Mom Central Baby

What to eat while breastfeeding

I remember being so overwhelmed with the thought of eating correctly once my baby was born. I wanted to make sure to offer him the best diet I could, but it was also a struggle to find foods that did not upset his stomach. It was a trial and error experiment, but we finally worked it out and eating became second nature again. Here are a few of the things I learned:

Dehydration

When you are busy with a new baby it is easy to forget to drink plenty of fluids when you’re breastfeeding. Things like water and milk are probably some of the best things you could be drinking. Keep in mind that some babies may have a milk protein allergy, which may mean cutting dairy out of your diet. To keep your milk supply up you are going to want to avoid dehydration.

Fiber

Things like oatmeal, fruits, and vegetables are loaded with fiber. Some people suggest that fiber may keep your milk supply up. Not only will you be producing a healthy milk supply, but you will also be providing your baby with a well rounded diet. If you continue to have trouble with your milk supply make sure to contact your local lactation consultant.

Foods that cause gas or fussiness

I learned quickly that my baby could not tolerate broccoli. I noticed that every time I ate broccoli he would have more fussiness. You may find that spicy foods and green vegetables can cause gas or fussiness in your baby.

Another thing is to avoid caffeine if you’re breastfeeding. I was so excited to be able to reintroduce caffeine into my diet and did not realize that it was going to effect my baby in such a huge way. I actually remember reading that the caffeine that is passed to your breastfed baby stays in their bodies for a few days. I made the decision to cut out caffeine all together for this very reason.

Overall, the main thing to remember is to eat a well balanced diet, keep hydrated and drink and eat often when you’re breastfeeding. And don’t forget to enjoy this special time with your baby!

Felicia Carter is the author of Go Graham Go, a parenting blog with advice, products and money saving tips. She has a three year old son and is expecting number two in September. Connect with Felicia on Twitter.

Yogibo your baby with a Yogibo giveaway!

As soon as my baby girl, Kaia, turned four months, she went up a speed. (Think like a cake mixer.) No longer did she sit in my lap quietly taking in her surroundings, content to be near her mom. Instead, she got the idea that she should be off exploring on her own. Now she’s standing on me, rocking back and forth, trying to get enough momentum to go!

She wants to be walked around to see every picture on the wall, what’s on TV and see where her big sister is hiding. I find the best way to give her the freedom she wants, is to let her do many floor activities. She loves to play on her floor gym, loves to grab her feet and rock and roll and now, loves her new Yogibo Caterpillar. 

What’s a Yogibo?

Known for its very comfortable lounge bags, Yogibo just may be replacing the dorm room futon. Described as the “ultimate designer furniture accessory at an affordable price” Yogibo items are a fun way to add extra comfortable seating around your home.

The Yogibo Caterpillar (Baby Yogibo!) I got to test out with Kaia gave her a ton of fun tummy time, which she was in need of since she isn’t a fan of laying on her belly. (Perhaps she thinks she can go straight to walking?)

Her first attempt on the caterpillar led to a realization that she can eat something other than her fist and blanket. As she spent more time on her new toy, she learned she could rock back and forth on her belly by kicking her feet. My 13-year-old decided to mix things up by coiling the caterpillar and plopping Kaia in the middle.

But wait, this wasn’t the only item we got to try! Our friends at Yogibo gave Kaia a little person-shaped pillow (which by the way, people in my office kept trying to steal before I took it home). She was hilarious as she lounged on it all cool-like, leg hanging over the edge. It’s pretty funny to see a four-month-old, lounging about watching TV like a natural.

We also received a Yogi Support Pillow that is ideal for nursing mothers. It also gives Kaia the opportunity sit up on the couch like the rest her family. Just what this family needs - another TV-watching couch potato.

Yogibo Baby Giveaway!

As excited as I was to try out the Yogibo Caterpillar, I am just as excited to offer you a chance to try out one yourself!

Yogibo would like to offer you a chance to win a Yogibo Caterpillar of your very own!

Here’s how:

• Please leave a comment below about your go-to floor activities for baby
• One winner will be chosen at random.
• Contest will end September 15, 2010, at midnight EDT

Erica Gatlin is an account supervisor with Mom Central. She is also a wife and a mother of a tween and an infant daughter. Connect with Erica at Erica@momcentral.com and follow her on Twitter @erica7227.

