Blog
Prepare and Release
My baby boy had his first birthday this month, which caused me to reflect on his "birth day" last year:
The day that I went into labor with my second child, I was prepared. I am a Certified Baby Planner, after all, which means that I have made it my business to have everything in order by the time Baby arrives. I knew that organization was more important this labor day than the last, too, since I would need to be sure that my 2-year-old daughter was safe and secure when I left for the hospital.
The morning of April 27th, I had the same signs of labor as the first go-round. I made a call to my OB to confirm and it was go-time. The on-call baby sitter came right over to watch my toddler, the overnight sitter would pick her up by noon, and Madison's suit case, food, lovies, and car seat were placed by the door. My husband, Will, grabbed our bags, and I waddled to the SUV to ride over the hill to have a baby. Simple as that!
After check in, the nurse let me know that I was only dilated to 2.5cm, and had to get to 3cm to be admitted. She suggested that my husband and I walk to lunch and come back for another exam. Hey, a date with the hubby before meeting our new baby? This was turning out to be the perfect day! By afternoon, my contractions were picking up and I knew active labor was starting. I was still at 2.5cms, though, and the nurse told me that I had to go home. I cried, I begged, I assured her that I knew that I was in labor, but nothing changed her mind.
We fought traffic home, picked up our daughter, and Will left to tech a musical. By the time I took a shower and made dinner for Madison, I was screaming in pain and needed to head right back to the hospital. My husband rushed home, the overnight sitter rushed to pick up my daughter, and I yelled "drive faster!" all the way to Cedars. We arrived just in time and Liam was born after 2 quick pushes.
That wild day was foreshadowing of how most days go for me with two young children. No matter how organized, prepared, and together I am, something unexpected tends to always shake things up a bit!
The mission of my work as a Certified Baby Planner is to educate and mentor expectant parents so that they are prepared and confident when their babies arrive. I know from experience, though, that flexibility and a good sense of humor are keys when it comes to this parenting journey.
I recommend having your bags packed for the hospital at least 4 weeks before your due date. Also, Daddy needs a bag, too! A great surprise for Dads is DaddyScrubs. You can choose from t-shirts, hats, scrubs, and more that say "I'm The Daddy" to make sure he feels as special as you do during the birth- www.daddyscrubs.com
What to Pack for the Hospital:
- Insurance Card
- Photo I.D.
- Video Camera
- Still Camera
- Cell Phone Charger
- Toiletries and Makeup
- Bathrobe
- At least 2 pairs of pj's
- Slippers
- Nursing Pillow
- Nursing Bra
- Nursing Pad Inserts
- Nursing Cover
- Maternity or loose-fitting clothes to wear home
- Outfit for Baby to wear home that includes a cap
- Installed Infant Car Seat
Dad's Packing List for the Hospital:
- Photo I.D.
- Snacks
- Water
- Toiletries
- Pajamas
- At least 2 comfortable outfits
- Cell Phone Charger
- Laptop if wanting to email pictures and videos
March 2012
Keepin’ It Clean
It is that time of year when everyone seems to have a case of the cruds and is sick. My poor little guy was suffering from a throat infection and double ear infection just last week. As a mom and “fixer”, of course I wondered if there was any way I could have prevented his illness and how I can keep him healthy. I am already a bit of a “germ-a-phobic” and believe in keeping a clean house and clean kids. That old saying that babies are “building their immune systems” when they eat crusted food off of the floor or lick the toilet? I don’t buy it. Our children are in contact with germs every day- plenty enough to keep a good dose of immunities building, without having to dig for snacks in the trash can.
