was so overwhelming. 

Sutton and I cook or bake together several times a day.  He watches me do everything, and I explain it all to him while wiping up his constant stream of drool!  He will happily sit in his Bumbo and just watch and look around the kitchen!

Playing with toys is now much more fun.  He can grab things well, and shake them.  He of course loves to put them in his mouth.  He has toys that he prefers over others.  He likes Gus (Sophie The Giraffe), his Kindermusik rattle, his lovey (stuffed giraffe) and the thing we bought in Texas.

We went to the Health Centre the other day and Sutton weighs 12lbs 10oz.  He is 24 inches long.  He is perfectly healthy and is growing at a good rate.  It shocks me that he is double his birth weight now.  I can't believe that he was half the weight he was!  My oh my, do they ever grow quickly.  I made the mistake of blinking, and here he is growing. 

Sutton is the light of my life.  He brings me joy like I have never experienced before.  I love when I am out and people stop me to tell me how cute he is.  He then smiles at them, and his little dimples poke through, and instead of speaking or thanking the person, I agree with them, and stare at Sutton!  hahahaha

Sticking his tongue out while being changed!

Chewing in his lovey!  You can see in his eyes he really is chewing!

He has discovered his thumb.  He mostly chews on it rather than suck it though!

Smiles!!!



Breastfeeding...it is for EVERYONE!!!

Question: "Will you breastfeed?"

Answer: "Gross, no!  Why would I do that?  They make formula you know, and I was formula fed, and I am smart-ish, and am rarely sick.  Besides, it seems like such an inconvenience.  And then the Dad doesn't have to do anything, and everything will be left onto me.  And my boobs will be hangy and saggy and ugly.  And like as if I want my boob hanging out all the time.  And leakage, I hear horrible stories about this, and never want to deal with that.  It freaks me out that my child will be sucking on my tit, sick, boobs are for sex, and sex only."

Who would say something so foul...ME, a couple years ago.  Anyone who knows me knows I do not think this way anymore!!!  I am so ashamed it brings me to tears!!!  I cannot believe that I almost deprived my son of what is best for him.

I remember the day I decided breastfeeding was for ME and should be for EVERYONE!  I was visiting friends on Ontario a few years ago and I saw my friend breastfeeding her daughter.  I stared in amazement.  You could see their bond and their love, and their naturalism.  Then, that same day a friend told me she was pregnant.  I looked at her, looked at my friend with her boob out and I was so jealous.  These bitches...they have what I want.  I want a baby, and I want to breastfeed...like, immediately.  I will remember this day forever, it was one of my greatest days.  Of course the day I got married, found out I was pregnant and delivered my son are also high ranked.  But this day I feel was the most important, it was the day that my life changed so much.  This is the day I think I fully acquired my mothering gene.  I was surrounded by friends and  without their knowing it, they helped me make the decision that I wanted to be a mother, and wanted to give my child the best start in life by breastfeeding.

I have had several moments in my life that I think "okay, NOW I get it."  But why did something so natural like breastfeeding do this for me?  I think about this often. 

I often nurse my son and talk to him.  I pet his little head, touch and kiss his hand, pat his bum and just talk to him.  I love how when he is stressed, I can nurse him, and his whimpering slows down and his body relaxes.  His heartbeat slows down and he is at peace.  He is held, loved, warmed and nourished.  But above all that, be is being nurtured, naturally.

I love breastfeeding for so many reasons.  The cost...its free, its easy, I never have to prepare bottles or clean them, I never have to listen to my baby scream while I prepare formula, and of course it is best for baby.  The health benefits are truly amazing!  Have you ever noticed that all ads for formula state that breastmilk is best. There are studies that support this, and really, in this day in age, who is going to argue this anyway?

The health reasons why we should all breastfeed are countless.  I often get so discouraged when people say that they cannot breastfeed.  I do not believe this.  I know I may offend some people here, but I truly believe that we can all breastfeed.  If your body can conceive, grow a baby and deliver a baby, you can also provide natural nourishment.

I was talking to a friend one day, and she is my friend (if I can label her) who is the most knowledgeable on everything, she is well educated, and truly is an amazing person.  She is constantly learning things, and with everything she says she can show you references and studies based on the facts.  I said to her one day "If I hear one more person say they CANNOT breastfeed, I will punch them in the face!"  She replied "I think you are being a little hard on people."  I almost died.  I have read so much, but often cannot relay these facts and studies back to someone.  I have also been exclusively breastfeeding for almost 5 months now.  I have experience, and what is better than experience.  I know she didn't mean to stun me like she did, but I felt horrible that I couldn't back that up with some actual REAL information.  So many moms put too many faith in doctors.  Doctors are just people.  They have flaws, and just because they can prescribe medications and perform surgery, doesn't mean that they are supportive or knowledgeable in natural things. 

