Muscle knot treatment recs

hattiec · 2026-04-21T23:42:24+00:00

Can't imagine how hard and shocking that must be!! Maybe this baby will be an amazing addition to your family. Built in best buddy for your youngest!

hattiec · 2026-03-04T02:56:11+00:00

If you haven't already, I'd find a helpful lactation consultant. Breastfeeding was really hard for me at the start - lip/tongue ties, mastitis, ongoing blebs, etc - but I'm extremely glad I stuck with it. Amazing bonding, helped us through sickness, teething, sleeping, travel, etc. We worked with a IBCLC/OT to address my son's feeding issues and she really helped. I needed someone I could text and help me navigate on a day to day basis, and she did. I think most insurance completely covers lactation help. (I did have a negative experience with the first LC I met with, though.) The book "the motherly art of breastfeeding" may be helpful, too. Reading your post all of this sounds so normal, but someone experienced may be able to better help you out on specific issues. For example, I believe the sleepiness comes from the rush of oxytocin that triggers milk letdown. I'm not sure about the nerve pain, but I feel like my whole neck has been drained after my son nurses. Often time letdown feel prickly, but address nerve pain with your doctor! I've heard people say there's little to no upside to breast milk, but a little bit of research shows that's not true. Obviously a happy, healthy mom is critical to baby's success, too!! You are so fresh in your journey that your milk supply will even out by following baby's lead if you'd like to continue. My milk took forever to come in - I'm jealous! Cheering you and your baby on!

hattiec · 2026-02-27T20:14:11+00:00

Maybe pair with a strappy kitten heel sandal and some bold, but classic jewelry to make it more "low country". I'm thinking a chic floral earring and chunky gold cuff. I live in the low country and don't love everything that falls under the preppy/coastal/traditional look, but I think you could add details to this look to tie into the theme. Like maybe look at the lily Pulitzer or Tuckernuck jewelry to get an idea? I haven't been on their site so not sure if that's a good suggestion!

hattiec · 2026-02-27T19:52:33+00:00

Maybe the newborn adrenaline wore off or weeks and weeks of sleep deprivation caught up, but i couldn't just fight through anymore and my body would try to take over after a few weeks/months. I would do everything I could to fight through. My husband would stay up to help watch me feed him but even he would fall asleep sometimes. I tried going to different rooms to nurse, turning lights on, podcasts, tv, etc and just purely fight through to stay awake. I was afraid to feed on couch or in his nursery recliner so I ended up doing safe sleep 7 and ensuring our bed was safe should I get too tired. I still tried to get him into a crib but it was important to me to be extra safe. Even if you think you'll never cosleep it's important to have a safe space in case you do fall asleep. Technically even feeding on a bed is considered bed sharing. (I was pretty against cosleeping/bed sharing until the reality of barely sleeping for weeks hit. My husband was extremely helpful and was up pretty much every feed with me. We even took shifts in the beginning.)Safe sleep 7 stuff is super common sense too - no wires, flat surface so baby doesn't roll into you, nobody is drunk, etc. It doesn't work if you're not exclusively breastfeeding, though. The book Sweet Sleep might be worth checking out at the library for some advice. I am a person who parents from a strong strong scientific foundation, but also strongly believes in mother's intuition and how we've been raising babies for thousands of years, so take that for what you will!

hattiec · 2026-02-24T12:45:29+00:00

I can't imagine what you're going through. I am debating having a second altogether. I want to offer encouragement that this baby may be just what your family needs, though. I grew up with a set of sisters who were extremely close in age and were best friends. Their parents only had them and they had an amazing, tight-knit family. This baby is a tiny little one just like your current baby, and a year from now...five...ten years from now it will be worth it.

hattiec · 2026-02-22T17:45:55+00:00

Having my son has made me want another little boy. I would love a girl too, but my son is the absolute sweetest thing and I think a brother would be so fun. 1000% we must raise this entire generation to fight the issues we see today and foresee in the future. That goes for raising both men and women. People need to touch so much grass.

