Search Results for: blog you are still a parent in the nicu

It’s Ok To Be Pamper Yourself

Yesterday I wrote about how important it is to take care of yourself. We all know that as mom’s we put ourselves last, as single moms sometimes we don’t even make the list. We need to be better about this, we are important and deserve to do things that make us feel good, even if they seem like trivial things. What women doesn’t love a day of beauty? I don’t know many who would turn one down but as a single mom it’s hard to schedule one and even harder to justify spending the money. Who needs a manicure when … Continue reading →

The Manicure

Months ago I found the cutest nail polish designed for small children at Buy Buy Baby. I bought some for Jessie because I couldn’t help myself. She and I finally sat and painted her toes. Jessie did a great job of keeping still and letting me do the painting and not touching her toes until they were dry. She had very nice looking summer toes. We had so much fun and need to do it again. Since I usually end up cutting my nails too short so I decided to treat myself to a pedicure. I had one not too … Continue reading →

Would You Send Your Son to a Spa?

I know quite a few young boys who could really benefit from a good manicure and pedicure, but I don’t know many who would actually request spa treatments for their birthdays. Yet, studies show they’re out there, and their numbers have been increasing over the last decade. According to the International Spa Association, the number of teenage boys receiving spa services such as hair removal and massages has nearly doubled since the early 1990s. These days some spas even advertise their services specifically to young boys, highlighting the benefits of facials (a good way to get rid of blackheads) and … Continue reading →

Single Parenting: Look In the Mirror (For Single Moms Only)

Single parenting takes its toll on us. Hey, we cannot help it, or can we? Take a good look in the mirror. Do not get too close, however. We have to cut ourselves some slack, you know. You probably look tired and worn out and rightly so. If you think that there is nothing that you can do about it, you are wrong. Allowing yourself to become disheveled and dumpy will only drag you down even more. First of all, you have to find a quiet time to do this. Maybe when the kids go to sleep? Okay, if that … Continue reading →

Activities for Your Baby–Introduction

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Recently in the forums, someone asked about what types of activities she could do with her twins who are still under the 3 month mark. Many of us seasoned moms said just taking them out, talking to them, singing to them etc. would be sufficient. Let me say first that I absolutely agree with just trying to incorporate as much interaction as possible into your day. However, this mom has twins and I know first hand that it’s a little difficult to interact with both of them at the same time in the same way you do with a singleton. … Continue reading →

Parenting Multiples: The Strain of Always Having to Share

My twins are almost three and now that I’m out of the fog of sleep deprivation and constant feedings, diaper changes, and other baby care duties–I have to say that having twins is a blast. Someone asked me recently if there was anything remarkable about the way they developed verses how singletons develop and what was the hardest part of parenting multiples. No doubt, had you asked me one year ago I would’ve answered that sleep deprivation was the hardest part of parenting multiples. By 5 or 6 months, all of my children woke once in the middle of the … Continue reading →

Bonding with Your NICU Baby

Recently, here in the baby blog we have been talking about preemies and the NICU experience. Emotionally draining is an understatement. Bonding is also another challenge as you might not even be able to hold your little one for awhile. NICU babies have unique needs and consequently it’s important that you give yourself permission to observe your baby’s cues and watch them closely. Your baby might not be interested in the outside world for awhile and actually, that’s not a terrible thing. NICU preemies, particularly ones who are sick, need all their energy for recovering. Once your baby is matured … Continue reading →

Surviving the NICU: Questions to Ask

I don’t think anyone is ever quite prepared for the NICU experience. Yesterday, we talked about how it is emotionally draining and can leave you feeling very much out of control. However, it is important to become not only an advocate for your baby, but part of the medical team. I highly recommend purchasing a journal soon after the birth of a preemie. Journaling the NICU Experience I think many people find journaling cathartic. To be able to write what you cannot say and express your feelings openly without fear of being corrected or having them explained away is often … Continue reading →

You Are Still a Parent In the NICU

Ideally, you gestate for nine months, you give birth, and in a few days, everyone goes home. But as we know that doesn’t always happen. Premature birth can happen to any mother, but some women are at a greater risk. Multiples almost always come early with a mere 5% making it a full forty weeks. Nonetheless, whether you are prepared for the NICU experience or not, when it happens, it can be nothing short of devastating and depressing. A Difficult Birth Babies who are born early are almost always born via cesarean section. While I realize that the surgery goes … Continue reading →

Ask a Baby Blogger: You Said Not to Pump. . .But They Said to Pump

Question: Hi. I’ve read most of your blogs on breastfeeding and first, thank you so much. We’ve had a rough start and my baby was in the NICU for a few weeks so I had to pump. But when she came home, I stopped pumping because I had read somewhere that you said pumping does not increase your supply. However, the nurses in the hospital said I need to keep pumping to keep up my supply because the baby won’t suck effectively. What’s your advice? First of all, you’re welcome and I’m glad you’re breastfeeding your baby. You’re right. I … Continue reading →