While I was pregnant, I was seen by several doctors about a genetic health issue.  There were concerns that my baby and myself would be in danger.  I did a lot of research, got my health records from birth to now, and did my own diagnosis.  I decided to terminate myself as their patient.  I felt like I was being treated as a case study and not as mother who wanted a natural childbirth.  If I continued my care with them as a "high risk pregnancy" I knew I would be seen by an OB/GYN and would have to have a c-section and blood thinners. With these blood thinners I wouldn't be able to nurse my son.  In the end I made the right decision.  I figured that following my own instinct was best, after all, I was a mother at this point, and mother knows best when it comes to their child. 

There are many women who have problems breastfeeding.  I am one of these women.  We all go through the pain, the inexperience and the sleepless nights that make us want to give up.  Determination is key...so is my husband.  He knows how important nursing is for me, and this became important to him as well.  There were days at the beginning of Sutton's life when I sat there crying.  My baby was covered and soaking wet with my tears.  But we came through.  I had to remember that minutes after Sutton was born, I was nursing him.  I had no idea what to do, so I just put him up to my nipple and he suckled away, not the most effective way, but he knew what to do.  I have also had to deal with a low milk supply.  I don't even know if I do have a low milk supply.  I nurse Sutton so often, but I think it is because he doesn't get a "full feeding" in one session, so I just nurse him more often.  My son is happy, healthy, gaining weight, and developing as he should be.  I do drink special tea and eat oatmeal daily to enhance my milk supply.  Should that have not worked, I would have gone on medications to help me.  I also had latch problems and positioning problems.  but after a couple visits with a lactation consultant, and again determination, and of course continuation, Sutton and I worked through it.  It took us about 6 weeks to fully know how to breastfeed more efficiently.

I would live to go into more details as to why we can all breastfeed, and touch on some of the misinformation out there.  At this moment, I cannot, I must get ready to nurse my son, as I see he is starting to wake!  I did come across this website though on low milk supply.  It is very informative.  As always my research will continue.  I want to look more into a mothers diet and babies having problems with nursing because of lactose issues and such.  Is this fact or fiction?  I will find out, and not to prove to anyone, but because knowledge is power, and maybe the more we all know can help ourselves, and help others. 

I breastfeed my son everywhere!  Whenever and wherever he is hungry or needs comfort I nurse him. (I have even pulled the car over to nurse him in a parking lot.) 

When breastfeeding; support is so important.  If it weren't for friends, and my husband, I may have given up.  I will never know for sure though, as this wasn't my case.  Again, I was determined, and my determination paid off!  I plan on continuing to breastfed well after a year.  I know many people may think this is irrelevant and gross, but it isn't.  Even though Sutton will be getting nourishment from solid foods, breastmilk still has benefits, even after the first 12 months.  Research it!  In many cultures extended breastfeeding is normal.  They however, may not have access to formula....point proven once again!  If friends and family cannot support you or provide assistance, there are several health centres with lactation consultants and of course there is the Le Leche League for support as well.

I will state that I wish I could write this better.  I wish I could express my feelings and beliefs with facts and studies, and in a better mind set to relate these facts.  I do not want to offend anyone who doesn't breastfeed, or believes they cannot do so.  I just want to express my love of breastfeeding.

My Thoughts on CIO

I've recently came across a new blog that I love.  It s a blog about Attachment Parenting, and I came across this post that I really meant a lot to me.

I have copied only part of the post below, but please read their entire post to fully understand who these woman are and their style of parenting to get the ideas they intended.  In this same post they do provide 10 alternatives to crying it out, and of course link their previous posts on the subject and also back up their writing with experience and published articles, books, etc.  Again, I really do LOVE this blog!

Here is the portion of the post that hit me the hardest:

I see it all the time on facebook pages and message boards - moms lamenting the torture of listening to their babies cry it out. Nine times out of ten the mom is hating it. Sadly, I occasionally see a mom happy to say the CIO worked and baby is "finally asleep." What tends to happen is that most moms I know hate CIO, but eventually it seems to work. Baby seems to cry less and less when he is left in his crib. And to an extent the trick has worked. Baby has slowly learned his crying won't work to draw his mom back in the room. He's been conditioned to understand his crying won't elicit the attention he needs or wants. He has learned helplessness.

As a parent with a supportive husband who doesn't and will not let her baby cry it out, the last few sentences of the above paragraph really helped me to know that Alan and I are doing the right thing.  Sometimes we loose sight of this because of the comments other people make.  I do a lot of research on babies and compare my style of parenting to others.  I have friends and family who do things their own way, and some are similar to Alan and I and some are not.  I think at the end of the day we do what works for us, but also what we believe to be best for our children and family. 