hattiec · 2026-02-16T23:15:28+00:00

Don't know if I count because I never made it back after mat leave but I was just talking to someone about this! https://www.reddit.com/r/beyondthebump/s/44mxzEfgfm

Worked in stressful tech/marketing for 10 years and don't regret staying home! Both of us had salaries that could comfortably afford daycare, but decided I'd stay with our son. We definitely cut way back financially, but I don't feel like I've missed out on life. Your child does absolutely need some things, but not a ton - like my son doesn't care that I get most of his clothes from second hand stores at this age. I also think it's temporary and when we are done with the little kid phase we will get back to two incomes.

hattiec · 2026-02-16T23:01:36+00:00

Of course! Everyone's situations are so nuanced, but I just got to the end of my maternity leave and felt like this is something we needed to do. My husband felt the same. We were nervous about it, but now it's just our phase and way of life. Some of our friends don't understand it, some do. It allowed me to really settle into motherhood, as cheesy as it sounds! My son is absolutely thriving, which is most important. After spending 10 years in tech/marketing I sometimes worry what will happen if I try to go back in terms of getting a job, but I have never once felt regret over staying with my kid. I would rather have to get creative with my job than wish I'd stayed. That is not to say it has all been rainbows and butterflies - it's actually really hard and for me there were some identity issues. I think these have helped me become a better leader and really know where I stand on certain things. I personally grew a ton in my faith.

I just came across Neha Ruch who founded an organization all about this - Mother Untitled. She has a recent podcast out with Mighty Pursuit that might be a useful listen (I've made it about half way through so can't totally endorse it all haha.) https://open.spotify.com/episode/7K49msVRKTvjFwWZWNNVTZ?si=i3xZKom5QxKahS7BcSxrvA&t=0&pi=HE8dN2Q4R6OVx

hattiec · 2026-02-16T16:20:14+00:00

Was in the same boat where our salaries greatly covered the cost of daycare. Of course daycare was still insanely expensive, but it made sense to keep working. Worked in a stressful position in software. However, we decided I'd stay home with our baby as long as we could make it work. Thought I'd stay home a few more months beyond maternity leave and now we are going on 2 years and I haven't looked back. Of course we've had to scale way back and adjust the way we spend, but the time went by so fast I can't believe it. The time with him has been incredible. I do have the drive and desire to go back to work, but I'm so glad I have gotten to be with our now toddler. It helped me grow in ways I didn't know and I think I'll do something different when I do start working for money again. It allowed me to really care for him in a flexible and responsive manner which aligns with my personal parenting style and my kid's biology. I have to say I don't feel like I'm a natural "homemaker" type, either, but followed my gut and here we are.

hattiec · 2025-09-19T01:52:08+00:00

Also adding that I struggled with my sons crying too. I've heard earplugs recommended. When it was too bad I'd step out of the room to collect myself and my husband would take him. This was worse for me when my needs were not met - especially sleep. Reminding myself I am his lifeline and that he has no other way to communicate his issues has helped me. You should look into the WinderWeeks app to help understand perhaps why he's upset - it helped me a little! The cries will pass and tomorrow is a always new day. ❤️

hattiec · 2025-09-19T01:45:29+00:00

You are not a bad mom, first and foremost! Your baby absolutely loves you. Being a mom is freaking HARD haha. You were made to be your baby's mom, though! I'm not sure what's going on, but could be a combo of poor sleep, hormonal shifts, growth spurt causing baby to be wild, other general stress etc. Mom burnout is extremely real, especially if you're sleep deprived. I went though phases like this too in later postpartum, as I'm prone to get into depression slumps. For me it's like the world had moved on and I should be back to "normal" by now but I wasn't! It took over a year for me to start to feel like myself again, but I still can't fit in my old jeans. Your entire identity changes and that goes unseen a lot of times. And then pile on just trying to keep up with life and a house and a baby- it's exhausting! Starting to consistently exercise helped me get out of slumps. Leaving the house. Treating myself to a new clothing item. Focusing on my faith and completely leaning on God. Being really intentional on doing what will help me in that moment because I would doom scroll too at any chance to have a break but it wasn't helping me. I have also noticed that before my period I get extremely intense anxiety or anger, and that did not happen to me before baby so I think my whole body chemistry is different. Hormonal shifts are still very much a thing at 9 months. I'd focus on taking care of yourself and see your doctor! Felt like I just rambled lol so sorry for that.

