Well I made it through my first week back to work! Tuesday was very hard. It was so hard to leave Noah. Daddy did great with him all week though! I knew he would it was just hard for me to be gone. I felt so out of it tuesday morning at work. It almost felt like i was starting a new job. But once I got there and got going it was ok. By Wednesday I felt like my normal self again and back in the groove.
The most challenging part of all of this is the lack of sleep. Its hard to work all day on very little and choppy sleep. But hopefully in another month or so we can get a routine going and I can get more rest!
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Returning to work....
Well I cant believe it Noah is 3 weeks old.......The time has flown by!
But this means I am scheduled to go back to work NEXT WEEK. EEEEEK.
I love my job and I miss work but I cant imagine leaving my baby all day.
On a great note he will be home with is daddy, so I know he will be in the best hands and totally taken care of. Its just that I am going to miss him. I have been with him 24 hours a day so to leave him all day makes me so sad.....
I am sure once I get into the swing of things again it will be fine, its just re-adjusting.
I know it will all work out and in the meantime I will enjoy my last week at home.
But this means I am scheduled to go back to work NEXT WEEK. EEEEEK.
I love my job and I miss work but I cant imagine leaving my baby all day.
On a great note he will be home with is daddy, so I know he will be in the best hands and totally taken care of. Its just that I am going to miss him. I have been with him 24 hours a day so to leave him all day makes me so sad.....
I am sure once I get into the swing of things again it will be fine, its just re-adjusting.
I know it will all work out and in the meantime I will enjoy my last week at home.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Busy weekend
We have a lot going on this weekend. Saturday we went to St. Marys because I had an eye doctors appointment. I go back there because I had a bad experience here and its affordable since I pay cash for my contacts. Anyway we decided to take baby Noah for his first trip home. He did GREAT. he slept the entire time. Probably because he was fussy the night before and neither of us slept much but still. We went to mom's afterwards and grandma and Adam came over to see him again. It was a nice visit. And I am glad to know we can travel ok with him. The first trip is always the hardest.
Today Paul's mom and brother are coming for a visit (uncle matt hasnt met Noah yet) and then I am working on baby shower invites for a friend's shower. This is more than I have had planned in weeks!
On a great note Noah's thrush is clearing up and he is nursing much better. I think his mouth was sore before. He is eating enough that he will fall asleep after breastfeeding and not want his supplemental bottle for an hour sometimes. Also I am getting less sore when we feed. YEAH!
Hopefully we are turning the corner on feeding!
Today Paul's mom and brother are coming for a visit (uncle matt hasnt met Noah yet) and then I am working on baby shower invites for a friend's shower. This is more than I have had planned in weeks!
On a great note Noah's thrush is clearing up and he is nursing much better. I think his mouth was sore before. He is eating enough that he will fall asleep after breastfeeding and not want his supplemental bottle for an hour sometimes. Also I am getting less sore when we feed. YEAH!
Hopefully we are turning the corner on feeding!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
breastfeeding blues
Who knew breastfeeding would be so hard!? Now I know why bottle feeding is such a draw.
We are still struggling 2 weeks in. My godsent in this has been my pump. Without it we would have given up long ago. At first I wasnt producing anything and had to pump to syringe feed him 5cc. They I finally was producing something and he wouldnt latch on. Now his latch is improving but I am so sore I can only take it for so long.
So every feeding consists of breastfeeding, then bottle feeding pumped milk, then pumping. It takes about an hour to get thru a feeding and during the day he eats about every 3 hours......
And I thought I would have some free time while I was at home.
Here is hoping this situation improves.
We are still struggling 2 weeks in. My godsent in this has been my pump. Without it we would have given up long ago. At first I wasnt producing anything and had to pump to syringe feed him 5cc. They I finally was producing something and he wouldnt latch on. Now his latch is improving but I am so sore I can only take it for so long.
So every feeding consists of breastfeeding, then bottle feeding pumped milk, then pumping. It takes about an hour to get thru a feeding and during the day he eats about every 3 hours......
And I thought I would have some free time while I was at home.
Here is hoping this situation improves.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
First few weeks at home
Motherhood is exhausting!
In the first 2 weeks we have had a lot happen.
2 pediatrician appts because Noah was jaundiced and she was worried about his weight (both with improved from the first visit to the second).
I ended up with mastitis and a 103 degree temp.
Friday night the power went out, meaning we had no heat, no lights and no breastpump! we packed all of our stuff to go to paul's parents and of course as we finished packing the power came back on.
Very stressful week.
On the upside today is our wedding anniversary and things seem to be settling down!
Here is hoping i can get the hang of this and get a routine before I go back to work in 2 weeks....
In the first 2 weeks we have had a lot happen.
2 pediatrician appts because Noah was jaundiced and she was worried about his weight (both with improved from the first visit to the second).
