I have been breastfeeding my son for 7 months now. To think about it almost puts me in A good friend of mine recently had a baby and it brought back the memories from nursing my daughter. The tear-jerking pain, raw nipples, wet clothes, and memories of begging for it to stop hurting came flooding back. I can't believe how hard it was starting off with my daughter compared to how easy it is now. I have been completely taking for granted how wonderful the experience is now. I felt like I fought so hard to get through every day of exclusively nursing her and just praying that it would get easier and the pain would stop. I had a goal to make it six months with her. At the beginning, I would be counting down the days to six months, just hoping I could make it. It eventually got easier and we made it to 14 months.
Now, I am at 7 months with my son. It went so much easier this time around that it almost catches me off guard when I realize how long it has been. Small fears still come and go that something will happen to my milk supply, but I am confident that he and I can make it at least another 7 months... Bliss.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Beco Gemini Baby Carrier Review
I was thrilled when I heard that Beco had created a new carrier that would allow the baby to face forward. Kids love to see what's going on in front of them, so I was soooo excited to get the carrier.
I loved my Beco Butterfly 2, so I knew I would love another product from Beco. The Gemini doesn't have all of the features I loved with my Beco, but it has some new, cool features.
What I like about the Beco Gemini Baby Carrier.
Better straps: The straps on this carrier are reinforced and cushioned. They are thicker and comfortable for mom/dad and baby.
Snaps to convert to forward-facing. The carrier has a neat feature that allows the front to fold in for more comfortable forward facing or fold out and snap for better support when the baby is facing mom/dad.
Strong support belt. Great for carrying for long periods of time without hurting your back
Built in nap hood/head support. On my Butterfly carrier, this was removable so it was easy to misplace. This one is built in and folds over.
Long Straps. This is awesome for when my much taller husband wants to carry the kids.
Easier to get on and off. The location of the strap buckles on the carrier make it much easier to use when I am alone. No hassles with getting the baby in or out!
It can carry a lot of baby/toddler. This carrier can hold up to 35 pounds!
Variety in carrying style. You can basically use this carrier to carry your baby any way you desire, on your front, on your back, facing forward, facing-you, on your hip...
Dreamy designs. I love the patterns and designs offered with this carrier!
What could be improved on the Beco Gemini Baby Carrier.
A pocket. It would be nice to have somewhere to store things on the carrier so a diaper bag or purse isn't needed on walks or short adventures.
I miss the built-in infant insert. This one does not have an infant insert included. However, it does specify that it can carry infants as little as 7lbs.
I miss the "pocket" design of the Butterfly 2. It held the baby in so you could safely and easily move baby from your front to your back or vice-versa without taking them out of the carrier. I guess the new location of the buckles makes it easier to get baby in and out, so this doesn't matter as much.
Overall, I love my carrier. It is comfortable and does exactly what I need it to.
Do you own a Beco Gemini carrier? What do you think of it?
What I like about the Beco Gemini Baby Carrier.
Better straps: The straps on this carrier are reinforced and cushioned. They are thicker and comfortable for mom/dad and baby.
Snaps to convert to forward-facing. The carrier has a neat feature that allows the front to fold in for more comfortable forward facing or fold out and snap for better support when the baby is facing mom/dad.
Strong support belt. Great for carrying for long periods of time without hurting your back
Built in nap hood/head support. On my Butterfly carrier, this was removable so it was easy to misplace. This one is built in and folds over.
Long Straps. This is awesome for when my much taller husband wants to carry the kids.
Easier to get on and off. The location of the strap buckles on the carrier make it much easier to use when I am alone. No hassles with getting the baby in or out!
It can carry a lot of baby/toddler. This carrier can hold up to 35 pounds!
Variety in carrying style. You can basically use this carrier to carry your baby any way you desire, on your front, on your back, facing forward, facing-you, on your hip...
Dreamy designs. I love the patterns and designs offered with this carrier!
What could be improved on the Beco Gemini Baby Carrier.
A pocket. It would be nice to have somewhere to store things on the carrier so a diaper bag or purse isn't needed on walks or short adventures.
I miss the built-in infant insert. This one does not have an infant insert included. However, it does specify that it can carry infants as little as 7lbs.
