Since I was induced early I never tried any of these, however I know people that it has worked for. It certainly couldn't hurt to try any of these ideas (except for the castrol oil yuck!)
I found that most suggestions fell into three categories:
things that have to do with gravity
things that have to do with hormones
and things that make your uterus contract with herbs and/or pressure.
So here goes:
Walking: I had to laugh at this one because it kind of implies that you haven't been upright until this point. It may be worth a try to waddle around the block a couple times maybe you could go for ice cream. Just don't walk so far that you have to give birth squatting in a far off field somewhere, you know, unless that's what you were going for.
Dancing: Nothing says "Work it, Hooker!" like a desperate, overdue pregnant woman busting a move on the dance floor. I didn't try this one but I totally would have cleared a bar top Coyote Ugly style and done the worm if I had been told it would kick start my labour.
Going up stairs two at a time: Yes, because I can remember what a specimen of fine cardiovascular health I was while pregnant. I wasn't great at climbing stairs before I was pregnant so unless the idea was for me to collapse from exhaustion then "bounce" the baby out of me while I tumbled down the stairs, then I doubt it would have worked for me but you may be in better shape.
Bounce on an exercise ball: Well, at least it's not climbing stairs and you can watch t.v. while doing it. You're supposed sit on the ball with your legs apart so your pelvis is open. I suggest you do this one when people are over and you want them to leave.
Sex: Sex makes you release a hormone called oxytocin which causes the uterus to contract. Now, from what I'm gathering, you kind of have to be keen on the sex to get this stuff going so if you're coming at it from a "I'd rather gargle glass than do this right now but I want this baby out of me" kind of place, it might not work. Although, semen is also supposed to soften your cervix
Nipple Stimulation: I don't know if it's just me, but this one makes me go "bleech" It is supposed to have the same effect as sex in that it's supposed to release oxtocin to get things started. I supposed it's worth a shot but, for the love of God, close your curtains.
Pineapple: Pineapple, papaya and mango, all contain an enzyme called bromelain which might help soften your cervix. Bromelain breaks down during the canning process so eat the fresh stuff. Although, it seems these fruits don't contain very large amounts of bromelain so you'd have to consume more than half-a-dozen of them to make a dent. It's not like eating six pineapples wouldn't do anything weird to your digestive system or anything.
Evening primrose oil: Evening primrose oil is a source of prostaglandins which is supposed to soften up your cervix for labour. You can take it orally (3-4, 500mg capsules daily) or apply it directly to your cervix by inserting an entire capsule into your vagina before bed so it works its magic over night. Personally, I'm not sure if this kind of tinkering should be done at home but it's mentioned a number of times online so I've included it here. By the way, don't be foolin' around with sticking stuff in your vagina if you've been diagnosed with placenta previa but hopefully, whoever diagnosed you with it has already given you a heads up on that one.
Red raspberry leaf tea: It sounds like red raspberry leaf tea doesn't kick start labour as much as it tones your uterus for it. I also found when I was researching herbal tea, the people that seemed to know what they were talking about recommended it throughout pregnancy and it was the conservative, mainstream sites that told you to stay away from it because it can induce labour.
I drank a swimming pool worth of this stuff when I was trying to go into labour with my first son and it didn't work. Although, I had a really fast recovery which one of the things this stuff is supposed to help with so maybe it did do the job.
Black and Blue Cohosh: Blue cohosh (papoose root) and black cohosh (snakeroot) are roots from two separate plants. It's recommended that cohosh only be used with the assistance of a trained health care provider like a midwife or a doula. I mean it's called "snakeroot" for christssake, you just know this shit isn't playing around.
Castor oil: Let's see, the theory behind this one is that consuming castor oil causes diarrhea and the cramps from the diarrhea cause sympathetic cramping in your uterus. You know, because labour isn't challenging enough without adding an assplosion to it.
