Enrich My Life

Four months ago I joined a club that I didn't know I was missing. I became a mom. Any parent will agree, the first time you are a bit of a wreck. You are unsure of what to do, your baby is unsure of the entire world around them and all the advice you get becomes so overwhelming (especially because some of it does not agree with the type of parent you want to be).

I knew I wanted to breastfeed even before I became pregnant. That was one thing I was sure of. Of course it all changed when I actually was doing it. The pain was almost unbearable. Timing feeds was crazy, having to remember at 2 am to right down what time you fed, what side and what you found in the diaper. There were times when I wasn't sure what side to feed on, I was engorged, cracked, bleeding and so sleep deprived. I'm so glad that I didn't give up. I was lucky to have a great support system. My husband, sweet Kenrick. He would sit up with me when I was crying and feeding Olivia and reassure me that I was doing a good job and I was a great mother.

My best friend Jennie would take my calls late in the night and suggest things to do to relieve the pain. There was one night when I called her and told her how engorged I was. She told me to get a pump and get one fast. I assured her that I was going to be borrowing one from a family member until I could go out and buy my own. When I told her that I had to wait a few days to get it she came to my rescue. She knew I couldn't continue feeding Olivia in the state I was in. Let's be honest, if I kept feeding in so much pain it might have changed my mind on breastfeeding all together. She got in her car, late that very same night and drove me her pump. God bless her. I was able to relieve some of the pain and continue feeding Olivia the way I wanted to.

That's when she told me about a group she had joined. The La Leche League. "To encourage, promote and provide mother-to-mother breastfeeding support and educational opportunities as an important contribution to the health of children, families and society". I was still struggling with breastfeeding and I was using a shield to help feed Olivia. I went to one meeting and met some wonderful women. They were so warm and full of knowledge. The other mothers were able to relate to what I was experiencing and the feeling of being alone began to vanish. At the end of the meeting one of the leaders, who is also a lactation consultant, came over to me

and asked if she could assist me in how I was feeding. I was so greatful. That was the main reason for going, to get help from someone who was a pro. With her help I stopped using the shield that night and never went back. Feeding became easier and I really felt I knew what I was doing. Once a month I would go back to the meeting. Not only to see the group and catch up, but to also offer my own suggestions to new moms. That's one of the best parts of the group. You feel like old friends getting together to talk about breastfeeding and all the trials and accomplishments. It was great to talk to new mothers and tell them what I had experienced. Just like myself you could see the sigh of relief in their eyes. At that moment they knew they came to the right place and they knew they were not alone.

Nikki, one of the leaders invited anyone who was interested to her house for group meetings called "Enrichment Meetings", and so began a weekly tradition. I would go to Nikki's house every Thursday for the next three months and bond with a remarkable group of women. We would talk about everything imaginable. Solid foods, good books, nursing bras, you name it. It was so wonderful to be able to ask a question and know that the answer was going to come from someone who shared my parenting views. There was no worry of judgement. I actually would write down questions during the week to bring them to our meetings. Everytime there was at least one other person who was going through the same thing, or had gone through the same thing and was able to offer advice. I have come to cherish the time I have spent at Nikki's house with the other moms. I know that I am a better mother because of them. When I felt lost they helped to guide me. When I found something I thought they would all like, I would share. When I just needed a good laugh and some company they were all there.

We are on a little summer break right now and I am missing them already. Sadly some of the mom's mat leave has come to an end and they will be going back to work. I wanted to salute all the mom's that I have met and thank them for welcoming me into their lives. I can't imagine what I would have done if they weren't there for me. I know I will keep in touch with these wonderful women and I already plan on going back whenever I have my next baby.

Mommy Jewlery

I usually like to accessorize my outfits. However now that my wardrobe has changed to capris and sundresses there usually isn't a need for jewellery. I have been thinking about getting a nursing necklace for Olivia. Not one that she wears, rather a safe one for me that she can play with while nursing. Many moms suffer from scratches, pinches and pulls while their little ones feed. Olivia hasn't begun to do this, well actually she has, but none of the above. No sir my sweet little girl likes to snap my bra strap as she drinks. It's really sweet at first, her little hand grabs on to the strap and holds on while drinking. Then she starts the famous feeding stroke. Next thing I know with every stroke comes a quick snap! So I'm in the market for a nursing necklace. Here's what I've found so far. I might get more than one kind, for variety.

