Acelleron Medical Products

Tag: parenting

  • Mama, we are in this together

    Mama, we are in this together

    The world as we know it is undergoing a lot of change and so are you, mama. If you are expecting, it is likely that you are experiencing some extra emotions as you prepare to welcome your new baby. While COVID-19 data is still being processed and some of your questions are still left unanswered, healthcare professionals are recommending that pregnant women take extra precautions to stay safe.

    You may be asking yourself how will my birth experience change? Which baby items will be essential to have? How can I manage my stress and anxiety during such an unsettling time? As we all continue to navigate through this ever-changing situation, what we do know is that we are all in this together, and without a doubt, we will get through it. Community is important now more than ever, and we are here for you – let’s stick together.

    We have rounded up some helpful resources and tips to guide you as you prepare to meet your little one.

     

    Embrace What is in Your Control

    While some things may be out of your control, your energy and mindset can be shifted towards the things that you do have control of so that you can stay positive.

    Your Home

    If you are hunkered down at home, now may be a good time to work on the nursery, a guest room, or anything else around the house that you planned to get done before your baby’s arrival. This is a great opportunity to get organized and spend some quality time with your partner, in the safety of your cozy home. Trying to stay active? Setting up an area for workouts, yoga, meditation, or a home gym can help you to stay on track with exercising, before and after your bundle of joy arrives.

    Finances

    Due to the economic shift that the pandemic has triggered, many people around the world are experiencing changes in their employment status and finances. One way to gain better control of your funds is to build a baby budget. Creating a budget can be a helpful way to prepare for new expenses and prioritize new goals. This is also a good opportunity to set up any accounts that you planned to create for the baby’s college fund since the market is low.

    Ordering the Essentials

    Perhaps your baby shower is being postponed or you just want to make sure that you have the necessities that you will need. Create a list of your holy-grail products and essentials (for you and baby) so that you have them ready. Don’t forget to order your breastfeeding supplies like breastmilk storage bags, bras, and of course your breast pump, which is covered by insurance.

     

    Managing Stress and Anxiety

    Whether it’s from catching up on the latest news or hearing from a concerned family member, it’s normal to feel worried or overwhelmed with emotions. Here are some simple tips on how to manage those uneasy feelings.

    Prenatal Yoga

    Yoga is an excellent way to relax so that you can feel calm and centered, even when the world around you may seem chaotic. It is also a great way to stay fit and prepare your body for childbirth. Not only does yoga help to reduce stress, but some of the other health benefits include improved sleep, decreased lower back pain, reduced nausea and headaches. We found a 20-minute prenatal calming yoga routine that you can do right from home. If you prefer a live studio experience, there are some sites that offer online yoga classes with instructors such as, Flow Yoga or the Peloton App, which is currently offering a 90-day free trial.

    Meditation & Breathing Practice

    Like prenatal yoga, there are many health benefits to meditation and breathing exercises. This is another great way to embrace mindfulness and help you feel as cool as a cucumber. Click here for a 10-minute meditation and deep breathing practice for expecting parents.

    Create a Playlist

    Music is good for the soul! It can be soothing, therapeutic, improve blood flow, and lower your stress-related hormones. You can practically create a playlist for anything these days, whether it be spiritual, motivational for your workouts, or even a birth playlist to get you through those contractions. Mama, sometimes all you can do is dance. Have fun with it and let those endorphins roll!

    Song suggestions:

    • Here comes the Sun – The Beatles
    • Brave – Sara Bareilles
    • Hallelujah – Jeff Buckley
    • Just Breathe – Pearl Jam
    • You Can Do It – Ice Cube/Mack 10
    • Run the World – Beyoncé
    • Push It – Salt and Peppa

    Take a Walk or Spend Time Outdoors

    Staying home doesn’t necessarily have to mean staying inside. Spring is here, and it’s time to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine. Vitamin D has many benefits, and the good news is that you can get a little extra from the sun – just don’t forget to wear your sunscreen. Remember that it’s not always safe to walk too far from home while pregnant, so grab your partner to see if they want to join you for a healthy stroll.

