May 1, 2013

The Doctor is In: Post-Partum Recovery Tips

By · 11 Comments

*Product received. All opinions mine.

presley and me

Did you know that May is National Pregnancy Awareness Month? It is! If you are a loyal reader of my blog, then you know of all of my trials I went through, trying to conceive our third child.

newborn boy

When I did find out I was pregnant again and knew it was going to ‘stick‘, I was so excited, scared, happy, tearful and just plain in awe! Man that was a good day!!!

When I was preparing for labor I prepared about 1-2 months in advance, that way I knew I would be prepared and could then just wait for baby to make his/her appearance!

hospital bag

One of the ways to prepare for labor and delivery is with a nice bag filled with things you can use in the hospital. Dr. Elizabeth Chabner Thompson is a medical expert who is devoted to new moms  ease into the labor and post-natal periods. She came up with an awesome hospital duffle bag, the Mommy/Delivery BFFL Bag, that she specifically designed to provide comfort, convenience and care for women preparing for childbirth and a great gift for moms-to-be!

hospital duffle bag

I received one of these hospital bags to check out and I was so impressed by all of the wonderful goodies nestled inside this bag. It has everything a mama needs, to keep her comfy and cozy (well as cozy and comfy as any laboring mom can really be, lol) during delivery!

First of all, the duffle bag is absolutely adorable. You can reuse it time and time again, after the hospital. I love the bright stripes on it and fun colors. Inside the bag, is necessities that any mama would appreciate in the hospital. This is definitely the ultimate hospital bag! It is chock full of all the essentials for C-section or traditional birth.

The bag is made of lightweight, stain resistant pack cloth and has metal feet to keep the bag off the hospital floor (genius!!!), and is roomy enough room for clothing and other essential personal items.

What Is Inside???

*specially designed axillapilla® pillow for recovery and nursing support

* a collapsible water bottle; perineal ice packs

* soft, washable nursing pads

*wound/incision care pack, toiletries, amusements

* KIND healthy snack bar (SO delicious!!!!)

*Expandable folder for important papers from hospital

*flip-flops

*Each bag is accompanied by a handwritten note card

and more!

The only thing I would have added to this already fabulous bag? Would be a small robe or cute nightgown and when the person ordered they could choose a size. Otherwise, this is truly the perfect hospital bag for any mama to be!!!! Love it!

hospital bag for pregnant women

 The Mommy/Delivery BFFL Bag retails for $120.00. 15% of the net profit from your purchase will be donated to the Harvard School of Public Health Women’s and Health Initiative!

Here are some post-partum recovery tips by Dr. Elizabeth Chabner Thompson:

*Do Your Kegels

Strengthening your pelvic floor by doing Kegel exercises is a must. It helps maintain urinary continence and the functioning of your back end.

*Avoid the Stairs

If you live in a multi-story home and must walk down stairs, try going carefully down them backward to reduce stress on your incision or sore areas. (Not sure if I would walk anywhere backwards, but to each their own!)

*Go Nuts for Nuts

After giving birth it’s important to eat a healthy, well balance diet to help the body heal. Not only are nuts a great source of protein & fiber, they are also rich in zinc and selenium which help to boost your mood and prevent postpartum depression. Dr. Elizabeth recommends carrying diaper-bag compatible KIND bars, made primarily of whole nuts, whenever on-the-go as an easy way to get these essential nutrients.

*Return to Romance

When you’re ready for sex, and you’ve held off for the recommended six weeks, go for it. Just don’t forget the Astroglide or other personal lubricant, because after childbirth and while breastfeeding, you’re low in estrogen, causing a thinning of your cervical mucous, which can lead to dryness and discomfort.

Were you prepared when your little one made his/her entrance into this world? What sorts of things did you bring with you to the hospital?

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Archives, Pregnancy & Loss · Tagged: , , , , , ,
Apr 17, 2013

Have You Ever Had a Psychic Reading Done? (My True Story!)

By · 20 Comments

Have any of you ever had a psychic reading done?? I ask this because I totally believe in that kind of stuff and yes, I have had several done before!

Before I got pregnant with my newest little one, you all know I had a VERY hard time getting pregnant. Nothing worked. I had numerous IUI’s, fertility treatments and tried most anything and everything out there to no avail. This went on for about 2.5 to 3 years. Nothing. Nada. Zilch. Blah. It was heart wrenching. I had a miscarriage in those few years of trying too and that was really hard on me. All together I had lost 3 little ones…

angel in garden

So, I was becoming increasingly desperate. Not only was my age a huge factor in ttc, but I only have ONE fallopian tube too now, to work with. It seemed like NOTHING was on my side for a third child..

