Tuesday, June 28, 2011

What Do You Use For Diaper Rash?

I used to make my own wipes when my boy's were babies. When they would break out in a rash I'd use Bag Balm or Pounds Cold Cream mixed with Milk of Magnesia 50/50. The mixture was great for sudden outbreaks! Bag Balm worked great the rest of the time.

Lately my 3 year old has been complaining of his butt itching. I actually listened to him cry and complain about this for 15 min. in the car one day. It started happening when we entered the change of season with all the different fruits. I give him variety, so it's not like he's getting nothing but grapefruit and strawberries. This has become a huge issue. Does anyone use something they really like?

Otherwise I swear my kid is going to grow up and use the pick up line: "My butt itches" to any girl he meets. YUCK! I know! I've just been hearing it a lot!

New Age Mama is giving away a package of Boudreaux Butt Paste products. Have you used them? Do you like them? I've seen them in the stores. I need to try something different. This is why I ask.


Monday, June 27, 2011

My New Nephew

I wanted to take a moment to mention that my cute little nephew Emerson Charles was born on Thursday last week. He was 5 pounds 15 ounces.


He's a fighter! Emerson has Trisomy 18. We didn't know if he would make it at all. He is so far doing pretty good! Emerson is taking breastmilk through a feeding tube and nursing as well. He just gets a little tired while nursing because of his low O2. So he gets extra O2 as well. We were so glad he went potty! No catheter needed!

He has given us a few scares with turning grey and forgetting to breath. My sister noticed that this happens when he isn't swaddled or skin to skin.

He's a cuddly baby! Super cute too!

On a side note: My sister's labor was horrible! Emerson was posterior: Head first, face down. She did not take any drugs. In the past she had a problem with an epidural. She was dilated to 8 for a very long time. The nurse called for the doctor to come in 15 min. My sister changed positions and yelled, "He's here!" Emerson arrived before the doctor got in the room! She did not tear at all, which was great for her.



 
"Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience."
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Breastfeeding with Flat or Inverted Nipples

Breastfeeding can be challenging; there is no doubt about that. Added challenges can make any new mother feel inadequate. I felt that way with my breastfeeding challenges.

I found a wonderful article here about breastfeeding with flat or inverted nipples.

One thing that is super important to understand is that a baby should nurse with a mouthful of breast, not just the nipple. Having flat or inverted nipples shouldn't be a problem. It does make the latching part more difficult.

Are they flat or inverted?

Flat- Pinch the nipple to see if your nipple does not protrude or become erect. If it simply stays petty level, then it's considered to be flat.

Inverted- Pinch the nipple to see if your nipple inverts into the breast. They will not become erect when stimulated or cold.

Treatments to draw out the nipple:
Many times no matter what kind of nipple the mother has, babies who latch-on well can draw out the nipple.

Breast Shields- These really should only be used if you absolutely need to. Talk to a lactation consultant to get help using these. Other names for them are Breast Shells, milk cups and breast cups. They can be worn inside the bra. Usually your bra will need to go up a size to accommodate the shield. I used these and just placed them against my breast when I was ready to feed. As soon as your baby latches right, take the shields away. Babies are known to get more milk from an actual breast over a shield. The transition going from shield to the breast can be hard for both the mom and baby. I have to be honest; I was told to stop using them because my oldest wasn't gaining enough weight. I was emotional and we both cried for one whole day. I used them because my son was born with a cyst under his tongue, making his tongue misshaped; not because I had flat or inverted nipples.



Hoffman Technique- This technique can be repeated five times a day before and after the baby is born. Place a thumb on each side of the base of the nipple. Push in firmly against your breast tissue, while at the same time pulling your thumbs away from each other. In this process you will be stretching out the nipple. Repeat moving the thumbs in a clockwise fashion.

Breastpump- Using a effective breastpump can help draw out a nipple. I bought this one and it lasted though two babies and working full-time. I breast fed each for 2 years. I only pumped for 1 1/2 years. I think buying a good pump is so important to keep breastfeeding a positive experience. It's more money, but you save so much more then if you were to buy formula.