     

    Classes and Doctors’ Appointments

    It is likely that your upcoming childbirth, infant care, or breastfeeding classes may have been canceled or that your in-house OB office visits are now conducted via telehealth phone calls. I assure you that your health care providers are doing everything they can to create a game plan too, so it’s important to work together. Explore and keep track of what prescriptions you may need in the coming weeks, such as a script for prenatal vitamins or your breast pump. I also recommend staying in touch with your providers on any upcoming changes or policies that they foresee impacting your situation or birth plan.

    Another good idea is to keep a journal in case you experience any changes to your health and to document your Q&A’s in between appointments. After all, you do have a lot on your mind, so jotting it all down may be a helpful way to stay organized. Depending on your health, your providers may also suggest using a scale to document your weight or ordering some things like a home blood pressure monitor or urine protein testing strips that you can use from home. But, always follow the guidance of your caregiver as it relates to your health and the health of your baby.

    While in-person hospital tours and classes may not be an option right now, here are some alternatives for education and support.

    Online Childbirth Classes

    Breastfeeding Education

    Support and Community

    Exploring online support groups and community forums is another alternative to interact with expectant moms or new parents, especially during times where we may feel isolated. You may be able to find conversations that relate to some of the same things that you are experiencing. Many of these groups can be found online or through social media platforms.

    Resources and Additional Education

    Knowledge is power, and we want to help you to stay informed and safe. Here are some supporting articles and resources to safely guide you through this time.

    Lastly, it is so important to remember that although you may be facing some challenging times, where there is life, there is hope. Bringing your baby into the world is going to be one of the most incredible days of your life. Take care of yourself. Take things day-by-day and do what is best for you and your family. While your birth experience and the days soon after may look a little different than you expected, these moments will still be just as monumental. Remember that the goal is for you and your baby to remain healthy and safe. You are strong, you are resilient, and you can do this.

    Written by Kristen Quinn, mama and Certified Lactation Counselor at Acelleron.

  • Preparing for Baby…at Work?

    Preparing for Baby…at Work?

    It is no secret that having a baby impacts all aspects of life. If you are expecting a baby, you have undoubtedly been bombarded with advice and advertisements – how to decorate a nursery, what detergent is best for baby, how to rekindle romance after becoming parents, even financial advice about starting *gulp* college funds!

    And while all of these topics – and more – will pull your attention, there is one more MAJOR area that you may not have thought a lot about.

    Your career, your profession, your job. Whatever you call it, you spend a huge portion of your time and energy on it every day. It stands to reason that this part of your life will be impacted as well.

    Here are some ways that you can start to prepare within your work-life now that will help you down the road when you are ready to return with the new title, “working parent.”

    Note before diving in – I’m sure you’ve heard the old “everything changes when you have a baby” expression. While not everything changes, chances are good that you will feel a sense of reprioritizing and assessing what really matters – either at a big picture level or an “only-so-many-hours-in-a-day” level. With all of this shifting, be open to flexible thinking. Plans and intentions change and that’s okay. For you and your partner. Give yourself permission to roll with it. 

     

    Exploring Intentions and Expectations

    Many parents and parents-to-be have not put a lot of thought into their intentions and expectations around being a working parent. Take some time to explore this internally and with your partner or family.

    • To leverage the wisdom of Simon Sinek, start with WHY. Why are you choosing to be a working parent? Maybe you love your job and couldn’t imagine being a stay-at-home parent. Or, maybe your colleagues make every day worth it. Maybe it’s because the paycheck helps you work toward financial stability, or a combination of reasons. All of these are perfect reasons and knowing what yours is will help you make important decisions as you face all the transitions to come.
    • As you think about your parental leave, consider what you want it to look like. Are you someone who wants to observe the postpartum confinement that is popular in many cultures (Sango no hidachi (Japan), Samchilil (Korea), La cuarentena (Latin America) or jaappa (India) to name just a few), or do you want family, friends, and even co-workers to be a part of your experience?
    • While you are out of the office, how connected do you want to be? Maybe you are planning on checking emails and working from home, or perhaps you intend on using the time to solely be with your new family. There are many options along that continuum.
    • Begin thinking about what your return to work will look like. What do you want to change from your current role and schedule? What do you want to make sure you preserve?

