Author: threeleadingladies

I have so many roles in life, but the most important are my leading roles, and join me as I share my chaos of all three of the leading ladies!

True Labor vs. False Labor….

threeleadingladies

For first-time moms to veteran moms, it is a known fact that EVERY PREGNANCY IS DIFFERENT.  This means from start to finish!  At some point, whether out of excitement, pain, annoyance with pregnancy, expectant mothers are ready for D-Day (Delivery Day).  However, some, especially first time mums can be a bit unclear as to the signs and symptoms leading up to this day and moment.

As a mother of now 4, I have to admit every labor was unique, never like the last, but with a few things consistent.  With my last two pregnancies, I had Braxton hicks contractions (practice contractions where the uterus contracts irregularly) like I breathed air, sometimes so often and common, I had to have medications to stop them.  Even with this last recent delivery (8/17/13), I still was a bit confused as to if this was the “REAL DEAL”. I’m going to break down the signs and symptoms of Braxton Hicks Contractions vs. Real Labor Contractions.
Braxton Hicks
  • Short, infrequent and most importantly irregular tightening of the uterus
  • Pain is usually in the front 
  • Usually goes away if you change positions or take Tylenol
  • Not “painful” really just annoying
  • No changes in cervix
Real Labor Contractions
  • Consistent, regular tightening of the uterus
  • Pain typically begins in the lower back (like menstrual cramps) and works it’s way to the front
  • Time between contractions gets closer and closer together
  • Pain does NOT GO AWAY despite all efforts
If you suspect you are having Braxton Hicks Contractions
  1. Talke a walk, bath, shower
  2. Take Tylenol
  3. Lie on left side
  4. Drink water (dehydration most common cause of BH)
  5. Take a nap
If you suspect you are in true labor or unsure, call your healthcare provider for additional instructions, other signs that accompany true labor include
  1. Gush or leaking of fluids
  2. Bleeding
  3. Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, urge to have a bowel movement
  4. 5 or more contractions in an hour about 10 minutes apart

While this is informational only, please always speak with your healthcare provider for definitive instructions.  Trust your gut and you will eventually make it to delivery of your little one, possibly with some false alarms!

Breast Feeding, In the beginning…

threeleadingladies

It’s soooo much information circulating in regards to breastfeeding, honestly, I don’t know where to start!  I figure I’ll go off  of with some simple do’s and don’ts and go from there.

Zander at the breast nursing…didn’t want to show too much!

MY EXPERIENCE: First off, I did not breastfeed (bf) all of my children.  My first, I made a last attempt effort to nurse him, but by then my milk was just about gone, and I was too young to really care and he was bottle fed.  My second child was born at 31 weeks and had to be tube fed.  However, I did pump milk for him him, so much so, the hospital told me to stop bringing milk for he had too much there!  When he did develop a sucking reflex and was able to be put to the breast, he just would not latch on thus he too was bottle fed.  Although, he had an awesome supply of milk to last him for a couple months before switching to formula.  My princess, was exclusively bf for 11 months, and I just delivered my 3rd prince (8/17/13) and he too is being exclusively bf.

DO’S

  • Place baby to breast as soon as possible after delivery
  • Use a Boppy Pillow or bedroom pillow for supporting the baby while nursing to save your back
  • Drink Plenty of Fluids before, during, and after nursing
  • Alternate Breast, use a rubber band or bracelet to keep track; Similac offers an Awesome App to help keep track of this and sooo much more
  • Pay attention to your baby cues for hunger (rooting, sucking, hands to mouth, clenched body); while he/she may be new, this little one know best when he or she is hungry or NOT!
  • Invest in a good breast pump (most insurance providers will provide a Medela or Ameda) if you plan on returning to work, or having family members assist with feedings
  • Pump excess milk (after feedings especially in early days) for storage to use with bottles
  • Invest in breast pads (only if you leak, I never needed these)
  • Invest in nursing bras, covers, and tops for public nursing (if you’re comfortable) I hear this can be taboo
  • Invest in bottles similar to breast or pacifier in case of emergency for supplemental feedings, you never know what life will throw you
  • Remain relaxed and calm during feedings; baby can pick up on anxiety and stress and can make feeding times difficult
  • ENJOY this time to bond with your newborn, talk to him, caress his face, play in her hair, hold his hand, sing a song; these moments will be gone before you know it
  • Eat a balanced diet, consisting of 2200 calories
  • Get plenty of rest; nap when baby naps 
  • Keep napkins or a diaper cloth nearby for leaks from the other breast while feeding