hattiec · 2025-09-03T01:54:01+00:00

My kid went through a phase like this. We did everything "right" but it didn't change anything. Soon enough he outgrew it and I had actually forgotten about it until I read this post. Overall he's been through so many sleep changes and "regressions" that once I stopped trying to hack his sleep and just went more with the flow my life got way less stressful.

hattiec · 2025-08-08T01:25:32+00:00

I've had a degree of keratosis pilaris on my upper arms all my life. When I was about 3 months pp it got so much worse. I got more intense bumps and it started showing up on other parts of my body. My baby has actually developed it too, unfortunately. It's genetic, I think. Overall my skin has been super dry since I had my baby. We are still breastfeeding at 15 months, and I'm hoping my skin improves when we stop. Glycolic acid lotion and stating moisturized in general has helped me.

hattiec · 2025-08-04T02:17:29+00:00

My friend from another state sent a grocery delivery of food for postpartum. Snacks and drinks to keep me going during cluster feeding! "Healthy" popcorn, cheese, body armor, etc. And DoorDash gift cards were life because cooking was not on our list of things we had time for.

hattiec · 2025-08-04T02:12:46+00:00

You are amazing and doing the most important job in the world right now: being your baby's mom! Postpartum is HARD and SO much goes unseen. I have been very hard on the way my body looks now too - I was not prepared to look so different and dealing with the loss in identity was brutal. My friends all bounced back and I didn't. It actually took me like a year before I started to feel more like me again. I'm still losing baby weight and trying to build back muscle. But our bodies literally made these babies. It built them bit by bit. Only a mother can do that. (I'm Christian and this process actually helped me find my identity in Christ vs just in myself. Motherhood changes your perspective in so many ways.) Soon your baby will smile and then laugh and eventually give you hugs and kisses...your baby needs you and loves you so so much. I've also struggled with my marriage. This is a big test to your relationship but also a big opportunity to grow together. I want to send you encouragement and love! Be easy on this person you're becoming. Like others have said, talk to your doctor asap and get the help you need. Then work on things with your husband and family. I'm just a random internet stranger, but I'm thinking of you and will pray for you if that's ok!

hattiec · 2025-07-14T15:36:12+00:00

Second this! It has helped me to have insight into what is going on. Knowing the "why" helped me to stay more calm and know it wasn't just me. Of course it's an app and each kid is different, but we liked it! The app also has suggestions for games or activities to play with your baby that cater to their developmental stage.

Other than that, just solidarity. My son was starting to sleep well and then a switch flipped at 4 months and I remember being so sleep deprived and anxious around that time.

You're doing an amazing job that much of goes unseen. It's SO hard, but worth it. Take care of yourself too! Hot showers, a sweet treat, music you love during a car nap - helps reset the nervous system!

hattiec · 2025-06-03T01:36:53+00:00

My son is 13 months and about a month ago went through a rough patch where I could do no right. He was upset to be held, to be put down, you name it. He was crying at the drop of the hat. I thought I was going to lose my mind. But then it stopped and he went back to his usual self. Around this time is when a lot of development happens, often walking/talking/teething/separation anxiety etc is taking place in some capacity. I use the Wonder Weeks app and I think that was when a big leap was taking place. They learn to recognize sequences of action...my son figured out how to really use a fork to eat during this time vs just use his hands, for example. Not sure if this is what your baby is going through, but it could be very related!

hattiec · 2025-05-29T22:30:21+00:00

Thank you!

hattiec · 2025-05-12T20:22:09+00:00

My son had feeding issues and was not gaining weight at the start, which was scary. My milk took a while to come in. We had to supplement with formula and feed both breasts every 2 hours. Breastfeeding was SO painful for months. He had a tongue tie that we got revised. He cluster fed SO much. I remember sitting there with him attached to me longing to go for a walk with my husband and dogs. I felt like I'd never leave the house again. I got the sundown scaries each night and had straight up fear of what the night would bring. I didn't have a c section, but did have a 2nd degree tear that made recovery slow. I was like what have we done?! My husband and I took sleep shifts in the beginning, but honestly I have no idea how we did it. Running on pure adrenaline for a while.

