Showing posts with label motherhood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label motherhood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label motherhood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label motherhood. Show all posts

How To Choose A Breast Pump For Your Lifestyle?

How do you choose a breast pump? Tips.

Photo by SHVETS production from Pexels


There are many different brands, types, and styles of breast pumps, including portable and wearable pumps. It comes as no surprise that many moms like you might feel overwhelmed over these numerous choices.


Indeed, it can be challenging to pick the best one, but you might want to consider your lifestyle as a factor for making the right choice.


Here are some helpful tips to help you choose a breast pump that may suit your lifestyle:

How Do You Plan to Use The Breast Pump


Ask yourself how you plan on using the breast pump


Will you be breastfeeding exclusively and only need a backup pump, or will you be an exclusive pumper? 


These questions will matter because you’re likely going to need a heavy-duty pump as an exclusive pumper. Still, you can even pick a manual pump if you’ll only need one as a backup.


Do you plan on pumping and storing a lot of breast milk in your fridge?


If that’s the case, then you’ll also need a heavy-duty pump that can handle the rigorous task. Picking a double pump can be ideal so you can get more milk more quickly.


Are you returning to work or traveling regularly?


If so, then you’ll probably need a portable pump that you can easily bring anywhere. Better yet, a wearable pump can let you pump discreetly, even in the middle of a meeting or while you’re on the go.


Just in case you opt for a wearable pump, make sure that you pick one that’s quiet yet powerful enough to pump discreetly.


Will you be away from your child for several days?


Bringing a portable pump can be convenient, but it could be costly to buy so many batteries to keep it working while you’re away for extended periods. 


You can opt for a portable pump that comes with rechargeable batteries or simply bring your plug-in pump if there’s a place for you to pump discreetly.


How much time do you have to pump?


As you might already know, pumping varies for every mom. There are also certain conditions or types of breast pumps that can promote better extraction.


If you’re a busy mom who’s always on the go, you’ll surely need a powerful double electric breast pump. You can use this device to pump milk from both breasts at the same time.


What’s your pumping preference?


If you’re a mom who likes to pump the other breast while your baby feeds from the other, then a single pump would be ideal for you.


Where will you use the pump?


As a working mom, you’re entitled to a breast-pumping break.


Your workplace is required by law to provide you with a quiet, private place where you can collect your milk. 


But if you feel uncomfortable about others hearing you pump, you can pick quiet models or brands that still provide great suction power, even with the silent motor.


Do you need to transport the breast pump regularly?


Plug-in breast pumps are usually more powerful than portable, battery-operated ones, yet they also tend to be bulkier. If you need to regularly transport your breast pump, such as bringing it to work daily, then it may be more practical to opt for a lighter, portable pump.


What about a backup plan?


What if your batteries run out or there are no power outlets for plugging your device? You can create a backup plan using a manual breast pump or bring along extra batteries at all times.


In Conclusion


You can pick the right breast pump by considering your lifestyle and needs or preferences. 

But just in case you’re still unsure, you can also seek help from a lactation consultant.


Can the Stress of Being a Mom Cause Hair Loss?

How Mom Stress Can Cause Hair Loss


What can cause hair loss in women? With all of the traveling and adventuring, it is easy to become stressed from time to time, especially when you also take into account the challenges of everyday life and work. Although a little stress is normal when you have a family, if you are beginning to feel as if your stress is endless, you must find ways to manage it, as stress can lead to physical symptoms, including hair loss.


This post contains Amazon affiliate links.


How Mom Stress Can Cause Hair Loss


In the photo above, I have inexpensive hair extensions for a Halloween costume party. I thought it was obvious, but my friends actually thought I went to the salon and got real extensions. My actual hair is shoulder length. Pretty good color match, don't you think? Though, I don't have a problem with hair loss or thinning, I did notice a lot of hair extra hair in the shower drain after recovering from Covid 19.


What causes stress?

You may begin to experience stress due to changes coming up in your life, even if these changes are fun ones like going on vacation or moving into your dream house. You might also start to feel stressed if you feel pressured, whether this is to be a good mom or to meet all of your work deadlines. Some women feel stressed if they do not take enough time off work, or if they are worried about something, such as a new baby or their lack of finances. 


How does stress cause hair loss?

As well as having an emotional impact on you and causing mental health issues, stress can also create a physical reaction in your body. It should also be noted that hormonal changes such as perimenopause and menopause can cause hair thinning and loss in women. When you are stressed, your hair follicles might stay in the resting phase of their cycle rather than fluctuating between resting and growing. If this persists for too long, they might then begin to fall out regardless of what you do to your hair. This can make you even more stressed as you begin to feel self-conscious about your appearance.


Should you get a hair transplant?