    DON’TS
    • Give baby a pacifier/or bottle until bf is established; make sure your healthcare team is aware of this preference (many babies come back from the nursery with a pacifier in tow)
    • Give into the nurses request postpartum to give baby a bottle, the first night is by far the worst; along with the first few weeks! Yes they are trying to be helpful, but in the end it can cause set-backs
    • Skip feedings without pumping the milk; if a bottle is used in lieu of bf, pump to keep your supply up
    • Be afraid to ask for help; the hospitals have lactation consultants and there are resources available in the community for when you go home
    • Be embarrassed of nursing in public; it’s the way mother nature intended our babies be fed
    • Don’t wipe your nipples or dry them after feeding; allow residual breast milk to air dry (helps prevents cracked/sore nipples)
    • Be afraid of the “PAIN” associated with bf; if your baby is latched on correctly, the pain is minimal, and once bf is established, you’ll be able to sleep through it (promise)
    • Give up, the first week or so postpartum will be VERY TRYING AND TIRING; in the end it will be for the greater you good.
    With such a postpartum brain, this is all I can think of for now, but there is more to come…any questions or suggestions please feel free to comment!

    Bottle Feeding: Let’s Stop Shaming It!

    threeleadingladies

    Since everyone is going absolutely CRAZY over breast feeding this month (I have nothing against it, Promise), I figured I’d start my feeding series off with the bottle.

    Unfortunately, everyone is not able to nurse their baby or maybe a nursing mom is just unable to.  She may be working, latch issues, baby is in the hospital (premie maybe), etc.  Well thank goodness we live in times with alternatives.
    I am simply going to list what is entailed (good and not so good) when a parent chooses to use the bottle.
    1. Types of Bottles- there are sooooooo many different types of bottles on the market it can be overwhelming.  Choosing a bottle in my opinion is really a matter of preference for the parent more so than the newborn, for if milk is coming out a baby will suck. Many bottles claim different features, but at the end of the day, you turn the bottle upside down, the baby suck, milk comes out, and some air will go in REGARDLESS of the bottle.  When it’s all said and done, you burp them and go on about your business.
    2. Cleaning-Bottles have to be throughly cleaned to avoid germs, and the only bottle that can be sanitized via the old-fashioned method of boiling is glass bottles.  The least hassles are the Playtex with drop-ins.  Other bottles have multiple pieces you have to assemble and disassemble when cleaning which can be tedious.  There are bottle cleaning kits you can purchase, but hot soapy water with a bottle brush will do just fine.
    3. Anyone Can Feed the Baby!- This means the nurses after you deliver, dear old dad, grandparents, siblings etc!  The act of feeding is not left entirely up to you, giving you the opportunity to rest, run errands, work uninterrupted, or to simply take a break if so desired.  This is an area where bottle feeding really frees mom up to handle business.

    4. Preparation of Bottles- Bottles do require mixing of formula and powder and heating before actually feeding the baby.  There are ready made formulas available, however, they do not last long after opening depending if you buy the individual bottles or the large bottles.  The individual bottles are good for 24 hours after opening, and an hour after the baby has fed from it.  After the recommended time has passed, you have to throw it away.  The larger ready made bottles are good for 48 hours after opening and have to be refrigerated.