Eating Certain Foods: There's no science behind this one but I can certainly get behind this one more than castor oil (at least if you end up on the toilet, you had a good time getting there). There are pizzas, eggplant parmesans and pasta sauces that all claim to start labour. Most of them contain basil and oregano, both of which have properties that are thought to start labour although, they don't sound like no snakeroot.
Spicy foods and licorice are also thought to be a bit of a bowel irritant which, not unlike castor oil, might cause sympathy cramping from your uterus. Just remember that whatever you are eating, somebody is going to be on the receiving end of this labour so unless you're going to do a field squat after your long walk (see "walking"), be considerate of your baby catcher. Just sayin'.
Accupressure: This is based on the same ideas as acupuncture but uses finger pressure instead of needles. Ideally you get somebody that knows where all the "buttons" are but I did find a ton of stuff where they showed you how to do it yourself. It's non-invasive and there are a lot of people that swear by it so get on YouTube to figure out what to do!
Monday, April 9, 2012
Gender Guessing
With my son I almost knew I was having a boy from very early on. I had bought a bunch of Disney's Car's themed Nursery gear by the time I was like 10 weeks! It was weird but when I went in to find out the sex I just knew I was right and just needed the confirmation!
Did any of you experience similar feelings? Were you right?
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Family Planning- When to have the next child
A study in the February 25, 1999, New England Journal of Medicine reported a higher incidence of low birth weight and prematurity among babies conceived within six months
of a previous birth, compared to those conceived 18 to 23 months following the last baby.
Its such a tough decision, it best to have children one right after the other so they can play together and you get all your child-rearing done in the shortest time, or is it better to "space" them to make sure everyone gets enough attention and care? A lot of people think deciding to have baby number two is harder than choosing to have your first and I personally believe that to be true!
Everyone you know will have an opinion about when to have your children and how many to have, take their advice as a grain of salt. You know you and you know your family, only you and your husband and make these decisions!
According to the Alan Guttmacher Institute, the average interval between first and second births is about 30 months for American women.
Waiting 18 to 23 months after the birth of your last child before conceiving another seems best for the new baby's health, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine
If your worried about your children:
The best time is either when your first is under 1 year or over 4 years, in terms of the children's relationships with their parents, sibling rivalry, and their own self-esteem, according to Jeannie Kidwell, a professor of family studies at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Children under 1 don't have a sense of their exclusive status yet so they're less apt to resent a newcomer, she says, and those over 4 have had time to enjoy attention from Mommy and Daddy — plus, they now have a life of their own. - babycenter.com
of a previous birth, compared to those conceived 18 to 23 months following the last baby.
Its such a tough decision, it best to have children one right after the other so they can play together and you get all your child-rearing done in the shortest time, or is it better to "space" them to make sure everyone gets enough attention and care? A lot of people think deciding to have baby number two is harder than choosing to have your first and I personally believe that to be true!
Everyone you know will have an opinion about when to have your children and how many to have, take their advice as a grain of salt. You know you and you know your family, only you and your husband and make these decisions!
According to the Alan Guttmacher Institute, the average interval between first and second births is about 30 months for American women.
Waiting 18 to 23 months after the birth of your last child before conceiving another seems best for the new baby's health, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine
If your worried about your children:
The best time is either when your first is under 1 year or over 4 years, in terms of the children's relationships with their parents, sibling rivalry, and their own self-esteem, according to Jeannie Kidwell, a professor of family studies at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Children under 1 don't have a sense of their exclusive status yet so they're less apt to resent a newcomer, she says, and those over 4 have had time to enjoy attention from Mommy and Daddy — plus, they now have a life of their own. - babycenter.com
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Post Partum Hair loss
This picture doesn't even begin to show how much hair I lost!
No one really told me that this hair loss would happen OR exactly how much hair I would shed! Imagine my surprise when gobs of my hair came out at once! Plus it went on for MONTHS! I thought it would never end... but eventually It did and thank goodness for that!
