Metal Mama

Due to my amazement with the lack of women who choose to breast feed they're babies I am going to share something with everyone, if anyone, reads this little mama world of mine.

I very cheaply bough a box of 25 count LANSINOH Breastmilk Storage Bags. The reason I decided to make this purchase, though funds are tight and I already have an abundance of storage bags, is because these have zipper seals on them. The one set back is that they are 6 ounce bags. Of course you don't have to pump out and freeze 6 oucnes... Its actually best not too, but I will get to that after.

The side of the box states the following, " Breastfeeding is the most natural and loving thing you can do for your baby. It's Nature's way of providing the perfect nourishment and a quiet time for the two of you to get to know each other in a very special way. As natural as it is, it isn't always easy. Breastfeeding is a learned art and can be challenging in the first few weeks. Mothers deserve support, encouragement, and accurate information. They also deserve superior products to make breastfeeding more convenient in today's hectic environment."

This told me a few things, but I will keep the sharing short here. I am lucky ot have a wonderful breastfeeding mom in my life named Samantha. She is a peer support counselor and has answered all my questions. She was appointed to me by WIC and she calls me on a regular basis to check in and see how things are going. I am so lucky to have her. Also, I realized that I should feel no shame in splurging on anything that will make my breastfeeding experiences easier, more convenient, more personal, etc. Yehaw, one more excuse to splurge!

So upon opening the box and reading the enclose pamphlet which not only reminds the reader/consumer that you already have everything you need to breastfeed, but the founder of LANSINOH herself, Resheda Hagen, offers up an 800 number to contact her directly with any questions or concerns as she, " always welcome(s) the opportunity to speak with a breastfeeding mother."

That 800 number is 1-800-292-4794

The pamphlet also suggests looking into La Leche League services. I will link they're site at the bottom of this paragraph. I really liked this web site as they not only provide free resources, but offer insight into breastfeeding legal rights laws according to state. I was also able to very quickly find the La Leche League meeting in my area and find out that memberships are $40... A $40 that I might just consider spending once I return to work. However.... The meetings are open to the public, free of charge, as well as the team leaders whose phone numbers are listed on the web site. Some of the shopping choices range from baby apparel, nursing bras as well as non-nursing bras, to sleep wear, gifts, etc.

Labels: baby legs, breast feeding, Breastmilk Storage, experience, infant, knowledge, La Leche, lanolin, LANSINOH, metal mama, motherhood, nourishment, Resheda Hagen

The question has popped in and out of my head for oh so long. Then a few weeks ago at our WIC appointment the nurse made the statement that an infant can drink almost anything that we do as long as it is diluted... there is just no real need for it unless it is prune juice for constipation, or water for re hydration. This was juice a weird visual for me... Seriously how often do you see an infant with a bottle of water? NEVER. How come? Its perfectly safe especially this time of year according to Erik's pediatrician. It is almost even recommended if you infant is not urinating as frequently s usual and also when it is really hot, humid, and your infant is extremely sweaty.

I have yet to actually attempt this, but it is definitely good to know, so I thought it must be just as good to share.

Labels: beverage, drink, experience, h2o, metal mama, motherhood, pediatrician, unination, water

I've made promises to review a few things... Like nipple cups (as I call them), that was a promise made awhile ago... lets see, what else? My "best breast" pump... I am sure I will soon think of others.

Ok, my breast pump. Its an EvenFlo Comfort Ease Manual Breast Pump... I call it semi-manual as its really simple... quiet, and WONDERFUL. Though I paid a bit more for mine, I have found it at Target for a great deal. The link to view and/or purchase this pump directly from Target is below:
http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/sr=1-13/qid=1182817166/ref=sr_1_13/602-1294656-3756623?ie=UTF8&asin=B00063E1VU

My nipple cups, really the are called nipple shields I believe, however in my world "cups" is a more fitting term. They are quite helpful when your nipples are dry, sore, cracked, covered in Lanolin, or they just hurt having your bra or shirt rubbing against them. Oh, they are nipple shells not shields. The only link my pressed for time ass could find for them is:
http://store.myersdrug.com/thshbrsh.html

as for my preference on Lanolin products, well PureLan100 is simply the best. That is what I was given to use in the hospital and a few samples to take home. PureLan100 can be purchased on line and at some stores, though sadly there are none in my area that carry it so I decided to use the next best rated and reviewed Lanolin product... LANSINOH Its one of my many motherly new best friends.

