Well, this is my last week of maternity leave. It is crazy to think that on Saturday it will be 12 weeks since our little guy was brought into this world. We just love him so much!! Anyways, that means back to work for me. Luckily, I will only be working 16 hrs. a week and from home. I think it will be a little challenging initially with Ryan's schedule varying, but if he does as well as he's done this weekend and today with napping everything should work out just fine. I plan on him staying home with me, but having my Mom or sister, Maggie to come over occasionally when I have important demos/calls, etc. I will try to group them together for everyone's convenience. I think it's a great opportunity that I've been given and I will do my best to make it work out, but I'm being open-minded and realizing flexibility will be a must. If things don't go well then I will ask to take extended time until Ryan is a little bit older.
The weather has been getting much nicer lately and Ryan and I have taken a few walks around the neighborhood. I'm also getting braver about taking him out on my own for errands, grocery runs, etc. (I found this to be a little intimidating at first- esp with his 2hr feeding schedule- sheesh!) He has a very nice 3hr sometimes more between feedings now and is generally waking up once during the night to feed (although sometimes twice). I'm hoping this stays consistent or gets even better!! Ryan's been eyeing his feet and hands a lot lately and even grabbed onto his foot for a minute during bath time last night. It was so cute- he was very happy about it! Which reminds me, Moms- do you typically bathe your little babies at night or in the morning?? Up until now I've always bathed Ryan in the morning sometime after his first feeding. However, last night I bathed him before bed and then rubbed Johnson's Bedtime lotion all over him, fed him and put him to bed. He seemed to sleep really soundly and very well. Not sure if these factors had anything to do with it or not, or if he was just tired. I do plan to repeat it tomorrow night and see if the results are the same. I wonder if you could comment on any of your experiences- pros/cons. Thanks!!
~Emily
I also purchase these at Target- a package of 60 is about $7.50 I believe. These obviously are a must if you are breastfeeding to prevent leakage onto your bras and shirts. They have a sticky peel off and you place them inside of your nursing bras and throw them away when they become wet. On average, I typically go through two pairs a day. I've already bought two boxes and I have a feeling it's something I will be investing more money in - for the next few months anyways.
If you have a vaginal delivery and especially if you have a tear or episiotomy it is likely that the hospital might provide this for you. However, if they don't then it is a DEFINITE "must-have". I was lucky not to experience any hemorrhoids, but many women do so this is also good for pain associated with those. I found that I only had to take OTC Tylenol the first two days and no other pain medication because this stuff did the trick. You just spray it on the "affected area" and it reduces/eliminates pain from delivery/episiotomy healing. The hospital provided an antiseptic spray for pain relief, but they also have one that is both pain relief and anti-bacterial which I purchased later to ensure the stitches didn't get an infection of any kind.
If you are a Mom who will be returning to work or just want to have the ability to pump occasionally so you can enjoy a date night away or something, this pump is a good investment. I know the Medela pumps are also nice but they are closer to $300-$400. This one you can find at Walmart or Target for $150 or even Amazon for about $120 (where we purchased). It was recommended to me by my lactation consultant at the hospital as the best buy for your money. I have been very pleased with it so far. I only pump once a day or every other and have had it for 5 weeks, but I don't have any complaints. 
1 year ago