As always I continue to research topics about parenting and child development.  I am currently reading 'No-Cry Sleep Solution' by Elizabeth Pantley.  So far it is good, I have only just started this book, but am enjoying it so far, and learning about babies sleep habits, and a SOLUTION to sleeping through the night.  We do fairly well with Sutton actually.  Sleeping through the night is cconsidered to be a stretch of 5 hours or more.  This often happens in our house, so I am not at my wits end, walking into walls because I am completely sleep deprived.  I do find this subject fascinating though.  Even though Alan and I are comfortable with Sutton's night time sleep schedule, which is nursing him to sleep, placing him in his swing and then bringing him to our bed for his night time nurse then sleeping the rest of the night together.  Again, we are okay with this, especially the part about him sleeping in our bed, but ideally, we would like to place him in his crib and wake up 12 hours later.  I also understand that parenting doesn't stop between the hours of 8pm and 8am.  I am perfectly okay with this,  in fact, I love seeing Sutton when I go to get him out of his swing in the middle of the night, and then snuggling with him as he nurses.  After this, we both drift back to sleep, and wake up hours later.

Once we let Sutton cry it out, and we will never do this again.  I ended up picking him up after almost an hour, and he was too distraught to even nurse, his body was tense, and he was shaking.  Alan and I looked at each other and felt so bad for him.  I felt horrible that I had let Sutton suffer like he did.   I watched him in his crib as he was struggling, and knew we would never do this again.  Alan and I both agreed that this was not the method for us.  In fact, we knew this beforehand, but because of other peoples pressures, and curiosity, we caved, and we tried it for the first and last time!

I did come across this portion of her book.  She is quoting Jean Liedloff's 'The Continuum Concept' (Addison-Wesley, 1977).  Here, she describes a baby waking in the middle of the night:

He awakes in a mindless terror of silence, the motionlessness.  He screams.  He is afire from head to foot with want, with desire, with intolerable impatience.  He gasps for breath and screams until his head is filled and throbbing with the sound.  He screams until his chest aches, until his throat is sore.  He can bear the pain no more and his sobs weaken and subside.  He listens.  He opens and closes his fists.  He rolls his head from side to side.  Nothing helps.  It is unbearable.  He begins to cry again, but it is too much for his strained throat; he soon stops.  He waves his hands and kicks his feet.  He stops, able to suffer, unable to think, unable to hope.  He listens.  Then he falls asleep again.

I cried as I read this.  That is exactly what it was like with Sutton the one time we let him cry it out.  Babies know how to sleep, but they do not know how to sleep like older children and adults.  Of course not, they cannot do anything for themselves, why must we force them into sleeping like adults in this method.  The above breaks me heart, but this is what it was like for Sutton.  Even though he cannot speak to us and tell us what he feels, we both saw what was happening.  We both looked at each other with that look of fear and question. And this method of sleep will not be practiced in our family again.

I am eager to continue reading this book, and when I am finished and have tried her methods I will post about our experiences.

Happy Anniversary To Me & Photos

We celebrated our 3rd Wedding Anniversary yesterday.  It was a great day!  Alan had the day off, so I left the house...sans baby...for a few hours and got my hair cut and coloured!  It was nice to get my  hair done and not have to nurse a baby at the same time.  And I drove the car too, which was fun.

Later we went to East Side Mario's for dinner.  We hadn't been in so long as they not common here, and it is no longer my favourite restaurant.  Still was a great time out though.

Photos:

Here we are out for dinner!!!  The kids behind us were spying on us the whole time! You can also see my new short hair, the colour is the same as always!

When we got home, I started baking!  (See the recipe section for all the tasty details!)  Sutton is a very good helper!  I had to wash 10 utensils I didn't actually use myself...actually, I still have to wash them!  haha

So cute!  Little sleepers!

Naked Time is Sutton's favourite time!  Mine too, he is so soft, and I can't stop touching his perfect skin.  He loves to be free, and kick and roll around!

Playing with his lovie!

He has that expression that says "Really Mom, the car seat again...."



Band of Bonds

Wow, what a musical family we have here! Music time is very fun! Sutton lays on the floor holding his rattle and banging it off Sophie The Giraffe (who we call Gus) and his cloth diaper. So, at once he is rattling, squeaking and banging. I sing, and Alan dances,and by dancing I mean bopping his head. It's a lot of fun for us all. Sutton also blows spit bubbles which creates a really funny noise!
What a wonderful afternoon!

Cloth Diapering Extravaganza!!!

Several people (like I once was) are very curious about cloth diapering.  I personally love cloth diapers for several reasons:
    - I don't spend $100+ a month on diapers
    - Environmental factors - less diapers in the landfill
    - Better for babies - Less chemicals and toxins on a their genitals for 2+ years
    - Cuteness!!!
    - No blow-outs.  for real, they never seem to leak or come out the top back part of the diaper
    - Re-usable!  - They can be used for multiple babies!

We waited a few months before using, as Sutton was too small for them, and they were far too bulky for his little body!