http://www.lansinoh.com/

Lately I have been amazed at the things I have learned. One..... people think that your baby should wait for them.... NOT SO. If its not an annoying loud relative wanting to see your 6 week old baby for the first time when he needs to be changed... sickly enough they tell you OH ITS OK, I DON'T MIND. People, we are not talking about minding the changing either... They expect a little man to sit in his own urine. Or a closer relative visiting and someone else thinking hey... instead of letting him eat on the boob I will just offer a bottle. I mean I am a real picker about who I breast feed in front of. Its my boob for my son, you are damn right I have a say in who else sees them :-)

Regarding breast feeding; it was not until very recently that I learned that its not as popular a deal as I thought. I seriously though that all babies for the most part, were breast fed, even if just for a little while. Oh I am so wrong. A lot of people are ill informed along the subject and because of that choose not to participate in the wonderful joy of nourishing your baby from your body, and forming the most intimate bond with a precious little human being.

If there are any of you out there that are breast feeding and feel strongly enough to donate to a good cause check out this site and grab yourself a bracelet:
http://www.causekeepers.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=BPI&Product_Code=BPIB&Category_Code=FB

Labels: bracelets, breast feeding, breast pump, charity, experience, lanolin, metal mama, motherhood, nipple cups, nipple shells, nipple shields

So, its been a little while since I have posted. More than likely simply due to the hard drive fatality and the never ending plans that we appear to have going on every weekend.

Last weekend was Alumni Weekend in Bellows Falls. I as out 5 years! Skot and I went out for a little while. We actually went to Nick's with Heather and Paige. It was fun, but we called it a night early as Erik refused to take bottles from my Mom and Nan. Not too surprising considering that he doesn't even take them from Skot hardly, let alone myself. Still... the two or so hours that we were out was nice. Minus the random times of questioning if I was a bar parent for being at a bar while my 5 week old son was under the care of my Mom and Nan.

I have been using the breast pump that my peer lactation consultant reccomended. Its wonderful. I will provide a link to it at the end of this paragraph. I also finally found bottles that Erik likes. We have yet to try formula with him in it, but breast milk is absolutely no problem! Playtex Drop-ins with NaturaLatch Latex nipples. The bottles as a set come with the NaturaLatch silicone nipples, but I had to splurge and get the latex ones as Little Erik has a latex preference.

Playtex Newborn Drop Ins Set:
http://www.baby-wise.com/product_info.php?products_id=2652

Erik's latex preference I believe stems from the latex MAM pacifier that he was given while still in the hospital to help calm him while cluster feeding.

Well, nature calls Erik and his diaper filled with poo is calling me... I hope to get back to this and write more later. I will look around for the link for my breast pump. This pump is semi-manual if you ask me and is the best pump EVER.

Till later!

Labels: breast feeding, breast pump, drop ins, experiences, latex, mama, metal, milk, miracles, motherhood, playtex, where to buy

Yeah, that baby blog that was promised and still in the works, well its temporarily dead. Skot's hard drive decided it would be cool to perform the c-c-c-click, c-c-c-click of death and D-I-E :-(

Nuff said, we both lost significant amounts of writing, photography, and personal matters, not to mention Skot's music projects, home movies, and our mp3 collection.

I am not going to rant and rave about how stupid we are, and I do not expect anyone to say, oh duh, thats why you back you shit up. WE DID. Skot has this kick ass external hard drive... guess what? That died last week.

Bad things happen in threes so just bring it on, damn it.... WTF?

Ok, I am done with that for now.




BABY NEWS!!!

Nicole and Damian's shower was wonderful. Surprisingly, one of her Aunt's used to live under me when I lived in Chase Park in Bellows Falls. It was odd seeing her as we are both in better places now.

My friend Brie, finally had her baby. Chelsea Elizabeth Magnant. I shall follow up more on that later. The poor doll had to have a C-Section and is still recovering. I have yet to really talk with her.