Although your hair will usually start to regrow once your stress levels have lessened, if you do find that you are struggling with hair loss to a great extent, you should consider the benefits of a hair transplant from a hair clinic near me. They will be able to restore your hair to its prime and allow you to disguise any bald patches that have formed on your head. With a hair transplant, there;s need for Halloween hair extensions. This can help you to meet your hair goals and to feel like yourself again, boosting your confidence, and enabling you to focus on your family. Although there are many different treatments for hair loss, hair transplants are nearly permanent and can make a dramatic difference that will allow you to start living your life to the fullest instantly. You won't have to hide inside your house in fear that others will notice your hair loss.


How can you reduce stress?

If you want to reduce the stress that you've been experiencing, make sure that you exercise often and get out into nature to enjoy the benefits of sunshine, that you drink and eat enough healthy choices, and that you try to reduce the triggers of your stress.

Take some time off to recenter yourself and perform self-care activities during which you can focus on yourself rather than the rest of the family. If your stress has reached unmanageable levels, consider scheduling an appointment with a therapist, where you can talk through the problems you are facing and process the emotions that you are experiencing. Sometimes, it's as simple as throwing on some silly hair extensions and attending a costume party! Whatever you choose, be sure to keep your stress levels at a minimum. Seek help if the stress feels overwhelming.


Recommended:

Self-Care Tips

Ways to Reduce Stress




How to Renovate a Nursery for First Time Parents

How do you Plan a Nursery?


The prospect of becoming a first-time parent is an equally daunting and exciting journey. There are many things that need to be done in preparation for your baby’s arrival, and for first-time parents, the list can often seem never-ending and overwhelming. Wondering how do you plan a nursery? A key task within that list is decorating the nursery, and organizing a space for the newest member of the family. Although it’s a joyous project, there are various factors and small details that are required to create the perfect nursery for your baby. Here at We Buy Any Home we’ve composed a guide on how to renovate a nursery for first time parents, along with things to include and some helpful tips. This article is written by Holly Herbert.


This post contains Amazon affiliate links.


How do you Plan a Nursery?



Planning a Nursery Step-by-Step Guide


Step 1- Make A Plan:

It’s no question that preparing for the arrival of the baby takes planning, and planning the nursery is no exception. Your nursery will serve as a multi-functional room, not only will it be the place where your baby will eventually sleep, but it's where you will dress them, change, teach and feed them. Ensuring you have an in-depth plan is a great way to make sure you have everything you need and no little detail is missing.


Nursery on a Budget Ideas


Step 2- Cleaning and Maintenance:

It’s vital that you ensure your future nursery is pristine before you begin to think about decorating. Babies are incredibly susceptible to germs that arise through dust, pet hair and mold, so it's important that you spend a good amount of time cleaning all surface areas. However, try to refrain from using harsh chemicals when cleaning as the fumes can linger in the air and be toxic if inhaled by your baby. 

It’s important to consider the smaller factors about the room. Are there drafty windows? Is the main light overbearing? Do the door hinges creak? All these small maintenance checks need to be fixed prior to the arrival of your baby, as you want them to have the most comfortable time in their nursery.


Whimsical Nursery Decor Ideas


Step 3- Themes and Painting:

Once you have decided where you are going to put the nursery, then it's time to get creative. If you're thinking about painting then your options are limitless. Traditional colors are usually pink and blue, however neutral color palettes are becoming increasingly popular for a minimalist feel to the room. If you're thinking of being extra creative then you may want to consider going with a theme or perhaps a mural wall. A side note- if you opt to paint the nursery, make sure you buy a non-toxic paint that won't flake.

Don’t forget to decorate the ceiling too. Babies spend a lot of time on their backs, so why not give them a feature to look at. Consider adding a ceiling mural or a soothing color to enhance your nursery.


Under the Sea Children's Bathroom Decor


Step 4- A Focal Furniture Piece:

Most nurseries are centered around a focal piece of furniture such as a crib, but there are other options to choose from. A painted dresser can work well, or a large window or alcove. A small checklist of essential nursery items includes:

A helpful tip is to ensure that everything is in reach of the changing table- including wipes, changing table covers, diaper disposal system, laundry hamper and a pacifier. This will allow you to reach for things with ease, avoid stress but more most importantly, keep your eye on your baby at all times. 


What Style Baby Sling are You?


Step 5- Don’t Forget About Flooring:

As your baby grows, you will notice that they will begin to spend more time on the floor- therefore it's an important factor to consider before they get to that stage. If you’re opting to lay down a carpet, ensure it’s a shade that won't highlight stains and spills.  Wooden floors are a popular choice, and you can put down a rug to add a pop of color and cushion any tumbles.


How to Make a Birthday Balloon Cupcake


Step 6- Sentiment:

This is your baby’s first room, so don’t forget to make it feel like home. Including items of sentiment for example, family photos, generational gifts such as soft toys and blankets are a neat touch to completing your nursery.