Typical questions I get or comments I hear:

1.  "Don't they smell?"
Yes and no!  They still contain pee and poo, nothing will ever eliminate that scent!  I find that disposables always WREAK like urine.  It makes me sick!  With disposable diapers, the urine turns into a gel type concoction, and that to me is why they wreak!  With cloth the moisture is absorbed differently and doesn't create a new material.  I do want an actual diaper pail though, they have a charcoal filter in them.  But I wash every couple days so they don't build up anyway!

2.  "Gross, you have to touch it?"
No, I don't.  No more than when changing a disposable.  For laundry it took me a while to get a way that worked best for me.  I put all the soiled diapers in a wet bag in a bin and then throw them all in the washer on a cold water rinse, and then a cold water wash with soap.  AND....I get covered in puke and spit more then pee and poo.

3.  "Don't they cost a lot?"
Don't kids cost a lot?  I spent probably $400 on my diapers.  But I bought many different styles and brands, many of which I don't even use as often as others.  But, if you think about it, $400 is only about 4 months on disposables.  And with my cloth, I wash and reuse and don't continue to spend on something that is thrown out.  I can also use them with my next child or sell them or give away to someone.  It took me my pregnancy and beyond and get my stash, so over time you can buy a couple diapers a month if that suits you better.

4.  "How do you know what ones to buy?"
This is always the hard part.  I asked around and looked at many blogs and websites.  Luckily, I had friends using cloth, and their advice meant a lot to me.  I also shopped at quality stores who were experienced in cloth diapering.  The ones I love the most are the ones I bought after I had started using. Some diapers are really bulky, others aren't.  Some are best for skinny babies and some for chunkier. 

5.  "Isn't it a lot of extra work?"
No, not at all.  It is just 1 load of laundry, thats all.  And personally, I LOVE doing laundry!

Here are some photos of the diapers I have, and use. 

The top diaper is made by Dri-Line a local Edmonton company and sells for just under $7.  Below are 2 covers by Mother Ease, both around $12.  Very similar.  The left is a Velcro closure with side gussets, great for a small legged baby, and the right is a snap closure.  These are all sized, so they can only be used when the child is that size.  I don't love the Dri-Line as it gets soaked, and for a boy you need the extra material at the top which this diaper doesn't offer. 

This is the GroBaby system.  (Now called GroVia).  I bought these off babysteals.com as a 2 pack (2 covers and 2 liners) for i think $40 or so.  At first I hated them, now I love them.  The cover can be sized again for babies from 7-35lbs.  The liners snaps into place, so you don't need to worry about squirmy baby moving things around.  The closure is like Velcro but is not Velcro.  Very soft and not scratchy.  I often use the cover several times as the liners absorb so much.

The left diaper is a Sweet Pea pocket diaper with a fleece liner.  Both are pockets with fleece and need a liner in them.  The right is a Bum Joy, I bought off Etsy as a 2 pack for I think $25.  So, $12.50 each.  These are both one size so, they snap up or down for the size of the baby.  They are really soft and easy to use.  The snaps are zig zagged so you can make the leg part fit better for small or large babies.

The Flip diaper is my favourite, (by the makers of bumGenius).  The cover is lightweight with a PUL lining, so it can be reused.  If soiled, just wipe it off.  The insert is the Stay Dry also by Flip.  The cover is $21 and the insert $7.  But  the cover I use over and over before washing, a full day usually.  I never have any leaking and the cost is great.  I also find this a trim fit and less bulky than others.  The cover and insert are both 1 size.  The cover snaps up an down for size, and the cover folds, providing extra material for boys.  For girls you flip it the other way.  The cover also has little pockets at the front and back to hold the liner in place.  I LOVE this system!  And you could buy an entire system of 2 covers and 20 liners for $200!! 

Here are some random inserts or liners.  The first is the Flip Organic prefold for $10.  It folds into thirds, and its OK, too bulky for me though.  The next is an Apple Cheeks organic prefold for $13 I think.  Love it!  It is so soft and absorbent.  Not bulky at all either, and Canadian made.  The 3rd is a MotherEase liner.  I like it as well, but its too thin to use on its own.  The last is a liner for the Gro Baby system.  They can all be used with misc covers as well.

The top is a cover from WeeHuggers for $20.  It soaked through the first couple times but is fine now.  I like the Velcro closures, but the snaps to make the desired size don't stay well.  Sutton squirms a lot when being changed so I need something strong.  The size is good on the large setting though.  I like the leg gussets on it.  The bottom  is a Bummis cover.  Their new one.  I love the idea of it, but the Velcro is too much.  I think it digs his belly too much and the legs are tight, or it is too stiff still.  Maybe its too small.  I wish it worked better for us. 

Baby Butt in a Flip system.