Nipple Stimulation- After birth, if the nipple can be grasped, a mother can roll her nipple between her thumb and index finger for a minute or two and then quickly touch the nipple with a moist, cold cloth or ice wrapped in cloth (avoid prolonged use of ice as it can inhibit the letdown reflex and numb the nipple too much).

Pulling Back on the Breast Tissue During Latch-On- Support your breast for latch-on with thumb on top and four fingers underneath and way back against the chest wall, pull slightly back on the breast tissue toward the chest wall to help the nipple protrude.

Gowns

For babies I love dressing them in gowns. Here are the reasons I like them so much:
  • It's so easy to change diapers. 
  • It's so easy to tear off their gown to make skin to skin contact; that they love so much. 
  • It's so easy to spot those cute little toes. 
  • It's so easy to tickle their toes to wake a sleepy baby up to eat.
  • Most of them come with fabric that covers their hands; that way they don't scratch their face.
My Organized Chaos is giving away a pair of Halo ComfortLuxe 2-piece pajamas from Halo!

Monday, June 20, 2011

Energizer Win Two Ultimate Lithium AA or AAA Batteries Plus One $10 Gas Card!


The first day of summer is tomorrow. Along with summer comes travel and high gas prices. Energizer has a deal to help make a positive impact on your gas budget. They are rewarding Energizer Lithium customers by helping their dollars last longer.

Customers can purchase two packs of specially-marked Energizer Advanced Lithium batteries or Energizer Ultimate Lithium, visit  Energizer on Facebook, register your battery codes and will get a $10 Prepaid Discover Gas Rewards card mailed to you. The last day to redeem codes is 1/31/12 at 11:59 pm.
Energizer Ultimate Lithium
About Energizer Lithium Batteries:

  • Lightweight and perform well in extreme temperatures, from -40° F to 140° F (-40° C to 60° C).
  • Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries last up to 8x longer in digital cameras for up to 8x less waste.
  • Energizer Advanced Lithium batteries last up to 4x longer in digital cameras, 20 hours longer in wireless gaming accessories and up to 30% longer in personal audio devices. 
I wanted to think back to when I was a new mom. So many of the products I used that required batteries. 

  • Breast pump
  • Baby monitor
  • Exersaucer
  • Swing
  • Vibrating Chair
  • Glow worm
  • Countless push toys
Imagine if all those batteries were Energizer Lithium batteries?

 
Energizer is giving away to one lucky reader a specially-marked package of Energizer Ultimate Lithium and a package of Energizer Advanced Lithium batteries. It will be your choice if you get AA or AAA batteries. This giveaway is open to US only and ends 
July 5 at 10 pm.

You can register your battery packs to redeem a $10 Prepaid Discover Gas Rewards card, which is mailed to you. Should you be interested in something other than purchasing gas with your reward card, the Reward Card may be redeemed for any merchandise offered by a retailer that accepts Discover.

You can enter if you are not a blogger. Leave a separate entry for each. Make sure the first mandatory entry is filled out before all others.

  1. For your first mandatory entry, tell me one thing you use batteries on consistently! Leave your email address with this entry. one entry
The other entries are optional. Be sure to leave a new comment for each.
  1. Google Friend this blog. one entry
  2. Add my Milking the Issue button to your site. Leave me your site link. one entry
  3. {Like} Energizer on Facebook. Leave your Facebook name in your entry. one entry
  4. {Like} Me on Facebook. Leave your Facebook name in your entry. one entry
  5. Leave a comment on a non giveaway post. Let me know the title of the post you comment on. You are free to leave many comments, but only one entry for this giveaway. one entry
  6. Blog about this giveaway. Link back to this post and Energizer on Facebook. Leave a link. five entries
  7. Vote for me on We're on the Fence! Just click on the button {on my right side bar} to vote. one entry
  8.  Enter my Gummylump Melissa and Doug Shopping cart and Baked Cookies Giveaway by June 28. one entry
  9.  Enter my Tropical Traditions Powered Dishwasher Detergent Giveaway by June 26. one entry

You do not need to enter all of the entries to be qualified, just the first mandatory entry.
Remember to leave your email address if it is not public in your profile.
This contest closes in 2 weeks, July 5 at 10 pm.
The winner will be chosen using random.org.