Recommended:


Portable Nursing Station


Educational Toy Ideas


Nursery Decor Ideas Amazon


Tips to get Baby to Sleep Through the Night




Mother's Day Activities for Kids with Sayings and Quotes for CARDS

Cards: Fun Ideas and Activities to Celebrate Mother's Day with Kids


Mother's Day. So many activities are cliche. Buy Mom a new vacuum cleaner, (Hey, I'd be okay with that) bring her breakfast in bed, give her a bouquet, a lovely card with a nice quote, some hand-print art...  What other things can you do with Mom for Mother's Day? Well, it depends on the Mom. Some Moms are offended by a gift of a household appliance; some are ecstatic. Scroll to the bottom for quotes for Mother's Day cards. Enjoy! 


Mother's Day Activities for Kids with Sayings and Quotes for CARDS


This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.

Quotes and Sayings for Mother's Day. Cards: Fun Ideas and Activities to Celebrate Mother's Day with Kids
Quotes and Sayings for Mother's Day.


When is Mother's Day 2020? 


Mother's Day is the second Sunday in May or May 10, 2020.

If it were me, I would like to CELEBRATE MOTHER'S DAY this way:

Breakfast in bed? Aww.. that's sweet, but if they make breakfast in bed that means the kitchen is a nightmare. Wouldn't it be great if they'd clean the floor? I'd rather sleep in and go out to eat at a restaurant. It doesn't have to be my favorite restaurant, we'll save that for my birthday, because, after all, it is Mother's Day and they're my children. Without them, we wouldn't be celebrating. We can eat some place everyone likes.But, on my Birthday, were having seafood and cheesecake. 

Now, what do we do?

Let's do something fun and non-traditional. One year, my parents were in Florida for Easter. After the Easter Bunny visited, we had dinner at Chuck E. Cheese. It was Awesome. We had the entire place to ourselves for an hour and then another family came in, even so it was very cool! I got to play games and sing with Chuck E. -  Happy Mother's Day! Playing with the kids was a lot of fun.


How to Celebrate Mother's Day with Kids


Do things as a family! No, I don't mean a movie. Interact, engage:


  • Go Bowling.



  • Go to the park and play on the playground with your kids - don't just sit on a bench.



  • Garden. Instead of a bouquet, get Mom some flowers, gardening gloves, and seeds and then go outside and help her plant them while you talk about fun times together. "Hey, Mom, remember that time when we..."



  • Take a dinner cruise on a river boat.



  • Paint a picture together! Gather supplies, go outside, and paint a landscape together. It doesn't have to be perfect. Everyone pitches in and paints something. Take it outside so Mom doesn't have to clean up the mess.



  • Visit a theme park.



  • Finally, tell your MOTHER you have a great idea. You want to visit a retirement home. Gather construction paper and fabric scraps. Sit down as a family and make those cliche Mother's Day Crafts together- you're making memories. Design a variety of cards for "Mothers," buy some flowers at the grocery on the way to the home, and go out and deliver some smiles. Give each lovely Mother a carnation and a card. A lot of people are forgotten or separated by distance from loving family members. Making their day special will make your day memorable! Make a paper basket for Mom.  



Please follow our Wheelchair Games Board on Pinterest for more things to do with Senior Citizens.


Here are some Cute Mother's Day Card Crafts and Sayings.

This beautiful picture from, Artrageous Afternoon, is inspired by Pablo Picasso's, "Hands with Bouquet."  Hop over to see Picasso's version.


Hand on Bouquet card for Mother's Day
Give a bouquet to a Mother in a retirement home, like this one from
Artrageous Afternoon blog. Inspired by Pablo Picasso's, "Hands on Bouquet".



Or this one, have each family member draw some flowers on white paper, outline them in a darker color, and then cut them out and paste them to the front of a Mother's Day card. Family Collaboration at its finest. This was a class project from Artrageous Afternoon blog. We'll be making this one for sure!



Quotes for Mother's Day Cards


You'll need a nice sentiment for your Mother's Day Card. Here are some fun sayings for cards:

  • "Mothers hold their children's hands for awhile and their hearts forever."


  • "God could not be everywhere, therefore, he made Mothers.


  • "Wow! Mom!"


  • "I love how we don't have to say out loud that I am your favorite child."


  • "A mother is she who can take the place of all others, but whose place no one else can take."


  • "Just want to say... Happy Mother's Day!"


  • "The best moms get promoted to grandmas."


  • So, grab your construction paper, glue, and markers and get crafting! There are a lot of Moms who need an extra pick me up!

    Happy Mother's Day!

    Recommended Reading:

    The Night Before Mother's Day

    Cool Father's Day Crafts

    Chocolate, Flowers, or Teddy Bears




    Part Two: Why Sucky Boys Make Me Cry

    Advice for Teens - Don't Cry.