    5. More to carry in diaper bag- When bottle-feeding, you have to carry water, the formula (there are handy containers available), and the bottles, which will add weight to your diaper bag.

    6. Formula- All formulas are not made for every baby, hence some babies go through several different formulas until they find one that suits their digestive system right, and there are MANY different formulas on the market.  In the meantime, you may have some rough days and night due to gas, constipation, colic, reflux, and/or upset stomach.

    7. Feed your baby without EYES- Bottle feeding is a method that is obviously accepted universally, and you can feed your baby anywhere, anyplace, anytime without having to find cover, reach for a cover, or cover up.  You don’t have to worry about stares, questions, possibly being put out of establishments if your views differ and so forth.  Let’s face it we all heard the stories.

    With every decision we make as parents, we will always upset someone somewhere. Just remember to make the decision that is best for you and your baby.

    Packing for the Hospital

    threeleadingladies

    Everyone knows you should bring a bag to the hospital with them when having a baby, but everyone is not to sure about what exactly they need to pack.  Well as a mother of 3 and an RN who instructed first time mothers on situations such as this, here are my recommendations for mom, baby, and dad (if he stays).

    For mom:
    1. Lose fitting clothes: sweats and favorite tee-shirt, a dress, me being a nurse, I took scrubs.  Basically something quick and easy to wear home.
    2. Indoor/Outdoor slide on shoe and socks- while some are just fine with the socks the hospital gives you, I prefer to be comfortable at all times when away from home, which means my own belongings. The soft socks fuzzy socks (I call them slippies), are by far my favorite!
    3. A couple night gowns, for after delivery, unless you prefer to wear the hospital issued back open over-sized gowns. I suggest one with buttons, especially for moms who plan on nursing.
    4. Underwear for going HOME: I STRONGLY recommend using whatever the hospital issue you for undergarment to avoid ruining yours until time to go home.  There will be a great deal of bleeding and possibly some urine accidents.  By discharge it usually slows down and you are less accident prone to blood or urine.
    5. Always with Wings Super Infinity brand sanitary napkins.  I love these for you barely know they are there and absorbs WELL.  You do have to keep in mind you did just deliver a baby so you will have to change your pad frequently regardless of what brand of sanitary napkin you choose to use.
    6. Personal Toiletries- Shampoo, conditioner, lotion (hospital water is drying), toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, brush, make-up and nail polish  (if you wear it for picture day), floss, hair tie (especially for labor, and afterwards), and for some hair scarf.
    7. Camera and charger (make sure it’s charged and has the memory card inside).  A disposable camera  would also suffice  if you do not own a camera.
    8. Cellphone CHARGER- To give your friends and family the good news via Facebook and twitter, and to snap a few quick photos to upload along with the news.
    9, List of important numbers- I know this sounds silly, but from experience I left my charger home, thus my phone died and had such a post-partum brain, I couldn’t remember my own mother’s number.  Which all lead to a fit full of tears!
    10. Ipad, books, crossword puzzles, magazines etc. for entertainment when you all alone and bored
    11. Snacks- Hospital food is not the best, and some snacks to get you through until the next meal or late at night may come in very handy!
    12. The Birthing Plan (if you have one)- explaining to everyone who is apart of your delivery and stay exactly how you want things to go.
    13. A warm blanket….it gets EXTREMELY COLD in those hospital rooms! This thing saved my life!

    14. The hubby- you will need a ride- it’s very difficult to drive with contractions, trust me!
    For the bundle of joy:
    Let me put it like this, the baby will get EVERYTHING HE OR SHE NEEDS OF GREAT QUALITY while in the hospital unlike you.  The only things you really need to pack are
    1. Going home outfit- make sure you have layers depending on the time of year you deliver and a newborn hat
    2. The carseat- most hospitals will not discharge mom without one.
    3. Diaper bag if you are not going directly home after discharge from the hospital (we’ll discuss what to pack in the diaper bag in another post).
    4. Change of clothes for hospital stay- this is totally not necessary, for the baby will be getting assessed frequently and the sleepers and clothes are just another layer for the staff to tussle with, the t-shirts given in the hospital are just fine
    \

     

    5. A soft photogenic blanket and outfit for pictures- the outfit really is not necessary for the hospital pictures, I really feel the “birthday suit” look turns out to look the best.  However, it’s whatever suits’ your preference.

