Starting Solids

Coming Soon. . . Read "Super Baby Food"

#1.  I learned the hard way!  Don't let your baby get constipated!!  :(  Bananas and rice cereal are not a good start.  Really though, she was fine until we did antibiotics at 7 months for her first ear infection and her bowels paid the price.  Diarrhea for a week.  8 poopy diapers a day!  The week before she only had 1 every other day for months.  Now we are battling the swing from one EXTREME to another!  Prunes, apple juice and no bananas and rice.  To see her struggle with a BM breaks my heart!! :(

Sleep for baby, sleep for YOU!

So, I went to my baby and me mother's group today (I go almost every Tuesday).  It is a great way to listen and learn from others with NO pressure.  20 assorted women (sometimes dads) sit and talk about parenting topics led by a discussion leader.  People share their thoughts, but no one preaches or pressures.  Most of the group are what I like to call "Granola Mamas".  John calls me and them "Hippies", but I really think they are more nautrally minded mamas.  I think I fit in the group, kinda in the middle, but I really believe everyone needs to do what is best for them, their baby, and their marriage.  SO, honestly I am up for anything.

Where was I going with this? . . . Basically that it is important to have a support group.  I never go there looking for advice, or ever socialize with the ladies outside of this group (though many of them do), but it is nice to know I have people I can pick their brains without threat of feeling pressure.  I love family to talk to as well, but it is nice to have lots of opinions all at once.  Our topic of discussion was on discipline today, but I went to the breastfeeding support after as well and my thoughts today are centered around my discussion there.

Recently, I was going to order some books online and started reading the negative reviews for a book I LOVE.  It had me questioning what their concerns were, and as always, curious about the other half.  I asked the lactation consultant what her thoughts were.  I already knew she would be opinionated and passionate with her thoughts, completely unfiltered, which is what I wanted!  She STRONGLY doesn't like the "methodology" that I have followed for feeding my own baby, but I believe it works for us!  I don't know if she has read the book, so I think her words weren't completely informed, but she had some valid points against my favorite book.  Therefore, I think it is IMPORTANT to state. . . .

My feeding baby/getting baby to sleep style has been influenced greatly by MANY sources, books, and experiences,  Here are my thoughts and the main guidelines I give you. . .

#1
I believe in moderation in all things.  I LOVE to read and I LOVE to hear everyone's opinion on EVERYTHING!!  It drives my hubby crazy, but I truly believe a mix of everything does WONDERS!  Like in my cooking, I love a dash of this and a sprinkle of that.  I learned quickly in a classroom of 23 kindergarteners, every teaching style, doesn't work for every student.  So, take what you can  from everywhere and make it your own, make it work for you and your baby.

#2
Follow your mother's intuition. Mother truly knows best.  She has been telling us for years!  Now is the time to listen to YOUR gut.

More to come. . .

Helpful Resources

I love to read.  Since I found out I was pregnant I have been reading books about pregnancy, labor & delivery, and babies. These are some of my recommendations.  They are listed in the order I would read them.  I read MANY books from the library that I found to be a waste of time.  Hopefully, I am helping you avoid sorting through the many options.  I had many resources thrown at me from friends.  This is what worked for me personally.

Taking Charge of Your Fertility 
Insulin Resistance Diet
Hypnobirthing
*Natural Childbirth Resource
Happiest Baby on the Block
On Becoming Baby Wise 
& On Becoming Babywise II
Healthy Sleep Habits
Super Baby Food

This is as far as I have come! :)