When it comes to cleaning products and soaps, though, harsh chemicals can be just as harmful to little ones as the germs they kill. Even if you are not quite ready to do a complete toss out of your regular cleaning products, you should at least make the switch to eco-friendly organic cleaners for your child’s room, toys, and gear. I am so thrilled with the launch of The Honest Company, which has non-toxic products for your little one and for your home. The Honest Multi-Surface Cleaner is perfect for spraying down toys, counter tops, nursery furniture, and other areas that need to be cleaned and are in close contact with your baby. The Honest Hand Sanitizer is great for cleaning your hands and your baby’s on the go. It kills 99.9% of germs, yet is safe if your little darling likes to suck his thumb like mine does… www.honest.com
We kept our NYC lifestyle when we moved to L.A. and I walk everywhere, so my children spend a lot of time in their double stroller. I decided that it needed a deep cleaning, too, and wanted it done by a professional. I wipe down the stroller and vacuum it from time to time, but that was not cutting it. Crumbs, sunscreen, sand, and sweat had taken their toll on my kiddie carriage so I made an appointment with CleanBeeBaby and was amazed at the process, care, and results of the cleaning. Only organic and eco-friendly products are used and then the stroller is steam cleaned! It looks better, smells better, and I feel better about my children riding in it. I was excited to find out that CleanBeeBaby will also clean my car seats and re-install them since they are certified car seat technicians! www.cleanbeebaby.com
Most likely, our little ones will get sick every now and then, but as a Certified Baby Planner, my mission is to educate parents on how to prepare their homes to be as ready for Baby as possible. So let’s keep it clean.
Germ Prevention 101 for Newborns
- Do not allow friends who are sick or are recovering from a contagious illness to visit your newborn
- Be diligent about washing hands
- Kindly ask all visitors to wash their hands
- Keep pacifiers clean with organic dish soap or pacifier wipes
- Have hand sanitizer in your diaper bag
- Wipe down toys frequently with non-toxic wipes
- Try to keep your baby from sucking on the germiest of items such as cell phones, remotes, and other people’s hands
- Don’t be afraid to say “Please don’t touch the baby” when a stranger at the grocery store reaches toward the stroller
February 2012
Letting Go
I am part of a Moms’ Group that meets each week to socialize, (ourselves and our babies!), learn, and support each other. Recently, a psychiatrist spoke to us about the healthy stages of letting go during motherhood. I have always thought that I had a ways to go before thinking about such things, but it turns out that we need to start in part when our babies are just, well babies! I confess that I tend to be germ-a-phobic and overprotective when it comes to my children. Therefore, with my daughter we very rarely left her with babysitters. You can imagine that this left her wailing for us and with stranger anxiety that took over a year to correct. Remembering this and listening to an expert prompted me to take a leap and leave my little guy in the church nursery for Parents’ Night Out. Sure, my 9-month-old would be sharing toys, crawling on a floor where shoes were worn, and out of my earshot, but I had to start letting go, (and my husband and I desperately needed a date night!).
To help me feel more confident in his evening in the nursery, I found a product to keep him comforted and a bit more protected from germs. The bobalong baby is as quirky as its name, yet is such a smart item! Invented by a mom, (of course), it is a vest for Baby that holds his bottle and pacifier, yet is functional in that he can reach and use them while they are attached to his chest! My little guy looked adorable in this super cool find and had his favorite items available for him at all times. Parents are now advised to not use pacifier clips for safety against strangulation, so this is wonderful substitute with even more functionality.
No one will ever care for your baby quite like you do, however taking baby steps, (pun intended), in letting go is healthy for parents and children. I am happy to report that my little darling had a blast in the nursery, didn’t get sick, and the hubby and I got to catch a movie- in the theater of all places!
January 2012
L.A. Baby & Kidz Expo
As a Certified Baby Planner, I focus heavily on maternity and newborn education. However, product demonstration and explanation tends to be the most daunting to expecting parents! There are more products on the market geared at new parents than ever and figuring out which ones are best for you and your family is key. Your best friend may rave about her favorite stroller, but if she is using it to run trails and you prefer to stroll the mall, her recommendation does not help you much. When assisting parents with a baby registry, I always visit their homes to get an idea of lifestyle, design, and space. We talk about their vision for the nursery, parenting style, priorities, and budget. From there, it is much easier to narrow down the many choices and find what works best for them.
