Bottoms Up Little Baby!
I've had several people ask me whether or not I plan to breast feed, and for good reason according to the research i've done. So, why is it so beneficial and important? Well, I think the number one reason is the countless advantages with regards to the baby's health.
Breast milk is not only highly concentrated in nutrients and antibodies, but its' tailored to the baby's needs. Cells, hormones and antibodies carried through breast milk helps build baby's immune system and fend off illness. It's also easier to digest. To add to the list, breast milk has been shown to fight off SIDS, diabetes, obesity, asthma, and lower respiratory infections. Also, you can check out the first link below for information about breastfeeding being linked to higher IQ.
As if those reasons aren't enough to motivate me, there are actually added benefits to the mother too! Initial amazing benefits are hormones produced by breastfeeding that help quickly reduce the size of the uterus. The mother can also burn up to 500 calories per day breastfeeding... ( I don't even reach that doing my 45 minute gym sessions). It's linked to lower risk of diabetes, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and postpartum depression. Added bonus- It saves money! You wouldn't believe how much formula can add up.
So, as natural as it is and as motivated as one may be, there are challenges to this feat. I will try to keep it PC and merely mention that they make creams and doctors for some of the issues mothers can encounter ;) Other than that, the most common problem is supply and latching issues.
I was most surprised to learn about latching issues. Apparently there is a science to positioning and holding that allows for a good latch. Sometimes latching issues can stem from what's called "nipple confusion", which is when the baby begins to refuse the nipple because she prefers a bottle. This happens because bottles give a constant flow of milk and she doesn't have to work as hard to get it. My understanding with this scenario is that patience and pumping are my best friends.
All that being said, I have a goal to keep at it for about six months. Some people might say this is too long or short, but I would say that it's just a goal for now. I have no idea what the demands of motherhood will be at this very moment in time, and have yet to even venture into breastfeeding. I will say that i've come up with this time frame because it seems to be the most practical and realistic time frame for me and my little family. Much of the research i've read also tends to indicate that six months is a good amount of time for which the baby to benefit from the above mentioned advantages.
http://www.nbcnews.com/health/kids-who-were-breastfed-longer-have-higher-iqs-new-study-6C10787012
http://www.medela.com/IW/en/breastfeeding/good-to-know/breastfeeding-facts.html
http://americanpregnancy.org/firstyearoflife/bflatch.html
http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/common-challenges/index.html
The Pitter-Patter Of Little Feet
This week brings us a couple of milestones that are showing me some light at the end of the tunnel with pregnancy- I should admit rather, a couple of upcoming milestones that will have me celebrating the beginning of November. All things considered, there's definitely nothing wrong with having something to look forward to in the immediate future.
Matt told me that he would be starting mid-shift the first or second week of November. I normally despise mid-shift as I know it is hard on Matt, not to mention we have challenges with adjusting to the schedule with regards to sleep and spending time together. It was just a few days ago however, that we were talking about how he will be on mid-shift when the baby is born. It's crazy to think she will be here before he changes shifts back to days again. So, when he told me this, I simply replied, "You will be thoughtfully exhausted in time for the baby." Maybe we will get lucky, and he will be more like 'well adjusted'.
I also couldn't help but feel like the time is getting closer as I finished my fourth of five paintings for the nursery. Initially taking on the task of five sesame street paintings was daunting and overwhelming. At this rate I will not only finish in time of the goal I set, but by the end of the month! After the paintings are completed we can commence set-up and moving of the furniture.
Other than these couple of milestones exclusively significant to us, we have a few exciting baby developments happening. Namely, baby has begun to kick and move regularly. She moves so much and so strongly that it can be seen and felt! She tends to be most active after meal time and really gets to bouncing around after I eat anything sweet. We have a future cookie monster on our hands!!!
Development wise, it's no wonder she is so active. Looking at some fun growth and development comparisons, baby can be compared to a fruit or vegetable each week. So, what's the fruit of the womb this week? Well, she's about the size of a head of lettuce. More significantly, that means the following:
your baby at 26 weeks
- Her eyes are forming, and his eyes will soon start to open.
- And her eyelashes are now grown, too.
- She's getting her immune system ready for life on the outside by soaking up your antibodies.
- She's taking breaths, too. They're of amniotic fluid, not air, but it's still good practice
We'll Call it "Pre-Nesting"
I like to think that I've started to "pre-nest" as of recently... You know, taking small steps towards achieving the goal of getting everything in order and baby-ready. I've been in full-swing crafting-mode with all things baby related. My recent endeavors include a paper chandelier for her room, a valance with the letter 'N' to be adorned above her crib, as well as my first paintings and what is the start of her baby book. For some reason, I feel like I can't continue with further steps into setting up the nursery until all of the details are ready to go.
Mainly, I'm sure this is a step I'm taking towards buying time. I'm currently 24 weeks along and still have 16 more to go! I guess part of me feels like it's too early to be in full-swing nursery set-up mode. I know that it's not only going to take a lot of work to get it how I want it, but it will also be a major adjustment for both myself and Matt. Admittedly, we are very 'spoiled' and have our own rooms for our hobbies and things. As we set up this nursery for baby Naomi, we will be combining not only these rooms into one, but finding space for our office and guest room things as well. I know it probably sounds a bit petty, but it is a big change for us, and if we can wait until a more 'reasonable' time to finish the nursery (prolong the inevitable) it will be better in general.
Another factor with the crafting of all of the little things and making sure the little things are 'good to go' for the nursery is convenience. Having all of the art and details ready will be a nice finishing touch once all the major moving and cleaning is done.
Although it's overwhelming, I'm glad I've entered the beginning phases of nesting considering there is so much to think about and do. Not only are there many "big and obvious" things to think about, but also the many "small details" that will make our lives easier once she arrives. From preparing the hospital/diaper with the bag with the essentials to de-tagging/washing/and organizing her wardrobe by size and season.
So, let the lists begin! Even with so many weeks to go, I feel like our days are numbered. We have not only the nursery to set up and house to prep, but also baby classes/education to consider; all of this amongst both of our birthdays and the holidays before the arrival of our little bundle. So, for now I suppose I will keep working on what I can. My goal is to finish her nursery art and be ready to set up the nursery around the first weekend of December.
