Postpartum dressing: hiding the tummy

Postpartum dressing: hiding the tummy by work-it-mommy 

Liz Claiborne top / Liz claiborne top / Red cardigan / Daisy Fuentes top / LC Lauren Conrad top / Old Navy short sleeve top / A N A short sleeve top / Daisy Fuentes clothing

Since giving birth 4 weeks ago, I have been on a mission to dress my body:

1. comfortably 

AND

     2.   discreetly, to camouflage the baby belly.

I found some helpful sites through Pinterest (visit here, here and here) that got me excited about dressing during my fourth trimester and also got me in the right frame of mind when shopping for transitional pieces.  

{Bottoms}

I've been living in my black GAP jeggings that I purchased after having Kinsey 3.5 years ago; they have the perfect amount of stretch, make me look slim, and in all honesty, they're the only button and zip- up pants I own that fit me right now! Unfortunately, I noticed they are beginning to pill in the back so I purchased an alternate pair of gray jeggings from Kohl's. My maxi skirt has made an appearance a couple of times this summer and I also wore my yoga pants a few times at home.  So basically, anything with lots of stretch and preferably in black or darker colors for slimming.

{Tops}  

Anything that visually draws the eye away from the belly or covers it up in a flattering way is what I'm going for these days.  Ruffles, a large print, dark colors, loose- flowing tops are all good!

Stripes this wide I can handle!

The Piko top on: nice and drapey

   

   

Summer Daze

With a newborn our Family activities have been concentrated outdoors to minimize germ exposure and to keep from going stir crazy at home.

Baby wearing: my view of Brielana in the Moby

Our favorite things this summer included beach walks with Stella, picnics at The Grass, park play and family walks around the neighborhood.

Thankful for the sunshine but decidedly over the flea problem the warmer weather brings. We've had to do some hardcore de-bugging; flea baths for Stella, repeated wash cycles and a spray down with Vetkem Premise spray which we got from our Vet and has awesome reviews. Another product that was helpful- Dawn soap (the original blue one!) Brian used Dawn as flea shampoo and they literally jumped off the dog and drowned in the tub.

Officially, summer has transitioned into "fall" according to the school buses waiting at the curb twice a day and I'm a little baffled how that happened so fast?  But still waiting anxiously till it's boot wearing weather!

{Feeling so blessed Brielana has shared this summer with us.}

   
   

Returning to Work: Pumping Essentials

Returning to Work: Pumping Essentials by work-it-mommy on Polyvore

I am fortunate enough to be able to stay home with Brielana through her first year of life, but after I had Kinsey, I was back to work after 2 months and pumping became my breast friend (har har).  Since I am a firm believer in breast is best, I thought I would share my favorite pumping essentials to continue successful feeding even after returning to work.  It really just breaks down to logistics and good products that are readily available.

1.  Medela Pump in Style Advanced breast Pump with backpack- I got my pump from Kinsey's pediatrician and I love this model.  It is efficient, has several levels of suction for comfort, and is easy to tote around.  All the components (chargers, ice pack and case, four bottles, membranes, and two nipple shields) are included (though I did purchase larger shields for comfort's sake.)  

**I found it easiest for me to express into the bottles and then transfer the milk into the milk bags.**

2. Lansinoh milk bags- I have used several brands of milk bags and would recommend you use the brand you like.  I found these to be priced the best but would love to try these out.

3. Sharpie-  First thing I do is write the date of expression onto the milk bags.  Always use the oldest date first when giving to your baby.  Milk will last a few days in the fridge and up to 6 months in the freezer.  Periodically go through and throw out milk past due.

**I keep all my supplies- Sharpie, milk bags, extra membranes in a Ziplock bag stashed within the backpack.**

4. Medela Quick Clean Breastpump and Accessory wipes- For quick clean up at work I rinse out and dry the pumping bottles and then wipe down all parts (nipple shields, membranes, bottles) with these wipes.  Its quick and easy and makes clean up a breeze.

**These fit perfectly in the front half zip compartment of the backpack.**

5. Medela 5 count Quick Clean Micro-Steam Sterilization bags- Once I get home I pop all my pumping parts into a bag (each bag can be used 20 times, making it well worth the money!) add water and microwave for 3 minutes.  That's it.  It steam sterilizes and you're good to go for tomorrows pumping sessions.

