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A B A T O N R O U G E PA R E N T S P U B L I C A T I O N
the name
game Aches, Pains, and Agony,
Oh My!
Mom's Mental Health Matters
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CONTENTS
INSIDE VOLUME 30
IN EVERY ISSUE 6 GIVEAWAYS 8
WHOA, BABY!
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LITTLE BITS
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BABY LOVE
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BUMP UP YOUR STYLE
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RESOURCE DIRECTORY
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BELLY LAUGHS
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BABY FACES
Photo credit: Kleinpeter Photography
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14 | CHOOSING A NANNY, DAYCARE OR SITTER Know your options to find the best fit for your family
18 | PREGNANCY PAINS
How to manage common aches, pains, and discomfort during your pregnancy
22 | ARE YOU AFRAID OF THE DELIVERY ROOM? Pink & Blue Cover Baby Contest We’re looking for our cover babies! Submit your baby’s photo for a chance to appear on the cover of an issue of Pink & Blue. Babies must be six months or younger. Photos can only be submitted online at coverbaby.brparents.com. All photos submitted will become the property of Pink & Blue and may be used for future publications of Family Resource Group Inc.
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ON THE COVER
Cover Baby Ivy I., or “Ivy Lyn” as her family calls her, is quite the happy baby! It’s rare to see her without a smile on her face, and she knows no stranger. She loves waving, standing on things (only for a few seconds so far), crawling, and wiggling. She enjoys eating mashed potatoes and brussel sprouts, and she adores her big sister!
Alleviate your fears by learning what goes on in the delivery room
26 | MOM’S MENTAL HEALTH CHECK UP
Make sure you’re taking care of your mental health, too
28 | WHAT’S IN A NAME?
Pick a name that’s perfect for your baby
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GIVEAWAYS P U B L I S H E R / E D I TO R I N C H I E F A MY F O R E M A N-P L A I S A N C E A S S O C I AT E P U B L I S H E R BRANDON FOREM AN D I R E C TO R O F O P E R AT I O N S A MY L . F O R E M A N E D I TO R I A L M A N A G I N G E D I TO R A M ANDA MILLER
Help your little sleeper drift off every night with the Omni Swaddle Sack with Wrap. It’s convertible and designed to help provide your little one with flexibility, comfort, and support as she dreams. ■ swaddledesigns.com
A R T/ P R O D U C T I O N GR APHIC DESIGNER M E LO DY TA U Z I N GR APHIC DESIGNER L AUREN LEOP OLD CONTRIBUTING GR APHIC DESIGNER DES TIN Y ALE X ANDER C O V E R P H OTO G R A P H E R K L E I N P E T E R P H OTO G R A P H Y ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE K ASSIE WILLIA MS ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE K A R E N M CC U L L E N ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE CHRIS TIE T URNER
Encourage your little one’s growth milestones with Magical Tales Black & White Gymini. Equipped with games and activities for babies, the new set even includes a guidebook for you to serve as a roadmap as you navigate baby’s first year. ■ tinylove.com
COMMUNIT Y E VENTS M ANAGER L A U R I E A CO S TA COMMUNIT Y OUTRE ACH ROX ANE VOORHIES
C O N TAC T B R PA R E N T S .CO M E D I TO R I A L @ B R PA R E N T S .CO M C A L E N D A R @ B R PA R E N T S .CO M O F F I C E 2 25-2 92-0 032 FA X 2 25-2 92-0 03 8 11 8 3 1 W E N T L I N G AV EN U E B ATO N R O U G E , L A 70 8 1 6-6 055
Whether you’re out finishing your holiday shopping or heading to Grandma’s, you can carry everything you need with the Paperclip Willow Changing Bag. Featuring padded backpack straps, an integrated changing station, and a luggage slide, you’ll be ready to hit the road with babe. ■ papercliplife.com
Gear up! GIVEAWAYS
Parenting Media Association Design & Editorial Awards 2019 Gold, Silver, and Bronze Award Winner Social icon
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Copyright © 2019. All rights reserved. ISSN # 1050-8708 Reproduction prohibited without permission. The opinions expressed in Pink & Blue Magazine are those of the authors or advertisers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products or services herein. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any paid advertisement.
Visit brparents.com and click “Register for Freebies.” Winners will be announced at brparents.com on November 21, 2019. Pink & Blue Magazine is a division of Family Resource Group Inc.
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WHOA, BABY!
The Joys of Pregnancy
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n so many ways, today’s moms to be share the same emotions and wonder that I felt when my babies were born, who now have babies of their own. The realization that the life within you growing will one day look to you for nurturing and love accompanies the powerful awareness that you will be the teacher of your baby’s first smile, the listener to both dreams and fears, and the example for character and discipline. But expectant moms today face many new questions as they learn the importance of issues today that weren’t known or stressed 30, 20, or even 10 years ago. Breastfeeding and prenatal care have brought about so many questions along with the knowledge of their benefits. From the sounds a baby hears in utero to the well-being of the mother’s physical and mental health, moms-to-be embrace prenatal classes that ensure both she and the baby are calm and peaceful. Today’s expectant moms also have highly educational books that answer many questions on pregnancy, labor, delivery, and the postpartum period. And the relationship between the doctor and the mom-to-be continues to grow as our knowledge of having healthy and happy babies grow. We hope you’ll find answers to questions you may have and the resources that you need. And remember, some things never change: the joys of a baby shower with the fun of registering for must-haves and hope-to-haves along with the thrill of finding out if the baby is a boy or a girl, and the feeling of new life within you that cannot be expressed in any other way than pure love and joy. Happy expecting, and may your baby (or babies) be all you’ve ever dreamed the miracle would be. Amy Foreman-Plaisance Publisher/Editor in Chief
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LITTLE BITS
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Being pregnant was very much like falling in love. You are so open. You are so overjoyed. There are no words that can express having a baby growing inside of you, so of course you want to scream it out and tell everyone.”