So, naturally I turned to a psychic to do a reading for me. I ordered one online from a well-known psychic that many other ttc women were turning to, for support and some comfort.

glass ball

It only cost me $5 bucks so what was there to lose, right? I paid the $5 and immediately the psychic contacted me through email. She asked me a few questions than got right back to me with my reading.

It was unreal how accurate this particular reading would become… I look back to when I first received the reading and could see some things then, but now that the WHOLE picture has already happened, it is UNREAL at how REAL this reading was…

I will explain…

In my reading, it said that I will have difficulty trying to conceive (ttc). I will need help with ttc. I DID need help!

Next it said I have experienced losses and that has made me very scared and full of anxiety (again, true). Then it said that I will be having a boy next (just gave birth to a boy!). But, the psychic told me that I would experience a loss before the baby was born, but maybe I did not know that yet, she said..

My father in law passed away VERY unexpectedly in April of last year (a year ago on the 19th...). ONE week later, I found out I was pregnant with THIS baby. She was right again…

She then said in the first trimester, I would be very sick with morning sickness. I was EXTREMELY ill…

sick

She said this baby would come in December/January.. my baby boy came at the end of December!

baby k

She also said that my labor and delivery will not go as planned. Ummm.. I had my baby in less than an hour from when I got to the hospital. Forty minutes to be exact. I pushed him out, without an epidural mind you all, NATURAL, in about 7 minutes. The doctor who was delivering my baby was just pulling into the parking lot!!!! Ya, my birth plan/delivery was  NOT expected to go this way! LOL..

Then she said that the numbers 3 and 21 kept appearing to her. Well, this was my third baby so that made sense to me. But the 21 I could NOT figure out… until my mom and dad came to visit me in the hospital and they said “This is our 21st grandchild!” OMG!! That is where the 21 came in! Soooo weird!!

The Psychic also said that there MAY be another child ‘out there’ for me, but it is unclear. It would be a girl and it would be VERY close in age with the baby I have now.. SIGH. That has yet to come true and I certainly hope it will not, LOL. I don’t think I could handle that right now. I feel we are done having kids now. I feel complete..

At the end, she said that I would be a hermit for a while. When I think about that, I think that I am a hermit right now. My baby cries all the time, and is colicky and has acid reflux. That makes it really hard to go out very much because I never know when he will be fussy and just cry. So, yes, I am a hermit right now.

So, what do you think about my Trying to Conceive psychic reading I had done??? Isn’t it eerily right on??? I am a FIRM believer in this kind of stuff. I often feel like I have some super natural powers too.. I sense things sometimes, it is weird and then they come true some times! I think we all have a psychic ability, we just have to know how to tune into those abilities..

Anyways, that is my true story and I have been wanting to share it with you all for a while now!

Do YOU believe in this sort of thing? Have you ever had a psychic reading? Please do tell in the comments below! I LOVE this sort of stuff :)

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Archives, Pregnancy & Loss · Tagged: , , , , , ,
Mar 29, 2013

My Baby Boy Is Three Months Today!!!

By · 10 Comments

My goodness they grow fast, is an understatement! They grow SUPER fast!!! Whoosh. My little newborn, is not so newborn anymore :(

Happy Three Months little ‘Domma’!!

3 months old

 

 

Filed Under: Archives, Family · Tagged: , ,
Feb 26, 2013

Express Yourself

By ·

*This is a guest post

If you want to express breast milk but are not sure how or what to use, then here is a quick guide to expressing milk to make this process a little clearer for first time Moms, or Moms who want to give breastfeeding a try.

 time to eat

As you know, breastfeeding is the best source of nutrition for your baby and when it comes time to change to bottle, you can still provide your little one with breast milk by expressing. This means you can let your partner take over feeding duties – which will help with bonding – or enable you to return to work with the knowledge that your baby will still be fed with breast milk. It is also a great option if your baby isn’t sucking well or your breast is uncomfortably full with milk.

 

It is possible to express by hand with many women saying they find it more comfortable, but the majority of women choose a breast pump to aid with expressing. Different pumps suit different women so it is important to consider your breast size when choosing a pump. Lansinoh offer a great selection of breast pumps and breast-feeding advice for new Moms or those who haven’t tried expressing before.

