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

Another week, another insta roundup.  This one is special, showing the birth of our sweet baby girl!

 

Here she is!  Miss Shelby Elizabeth entered the world just a few minutes before her due date.  We are so in love!

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Having a baby flips your life completely around, but she is so sweet and we are loving being her parents.  Her bee blanket is one of my favorites from Sole Luna Designs.  We wrapped it around her on her way home from the hospital.

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I love a personalized piece!  This onesie from The Mommy Barn is my favorite and I can't wait till she grows into it!

Soaking up being a new (exhausted) mama.  Stay tuned, my labor story is coming soon!

Had to have a cow themed photoshoot. 

Make sure you are following me on instagram for more updates!

PostPartum Essentials

 

I watched a ton of videos and read all the blog posts on postpartum must-haves.  Now that I have officially been through it I wanted to share some things that I found useful.

Ice packs: I got a few from the hospital but these are nice to just have in the freezer.  Sitting on these definitely helps!

Slippers: You're not going anywhere or putting on real clothes so treat your feet to some comfy slippers.

Peri Bottle: I picked up one of these from Amazon, I also got one from the hospital but it was nice to have one in each bathroom.  After pregnancy going to the bathroom is a whole process for a little while.

Adult diapers: Oh so glamorous but these were way easier to use than pads.  Comfy and covered.

Postpartum leggings: Everyone is different, some people want to feel compressed while others want super loose.  I had a vaginal delivery and felt like my leggings were comfy afterwards.  These are made for postpartum and are great!

Tucks: I also got these from the hospital and amazon but again good to have for different bathrooms.  Cooling and soothing for everything going on.

Dermaplast: Yes, this stuff is a must!  My nurses told me to spray after using the restroom.  It's cooling and also numbing so helps everything feel so much better. 

Mamastrut: This is a little pricey but is really comfy and helps with everything.  Holds pads in place as well as ice packs and gives you some support.  The design is really nice for the ice packs so that it's comfortable and staying where you want it. 

My hospital was super great and gave me a ton of stuff as well:

Mesh undies (they look crazy but are super comfy)

HUGE pads

Witch hazel pads

Hydrocortisone cream

Peri bottle (I bought one as well but the hospital one worked just fine)

 

Take EVERYTHING they give you, even if you don't think you will use it.  I had an awesome nurse and she sent me home with a whole bag of extras.

 

Let me know your postpartum must-haves! 

What's In My Hospital Bag

 

I did a ton of research on what all I should bring in my hospital bag and wanted to share what I personally packed in mine along with a recap of what I actually used. 

I used my trusty old Vera Bradley duffel that I have had since college (girl has been around).  I have heard people bring roller suitcases for an easier carry but this duffel worked fine.  I was able to pack my stuff, Kyle's and the baby's all in one bag.  We also brought a second bag with snacks and any little extras.

 

What I packed:

 

Random Items:

- Laundry bag: We just threw all the dirty items in there and that made for easier cleanup once we were home.

- Water bottle: Our nurses brought water when we asked but it was also nice to be able to fill up our own if we needed to.

- Hair ties: As soon as I was in the car to go to the hospital my hair went up.  I ended up loosing that one during labor...always good to have extras.

- Chapstick: Hospital air is dry and with all the breathing during labor your lips get chapped, don't forget this!

- Toiletries: I just packed travel sizes of deodorant (super important!), shampoo and conditioner, toothbrush and toothpaste, etc.  

- Dry Shampoo: Also important if you don't feel like washing/doing your hair.

- Makeup wipes: I didn't wear makeup my whole time at the hospital but it was nice to use a wipe just to freshen up.

- Plastic Folder: Random but they give you so much paperwork to take home with you.  It was nice to have a place to put it all.

- Towel: Nope not for the shower...I brought this in the car just in case my water broke while driving over.  The hospital will provide towels for the shower but you could totally bring your own if you want.

- Plastic bag: Another thing for the car.  I got a little nauseous during labor so this was my barf bag.  Luckily didn't need to use it but handy to have just in case.

- Pillow and blanket: I actually didn't bring either of these for myself, just went with what the hospital had.  Kyle did bring his own pillow and we brought a blanket for him.

- Prenatals: It's important to keep taking your prenatals even after you deliver (especially if you are breastfeeding).  Make sure you bring yours so you don't skip a day.  I just packed a few in a plastic bag.