—Beyoncé
BUMPIN’ INTO PREGNANCY As your baby grows, you’ll want to see what’s going on inside your belly, and you’ll most likely have a lot of questions, including what’s normal and what’s safe. With The Bump–Pregnancy Countdown app, you’ll have all the answers you will need right on your phone. While every pregnancy journey is different, you can still come together with other moms to learn about baby products from major retailers, read award-winning pregnancy and baby articles, and see an interactive 3D visualization of your baby’s growth. ■ thebump.com
TRYING TO CATCH SOME ZZZS Tossing and turning when you have a belly isn’t ideal, it’s not even ideal when you don’t. However, when you’re pregnant, you may find yourself wrestling with the blankets, adjusting and readjusting pillows, and trying every position imaginable just to try and get some shut eye. Finding comfort isn’t easy, but the American Pregnancy Association (APA) encourages you to “SOS” (sleep on side). Furthermore, they recommend sleeping on your left side because it will increase the amount of blood and nutrients that reach the placenta and your baby. Placing a pillow between your legs will also help, and a body pillow can often be your new best friend. APA also says that if you’re having back pain, use the SOS position, and try placing a pillow under your abdomen. If you are experiencing heartburn during the night, try propping your upper body with pillows.
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LITTLE RIDERS ON THE ROAD The first car ride home from the hospital is a special one. While you’re in recovery mode and longing for the comforts of your own home and your own bed, your little one is experiencing one of his firsts! With the new safety seat laws in Louisiana, it’s crucial that you make sure you are making his first ride home the safest. As of August 1, the Louisiana Child Passenger Safety Law says that those from birth to at least two years old should ride rear facing in an infant or convertible child safety seat. Properly installing those seats is just as important. Before the big day, visit a fitting station to get a free child seat installation from a qualified technician. A list of the fitting stations can be found online. ■ lahighwaysafety.org
UNIQUE BABY KEEPSAKES You know to keep a lock of your baby’s hair from her first haircut and to fill out all of her milestones in her baby book as she grows, but did you know there are other things you should hold onto? For starters, make sure you keep you and your baby’s hospital tags. They’ll be fun to look back on later! If you happen to get the newspaper at your home, be sure to save the front page news from the day your baby was born. If you don’t get the newspaper, find one around town to make sure you can keep it for when she is older. Seeing what was going on in the world at the time will make things fun. Also, her take home outfit is a keeper. When you look back on it, you’ll ooh and ahh over just how tiny she was. For planning ahead, save a bottle of red wine from the year she was born. It will make for fun celebrations when she turns 21.
GETTING SHOTS DURING PREGNANCY With flu cases popping up around town and many families heading to get their flu shots, you’re likely wondering what you can do to protect yourself and your baby. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in order to help protect the both of you, they recommend that you get a whooping cough and flu vaccine during each pregnancy. In fact, the CDC has guidelines for the vaccines you need before, during, and after pregnancy. However, it is crucial that you speak with your healthcare provider before you get any vaccinations. ■ cdc.gov
DIAPER NEEDS & DONATIONS Diaper needs impact the physical and mental wellbeing of children, and the Junior League of Baton Rouge is working to make sure that every little one in our area doesn’t go without them. Through their Diaper Bank, moms can reach out to the organization’s partners in order to receive diapers when they are in need. Donations are also accepted at drop off locations. ■ juniorleaguebr.org BREAST IS BEST AND FED IS BEST We know the benefits of breastfeeding, but sometimes, breastfeeding doesn’t come easily. However, hearing that “breast is best” can leave moms feeling shame. Research states that it’s important to look into the effects this can have on moms. In an article in the Huffington Post, Ana Diez-Sampedro, author of Women’s Choice Regarding Breastfeeding and Its Effect on Well-Being and a clinical associate professor said, “We need more research on what happens to a person who wants to breastfeed and who can’t. What do they feel? Is this a risk factor for postpartum depression?” For those who can’t, it’s important that they are heard. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists explains “that women who can’t meet their breastfeeding goals often experience considerable distress and that those feelings should be validated by their health care providers.”
ALEXA, I NEED BREASTFEEDING HELP Whether you’re curating your shopping list or searching the Internet, Amazon’s Alexa is there to help you. Now, moms to be can talk to Alexa when they need help with breastfeeding. Medela has introduced the new Medela Breastfeeding skill through Alexa. When enabled, mamas can ask Alexa about breastfeeding, storing breast milk, and pumping. Alexa’s answers were developed with Medela’s team of board-certified lactation consultants. To get the new skill, simply say, “Alexa, enable Medela.” ■ medela.com
GUARANTEE GIRLS
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BABY LOVE
Give a thoughtful gift to yourself or another mama-to-be with Baby Boxy. Each box includes hand-picked products with a focus on safe, non-toxic and eco-friendly materials, including toys, onesies, and pacifier holders. ■ babyboxy.com
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My favorite part about being a mom, I mean it’s so corny, but it’s just like, no matter how tired you are, it’s complete bliss, no matter what.”
—Khloé Kardashian
Stay comfy throughout baby’s feedings with the Boppy Minky Nursing Pillow. Dressed in a soft minky slipcover, the pillow lifts babies to a more ergonomic position for comfortable feedings and transitions to support them as they grow. ■ boppy.com
Designed to help clear clogged ducts, maximize your milk output, and relieve pain and engorgement, the Lil’buds Breast Comfort Packs can be used whether you prefer them hot or cold. They have a soft cotton flannel exterior, are filled with flax seed, and can be used on all breast sizes. ■ lillemer.com
Transport baby’s essentials with the Arabella Baby Diaper Caddy. You can tote around diapers, wipes and baby’s toys with ease, or gift it to a new mama in need. ■ arabellababy.com
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Get a grip on sticky, messy floors with SplatMat. This multi-purpose accessory goes under a child’s chair to catch spilled food, protect floors during art projects, and any other messy indoor or outdoor adventures. ■ booginhead.com
AMBROSIA
Teething can be rough on both baby and mama. With the Molar Muncher, you can help soothe your teething baby’s gum line while leaving her hands free to play. This teether was designed to reach all the way to the back of the mouth during the uncomfortable time molars are breaking through. ■ molarmuncher.com
Keep drooling at bay with the Bandana Bibs by KeaBabies. The bibs add style to outfits, and they’re made with 100 percent organic cotton, so they’re highly absorbent to help prevent irritated skin. ■ keababies.com
KIDS COUNT
Secure the Lollipop Smart Wi-Fi-Based Baby Camera to baby’s crib, attach it to the wall, or stand it up on a flat surface. As your little one grows, you can move it around to catch her every move. ■ lollipop.camera FA L L 2 0 1 9
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Choosing a Nanny, Daycare or Sitter F By Kim Gilly
rom the moment the word “pregnant” pops up on that little digital stick, parents will embark on making what seems like an endless number of decisions for their new little bundle of joy. Should they find out the sex of the baby or wait to be surprised on delivery day? Will the new mom nurse or bottle feed? And possibly one of the most daunting decisions new parents will make is deciding who will care for their precious newborn when they have to return to work.