One of my favorite things, though, is discovering the latest and greatest baby products. Sure, they may not be necessities, but if you have room in your budget, there are always new products on the market to make parenting just a little easier. I attended the L.A. Baby and Kidz Expo today and had a blast meeting other “ parentpreneurs” and learning about their creations. Here are a few of my favorites:
The Hullabye Happy Changer is a soft, comfy vest that attaches to your contoured changing pad to help keep Baby secure during diaper changes. My little man is 8-months-old and wants to grab every lotion and gadget when I am trying to get a dry diaper on him! This great product keeps Baby secure and Mommy or Daddy happy! http://hulabye.com
I always encourage clients to purchase products that will help them to breast feed as long as possible. Even with the money spent, formula feeding always costs more than breastfeeding and the benefits of nursing are innumerable. Cover My Heart is a nursing cover that has a pillow attached to it! This allows moms to nurse more comfortably in public- even on uncomfortable park benches. (This is great news for me on trips to the playground with my toddler and infant). It also serves as a stroller cover to block sun and comes in adorable prints. http://www.covermyheart.com
Dads often feel a bit left out during pregnancy. I know, I know, they don’t have to carry the baby for 9 months, but nonetheless, Daddies are important and should get the attention they deserve come delivery day. DaddyScrubs offers scrubs for Proud Pops to wear in the hospital that say “Daddy” on them. To me, this is the perfect baby shower gift for guys, or a fun surprise to give a husband. (Talk about cute photo ops!) http://www.daddyscrubs.com
Colic and Acid Reflux can be huge stressors on parents as they feel helpless in soothing their uncomfortable babies. I found three products today that I feel are great helpers for the fussiest babies. Coddlelife offers innovative bottles that help reduce air intake, but have few parts making them easier to clean. Of course they are BPA Free. http://www.coddleinc.com Dr. Dave’s Baby Comfort is a wooden motorized device designed to create gentle and continuous motion for a crying infant. It works by attaching any brand of infant car seat. I have never seen anything quite like it... http://www.drdavesbabycomfort.com/ Nap Nanny is the only infant recliner designed for inclined sleep, making it ideal for babies with reflux. It has a soft, washable cover that straps Baby in securely and comes with a travel bag. This is also a great product for grandparents to keep at their homes in lieu of a full-sized baby bed. http://www.napnanny.com/
December 2011
Fitness During Pregnancy
While pregnant with my son, I had the awesome experience of training with Sara Haley who is a prenatal personal trainer and happened to be pregnant with her little boy! I was drawn to Sara for her vision of giving expecting moms a good workout that would be safe for their babies. I love to exercise, (most of the time-ha!), and found prenatal classes and videos to be boring. I was nervous, though, about what needed to be modified in my regular workout routine. I was able to be a part of Sara’s Expecting More Workout DVD’s and feel there is finally a fitness series to challenge, (yet protect), pregnant moms. Take a look at the promo!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vu8T8cGNlpY&feature=share
Also, here are some tips that I like to give clients on exercise. Of course, ALWAYS check with your doctor as every pregnancy is different.
- During pregnancy, mild to moderate exercise for 30 or more minutes a day is safe every day, unless a caregiver says otherwise.
- After the 1st trimester, do not exercise flat on your back. It can reduce blood flow to the uterus and cause dizziness.
- Do not stand still for more than 15 minutes at a time to encourage circulation and prevent varicose veins.
- Stop exercising if you feel fatigued. Pregnancy is not the time to "press through."
- Don't do any exercises that could make you lose your balance and avoid stomach crunches.
- Drink lots of water and do not get overheated.
- Pregnancy is not the time to pick up a new sport or form of fitness.
- Do not continue sports that involve bumping and falling during pregnancy.
- Talk to your doctor about how long you can run while pregnant.
- Though swimming is great for the body while pregnant, chlorine is not. Try to only swim in saltwater pools.
- Have FUN!