     

    Communicating with your Team

    After you have put some thought into your own intentions and expectations, make sure that you are communicating with your team at work. Have conversations with your manager and HR department so you understand what their expectations are and can craft a plan that works for everyone.

    • When creating a leave plan for your work, be sure to think beyond your job description. Track what you actually do on a daily basis for a few weeks. You may find that you have some tasks or responsibilities that aren’t well documented. Now is the time to make sure that these end up on someone’s plate while you are on leave. You don’t want to be called in the middle of a newborn feeding session – or even worse, a nap! – to be asked about that password to some program that only you know.
    • While it is your right to be taking parental time – and so valuable for you and the baby – don’t forget that your absence does put some extra strain on your co-workers. As you are preparing for leave, check in with them about your plans. Listen to their questions and concerns to help alleviate stress, if possible. Express your gratitude for their support. You have the ability to set the tone with your team. Do it with kindness.
    • Talk with your manager about how much you want to be kept in the loop while you are on leave. Do you want a monthly check-in? Is there a point person who has your personal contact info in the event something pops up? When do you want to reengage with your manager to discuss your return plan?

     

    Understanding Office Logistics

    Every workplace has its own culture and way of doing things. Your co-workers are going to be the best source of knowledge about your situation. Connect with other parents in your workplace and ask them what they wish they knew before they became parents.

    • Planning on pumping? Ask to see the lactation room, get a rundown of how to book it, and make note of what supplies are provided and which you need to bring yourself.
    • Do you know the important dates and forms needed to receive your benefits? Do you receive disability insurance payments at once or in multiple payments? Do you need to check in with HR while you are out? (Hint: HR will be the best source of this information, but the new parents will know if there are any oddities you should be on the lookout for).
    • What perks and benefits are there for working parents? Is there a backup childcare benefit, Milk Stork for traveling, or discounts on items and services? Do you have an employee resource group, slack channel, or another method of connecting with working parents? Companies are offering more and more for working parents. Take advantage of all the support and resources you have available.

    (Want more guidance? Check out The Return Checklist!)

    Becoming a working parent is a monumental milestone in your family’s life, so it will pay off to start thinking about all aspects of transition now. Plan ahead. Be flexible and realistic. Communicate, reflect, and communicate again. And give yourself grace in the moments when things feel heavy. You are strong, you can do this.

     

    Guest post written by Amanda Hemm, co-founder of Soutiens.

    At Soutiens, we’re on a mission to help expectant employees become successful working parents. As postpartum doulas, we have witnessed how parents who plan on returning to work after their baby is born face a unique set of challenges- navigating benefits and leave, the stress of returning to work before they are physically or emotionally ready, balancing family needs with work needs, guilt, and so much more.

    We have heard these parents call for more support during this short but intense transition time. We’re here with an answer, but we can’t cover it all in one blog post. For more information on our workplace-based workshops as well as a link to our online course, The Return Plan, please visit us at www.soutiens.us

  • Best Diaper Deals and Steals!

    Best Diaper Deals and Steals!

    Whether your little one is a newborn, or just learning to potty-train, it’s a good idea to stock up and ensure you have plenty of diapers on hand. Lucky for you, we’ve done the research and collected the best diaper deals, so all you have to do is pick your favorite brand and start saving!