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Disclosure: Mom Central received a Yogibo Caterpillar and a Yogi Support Pillow to facilitate this review.

Managing visitors after baby is born

If this is your first pregnancy, chances are you are going to have several visitors to deal with. On one hand visitors are a welcomed sight. It’s a time to show off your brand new baby to the people who are the closest to you. On the other hand, visitors can sometimes become out of hand if you do not have a plan in place. Whether it is the hospital or at home, it is always good to have some sort of “traffic plan” for your visitors.

Managing visitors in the hospital

When my first son was born, I was so excited to see people like my parents, close family, and very close friends to show him off. Most of them were waiting patiently so that they could come in and meet him after he was born. I was thrilled to have them in my room after he arrived, and once the nurses had everyone presentable. We were all enjoying meeting this new little guy when there was a knock on the delivery room door. When the door was opened it was a man from my church whom I knew, but not well enough to let into the delivery room. It was awkward, but we made the best of it. From that point on I told my husband we would have to come up with a plan if this kept happening.

We were moved to the recovery room a few hours after our son was born and it was pretty late. The only people that came with us were my parents. We were lucky that most everyone realized we would need our sleep. The next day started very early and it seemed like a revolving door! Our sweet nurse finally looked at me and said, “You need your rest. Let me know if you want me to get rid of some of your visitors.” I told her that she was absolutely right and she quickly left a note on our hospital door.

From that point on, my clue word was, “I'm feeling thirsty,” and the nurse and my husband knew that it was time to try and send visitors on their way and put the note back on the door.

Managing visitors at home

When we made it home I breathed a sigh of relief. I felt like less people would be coming directly to our home, but I found that I was wrong when there was a knock on the door only a few hours after we arrived. Again, it was a man that we knew from church, but never would've expected in our home. Luckily, my mother-in-law and sister-in-law were home and ready to answer the door. My husband and I were napping trying to recuperate from all of the lost sleep in the hospital.

One great idea I learned after the fact was to provide a place on your porch or garage where friends could drop off the food and leave a note. This way they were not coming in your home and staying for hours. Another great idea if you are organizing a food delivery is to ask the people providing the food to limit their visit to about 10 minutes.

Everyone wants a chance to meet baby, it is just a delicate balance so that new parents do not become overwhelmed. Code words, planned food drop offs, and clear communication can help save your family some stress.

Felicia Carter is the author of Go Graham Go, a parenting blog with advice, products and money saving tips. She has a three year old son and is expecting number two in September. Connect with Felicia on Twitter.

The reality of postpartum depression

My friend and I went to the park together with our kids a few weeks ago. All five of our children ran around playing as she and I caught up on each other's lives. Of course we asked each other, “How are you?”

My friend looked at me carefully and answered, “Do you really want to know?”

We locked eyes across the baby stroller that held her smiling, beautiful, three-month-old baby boy. Our friendly, casual meeting at the park suddenly turned serious. She confided in me that she was battling postpartum depression. The rest of our time together at the park could have been a study of role-playing as we seamlessly switched from moms conducting a private, personal, difficult discussion to moms who were also managing five active kids in a park.

Symptoms and solutions

I asked what symptoms she experienced. She shared she felt rage when it didn't make any sense, felt out of control, and cried for no reason. I shared I had postpartum depression when my youngest son was born four years ago and had similar symptoms. I knew I needed help when I screamed at my other son because he broke a night light. Other clues and feelings gave me indications of my depression, but my disproportionate rage in that situation finally showed me I needed help. My friend nodded; this was exactly how she felt. She knew her emotions were stronger than situations warranted. She said she never knew if she was going to lose control over something.

When I experienced postpartum depression, I tried meditation, exercise, and therapy to relieve myself of the hopelessness I felt. I still cried uncontrollably, wanted to get out as soon as my husband got home, and couldn't control my anger. My normal coping mechanisms didn't help. Nothing worked and my family and I were suffering.

Medication can help postpartum depression

The most difficult part of my depression was my doubt over whether I needed medication in the first place. I had two other children. I knew what I felt was different from my other births, but I tried to excuse it away as the stress of having three kids now instead of two. I struggled whether the difference I felt was “normal” or something more.

