Posts by linablue

I gained 1/4 lb.  :(

At least I basically maintained.

I'll be the unpopular one and say: Do what feels right for you.  There a lot of benefits to breastfeeding but sometimes it doesnt work out the way you hope it will.  Don't let anyone guilt trip you into being miserable or feeling like a failure if you choose not to breast feed.  Your baby can be equally as fussy on breastmilk as formula.  Your breastfed baby can still get food allergies and ear infections.  It is not a magic formula for success.  You need to do whats right for both of you physically and mentally. A happy formula feeding mom is better for her baby than a miserable breastfeeding mom. 

If I use this service will I start getting spam messages to my phone?

Thanks

I figured it would be something like that.  Where did you get the calorie information?

great, thanks for the info!

In Texas we use Masa Harina, or corn meal.

Two year olds are going to eat what they want when they want just keep serving him healthy balanced meals and eventually he'll eat a few bites here and there.  Sorry there really isnt any good advice.  You can try making things more fun like dipping, making silly faces, letting him choose things at the store and help prepare them but really it comes down to: he'll eat what he wants when he wants and if you try too hard you'll make you both crazy. 

That sounds a little suspect.  It isn't like the baby is actually eating grapefruit via your breastmilk.  There is no increase in fiber for the baby the way there is for the mother.  If the baby was having trouble digesting the proteins they might be more fussy and gassy but not sure just an increase in BMs.  Let us know if it improves after cutting out the citrus, curious!

Talk to your doctor about your concerns and ask how many calories you should be eating.  For an idea, try nutritiondata.com, and indicate pregnancy and it will tell you about what you need calorie-wise in each trimester.

Just chiming in with my 2 cents, feel free the PM me if you have more questions. :) My youngest is now 10 weeks old so these things are active in my mind right now!

Original Post by vanessa1031:

Hi everyone!  Many thanks and appreciation on the following clarification questions:  (I'm due July 2008 and registered this weekend, now having SO many questions!)

1.  Bottle warmer:  I don't want to use the microwave.  I registered for a bottle warmer.  Are these effective; or should I go conventional stove warming?

The bottle warmer is way faster and uses less water than the hot mug trick but either one will work.  We went without one for a long time without any trouble and then got one and thought it was much more convenient.  We bottle feed breastmilk so it separates in the fridge and the bottle warmer gets it nice and warm so it blends back.

2.  Pamper's Swaddlers:  What are those?  Regular diapers?  I scanned newborn regular diapers that has a space cut out for the umbilical cord site to heal.  That I know.  I just don't understand what swaddlers are as compared to regular diapers.

Swaddlers are just regular diapers.  That being said they are the only diapers I have used through 3 babies that don't blow out poop the back and legs.  Although if you get 1 size up most brands should be ok.  FYI you don't need the newborn cut out, just fold the front of the diaper down so it rest under their belly button.  Most of the time the cut out doesn't fit the baby exactly and you have to fold it anyway.  Don't buy too many newborn and size 1 diapers, you'll be shocked at how quickly they grow in those first few weeks!!

3.  I registered for a bassinet, Pack -n- Play and a play-yard/playpen.  Do I need all these?  I like the play-pen.....my mom suggested I get one becuase they can play in there safely while I make dinner, work, excercise; etc.

I am not sure what the difference is between the ones you registered for but what you want to get is one of the new ones that is a playpen with a bassinet insert and a changing table.  We have one in the living room so the baby can sleep, play, and be changed without having to go upstairs to her bedroom.  Also it is great for travel because you have all the equipment you could need.

4.  How  many sheets do I need for the crib, and pack-n-play, and bassinet??

Get about 4 sheets for the crib and multiples of those waterproof fabic pads. There will be nights the baby will spit up every time you lay her down and you want to be able to change what's under her quickly (and with one hand).  I don't use sheets in my pack n play, just one of those fabric mats.

5.  Baby sling vs. Bjorn body carrier?  What's more comfy and safe for baby?  I like the look of the sling, but the acutal front carrier from bjorn with all the straps look safer, but way uncomfortable.

I have always used a baby sling but the kind you get will make a huge difference as to how comfortable it is.  It has taken me 3 kids to find the perfect one.  I use it because it is easy to stuff in my purse, it covers the baby completely so I don't have to worry about cold, germs, etc..., and I also find it fashionable and comfortable.  That said I have also used the baby Bjorn and for bigger babies it is fine.  Not quite as portable as my sling and the baby is much more exposed, but comfortable for the wearer. 

6.  How fast do they grow out of onesies?  It's looking like this little one is going to be a big baby-  how long do newborns stay in onseies made for 0-3 months?

Onesies are really stretchy, so they usually last long past their weight limit.  However depending on the size of your baby that doesn't necessarily correspond to the month/age.  Although for baby clothes and diapers I would focus on the 3-6 month sizes.  The first 3 months the baby gows so fast you'll be growing out of clothes and diapers right and left.    

7.  Baby Powder for bottoms:  Do people use baby powder on little bottoms or now is it always a diaper rash cream?  Is Triple Paste Ointment that great?  I've heard good things about it-  but not sure.

I also never used baby powder although I have bought several bottles of the cornstarch only kind with the intention of using it.  We also have always used Desitin (the original formula, not the creamy it rubs off too easily).  The best way to take care of their butts is to not use baby wipes too often. 

TMI Alert!

No more diarrhea!  I always thought I had IBS but I guess my body just didn't know what to do with all that extra food...

Original Post by moscovite82:

Kashi TLC bars. I personally hate them (I don't really care for nuts, and I find the cherry taste in the Cherry Dark Chocolate variety is too strong), but most people seem to like them.

 I second the Kashi TLC bars, I love them all except the chocolate one (too sweet).  I especially like the trail mix and peanut ones.  Even my kids like them and they are a pretty filling/lasting low calorie snack with good nutritionals and ingredients.

The sugar content is actually pretty good like 8g or something close (don't have a box handy).  Have you tried the CHOCOLATE Honey Bunches of Oats??? Its great, same nutritionals (except like 1 more g of sugar) but it tastes like HBO mixed with cocoa pebbles.