    Disposable Diapers:

    If you use disposable diapers, you can save money by buying in bulk! Plus, those diapers won’t be going to waste! On average, a newborn will go through 70 diapers a week, a 3-6-month-old will go through 49 diapers a week, and a 6-12-month-old will go through 35 diapers a week. That’s a lot of diapers (2,457 in the first year, in fact)! It’s important to stock up and save where you can.

    Target:

    Target is a great option for saving on diapers. With their new digital coupon program Cartwheel, all you have to do is to sign up for a free account on cartwheel.target.com, refine the type of coupon you are looking for (diapers), and add the offers you want to your list. You can find amazing prices on Pampers, Huggies, and more! While these coupons were previously only redeemable in store, now when you check out on the Target App you can apply your coupons directly there and save on your online order.

    As if that couldn’t get better, when you have a REDcard, you can add your standard 5% discount on top of the coupons you apply to save even more! Also, Target provides amazing bundle deals and subscriptions, so you can stock up and feel awesome knowing you’re saving money.

    Amazon:

    Amazon has become a household name for getting you what you need, fast. But, have you been taking full advantage of what Amazon has to offer? You may not even know what you’re missing out on!

    If you are an Amazon Family member, you can save major money. Not an Amazon Family member yet? Don’t worry! We’re hooking you up with a free 30-day trial so you can try it out and see if you like it. You’ll have access to subscribe and save for 20% off your diaper purchase. Plus, through Amazon Family, you have access to exclusive coupons and deals, as well as free two-day shipping, which will come in handy when you realize you’re running low on diapers, but don’t want to purchase full-price diapers from the store.

    Costco / BJs:

    If you’re ready to buy in major bulk, Costco or BJs is your go-to. Costco and BJs provide huge bundles at amazing prices. While it may seem like a hassle to have to drive to your closest store and purchase in-person, the deals just may be worth it for you!

    Huggies:

    When you buy directly from Huggies, you have access to their current coupons, as well as their rewards program. Huggies provides a page designated for easily finding their latest deals on their diapers, all you have to do it click “coupons” in their navigation bar and you’re quickly on your way to saving money! Plus, when you sign up for Huggies Rewards Points you can start earning points when you purchase diapers and wipes. As you accumulate more points, you can redeem them for a range of perks such as gift cards and even diaper donations!

    Pampers:

    Similarly to Huggies, Pampers also has an easily accessible rewards program that allows members to “turn diapers into rewards.” With these points, you can get discounts to your favorite stores, free Pampers products, and much more! While you’re checking out Pampers’ rewards program, click on their offers page for access to all of their coupons and special offers to save even more!


    Cloth Diapers:

    If you prefer to use cloth diapers, there are plenty of options that offer quality items at great prices! When purchasing cloth diapers, it’s important to make sure that you invest in quality cloth diapers that are comfortable, leak proof, and durable. You won’t just be tossing these diapers in the diaper pail once your little one goes potty in them, so you want diapers that will last.

    GroVia:

    GroVia is a top name when it comes to cloth diapers. Not only do they sell high-quality diapers, they’re also cute and trendy! You can pick and choose from a variety of cute colors and patterns, as well as absorbency levels and diaper type.

    While you’re not stocking up on as many cloth diapers as you would disposable diapers, GroVia still provides the opportunity to stock up and save with “a bundle of benefits.” When you bundle, you benefit. Just choose how many cloth diapers you want (the more you get, the more you save), customize the look and feel, choose your cloth diaper inserts, and get ready to save! Plus, if this is your first time purchasing from GroVia, sign up and save 10% off your first order.

    Amazon:

    If you’re new to cloth diapers and aren’t sure which style or fit your baby needs, a one-size-fits-all cloth diaper from Mama Koala will do the trick! Get a pack of six of these cloth diapers in a variety of prints and patterns and feel confident that these diapers will provide amazing, leak-proof protection. And, as an Amazon Family member, you’ll have access to additional perks so you can save even more!

    Whether you’re looking for disposable or cloth diapers, you end up spending a good chunk of money on your baby’s diapers needs, which is why it’s important to save when you can. By taking advantage of coupons, discounts, and subscription deals, you don’t need to worry about paying full price on diapers.