    The baby book- I say bring this so you can get the footprints in the book for a keepsake when the hospital staff are making the birth record!

     

    For Dad:
    Usually dad does not stay the entire stay, although in most hospitals he’s welcomed to.  If he does, he may need ALMOST everything as mom will need (minus the sanitary napkins, and nightgowns), but a a guy usually some clean clothes, a toothbrush (you guys can share toothpaste), and a change of underwear will get him through his stay.  You guys can share the rest or make sure you pack enough for two in mom’s bag!
    If anyone has any other suggestions, please feel free to comment! Oh and make sure your nails are done, for the hospital photographers almost always take a picture with you holding the baby’s foot, or the baby holding your finger….ENJOY!

    The Wait Game at The Doctor’s Office

    threeleadingladies

    While I absolutely love my OB Dr. Vanguri, I just as much HATE her inconsideration of my time with my SCHEDULED appointments!  Something about waiting in a doctor’s office for 45 minutes or more with no update, no knowledge of the wait time when checking, and the chronic offenses that just boils my blood!  I feel it is absurd for a physician to be able to charge me late fees, or cancel my appointments if I’m 15 minutes late, but then have the audacity to have me wait with no compensation.  Picture me walking in 1 hour late and offer up an, “I’m sorry I’m late”, and see them reschedule me faster than my head can spin.

    I have 3 children who go to Orthopedics, Allergist, ENT, Audiology, Opthamalogy, Behavioral Health, Developmental Medicine, Dentist, and Primary Care Appointments, and I NEVER experience this inconsideration, not even with my own PCP and specialist I have to see!

    Well today, I wrote my OB a very nice letter about my feelings about her tardiness, and even included some suggestions to better serve her clients from other offices I’ve visited.  I also did some researched and learned that some patients have even billed their doctors office with some success of payment for the tardiness.  In my research, I learned individuals have developed software and phone apps to allow patients to check in to see what the wait time is before even heading out.

    Enough of my rant, I do have some tips for avoiding what seems to be my fate of the waiting game

    1. Schedule the first appointment in the morning, or the first appointment after lunch
    2. Call ahead before leaving the house and check to see if the doctor is on time
    3. Before checking-in ask if the doctor is on schedule or running behind and a time frame to be seen
    4. Write a letter expressing your dissatisfaction as well as offer ways of improvement
    5. Reschedule your appointment with another doctor if it’s a practice
    6. Try billing your doctor for your wages as they do you
    7. Change your doctor if the situation persist

    If anyone has any other suggestions please feel free to comment!

    Has anyone seen this sign????

    Progesterone Shots #highrisk #pregnancy

    threeleadingladies

    As mentioned somewhere along the lines, ALL of my pregnancies are considered high risk due to ALL being pre-term (before 37 weeks). My oldest was a 33 weeker, my second was a 31 weeker, and my thrid was a 36 weaker (with a cerclage and progesterone shots).  My fourth (who is still baking), is currently a 35 weeker (with cerclage and progesterone shots).

    Let’s get one thing straight, I absolutely DETEST, these shots, they hurt like the dickens, make me lazy, sleepy, acne, gained a TREMENDOUS amount of weight, brought on nausea in my second trimester, and cost $3600 (thank GOD for insurance…co-pay $40).  What drives me even crazier, is the fact, no one can tell me exactly HOW this shot is suppose to benefit me, just that it does.  I’ve heard the it “quiets” the uterus, didn’t know it was loud.  Medically speaking I know they’re referring to contractions, but I still have them just the same if not more.  I’ve been told research proves it works with making woman to term.  Which, again  is HOW??