1. The "Mommy Necklace"

Created by a nursing mother, the idea was born out of desperation when her daughter neared four months old. Tired of the daily wrestling match between baby and breast, along with her daughter’s constant twiddling, pinching, and distractibility, she knew breastfeeding did not have to be this hard and painful! Distracted babies nurse less during the day and more at night (tired mommy!) and fidgety babies love to pull their mother’s hair and leave pinch marks (poor mommy!). Mommy Necklaces™ were invented to occupy busy hands away from Mommy’s hairline while engaging baby in a way that results in longer nursing sessions.

2. Sonny & Reed

The only designer teething necklace made in the USA from non-toxic, FDA approved material that conforms to Consumer Product Safety Commission’s 16 CFR 1500. The beads are solid with nubs on one side, smooth on the other and will not pass through the choke tube.

3. Oh Plah

French for "Here You Go!" Oh Plah!™ is a bracelet for mom that baby or child can safely play with as a toy or teether. Constructed of medical grade thermoplastic- non-toxic, bacteria resistant, and free of lead, latex, PVC, BPA and phthalates. Meets or exceeds the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) regulations, in addition to meeting or exceeding safety testing standards for Canada (C.R.C. c.931) and the European Union (EN-71). Click here to view our Certificate of Compliance. No small parts means its safe for even the tiniest babe. Extremely durable yet flexible, standing up to frequent chewing without looking worn or damaged. Easily cleaned with soap and water, and dries quickly so that it can be worn again right away. Great as a nursing reminder (switch wrists to remember which side comes next)

4. Teething Bling

Teething Bling® is the original patent-pending teething jewelry. Made from the same material as most teething toys, our pendants and bangles look great on the adult wearer but are safe for curious babies to handle and chew. Our products are non-toxic, phthalate, BPA, PVC and lead free and all pendants come with a breakaway clasp as an added safety measure.

I do love all of these designs. I probably wouldn't get one of the bracelets because standard bracelets are usually to big for my wrist. There are so many options, I love that they don't look like macaroni on a string. (However if one day Olivia brings home a necklace made out of pasta from school, you know I would rock it) I think I will have to take a look at my closet and see what works well with my clothes.

One item I did get, but isn't for teething is the charm below. From a company here in Canada called Dimples. They send you a mold and you press your babies finger in it (or anyone's). In a few days you have a beautiful charm with their finger print on it. You can get necklaces, bracelets, key chains, cuff links etc. I already have a link bracelet that I use as a Medic Alert bracelet. I asked for the charm for Mother's day. I intend on having one for each of my kids. The nice thing is that the back is engraved with Olivia's name and birth date.

*description from company websites.

My Mama Must Haves

Katie over at Bower Power blogged about some must have since she had her son. It got me thinking about things that I use that make being a mom a little easier. Here's my list;

Ring Sling:

I can have Olivia close to me and still have my hands free to get something to eat, vacuum, or fold laundry. Olivia takes her best naps in here. Usually from 2 - 2.5 hours at a time.

Baby Bjorn Carrier:

Olivia always loved being upright and seeing what is going on. I've used this carrier at the zoo, at the mall, or just to quickly run into a shop. Again my hands are free, she can see what's going on, and if she falls asleep (which happens often) she just rests her head on my chest and goes to sleep.

Camilia:

A homeopathic liquid that helps with teething and fussy babies. It works similar to grip water, but it doesn't have alcohol in it. I've used this only a few times, but every time it calms Olivia down and helps her relax so that she can go to sleep.

The Baby Book:

What a great resource. If your thinking of attachment parenting, breast feeding, baby wearing or co-sleeping this book is great. Written by a doctor and nurse who are parents as well. They talk about their own experiences, research results and even things they have recommended to their patients. I wish I had read this book before I had Olivia, it reassures me on the basic instincts that I have been feeling and allows me to parent free of judgement and coaching.

Cardinal Digital Watch:

When you are breast feeding you start to live life in 3-4 hour intervals instead of days or weeks. You also calculate approximately how much your baby is getting based on how long they feed for. Sometimes I would find myself feeding in someone's home and not have a clock or watch around anywhere. Being able to quickly glance at my watch helps a lot. Not to mention since it has very little snaps, Velcro or buttons it doesn't scratch my little girl.

Bed Liners:

These are great for changing diapers on our bed or laying under Olivia when she sleeps. Weather it is pee from a diaper or spit up, these water proof mats save our bed.

Live Clean:

All natural, Canadian products that are safe for Olivia and keep her clean and smelling so sweet. We don't use the diaper cream or petroleum jelly, but the cream and soap/shampoo are great.

Tank tops:

These are great for under my shirts when breast feeding. I am able to lift my top shirt up and pull the neckline of the tank down to feed. Best part, I don't end up baring my entire post c-section body to everyone.

