Tag Archives: motherlode

Have Your Own Mommy Assistant and Helper

Giving birth is intense! The recovery should not be.

We have a dedicated trope of professionals who specialize in post-partum care, as well as general assistant duties.

The role includes:
1. Meal prep (light to medium level)
2. Help with laundry
3. Help with keeping the house tidy (empty dishwasher, wipe down tables, sweeping)
4. Make beds
5. Ordering groceries
6. Assist in scheduling (doctor visits, ordering food, cars, scheduling appointments)
7. Help with errands (post office, drug store, grocery store)
8. Assist with baby (bottle prep, diaper changing, swaddling, holding or soothing, bathing)
9. General comfort of having a professional there to help talk through questions, get opinions, etc.
10. Companion as you recover (help walking, getting up)

We have developed a training program for our sitters and nannies to make them the best New Mommy Assistants and helpers in the business.

New Mommy Assistants are typically hired for 30 days of service as live-in, but can also be live-out, and either full- or part-time. E-mail us today if you are interested in hiring a New Mommy Assistant!

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Written by our Founder & CEO, Lindsay Bell

Infant Must-Haves for Travel

We compiled a list of some of the top travel must-haves to carry on your excursions with your infant this Summer. Take a read, print out, and use it as your checklist for your next travel adventure!

Clothing/Accessories
Dressy outfit
Casual outfits
Sweater
Socks
Swimsuit
Pajamas (2 per baby)
Sunglasses (we love Babiators!)
Sunhat

Feeding
Manual breast pump and accessories
Baby bottles
Baby bottle brush
Dish soap
To-go powdered formula
Snacks for mom
Burp cloths
Bibs

Toiletries/Bath
Baby bath towel and washcloth
Bath soap

Technology
iPad/iPhone for baby music
Cell phone
Cell phone charger

Diapering (in Addition to Diaper Bag)
Box of wipes
Diapers
Sealable plastic bags for diapers
Hand sanitizer
Disposable swim

Baby Gear
Stroller (might not be needed for quick trips)
Baby carrier (Baby Bjorn or sling)
Car seat
Pacifiers and pacifier hooks
Baby monitor (both pieces)

Bedding
Travel crib (or book a hotel that already has this)
Breathable blanket for shading stroller

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Written by our Founder & CEO, Lindsay Bell!

To Pacifier or Not to Pacifier – Part II

As a follow-up to our pacifier post last week, we asked a few of our sitters turned moms, “How do you clean the baby’s paci when it falls to the floor?”

Each sitter turned mom read the following article prior to sharing their feedback.

Brittany S. (first time mom of 6-week old boy)

Funny that this was a topic you are writing about because it has been a topic of conversation in our house. I spent money on wipes specifically to clean pacifiers and have yet to use them. My husband of course questioned the purchase and since he was born I have too. We both believe that some germs are good for the baby, especially the ones in our house. The pacifier has yet to be something he enjoys, so it usually ends up on the ground shortly after we have given it to him. Before reading the article I was literally cleaning it myself by putting it in my mouth! I was laughing when I read that this was something other people are doing. If the paci dropped on the subway platform I maybe would whip out those wipes, but for most situations I think a simple clean in mommy or daddy’s mouth is a-okay. It is a little like the five second rule, right?

Monica M. (first time mom of 6-month old)

Personally, if I am home and the pacifier falls, I do suck it clean and then give it back to the baby, so I’m relieved to hear that it has benefits. It’s only in my home that I do this, because I am in control of the conditions there. If I am out of the house I run it under water to clean it off or even swap it out for a new one and deep clean the other one later.

Lindsey S. (mom of toddler and one on the way)

When my little guy was an infant, I often carried paci wipes with me in his diaper bag. When I didn’t have a paci wipe on me, I would suck the paci to clean it. On a weekly basis (still), I boil all paci’s, especially the ones that come from his daycare. If he is sick, I find myself cleaning the paci’s more often (similar to changing pillow cases or sheets when you are sick).