    Well little do my OB, and MFM (maternal fetal medicine) doctor know, I did some research of my own (for school), and learned about this shot on my own.  No I did not use “google” I did scholarly searches using college search engines for reputable reliable sources.

    What I learned on my own, confirmed exactly what a thought.  A meta-analysis done revealed that these shots can prolong pregnancies, but can not prevent contractions which triggers cervical changes, hence labor, followed by delivery if not stopped (none of my labors could be stopped once started).  The analysis also concluded that researchers really do not know how it works, and it does not work for everyone.  What’s a girl to do?  Take the darn shots like I’ve been doing, despite still having a “loud” uterus, and I’m very curious to see how much longer I hold out for, it’s not looking good right now!

    Final Stretch #3rdtrimester #pregnancy

    threeleadingladies

    As I sit here at 2 in the morning short of breath unable to sleep, I am DESPERATELY counting down these last 6 weeks as if I’m getting out of prison.  I swear my body was not meant to carry children, but yet here I am on baby #4.  Everyday I wake up I feel every ounce this baby has gained in every part of my body.  Just getting in and out of bed is a chore and often requires the assist of two.  Bathing, is hilarious, I don’t know what I would do without my daughter because she washes my feet for me (the SO, conveniently is never around at bath time).  Walking, well that’s a joke! I was in 5 Below and had these slippery sandals on where I didn’t have to lift my feet, I could just slide throughout the store thought I died and went to heaven!  I swear I did not want to leave due to having to lift my legs to walk.  My kids are hanging in there being as patient as they can be with me being practically worthless, but I’m sure they secretly have a calendar counting down just the same as I.  I see woman twice my size just strolling down the street as if they are not even pregnant, and I on the other hand can barely walk 50 yards without needing to sit down due to agonizing back pain and pelvic pressure. I think the acronyms EDD or EDC should be changed to EDF (estimated date of freedom)!

     Me just plain miserable 😦

    Yoga while Pregnant #yoga #pregnancy

    threeleadingladies

    First, let me clear one thing up, exercise is not my thing.  I took yoga as an elective college course (thinking it would be easy).  Also, I signed up for this before finding out I was expecting and it was too late to drop the class.  Nevertheless, I wanted to share my experience, because I truly got more out of it than I expected.

    This was a 7 week course and it was a form of “warm” yoga (hot and warm really is not recommended during pregnancy), but like I said already signed up and I figured I’d at least give it a try.  My instructor was OBSESSED with yoga, almost in a border line overboard kind of way, but all-in-all, she turned out to be a great instructor.

    What I got out of this class was a holistic cleansing after leaving every class.  We would do journaling daily which helped us cleanse our spirits and minds (very therapeutic).  I craved healthier foods, and WATER (I hate drinking water with a passion fyi).  I even lost weight (I was gaining at a very unhealthy weight due to my progesterone shots).  The positions were very relaxing and helped stretch my body making me really relaxed at the end of class.  Now caution their are certain positions not recommended during pregnancy, my  instructor being as experienced as she was knew and gave me modifications.  Although there are yoga classes designed specifically for expectant moms.  I think the most important position I learned was the cat position, for it really gets the baby off your back and alleviates back pain instantly, and if you get your SO to rub your back while in the position, I  promise you’ll fall asleep or be immensely relaxed and pain free when rolling over to your side.

    I really wish my schedule would’ve allowed for me to attend the prenatal classes I attempted to sign up for after my class ended.  I truly believe I wouldn’t feel as bad as I do now, but who knows, everything goes downhill after 30!  Anyway, if you are looking for a way to stay in shape, fit, and holistically sane while pregnant and your body is up to it, I would definitely recommend trying a prenatal yoga class!

    My yoga set-up!