Know Your Options Traditional methods of childcare typically include child care centers, hiring a nanny or using what is known as a “family child care home.” Deciding which method is best for both the parents and child can require a substantial amount of time and research, so you really can’t start too early 14
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in your pregnancy. Personal referrals can help to narrow your search tremendously, and you can start by asking friends, coworkers or even your pediatrician. Child Care Centers One of the more accessible sources of childcare is child care centers. There are many aspects that can factor into choosing the right center for your growing family. Parents might choose a center based on its location or hours of operation. Others might consider a center based on a church or religious affiliation. Some might have to consider the enrollment age based on the length of maternity leave, as some centers enroll infants as early as six weeks, while others wait until 12 weeks. If a center is the path you choose, start early, as some will start accepting applications within your first trimester of pregnancy.
Accredited child care centers provide a structured environment with trained staff in early childhood development. They encourage the socialization skills necessary throughout the developmental stages of your child’s early years and can provide a long-term child care arrangement from infancy through preschool. The American Academy of Pediatrics provides online resources to help you find accredited centers in your area, as well as a list of criteria that you should look for in a child care center. Kathryn Smith, a Physician Assistant and mom to Helen and Charlotte, says that she and her husband Gabe, “chose the daycare route because we wanted the socialization for our daughters as well as a community of families to connect with as new parents.” Family Child Care Homes Another form of childcare that parents might consider is a family child care home, which is a daycare that operates out of the owner’s personal residence. This option can be less expensive than traditional child care centers but still offer similar benefits. Some of the differences include the in-home setting, a smaller
child to caregiver ratio and a broader variety in the ages of children being cared for together. Bridget and Justin Robichaux, parents to daughters Leah and Avery, chose the family child care home route when their oldest daughter Leah was born. They received a personal referral from a coworker and knew after their first visit that it was a good fit for their family. Bridget says, “It felt more like going to grandma’s house every day instead of daycare.” Having the continuity of care from having the same provider from three months to five years was also a huge plus for the Robichaux family. “She was more than a daycare teacher, she became family. She helped us through the infant routine, potty training and taught them both to read. She has seen us through a move, a difficult medical diagnosis, career changes and the birth of an additional child. We will have a strong bond with her for the rest of our lives.” Child care homes are required to meet certain standards, so be sure to verify that they are current with your state’s
regulatory laws. Carolyn Stolov, Family Life Expert at Care.com, and Patricia Dischler, President of the National Association for Family Child Care (NACFF), suggest the following three things to look for when considering this type of service: ▪▪ Safety. Is the childcare provider CPR certified? ▪▪ Adequate space. Both indoor and outdoor space. ▪▪ Emergency procedures. Do they practice fire drills, etc.? Hiring a Nanny Another form of child care is hiring a nanny to care for your child at home. This can likely be the most costly of the different forms of child care, but the benefits of this option can far outweigh the cost for some new parents. A nanny allows the child to stay within the home, remain on his or her schedule, and eat familiar foods. Having a nanny can also offer flexibility for families with unconventional or inflexible work hours. If you decide to go the
nanny route, be sure to emphasize the importance of incorporating socialization opportunities for your child, whether it’s through play dates or classes. New parents will quickly realize that the added expense of child care is not for the faint of heart. Thankfully, there are numerous resources available to new parents to help them along in this decision-making process. Dr. Susan Bankston, a pediatrician at The Baton Rouge Clinic, states that, “While children will sometimes pick up on a few less desirable things, like biting and earlier exposure to illness, daycare centers can provide a great environment for social interaction for your child. Nannies will cost more, but there are certainly benefits to being able to keep the child at home as long as they are with an active, education-minded caregiver.” High-quality child care can come in many forms, with all of them focusing on keeping your little ones safe, so take the time to find the child care that will best fit for not only your little one, but your family as well. ■
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BUMP UP YOUR STYLE
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Poppy Maternity Top. Isabella Oliver. ■ isabellaoliver.com
I feel like I was never this patient, but it's made me a nicer person, and I apply it to all aspects of my life.”