    This post contains affiliate link(s). If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a penny more, but we will get a small commission. These affiliate links help our business continue to provide the best services possible. Thanks!

  • Top Ten Strollers

    Top Ten Strollers

    Similar to buying a car, there’s a lot to consider when purchasing a stroller. The weight, size, style, wheels, storage, and price are all pieces that need to be evaluated. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the number of options out there, so before diving into the details of each stroller, think about your lifestyle and budget. If you live in the city, you may want a lighter stroller that can easily navigate through narrow spaces and turn on a dime. But, if you’re someone who is regularly adventuring in the woods, you’ll want a sturdier stroller with all-terrain wheels.

    It’s easy to get hung-up on the details of strollers such as whether or not it has a cup holder or comes with a bug protector, but as long as you get a stroller you like, you can always add these accessories later to make your stroller exactly what you and your newborn need.

    If you’re unsure where to even begin looking for a stroller, check out our top ten choices below. With a variety of prices and features, you can start creating a list of features and the type of stroller that will fit your family’s needs (and maybe you’ll even see a perfect stroller in the list!).

     

    Baby Jogger City Mini GT

    Price: $359.99 $251.99

    Though “Jogger” is in the name, this is not a jogging stroller. However, it is an incredibly versatile, all-purpose stroller that folds up in a way that seems like magic. Holding kids up to 65 pounds, this stroller can be used well beyond toddlerhood. The all-terrain wheels allow for a comfortable ride, whether over sidewalk cracks or through grassy parks. But, the best feature of the stroller is the compactness and ease in which it folds. This makes travel and storage simple, so you won’t be fumbling around with a cumbersome stroller when you have more important things to do.

     

    UPPAbaby Vista

    Price: $899.99

    While this stroller is on the pricier side, the UPPAbaby Vista is one of the most highly rated strollers for a reason. The stroller comes with a bassinet for newborns, front- or parent-facing toddler seat (that also reclines), and even a ride along board for the big kids on the back. This makes the Vista one of the best strollers for growing families.

     

    BOB Revolution PRO

    Price: $499.99

    An adjustable suspension system and hand brakes make this jogging stroller the perfect option for adventurous families. The BOB Revolution PRO folds up more compactly than the standard jogging stroller and the wheels can be switched out to fit your needs. If you know you’ll be jogging or consistently going “off-road,” then the Revolution PRO is your best bet for providing a smooth and comfortable ride for baby.

     

    Graco Modes Click Connect Stroller

    Price: $229.99 $159.99

    The Graco Modes Click Connect Stroller is the best all-purpose stroller you can find for its price. The stroller seat reclines flat meaning there is no need to install a bassinet for your newborn. Purchase as a bundle with the Click Connect Infant Car Seat to make things extra efficient as the car seat clicks right into the stroller’s frame. Besides being a more budget-friendly option, the Modes Stroller also provides a ton of storage, so the whole family can bring along what they need.

     

    Bugaboo Cameleon 3 Plus

    Price: $999

    If you’re looking for a stroller that offers incredible functionality combined with beautiful style, the Bugaboo Cameleon 3 Plus is it. This durable stroller can be used all year long in any climate as two-wheel positions allow for smooth rides over sand or snow. If you’re particular about style, Bugaboo allows the option to customize the stroller, so you really can have it all.

     

    Thule Urban Glide 2

    Price: $479.95

    Though classified as a jogging stroller, the Thule Urban Glide 2 could certainly be used as an everyday stroller due to its smaller size and compact fold (as compared to other jogging strollers). The universal car seat adapter fits most popular infant car seat brands, so there’s no need to compromise on the car seat or the stroller. The Thule Urban Glide 2 also comes with lots of storage, including a large, zippered compartment to keep everything together during bumpy rides.

