It is so hard to believe that my little one is 13 weeks today. Where has the time gone? I know there are alot of other moms that feel the same way. I kept telling myself that after my 6 week release from the OB, I would regain my pre-baby figure. It then took me another 6 weeks before I did anything to try and lose weight.

I kept hearing that breastfeeding helps to burn those extra calories. I really didn't see any difference from 1 week post partum to over 10 weeks post partum. For me that wasn't the case. You also can't "DIET" while breastfeeding. Not good for baby or milk supply!

I signed up for a Mom and Baby Yoga class at Tree Frog Yoga in Lutz. We just finished our 2nd class and I have to say that I love it! I was not into yoga before baby other than trying the Prenatal yoga class that they have. I think yoga, how hard is it anyways! I have to truly say that I feel the work out. Caleb is still trying to figure out what are we doing?

The instructor, Sarah, incorporates yoga techniques and poses with baby. Moms can take a break during the class and tend to baby, feed them or just comfort them without disrupting the class. The class is a 6 week session. I can truly say that after the first class, I forgot I had ab and upper body muscles.  The class is Monday's at 11am.

You can contact them at 813-909-0606 for more information. If they are not close to you, check around for a yoga studio that may offer a class like this. This is something that I am looking forward to each week. The one time that I tune out the rest of the world and just focus on ME and the special time I have with my baby.

 

Boy this was an exciting and interesting week all together. My husband and I have made a pact to take our kids on some kind of family vacation each year. This is somewhat a challenge with a newborn this year. We want to spend as much free time with our kids and remind them how special they are in our lives. Isn't this what families are all about anyway? I have heard of too many parents that ditch the kids with grandparents so they can take a week on vacation by themselves.  I can't imagine doing that to my kids!

Getting ready for the trip was a real chore. Trying to make a list on top of list and still forgetting things in the long run. Our extended length Expedition was filled to the max and things were under the kids feet. I forgot that a newborn needs diapers, wipes, bouncy seat, play pen to sleep in, swing, tons of clothes, and the list goes on. Next year will be great when we don't need to think of things to keep our 11 week old occuppied.

The trip to South Florida was great. Baby slept for 2 of the 4 hours and we stopped for lunch. He had first blow out in his 4th of July outfit. It was so bad, he had to take a mini bath in the sink! Caleb felt great and was back to sleep for the last 2 hours of the trip. We felt like the Grizwalds with our packed SUV.

The week was great and we were finally relaxed! What a feeling. My Under Wraps Nursing Poncho was my saving grace while away in public. He wanted to nurse all the time. It was so helpful while at the beach and at the pool all day with the other kids.

The ride home was a little rougher. We made it though. Now the fun begins as it is time to put away all the things i packed and try to get back into a normal routine. Our vacation in south Florida was amazing and I only wish I had one more week. As my husband says, someone has to pay the bills and work.

 

Every pregnant mom goes through the thought process of do i want to breastfeed or formula feed. You will always find a over the top activist for either option.

It is recommended that a mom dive into as much information that she can possibly get her hands on. The first time around for me, I didn't know that "I" was in control at the hospital. I could have refused to give my daughter a bottle. Some nurses just push it on you. This time around, I made it known in my birth plan that BOTTLES WERE NOT AN OPTION for me. I delivered at UCH in Tampa and all the nurses were great to work with me every time that I thought I needed it. I pumped with my first 2 children for about 10 months each. I nursed the 3rd for 14 months and now 10 weeks into nursing my last baby.

You should know going into it that it takes a good 6 weeks for you and baby to get the hang of it. Don't give up if that is what you want to do for the baby. If it hurts, then there is a latch issue. It could be a very simple one. Reach out to the la leche league or local hospital lactatation department for help. That is what they are there for.

You will also need a good support system at home. Make sure your husband is on board. This is a new venture for you, baby and your husband. There are a ton of other things that he could help you with regarding baby. Bring the baby to you to nurse, change diapers, rock baby, bath baby and the list goes on.

There are numerous products on the market to help new moms nurse in public. I am very proud of my product, the Under Wraps Nursing Poncho. It has given me the confidence to breastfeed in public and also makes a great cover for baby.

Which ever option you choose, your baby will turn out just fine. Just decide what works for you and baby. Any breastmilk is better than none at all.

Take each day with stride and know that it does get easier.

I remember when I was half way through my last pregnancy with baby #4, I realized that people don't think before they speak. From the moment I found out we had another baby on the way, the comments (positive or negative) along with unsolicited advise never seemed to stop. Don't get me wrong, a new baby is a special time in a couples lives and such a miracle from above. I am one of those crazy women who actually enjoy being pregnant! This was my last time.

My favorite comments are from the baby boomer or older population. I guess it has been awhile since they have had their babies and the actual facts have escaped their minds a little. My mother always said "if you didn't have something nice to say, then don't say it at all."

Here are a few of the intial remarks I heard and my thoughts I kept to my self:

* "Do you know by now how this happens?"- I think by having baby #4 on the way, we do and it is fun!"

* "What are you going to do now?"- Well I don't know. Do I need to send back one of my other kids. Any volunteers?

* "Can you really afford it?"- We always seem to make it work.

As my belly grew, so have the remarks:

* "Wow you are really big for 9 weeks. Is there twins?"- I am not in my 20's anymore and this is the 4th kid. Muscles do stretch!

* "Can I make a wish?"- Can I rub your belly and make a wish?

* "How much weight have you gained?"- It is not polite to ask a women how much weight she gains prego or not.

* "Are you due any day now?"- No, I still have 12 more weeks but thanks for noticing!

Baby is now here:

* "Your belly looks the same size as when you were pregnant"- Wow, you know how to make a new mom feel really good. Not!

* "Baby is always nursing, your milk must not be any good."- Breastfeeding is a natural thing and he is gaining weight like a champ!

Pregnancy is a special time in a women's life. We try and enjoy  every moment good or not so good as it comes. Take the crazy comments in stride and if you are bold enough, where your real thoughts on your shirt for the world to see! I did!

I wanted to welcome you to the site. We just went live 6-25-08. Still in the rough stages and will continue to add new info daily. Enjoy the mommy info and let us know if there is things you feel would be useful and other mommies would like to know.