The study and article is interesting.. and I 100% agree that some degree of exposure to germs at an early age benefits children. I never got neurotic about cleaning the paci’s; it really depends on where it would fall. For example, if it fell on the floor at the airport or grocery store, I would generally stash it away for a deeper clean. However, if it fell at home somewhere or in the car, I would either use a paci wipe, regular wipe, or suck clean.

Leave a comment and share with us what you do!

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Written by our Founder & CEO, and new mom, Lindsay Bell!

Diaper Bag Secrets

Have you ever wondered what exactly you should keep in your diaper bag? The list of items to throw in before heading out the door seems to be getting longer and longer. To avoid having to sit on the bag to get the zipper shut, we provided a go-to list of items to include in you diaper bag through parents.com.

Make your next house exit hassle-free by using the list below:

1. Diapers (who would have guessed?)
2. Small box of wipes
3. Fold-up changing pad
4. Diaper rash cream
5. Burp cloths
6. Set of clothes
7. Sun hat
8. Sunscreen
9. Bottle
10. Favorite thing (whether it’s a rattle, small plush toy, etc., what ever will help avoid the meltdown)

For the full list and inside details, check out the article on parents.com here.

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Written by our Marketing & Social Media Coordinator, Taylor Bell!

New on Demand: Breast Feeding

It is 3:25 a.m. and I’m awake. Four years ago the only time I was up at this hour was to dance at Southside (a then fun night club).

Nowadays, I spend these hours cruising through Facebook, responding to the mass texts from my sisters, and brainstorming new business ideas while I check my six e-mail accounts. Rather than swiping right on Tinder, I’m clicking “interested” to childcare providers and recruiting new sitters and nannies. So really, not much has changed.

As my fellow first time mommy pal would put it, “This sleep deprivation thing is no joke, huh?”

I know we are in an on-demand world now; on-demand babysitting, car services, grocery shopping, etc., BUT on demand breast feeding?!

I had no idea what I was in for. As coached by the doctors and nurses where I delivered, my baby basically regulates his meals and is fully in charge. When he begins rooting or making this snap sound with his mouth – it’s go time. A cry is SOS.

I keep track of each feeding, well, I did at first, now I can’t remember where the note pad is half of the time.

This on demand stuff happens every two hours or so, except at night when he gives me about 3-4 hours of relief. It’s weird how no one told me about this when I was expecting.

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Written by our Founder & CEO, and new mom, Lindsay Bell!

So Long Sleep

I can’t decide if I need a hug,
A large coffee,
Six shots of vodka, or
Two weeks of sleep.

Sincerely,
Every mom of a newborn

This sums up life with a newborn. You know the endless waking up through the night, the on-demand breast feeding, and the list goes on and on.

I’m up now and it’s 5:07 a.m. I went to bed around 1:30 a.m. My son is on an every 3-4 hour window feeding schedule at night, and during the day it’s between 2-5 hours (I know not consistent). By the time I’m done feeding I have time to check my e-mail, make a call, throw in dinner, and then it’s feeding time again!

Most moms are advised to sleep when the baby sleeps, but I have found that totally impossible. I have too much to do and I’m naturally not a good napper.

Thank goodness my lil guy sleeps between 3-4 hours at night, giving me about 7 hours of sleep in blocks of time typically between 11 p.m.-9 a.m.

My advice – have a solid routine-and don’t stray from it!

– Wake up and position yourself the same (use a boopy – it freed my arms to e-mail, read, etc. when feeding).
– Feed on one side, then burp.
– Feed on the other side, then burp.
– Change diaper.
– Swaddle (I love aden + anais).
– Sometimes if the baby is fussy he/she will need a top off (2-5 min of extra feeding).
– Soothe in your arms (we have a special dance).
– Place in same baby basset every night (try The Baby Box Company or Fisher-Price)

Note you can come up with any routine you want to, this just works for us!