    Advice for Teens Why sucky boys make me cry.
    Advice for Teens =  Don't Cry.
    You might want to start with Part One: Teen Heartbreak.

    Girls are sucky too.   Teenagers suck.  I didn't like most of them when I was a teenager - something crazy happens to their brains.  I've never understood it.  Perfectly intelligent, respectable kids turn into illogical beings from outer space.

    I hate that most teenagers act without thinking.  Somehow, they convince themselves that point B does not result from Point A.  Now, medical science has proven it is a consequence of an undeveloped brain.  The brain does not fully develop the ability to think things through until our twenties. The Teen Brain

    Don't tell them that!  It makes a great excuse, blame it on science.

    What about our conscience?  Or our mechanisms for fear?  The fear of God, the fear of strict parents, or the fear of ruining our reputations as decent, honorable human beings?  The fear of not making it into our twenties? 

    I was raised on a heightened sense of  fear.  Sure, I made some mistakes.  Mostly, I set lofty goals for myself and strived to keep them.  I am basically proud of my teen years.  Even the best of us succumb to peer pressure.

    I also had an incredible friend that I admired and respected.  Even when she wasn't around, I worried what she would think if she found out I did something dumb. I didn't want to disappoint anyone- especially myself.

    If your conscience doesn't work so well, you need a friend like this, preferably, one that you can't tell a lie.

    Hey teenagers!  It is difficult to live with disappointing yourself.  Once you start letting yourself down, it gets easier each time, "Well, I've already broken this rule so I might as well break that one - it's not nearly as shameful."  Besides, you're having fun so it can't be all bad, right? 

    Okay, maybe a little rule breaking builds character, maybe it gives you a strong foundation for becoming a smart adult.  You are walking a very thin line. Once that side of you takes over it is hard to stop.  Self-esteem shoots out the window before it even had a chance to take hold.

    Sucky girls make me cry too, but this is not about girls.

    Boys! They are not smarter than you.  They are not cooler than you.  They probably aren't more experienced than you.  Somehow, they've learned to spin an excellent yarn or act an amazing show.

    It wasn't until my brothers became teenagers that I fully understood this phenomenon.  They were babies.  They didn't know anything.  They hurt but kept it hidden from the world.  They weren't cool but put on an awesome show.  Girls really liked them. 

    Sadly, that guy you admire is afraid of you.  He is afraid of his friends too. They are all joking about sex.   Geesh, he doesn't even know what the other guys are referring too.  Maybe, they've got cable or free access to the Internet.  Maybe their parents are too open.  He feels stupid, maybe, you know more than he does.  Sucky boy has to play it cool.  He doesn't want to be left out of the game.

    So, you buy into the cool persona and you fall head over heels.  You've never met anyone so mature (cough, cough). His breath on your neck makes you swoon...  that's unfortunate. 

    He's so experienced vs.Your such a lame. 

    Maybe he could teach you something.  He whispers sweet nothings...  Does he?  Or does he say things to smash your self-esteem?  "What have you got to lose?"  "I heard you..."  So what if he did?  So what if you did?  You don't have to make the same mistake twice!!

    That boy set a lofty goal, one he thought was unobtainable and there you are to fulfill his wishes.  After all, 'He's the one', Prince Charming is going to take you away from your miserable life.  You like having a beau and you feel threatened - if you don't do it you're sure to lose him.

    Red Flag Alert!  Red Flag Alert!  Run the other way as fast as you can.

    Sure, it happens for some people.  They marry their high-school sweetheart and live... ever after.

    Boys are kids, just like you, with Mommys and Daddys who discipline them.  How embarrassing.  How shameful, You can't let anyone know your parents treat you like a little kid!  You have to play it cool.

    Cool people know this sucks.  It sucks to feel like you are the only one doing the right thing.  It's embarrassing.  The teasing is grueling.  It takes a brave kid to stand up in a room full of uncool kids and say, "This makes me uncomfortable, I'm leaving." 

    Sure, some of them will laugh at you.  They'll  mock you.  They'll dare you.  But, what if, one kid asks for a ride home.  What if no one is as brave as you this time, but your actions really hit home and someone vows never to do this again?  You could be a hero, a truly, cool person.

    Don't cave in on your morals.  Don't ignore your conscience.  More importantly, 'Don't give up on yourself.'

    When you grow up, (if) you'll likely discover that most kids weren't doing everything you thought they were, and the kids that were probably fantasized about being cool just like you.  They wanted parents that really cared or the courage to stand up for their core values.

    Sucky boys make me cry because they are somebody's baby brother or precious little boy just trying to fit in and gain acceptance. When sucky girls play into their fears it builds a whole new world of suckiness.


    p.s.  I know of a boy that doesn't suck, your Mom probably does too.  Hang in there, before you know it, you'll be the Mom of a teenager too.  May God bless you and mother's everywhere.