Tag Archives: mom

Signs of Labor

Greetings, all!

Labor can start at any second from week 37 onward. I’m at 37 weeks now and I’m finding it difficult to distinguish between gas, Braxton Hicks, and real labor contractions. You should be on the lookout for any signs of labor! A term baby can be born anytime between 37 weeks and 42 weeks of pregnancy. I found this site super helpful in providing answers as I woke up at 3 a.m. with strange quick pains.

Note that a “term” pregnancy is divided into four blocks:
1. Early term (between 37 weeks 0 days and 38 weeks 6 days)
2. Full term (between 39 weeks 0 days and 40 weeks 6 days)
3. Late term (between 41 weeks 0 days and 41 weeks 6 days)
4. Post term ( between 42 weeks 0 days and beyond )

What is term labor?
Term labor begins when you have contractions between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy. Your due date is set at the first day of the 40th week. When you have contractions that begin before 37 weeks, it is called preterm labor, and if they wait to start past 42 weeks you are considered post term.

Take a look at this site for some answers and relief. It provides some helpful insight on the following topics:

– What are the signs (Braxton Hicks Contractions) that labor is starting?
– What are the signs of true labor?
– When does labor start for twins?
– When you start having contractions you should time the interval between them
– Birth plans
– Breech position and how it complicates labor
– Breech position and external cephalic version
– Growth and development of baby

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Written by our founder and new mom, Lindsay Bell!

What Is a Birth Plan?

Greetings, all!

As I get closer to delivery, only three more weeks, my husband and I were advised by my OB to review a series of questions and what if scenarios. I found a detailed check list on The Bump to use as a template. But you have to keep in mind; plans don’t always go the way you envision. So play out a few different scenarios so you are not surprised or caught off guard!

Here are some interesting things they brought up that I didn’t really think about…

1. Do you want the lights bright or dimmed?

2. Do you want interns present from the birth?

3. How do you prefer to spend your first stage of labor? In a bath tub? Walking around? With music or in silence?

4. During delivery how do you want to be positioned? Stand, squat, lie in side, lean on partner…?

And here are some really important questions to ask…

1. Would you like labor augmentation? Do you even know what that is?

2. What kind of pain relief do you want to use? There are a lot of options.

3.  What level of fetal monitoring do you want?

4. After delivery what do you prefer? What do you want to do with the umbilical cord and placenta?

5. What if you have to have a c-section. Know your options. Read about recovery. You have decisions here too; want your partner there, want to see the baby come out via mirror?

Print out your plan and keep it in your hospital bag, it’ll just be a source of comfort!

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Written by our Founder and CEO,  Lindsay Bell!

Fun Family Event This Weekend: Really Ready to Read!

Greetings, all!

We wanted to bring our followers a very special event taking place this weekend at Society of Illustrators, that features Meredith Oppenheim and world-renowned psychologist Dr. Shefali Tsabary. At the event, you can learn about Conscious Parenting, a philosophy and bestselling book forwarded by HH The Dalai Lama, that revolutionizes the parenting journey and allows us to transform our relationship with our children.

Learn how Meredith put this philosophy into practice when the word games she and her daughter created inspired their self-published book Really Ready to Read, which generated over $10,000 on Kickstarter with proceeds going to early literacy charities.

Attendees can also look forward to literacy games, crafts, dance, music and more for children 4–8 years of age.

Event Information:
Time:
Sunday, March 6, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location:
  Society of Illustrators – 128 E. 63rd St (between Park & Lex)

Cost:  $30/adult and $5/child
To register for the event click here!

We hope many of you will be at this great event to learn more! And when you’re there, share photos from the event on our Facebook page, or tag @lindsaybellnyc on Twitter!

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

Has Breastfeeding Just Gotten Better?

Greetings, all!

Have you ever wondered what a nipple shield is, or what exactly it’s used for? Well, we did some research into this, and found a great source of information to answer all of your questions!

What is a nipple shield?

According to Kellymom.com, “a nipple shield is a flexible silicone nipple that is worn over the mom’s nipple during a feeding. Nipple shields should in general be considered a short-term solution and should be used under the guidance of a lactation consultant.”

Often, nipple shields are recommended within the first few days of birth. Frequently in these cases, the shields are not needed and are handed out without proper instructions for using and weaning from them – a shield should generally not be used during the first week after birth unless there is an obvious problem such as prematurity or difficulty latching which is attributable to some physical characteristic of the baby. Here is more information on when baby is not latching on yet, sore nipples, and getting a good start on breastfeeding.

As an expectant first time mom, I looked around and I think I will give Medela’s nipple shields a try. There are so many brands to choose from, but from my research and reviewing the comments on Baby Center, Medela seems to be the most popular amongst moms.

Celebrity mom Kim Kardashian apparently is a fan. Check out her opinion on Huff Post.

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Written by our Founder and CEO,  Lindsay Bell!

Safe Food Chart for Expecting Moms

Greetings, all!

I was sitting at a group dinner a few weeks back with majority men, when the waitress came over to take my order. Shoot, I couldn’t remember if Swordfish was on the do not eat list and I didn’t have my “do not eat checklist” in my bag! One of the reasons why I tried to memorize that thing, but nonetheless, I went ahead and ordered it. My other option was red meat, which I already had once that week.