- Snacks: We weren't sure what the eating situation would be like with Covid going on as well as just timing.  We brought a bag of all kinds of snacks. Some things I packed: Gatorade, cookies, candy, crackers, protein bars.  Easy things to munch on if we couldn't get food at that time.  Our hospital actually gave us a little bag with snacks and then served me three meals and Kyle could go down and pick up food from the cafeteria.  The first thing I ate after delivery was definitely a little bag of chocolate chip cookies. 

- Phone Charger: Updating everyone and taking ALL the pictures you need to make sure you have your charger!  Some people said to bring a long charger, we just brought our regular ones and they worked out fine.

- Nursing Pillow: I brought one but it never made it out of the car.

- Nipple Cream: YES!  First Time mamas especially make sure you have some!  I brought some coconut oil as well as this nipple butter.

Clothing items:

- Nursing bra: I wore one to the hospital and then I packed one as well.  A good amount of the time I pretty much went without.  With Covid we didn't have any visitors so I didn't really get ready or change clothes that much.

- Breast pads: packed and didn't use

- Leggings: I wasn't sure what I would feel like wearing but I didn't end up using these.

- Joggers/sweatpants: I wanted something loose and comfy so my joggers were perfect.

- Dressed to deliver gown: I didn't use this to deliver and thought I might change into it after but ended up being another item I didn't really use there.

- Nursing tanks: These are nice to wear even without a bra.  When breastfeeding, especially at the beginning, you just need easy access.

- Cardigan: My temperature was all over the place, sometimes hot sometimes cold.  It was nice to have a cardigan to throw on in case I got cold.

- Underwear: Packed but didn't use.

- Flip-Flops: We picked up $1 pairs for the hospital shower and just walking around.  

Baby Items:

- Blanket: It was April when our baby was born and it was a little chilly.  I was glad to have a cozy blanket to wrap over her in the carseat to take her home.  The hospital will wrap the baby up in a blanket there as well.

- Two outfits: We really only ended up using the one to take her home.  I recommend bringing multiple sizes if you have them.  She was too small for the newborn clothes that we brought.

- Name sign: I got a cute little sign with her name for pictures.  There are so many fun picture photo props, check out etsy!

- Sound Machine: We tried to use it one night but I don't really think it made a difference.  Probably wouldn't bring it again.

- Carseat: Make sure you have it installed in the car, they won't let you leave without it!

What the hospital provided:

- Postpartum essentials: I didn't need anything extra, they provided all the things I needed (mesh underwear, witch hazel pads, pads, peri bottle, dermaplast).

- Baby items: They also provided a small pack of diapers, wipes, nose aspirator and shampoo/baby wash.

What I wish we brought:

- Zip swaddles: Next baby we will be bringing these!  We both aren't that great at swaddling with a blanket and having those zip swaddles makes it so much easier!  No breaking out and no risk of covering the face, makes it so much easier to relax and sleep.

Yes I over packed and didn't use everything I brought but I didn't want Kyle to have to leave and go get anything.  The hospital was really great and had all the things we needed.  Let me know down below your hospital bag must-haves!

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Pregnancy Must-Haves

 

Just a new mama rounding up info and things I found helpful during my pregnancy that I wanted to share. 

Prenatal vitamins: These are the vitamins I took but you can take whatever brand you like, make sure it has folic acid.  I found these easy to take and didn't taste bad.  I actually started taking these about 1-2 months before I was pregnant to make sure that my body was preparing and getting all the nutrients stored up for pregnancy.

Nursing bra: Your body changes and things are growing so you'll probably need a bigger bra.  I didn't want to go out and buy a larger bra just to have to buy nursing bras later so I just went ahead and got the nursing bras and wore those.  These are super comfy you can even sleep in them.

Dates: Random but I really feel like these made a difference, not so much in my pregnancy but in my labor/delivery.  I did a ton of research and read that dates help with cervical ripening which helps shorten labor and increase cervical dilation.  This was my first baby so I don't know how my body naturally responds to labor but I was dilated 1cm at 38 weeks and then a few days before my due date I was 2-3cm.  I'll share my labor story soon but I was dilated pretty quick.  I don't know how much the dates had to play in all that but they sure didn't hurt.  They recommend starting to eat 4-6 dates a day at around 36 weeks.  I ate them with peanut butter, in smoothies and at the beginning all on their own.  Towards the end I was so tired of dates and even now I don't want to eat any dates, but if it makes for a shorter labor I'll chow down on some.