Pregnancy did a real number on my hair the regrowth stage after I lost it all was horrible!! I had thousands of short hairs along my part that always stood up straight no matter how much hair spray I used!
My hair loss was so crazy my vacuum broke! I had to pull out the thousands of hairs that got stuck in the roller part of the vacuum that had formed a sort of rope around the roller!
Be aware... this will happen to you, you will lose an astronomical amount of hair and be prepared for every surface of your home and car to start looking alot more like your hair color than anything else!
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Unsolicited Advice
When you have a new baby it seems that everyone in the world wants to give you some advice. Often times you are trying to figure things out on your own and don't want to hear how others think you should do it. Keep your cool and simply reply to these "helpers" that you sure appreciate their advice but this is what works for you and your baby but you will keep that idea in mind for the future.
If someone truly oversteps their boundaries and continually tells you that you are doing things wrong I would advise you to stop associating with that person or firmly tell them to mind their business.
You might recognize however that other people have great ideas and tricks that will save you time or help you handle your baby better! Make sure your not so stubborn that you can't take some advice that might better your mommy skills!
Saturday, March 31, 2012
8 ways to deal with Anger as a parent
1. Recognize you can't control others, you can only control your response to them. Be positive. Set limits if needed. Recognize what is in your sphere of influence and what is not.
For example, I can't control that my toddler is teething and up all night. I can control how I act when he is screaming. :)
2. Choose to look for the good. Being nit picky or focusing too much on what your child is doing that is annoying you will make you more frustrated.
For example, if your child keeps saying, "No mommy" or hitting a sibling, instead of saying, "don't tell me no" or "stop hitting," think of what you want your child to be doing instead and tell them. Sometimes we forget that kids are just kids and they are still learning. Often we tell them what not to do... but they don't know what to do.
3. Give yourself a time out.
Remove yourself from the situation. When my son was a baby he had horrible colic, sometimes I would need to just set him in his crib and lie down to give myself a five minute break, it helped me be a better mom to him
4. Get plenty of sleep and eat well.
A coke and chocolate bar doesn't count. :)
5. Exercise regularly.
I totally notice the upbeat attitude I have about life in general when i exercise regularly. Its my little hour break from being a mommy everyday that I always look forward too!
6. Pray and seek inspiration.
I pray every day that I will have patience with my kids. I also pray that I will know how to be a good parent. During the hardest parts of the day, saying a quick prayer can help me get an instant boost.
7. Ask for help.
As I mentioned I am a full time college student, as well as mother and my husband works full time and goes to school full time... we stay busy. And I happen to have the best mom and mother in law ever, they come about every other week to help out (we live a few hours away from all of our family) I dont know how I would do it without them!
8. Spend time with friends or family who are supportive.
Nothing to turn my day around like taking my son to the park with a few other mommies who know what I'm going through! We can laugh at the hard moments and catch up on our lives. Friends are one of the biggest stress relievers I've found! Plus it gets me out of the house!
Compliments of Toddlerapproved.com
For example, I can't control that my toddler is teething and up all night. I can control how I act when he is screaming. :)
2. Choose to look for the good. Being nit picky or focusing too much on what your child is doing that is annoying you will make you more frustrated.
For example, if your child keeps saying, "No mommy" or hitting a sibling, instead of saying, "don't tell me no" or "stop hitting," think of what you want your child to be doing instead and tell them. Sometimes we forget that kids are just kids and they are still learning. Often we tell them what not to do... but they don't know what to do.
3. Give yourself a time out.
Remove yourself from the situation. When my son was a baby he had horrible colic, sometimes I would need to just set him in his crib and lie down to give myself a five minute break, it helped me be a better mom to him
4. Get plenty of sleep and eat well.
A coke and chocolate bar doesn't count. :)
5. Exercise regularly.
I totally notice the upbeat attitude I have about life in general when i exercise regularly. Its my little hour break from being a mommy everyday that I always look forward too!