I miss the "pocket" design of the Butterfly 2. It held the baby in so you could safely and easily move baby from your front to your back or vice-versa without taking them out of the carrier. I guess the new location of the buckles makes it easier to get baby in and out, so this doesn't matter as much.
Overall, I love my carrier. It is comfortable and does exactly what I need it to.
Do you own a Beco Gemini carrier? What do you think of it?
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Get The Most (Literally) Out of Your Pumping Sessions
Moms who exclusively pump and working moms who have to pump a lot, know that it is really important to get the most out of your pumping sessions. Through having two children and being a full-time working mom I have learned a lot about pumping milk effectively.
1. Get a good pump. This can make or break a pumping mom. The pump needs to be comfortable and have strong enough suction. A double electric tends to be the pump of choice for frequent pumpers. It is easier to get a let-down when you pump both sides at the same time and it is more time efficient than pumping with a single and doing each side separately.
2. Purchase pump parts that fit properly. If your shields/flanges don't fit, you won't maximize the amount of milk you pump. Not to mention if your pumping accessories don't fit properly they can cause discomfort and can damage your nipples.
3. Buy new pump parts. Ideally, with every child you will need a new set of breast pump accessories. If you have a Medela, those little rubber valves can make a huge difference when they are warn. If you feel like you aren't getting the milk you used to, try replacing your parts.
4. Make sure you have a let-down (see How Do I Get A Let-Down When Pumping). If you don't have a let down, you probably won't produce much of anything.
5. Pump around the same times every day. This works even better if it corresponds with when your baby would normally eat.
6. Pump for at least 20 minutes if you are struggling with your supply. Any shorter and your supply can suffer.
7. Use the right suction and speed setting. You will learn by trial and error what settings on your breast pump are most effective for you. For me, my speed starts off a lot higher when I begin pumping and once I have a let down, I slow the pump down and increase my pump strength.
8. Eat and drink. If you aren't eating and drinking enough and your supply will suffer, and so will your pumping experience.
9. Relax. If you are tense, you will likely pump less. I find that when I distract myself by reading, I pump more than if I am focusing on how much milk I am getting out.
10. Get the right accessories. A hands-free pumping bra like the ones from Simple Wishes can make pumping much easier and more enjoyable. Other accessories like the pump strap from Pumpin Pal can also help.
11. Pump where it's warm. If you are cold, you tense up and may pump less. Maybe the warmth relaxes me more, but I tend to have a better pumping experience when I am warm versus when I am cold.
What tips do you have for getting the most out of your pumping sessions?
1. Get a good pump. This can make or break a pumping mom. The pump needs to be comfortable and have strong enough suction. A double electric tends to be the pump of choice for frequent pumpers. It is easier to get a let-down when you pump both sides at the same time and it is more time efficient than pumping with a single and doing each side separately.
2. Purchase pump parts that fit properly. If your shields/flanges don't fit, you won't maximize the amount of milk you pump. Not to mention if your pumping accessories don't fit properly they can cause discomfort and can damage your nipples.
3. Buy new pump parts. Ideally, with every child you will need a new set of breast pump accessories. If you have a Medela, those little rubber valves can make a huge difference when they are warn. If you feel like you aren't getting the milk you used to, try replacing your parts.
4. Make sure you have a let-down (see How Do I Get A Let-Down When Pumping). If you don't have a let down, you probably won't produce much of anything.
5. Pump around the same times every day. This works even better if it corresponds with when your baby would normally eat.
6. Pump for at least 20 minutes if you are struggling with your supply. Any shorter and your supply can suffer.
7. Use the right suction and speed setting. You will learn by trial and error what settings on your breast pump are most effective for you. For me, my speed starts off a lot higher when I begin pumping and once I have a let down, I slow the pump down and increase my pump strength.
8. Eat and drink. If you aren't eating and drinking enough and your supply will suffer, and so will your pumping experience.
9. Relax. If you are tense, you will likely pump less. I find that when I distract myself by reading, I pump more than if I am focusing on how much milk I am getting out.
10. Get the right accessories. A hands-free pumping bra like the ones from Simple Wishes can make pumping much easier and more enjoyable. Other accessories like the pump strap from Pumpin Pal can also help.
11. Pump where it's warm. If you are cold, you tense up and may pump less. Maybe the warmth relaxes me more, but I tend to have a better pumping experience when I am warm versus when I am cold.
What tips do you have for getting the most out of your pumping sessions?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