This weekend is alumni weekend. Skot, Erik and I are going to my mom's tomorrow and Skot and I are going out for a LITTLE while. I am so damn nervous leaving Erik. Most people I know do not part with their little one for months and months, then when they do its a tramatic experience and they are freaking out the entire time they are away. I however am going to try to not be like that. I also realize how important it is that Skot and I have time for ourselves, thus part of the reason that we are going out when he just shy of being 6 weeks old. My mom makes both of us nervous but my gram is so with it, its insane. My mom... well, thats just a touchy subject that I am sure to rant about at some later date.

A few things to check out:

I have found "Baby Legs" to be quite the creation, however expensive on many web sites.... check out this 2 minutes DIY- Baby Legs Guide:

http://zrecs.blogspot.com/2007/05/easy-homemade-baby-legs-baby-and.html

and a little something for all you funky momma's out there:

http://stores.wildchildpdx.com

Labels: baby, baby legs, babysitting, clothing, experience, failure, hard drive, lost data, metal mama, mom. funky, motherhood

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Erik had his one month check up today!!!

We saw the same doctor that we saw two or so weeks ago. She is quite nice, but we still want to rotate through all the doctors just so we will know everyone else.

Erik weighs 10 pounds 2 ounces, and is 24 1/2 inches long (2 feet 1/2 inch :-0 ). I am simply amazed at how fast he has grown in just this one month. It feels like we have had him here with us for so much longer than one month as well, but perhaps that is partially due to the semi-sleepless nights and days that don't end until 4am. I must say, on Erik's part, he has gotten much better about going to sleep at a semi normal hour but now I just need to get myself back to somewhat of a schedule. Skot and I have been total night hawks lately and watching every season of "That 70's Show" OCD style.

I've had a stupid little comment stuck in my head that was made about a week or so ago by a person who means well and will remain nameless. It still irks me though. Just because... it does. The comment was along the lines of "Oh well your mom must enjoy all of the time that she gets to spend with him." I seriously felt that this persons tone was borderline leaning towards implying that there was favoritism among the grandparents... An issue that I already have an issue with, but I will say that Skot and I did spend almost one whole week at my mom and nan's house once Erik and I were discharged from the hospital. I felt that I needed the extra help and that I also needed to be able to tell someone to back off when need be. I needed to feel that I had a good support system around me and that if someone saw my struggling that they would be there to help me, but not lend the help unless asked. This is something that I felt could only be achieved by staying with them for a little while. Plus I also got some insight on motherhood as both my mom and my nan were single parents for the most part so they had some tricks of the trade up they're sleeves!

Skot and I have 3 cats. Technically 2 are mine, 1 is his, but they have since become OURS. Its been rather difficult dividing up the time between Erik, each other, personal time for ourselves, and the feline trio. Out of this trio we have one male named Pieface! He is quite the character and is defiant as all hell. He has no problem poppin' a squat right in front of you if he feels his needs are not being met. He is also needy enough that he requires his own litter box as he highly frowns upon sharing with the two lady felines. (I realize this is a baby blog but this has been irking me, and is semi related. Hell is my blog I don't need to explain anything) Well, Mr. Pieface has been taking joy in pissing downstairs (Skot and I have the entire upstairs to ourselves and share the downstairs with his dad). Pieface did the usual marking of the territory upon newly arriving here. Then as time went on he started spraying here and there. If you as me, he was selective of his places... Either somewhere the Sonic, the late Alpha Male that used to reside over this domain, did or in dark, dusty, ikky areas, but areas that would still be noticed. Well... time after time of pissing on something... well never mind with that. Anyhow. I was actually asked yesterday if I could consider letting him become an outdoor cat (which is outta the question as he is seriously not smart enough to not play in all the traffic here, Bellows Falls was so much different), or if it would be possible for me to find him a new home (also, SOOO NOT HAPPENING). However I was quite proud of myself as I simply said, "he goes, so do I," I smiled and stomped up stairs as there is most definitely feline favoritism here, but none the less I responded in such a manner that would not normally be in my character. This was more than likely brought one by one of two things.... being a momma, or just recently reading about stress levels in breastfeeding women and it possibly leading to a breast infection also know as Mestitus, I believe is what it is called. Scary, eh. Yea, so chill out all you hardcore mommas!