November 2011
Traveling With Baby
Yesterday I flew across the country with my husband, 2-year-old daughter, and infant son to visit family for Thanksgiving. Besides being a bit tiring, it all went smoothly. However, I had to laugh while sitting on the plane and remembering a less-than-smooth experience we had a few months ago. As my husband got up to use the restroom on a flight, I congratulated myself on a successful red-eye with two little ones as I gazed at my sleeping children. As soon as the thought went through my head, though, my daughter sat up, gave a little whimper and then threw up all over herself, the seat, and me. I literally froze in panic and just started saying over and over, “Will? Come back. Please come back!” As horrible as it was, I happened to be prepared with a full pack of baby wipes, plastic bags for trash, and a clean pair of pj’s. We landed to see the grandparents fresh and fairly happy!
All we can do when traveling with children is be prepared, hope for the best, and not panic when vomit, dirty diapers, and tantrums happen.
If you are flying this holiday season with a baby, here are some tips:
·
- When flying with an infant in arms, you can check your car seat for no charge with baggage or at the gate. The same is true of your stroller. When going through security, know that you will have to fold your stroller and place it on the belt. With a young baby, it is often easier to check the car seat and stroller with baggage, and just bring him or her in a sling or baby carrier through the airport.
- If for some reason, the car seat gets lost, don’t worry- every airport has infant and toddler size for you to use until yours is found.
- Always pack more diapers and wipes than you think necessary. Flight delays or cancellations could find you needing more than expected.
- Bring at least 2 extra outfits for Baby in your carry-on bag. It doesn’t hurt to bring an extra shirt for yourself, (read vomit story above…).
- Milk and mixed formula will have to be tested when going through security if over 3oz., but in a non-evasive way and with you watching, so it is sterile.
- To protect Baby’s ears, nurse or bottle-feed during take-off and landing. The sucking helps to keep the ears from stopping up, (and your baby from wailing!).
- I love Babyganics All-Surface Wipes for trips. Use them to wipe down the seat belt, arm rests, and tray on the plane to fend off germs.
- Babyganics also has a travel size dish soap that is great for bringing to hotels or relatives’ houses to wash bottles, breast pump parts, and pacifiers.
- I know it feels terrible to be “the one with the crying baby” on a plane, but it happens. Focus on your baby and trying to sooth him.
- Don’t panic! You know what to do.
October 2011
Babies Bring Friendships
Every morning I take a jog through my neighborhood and pass many walkers, runners, and strollers. I’m from the south which means it would be rude to go by without a “Hey y’all” or a “Good mornin’.” Sunny as I try to be though, I am usually met with a look of annoyance or an aversion of the eyes. I won’t lie- it kind of hurts my feelings. However, when I have the stroller with me, neighbors go out of their way to coo at my infant son and talk to my toddler daughter. Now I know I’m not nearly as cute as either of my kids, but I find it interesting none the less.
My conclusion is that children break down walls and bring out the best in us. The grumpy old man who yelled at me yesterday for startling his dog as I said “hi” stopped his car today to roll down the window and smile at my darlings in the double stroller.
I have also noticed that it seems much easier to make friends when children are involved. I met one of my very best friends in a Starbucks line 2 years ago because we started chatting about our daughters and swapped numbers. She ended up being the one I trusted to watch my little girl at her house for 2 days while I was in the hospital giving birth to my son a few months ago.
Relationships with other mothers are vital during this mommy-hood journey. We should be there to encourage and support each other and watch our babies grow up together. Even if you are the first of your friends to be pregnant, there are wonderful groups and classes throughout L.A. for expectant and new moms. Some of my favorites include:
A Mother’s Haven-
http://shopthehaven.com/overview.html
The Pump Station & Nurtury-
http://www.pumpstation.com/pumpstation/dept.asp?s_id=0&dept_id=3497#.TqYBd94Uqso
Babies First Class-
http://babiesfirstclass.com/classes.php
May your baby bring smiles to others’ faces and friends to your heart.
September 2011
Take Time For Mommy
To Whom It May Concern:
I received a parking ticket today for an expired meter. I was shocked since I knew I had almost 15 minutes left on my meter. Well, it turns out that I had fed the meter on the left side of my car instead of the right. I realize that this is technically my fault, but hope that you will forgive my fine as I did pay for my parked time- just for the wrong space! I am a busy mom of two, who clearly needs to pay more attention to details and I hope you will give me a break just this once.