—Hilary Duff
Deanne Hoop Earrings In Gold. Kendra Scott. ■ kendrascott.com
Maternity Bodycon Dress. BooHoo. ■ boohoo.com
MAMA Corduroy Pants. H&M. ■ hm.com
Women’s Double Decker Suede. Keds. ■ keds.com
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Pointed Pumps. H&M. ■ hm.com
Fall in love with Fall and your new wardrobe when you add these stylish pieces to your everyday wear or for a night out on the town with your special someone. Bolivia Wool Sweater. Max Mara Leisure. ■ matchesfashion.com
DRAKE'S Drakes Brushed Wool Beanie. Nordstrom. ■ nordstrom.com Oversized Crew-Neck Ribbed-Wool Sweater. RAEY. ■ matchesfashion.com Cork Feather Earrings with Metallic Leaf. Primavera Collection. ■ primaveracollection.com
Women’s Union Bay Trista. Shoe Sensation. ■ shoesensation.com
Rib-Knit Scarf. H&M. ■ hm.com
Maternity Full Panel Maxi Skirt. 9 Months Maternity. ■ 9monthsmaternity.com FA L L 2 0 1 9
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Pregnancy Pains
Managing Common Aches, Pains and Discomfort By Christa Melnyk Hines
The changing pregnant body may be one of Mother Nature's more astonishing feats, but nothing grounds us like the aches and pains that tag along for the journey. Luckily, you can address most pregnancy pain gently, safely and effectively. 18
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Why you shouldn't ignore pain. If you're like many women juggling multiple responsibilities, you might feel tempted to grin and bear it, but don't. "If you ignore pain and become increasingly less active, you can actually increase your pregnancy risks. Inactivity increases the risk of blood clots, for example, can weaken muscles, and may contribute to more complications or difficulty with labor," says Dr. Michael Proffitt, OB/GYN. Why the pain? As your body quickly adjusts to accommodate a growing baby, hormones can cause your joints to loosen and relax, abdominal muscles to stretch, and the pelvic bone separates. Furthermore, your center of gravity shifts as you gain weight. These factors combine to put extra strain on your musculoskeletal system. Swap your shoes. Proper footwear can make a difference for aching joints and back pain. If you're still sporting those stylish stilettos, it's time to give them a break and opt for low-heeled shoes with good arch support. Lift correctly. Ask for help rather than lifting heavy objects yourself. If you must lift something or someone–like your crying toddler–squat down, bend at the knees and keep your back straight while you are lifting. Seek back support. Sit in chairs with good lumbar support, or place a small pillow behind your back while sitting. Sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees can also help keep your back aligned. "If your bed is too soft, place a board between the mattress and the box spring. This can help provide more support and alignment of the spine when you're lying on your side," Dr. Proffitt says. Sometimes care providers recommend a prenatal cradle or support belt which holds the uterus and belly up a bit to relieve strain on the lower back. Find relief. Apply hot or cold compresses to your back or opt for a prenatal
massage. A massage can also help relieve any tension and stress-induced headaches that are common, especially during the first trimester. Exercise moderately. The exercises you choose to engage in during pregnancy depend on your pre-pregnancy fitness level. Avoid any exercise that incorporates sudden twisting or repetitive twisting. Walking, water aerobics and prenatal yoga can help you control your weight and strengthen your core muscles, which can relieve the strain on your back. Feed yourself right. Drink plenty of water and maintain a nutritious, wellbalanced diet to control your weight and manage headaches. "Excess maternal weight gain has much to do with musculoskeletal issues such as back pain, neck pain and sciatica," says Dr. Bret Gordon, OB/ GYN. "Maintain a reasonable diet with reduced carbohydrates and lower caloric intake to keep your weight down. Over time, this will minimize the onset of musculoskeletal pain issues." Watch your sodium intake. Nearly every pregnant woman suffers from swollen ankles and feet in the final weeks of their pregnancies. Support stockings can help some moms. Dr. Gordon also suggests reducing your sodium intake and remaining well-hydrated. Put your feet up. Rest can also ease swelling feet and ankles, headaches and pressure on your back. If you must sit or stand for long periods of time, prop one leg on a low stool and then switch legs to relieve the pressure on the lower back. "The importance of adequate time off their feet is a tough sell to moms-to-be who have jobs, responsibilities and other kids who require their attention," Dr. Gordon says. "But listen to your body. If it's telling you to rest, you should." Try other therapies. Dr. Proffitt says many of his patients benefit from physical therapy when at-home pain management techniques aren't working. Acupuncture or aquatics therapy can also
help. If you elect for chiropractic care, he recommends seeking a chiropractor trained in treating pregnant patients. Dr. Kezia Shine, who specializes in women's health, pregnancy and pediatrics, says back pain is one of the most common reasons pregnant women seek her care. "Especially for pain in the SI [sacroiliac] joint, which feels like a knife stabbing in the lower back when going from sitting to standing, or taking the first few steps when walking," Dr. Shine says. Reach out for mental health support. Just as emotional suffering can manifest as physical ailments, physical pain can hurt your sense of wellbeing contributing to depression or anxiety. Talk to your caregiver if you're struggling. "When having a baby, mental clarity and sanity is of utmost importance because the stress hormone can pass through the mom's blood to the baby, leading to a potentially stressed baby," Dr. Shine says. While pain is a normal part of pregnancy, contact your provider with any concerns. Your physician should be able to help you pinpoint the source of the pain and how to best manage it. When to contact your doc: ▪▪ Chest pain ▪▪ Stroke-like symptoms ▪▪ Pain associated with fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, vaginal bleeding or changes in bowel habits ▪▪ Rhythmic severe back pain that comes and goes every few minutes, which could indicate preterm labor Where does it hurt? Sciatica: shooting pain along the sciatic nerve that runs down one or both legs from the lower back. Can also be associated with a tingling sensation. Round ligament: sharp pain or jabbing in lower belly or groin common in the second trimester Pelvic girdle pain: Mild to severe discomfort usually occurring over the pubic bone in the front, below your stomach, along your lower back, in the thighs, or in the perineum. ■ FA L L 2 0 1 9
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KIDS COUNT
Kindercare
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ASSOCIATES IN PEDIATRIC AND ADOLESCENT MEDICINE
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Are You Afraid of the Delivery Room? By Elise Gray
F
ear is a completely normal side effect of pregnancy. After all, you’re bringing a whole new life into the world. Many moms find the delivery room to be especially intimidating. The labor and delivery process often entails many procedures that are hard to pronounce, thus creating a sense of general uneasiness. From concerns about birth plans to labor pain, many first-time parents play out the “what if” scenarios many times before entering the delivery room. So, what really goes on in there, and is it as scary as you’re imagining? Use the Maternity Tour to Ask Important Questions Booking a hospital or birthing center maternity tour can alleviate some pre-
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birth anxiety. The process generally lasts around 30 minutes to an hour. A hospital professional will walk you through the whole delivery process, from start to finish. You are likely to see the triage area, family waiting rooms, the delivery suite and a postpartum room. During your tour, the nurse or hospital educator will provide plenty of valuable information. If you are looking to create a birth plan, you might find solace asking about the various options while you’re there. You can pre-register after the tour if you like the facility. Questions You Should Ask During a Maternity Tour: ▪▪ Who can be in the room during the delivery? Is there a limit on the number of people?
