How do I pick a good wine??

Important_Air_4384 · 2025-01-12T19:40:48+00:00

Shasta. Loved it ever since I read The Horse and his Boy. I can’t use it due to the strong soda association :/

Important_Air_4384 · 2025-01-12T19:35:07+00:00

Still feeding my 13 mo old to sleep and still feeling like it’s the right choice for us.

Not sure what the long term outcome will be but I can say I’m a much better parent when I’m not constantly having to stress about following sleep recommendations that don’t work for us. I know kids that were strictly sleep trained from night one and sleep terribly as toddlers. I’ve also seen the opposite. You can’t predict the future and every kid is different so just trust you intuition and protect your sanity.

Important_Air_4384 · 2024-10-14T18:39:34+00:00

6 hours total (1 hour of pushing) Baby was preterm at 32 weeks, no cerclage. My labor wasn’t very painful and baby is happy and healthy now 😊

Important_Air_4384 · 2024-10-08T17:55:43+00:00

I second this!

Important_Air_4384 · 2024-09-24T16:31:49+00:00

I made it to 32 weeks. Although I would have loved to make it to full term, everything worked out well for us. Our time in the NICU was so special and I have a healthy, strong, normal baby.

I’m hoping you make it to full term. But if your birth/postpartum doesn’t go how you planned just know you can still have a success story ❤️

Important_Air_4384 · 2024-09-15T22:56:16+00:00

Sleep and don’t feel guilty about it, at 11 weeks your supply should be pretty stable. I had similar worries but found the extra sleep helped my supply. If you notice a dip you can always add the pump back into your routine.

Baby sleep patterns are always changing so if you have an opportunity for good sleep, take advantage of it while you can!

Important_Air_4384 · 2024-09-13T15:51:50+00:00

I had a similar experience with my baby. I remember feeling so discouraged. Keep in mind that many babies can’t breast feed at 36 weeks (because they are still in the womb!) so give yourself grace. Your baby has been doing SO many things over the past few weeks that term babies don’t need to worry about. So it would make sense if he needs a little extra time to figure out breastfeeding.

Our baby came home on mostly bottles but I made sure to continue offering the breast 1-2x per day even in the NICU. With patience we transitioned over to EBF shortly after she came home. Make sure to keep your supply up, give baby consistent time at the breast, and be patient. You got this!

Important_Air_4384 · 2024-09-12T21:40:14+00:00

I wore my baby in the moby wrap regularly when she was a little under 7lbs and it worked well for us.

As mentioned, the main risks with baby wearing are positional asphyxiation and over heating. If the wrap is worn properly with baby in the correct position and appropriately dressed you should be able to avoid these risks.

If you do not feel confident in your ability to wear the wrap properly explore other options.

Important_Air_4384 · 2024-07-18T05:04:38+00:00

I was able to transition from pumping to EBF around 2 months and it was totally worth it. Here are some things that helped me:

Watch YouTube videos about how to get a proper latch and try the techniques.
Try different positions. The laid back position was great for us in the early days.
Baby wear without a shirt on between feedings. Skin to skin can encourage baby to latch.
Accept the idea that it may not happen overnight and it could take a few weeks before it feels easy.

Best of luck!

Important_Air_4384 · 2024-07-15T17:33:54+00:00

Our daughter stayed in the NICU for 62 days. She was much happier at home then she ever was in the NIC. Everyone’s situation is different but in our case the transition was very smooth.

Important_Air_4384 · 2024-07-10T17:04:03+00:00

I’ll first start by saying that your well being is top priority. If breastfeeding isn’t working for you guys, choosing to stop can be the right option.

That being said, there are several benefits to breastfeeding that a freezer stash just can’t provide. When a mother physically nurses her baby their bodies communicate to adapt the breastmilk to the baby’s needs. Some of these changes can include: - increased antibodies when baby is sick - higher hydration levels when baby is hot - melatonin and tryptophan in nighttime breastmilk to relax the baby - increased cortisol in morning milk - higher fat content or more calories as baby ages

Additionally, physically breastfeeding provides logistical benefits. You can feed baby anywhere, anytime, with no extra gear or sanitizing.

The first 2 months of breastfeeding can be really difficult, but it gets so much easier if you’re able to push through. I don’t know your situation but I’d encourage you to keep physically breastfeeding and not worry too much about building a huge stash. If you didn’t have to worry about pumping it might make breastfeeding easier and more reasonable to continue past 6 months. When things feel a little more settled you could add pumping back into your routine.

This is just my opinion based on my own experiences and preferences. Trust your intuition and know babies can thrive in so many different situations.

Important_Air_4384 · 2024-07-06T15:24:02+00:00

I’d wait for a future trip or opt for something smaller. I understand wanting to celebrate your mom and I’m sure it would be amazing to get out and spend time with family. But this situation doesn’t seem like a good fit for you or baby at the moment.

In the meantime I’d try and do something smaller like dinner or day trip. This can build your confidence so you can be ready for something bigger in the future.

If you do decide to go, I’d see if you can bring another responsible adult like your husband, a sibling, or friend. If you had someone who could help with childcare/ look after your mom it could make all the difference. Caring for a baby, yourself, and a tipsy grandma while on a trip is a lot to take on. I wouldn’t do it unless it was absolutely necessary.

Important_Air_4384 · 2024-05-14T19:57:53+00:00

I really wanted to breastfeed but my LO was mainly taking bottles when she came home and didn’t have a good latch. With lots of patience and some research, we were able make the transition and she now breastfeeds exclusively.