Disclaimer:
The opinions on this post are my personal take on the products. This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me.
I am not compensated to provide my opinion except for receiving the products themselves to test out.
If you have questions about this post please contact me at: alissa4illustration AT hotmail DOT com

Are You Having Problems With Your Baby Taking a Bottle?

I never had a problem with my babies taking a bottle. They would suck on anything that gave them Mama's Milk. Getting them to take a sippy cup and start on cow's milk was another story.

My sister on the other hand had HUGE problems with her youngest taking a bottle! She attempted before she went back to work, with no luck. Finally the day came where my husband was her babysitter. We decided that if her baby got hungry enough, he'd give up and just eat. My husband watches our two boy's and her two boy's twice a week. Then it was two babies and two 3 year olds.

Our nephew would not take a bottle. She felt like it was pointless to pump because he wouldn't drink from a bottle. He was super fussy during her 12 hour nurse shift! My husband wanted to pull his hair out. I think my sister wanted my husband to force feed him. She actually taught her baby how to drink out of sippy cup at a super young age.

I just spotted a bottle to try out if this is a problem you are going through!



It's called Mimijumi Very Hungry Baby Bottle. One of my favorite pro breastfeeding sites, The Baby Store Plus sells this bottle. This item ships for free Via USPS 1st Class Mail!

New Age Mama is hosting a $25 giveaway for The Baby Store Plus! They have a lot of stuff on their site from maternity, breastfeeding, baby and kids.

Monday, June 13, 2011

Untangled Review


More then ever I'm trying to be conscious about what I feed my kids; and what the food and drink is contained in. 

I was extremely excited to receive a Gecko place setting to try out by Untangled. It came with a square plate, small bowl, a cup, a fork and a spoon. My youngest loves this set so much! He asks for his "lizard" cup all the time! It is used daily!



About Untangled: 

Untangled thrives on staying balanced. They believe we have to stay connected to ourselves, to our families, community and to our world. We are free to make choices in our daily lives; hopefully we are conscious about our decisions. Untangled thinks about ways to inspire, energize and excite!


The benefits of using stainless steel over plastic:

It is important for us as parents to raise our children with conscious choices. This is a gift that brings both health and happiness.  You do not need to worry about BPA while eating on stainless steel.


About this set:
  • I love that this set is dishwasher safe. I've ran the pieces through multiple times, and we've never had any residue. 
  • It's durable. The silverware is not flimsy at all.
  • It's stackable.
  • Plate: 16 cm x16 cm/6.3 inches.
  • Bowl: 9.5 cm x 4 cm 200 ml. 3.65 inches x1.55 inches deep.
  • Cup: 6.5 cm x 8 cm. 2.55 inches x 3.15 inches (200 ml / 6.7 oz).
  • Fork: 14.5 cm / 5.2 inches.
  • Spoon: 13.5 cm / 15.7 inches.
Where to get this set: 

You can get the gecko set or a butterfly set for $40 at Untangled. It's totally worth it!





"All we have is our words, our thoughts and our actions. So let’s say what we want, believe in our thoughts and run with it”, Sue Volpe.


Disclaimer:

The opinions on this post are my personal take on the products. This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. I am not compensated to provide my opinion except for receiving the products themselves to test out. 
Untangled provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so choose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

If you have questions about this post please contact me at: alissa4illustration@hotmail.com

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Barefoot Books Review




I can't stress enough how important reading is. Even when your child is a baby, they still love the sound of your voice as you read. They may squirm and act as though they are not paying attention at all. Eventually the squirming stops. Before too long they start handing you books.