When I got home I ran to my list, and there it was listed on the AVOID list. Way to go, Lindsay.

This is one thing I am trying not to get too narcotic about; my NYC expecting friends pay much closer attention to this AVOID list, than my mom-to-be friends back in Ohio. I was getting ready for a wedding, which I was a bridesmaid (along with two other expecting moms), when it was finally lunchtime. Time to feast! The bride had a very nice deli spread delivered. The expecting Ohio gals dove in. I asked them if it was okay to eat deli meat – they said yes, in moderation – once per week as instructed by their doctor. Whereas my doctor in NYC said pass. I was starving, so I decided to join them.

Everyone seems to say something different. It’s hard to keep track. I agree, moderation is probably the best rule to follow, except when it comes to certain things like alcohol, raw fish, etc.

My sister’s husband is in the medical field and he suggested this link to follow for food safety, while pregnant.

I have it saved on my phone next time I’m in a pickle. Yum…pickle!

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Written by our Founder, CEO, and soon to be mom, Lindsay Bell!

Your Pre-Labor Checklist

Greetings, all!

Getting close to labor and want to make sure you have everything complete? I was searching for a list that was simple, and I liked the recommendations from The Bump.

Here is a modified pre-baby check list:

1. Take a childbirth class
I found CPR, newborn/infant training, and practice breathing techniques the most helpful.

2. Know the breast feeding basics
Here are good 411 tips from CNN in this clip, or learn about nipple shields in this clip.

3. Get the crib and get the nursery in order
One word: Wayfair 

4. Pack your hospital bag – one for you and one for baby
I like this example provided by The Bump.

5. Select birth announcements
Mpix to the rescue!

6. Prep meals in advance or download delivery apps

7. Install car seat into car

8. Wash crib sheets and baby clothes
Get a good baby detergent.

9. Make a labor playlist
Pick music that soothes you.

10. Chose a pediatrician
Ask your OB, mom, friends, or research your own.

11. Spend QT with hubby
Schedule date nights and enjoy the peace and quiet.

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Written by our Founder, CEO, and soon to be mom, Lindsay Bell!

A New Kind of Job

Greetings, all!

As a new mom (or dad) one of the first big choices you have to make is whether or not you’ll be returning to work after your little one is born. For some this choice is easy, but for others you agonize over the “right” decision. In my case it was easy. I could NOT work. I was a teacher at a private school and the cost of child care far exceeded what I was making. I quickly found peace with the decision because it’s what we had to do.

I’ll be the first to admit that I did not fully understand what it took to be a stay-at-home mom. My mom did it for most of my childhood, and so did many others. I was very happy to be fortunate enough to stay home with Henry. Almost six months later, I can tell you that it has been awesome. I love being there when he wakes up, listening to him giggle all day long, taking him outside for fresh air, and so much more.

However, some days I find myself wishing I was back in a classroom. I loved my job. I was good at my job. I loved my students, colleagues, and even the parents! I long to talk to other adults, to actually sit down to eat lunch and have a few moments of relaxation, to take a shower where I can condition my hair AND shave my legs, and to wear nice clothes without the fear of being spit up on. I suppose “the grass is always greener!” I have to look at it as now I have a different kind of job that is equally as important. Instead of teaching multiplication, I play peek-a-boo. I read to Henry, we sing songs, and get in some gym and music time, too!  I find balance by tutoring former students a few times a week and getting a sitter once in a while to go work out or to dinner with my girlfriends. Balance is key! Whether you stay at home, work full or part time, being a parent is hard work! Finding the right balance is essential in order to maintain your sanity and happiness!

I asked my “Baby Mamas” how they came to the decision whether to stay home or go back to work. Their answers varied. Some didn’t have a choice and had to go back to work because they couldn’t afford to lose their income. Others wanted to go back to work and are enjoying being back in the work environment. One mom is back at work because her company pays for her fertility treatments. Another mom is a partner at a law firm with her husband and she balances work and motherhood by working from home a few days a week and bringing her son to work on others. All the situations are different, but they are all the right choice for their family. It’s not easy to be at home all the time and it’s not easy to leave your baby. Ultimately you have to do what is best financially, mentally, and logistically for your family.

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Written by Maureen Kruse, our past Chicago city coordinator.

Jenna Helwig – Real Food for the Whole Family

Greetings, all!

We checked-in with our friend, Jenna Helwig, who is the creator and founder of Rosaberry– a culinary services company devoted to helping New York families eat better through culinary instruction and personal chef services. In our short Q&A below, we learned more about her and some of the things that inspired her to create Rosaberry.

Q: What influential people or events in your life made you want to launch Rosaberry?
A: My daughter was really my inspiration. I started Rosaberry soon after she was born. I was so excited about helping parents feed their families better, whether their kids were infants or older.