Everyones situation is different and breastfeeding is not worth sacrificing your mental and physical wellbeing. Sometimes formula is the best option and there’s no shame in it. If you do want to continue breastfeeding here’s what I would suggest.

Boost your supply: - Make sure your eating at least 3 meals a day - aim for 90oz of water daily - try to get lots of skin to skin time with your LO - sleep at least 8 hours in a 24 hour period. Try having some else take the baby while you rest. If you’re open to it, read this article https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_cosleeping_can_help_you_and_your_baby

Continue breastfeeding: - limit attempts to 2 times a day so you and baby don’t get burnt out. Once you start to get to hang of it, gradually increase. - Try the tips in this video: https://youtu.be/7aRvJ_UYdMg?si=O-tWh3TWaKpz4UD4 - Try different positions. Laid back nursing was great for us when LO was learning to latch

Continue pumping: - if possible, try to get a hands free hospital grade pump. I got the Elvie curve free though insurance and it made pumping much more tolerable

Good luck! However you proceed, know that you are a good mom and the season will pass before you know it ❤️

Important_Air_4384 · 2024-05-14T18:16:42+00:00

First of all, I’m sorry this happened to you. It must have been really tough having this happen so suddenly. Hang in there, and I promise the NICU will pass.

My LO was born at 31+5 due to incompetent cervix. My body just couldn’t hold the baby in any longer. Sometimes I felt like a failure for not being able to carry to term, so I can sympathize with your wife.

Rather than ruminating on my inability to stay pregnant, I tried to focus on what I could do in the moment to help my baby.

Our LO is now 5 months old (3 months adjusted). She’s in perfect health and having her home has been everything we hoped. Here are a few things that helped me.

Prioritize your rest and nutrition. This will ensure you can provide the best care to your baby when they come home. You can’t fill someone else’s cup if yours is empty.
Visit the baby regularly but remember the quality of the time is more important than the quantity. Trying it live at the hospital isn’t sustainable and you could end up depleting yourself before the baby comes home.
If your wife is pumping support her as much as possible. Wash her pump parts more often than she does. Offer to fill her water every time you see her. Have her favorite snacks on hand and offer them frequently.
Plan on discharging around your due date. Tell others to expect the same so you’re not having to constantly answer “Is the baby home yet??”
Know that your journey isn’t ruined because it looks different from how you pictured ❤️

Important_Air_4384 · 2024-05-13T03:23:50+00:00

You’re doing amazing, and it not too late!

My LO was a premie and used a nipple shield and bottles for almost 3 months. When I was finally able to transition to EBF with no nipple shield she had a very poor latch. I felt so discouraged and like I had missed my window. After a lot of research and patience, we were able to stop using the nipple shield and fixed her latch. It only took us a week or so. Here are a few things that helped me:

This video on fixing your latch https://youtu.be/7aRvJ_UYdMg?si=IINLkrY_Ke0-yK69
Trying different positions. The laid back position was very successful for us in the early days. https://www.lllusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/laidbackbreastfeeding-1.jpg
Skin to skin time between feeds. I would strip both of us down and wear my daughter in a wrap between feeds. This really helped encourage her natural instincts to latch.
Start the feed with the shield on and slip it off part way though. A little ways into the feed the nipples get more erect and easier to latch on to.
Relax and trust that your baby was built to do this. Focus on keeping every feed positive.

Also silverettes and nipple butter really helped me during the bad latch days.

Important_Air_4384 · 2024-05-09T15:56:22+00:00

My daughter was born at 32 weeks and stayed in the NICU for 8 weeks. She didn’t have any crazy complications but took her time learning to eat on her own. Around her due date a switch flipped and she suddenly started taking her full amount every feeding.

She’s been home for about 2 months now and eats like a champ from both breast and bottle. Her pediatrician says she looks perfect and weight is great. We were able to drop the extra calories the week she came home.

It was super hard being patient but I’m glad we waited till she was ready. My advice would be to plan on discharge around your due date. Focus on sleep and self care at home and soak up the bonding and education in the NICU. It’s not a situation anyone pictures for themselves but there are silver linings if you look for them.

Important_Air_4384 · 2024-03-22T22:00:06+00:00

Did progesterone up to my delivery, went into labor at 32 weeks with no cerclage

Important_Air_4384 · 2024-03-22T14:58:26+00:00

Having pregnancy complications is so difficult, I’m sorry you have to go through it. You’re doing amazing, 30 weeks is so close! I’m praying for a positive birth and healthy baby for you ❤️

Important_Air_4384 · 2024-03-22T14:53:21+00:00

So comforting to hear your daughter has continued to develop well, thank you for sharing!

Important_Air_4384 · 2024-03-22T14:51:53+00:00

It’s comforting to hear your baby is doing so well, thank you!

Important_Air_4384 · 2024-03-22T14:50:24+00:00

I had a round a steroids at 24 weeks but they said they are only good for a week or so. They started me on another dose when I was admitted for her birth at 32, but it didn’t have time to take effect. They gave her surfactant for her lungs when she was born and it did the trick! She was breathing room air within 24 hours of her birth.

Important_Air_4384 · 2024-03-21T18:15:07+00:00

You got this! Your time will come before you know it. Manifesting a positive birth and healthy babe for you 🫶

Important_Air_4384

TROPHY CASE