About Barefoot Books:

Barefoot Books is all about exploration, imagination, creation, connecting and giving back. They emphasize nourishing the imagination. Their books have a creative spark that they believe everyone has within.  

About the Book:



I won my choice of a book from Barefoot Books.  I decided to let my five year old pick which book he would like. He decided on Jack and the Beanstalk. Mica had heard the tale of Jack and the Beanstalk before; but not like it was told in this book.


Retold By: Richard Walker
Illustrated By: Niamh Sharkey
Narrated By: Richard Hope 

The tale is clever! I love the illustrations. Illustration was my major all throughout college and grad school. Naturally it's the first thing I look at in a children's book. The story comes on a CD. It's not a dry read. I love the CD for when we travel and when I'm busy cooking in the kitchen. 

Mica decided to take this book over to Grandma and Grandpa's house. They read it more times then they could count. Isaak my three year old sits through it as well. Although Mica has claimed the book as his. 


I asked Mica to come outside to take pictures of the book. He decided to act like the giant. I think it's great how his mind works! Although if I knew he was going to act like the giant, I would have changed his shirt. ;)




Plant some magic beans. They will grow into something that will take you on an adventure!


Disclaimer:

The opinions on this post are my personal take on the products. This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. I am not compensated to provide my opinion except for receiving the products themselves to test out.
Barefoot Books provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so choose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

If you have questions about this post please contact me at: alissa4illustration@hotmail.com

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Breastfeeding a Baby with Down Syndrome

Breastfeeding a baby that has Down Syndrome is more challenging. 

Here are some benefits that I found here:
  • Bonding is huge! Bottle feeding can give a bond as well. It's just a different type of bond.
  • Tongue and mouth coordination are known to improve. Many babies that have Down Syndrome that end up breastfeeding have fewer speech problems. Breastfeeding benefits facial muscle tone.
  • Improved protection from respiratory infection, which they are more prone to.
  • Less bowel problems. 
If a baby is given a bottle, it may seem as though they are rejecting the breast. A bottle takes a lot less work on the tongue and facial muscles. With a bottle all they have to do is swallow. Many babies with Down Syndrome have low muscle tone. Breastfeeding will be more difficult. It is also the reason why breastfeeding is so beneficial! Cupping their tongue is difficult for a baby with Down Syndrome. Feedings will take longer. Mom and baby have to be patient if you are wanting this to work.

Babies with Down Syndrome are usually more sleepy in the early weeks. If they are in the middle of a feeding and simply are lazy eaters, tickle or rub their feet to keep them going. Frequent, short 10 minutes are more feedings, work better. Try to nurse every 2 to 3 hours. They love attention, so skin-to-skin contact is great! Undress the baby down to their diaper. Put a blanket over the two of you. Invest in a carrier of some sort; to keep them close.

Work with a Lactation Consultant, join a baby group that is in support of nursing mom's. La Leche League is a great support! 

Keep pumping to get your milk supply up. Once your baby figures out how to nurse, feeding times will extend. The process will be much more enjoyable for mom and baby!

What to Get a New Dad?

This is a pretty funny gift for a new Dad with a sense of humor:

The Daddy Diaper Changing Tool Box has the works. The information below is directly copied from their website:

  • Mask toxic fume filter for when it doesn't smell like roses.
  • Googles for protection against your own mini version of Old Faithful.
  • Protective Poop Poncho need we say more?
  • Tongs Several inches of steel separation between you and the little warm wrapped gift.
  • Turkey Baster for precision hiney washing.
  • Pacifier scream plug.
  • Baby Wipes for cleaning baby bottom and various parts.
  • Diaper for Newborn cute as a kitten until it gets wet then it looks and smells like a sewer rat.
  • Bio Hazard Bag and Rubber Gloves for quarantine containment of the nuclear meltdown.
  • Emergency Formula Container doubles as a PeePee cover for WeWe.
  • Hand Wipes to clean up afterward. (For Dad's use only).
  • Picture Frame this is your badge of honor.
Who's giving it away these cute tool boxes?