I also use cloth wipes.  There are so many on the market, but I like baby washcloths.  I had millions of them.  I got a Princess Lionheart cloth warmer for $20 from Babies R Us.  I wet the cloths with some tea tree oil in the water, gently ring out the water and roll up.  I love cloth wipes because disposable wipes cost money and also contain chemicals. (See www.safemama.com)

I store the soiled diapers in this wet bag by Bummis, an then store that in a garbage pail.  The bag cost me $25 but doesn't leak.  The pail I got from Canadian Tire for $15.  I love that the pail has a foot pedal.  I would like a real diaper pail but for $40, I loose the foot pedal.  I put a couple bounce sheets in the bottom of the pail just in case!

Things to consider and tips when buying cloth diapers:

1.  Do your research.  I personally like the cover and insert/liner system better than the pocket or All in 1, its all about preferance really.
2.  Follow the manufactures washing instructions.  (IE. no fabric softener, no stain remover, wash 3 times before use, special soap, etc.)
3.  Many people sell their used or new diapers online.
4.  You can fade stains with sunlight.  I don't care much about staining as they are diapers anyway, and they will stain. 
5.  For newborn infant poo, just leave it as it is liquid anyway.  As the child is older and has solids, they will have to be dumped in the toilet (as you should do with disposable diapers also.)
6.  Remember that they are puffy; so clothes might have to be bought in a larger size.

Please feel free to ask if you have any other questions, and do consider cloth diapering.  The benefits are great, enviornmental, cost and health!!!!

I'm Still Here!

Life has been busy lately.  You know, feeding a baby, cleaning a house, waiting for the mail to come, doing laundry, and again; feeding a baby, etc etc, you get the picture!
It's no excuse not to update.  I will say though, that I am working on a new blog altogether.  Something less personal maybe, something where I talk about what I love, my family, natural parenting, and the transition from working girl to stay at home mom.  Once I have it up and ready I may disclose the address!!!!

Since I have last posted so much has gone on.  Sutton and I went to Houston, Texas for almost 3 weeks, and we had a fantabulous time!  Spent lots of time outside, and of course playing with little Penny.  Penny is 13 days younger than Sutton, so they are so close in age, but so different in their personalities and such.  It is quite funny to watch.  We had a few hard days, I think the adjustment for Sutton was difficult and he had started teething, so that resulted in a fussy baby and a stressed out mom.  I even had to call Alan crying one day, there was so way I was suffering alone.  Of course, when I called Alan he was in Banff with 3 other friends, partying, drinking and skiing.  OMG, what I would have done for a few drinks right then!  All in all though we had a wonderful time, and the weather was great, we even swam in an outdoor pool.  I really enjoyed seeing Zoe and the other family members we saw as well.

Being home has been great, Sutton is back on track and is doing well.  We seemed to just pick up where we left off, only better!

We did some minor changes in the house.  We got a large area rug in the livingroom and got rid of the coffee table.  Now I can get down with The Butt on the floor and play!  Love it!!  We also moved the TV which I know sounds minor but I love it.  I love little changes.

We also moved the bassinett, Sutton seemed too big for it.  We are pretty much exclusively co-sleeping, except for when Sutton is sleeping in his swing.  Co-sleeping works great for us, and I am so glad that I warmed up to the idea.  I never thought I would sleep with my child, but it works best for us all as a family.  And of course, if done with safety in mind, it is very safe.  The only people who say it isn't safe are people who have not done it or researched it at all.  And really, many people co-sleep anyway without really knowing it.  Kids who crawl into their parents bed after a bad dream, or are too restless to sleep, parents who are too tired to try to get their kids to bed, often times, parts of the night are spent co-sleeping.  The only difference is that Alan and I choose to do this from the moment we all go to bed.  I especially love when Sutton is sleeping, and I put my hand in his and he holds it.  I think I loose sleep co-sleeping though because I stare at him so much, and kiss his head!  hahaha  Oh the challenges!  hahaha  AND, nightime nursing is easier as well!   We will definately choose to co-sleep if we have more children as well. 

Enough about that....it is making me sleepy! 

I am going to join a moms group right away.  I hope anyway.  I have missed some of the sessions already and am not sure if I can joign part way through, for this particular group anyway.  Others are a drop in basis, the one I am looking at is an 8 week dealeo!!! Keep your fingers crossed for me.

My mom is coming to visit again soon, and I cannot wait.  It will be so nice to see her, and she is so excited to see the little man again.  She last saw him when he was just a few weeks old, so he has changed so much, and likes to interact with people more! 

I better go, I heard a sleepy baby a whole ago!!!!  Oh wait, Alan just walked up to me....(I am hiding) and he is holding Sutton who is asleep in his arms with his neck almost folded in half....who sleeps like that!?!?!?!  Only a baby!  But, the best part is, that we now can tell more when Sutton is sleepy, he gives us cues, and being the awesome parents we are, we act on it.  I guess Alan must have held him and bounced or walked around a bit.  The good news is that I didn't have to nurse him.  OMG, my baby is getting so big and independent!!!  I better have another quickly!!! haha

Take care, and I promise I will update soon....if anyone is even regularly following anymore, sorry again for being boring the last month with not posting!!!