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Written by our Founder & CEO, and new mom, Lindsay Bell!

How to Be a Super Productive Mom

Are you looking to find ways to increase your productivity as a mom? Here are some words of wisdom from the most productive mom I know!

1. Wake up and get started right away.
Make your bed, put a load of laundry in, eat breakfast and watch the news (so you feel like you’re still part of society).

2. Entertain yourself during feedings.
Catch up on work e-mails, respond to texts, make calls that need to be done, or read any mommy books you’ve wanted to complete.

3. Exercise.
Walk around the apartment, take the stairs, do exercises holding your baby while you soothe him/her, or sign up for a mommy and me class.

4. Get outside.
Go for a walk outside by yourself towards the end of each day to run errands, call family/friends, etc.

5. If you are working from home…
Prioritize your to-do list, cross things off once complete.

6. Spend time with your hubby. 
It’ll make you feel better that your relationship stays strong too, especially with all your attention going to the baby. Schedule a date night, make your husband dinner, tell him you love him, and give him a kiss tonight.

Christening

Written by our Founder & CEO, Lindsay Bell!

CoreMotion – From Lawyer to Fitness Studio Owner

Greetings, all!

We’re bringing you a special blog post today featuring the story behind CoreMotion Studios. Located in Fairfield, Connecticut, CoreMotion brings us a story of a woman who left her career as a New York City lawyer to become a stay at home mom, and later owner of a successful fitness studio. We had the opportunity to chat with Elise Zealand, owner of CoreMotion Studios, to find out more about her journey through this short Q&A.

Q: What made you decide to leave your successful career as a lawyer and become a full-time entrepreneur?

When I was working in-house as general counsel of a media company, I discovered that what really interested me was the business side, the strategic planning and operations, rather than the legal work. And I’ve always loved fitness — a lot more than I ever loved being a lawyer. I discovered the Megaformer in New York and was blown away by how strong I felt after taking just a few classes. Pretty soon I was hooked and I wanted to share my discovery with my friends and neighbors in Fairfield County, a community where we have a home and that’s very dear to my heart. It was an enormous leap of faith to start a business rather than go back into law, but I’ve learned more from this experience than anything else I’ve ever done professionally.

Q: I know you spoke about this a bit with Lindsay, tell us why you feel being an entrepreneur/business owner is more challenging than being a mom. What advice can you give other CEO mothers out there?

Being an entrepreneur, you constantly have to convince everyone around you — your clients, employees, business partners and even family — that you’re capable of creating and managing this new entity. You have to prove yourself and sell your product. In contrast, most people will give you the benefit of the doubt that you’re a competent parent and your baby’s cute. And there are so many moving pieces to a business that the work literally just never stops. At least a baby sleeps. Sometimes. I think CEO moms might as well let go of the guilt that comes from balancing a business with family, because they’ve made the choice to do it. And it’s important to tune out the negativity around them. I’m not saying to ignore constructive feedback or expert advice. But lots of people will have opinions about what to do with your business and that noise can get distracting. At the end of the day, you’re the business’s mother. And you know best.

Q: You offer a great program through CoreMotion called, “CoreNutrition.” Tell us about CoreNutrition, and why people should join in?

We are in the process of developing our nutrition counseling business because it’s integral to overall health. We want people to come into the studio and feel successful. For most people, real body change will require changes in their eating habits. I am a huge believer that your best body, inside and out, comes from a combination of eating well and exercising intelligently and with purpose. I used to sweat it out at a big box gym without giving much thought to what I was doing. Then I’d follow up with a 20-ounce smoothie that had more sugar than a donut. We want to help lift our clients out of old habits that aren’t working for them.

Q: How does someone join CoreMotion and/or sign-up for a class?

They can just go to our website, www.CoreMotionStudios.com!

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Written by our Marketing & Social Media Coordinator, Taylor Bell!

Newborn and Infant Training with Bell Family

Greetings, all!