6. Pray and seek inspiration.
I pray every day that I will have patience with my kids. I also pray that I will know how to be a good parent. During the hardest parts of the day, saying a quick prayer can help me get an instant boost.
7. Ask for help.
As I mentioned I am a full time college student, as well as mother and my husband works full time and goes to school full time... we stay busy. And I happen to have the best mom and mother in law ever, they come about every other week to help out (we live a few hours away from all of our family) I dont know how I would do it without them!
8. Spend time with friends or family who are supportive.
Nothing to turn my day around like taking my son to the park with a few other mommies who know what I'm going through! We can laugh at the hard moments and catch up on our lives. Friends are one of the biggest stress relievers I've found! Plus it gets me out of the house!
Compliments of Toddlerapproved.com
Friday, March 30, 2012
Diaper Bags
A well-stocked diaper bag can save the day. But what do you really need in there? It depends on how old your child is, how long you'll be out, where you're going, and how prepared you like to be.
The essentials
Diapers- One for each hour you'll be out, plus a few extra – just in case.
Wipes- You can stick ten or so in a plastic bag if you're not going out for long. Wipes are perfect not just for diaper changes, but also for sticky hands and dirty surfaces.
Hand sanitizer- For cleaning your hands after diaper changes when there's no time or place to wash them.
Changing pad- Many diaper bags come with a reusable changing pad, or you can buy one separately. Some parents like the disposable ones for traveling. A hand towel from home will also do.
Plastic or biodegradable bags- For storing soiled diapers, clothes, and baby blankets. Just make sure your child can't get to them, since plastic bags (including the biodegradable versions) pose a suffocation risk.
Bottle(s) of formula or expressed breast milk if you're bottle-feeding
Snacks (for older babies and toddlers)- Depending on the age of your child, this could include a jar of baby food and a spoon, or finger foods. Bring a few bibs as well.
Sippy cup of milk, water, or juice (for toddlers)
Blanket- You can use it to cover your baby or as a changing pad, nursing cover, bib, shade, or burp cloth.
Extra clothes for your child- You never know when spit-up, drool, spills, or poop explosions will necessitate a change of clothing.
Pacifier (if your child uses one) or other comfort item
Sunscreen or a hat to protect your child from the sun
Emergency information- Make sure you have the phone numbers of your family's doctors programmed in your cell phone and health insurance cards in your wallet. You may also want to fill out this emergency contacts worksheet and take a copy with you.
The extras
Diaper rash cream- Sample sizes often work well and take up less space.
Tissues
Nail clippers- You never know when your little one will doze off and give you the perfect opportunity to clip those tiny nails.
Camera- Moments worthy of capturing can happen anywhere!
Nursing cover- For breastfeeding in public, these fabric drapes cover your chest and give more privacy than the basic blanket-over-the-shoulder approach.
Breast pads for nursing moms- Slip these in your bra to absorb breast milk leaks.
Sling or wrap for carrying your baby- Even if you're heading out with a stroller, you may prefer to park it and transfer your baby to a hands-free carrier if you're headed someplace crowded.
Toys, board books, and crayons and coloring pages or paper- Choose toys based on your outing and your child's age. A toddler going to a restaurant often requires a lot of entertaining distractions, while a 4-month-old may be happy with one rattle.
First-aid kit- You may want to include adhesive bandage strips, antibiotic cream, pain reliever, and other first-aid supplies.
Necessities for Mom
If you're not carrying a separate purse, make sure to pack your essentials, too! These may include:
Wallet
Keys
Cell phone
Sunglasses
Pen and paper
Snacks, mints, or gum
Bottle of water or other drink
Book or magazine
New shirt in case of spit-up or a spill
Diaper bag tips
A waterproof lining makes life easier when spills occur.
Multiple compartments can keep your items organized and easy to find.
Prevent leaks by packing medicines and snacks in resealable plastic bags.