I hated the idea of needing to take a pill every day. I feared the side affects. Would this mean I had to be on antidepressants for the rest of my life? What if others found out? Did this mean I was failing at coping with being the mom of three children? Was my depression being caused by something I had done? Something I hadn't done? Was I going to walk around feeling like a drugged-out zombie if I took an antidepressant?

I didn't want a happy pill to make all my emotions go away. I just wanted to feel like myself again. I finally decided to get medication when I understood it had to be better than the misery I struggled with every day when I got out of bed. This misery felt far beyond normal.

Everyone is different and our bodies process chemicals differently. If you need help for postpartum depression it does not mean you are a bad mom or don't love your baby and family. It simply means the chemicals in your body are not functioning correctly and your body needs help getting things back on track. Medications are available that do not pass through to the baby in breast milk and can be taken safely.

I assured my friend the medication helped me. It didn't numb my emotions, it just helped me feel more like myself. I took it for my prescribed time and it brought me back to enjoying my family again. I encouraged my friend to explore her options and find a way to feel better.

Get help

My friend called me tonight to let me know she had explored herbal remedies and decided to take prescription medication for her depression. I am proud of her for taking care of herself and admitting she needed help. She encouraged me to write this post to let other moms know they are not alone in their feelings. We both hope this article can help at least one other mom get the help she needs.

It wasn't easy to complete a sentence as we talked with our kids running around us at the park, but this crucial topic couldn't be brushed aside. If you think you may be suffering from postpartum depression, don't ignore your feelings or doubt yourself.

Talk with a friend or medical professional and get some advice. You are not alone. Your feelings are real and you can get help. You deserve to feel like yourself again and your family deserves it as well.

Being a new parent can be stressful and difficult, especially when you are sleep deprived, but if you feel overwhelmed and out of control, you may need more than just a good night's sleep. Seek advice, help, and answers.

Eileen experienced postpartum depression with her third son. She is the Chief Mom Connector of Mom Central and has her own blog at calandroclan.com. You can chat with her on twitter as @MomCentralChat.

Making your own baby food

We are so lucky to live in the day and age where we can pick up baby food that offers many varieties as well as organic options. I know that when Graham started baby food I tried to stick with the organic options out there even if they were a little more pricey than the original baby food options.

I soon started to learn more about making my own baby food and decided that this could be a potential cost saver. You only need a few things to get started and it really can be a convenient way to save!

What you will need to make your own baby food

• Baby food storage trays or regular ice cube trays
• Freezer bags (quart sized is best)
• A blender or food processor
• A steamer or oven

Baby food preparation

First of all, you need to make sure you are serving up appropriate foods at the right time. Make sure to talk to your pediatrician about what is right for your baby at any given age. Most babies are ready for solid foods around four to six months.

There are so many different methods, but this is what was quick and easy for me. I would cook or steam my food as I usually would. If it was sweet potato I would bake it in the oven. For other vegetables I would use the steamer.

Once your items are finished cooking you can add them to the blender with a little water. I would just keep blending and adding water until I reached the right consistency. If you use a steamer make sure to add back in the water from the steamer. The water from the steamer tends to hold more nutrients.

Freezing and defrosting baby food

Once your food is the consistency you would like, spoon the food into the ice cube trays. Put them in the freezer long enough to freeze (a few hours). Each square on the tray holds approximately one ounce. Pop the frozen squares into your freezer bag and make sure to label the date on the outside of the bag.

When it is time to defrost the food you can do it a few different ways. One way is to leave it out on the counter to let it thaw to room temperature. You could also pop it in the microwave or place it in the oven for a few minutes. I know some moms who just put it in the refrigerator overnight and then serve it to their babies cold. (Some babies prefer their food cold, others like it warm.)

Felicia Carter is the author of Go Graham Go, a parenting blog with advice, products and money saving tips. She has a three year old son and is expecting number two in September. Connect with Felicia on Twitter.

Working in the last weeks of pregnancy

I am officially 38 weeks pregnant this week and I am starting to feel it. On top of being in the last few weeks of pregnancy, I also started back to work this week. To say that it was exhausting would be an understatement. I am just one of those people who refuse to take up valuable sick days that I could use to spend with my newborn baby.

What does that mean? It means I will be at work until I pop! If it is anything like my first pregnancy I will be working until 41 weeks pregnant. I know there must be several other expectant mothers out there who feel the same way I do and are wondering how they can make it through those last few weeks.