     

    Evenflo Pivot Xpand

    Price: $334.99

    This convertible stroller can turn from a single to a double stroller with no extra parts. The Evenflo Pivot Xpand has an impressive amount of storage including an extra-large storage basket that can be accessed from the front or the back of the stroller (and is over two feet long). With a car seat included, this stroller is ready straight out of the box and can hold everything you need (including your toddler, newborn, and extra-large coffee).

     

    NUNA MIXX

    Price: $649.95

    The Nuna MIXX is the ultimate stroller for snoozing. The seat has five reclining positions so you can position it flat to let your little one nap comfortably while you’re on the go. The toddler seat faces forward or towards the rear and the large canopy expands to provide sun protection of UPF 50+.

     

    Doona Combo

    Price: $499

    When it comes to traveling around the city, strapping a car seat into a taxi is something parents have always found challenging or have been unwilling to even attempt. Doona strives to combat this with the creation of their combo stroller which quickly turns a car seat into a stroller and vice versa. Though a little heavier than other versatile strollers, the Doona Combo is the perfect stroller for navigating busy streets, jumping on public transportation, and popping in and out of vehicles to keep your little one safe.

     

    Chicco Bravo Primo

    Price: $349.99

    Chicco products are built to last for years and offer several options to ensure a perfect fit from newborn through toddlerhood. The Chicco Bravo Primo has everything an all-purpose stroller needs, without extra complicated bells and whistles. From simple assembly to the one-handed fold, this stroller is a no-fuss solution for extra busy parents.

     

    With so many options, choosing a stroller can feel like an overwhelming decision. Some families find that one all-purpose stroller fits their needs, while others may purchase two strollers (or more!) to ensure everything is covered. Lighter, smaller strollers are great for navigating through busy areas and narrow turns, while heftier strollers are better for tough terrain.

    Ask your local store to test-drive a few strollers as you may find some functionality and maneuverability feels more comfortable to you. With so many great stroller options out there, you’re bound to find one that makes both you and your little one happy.

    Shop StrollerHaus.com now!

    This post contains affiliate link(s). If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a penny more, but we will get a small commission. These affiliate links help our business continue to provide the best services possible. Thanks!

  • Preparing for the First Week Home with Your Newborn

    Preparing for the First Week Home with Your Newborn

    Once you come home with your little one, you’re going to be exhausted from the labor and delivery process. We recommend planning ahead so the first week home is as easy as possible.

    Keep in mind, there will be things that may be useful down the road. For now, focus on what you absolutely need for these initial seven days.

    For Transporting Baby:

    You’ll need a car seat to leave the hospital, of course. As well, unless the weather is really inclement, you may enjoy taking the baby out for short strolls. You can also consider a travel system that allows you to click the car seat into the stroller without having to remove baby from the car seat.

    For Changing Baby:

    Ever heard the phrase “little stinker?” Prepare yourself for changing lots of stinky diapers by arming yourself with the following:

    For Feeding Baby:

    Something you’ll be doing even more than changing diapers is feeding your newborn. On average, you will be providing your baby with milk every two to three hours. To make this as comfortable as possible for both you and your little one, we recommend having these items:

    • 1-2 nursing pillows
    • Soft and absorbent bibs and burp cloths
    • Ice packs for soothing your breasts
    • Cream for potentially sore/cracked nipples
    • Breast pads
    • Access to a lactation consultant for additional support

    For the healthy term baby, pumping is not recommended until breastfeeding/milk supply is well established, or there is a medical indication to do so. But if you are pumping during this first week, we recommend being prepared with these additional items:

    For Cleaning Baby:

    A daily bath won’t be needed for a while. In fact, until the umbilical stump heals (typically between one and four weeks after birth), the baby will only be able to take a sponge bath. To help baby maintain her body temperature, wash her face, head, and hair while she is still wrapped up. Then move on to her body, uncovering one arm at a time, then the trunk of the body (see below for the umbilical cord) and back, her legs and feet, and finally her diaper area.