 

Expressing milk is also a trained art form, so don’t be disheartened if it takes you a few attempts to get it right. Although seemingly a simple action to perform, different variables can make a big difference to the amount of milk that is expressed. Things such as stress or a cool temperature can have a negative effect on your milk production so if it just isn’t happening; think about other factors that may be affecting it.

 

Once you have mastered the action then you need to know how to store your breast milk for future use. In a sterilized container you can store breast milk:

 

  • In the fridge at 4˚C or lower – Up to five days
  • In the ice compartment of a fridge – Two weeks
  • In a freezer – Up to 6 months

 

If you have chosen the frozen method then it is best to defrost the milk in the fridge and then use immediately. Do not use a microwave to heat the milk, as this may cause hot spots which can burn your baby’s mouth. It is also suitable cold – if your baby will take it this way – but you can heat the milk in lukewarm water to keep the milk at body temperature.

 

As with most things to do with your little one, it is up to each Mom to decide what is best for her baby. If you feel like expressing is the next stage for you, then this guide will see you through the initial teething problems.

 

 

Filed Under: Archives, Pregnancy & Loss · Tagged: , , , , ,
Jan 14, 2013

Introducing My Baby: Kellan Dax

By ·

my loves

Finally, I am able to post this! What a whirl wind of two weeks! As I type this, baby is crying, so I need to go nurse.. sigh. My boy nurses lately, 24/7 and only likes to sleep on his mama. I am enjoying every minute as he is our last!

Kellan Dax

 Birth Story:

First, I will tell you the story! I was released from the hospital at 10:30 pm-ish. took off makeup, went to bed with contractions 7-8 minutes apart very strong ones. I was just starting to get a contraction and I heard a very loud “pop”. My water broke in bed, but did not leak out, thank God. When hubby helped me out of bed it GUSHED EVERYWHERE!!! OMG.. IMMEDIATELY I started getting HUGE and HARD contractions it was HORRIBLE. But, if you all know me, I had to put back on my makeup :) while the contractions were killing me. Before I knew it, we were all in the car RACING as fast as we could to the hospital. By the time we got there I was screaming in pain. I had to check in AGAIN and sign papers with such pain,it was just HORRIBLE. when they wheeled me upstairs to l&d I screamed “get me an epidural!!!” because I KNEW I could miss the chance. Once in the room, three nurses stripped me naked and put on my robe because I could not. Then I got into the bed and the contractions were making me cry sooooo hard, omg, I hurt sooo badly. They had SO much to do before I was able to even get an epi. Ten minutes or fifteen minutes after they first checked me (I was a four by then) they checked again and I was a 7. Ten minutes after that, I screamed I feel pressure, I HAVE to push! They checked me and i was a ten and baby was coming out! They said “no time for an epidural!!” When they said that i had NEVER in my life screamed soooooo loudly and started crying in FEAR. I was supposed to give birth NATURALLY?! OMG, no way. no way no way. The doctor whom i never met before, was pulling into the parking lot and she raced upstairs on ly to deliver my baby IMMEDIATELY upon coming into the room! I pushed for 6 minutes and at 1:40 am, only being at the hospital not even an hour, I gave birth to a little boy! Kellan Dax Delatorre. 7 lbs 1 ounce and 19.5 inches long. This little boy WANTED out, I knew it, but apparently the nurses did not. If they had only kept me and listened to me, I would have had my epi. This was the first birth that my parents did not come to in time, LOL. My little boy is absolutely beautiful and TINY and alll mine!!!! He breastfeeds like a champ and is soooooooo tiny and cuddly. I LOVE HIM! And so does his brother Z and Sissy P!!!!!!!!!! We are in love!!!!!!

So, I posted that birth story on my FB page too, so if you see it twice, well then so be it :)

time to eat

We tried for this baby for over 2.5 years and we are just sooo happy he is FINALLY here and OURS! We could not be any happier!!!

naptime

Stay tuned for more baby updates, reviews and giveaways!

newborn feet

Love from,

Kim and Kellan :)

Filed Under: Archives, Pregnancy & Loss · Tagged: , , , ,
Dec 31, 2012

Think I Might Be In Labor! (My Baby Is HERE!!)

By ·

Had to prepare this post, for “just in case”! Yep, thinking the little one is making his/her appearance shortly… So, if I am not around, this is why! Forgot how scary/exciting/ tearful this can be!!

Wish me luck :)

I will update when I can.. 

Kim

Udated:

My baby came on Saturday morning at 1:40 am :) I will have pictures and story later! Going to go cuddle with my baby BOY now :) Yep, had a boy :) Talk to you soon :)

Kim

Filed Under: Archives, Pregnancy & Loss · Tagged: , , , ,
Dec 24, 2012

Merry Christmas!!!