6. The Nursing Mother's Companion- This book was recommended by my Lactation Consultant and I love it; it is extremely easy to read, choke-full of information about nursing and the index contains a bunch of addendum's from vitamins/ supplements, and how-tos on curing mastitis,  unblocking clogged milk ducts and increasing milk supply .

7. Lilypadz- Instead of soaking up leaks these breast pads prevent the leaks altogether.  Each pair can last continuously up to 2 months.

8. Hooter Hider's Nursing Covers- Not only is this nursing cover adorable (check out those ruffles!), it has a longer length and a just-in-case pocket.

**There is a convenient side pocket on the backpack that fits a rolled up nursing cover perfectly.**

9. Bravada Designs Allure Nursing Bra- A good nursing bra is a MUST HAVE and Bravada bras are my favorite.  I like this design because it has underwire for extra support.  And it's pretty as far as nursing bras go ;)

Visit here for lactation supporting foods and drinks.

What are your favorite nursing products? If you have any questions or product recommendations, please feel free to share!

   
   

One Month

How old: 1 month!
Weight: 9. 7 ounces {up 2 pounds}
Length: 21.5 inches {up 2.5 inches}
Baby clothes: 0-3 months size
Diaper size: Size 1
Sleep: Naps more than is awake, but she's slowly starting to stay awake for longer stretches during the morning.  She only wakes up 3 times during the night to feed (great for Mommy!)
Feeding: Every 90 minutes to 2 hours, the exception being at night- she will cluster feed before falling asleep.
Likes: To be held!  She's a great cuddler!
Dislikes: Having hiccups and doing Tummy Time.
Milestones: She is focusing and tracking people/ objects.  Her neck muscles are getting stronger.  And some would say she is really smiling and not having "gas smiles" :)

two months/ three months    
   

Lactation Supporting foods and drinks

Lactation Supporting foods and drinks by work-it-mommy on Polyvore

I'm in the throes of breastfeeding a one month old- where did the time go?! Oh yeah, must have been all those sleepless nights harhar. Keeping up with supply and demand is exhausting but keeping up your milk supply shouldn't be. By eating and drinking these foods you can naturally and healthily stay full- pun intended :)

Almonds and cashews are believed to boost breastmilk production. (source) 

Chickpeas are a complete protein. (source)

Red lentils are not only believed to improve milk supply but are also high in iron and fiber. (source) 

Spinach and asparagus are an excellent source of minerals and vitamins as well as phytoestrogen which is believed to enhance lactation. (source)

Apricots are high in fiber, Vitamins A, C, potassium and calcium. (source)

Papaya's lactogenic properties have not been studied, but it is thought that the enzymes and phytochemicals in papaya may enhance breast tissue as well as improve lactation. Papaya has also been used as a natural sedative. The sedating quality may help you to relax, and at the same time help with the milk let-down process. (source)

Oats are a great source of iron, calcium and fiber. (source) 

Brown rice a complex carbohydrate, which provides mom with energy needed for breastfeeding, but it also helps with milk production in another way. Researchers have discovered that eating brown rice may cause an increase in serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate your moods, appetite, and sleep, but it also stimulates prolactin secretion. Prolactin, as mentioned earlier, is a key hormone involved in lactation. (source)

Carrots, sweet potatoes and beets are high in beta-carotene, which is beneficial for your baby if you are breastfeeding. Beets and sweet potatoes are high in iron and help to maintain the liver. (source)

Drinking more water is one of the best ways to improve your milk supply. Nursing depletes your body of fluids so it makes sense that drinking water will help you to stay hydrated and produce more milk. Don’t get carried away though, only drink when thirsty. (source)

Mother's Milk tea contains fenugreek which is an herb that is most often used for increasing milk supply (source).  I'm a tea drinker in general so I enjoyed my daily cup, it has a licorice-like taste.  My Lactation Consultant said it is safe to have up to 3 cups a day but the one did it for me.

Visit here to see my top picks for successful pumping at work!