While reading one of the several baby magazines that we just somehow manage to get sent every month I came across a wonderful web site, and one that I wish I had known about awhile ago.

http://www.CarSeatData.org

This site lets you search by automobile type and find a lengthy list of all car seats that have been found to be compatible with that specific make, model, and year automobile. Its wonderful. The main reason I wish I caught wind of this site's existence sooner is due to the fact that I have a wonderful car seat; thought Erik tends to think differently towards it, it makes it so that I cannot have the passenger seat go as far back as it normally is because of the handle of the car seat itself.

*Photos taken today. And for the record, Daddy does in fact have his back!!!!

Labels: 1 month, car seat, cats, check up, data, experience, feline, life, metal, motherhood, web site

I love my Diaper Genie (II). Just thought I would throw that out there. I think it was the first baby investment I made... not to mention was dead set on purchasing as well. One of the things I did not learn until our first few uses of it was that each refill disk contains more than one "use". Oh what a wonderful creation!

Today I was going to take Erik to JCPenney to get a few pair of shorts as that is one thing we actually don't have many of, especially in a size that fits him nicely. I mean I didn't think that shorts were going to be a vital clothing accessory to a newborn boy, born in May, especially with the temperatures we have been experiencing. On a day like today, had we made it out the door, shorts would have been totally appropriate. It was just chilly enough that Erik would have needed something on his little legs. Though explosive bowels lead us to change out outing plans.

I think this makes time number 3 that dear Skot has had to wash out Erik's car seat cover as its become painted in fecal matter.

I am not sure if I have updated this since Erik's WIC follow up, but my little man is now a 10-pounder! YIKES! They really do grow that fast!!!!!!

Exciting things?

My long time friend Brie started the labor induction process today. Though terrified of the process of labor; and who in they're right mind wouldn't flinch at the thought of passing something watermelon sized through something lemon sized? I am confident she will do just fine, and she has a great man by the name of Ian to support her through the possibly long process. I know that with my induction I started on a Friday night at 6pm and Erik did not arrive until that Sunday at 11:35pm. Yeah, lots of work, but oh so worth it. So, BEST WISHES TO BRIE AND IAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nicole and Damian's baby shower is this weekend! I can't wait! I can't wait to go to someone else's baby shower, have them meet Erik-finally, give her her baby gifts, see pics of their new condo, and see how adorably pregnant I bet she looks. It was so incredible to go through pregnancy with such a wonderful woman. We are both young mom's, tall to boot, and very enthusiastic about motherhood. Though Nicole is only about 34 weeks along right now, BEST WISHES TO HER AND DAMIAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so super confident that they too will be incredible parents!

Though I would really love nothing more than to sit here and glow on and on about the joys of pregnancy and bigger joys of motherhood, and rant and rave over products and what I think I will add to the mix is websites I must wrap up and hop into bed with my handsome man and our handsome little man!

Till next time the first site link I'd like to post is:

http://simplymoms.com/

A big thanks to Nicole for my knowledge of this site! If you happen to make your way there and into the forums my name in there is Eriks_Mama & the pic I uploaded with this post might not be wonderful, but its of my little guy so that automatically makes it adorable, plus he is wearing his crabby onesie!!!!

Labels: baby shower, Diaper Genie, experience, induction, mama, metal, moms, motherhood, reviews, simply

Our first stop was Hannafords, and again to my disappointment, Kate was not working. After Hannafords we stopped at the local Wash and Wi-Fi to dry two loads of laundry; Erik's clothing and bedding, and our bedding. Things started out just fine, Erik was even content sitting in his car seat inside the laundromat!!! Then he appeared to be too happy for words; he had pooped, A SHIT LOAD! It was an absolute mess, but seriously no biggie! Skot and I cleaned him up but thought it would be best to bring him home so he could get a much needed bath. This too was seriously no biggie. I shortly there after returned to the laundromat to finish up our laundry while Skot was at home bathing Erik. I was surrounded by oh so obviously-forever single, working bachelors. These were older men who were perfectly content with their seemingly B-O-I-N-G lifestyle.