By ·

Just wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!!!!! I hope your day is filled with love, family and friends :) I have lots of fun things going on for the new year, so stay tuned!!

My baby should be here hopefully soon too, maybe next week?? Maybe sooner :) So we are preparing for our newest littlest one to make his/her appearance shortly too! Lots going on!!

Anyways, have a great day and I will see you all on Wednesday!!!

Kim

Filed Under: Archives, Family · Tagged:
Dec 14, 2012

Teen Pregnancy In The US (Infographic)

By ·

I thought this was a great infographic about Teen pregnancy (facts, figures and trends),  in the United States. I wanted to share it all with you. You can click on the infographic to enlarge, so you can view it better. Feel free to share with your friends too.

Teen Pregnancy in America - Facts Figures and Trends
Teen Pregnancy in America – Facts Figures and Trends – An infographic by the team at OnlineUltraSoundSchool.com

Filed Under: Archives, Pregnancy & Loss · Tagged: , , ,
Aug 16, 2012

20 Weeks Pregnant :)

By ·

Just wanted to share with you, since I have not posted an update on my pregnancy in a while! 20 Weeks Pregnant. U/S went well, baby did NOT cooperate with the tech and was balled up the whole time making it so hard to get the pictures she needed to get. Hopefully I don’t have to go back for another U/S. Sex of baby still undetermined..YAY! ;)

So now you know how big I am getting! Baby kicks, but they are few and far in between. Can’t wait until I feel him/her every day!!!!

Filed Under: Archives, Pregnancy & Loss · Tagged: ,
May 26, 2012

Got To See Baby For The First Time Ever :) And Some Hope For Those With Only ONE Fallopian Tube…

By ·

Just wanted to share what I have been up to :)

I was a bit worried because I had been spotting brown for the past two days. I had a bit of cramping too, so I was of course FREAKING out. With 3 losses already, I was NOT ready for another one, no way…

So, even though I was in the middle of switching insurances, I thought, why not call Kaiser and just see if my insurance is still good with them. Well, it was!! So of course I made an appointment asap (the only time my NEW insurance could see me was June 5th and I could NOT wait until then, ugh!).

Kaiser got me in yesterday (Friday). I went in, had a physical (like that tells me ANYTHING) and asked for an early u/s. My doctor knows me so well, so of course she ordered on for same day :)

I was so nervous, sooo nervous. It seems everytime I go in for an u/s, there is NOTHING to be seen on that screen but an empty uterus. But, this time, RIGHT away, there was my sweet little tiny baby!!! Man I was crying so. hard.

There was the beautiful heartbeat going at 155 beats per minute and I even saw an arm :) An arm I WILL be holding onto come  December/January. An arm I will be kissing and loving and a tiny hand I WILL be holding!!! Oh man, yesterday was good!!!!!

Of course I got a printed picture of my newest littlest one! He/she is on the fridge so I can adore him/her every chance I get! I have been sooooooooooooooo ill so far, this pregnancy. It started only 2 weeks ago and seems like it has been months. Nothing makes me feel better, but if it means a healthy little love, then so be it :)

I am due January 4th, 2013 but if this baby is anything like my daughter, he/she will be arriving the middle of December :) We are NOT finding out the sex of this baby, this time around. We are just so happy right now. We really deserve this, with all the crap we have been through. Anyone who has gone through infertility, loss and hardship DESERVES a happy ending. A healthy take home baby to love on.

When I was spotting brown, both of my kids put their faces on my tummy and each child took turns talking to the baby and telling him/her to PLEASE not come out yet because they already loved the baby so much and want to be able to hold him/her. Isn’t that sweet? Ya, it made me cry ;)

So, I just wanted to update. All is well so far, so good. Thank you to those of you who were concerned and asking, love ya!!!!

xoxo,

Kim and Baby :)

P.S.

And get this… With ALLLLLL the fertility treatments I had and IUI’s this baby was conceived (taking the month of from conceiving..) and from the ovary on my left side that has NO tube… ya, how’s that for ya? So, if you have NO tube on one side but have two ovaries, PLEASE stay hopeful because you CAN get pregnant from an ovary with no tube (if the other tube on the other side is okay!). So crazy what our bodies CAN do when it is ready to do so… :)

Filed Under: Archives, Pregnancy & Loss · Tagged: , , , , , ,
«Older Posts