My Organized Chaos
My Wee Veiw

Monday, June 6, 2011

Personal Night Light

I think the custom night lights at Light Affection are so cool! They are a perfect gift for just about anyone. My thought was for a new baby's room!

They show the steps on how they make them on their website:

First they need a photo from you! The better of a photo they get, the easier it is for them to do their job.


Then they carve the photo. I love this step because I'm a college graphic design instructor. I used to carve and cut things into paper all the time. Now my student's have a project where they build a relief with paper.


Next it's put together. First comes the frame and then the light box. How cool is that?


Want one? New Age Mama is hosting a giveaway for one winner to receive a gift certificate for a free custom night light!

Friday, June 3, 2011

Rockabye Baby!


Even though my sons are older then baby {ages 3 and almost 6}, I still love to put in lullaby cd's. I find the music soothes them. Whenever my kids are a little too active, make one too many sound effects or just plain loud we stick music in.

Rockabye Baby is a company that takes adult classic favorites and turns them into soothing lullaby cd's.




A Crafty Nest is hosting a giveaway where two winners will get a CD and a Men's T-shirt from
Rockabye Baby!

An Amazing Adventure Awaits You. - From Small Beginnings Come Great Things.

One site that I've loved since I discovered it is called Uncommon Goods! I've gotten a few products from them throughout the years.

Today I was surfing their site and saw these adorable fortune cookie slippers for baby's. I had to share!

One says,  "An Amazing Adventure Awaits You." The other says, "From Small Beginnings Come Great Things."


They have the best packaging wrap and boxes!
A Crafty Nest is hosting a giveaway for Uncommon Goods! One winner will win a $75 gift certificate!

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Will Breastfeeding Cause Cavities?

I read an interesting article on this topic. You can find it here.

Babies that breastfeed have less dental cavities than those who were bottle fed.

Both mother's and cow's milk have lactose sugar, which can feed cavity causing bacteria if it's allowed to sit in the mouth for an extended period of time. If you are breastfeeding, and your child isn't getting a bottle all of the time you have nothing to worry about.

If possible try and breastfeed with you child sitting up. This helps prevent both cavities and ear infections. I wasn't able to do this until my babies were around 7 months.

There is more sugar in most of the formula's on the market; then what is found can be found in breast milk.

If you are giving your baby other things such as juice, then that dramatically ups their chance of getting cavities!

Night time feeding are discouraged because their natural rinsing saliva isn't as mobile during sleeping time. My babies took a long time to be night weaned. I worked full-time; so I took their nightly feedings as a sign that they were trying to keep my supply up. One thing that can be done to help avoid cavities, is to get a wet washcloth prior to their feeding. After your baby is done nursing, gently massage their gums or new teeth with the washcloth. It disturbs them less then a toothbrush, but does the job.

Mother's That Breastfeed Tend to Get More Cavities Then Ones That Don't

I hate to say it, but this is the case. Why? Because nursing mom's are hungry. When we get up in the middle of the night many mom's go for a snack. When you get the washcloth for the baby's gums, get yourself a tall glass of water! This helps suffice your hunger and builds back up your milk supply. If you're finding you need more, have an apple peeled and cut that evening before nightfall. Apple's clean your teeth. It doesn't do as good of a job as toothpaste, but apples are not going to cause cavities. Other veggie/fruits that are anti-cavity: Avocado, carrots, raspberry, strawberry and yellow plum.

Pushing Kids to Dream With Spirit Hoods

I've blogged before about how important it is to push kid's imagination! I think that can start even when you have a baby. Read to your baby; read to them often!

Most recently I won a hat/glove set from Spirit Hoods.

It's one of my favorite wins along with the post below of Melissa and Doug products from Gummylump.

My Wordless Wednesday has pictures of everyone in my family, minus Daddy wearing the bare hat we won!  You've got to check it out! So cute!

 
Dream Big!