Instagram Roundup

Playing catchup with instagram roundup:

Picked up a pair of vans from DSW and they have surprisingly been my go-to shoe.  I was a little intimidated by them and wasn't sure how much I would wear them but I love them!

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It's the tongue for me ;) 

 

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Mirror selfies with the cutest accessory. 

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My favorite new fall booties!  Unfortunately I can't link these specific ones but have a lot of cow print booties linked below.  

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Two months with the sweetest little baby.

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Baby wearing made easy with the Joey sling.  So comfy and I love the versatility of positions. 

My new favorite nursery decoration is this GORGEOUS custom print!  It showcases her birth stats and is such a sweet picture from when she was first born.

I LOVE it so much!  P.S. those pretty little floral canvases are from Dollar Tree!

That wraps up the roundup for this week.  Make sure you are following me on instagram to stay up to date. :)

Nursing Favorites

 

My nursing journey started off a little rocky, we had trouble getting a good latch and I got really sore.  We ended up having to spoon feed colostrum in the hospital and then pump and syringe feed her once we got home.  It definitely made things more complicated and I was upset as a new mom not being able to feed my baby the way I wanted to.  We still tried to get latched a couple times a day and I went to see a lactation consultant.  I really wanted to breastfeed so we kept at it and FINALLY got her latched on right and started our breastfeeding journey.

I have now been exclusively breastfeeding her since she was about one month, no bottles and I also haven't had to pump in months.  I am hoping to go to a full year.  Here are some things that I have LOVED during my time breastfeeding. 

Hot/Cold therapy packs: When you first start out your breasts are super sore and just getting used to everything.  These are awesome as they can be microwaved to be hot or stick them in the freezer for a little cool relief.  They are also nice for helping if you get clogged ducts.

Coconut oil: I have some of the nipple butter to use as well but I used coconut oil as well and found it to work too.  It is super moisturizing, naturally antibacterial and safe for your baby to ingest so you don't have to wipe it off. 

Nursing pads: I have some disposable ones as well but these are so much easier.  I have a whole stack and just throw them in the wash.  Affordable, better for the environment and get the job done.

Lactation massager: About month 3 I ended up with a pretty annoying clogged duct.  Those things are really painful and if left untreated can lead to mastitis.  I was using a vibrating back massager to try and break it up but this tool is so much better!  It is actually formed to better break up clogs as well as help your milk to flow better.  You can use this nursing or pumping.  I wish I had this from the beginning.  

Milk Collectors: If you are working on building up your freezer supply of milk, you don't want all your liquid gold to just leak out into your nursing pads.  These guys fit in your bra and collect milk throughout the day.  They can be a little hard to get used to and don't bend too far over while wearing them or you will have a mess. 

Nursing bras: I picked these up during my pregnancy and am still wearing them.  They are pretty basic but really soft and comfortable.  They have washed and help up really well. 

Haaka: So many recommendations for this!  Another great tool if you are building up your freezer stash.  While your baby is nursing you simply attach this to the opposite side and it will catch any let down.  You wouldn't think it would be that much but it really catches a lot.  There are other uses for this as well.  I used it with hot water and epsom salts to help unclog ducts as well as just to soothe.

Sunflower Lecithin: I was recommended this from my doctor to help prevent clogged ducts and help milk flow easier.  It is supposed to increase polyunsaturated fatty acids in the milk and decrease stickiness.  I take it everyday and I have not had a clogged duct in months.  Definitely recommend checking with your doctor to see if you should take it, especially if you have regular clogs.

Nursing nightgown: I have been living in these!  They are so comfy and easy for nighttime feeds.  They are padded, and the pads are actually sewn in so they don't fall out or move around.  They have the clip down feature for easy access.  I have one from Walmart but these from Motherhood Maternity are my FAVORITE!!  

We are five months in and I'm still learning and figuring out this nursing journey.  It is not easy that is for sure but our bodies are so amazing that we can feed our babies and give them everything they need.

Let me know your nursing must-haves below!  

Labor Story: Shelby's Birth

Five months later, here is my labor story with Shelby.

April 22nd I started having cramps around 4AM that morning.  Not too bad just like mild period cramps.  They started to get a little more regular and felt a little stronger.  I started timing them and they were around 5 minutes apart but still not unbearable.  My app said "ok time to go to the hospital", and I was like no way it's definitely not time.  

I went about the day like normal, worked from home.  I did let work know that I might be having contractions so just be prepared.  Kyle worked like normal as well but he did pack up the car and make sure everything was ready. 

 

I still had contractions that came and went throughout the day, some strong some not.  That evening things started to kick up a notch.  We tried to go for a walk and I couldn't make it around the backyard.  The pain was definitely getting more intense.

 Kyle went to pick up dinner but I could barely eat with my contractions.  Continued timing contractions and they started to get more regular, Kyle said he thought it was time to go.  He actually had wanted to go long before then but I wanted to wait at home as long as possible to make sure I was really in labor and to help my labor continue.  The pain was getting really intense at that point so I agreed.  

 

We got to the hospital around 9PM and they checked us into triage.  They put me on the monitor to see the heartbeat and monitor my contractions.     

At this point I was around 4cm dilated.  My contractions were getting intense.  Still in triage dealing with  contractions we waited to see what was next.  My contractions were getting way more intense each time and finally my water broke.  At this point they checked me and I was 8cm.  The nurse said that my breathing was great and I was doing a great job managing everything.  She also said that I would be fine without an epidural (oh the foreshadowing).

 

They wheeled me on the bed to the delivery room and I told them I felt like I needed to push.  They told me to wait and then helped me onto the other bed.  I told them I wanted an epidural if possible, although I already knew things were moving really quick and there probably wouldn't be time and there definitely wasn't.

The room then filled up with all the nurses and doctor preparing the table for you and for the delivery.  They checked me and told me it was time to push.  I pushed for maybe thirty minutes or less.

Kyle was right beside me and he said that he could see the head and I was doing so good.  

 

At 11:41PM Shelby Elizabeth came into the world.  They toweled her off, Kyle cut the cord and then they placed her on my chest.  We snuggled and just looked at her and couldn't believe that she was finally here!

Shelby Elizabeth

6lbs 8oz 20 inches 

 

I watched a ton of videos and read so much information on preparing for labor and had my birth plan ready to go.  In the end things just happen, you're only in control of so much.  I hadn't necessarily planned on a natural birth but wanted to try if I was able.  Labor is hard and different for every woman.  I am so thankful for a safe and healthy delivery and a beautiful baby girl!

Instagram Roundup

One week I'm getting ahead and then the bottom falls out and I'm behind again, bear with me y'all this new mama is still figuring it all out.

Got some goodies from Evenflo.  The hand pump will be perfect for travel or to just have on the go.  The silicone bag is great for disinfecting toys, pump parts, etc.  

 

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One month with the sweetest little Bee. 

 

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One month as a new mama and the long hair had to go!

 

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Treated myself to this chic bag and studded sandals!  Obsessed!

 

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So many bows...and she hates wearing them.  We try for pictures though ;)

 

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Love a pretty bracelet stack.  These two from Luca and Danni are new favorites!  I love the simple vibes of them, perfect for stacking.  The diamond one is for my little girl's birthstone.  Would be fun to stack multiple ones for all your kiddos (or yourself, husband, etc.)

Shop Luca and Danni HERE or see other options below.

 

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That's a wrap on this catch up, make sure you are following me on my instagram.