Happy Friday!

January was a big month!

Well, January is over now, and as I look back so much has happened.

Alan is back to work after his 2 full weeks off, which was wonderful.  I booked my trip to Houston, and we leave in just over a week, I cannot wait to see Zoe and Zane and of course meet little Penny.

Sutton smiled for the first time in December...on Alan's birthday, but he smiles regularly now when I sing him the song I wrote for him, when we change his diaper (which he loves), and of course when we play and when Alan comes home.

He also rolled over one day. (Jan 26)  It has happened twice, but both times he was a little angry so he had enough fight in him to do it.  It was so neat, AND I caught it on video as well.
The first time, was on tummy time, he rolled from his tummy to his back, and was so shocked, it was hilarious.  The second time, was when he was lying on his side in bed, he rolled from his side to his tummy, and even got his arm out from under him.

We have continued the co-sleeping...kinda.  He has slept in his bassinett 4 times in the last week, Alan has moved to the spare room because our bed is too small, but really because his snoring is driving me nuts. I never noticed it before because I slept so deeply, but also because I slept all night!

His sleep schedule has been a little off this week.  I have no idea what I changed, but he is getting really fussy again in the evenings, maybe another growing spurt.  He will be 11 weeks old this Friday!  Wow!!!

We started using cloth diapers during the day, and I love them!  We finally found some that fit him well, and that do not leak.  That seemed to be the hardest part.

Nothing really new with me, just being a mom, and trying my hardest to enjoy the days at home, it can be hard, the adjustment of being a working girl to a mom, but it's great, and we just need to keep busy, thats all.  Houston will be a good break for me.  I will miss Alan so much though.

Here are some pictures from the last couple weeks!

Snuggles with Daddy after work!

Breakfast!

Outside in the cold!

Sound asleep!

Smiles - awwww

Strong Baby!

Kobe tanning, outside -30'C, inside is warm!

Laundry day!

Update from my iPad!!!

Well, I splurged today and bought an iPad. I love it. Seriously, I love it so much. I love the noises it makes when my fingers hit the screen. It's a great sound.
I had thought about buying one a while ago, but decided against it as I was anti Apple. But a friend had commented that she used hers while nursing her child. I have a BlackBerry so I always use that but sometimes I want a larger screen. I saw a commercial last night and said that I wanted one. I got my EI payment finally. Backdated for 2 months. Yay! AND I didn't get a "Push Present"' so this is how I am justifying it. So, happy iPad day to me. I am still learning how to use it, the hardest part was turning it on, and then a friend told me that I had to set up an iTunes account.
Let me know if you have any good advice or apps to download!

My Days Continue...

Well well, it's been so long since I did a proper post, in fact, it has been about 2 months since my last real post about me and what has been going on.

 

Clearly, I have been so busy being a mom that I haven't had a chance to even properly get online and just waste time. Actually, now that I am no longer working full time, I seem to have very limited personal time....if that even makes sense.

Over the last couple months so much has happened. More recently though, Alan's parents were here for Christmas, and we all had a wonderful visit. I was sad to see them leave. Sutton is becoming more aware of his surroundings and needs to be entertained. He looks at something to intently and really examines it. It is so funny to watch. It seems as though maybe he has a photogenic memory, or that he will be a genius. He is also getting so big. He has outgrown his newborn clothes already.

 really miss my old life. I miss getting up and getting ready for work, hair, make up and clothes. Teh rush of the drive to work, with a stop for breakfast. I miss sitting at my desk first thing, and doing the same routine everyday. I miss wondering what I was going to have for lunch, and then actually having an hour to do whatever I wanted. I miss packing up and taking the elevator down to the parkade everyday at 5:00pm. I miss coming home, seeing Kobe and waiting for Alan. I miss the countdown to Friday and then sleeping in all weekend, and doing nothing, or doing everything, I could do whatever I wanted. My time was that; all mine. I could do as much or as little as I wanted.

As much as I miss my old life, I love my new life. I am so blessed to be able to know who I was then, and who I am now. I am the same person, yet my priorities have changed so much. The transition from a career girl into a mom is fairly drastic, yet it has been relatively easy for me, and I have taken it all in stride. Don't get me wrong, I have had some bad moments and even bad days. But I do love being needed and loved. I love that my son needs me for nourishment, comfort, shelter and entertainment. The feeling of being depended on is a feeling that I don't think someone can truly understand until they are a parent. Being a stay at home mom and wife is better than I could have imagined. My house isn't immaculate and my homeade suppers are elaborate, but I think my expectations were far too high.

The thing that really amazes me the most is that my days do not start and end. They continue on, one day falls into the next.