Thanks so much for your consideration.
Yes, this is a true story and a letter that I wrote to the city. Ever have one of these days? Sometimes these moments are good in that they make you realize you need some time for yourself. Gosh, just writing those words made me feel uncomfortable! Why as wives and mothers do we feel like that is such a selfish thing to say? We give and do for others round the clock. Taking an hour each day to relax and breathe should be a priority. Not only will it make us feel refreshed, but we will then be able to serve others even better.
Expecting Mommies, you need to make sure you are taking lots of time to relax, rest, and spend time with your sweet baby. As tough as pregnancy can be, there is something so incredible about having your baby live within you. I promise that you will miss it. Talk and read to Baby. Sing lullabies and use one of my personal favorites, Belly Buds, to play the music you are listening to on your ipod for your baby. www.bellybuds.com
I am still waiting to find out if my ticket was forgiven. However, I did get a mani/pedi that evening and know my right from left again…
August 2011
Safety Vs. Tradition
Working with a client the other day, I loved seeing beautiful pieces of baby memories that had been passed down through the family for her baby girl. A brass bassinet with tapestry bumpers, hand woven sweaters, and tiny shoes were proudly displayed throughout her home; treasures from her mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother.
I hated to be the bearer of bad news, but there was no way that lovely baby bed was up to safety standards. “Oh we know! We just like the way it looks and knowing the history of it. The baby won’t actually be sleeping in it,” the expectant mom quickly told me. Phew!
My mother and mother-in-law could not wait for my daughter’s first visit to their homes and wanted to see her in the high chairs and cribs once used by my husband and me. Sadly, I had to explain how times had changed, and great precaution is now taken to ensure that baby products are up to safety standards. Yes, we know, “we all survived” without all of these rules, but the truth is that there were many more baby injuries and deaths without these regulations and that is what led to putting them into place.
The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission conducted a study in 1999 that found that 69% of thrift stores were selling baby products that presented a risk for injury or death.
So can you use second hand products for Baby? In some cases, yes, but be sure to always check the age of the product, make sure it has not been recalled, and have it inspected.
The CPSC provides a thrift store safety checklist here: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/thrift/thrftck.html
And a recall list here: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/category/child.html
If you feel disappointed about not being able to have an antique hold your sleeping baby, focus on the fact that with the birth of your little one, you are making your own traditions. Let the memories begin!
July 2011
Your Hair Falls Out- and Other Things They Forgot to Tell You…
The other day, a random stranger said “nice hair” as he walked past me. While giving me a hug, my husband gasped, “Wow, your ponytail feels like a horse’s mane!” Thanks... I think? Before I could neigh, though, clumps began to fall out with every shampoo, brush, and style. My son just turned 3 months, which seems to be the magic age for Mommy’s hair loss. Why does this happen?
Well, the average woman sheds about 100 hairs a day. During pregnancy, however, increased levels of estrogen cause the hair to stay in the resting phase and not fall out as often. After giving birth, those estrogen levels plummet, thus the hair falls out more rapidly.
There are things you can do about this to some extent, though. Blow dry and style your hair less often. The constant pulling on your hair with a brush or hot styling tools will break it off more easily. It is hard to find time to wash your hair as it is with a newborn, so just let it air dry. If you don’t already, use conditioner to keep that shine and moisture in your hair.
What about the linea nigra, also known as that ugly black line on your tummy? I sure thought that thing would be gone with my big belly. It is still hanging around, though, and could be for up to a year. Once again, those crazy hormones are to blame for your skin’s discoloration. As your body’s hormones level out, the line will fade. For some, unfortunately, it may never completely disappear. The only thing you can do to help with the linea nigra’s appearance is to be sure to wear sunscreen on your mid section. If not, it will get darker like a sun tan.
Yes, we seem to become science experiments when growing babies, but they also forgot to tell you that your heart seems to grow when that sweet baby grasps your finger, snuggles your neck, and flashes you a toothless smile. Bring on the bad hair days. I think it is a fair trade.