Q: For those parents or childcare providers needing to make dinner in a hurry, what top three quick meals would you recommend whipping together?
A: For me, the key is planning. I try to have a rough idea of what I’m going to make for most of the next week by Sunday. That way when I walk in the door I know exactly what I need to do: boil water for pasta or preheat the oven for veggies, for example. I also try to get some prep work done over the weekend, such as washing and chopping a head of broccoli, cooking some pork in the slow cooker, or making a pot of quinoa. Our hands-down favorite for a super-quick meal is Eggs in Purgatory, basically eggs gently cooked in tomato sauce. The recipe is in Real Baby Food, and it’s so quick and simple. My daughter requests it on a weekly basis.

 

Q: You’ve been making homemade baby food for your daughter, Rosa, since she was born. Any words of wisdom to expectant moms about to do the same?
A: The great thing about homemade baby food is that you can make a lot at once and freeze it, so you can always have some on-hand. That said, don’t stress if you need to supplement with store-bought foods sometimes. Do the best you can. One other piece of advice: try to introduce your baby to as many foods as possible before age 1. Studies show that the more variety they eat as babies, the more fruits and vegetables they’ll eat as older kids. What parent wouldn’t want that?

Q: Your Instagram photos look delicious! What is your all time favorite recipe?
A: Oh my gosh, that’s so hard to say! I will tell you may favorite recipe for right now – I’ve been making a roasted carrot salad with toasted pepitas, cumin, and cilantro, and my mouth waters just thinking about it!

You can follow along with Jenna’s delicious recipes through her Instagram and Twitter handle
@jennahelwig.
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Written by our Marketing & Social Media Coordinator, Taylor Bell!

1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children

Greetings, all!

In a recent seminar hosted by BFC, we had the privilege of listening in on Thomas W. Phelan, Ph.D., author of 1-2-3 Magic Effective Discipline for Children 2-12. He taught us that 1-2-3 Magic is simple, but not always easy. The easy part is the basic structure of the program. The hard part is the fact that the first step in disciplining kids is to discipline yourself.

Below you will find further tips that we pulled away from the seminar.

Tip 1: Think of parenting as a three step process:

Step 1: Controlling Obnoxious (Stop) Behavior
Step 2: Encouraging Good (Start) Behavior
Step 3: Strengthening Your Relationship with Your Child

Tip 2: There are two basic kinds of behavior problems:

STOP BEHAVIOR: arguing, whining, fighting, teasing, tantrums, yelling, etc. For this minor obnoxious behavior you will use the 1-2-3, or “counting,” method.
START BEHAVIOR: eating, going to bed, getting up in the morning, homework, cleaning rooms, practicing, etc. To encourage good behavior you will have seven tactics. You may use one or more of them simultaneously.

Tip 3: Controlling Obnoxious (Stop) Behavior

The “counting” method: two brief warnings (“That’s 1,” “That’s 2”) followed by a “rest period” or time-out alternative if the child hits three. No talking, no emotion. No explanations afterwards unless absolutely necessary.
What to do in public? Get 1-2-3 rolling at home first, then use it in the grocery store the same as at home. Beware of the threat of public embarrassment!

Tip 4: Strengthening Your Relationship with Your Child

Try these four things: shared one-on-one fun, avoiding over-parenting, sympathetic listening, and solving problems together

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

Baby Shower Revival

Greetings, all!

Hosting a baby shower can be hard work. From the invites and theme, to finding a good location and food; there is a lot of planning that goes on behind the scenes. Then, it’s time for all of the action to take place, and the host is left to entertain the crowd. In efforts to keep the guests engaged, we’ve provided some fun activities to share with your crowd, because let’s face it, watching your friend open gifts for an hour starts to lose its thrill.
  • Activity 1: Gender Reveal
  • For those moms who have done a good job of keeping the gender of their baby a secret, how about revealing the gender at the shower? This gives the guests (and mom to be) something fun to look forward to at the shower. Some of our favorite gender reveal ideas:
  • Cakes: We love the work done by Jennifer Bunce, at The Hudson Cakery in Weekhawken, NJ!
  • Mustache or bow: Try out these pins on Etsy, and have your guests pin on their guess when they walk in. You can even give a small prize away to those who guess right!
  • Activity 2: He Said/She Said
  • Meredith, with Unoriginal Mom proves her name with this game. Get to know the mom and dad of the upcoming bundle. Have both mom and dad provide 5-10 facts about themselves and combine them onto one sheet. Have your guests circle either “he” or “she” to indicate who the fact belongs to. Try giving away a Hershey bar to the winner, shading either Hershey or Hershey.
  • Activity 3: M&M Bottle
  • Fill a baby bottle with M&Ms (or like candy) and have guests guess how many are in the bottle. Winner goes home with the bottle!
  • Activity 4: Word Scramble
  • Team up with the people at your table to unscramble all of the baby-related terms on your sheet of paper.
  • Activity 5: Price Is Right
  • From Frugal Fanatic, Adeline Ganley shows us how to create a Price Is Right themed game, by listing 10 baby-related items on a sheet of paper, and having the guests guess the price of each one. At the bottom, have them total up the cost of all items, and the person that’s closest to the actual total wins the showcase! You just need to decide what the showcase is.

Happy planning to all those baby shower goers out there! I know I’ll be caring these tips over into the upcoming showers for my two sisters this winter!

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