Sutton and I are gradually getting into a routine. We get up at about the same time everyday, and then we have a day filled with feedings, naps, playing, cleaning, errands, diaper changes, clothes changes, and clock watching. I am always looking forward to Alan coming home. Him and Sutton have a very special Bond. I always knew that Alan would make an excellent father, but to actually see it is something else altogether. The next best thing to my son smiling at me, is him smiling at his Dad. It warms my heart to no end. I love listening to Alan talk to him and tell him stories. Sometimes he just walks around the house and talks to Sutton about everything, the fridge magnets, the pictures on the wall, the contents of his room, the dogs every move, and what I am doing. They always spy on me. The evening can be a challenge though, as that is when Sutton is needing me the most. He likes to be held in my arms and be able to nurse as often as he wants, which is usually contantly. If he is not given this special mom time, he is fussy. I love when Alan has days off because then Sutton and Alan can spend real time together when Sutton is happy and his true personality shows through.

The other night I heard Alan telling Sutton how much the Flames suck. That must mean that Toronto lost the hockey game. Cutest thing ever. Alan held Sutton inches from the TV and he watched it so intently. It was hilarious how enthralled he was with it. Sure its the colours, movement, etc, but Alan believes he is learning the game and preparing to be an NHL player, so we will go with that!

And now for pictures!!!

We have smiles.  He loves when I sing him the song I wrote for him!

Jan 16 - Swimming, he loved it!

 Jan 02 - A flying baby!

A clean baby!

All dressed up for the Passport office!

More swimming!  He looks naked here!

Jan 15 - Hockey Night in Canada!!!  He wears his Toronto hat for support!

In his outfit from the Gulleys!  So cute!  One foot says "Little" and the other says "Monkey"  He looks terrified!

Tips For New Moms!

Over the last 7 weeks I have learned a lot. 

Here are some little tips/advice/anecdotes etc. for new moms, I've come by them all honestly, some funny, and others are just plain old common sense!!   You may get a good laugh or head smack from them!

Remember though, that I am not a professional in child rearing nor am I a doctor. (Although, I do self diagnose like a pro!!!)