Here are some tips that have been helpful for me:

Bring a stool to work

If you have a job that requires a lot of sitting, then you are going to need something to prop your feet up on, but in a professional manner. I brought one of Graham's wooden stools to work with me.  It seems to help a little with the swelling in my feet. It also helps if I can change up the position of my feet throughout the day. If you do not have a stool, try using a box from work.

Use a balance ball

In order to do this, it will depend upon the kind of environment you work in. Since I am a school counselor, I do not think people would take me very seriously. I do know that this can be a great way to help prevent swelling and also keep your back in a more comfortable position. It also helps to open up your pelvis so that if you do have minor contractions at work, they can be more tolerable.

Bring a water bottle

I know that I seem to bring up water in almost every post lately, but it is so important! If you have water in a water bottle you are going to be more likely to drink more of it. I like to set a goal to at least finish an entire water bottle before it is time to head home for the day. I know that this is not nearly enough, but it is a goal I can meet. Water helps minimize early contractions and will also help with swelling. Not to mention, you are going to feel more energized if you are hydrated.

Know when to call it quits

Most importantly, even if you are trying to save every single sick day, know when to say enough is enough! Ultimately, you want to have a healthy baby and have enough energy to labor. Keep this in mind when you start to feel worn down.

Felicia Carter is the author of Go Graham Go, a parenting blog with advice, products and money saving tips. She has a three year old son and is expecting number two in September. Connect with Felicia on Twitter.

Breast milk storage and pumping

One of the problems I faced with my first son was keeping up my milk supply when I headed back to work. My job offers zero down time, and I found myself struggling to be able to pump adequately throughout the day. I also work in a high stress environment which does not lend itself well to pumping.

This time around I have been talking to friends and reading up on ways to make my milk storage and pumping more effective.

Pump early

I was so afraid to start pumping early because everything I read said that I should not do anything to alter my milk supply until the nursing was well established. While I definitely see the reasoning behind this, it seems to me that the more I pump the more milk I will produce. With my first son I waited until he was about a month old before I started. This time around I think I will only wait a week or two.

Ice cube trays

I did not try this last time, but it was a tip that I am going to take advantage of this time around. Ice trays generally offer about one fluid ounce per cube. Some women will freeze their breast milk in a tray and then pop it into a freezer bag marked with the date. This would be so much easier for me to store in our compact freezer than breast milk bags. I also think it will help me waste less of the milk because I can prepare it ounce by ounce.

Breast milk storage bags

As convenient as the ice cube trays will be, I am still going to need some of the breast milk storage bags for work. I do not think my colleagues would appreciate me taking up the freezer space with ice cube trays. Besides, they may think they are ice! The only draw back to the bags is that I tend to be clumsy and the bags can sometimes slip when I am trying to pour the milk!

Breast milk storage bottles

This may be a more effective option for work depending upon the price. You can attach the bottles directly to your pump so that you do not have to transfer the milk anywhere else. Most come with caps so that they will be secure during transport. The draw back to these would be for the woman who pumps several ounces of milk. She may not have enough room to tote all of the bottles around.

I would love to know what worked for you! I am definitely looking for tips and suggestions.

Felicia Carter is the author of Go Graham Go, a parenting blog with advice, products and money saving tips. She has a three year old son and is expecting number two in September. Connect with Felicia on Twitter.

What NOT to say to a pregnant woman

I am nearing the end of this pregnancy and I had forgotten just how much the end can cause people to say the craziest and most thoughtless things! I am nearing the point of not wanting to venture to far from home for fear of what I may hear next. On the other hand, I started back to work today and have heard nothing but the sweetest comments from my colleagues. I truly appreciate their kind words and encouragement. 

So, as a reminder to myself as well as a lesson for those out there, here are the things you should never say to a pregnant woman:

1. “Have you not had that baby yet?”  Seriously. I am not quite sure what prompts people to ever have this response. As a pregnant woman, it just makes you feel defeated and huge!
2. “You look like you are going to pop!” Why, thank you for the encouragement and please stand back before I explode.
3. “Oh honey! Your feet are starting to swell.” My precious friend, I had not noticed. Thank you for filling me in.
4. “Now I can tell you are pregnant in your face!” I'm really not sure how to take this one. Did you mean to tell me that I was glowing or did you really just tell me that my face is fat?
5. “Can I touch your belly?” After the complete stranger has been rubbing it!

