Michaela
Cloth diapering is a choice that has gained popularity in recent years, and for good reason. While disposable diapers have their merits, cloth diapers offer a range of benefits that make them an attractive option for many parents. There are many advantages of cloth diapering, from environmental and cost savings to the health benefits for … Read more
It’s pumpkin season again and I’m here to tell you all of the reasons you should take advantage of pumpkin while planning meals for your little ones. Whether you’re starting with purees, or skipped to baby led weaning, this guide will inform you of all of the wonderful benefits that pumpkin has to offer. Are … Read more
Welcoming a 6-month-old baby into your family is a remarkable milestone in both their life and yours. At this stage, your baby is transitioning from a sleepy newborn into a more active and curious little explorer. To support their development and foster a strong bond, it’s important to engage in age-appropriate activities that stimulate their … Read more
In a fast-paced world where change is constant, it’s crucial to take a moment to reflect on enduring values that define our humanity. Among these values, empathy and kindness shine as essential qualities that not only enrich our lives but also play a pivotal role in building a harmonious society. In this blog post, we’ll … Read more
Transitioning your swaddled newborn is an important milestone in their early development. As your baby grows and becomes more active, they need the freedom to explore and move their limbs during sleep. While swaddling provides comfort and security in the early months, recognizing the signs that your baby is ready to transition is essential for their overall well-being.
One of the key indicators that your little one is ready to move away from swaddling is their increased ability to break out of the swaddle. You might find yourself constantly rewrapping them as they wriggle their way out, which can be a sign that they are seeking more freedom of movement. Rolling from back to tummy or vice versa is another clear indication that your baby is ready for a transition. Rolling is an important motor milestone, and swaddling can restrict their ability to practice and develop these skills.
To make the transition smooth and successful, there are several strategies you can employ. One approach is to start with arms-out swaddling. This means leaving your baby’s arms free while swaddling their torso. This adjustment allows them to gradually acclimate to the feeling of having their limbs unrestrained. You can also introduce transitional sleepwear, such as sleep garments that offer a snug fit around the torso while leaving the arms free. These garments provide a sense of security while promoting mobility.
Gradually transitioning to sleep sacks or wearable blankets is another effective strategy. These products offer warmth and comfort while allowing your baby to move their arms and legs freely. They provide a cozy sleep environment without the need for full swaddling. Additionally, incorporating gentle sleep training techniques can help your baby adjust to the new sleep routine without the swaddle. Consistency and patience are key during this process.
Remember, every baby is unique, and their readiness for transition may vary. Observe your baby’s cues and adjust your approach accordingly. Some infants adapt quickly to the change, while others may require more time and support. Trust your instincts as a parent and provide a nurturing environment during this transition. With your love and care, your baby will embrace the newfound freedom and continue to flourish in their sleep routine.
Breastfeeding can be an important part of a baby’s development, providing essential nutrients and antibodies to help fight infections and diseases. However, the experience of breastfeeding can be difficult for many mothers, and it’s important to understand the key factors that can impact milk supply. A mother’s mental health, lifestyle choices, and breastfeeding techniques can … Read more
Find out what milestones your child should be reaching, common challenges, and tips for supporting their development during the second year of life.
As a parent, it can be difficult to watch your toddler experience strong emotions like anger, sadness, or frustration. You want to do everything you can to support your little one, but it can be challenging to know where to start. The good news is that there are several effective strategies you can use to … Read more
As a new parent, one of the biggest challenges you will face is helping your newborn get the sleep they need. While sleep patterns may vary from baby to baby, there are some general tips and techniques that can help encourage healthy sleep habits. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best … Read more
Mother’s Day is an important day to honor and celebrate all the mothers and mother figures in our lives. It’s a time to show our appreciation and love with a thoughtful gift. But with so many options available, it can be challenging to decide on the perfect gift. To help you out, we’ve put together … Read more
As a new parent, you may have heard the term “wake windows” thrown around when discussing your baby’s sleep schedule. But what exactly are wake windows, and why are they important? Here we will explain the basics of wake windows as well as offer tips and tricks on how to work with them to help … Read more
Feeding a newborn can be a challenge, especially for first-time parents who may not be familiar with the signs of hunger. Babies have tiny tummies that fill up quickly, and they need to eat frequently to get the nutrition they need to grow and develop. Let’s discuss the hunger cues that your newborn may display … Read more
Pace feeding is a feeding technique that mimics breastfeeding and helps regulate the flow of milk from the bottle. It can benefit both breastfed and formula-fed babies by reducing overfeeding and digestive issues. In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of paced feeding, techniques for implementing it, and tips for making the process easier for … Read more
When it comes to feeding your baby, one of the key decisions you’ll face is whether to breastfeed or use formula. Both options have their advantages and considerations, and it’s important to make an informed choice that suits your baby’s needs and your lifestyle. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the topic of breastmilk … Read more
Breastfeeding is a natural and essential way to provide nutrients and immunity to your baby. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby’s life, followed by continued breastfeeding with the addition of solid foods until at least two years of age. The benefits of breastfeeding are numerous and … Read more