1.  Bibs - They can really save an outfit!
2.  Lanonlin Cream - A must have those first few weeks of breastfeeding.
3.  Bassinet - Must easier to have baby in room with you than in their room, easier for night time feedings, and a sense of security for the baby.
4.  Breastfeeding - It is hard, do research before the baby arrives, so when you need it, you have it.
5.  Diapers - Don't buy them before baby arrives, because you might need a smaller or larger size, and chances are you have thrown out the receipt.
6.  Cloth Diapers - Remember they are really puffy so make sure the clothes you buy fit over the bum, this means you might have to buy larger clothes.
7.  Your body - Let it heal after childbirth, there is always lots to do when you get home, but your body needs to heal itself as well.
8.  Pads - The ones the hospital gives doesn't have wings, they are mandatory, so bring your own.
9.  Onesies (Diaper Shirts) - We went through so many of these, so have lots on hand.  it is possible to go through several a day, especially when you haven't perfect diaper changes or the diapers are crap!
10.  Sleep Bras - If you are breastfeeding, this will be an essential item.  They are easier to get your boob out, and provide a good amount of comfort and support while you sleep.
11.  Swaddle - Learn to swaddle or use a woombie, keeps baby warm and secure.
12.  Pictures - Take lots, if possible have a nurse take pics during the birth and right after.
13.  Meals - If people offer to make you meals, why say no!!!  Someone else bringing you supper us always a bonus!
14.  Showering - I found night showers to be great.  Nice and relaxing before bed.
15.  Bassinet (Part 2) - Raise the head part if your baby seems to hate it.  This can help with reflux.  I also lined mine with blankets so it wasn't so hard.
16.  Noises - As much as this can be controversial for long term sleep habits, the Sleeping Lamb might be nice to help baby sleep, sounds of heartbeat, rain, whatever.
17.  Waking at Night - Don't wake a sleeping baby, everyone will tell you this.  If your baby wants to sleep for 5 hours, let them.  If baby is hungry, they will wake!  Of course, preemies are another story.
18.  Breast Pads - Leakage is no fun, helps to keep the lanolin cream where it should be as well.
19.  Clothing Sizes - Newborn size, doesn't always mean small, sometimes it means massive!
20.  Pets - We brought a blanket home from the hospital, so it contained my smell and the babies, when we brought the baby home, the dog was already familiar with that smell.
21.  Dancing Baby - Do not play this game after a feeding, and if you must play it, don't have the baby over your face!
22.  Puke - Where to begin.....Overfeeding your baby is possible.
23.  Nursing in Bed - Nursing in bed is a wonderful thing, BUT...you must remember to burp the baby afterwards, otherwise an air pocket forms and all milk drank will come up when the burp does, and then its a waste of the liquid gold!
24.  Pretending - your baby knows when you have no idea what you are doing...tell them you do know, and they might believe it! 
25.  Cuteness - Yes, your baby is the cutest one ever born...well, after mine of course!!!!
26.  Swing - Best baby essential we have.  Perfect for naps or to contain the baby while you are doing stuff.
27. Left Hand - Start using your non-dominate hand, because you are going to need it.
28.  Car Rides - Lots of babies love being in the car, the hum of the engine and the bumpiness put them right to sleep.
29.  Baby Book - Buy one, and fill it in before you forget all the information!
30.  Daddy - Let Daddy bond with baby as much as possible, if you are breastfeeding, you will find that the baby might prefer you, as you are their source of nourishment and comfort, Dad will eventually be able to comfort baby as well, it might just take longer.
31  Car Seat Cover - If you are fortunate enough to experience -30'C, a car seat cover is great, it will protect the baby from the elements.
32.  Strollers - I hate strollers, which is why I bought the smallest one available.  Travel systems are NOT any cheaper, and they are NOT safer then others.
33.  Baby Carrying - Baby needs practice, so do you.  Research them before buying.  Some really hurt your shoulders, and others squish the baby.  A reputable store will have some for you to try on with your baby.  Walk around with it on for 20 minutes, you will know if it is comfortable.
34.  Fussiness - It is true, some babies are fussy the same few hours of everyday.  They may not have gas, be tired, be hungry or be wet.  They might just need to be cuddled!
35.  Pumping - This can be hard or easy.  There are tricks if you are like me and have a hard time though.  Warm compress before pumping, and double pumping.  Remember that a baby sucks more efficiently than a pump pumps.
36.  Manual - The hospital doesn't give you one, seriously, they don't.  Google is a damn good resource though, as are blogs aimed at your style of parenting (which maybe you don't think you have, but you do!)
37.  Poo - I could talk all day about poo.  There is a huge difference between breastfed babies, and formula fed babies.  Your baby doesn't have to poo daily (age depending) so don't fear the worst.
38.  Stool Softeners - How could I forget, anyone who has a child vaginally, will probably advise you to take stool softeners, I will do the same!
39.  Snaps - Love and hate relationship.  I love zippers, snaps can become annoying, there are so many, and can be hard to get closed correctly when baby is squirming, or you are in a darker room.  Plus, some outfits have like 20 snaps on them, plus the diaper shirt!!! 
40.  Sleepers - Wouldn't you be more comfortable in a 1 piece outfit then an actual outfit with a shirt, sweater, pants, socks etc.  Easier for changing as well!!!
41.  Pacifiers - I shouldn't even get started on this, so I will only say, do what you want.   But know the difference in sucking a pacifier, bottle, or breast, all can interfere with eachother!
42.  Comfot Sucking - It does exist, it is tiring, but it can be wonderful for the baby.
43.  Doctors - Don't believe everything they say!  They don't know everything, and they certainly do not know your baby.
44. Plan Ahead - If you weren't a planner before kids, you might want to achieve this special trait.  This means all outing, showers, meals, etc work better with a little planning.

This is all I can think of at the moment, if I think of any more, I will add them!

Again, I must say that I am not a professional, and these are not all correct for everyone, but they are for me.  Especially the dancing baby game, over feeding, challenges of breastfeeding, a bassinet, left hand, fussiness, puke, just to name a few.

Remember that you know best.  This is your baby, and trial and error are usually the best way to figure things out.  What worked for you mother, your friend, your neighbour, etc, might not work for you and your baby.  Things change all the time over the years.  Bottle warming used to be done in the microwave, now it is practically illegal.  Feeding used to be done every 4 hours, now they say every 2-3 from the beginning of a feed (yes, this means as soon as the baby is done eating, it may be time to start again), they also say feeding on demand is best as well.  You will quickly learn when your baby is hungry or using you as a pacifier. 

There isn't a right way or a wrong way of doing things...well sometimes there is, but not for everything.  Do what works for you!  This is your baby, spend your time loving them and cherishing the moments.  And above all, remember that you are the most important person to your baby.  They love you unconditionally!!!!

Good luck everyone!!!!!

Photo Update

It is hard to type with 1 hand, so I will upload pics for now with a breif description!

Enjoy!!!

Enjoying some time with Mom is his Carrier

Daddy giving Sutt-the-Butt a bath.  He loves baths, but didn't in thispicture!

December 22 - Sutton all ready for Alan's Christmas Party, I am still in my pj's.

December 22 - Sutton's first Christmas Party.  This was the very end of the night, and he was partied out and wanted to see his Mimi and Grandad!

January 5 - Enjoying some time on his mat, with a partial smile!!!

January 05 - Sitting in his glider with his giraffe

December 30 - New Car Day!

Janaury 05 - Chillaxin with Kobe!

Auntie Pearly gave him this adorable shirt.  I love the look on his face!

January 04 - Having some Tummy Time!