▪▪ ▪▪ ▪▪ ▪▪ ▪▪
Can a spouse or partner stay in the room overnight? Can you hold your baby afterward for skin-to-skin after having a c-section? Which pain management options does the facility have available? Are there any services available for high-risk pregnancies? Can the baby remain in the room instead of going to the nursery?
What to Do If Your Birth Plan Changes Every delivery is unique. It’s always good to have a plan, but be prepared for any changes that may occur. The best thing to do while executing a birth plan is to embrace the present. Understand that giving birth is a moment where your body will prepare to do an extraordinary thing, which might not look and feel like what you initially imagined. Samantha Rauber, LPC, NCC, PMH-C, a mental health professional who specializes in prenatal care, says this about birth plans, “More often than not, the birth plan does not go the way we hope. Recognize that the birth plan is the wish list. Openly communicate your
birth plan with your provider. Surround yourself with a team of people who want the same goals as you.” Pooping on the Delivery Table Pooping on the delivery table is a perfectly reasonable fear to have. After all, nobody imagines poop being part of any magical birth. Bowel movements happen when the cervix is fully dilated. Contrary to popular belief, this part of labor is incredibly common. It’s also a sign that a woman is pushing well. With all the craze going on inside your body and the delivery room, your chances of noticing bowel movements are low. Labor Pains: What to Expect Labor pain is a large concern for many first-time moms. If romantic comedies like Knocked Up have solidified your negative birth expectations, fear not! It’s painful, but it’s not as bad as the movies make them out to be. Truthfully, the pain of childbirth will feel unlike anything you have ever experienced before, but the pain will not be constant. Contractions will
arrive in short intervals. This allows you some time to regroup and anticipate the next set of contractions. Epidurals are also known to help decrease the pain in the lower part of mama-to-be's body, which can also allow for her to have a more comfortable delivery. Getting an epidural takes around 10 minutes to place in the spine and around 15 minutes to start working. Some women will opt for epidurals for the benefit of having a potentially painless delivery, while others have them as a medical necessity for their cesarean deliveries (c-sections). Talk to your doctor and see what makes sense for your delivery room experience. There are also natural coping techniques that can help you manage labor pain and contractions, including: ▪▪ Practicing rhythmic breathing ▪▪ Moving ▪▪ Expressing your fears ▪▪ Utilizing imagery ▪▪ Remaining in a soothing environment during delivery ▪▪ Taking a warm bath or shower
Mom Shares “Prepare questions for your maternity tour–it’s the best place to ask them. Also, having your hospital bag ready to go will make things easier. Birth plans can change, and that’s okay! For me, the baby would not turn. She was breech, and only about four percent of babies are, so that scared me. After a failed external cephalic procedure, they had to schedule a c-section. If you end up having to do a c-section, you will likely be in the hospital for three to four days.” –Stephanie Rossano. “You don’t have to give birth on your back. I was scared that I was going to be stuck in the bed and not be able to move or go anywhere, but you can. Talk to your doctor about your concerns. Midwives are amazing, so get one if you can! Also, you can do it without an epidural, but you don’t have to. I chose to. And it’s just when you think you can’t take it anymore is when you’re in transition or ready to push. Once you start pushing, the contractions don’t hurt.” –Cara Martin ■
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OUR LADY OF THE LAKE - OVERMAN
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Baby Isn’t the Only One Who Needs Care Mom’s Mental Health Check Up
By Emily Egan
N
ausea, tiredness, and swelling of the feet are usually what people think of when it comes to the effects of pregnancies. While physical symptoms are par for the course, what is usually not thought about enough are the mental symptoms a mom can experience. When mental symptoms are envisioned, they are usually the mother being excited and longing for the arrival of her child. However, it is actually more common for pregnant women to experience a wide range of emotions during their pregnancies. Understanding Your Emotions As a Licensed Professional Counselor as well as a mother herself, Julie Ritchie has seen and experienced a wide range of emotions during pregnancy. “Most women feel a sense of excitement, fear, anxiety, and numerous other feelings when discussing pregnancy and motherhood,” says Ritchie. Because of these feelings, one would expect some relief once the baby is born, however, that is not always the case. A commonality among women after they have given birth is a feeling called the “baby blues,” where the mother experiences feelings of sadness, stress, anxiety, or loneliness. While this is frequent among new mothers, some may experience the baby blues past the two week period. Dr. Laura Betancourth, OB/GYN, a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer and mother herself, says that there can be a number of reasons as to why a mother can still feel down after the two week “baby blues” period. She explains, “Usually, 26
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women want some kind of company after the birth of their child. Throughout much of their pregnancy, expecting mothers are used to being taken care of by doctors and midwives looking to see how the baby is doing. However, once the baby is born, these visits generally come to a stop with the exception of a few checkups to see how the mother is doing.” The loss of these frequent visits along with friends and loved ones giving the new mom space to be alone with her child can sometimes cause her to feel detached from others. Dr. Betancourth adds, “Women generally miss the care received from these visits and after their child’s birth, and they can feel isolated afterward.” Triggering Postpartum Depression Because of this, along with other causes of stress such as finances, familial trouble, or even stress caused by the pregnancy itself, this can be a trigger for a more extreme form of the baby blues, postpartum depression. According to a study in the online edition of JAMA Psychiatry, about one in seven women experience postpartum depression after the birth of their child. Half of those mothers can start to experience symptoms during their pregnancy. Unfortunately, there is a skewed image of what is truly going on with moms who are experiencing this. When someone pictures a new mother who is suffering from postpartum depression, the image is usually of a woman who is simply unhappy, however, there is far more to it than that.