Cocoa butter lotion: I used this through my entire pregnancy every night and hardly have any stretch marks.  I have heard that stretch marks are genetic and you really can't prevent them but hey anything to moisturize and maybe help prevent is good.

Exercise ball: Again I did a lot of research and watch so many labor/pregnancy videos that spoke the wonders of an exercise ball.  There are so many things you can do to help baby get in the right position and just get a little more comfortable yourself.  Towards the end of my pregnancy I would sit on the ball at the end of the day and do hip circles to try and loosen up my pelvis.  I had bad sciatic nerve pain during some of my pregnancy and this helped as well to take some pressure off.  I also used it when I was laboring at home to sway and take some weight off my hips and move my body.  Some women bring it with them to the hospital and some hospitals provide one, I just used it at home but I do recommend getting one!

Raspberry leaf tea: Yet another research item.  I heard that it might help prepare the cervix and uterus.  My doctor recommended taking it after 34 weeks.  Don't take it before 32 weeks!  I started out with one cup in the morning and then further in my pregnancy did one cup in the morning and then made an iced version for the afternoon.  Again not sure if it helped or not but it didn't hurt.  Make sure you consult your doctor before taking this just in case.  

 Those are just a few things I found helpful for an easier pregnancy and also labor/delivery.  Let me know if you have tried any of these and be sure to leave your must-haves below!

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Third Trimester Recap

If you are following along you know that our sweet little baby is already here but I figured I would go ahead and round out the trimester recaps.  So about the third trimester:

 

 

My bump finally started to pop!  It really took until about 30 weeks before I had an actual baby belly.  Being pregnant during a pandemic has definitely made things a little different.  We had virtual showers, I pretty much just hang out at home all the time and I have to go to appointments by myself.  I wish we had been able to share more of this experience with our families but even with everything so strange it has been a sweet experience.  

Symptoms:

Experienced some sciatic nerve pain, doctor said she is probably sitting on my nerve.  Pretty painful actually, anyone who has that normally I completely feel for you!  Still having leg cramps at night and constant bathroom breaks.

Cravings:

I expected to have all kinds of crazy cravings during pregnancy but I really haven't.  Mexican food always sounds good and I still just want the off limits turkey sandwich.

Kicks:

She is kicking and moving around all the time!  So neat to feel her little movements.

We have been taking time to really get things ready.  We put together the crib and set up her nursery.  Hospital bags are packed up (post coming soon!)  We are also just trying to enjoy time together before we are a family of three. 

Labor Prep:

With her delivery date approaching I have been watching all the videos and trying to get prepared as best as I can.  I am also eating 4-6 dates everyday and drinking red raspberry leaf tea.  I am definitely nervous for the unknown but am excited for the experience and to finally meet our little girl.  

Third trimester was a sweet time of preparation.  I finally looked pregnant and got to show off my belly.  Yes I was uncomfortable and yes there were many times I was tired of being pregnant but looking back on those pictures I can't believe my body was holding (and growing) our sweet baby. 

Pregnancy Favorites

Here we are in the second trimester and I wanted to share a few favorites with you.  Just a small list of some things that I have found helpful in this time.

Pregnancy Pillow: Even though my belly isn't that big yet this has been really nice to sleep comfortably.  Once I get in the third trimester I'm not really supposed to sleep on my back as it can cause restriction to the blood flow.  This helps keep me blocked in to sleep on my side.  It also provides support for my legs so they aren't pressing on each other.  Bonus this one is pretty affordable.

Nursing Bras: So things are definitely growing and changing and new bras are definitely in my future.  I read a tip to just go ahead and buy nursing bras since you will need those anyway.  I picked up this pack of 5 from Amazon for a great deal.  They are comfy and have a back extender to get the right size.

Simple Addiction Black Pocket Solid Leggings: I have pretty much been living in leggings for months (even before pregnancy).  As I mentioned I'm not showing too much yet but I am at that stage where my pants are tight and not really comfortable.  I have always been a fan of Simple Addiction leggings and they recently came out with the black pocket solid leggings!  These leggings are my favorite, so soft and stretchy and the fact that they added pockets is great!  I have some leggings that have irritated my belly a little bit (pregnancy has definitely made me more sensory sensitive) and these are the softest ever!  They are non-maternity so I can wear now and later.

Slippers: As I said I was living in leggings well I've also been living in cozy slippers.  You can't go wrong with a comfy pair of slippers.  These are super soft and are sturdy.  No risk of slipping or falling.