Bell Family Company’s Infant Expert Training course was held on January 26, 2016 for a select group of our most seasoned infant sitters. Pager.com (app for on demand healthcare) teamed with Bell Family to provide pertussis and flu vaccines to any sitters in need of a boost. Bell Family had an array of teachers, coaches, moms, and experts in the field for the course, from an RN to a psychologist, Licensed Social Worker and a Doula.

The course covered many topics including newborn safety, sleep training, when to call the doctor, calming a fussy baby, and SIDS.

Tammy Gold (Licensed Therapist and Certified Parent Coach Author, Secrets Of The Nanny Whisperer, and mother of three) spoke on:

  • Presentation/boundaries, and
  • How to communicate with families, parents, and new moms.

Ali Shepard (Our in house Nanny Coordinator/LMSW) spoke on:

  • Newborn development and infant directed speech,
  • Ali educated participants on early childhood development stages such as, Cognitive, Communication, Social-Emotional, Adaptive and Physical Development, and
  • How to communicate with newborns and infants based on their age.

Inka Rudnyka (Postpartum Doula and mother) spoke on:

  • Latching, and troubleshooting if a mother is having trouble trying to latch,
  • How to prepare breast milk, and
  • Burping methods.

Amy Sulce (Pager RN) spoke on:

  • Umbilical cord care,
  • Bathing a baby,
  • Sleeping pattern and positioning,
  • Weight loss/gain for a newborn,
  • Sanitation,
  • Elimination patterns, and
  • Feeding patterns and techniques.

Lindsay Bell (Company President and new mom) spoke on:

  • The Happiest Baby on the Block: The 5 S’s – Swaddling, Side or Stomach positioning, Shushing, Swing and Suck, and
  • Understanding postpartum depression.

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Written by Meredith Hamler, Coordinator, Sitter Services

Running with Heels

Greetings, all!

We all know that we live in a world of networking. It’s bold, vast, and apart of our everyday lives. Like most things, networking is constantly growing and changing, therefore we wanted to connect our readers with a networking pro, and her name is Jenny Powers.

We connected with Jenny to do a short Q&A, where she talks about her thoughts on networking, and gives us a look inside her networking event, “Running with Heels.”

Q: What sets “Running with Heels” apart from those traditional networking events?

We are a by-invitation community focused on curated connections. We strategically extend exclusive invitations to a diverse group of senior level women executives and established business owners from a variety of backgrounds, skill sets and interests in an effort to encourage the development of mutually beneficial professional and personal relationships. This is no business card exchange or speed networking event, we’re a get-together with friends and business partners you just haven’t met yet.

Q: What do you say to women who dislike or don’t see the benefits of networking events to get them to come join one with “Running with Heels?”

I tell them to give us a try because we produce women’s networking events for women who hate networking! Most people fall in that category so they give us a shot, realize that networking can actually be fun and productive and then they’re hooked!

Q: Not only are you having great success with “Running with Heels,” but you also get your voice out in your monthly column on DailyWorth.com and through your podcast, “BroadCast: Broads Building Business.” Can you tell us what you have found more challenging motherhood or work, and why? 

Without a doubt, motherhood is the most challenging job I’ve ever had however it’s also the most rewarding. Writing my column, producing events and interviewing guests for my show and having them open up to me are all a cinch compared to raising a healthy, happy, well-rounded child.

Q: What is one take away you make sure to do at a networking event when meeting new people?

I always ask people I meet how I can help them. Most people are surprised by this and think it’s a trick question because networking gets a bad rap. When people think of networking, they think of self-serving people relentlessly pitching their product or service in an attempt to close a deal or fill a quota. If you regard networking simply as opening a door rather than closing a sale, you’ll genuinely want to help people move forward with their own goals.

 

Special thanks to Jenny Powers for sitting down with us for this Q&A! To learn more about Running with Heels, take a look at the full site here!

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Written by our Marketing & Social Media Coordinator, Taylor Bell!