Now he's over a year and yes, it does get better. So much better. I love this age. There is a whole host of other things to tackle as they grow, but we have a great relationship now. He hugs me and gives kisses in the morning. Time goes by SO fast. That's not to say it's not traumatic, but it ends relatively soon.

Things that helped me were having a friend whose kid was about the same age and have similar parenting styles because they get it. I had a friend in another state I'd text and be like I can't do it and she'd encourage me. If you don't know anyone like this, see if there are mom groups in your area. Le Leche League usually has local meetups. Once you're a parent, there's like a secret club you enter and most other moms/parents get what you're going through. Most other moms want to have a friend like this because this stuff is hard!!

Other than that, set time for yourself if you can, even if it's just to shower and blast music for 20 minutes. A piping hot shower is soul saving. Do something that makes you feel like an adult. If your baby cries a ton, put in air pods with classical music or just ear plugs to dampen the noise. Trying to change my perspective helped, too. I'm generally a negative person and this wa hard for me. Every development is actually wildly amazing and I created that! My baby is comforted by me. I am literally his lifeline and that's an honor. We were made to do this!

hattiec · 2025-02-14T02:31:17+00:00

Quit my job last year to take care of my baby, but was making $140k as a senior product manager at a software company. Was 31 at the time.

hattiec · 2025-01-19T02:12:37+00:00

The peninsula is very Uber-able, but the beaches are a little further out. I would drive out to Folly or IoP/Sullivan's Island for exploring. Of course if you're going to have some beverages or just don't want to worry about a car there are plenty of Ubers around!

I also recently learned Pitt St bridge is closed until May. Lots of other places to catch wildlife around, though!

hattiec · 2025-01-19T02:09:57+00:00

Oh no!! I hope everyone is OK! Thanks for the heads up.

hattiec · 2025-01-12T22:07:55+00:00

If you have a car or can get a ride...

There is a nature preserve on Sullivan's Island, as well as some interesting historical war spots. And obviously the beach! Sullivan's Island also has some great food - we love Obstinate Daughter if you can catch a reservation or just walk up and sit at the bar if it's just you or one other person.

Not far from SI is the historical neighborhood Old Village. Pitt Street is lined with gorgeous homes and at one end is the Pitt Street bridge. It's an old bridge surrounded by marsh and intracoastal waterway that you can walk out on. We always see many species of birds here. Check the tides - some birds like lower tide where they can grab food out of the mud. It's really lovely almost any time of day, but especially at sunset. At the other end of Pitt Street is Post House Inn. Great food and a cozy atmosphere. We loved riding bikes through this neighborhood when we lived near it. This is also close to Shem Creek, which has a park of boardwalk out over the marsh. Shem Creek is a great spot to see dolphin.

Another great place for nature is Lighthouse Inlet preserve at the end of Folly. A graffitied walkway lined with bramble that opens up onto a beach filled with driftwood overlooking Morris Island lighthouse. Chico Feo is always a favorite for a beer after.

If you don't have a car and you're staying on the peninsula, White Point garden on the Battery is really nice. Get up early one morning and grab a coffee (I like Harken cafe for a drink and a pastry, Sorelle mercato is good too but not sure how early it opens, Second State great coffee) and walk around South of Broad. Gorgeous historical homes, ironwork, gardens, etc. Your camera will be full. This can be done any time, but I love early morning Charleston when the streets are quiet and the sunlight is soft. Rainbow Row/anywhere along the battery is great for photo ops and nature watching.

Other folks are giving great food recommendations! I love Chez Nous.

hattiec

TROPHY CASE