Water Bottle: It's really important to stay hydrated during pregnancy, also I'm just super thirsty.  This water bottle is super cute and also has little messages to make sure you are drinking your water throughout the day.  I carry a water bottle with me all the time so this one is great!  

Mama Necklace: I bought this as soon as I found out I was pregnant and It is so cute!  It is super dainty and great quality.  This would make a great gift for an expectant or new mom.

I'm only a little ways into my second trimester so these are just a few things that I have found useful.  Be sure to let me know your favorites, tips and more below!

Oh Baby! First Trimester Recap

 

I've been keeping a pretty big secret but it's finally out...I'm pregnant!  

How I found out:

A few days before my period was supposed to start my body just felt different, cramping, tired and hungry (similar to my regular period symptoms but different enough for me to wonder).  I took a test a week after my missed period and sure enough there were two pink lines.   The second line was faint but no mistaking it was there.  Even though I had symptoms and my body felt different I was still pretty shocked.  I have never had a positive pregnancy test so seeing that for the first time was pretty crazy, exciting and a little overwhelming.  Also y'all I totally used a Dollar Tree test...so those work. 

How I told my husband:

I have seen all the cute ways to tell your husband you are pregnant and I always figured I might do something like that.  When it came down to it I just put the test on the bathroom counter and just led him in to see it.  I didn't say anything and being a boy he wasn't sure what the lines meant, at first he was like two lines so we aren't?  I was like nope two lines means we ARE!  He was really excited and it was a sweet moment to share together.  

How we told our family:

We actually waited until we were past the 12 week mark just to be safe.  We met up with my family to pick up my brother after he got home from overseas with the military.  We wanted him to be a part of the reveal with the baby being due on his birthday.  After eating lunch we gave him a card with the ultrasound inside and he then showed it to everyone else.  My little sister freaked out and started hopping up and down in the booth and my mom was so surprised.  Everyone was so excited and it will definitely be a fun memory.  We told Kyle's family about a week later.  We went to hang out at his grandparents house with his parents and told them that we had new pictures for them to update and handed them a stack with some pictures of us but also the ultrasound inside.  They started to flip through them and some found it a little sooner than others so they waited to say anything.  Once everyone had found the picture they were all so excited and we started talking about due dates and names and everything.

Prenatal Appointements:

I had my first appointment at 8 weeks to check and see if I actually was pregnant.  After a few tests they did an ultrasound and showed the baby.  It was so crazy to get actual visual confirmation that I was pregnant!  Due to COVID Kyle wasn't allowed to go to my appointment with me but we did video chat to he was able to see the ultrasound.  We were both amazed at how the baby actually looked like a baby (sounds silly but it was still so early!).  My favorite part was getting to hear the heartbeat.  Both Kyle and I agreed that seeing the baby made things real but hearing the heartbeat just brought it so much closer. 

Symptoms:

Throughout the first trimester I was so tired all the time!  I felt like I had no energy and always needed a nap.  I was also extremely hungry ALL the time!  Some days I wanted to eat everything and then others absolutely nothing sounded good yet I was still hungry.  I definitely had some nausea, luckily I never threw up but I sure felt like I could.  I would also have some days where I felt so bloated and full.  Oh and I'm pretty much peeing all the time.  I was also crazy bloated.     

Things I miss:

Man I miss eating a turkey sandwich, it might come as a surprise to hear that you aren't supposed to eat lunchmeat during pregnancy due to risk of listeria.  I really wanted Jimmy Johns so I compromised with a veggie sub from there, not the same but pretty close.  I also miss drinking all the coffee!  Y'all know I love my coffee, after getting pregnant I switched to decaf and it is just not the same.  

Exercise:

 My exercise routine was completely wrecked when COVID came around so I didn't really have a normal routine.  I have been trying to go for walks regularly, super helpful with bloat.  I also found a YouTube channel Pregnancy and Postpartum TV that has pregnancy friendly workouts.  I have been doing those as regularly as I can. 

Must-Haves:

I haven't gotten too many things yet, still pretty early but I did pick up a pregnancy pillow just to get prepared.  It definitely takes some getting used to but I think it will be really helpful when my belly gets bigger.  Some other must-haves are snacks, gatorade, and a good water bottle.   I pretty much carry crackers or dry cereal and a water bottle everywhere.

We are so excited for this adventure and can't wait to meet our little baby!  I'm definitely open to all the tips you guys have, leave them below!