Dr. Renee Bruno, a psychiatrist, and Emily Stevens, director of Care Management, are part of a Social Service Team along with the team’s manager, Natalie Ingles, at Woman’s Hospital. Because of their work at Woman’s, all three have encountered women who have battled postpartum depression in their respective positions and have noticed that it is not just sadness that comes with the mood disorder. “Postpartum depression can come with not only sadness, but anxiety in many forms. Although new motherhood comes with heightened emotions, on guard for protection of a new baby, this can become an exhausting fear of danger; intrusive scary thoughts of harm coming to her baby which frightens her; or physical surges of anxiety like chest tightness, shortness of breath, a feeling of panic when no danger is evident,” says the the team from Woman’s Hospital. Combating Postpartum Depression With knowing the chances of developing postpartum depression, there are new OB/GYN guidelines to help combat the high number of postpartum cases in the United States. Before, women were generally encouraged to visit their obstetric care provider about six weeks after the birth of their child. However, due to the increased risks regarding new mothers, time has been shortened to visit after about three or four weeks. By shortening the time, doctors hope to greatly decrease the number of postpartum depression cases in the United States. In the Baton Rouge area, these guidelines have not yet been implemented, however, there are still precautions that new mothers and their families can take to combat postpartum depression: “Seeking treatment immediately [is important],” says Dr. Betancourth. “Doctors will often recommend both medication and counseling.” And for the doctors, “Ask specific questions in an open, non-judgmental conversation and listen to her openly, all while building a supportive environment to increase the chance of the mother seeing help,” adds Ritchie. Woman’s Hospital encourages all women to call their OB/ GYNs to discuss their symptoms and also the treatment options that will work best for them. There are also psychiatrists and therapists who you can reach out to as well as a MOM2MOM support group every second and fourth Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Woman’s Hospital’s physician office building. “Women are more likely to develop depression and anxiety during the first year after childbirth than at any other time in their life,” says the team. “However, they are not to blame, and she is just as surprised as to what is happening to her. Thankfully, prenatal mood and anxiety disorder can be temporary and treatable with support and professional help.” Mom Shares “Reach out to an expecting or new mother and encourage them to have a community of people around to take a more interactive role with her.” –Dr. Laura Betancourth ■ FA L L 2 0 1 9
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What’s in a Name?
How To Choose The Perfect One By Jannean Dixon, M.Ed.
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eto!” was the most commonly heard word in our house when my husband and I were trying to choose a name for our baby. We were each given veto power and said it so much that we joked about using it as a name! As gleefully as we vetoed each other’s ideas, I knew that naming our baby was a serious matter. 28
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DOs Ask questions. Your child will use this name everyday of his or her life! Whether your child grows up to be a teacher, a doctor or an astronaut, this name will be the first thing people know about him or her, so make it count. Local mom Helen S. urges other parents to ask, “Will they be taken seriously as working adults with the name?” Take note: this is the name your child will use even when they are outside of work. Follow Louisiana Laws. In the state of Louisiana, children with married parents take the last name of the father, though
if both parents agree, the child may take the maiden name of the mother. Some states have strict rules about naming children and even ban the use of some names such as Adolf Hitler or Jesus Christ. Other states ban the use of special characters (such as spelling Tim as T!m) and numbers In Louisiana, you cannot name your child an obscenity or use diacritical marks in the name. According to the Louisiana Department of Health website, “If the child was not named at birth, an Affidavit for Correction of Given Names can be used to give the child a first and middle name before the child reaches the age of 12. Both parents [who are] listed on
the birth certificate must sign the affidavit in the presence of a licensed notary. This form cannot be used to change a child’s last name” DON’Ts Feel pressured. One mom shares that she and her in-laws left the hospital not speaking to one another after the birth of her third child. The in-laws were insistent about one particular family name being used. In the end, the mother used the inlaws’ name, but wasn’t happy about it. Ignore initials. Write out your child’s future initials. You may want to avoid certain acronyms or words once you see them written out. A friend once wanted to name her daughter Amalie Stella Smith. Being in the South, the future mom planned to monogram everything. She promptly changed the middle name to avoid the embarrassing initials. Choose names that you associate with others. I have lots of friends who are teachers. While these ladies have no idea about the perfect name, they absolutely avoid names of past students who gave them trouble. “Because I was working at a school at the time, it cut out a ton of options because I didn’t want an association to the name,” shares Stacey H. “I wanted a name that wasn’t common but not unusual or hard to spell. Both kids were named the day after they were born because it was important for us to see them first.” Make promises you can’t keep. To ease the blow of her son’s upset at having a baby sister, Chantel P. promised her son that he could name his little sister. As it turns out, Rosie Kitty Dog was not really such a great name choice. His next choice was also vetoed, Batman Super Kitty. THINGS TO CONSIDER The Nickname Game. Laura H. shares, “We didn’t want anything that could be shortened to a nickname.” If you hate nicknames, you might want to help others avoid the temptation by using a name that isn’t easily shortened. If you are going to use a nickname anyway, consider
using the nickname as a name instead. Our youngest is Kate, not Katherine or Kathleen, just Kate. A Rhyme Crime. “Rule number one: the name needs to be something that can’t easily be made fun of,” shares Laura R. I remember doing this test when I was pregnant, too! My husband or I would say a name and the other would think of any words that rhyme with the name that could be used to make fun of our kid as he grew up. Letter Love. People feel very strongly about the first initial of their child. Jessica B. shares her practical take on this trend, “After Amaly, we looked for other A names we liked because I was being thrifty and wanted to reuse all of the things I had monogrammed.” While some parents seek out names all beginning with the same letter for all of their children, some parents seek to avoid certain letters. Mom Laura H adds, “It might be weird, but I didn’t want it to start with a B or C. My side of the family is all Bs or Cs.” Other parents have chosen a different kind of letter inspiration. “My husband named all the kids in ABC order: Adrian, Bethany, Claire, and Dresden,” shares Alice H. Divine Intervention. Some families look to the Bible for their name inspiration. Teresa M. shares, “I wanted Biblical names for both of my children.” Whether the name is a person from the Bible you admire, or from more recent religious history, your faith can be a good source/ Cherise K. adds, “Since we are Catholic, we made sure that at least one of their names was a Saint’s name that we admired.” Dad John W. shares this helpful hint when choosing names, “My brothers and I ended up with names of Saints. When I was in my 30s, I asked my mother why she named me John. She couldn’t remember. I suggested a connection to John the Baptist, or perhaps my Uncle John, or even the mailman, but she still had no idea. So, be sure to write down the how and why of your name inspiration.”