    For the umbilical cord, dip a cotton swab in warm water, squeezing the tip to remove excess water. Gently clean around the base of the cord and then the surrounding skin. Hold the stump with a clean absorbent cloth to dry it completely. The umbilical cord must remain clean and dry until it falls off naturally.

    • Several soft clean cotton hand cloths
    • Cotton swabs

    For Dressing Baby:

    For the first week with your newborn, the primary focus should be comfort! Pro-tip: don’t buy a lot of newborn sized clothing – babies grow quickly and those newborn sized items won’t fit for very long!

    For Sleeping Baby:

    In addition to your crib, you’ll need a few additional bedding supplies. Below are important for ensuring that your baby sleeps safely and soundly.

    Getting ready for the first week is a big deal. By focusing on just these items, you can take a deep breath and feel better prepared for the big day!

     

    This post contains affiliate link(s). If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a penny more, but we will get a small commission. These affiliate links help our business continue to provide the best services possible. Thanks!

  • How to Manage Sleepless Nights – Parenting as a Team

    How to Manage Sleepless Nights – Parenting as a Team

    After bath-time is over, lullabies have been sung, and everyone has said “goodnight Moon,” it’s time for some well-deserved sleep. Just as you’re settling in to bed next to your already sleeping partner, your baby (who was sleeping soundly just moments before) begins crying. The early newborn nights are challenging, and the sleepless nights can take a big toll on the whole family, especially when there isn’t a clear plan in place for what happens next.

    We’ve compiled our best tips.

    Take Turns with the Night Shift

    Establish an alternating pattern for which parent will get the night shift and write down the agreed schedule on your calendar. For example, one of you is responsible for Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, while the other person is responsible for Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. When on call, you are responsible for feeding, changing, and getting the baby back to sleep for that night. This strategy will allow the other person to sleep through the night since he/she will not be on call. The premise here is that it is easier to get through a night of limited/no sleep if you know the next night will be your turn to sleep. Be aware that if you are nursing, you may need to adapt this plan in the early weeks. It’s important to note that for the healthy term baby, pumping is not recommended until the breastfeeding/milk supply is well established, or there is a medical indication to do so – usually, this is around 3 to 4 weeks post birth. In this scenario, we recommend that on mom’s day “off” dad will get baby from their crib and bring him/her to mom, allowing her to nurse in bed. Once baby is done nursing, dad can change baby, rock him/her to sleep, and put the little one back into their crib. When mom’s milk supply is established, dad should be able to feed baby with expressed milk that mom has pumped before going to bed. Parents who do this swear by the approach.

    Split the Night into Shifts

    Another approach is to split the night into two shifts One parent takes the first few hours, and the second parent takes the later hours. For example, the early parent takes care of all the wake-ups that occur from 9 PM to 2 AM. The second parent takes wake ups calls from 2 AM to 7 AM. The schedule will vary based on your schedule, and you might decide to switch off who gets the early vs the late shift. The main point is that each parent is guaranteed some number of hours when he/she will get some quality sleeping.

    With both options assigning shifts, it’s important to be as specific as possible when devising the schedule. It’s also important to work these decisions before the baby arrives, as it can be very difficult to make calm, rational decisions when one or both parents are sleep-deprived.

    Sleep When You Can

    Take a nap when your baby falls asleep. It might feel like there is an endless list of things to do, but taking care of yourself IS a priority. Getting those extra zzz’s will allow you to be more productive and present, so set the chores aside when your little one falls asleep and take that much-needed rest.

    When both you and your partner are home, take turns spending one-on-one time with your baby so that one of you can get some alone time. While your partner reads to your baby, go to a separate room in the house and silence your phone. Sleep, read, watch TV, or do whatever you need to re-energize. For extreme luxury, consider investing in noise cancelling headphones to truly escape any chaos. 