Hypnobirthing is a natural childbirth technique that uses relaxation, breathing, visualization, and self-hypnosis techniques to help expectant mothers achieve a calm and peaceful birth. This technique has gained popularity in recent years due to its effectiveness in reducing anxiety and pain during childbirth. In this article, we will discuss some essential tips for hypnobirthing that … Read more
Returning to work after giving birth can be a challenging time for new mothers, especially when trying to balance work and breastfeeding. There are many factors to consider, such as childcare, pumping, and balancing work and family life. One thing is for sure, planning your transition back to work will help you explore options so … Read more
Trust is a fundamental component of healthy relationships, and this is no different in the relationship between a parent and their baby. The relationship between a mother and father and their baby is no doubt one of the most important relationships a child can have in their lifetime. Building trust with your baby can have … Read more
Bonding with your newborn baby is an important aspect of early parenthood. Bonding is the intense attachment between a baby and their parent. It makes parents want to shower their babies in love and affection. The relationship you build with your baby during these early months sets the foundation for their social and emotional development. … Read more
There have been several studies that support the importance of self-care for mothers. For example, a study published in the Journal of Family Psychology found that mothers who reported engaging in more self-care activities reported higher levels of well-being, which in turn was linked to better family functioning and fewer behavior problems in their children. … Read more
Welcoming a precious newborn into your family is an incredible experience that comes with both joy and responsibility. As a new parent, it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. To help you navigate this remarkable journey, we’ve compiled a collection of essential tips for newborn baby care. By following these guidelines, you’ll … Read more
As a new mom, you’re about to embark on an incredible journey that’s both exciting and challenging. While you’re overjoyed with your new bundle of joy, it can be overwhelming to manage all the responsibilities that come with being a mom. But don’t worry – I’ve been there too, and I’m here to help you … Read more
As a new parent, the thought of childbirth and delivery can be daunting. However, with some careful planning and preparation, you can ease your worries and ensure a smoother transition into parenthood. In this article, I’ll share some tips that helped me prepare my home, pack for the hospital, and get my mind ready for … Read more
Bringing home a newborn is an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming and exhausting. The first few weeks with a newborn can be challenging for new parents as they adjust to their new roles and the demands of caring for a newborn. In this blog post, we will discuss tips for surviving the … Read more
Becoming a new mother is an exciting yet overwhelming time. It’s important to have all the necessary items for both mom and baby to make the transition as smooth as possible. In this article, I will discuss the essential items for new mothers, as well as what to expect after having a baby. Introduction After … Read more
Did you know that your grandparents most likely were dressed in cloth diapers? The mass production and marketing of disposable diapers started around the 1950’s. (Source 1) Why cloth? A lot of families are choosing to cloth diaper their children for a few reasons Cloth diapers have an initial investment (no where near as expensive … Read more
I’ve decided that on top of my regular blog posts I’m going to start to document my postpartum journey with my newborn. I will be discussing my day to day, milestones, as well as anything exciting or not so exciting that happened throughout the week. Backstory My birth story is pretty unique. I was in … Read more
On February 12 2023 I went into labor. My labor experience is much different from most, as I had my second born at home without the use of medication, and almost transferred to the hospital due to maternal fever. Contractions started very early Saturday morning, and they were more intense than the Braxton Hicks contractions … Read more
This seems to be a big question in the due date and breastfeeding Facebook groups that I’m a part of. Most women believe if their breasts aren’t the size of basketballs and firm to the touch, that their breast milk supply could be in danger. Let’s start off on the topic of supply and demand. … Read more
Once you start closing in on your third trimester, you’ll want to start thinking about your hospital bag checklist. This goes for mothers who are planning for home births as well. In the event of an emergency you’ll want to be prepared for anything. I recommend having your hospital bag packed checklist completed by 34 … Read more
While preparing to bring your little one home, there are a few very common things everyone remembers to get done. These things include planning a baby shower, buying a car seat, creating a baby registry and getting a space ready for your baby to come home to. There are a few things that I don’t … Read more
The answer is yes. I believe your customized birth plan is one of the most important things to pack in your hospital bag. No, it is not required by hospitals to have one, although it can’t hurt to have one. In many ways it might even be helpful. What is a Birth Plan? A birth … Read more
When it comes to breastfeeding, there truly is a learning curve. Many women work to overcome an abundance of obstacles. My blog post about breastfeeding difficulties highlights struggles many breastfeeding mothers face. Breastfeeding is a full time job. If you choose to breastfeed for a full year, you could be spending up to 1,800 hours … Read more
Plenty of mothers who are new to breastfeeding believe that they are not able to keep up with their baby’s demands. Especially in the early weeks. It is important to note that breast milk regulation can take up to 12 weeks (Source). There are some things to think about before trying to increase your supply … Read more
Now that I’ve had my second baby I’ve owned a variety of different baby products over the years. I had a pretty big baby shower for my first born and was extremely lucky that most people stuck to purchasing from my registry and I was able to have most of the items I needed. I … Read more
The first time I attempted to breastfeed was two years ago when I had my firstborn. It was the biggest challenge I’ve ever faced. I wrote an article about some things I was never told before I started breastfeeding. When people say breastfeeding is a full time job, they’re most certainly telling the truth. For … Read more