Family Traditions. We looked on every branch of our family trees to find a nice family name for our daughters. We finally decided on a couple of middle names, Emma and Rene. Grandparents can be a good source of family names. Trace back the family trees for inspiration. Brittany B. shares, “All of my girls are named after family members of importance. Each one has a story of how or after who their name was chosen. I love telling how I got each of them.” Maiden names are also a popular name choice for little ones. Tiffany P. chose maiden names so that the name would continue on in her family. Pop Culture. Many people find name inspiration from pop culture, including musical artists and characters from TV shows, movies, or books. Mom Brittany R. laughs as she shares, “Lorelai was chosen because we wanted another ‘L’ name. My husband suggested it because I’m a Gilmore Girls fan!” Deeper Meaning. “First, we have to like how the name sounds to the ear,” shares mom Erin K. “Then, the name must have a powerful meaning. Our oldest girl’s name means dreamer or peace. The middle girl’s name means devoted to God, by grace. The youngest girl’s names means courageous, God is my might. Our son’s name means small, yet fierce, and he is fierce for sure.” Inspiration Everywhere. Be open to finding the perfect name anywhere. One mom read the name Ella on a street sign and found it beautiful. Joyce E. shares, “I can’t remember how I came up with her first name, but while I was still bowling in my early pregnancy, I looked up at the scoreboard next to me, and a bowler’s name was LaRae. I thought it was so unique. So that became her middle name.” Another mom found her baby’s name in the program at a funeral. Mom Shares “I threw up several times a day, every single day, until she was born. I told my dad I was naming her whatever the hell I wanted!” - Sarah G ■ FA L L 2 0 1 9
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RESOURCE DIRECTORY
Baby World
ADOPTION RESOURCES
AdoptUSKids ■ (888) 200-4005 ■ adoptuskids.org Beacon House Adoption Services ■ (225) 753-5551 ■ (888) 987-6300 ■ beaconhouseadoption.com Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge: Adoption and Maternity ■ (225) 336-8708 ■ adoptccdiobr.org St. Elizabeth Foundation ■ (225) 769-8888 ■ stelizabethfoundation.org Volunteers of America Greater Baton Rouge ■ (225) 387-0061 ■ voagbr.org
BIRTHING CENTERS Baton Rouge General Medical Center ■ (225) 763-4141 ■ brgeneral.org
Ochsner Lactation Support ■ (225) 752-2470 ■ ochsner.org
Louisiana Department of Health ■ (225) 342-9500 ■ ldh.la.gov
Woman’s Hospital Lactation Department ■ (225) 927-1300 ■ womans.org
Operation Life Saver Training Center ■ (225) 753-7716 ■ operationlifesavertc.com
CAR SEAT INSPECTIONS
CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION
Alliance Safety Council ■ (225) 766-0955 ■ alliancesafetycouncil.org
Birth Help ■ (225) 768-7686 ■ birthhelp.com
Central Fire Protection District #4 ■ (225) 261-2000 ■ centralfd.org
Bradley Method ■ 1-(800)-4-A-BIRTH ■ bradleybirth.com
Lexlee’s Kids ■ (225) 372-3991 ■ lexleeskids.org
International Cesarean Awareness Network ■ (800) 686-4226 ■ ican-online.org
Louisiana State Police Troop A ■ (225) 925-6006 ■ lsp.org
International Childbirth Education Associatio ■ (919) 674-4183 ■ icea.org
CHILD CARE RESOURCES
Lamaze International ■ (202) 367-1128 ■ lamaze.org
Amerigroup Real Solutions in Healthcare ■ (757) 490-6900 ■ amerigroup.com
Birth Center of Baton Rouge ■ (225) 761-1200 ■ birthcenterbr.com
Child Care Assistance Program ■ 1 (888) LAHELP-U ■ dss.louisiana.gov
Lane Regional Medical Center ■ (225) 658-4000 ■ lanermc.org
LaCHIP ■ (877) 252-2447 ■ dhh.louisiana.gov
Ochsner Health System ■ (225) 752-2470 ■ ochsner.org
Volunteers of America Greater Baton Rouge ■ (225) 387-0061 ■ voagbr.org
Woman’s Hospital ■ (225) 927-1300 ■ womans.org
CHILD SAFETY CLASSES
BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT
CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital ■ (225) 765-6565 ■ ololchildrens.org
FERTILITY FertililtyAnswers ■ (225) 926-6886 ■ fertilityanswers.com The Fertility Institute ■ (985) 892-7621 ■ fertilityinstitute.com
HOTLINES
American Red Cross ■ (225) 291-4533 ■ redcross.org
Chemical Referral Center ■ (800) 262-8200
La Leche League Breastfeeding Support Line ■ (877) 4-LA-LECHE ■ lllalmsla.org
Infant Swimming Resource’s Self-Rescue Program ■ (225) 802-2818 ■ isrbatonrouge.com
Kidline ■ 1-(800)-CHILDREN ■ pcal.org
Louisiana Breastfeeding Coalition ■ louisianabreastfeedingcoalition.org
Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association ■ jpma.org
Louisiana Poison Center - American ■ (800) 222-1222
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RESOURCE DIRECTORY National Suicide Prevention Lifeline ■ (800) 273-TALK (8255) ■ suicidepreventionlifeline.org National Domestic Violence Hotline ■ (800) 799-7233 ■ (800) 787-322 ■ thehotline.org Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana ■ (225) 925-9520 ■ pcal.org
MIDWIFERY AND DOULA CARE Baton Rouge Birth Services ■ (225) 366-8613 ■ batonrougebirthservices.com Birth Help ■ (225) 768-7686 ■ birthhelp.com DONA (Doula of North America) ■ (888) 788-DONA (3662) ■ dona.org Doula Cooperative ■ (585) 234-0164 (Co-op Consultant) ■ doulacooperative.org My Doula Heart ■ (480) 221-5868 ■ mydoulaheart.com
NUTRITION Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) ■ (225) 342-7988 ■ ldh.la.gov
PARENT EDUCATION AND CLASSES American Academy of Pediatrics ■ (800) 433-9016 ■ aap.org Attachment Parenting International ■ attachmentparenting.org Family Service of Greater Baton Rouge ■ (225) 924-0123 ■ fsgbr.org Louisiana’s Maternal and Child Health Program ■ (225) 342-9500 ■ ldh.la.gov Shots for Tots ■ (800) 251-BABY ■ shotsfortots.com The Women’s Help Center ■ (225) 395-9001 ■ thewomenshelpcenter.org YWCA of Greater Baton Rouge ■ (225) 383-0681 ■ ywca.org