    Communicate Openly and Be Easy on Each Other

    Schedules and priorities shift with a newborn, and it can feel like you and your partner aren’t on the same page. Be open about how you’re feeling and discuss decisions frequently with each other. Having a baby is a significant event and you need to know that you and your partner can lean on each other for support. Everyone forgets things and makes mistakes, so be easy on each other. When you’re sleep-deprived or just need a break, politely ask your partner if he/she can take the baby for an hour so that you can rest. Be willing to make compromises and allow for space and time for your partner to rest as well.

    Accept Help

    Accepting help can be one of the hardest things to do, but trust that people want to help you and spend time with your newborn. Your friends and family will find joy in helping with chores as they get to be a part of the beginning of your newborn’s life. Learn to be a flexible and allow grandparents some one-on-one time with your baby so that you and your partner can sleep.

    Consider hiring a babysitter or night nanny to help you get some extra rest. Relax knowing your newborn is in the hands of a professional, while you and your partner can both get the sleep you desperately need.

    Whether this is your first or your fourth child, getting through those newborn sleepless nights is difficult for every parent. Trust that you and your partner are doing everything you can for each other and for your newborn. Ask for help and support from your partner, family, or friends when you need it, and be sure to make sleep a priority, as this will benefit both you and your baby.

     

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  • Preparing Your Children For a Sibling

    Preparing Your Children For a Sibling

    When your first child was born, all of the attention was on your sweet newborn. With no other child competing for your affection, you were able to focus on your baby’s needs and learned tactics to maneuver through the challenges that came with being a new parent. Now, with another baby on the way, it’s time to prepare the family for the new baby. Your children are about to become older siblings to a new brother or sister, and this can be a big responsibility for them.

    A new sibling can be very exciting for children. There’s the possibility of having a new playmate and being the “big kid” in the family. However, when the novelty of a new baby wears off, older siblings may become clingy to parents and jealous of the attention that their little sibling receives.

    There’s no way to predict exactly how a child will act when there’s a new baby, so it’s recommended to prepare the older siblings as best as you can. Communicate openly and in age-appropriate ways so that your children are as ready as they can be for their roles as big brothers or sisters.

    Read a Book Together

    Reading is a great bonding activity for parents and children and can help communicate what it is like to be an older sibling. A book about a new baby brother or sister can help children begin to understand what they can expect with a new baby in the home. The story and lessons can also aid in getting the conversation started with your child. Some favorite books are:

    Build the Connection Between Your Child and Baby

    By involving your children in the preparation of the arrival of your new one (and allowing them to be “big helpers” as a big sister or big brother), they will feel more connected to their new sister or brother. Allow the kids to help paint the baby’s room, pick out clothes, or come to the doctor with you to hear the baby’s heartbeat. Play pretend with a baby doll so that your child can practice holding and interacting with a baby. One of the best ways to foster a personal connection with the baby is to have your child pick out a toy or other gift that your little one can give to the baby when he or she arrives. (Be sure to have a gift ready for the older sibling from the baby as well!)

    Make All Big Changes Before Baby Arrives

    There are going to be a lot of significant changes with the arrival of your new baby, so if there are any planned transitions coming up, do them now. If your child is ready to be potty-trained, weaned off a binky, or transitioned to a big-kid bed, it’s best to start the process before the baby arrives, for the comfort of your child (and your sanity).

    Remind Your Child About His/Her Importance

    Your child’s life is about to change and that can be scary and confusing. It’s important to remind children that by being who they are, they’re an extremely important part of the family. Praise your children for their unique, positive qualities and point out their contributions so that they can understand their value. Remark how each person in the family contributes something special and how important it is to have each person as a part of the family.

    While you and your partner are preparing for the new baby, it’s important to remember that your older children’s lives are about to change as well. If your children are old enough to understand, speak to them about the reality of a new baby (crying, feeding, attention), and be sure to include the exciting parts of having a new sibling as well. The more you allow your children to be involved in preparing for the arrival of the new baby, and the more you communicate with them about the big changes, the more prepared they will be as incredible older brothers and sisters.

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