So not to end on a negative note, here are a few of the things I have heard that have been extremely encouraging!

1. “You look absolutely gorgeous!” Who wouldn't want to hear this?!
2. “Pregnancy looks good on you.”
3. “I am so excited to meet your new little bundle.” Great idea to take the focus off the looks.
4. “You can't even tell you are pregnant from behind.” Enough said.
5. “What a blessing you are carrying.”

Now, I know that we all say things that we do not mean to say. I am just as guilty as any one of these people who made these comments. I will say that after being pregnant it really makes you think about what you say to others. For me, I try to avoid anything about physical looks unless I know for sure it would encourage another pregnant person. The best bet is just to ask them how they are feeling and if they need anything. Be a supportive friend and listen to their subtle cues.

Felicia Carter is the author of Go Graham Go, a parenting blog with advice, products and money saving tips. She has a three year old son and is expecting number two in September. Connect with Felicia on Twitter.

Fear of childbirth

I can honestly say that the first time I was pregnant there was some anxiety about childbirth, but no real fear. I guess I did not know what to expect and knew that I had no control over it at all. This time I feel different about things and I am not sure what that is all about! You would think I would have less anxiety because I have been there before, but the more I hear the more I know that every birth is different.

Even though my first son's birth was pretty hard, it went well and I can still sit back and think about how awesome of an experience it was. It is almost as if being there before has made me anxious for a similar experience (well...mostly similar) this second time around. My first son weighed 8lbs and 13 ounces which was a large load for my small frame. With a very patient nurse and doctor, I was able to deliver him vaginally with some assistance (vacuum).

I keep hearing that a second baby is often bigger than the first, especially if it is a boy. Maybe this is another reason I am feeling anxious. I was also induced the first time and have no idea what it might feel like to actually go into labor! I'm sure I will know if it happens, but that is a thought in the back of my mind.

The most important thing for me to focus on at this point is that very soon I will have a brand new baby. I also need to remember that again, none of this is in my control. I have to trust the process and know that what will be will be. It has helped to spend time with friends and to remember what it was like to have a sweet little infant in my arms! Most importantly, I have a precious three year old who keeps me busy and constantly reminds me of how amazing new life is.

How about you? What were your child birth fears? How did you deal with them?

Felicia Carter is the author of Go Graham Go, a parenting blog with advice, products and money saving tips. She has a three year old son and is expecting number two in September. Connect with Felicia on Twitter.

Pregnancy and nesting

When I was pregnant with Graham I was a little offended by the term “nesting” for some reason. I suppose it made me feel like a bird of some sort!  People would ask, “have you started nesting yet?” My response was always polite, but wanted to be, “What do I look like?” At any rate, nesting did take place, and when it did I was very aware.

What is nesting anyway?

If you are a first time mom you may be asking yourself what is all this nesting hype about? I know I certainly did. I can tell you that when it happens you will know. All of a sudden you have a uncontrollable urge to have everything organized, cleaned, and squared away. Maybe it is your body's way of letting you know you are soon going to be more overwhelmed than you have ever been in your life and you need to have a few things taken care of.

When does nesting take place?

I think that for most women, nesting happens within that last month of pregnancy. The first time around for me it was around week 37. I found myself vacuuming the house daily, dusting, reorganizing the already organized closet, and stockpiling things. This time around it hit a lot sooner. At about 33 weeks I had an uncontrollable urge to have every thing taken care of. I'm not sure if it hit so much sooner this time because I have another child to look after or if it was because I am out of work for the summer. I definitely have a desire to know that everything is in its proper place. I also have a new nesting desire this time; baking and freezing food! I guess I remember how hungry I was last time!

Nesting tips

You can definitely start to become overwhelmed once the nesting desire takes over. I know that my husband was probably tired of me constantly nagging him about completing the baby's room, but I felt a strong sense that things were not right until it was finished. My tip is to try to take a step back from whatever it is you are doing that day. Make some time for yourself and do something relaxing. Above all else, remember that finished room or not, your baby will never know and you are still going to love that precious soul more than you could ever know!

Felicia Carter is the author of Go Graham Go, a parenting blog with advice, products and money saving tips. She has a three year old son and is expecting number two in September. Connect with Felicia on Twitter.