Soothie:

This pacifier is said to avoid nipple confusion when breast feeding. Olivia only uses hers when she is tired and fussy. As soon as she falls asleep she spits it out and goes back to sleep.

AppleCheeks Cloth Diapers:

I won't go into all the detail and benefits of cloth diapers. I love the easy snaps on these. Plus all the cute colours that they are available in make diapers seem so chic. Olivia has never had a diaper rash. Plus on the days when she goes 2-3 times in an hour my wallet is thanking my for not using disposables.

Druide Protecting Balm:

When you use cloth diapers you can't use a regular diaper cream that contains zinc oxide. They coat the diaper and make them less absorbent. I'm actually glad we aren't using zinc oxide based creams. They seem to coat the bottom and are hard to clean off. This cream is natural and smells fantastic, and it moisturizes.

J&J disposable nursing pads:

I was using reusable nursing pads, but I seem to leak through them. Even when I double up on them. I have an excessive supply of milk and always seem to be leaking or dripping. I was turn onto these disposables and love them. They don't leak and keep me feeling dry. I still go through 4-6 a day, and when I'm home I use the cloth ones.

Mommy Finds

I've been spending a bit of time online researching products. Products for me and products for the Bunny. Next to making list, researching online is my second favorite thing to do. I love being asked a question and then spending the time to find the answer. One thing K taught me this week was to add "review" to the end of my Google search. That way the links that Google finds have to do with reviews of the item I am looking for.

This past Sunday, K and I went to the Babytime show. We gathered and found information and talked with vendors. Recently my bf asked my opinion on baby bath products. To be honest I had thought about using the Aveeno line. My nephew has very sensitive skin and when his doctor recommended Aveeno it got me thinking. So up until a few weeks ago I was set on Aveeno. After speaking with a few vendors I've started to think about a different line. So when I was doing my online review searches for this line I came upon the site below. Sweetspot has many product suggestions and reviews for moms. Both for you and for your children. If you're interested and have some time, take a look.

The product line that I was researching is called "Live Clean". They are a Canadian manufacturer that have a line of hair and body products and also a line of natural baby bath products. They use 98% plant ingredients that are renewable which is great for the environment. Live Clean products are also vegan and not tested on animals. Another great thing is all the chemical ingredients that have been left out. SLS / Sulfate free, DEA free, and Paraben / Phthalate / Phosphate Free. What do all of these mean? Well they are mild and gentle on the skin and there are no harsh preservatives or perfumes used.

Tonight K and I tried two products. We got the regular bath wash and the lotion from the baby line. The bath wash felt nice and silky on our skin and smelt pretty good. The baby lotion was even better. It was smooth and smelt great. It worked into my skin pretty easily and didn't leave any greasy residue on my hands like other lotions. With a price point lower than the Aveeno line and all the natural elements and environmental benefits, Live Clean is looking like a good choice to make.

The next item is something that K and I have been researching and have come to change our minds on too. Originally we liked the Peg Perego Switch stroller. There are so many pros to that stroller, we almost didn't look past it. However when we were making our registry last week we began to question if we had weighed all the pros and cons. I turned to The Consumers Report website. A fantastic site if you are looking to purchase a large item. A car, appliances, electronics, or even baby products. It worried us that the Switch wasn't even tested. There were other Peg Perego strollers on the list , but no Switch. So we looked at the strollers that were on the list and came to a decision. The UPPABaby Vista. The Vista is very similar to the Buggaboo. There are a few differences, price being one of them. The Vista is ~$200 less than the Buggaboo, but ranks higher on the Consumers Report. The Vista has a easy one-step fold, with a bassinet and seat. A pop-out SPF 50 canopy extension with 30% more sun coverage. The bassinet is fully lined with organic soybean fiber and cotton. The seat is reversible and has 3 position seat angle adjustment. For east adjustment between me or K the handle comes with one button telescopic handle-height adjustment. The rubber-coated wheels never go flat or need air. One feature I did like was that the seat level was higher than the Buggaboo and Switch, making baby closer to me. Light-weight aircraft aluminum alloy frame means I won’t struggle as much with lifting the stroller in and out of the trunk. Last the weight restriction is suitable from birth to 50 lbs.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that Aveeno and the Buggaboo aren't great products. Like every other product out there, it's all a matter of personal preference. What one mommy or parent decides is best for their child may be very different for another parents opinion. That doesn't make either right or wrong, just different. These are just the one's that K and I have researched and found many good points to sway our decision.