    Cooling the Burn! #Heartburn

    threeleadingladies

    Heartburn….nothing like it sounds. If I had to describe it, it would be an upset, non-digesting, sour stomach, giving me a false sense of nausea and vomiting, with burps of whatever you ate last on the side. For some, simple home remedies will cure it, but of course not for me.  So like my last post, I will give you insight on my experience dealing with heartburn.

    Soon after the storm of the first trimester nausea and vomiting was over, Hurricane Irene showed up on my doorstep.  At 14 weeks or so, I got to ditch my Phenergan and Zofran, but my Zantac was located in my purse, my dresser, upstairs, downstairs, glove department and the list goes on! Being the forgetful person I am, I had to compensate to prevent misery.
    Now the non-medicinal remedies I’ve tried consist of
    1. Smaller meals
    2. Avoidance of spicy and acidic foods (including garlic and tomato sauces)
    3. Not lying down directly after eating (wait about 45 mins)
    4. Drink Water
    5. Apple Cider Vinegar (just couldn’t get it down)
    6. Water
    While these should be tried first, and I’m sure there are a variety of other remedies existing, but this is what I tried and honestly NONE, made a difference.
    The medicinal methods tried are
    1. Pepcid (this worked my first 3 pregnancies, but did absolutely NOTHING this pregnancy)
    2. Zantac (this has helped tremendously until around weeks 28, and I was taking 300mg a day)
    3. Prilosec/Omeprazole (this by itself did not work, and the capsules left a horrible after taste that made       me nauseated).
    So MY cocktail now consists of a Walmart brand Omeprazole 20mg(which I get twice the amount for the same price than from the pharmacy) and 150mg of Zantac once a day.  This has been talked over and approved with and by my OB just for the recored.  Before figuring this out (within the last 2 weeks) I haven’t been eating or drinking and gained absolutely no weight in the past 3 weeks.  Hopefully, I’ll get back on track with eating, drinking and dare I mumble (weight gaining), to ensure my baby is healthy.
    Hope someone benefits from this!
    My Lifesavers!

    Nausea Vomiting

    threeleadingladies

    While I’m loooooong over this phase (thank GOD!) I wanted to give some personal advice for those who may be just beginning the new journey of pregnancy.  I’ll go over the non-medicinal and the medicinal to cover everyone and what combinations worked best for me.

    Non-Medicinal
    1. Ginger
    2. Crackers or Toast before getting out of bed
    3. Mints
    4. Vitamin B6
    5. Bland Foods, Fruits Veggies
    6. Small Meals, Water
    7. Salty Foods (Chips, Green Olives worked best for me)

    Medicinal
    1. Tums
    2. Pepcid
    3. Zantac
    4. Phanergan
    5. Zofran
    6. Prilosec or Nexium

    Now by no means are these suggestions the ONE’S, but they are the most common and most used with relief.  My regimen began with the crackers and toast, bland foods, and olives.  As mentioned the olives worked best initially.  Then around 8 weeks the nausea and vomiting started winning the battle and I had to go to the hospital due to dehydration and weight loss.  At this time my OB has prescribed Phenergan, which did not work, next Zofran, which did not work, and when I went to the ED for hydration they gave me Pepcid.  Then being the nurse I am, I came up with MY own cocktail that worked miracles for ME (I emphasize me because this may not work for others, and was approved for me by me OB).  Instead of taking the Zofran and Phenergan seperately, I took them both 4mg of Zofran and 25mg of Phenergan for they will knock you out cold, and added Zantac 300mg because the OTC Pepcid did not work.  This nightly concoction would carry me into the mid-afternoon with relief before I needed to dose myself again which was around 8-9pm at the latest.   After that I was no good to anyone.  Thankfully my SO stepped up and helped out in the best manner he could considering this is his first baby!

    Once I reached my 2nd trimester I weaned myself off everything except the Zantac, and now I am taking prilosec for heartburn for the Zantac no longer works

    Hope this helps someone!

    My medicine cabinet that got me through the storm carried in my purse like my license.