Most of them looked like the construction/carpenter/plumber/electrician type, though one had on a Hubbarton Forge shirt. They're single status became so apparently obvious to me when I realized that each and every single one of them had loads and loads of all male laundry. Today being a Thursday and all I made the safe assumption that they're laundry adventure took place on a once a week basis.

After awhile of being completely surrounded by content male bachelors I realized that most of them didn't even care that I was there... in they're presence. Me, a female. Not a hair or brow was raised, that is until I started folding my laundry. Thought quite awkward, I did however feel enlightening, almost as if I was practicing an ancient Chinese art form of sorts. I had captured the attention of several of the bachelors by folding my laundry. I seriously think they were observing the skill require to perform such a task so efficiently.

What an experience that was... it even topped my attack of the June Bug experience though that itself was almost as highly ranking as I am absolutely terrified of June Bugs. I absolutely hate those suckers. HATE THEM, HATE THEM.

*The above picture was taken on 05/26/07, making Erik just 20 days old. WOW! Time flies!!!*

Tomorrow we have our WIC appointment and then on Saturday Erik will be attending his first wedding. I am rather excited to see how that goes over, for Erik's sake, though I think he will do fine as long as its not too hot out.

I must wrap this up and I have an absolute dilemma. I lost my nipple cups. Yes, nipples cups. Long story, I will go into more detail about them tomorrow. Well, technically it is tomorrow. Its about 4:30am. Wah. Its late. I have a lap full of sleeping baby. Perhaps I should join, it looks relaxing. I guess my searching for nipple cups can wait until tomorrow, its not like I really need them to sleep anyways.

Yup. I've also decided I want to rant and rave about products I find to be resourceful, and worth the investment, or just shit and not worth the thought of an investment.

Obviously if you go to pampers.com you are only going to hear wonderful reviews about pampers products. If you go to babyeinstein.com you are only going to hear wonderful stories about their products and how they help your child develop.

Here and now I shall start sharing my adventures in the crazed consumer world of baby products!

Yesterday, Skot and I went out to KMart to make the purchase we were unable to a few days previous as the sales associates were absolutely brain dead. This adventure was much more successful!

The Fisher Price, Infant to Toddler Rocker (http://www.fisher-price.com/fp.aspx?st=2011&e=detail&selcat=bgb&pid=31327). What an incredible invention. Simple yet fun and it doesn't take up too much floor space.

Some of our deciding factors behind this purchase were; the infant to toddler conversion (or max. weight limit 40 lbs.), the combination of it being a rocker with the optional soothing vibration feature in which Fisher Price claims to be as soothing as a car ride, the removable & machine washable pad, the two position reclining seat, and the kick stand feature which allows this rocker to become stationary!

Due to our purchase being made in a store we ended up paying $34.99 for the rocker itself, plus sales tax, then I took the additional replacement plan which is good for one year from the date of purchase and was only $4.99. All in all just over $40 and in my eyes it was $40 (ok, $17.00 and some change as my employer sent Erik a gift certificate to the mall) very well spent! Not even 24 hours in our possession and our arm's have already received more a break from holding Erik. Don't get me wrong, we love holding our boy, but he is very attached to his mommy & daddy and he is far from a small baby at that!

Other perks to this wise investment of ours is the cute little toys it comes with. An attachable cow that when his string is pulled he plays "Old McDonald Had A Farm", and Pig, Lamb rattles! My only complaint, thus far, is that the soothing vibrations feature requires 1 D battery, a realization I wish I had made before arriving home!

I think this is something we both will utilize often as it is obvious already that Erik enjoys it, just in brief intervals as it is still something that is extremely new to him. I am looking forward to the enjoyable fact that Erik will be able to grow into this even more and it will become his first rocking chair, which is wonderful as he absolutely loves to be rocked.

Last night and this morning have gone much more smoothly than previous ones. Don't let my words fool you though. My baby is, practically, the perfect angel! Alright. You caught me. I only threw the "practically" in there so it wouldn't sound super conceited, but he's my baby so of course he is P-E-R-F-E-C-T!!!!

Labels: experience, Fisher Price, Infant to Toddler Rocker, KMart, motherhood, newborn, reviews, toys