PARENTING SUPPORT GROUPS & SERVICES Capital Area Human Services ■ (225) 925-1906 ■ cahsd.org Grief Recovery Center ■ (225) 924-6621 ■ grcbr.org LOSFA Start Saving for College ■ (225) 219-1012 ■ startsaving.la.gov New Mom’s Hope ■ (225) 658-4587 Postpartum Progress ■ help@postpartumprogress.org ■ postpartumprogress.com The Life of a Single Mom Ministries ■ (225) 341-8055 ■ thelifeofasinglemom.com Trach Mommas of Greater Baton Rouge . ■ (504) 723-7193
PRODUCT RECALLS AND STANDARDS U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission ■ (800) 638-2772 ■ cpsc.gov
SPECIAL NEEDS SUPPORT Autism Speaks ■ autismspeaks.com
Baton Rouge Center for Autism ■ (855) 345-2273 ■ batonrouge.centerforautism.com Early Steps ■ ldh.la.gov Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge ■ (225) 216-7474 ■ fhfgbr.org From Emotions to Advocacy ■ fetaweb.com/help.htm Louisiana March of Dimes ■ marchofdimes.org/louisiana The Arc Baton Rouge ■ (225) 927-0855 ■ arcbatonrouge.org The Emerge Center ■ (225) 343-4232 ■ emergela.org Wonder Baby ■ help@wonderbaby.org ■ wonderbaby.org
ULTRASOUND TECHNICIANS Angel Prints Ultrasound ■ (225) 769-0000 ■ angelprintsultrasound.com First Glimpse Prenatal Imaging ■ (225) 927-2454 ■ firstglimpsebr.com Gender Reveal HD Ultrasound ■ (225) 744-3D4D (3343) ■ genderrevealultrasound.com
IMPORTANT NUMBERS Ambulance….911
Kidline….(800)-CHILDREN
Poison Control….(800) 222-1222
Shots for Tots….(800) 251-BABY
Pediatrician….
Grandparents….
Ob/Gyn….
Babysitter….
Doula/Midwife….
Parent Group….
Lactation Support….
Health Insurance Provider….
Hospital….
Other Numbers
Lake Line Direct….(225) 765-5253 FA L L 2 0 1 9
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BELLY LAUGHS
5 Total Lies I Told Myself About the
Second Baby
By Pam Moore
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know one thing about babies: they are mysterious. I learned this when my two year old was a baby, but I buried this nugget of truth in the recesses of my brain, which is disorganized to begin with. I can barely remember where I put my phone. I sailed through my second pregnancy, blissfully unaware of what was to come. My carefree life had already been obliterated with the birth of our first child. We had barely noticed the addition of a mere 8-10 pounds worth of additional human in our household. At least, this was what I told myself, along with a few other handy lies...
as well give ergonomics a big fat middle finger every time you take your baby out in one of these.
1. Newborns are easy. They don’t do anything and you can always take them with you anywhere. What was I smoking?! While it is true that they don’t do anything, consequently, you, as the parent, must do everything for them. Burp them, feed them and change their diapers. If you’re not too busy with the hourly feedings or weekly baths, you can then conveniently take them anywhere you want in their car seat. Affectionately known as “the bucket,” this torture device was surely invented by someone who despises parents. You might
3. Nursing is easy! I nursed one baby easily, so I figured it would be the same with my second. Except my breasts didn’t get the memo that they were supposed to make milk for only one baby. I could have fed my entire block for the first 12 weeks. Every time she latched on, she would pop off within a minute, cough, and wail, milk dribbling out of her mouth. Meanwhile, my exposed nipple would be spraying milk in three separate arcs, soaking me, and anything or anyone within a two-foot radius of me. We repeated this cycle five to six times,
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2. Big babies are good sleepers. I used to go around saying this as if having given birth to one large baby made me a sleep guru. As I predicted, my second baby ended up being big as well, over nine pounds. But she is not a good sleeper. She is a horrible sleeper, in fact. She wakes up to nurse every two to three hours and sucks like it’s her last meal. I wish there was a way to make her understand that her cankles alone could sustain her for three weeks.
then switched sides to do it again, 10 times a day. Eventually, my supply backed down. In the meantime, washcloths, burp cloths, hand towels, and dried breast milk littered every surface of our home. 4. I’ve done this before. I know what I’m doing. Actually, I remember nothing from the first time. I know that it happened and we all survived, but the details are hazy. While I call my mom far less frequently with baby questions this time around, I more than make up for it with frequent calls to my sister, who had a baby just a year ago. Thankfully, she still remembers all the things I forgot over the last couple of years. 5. We will sleep train when the baby is four months old. I’m still traumatized from when we sleep-trained our toddler over two years ago. Saying you’re going to sleep train and actually doing it are two entirely different things. The baby will definitely be sleeping through the night before she goes to college. I can’t make promises beyond that. I’ve told my husband I won’t rule out having a third. What’s one more lie? ■
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BABY FACES
WANT TO SEE YOUR BABY’S PICTURE HERE? Email graphics@brparents.com and attach your photos for consideration. All photos must be at least 1MB in size. All photos become property of Pink & Blue Magazine. 34
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