Save time by packing similar items together, such as clothing, in a resealable bag.
Consider buying two diaper bags – a small one for quick trips and a larger one for longer outings. Some parents keep a basic diaper bag or changing supplies in the car at all times.
Try diaper bags on for size. No one bag is comfortable and convenient for everyone.
Sometimes the best diaper bags are those that are designed for other purposes, such as tote bags or backpacks. If you don't find something you think will work well for you, broaden your search.
- Courtesy of Babycenter.com
Whats in your diaper bag???
The essentials
Diapers- One for each hour you'll be out, plus a few extra – just in case.
Wipes- You can stick ten or so in a plastic bag if you're not going out for long. Wipes are perfect not just for diaper changes, but also for sticky hands and dirty surfaces.
Hand sanitizer- For cleaning your hands after diaper changes when there's no time or place to wash them.
Changing pad- Many diaper bags come with a reusable changing pad, or you can buy one separately. Some parents like the disposable ones for traveling. A hand towel from home will also do.
Plastic or biodegradable bags- For storing soiled diapers, clothes, and baby blankets. Just make sure your child can't get to them, since plastic bags (including the biodegradable versions) pose a suffocation risk.
Bottle(s) of formula or expressed breast milk if you're bottle-feeding
Snacks (for older babies and toddlers)- Depending on the age of your child, this could include a jar of baby food and a spoon, or finger foods. Bring a few bibs as well.
Sippy cup of milk, water, or juice (for toddlers)
Blanket- You can use it to cover your baby or as a changing pad, nursing cover, bib, shade, or burp cloth.
Extra clothes for your child- You never know when spit-up, drool, spills, or poop explosions will necessitate a change of clothing.
Pacifier (if your child uses one) or other comfort item
Sunscreen or a hat to protect your child from the sun
Emergency information- Make sure you have the phone numbers of your family's doctors programmed in your cell phone and health insurance cards in your wallet. You may also want to fill out this emergency contacts worksheet and take a copy with you.
The extras
Diaper rash cream- Sample sizes often work well and take up less space.
Tissues
Nail clippers- You never know when your little one will doze off and give you the perfect opportunity to clip those tiny nails.
Camera- Moments worthy of capturing can happen anywhere!
Nursing cover- For breastfeeding in public, these fabric drapes cover your chest and give more privacy than the basic blanket-over-the-shoulder approach.
Breast pads for nursing moms- Slip these in your bra to absorb breast milk leaks.
Sling or wrap for carrying your baby- Even if you're heading out with a stroller, you may prefer to park it and transfer your baby to a hands-free carrier if you're headed someplace crowded.
Toys, board books, and crayons and coloring pages or paper- Choose toys based on your outing and your child's age. A toddler going to a restaurant often requires a lot of entertaining distractions, while a 4-month-old may be happy with one rattle.
First-aid kit- You may want to include adhesive bandage strips, antibiotic cream, pain reliever, and other first-aid supplies.
Necessities for Mom
If you're not carrying a separate purse, make sure to pack your essentials, too! These may include:
Wallet
Keys
Cell phone
Sunglasses
Pen and paper
Snacks, mints, or gum
Bottle of water or other drink
Book or magazine
New shirt in case of spit-up or a spill
Diaper bag tips
A waterproof lining makes life easier when spills occur.
Multiple compartments can keep your items organized and easy to find.
Prevent leaks by packing medicines and snacks in resealable plastic bags.
Save time by packing similar items together, such as clothing, in a resealable bag.
Consider buying two diaper bags – a small one for quick trips and a larger one for longer outings. Some parents keep a basic diaper bag or changing supplies in the car at all times.
Try diaper bags on for size. No one bag is comfortable and convenient for everyone.
Sometimes the best diaper bags are those that are designed for other purposes, such as tote bags or backpacks. If you don't find something you think will work well for you, broaden your search.
- Courtesy of Babycenter.com
Whats in your diaper bag???
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