I ended up with mastitis and a 103 degree temp.
Friday night the power went out, meaning we had no heat, no lights and no breastpump! we packed all of our stuff to go to paul's parents and of course as we finished packing the power came back on.
Very stressful week.
On the upside today is our wedding anniversary and things seem to be settling down!
Here is hoping i can get the hang of this and get a routine before I go back to work in 2 weeks....
LABOR
Here are all the details of my labor and delivery if your so inclined......
On Tuesday 11/17 my water broke at 1:00 am. I was not having any contractions but went to the hospital since my water broke. I started having contractions around 2:30 am. We spent the night at the hospital walking in circles and using the birthing ball desperately trying to get my labor going because I did not want to be put on pitocin.
At 9:00 am I was only 2 cm dilated =( so i got put on pitocin to speed things up because once your water breaks you are on a timeline to deliver.
By 3:30pm I was freaking miserable! Labor on pitocin sucks! I went without pain meds as long as i could but my midwife checked me and I was only 6 cm. I needed some rest so I got an epidural. Once I did that my body relaxed and I dilated pretty quickly. By 5:30 pm we were ready to push. So I am thinking ok we are almost done! WRONG!
Noah was delivered at 7:25 pm.
I pushed for 1 hour and 40 minutes.
My total labor was 18 1/2 hours.
He weighed 6 pounds 14 oz and was 19 inches long.
I ended up with a 3rd degree laceration from the delivery (mostly because his arm was up by his head on delivery).
It was a long and hard labor but TOTALLY worth it!
I was very blessed to have a great midwife and avoid any other medical interventions.
I guarantee an OB would have done internal fetal monitoring, antibiotics and started talking c-section but she hung in there with me, and was in the room the entire time i pushed (which is very rare).
Overall I am very happy with how it turned out. it wasnt ideal but we made the best of the circumstances.
On Tuesday 11/17 my water broke at 1:00 am. I was not having any contractions but went to the hospital since my water broke. I started having contractions around 2:30 am. We spent the night at the hospital walking in circles and using the birthing ball desperately trying to get my labor going because I did not want to be put on pitocin.
At 9:00 am I was only 2 cm dilated =( so i got put on pitocin to speed things up because once your water breaks you are on a timeline to deliver.
By 3:30pm I was freaking miserable! Labor on pitocin sucks! I went without pain meds as long as i could but my midwife checked me and I was only 6 cm. I needed some rest so I got an epidural. Once I did that my body relaxed and I dilated pretty quickly. By 5:30 pm we were ready to push. So I am thinking ok we are almost done! WRONG!
Noah was delivered at 7:25 pm.
I pushed for 1 hour and 40 minutes.
My total labor was 18 1/2 hours.
He weighed 6 pounds 14 oz and was 19 inches long.
I ended up with a 3rd degree laceration from the delivery (mostly because his arm was up by his head on delivery).
It was a long and hard labor but TOTALLY worth it!
I was very blessed to have a great midwife and avoid any other medical interventions.
I guarantee an OB would have done internal fetal monitoring, antibiotics and started talking c-section but she hung in there with me, and was in the room the entire time i pushed (which is very rare).
Overall I am very happy with how it turned out. it wasnt ideal but we made the best of the circumstances.
MIA
Ok I know I have been MIA for almost a year now, but with the arrival of our new baby decided to start the blog back up to keep people posted on our life with a little bundle of joy!
So first off a catch-up:
We moved back to Columbus and I started practicing at an office there and I LOVE it. My bosses and co-w0rkers are great! Definitely a good move.
I was pregnant for most of this year and we just delivered our little man last week. (another post with more details on that).
Other than that not much is new.
Well I am back and am committing to keeping this blog current!!!!!!!!!
So first off a catch-up:
We moved back to Columbus and I started practicing at an office there and I LOVE it. My bosses and co-w0rkers are great! Definitely a good move.
I was pregnant for most of this year and we just delivered our little man last week. (another post with more details on that).
Other than that not much is new.
Well I am back and am committing to keeping this blog current!!!!!!!!!
Monday, January 5, 2009
personal care products
A few months ago I decided to switch all my personal care products over to organic and natural products. I did this to be healthier and with the specific reason of trying to have a baby and not putting toxic substances on me. I switched my shampoo and conditioner, lotion, soap ect. I still have a few things to switch over mostly toothpaste and face scrub but I am most of the way there and am pleasantly surprized. I like all the new stuff. The only thing I am not super crazy about is the deodorant, which I have used before. It just doesnt work as well/last as long but as long as you re-apply during the day you are ok. I did even make a great discovery I am in love with Jason's vanilla lotion. It smells amazing and works great! I have never had a lotion that worked so good on my dry winter skin!
Along those lines here is an article about the things to look out for in personal care products, and how toxic this stuff really is to us.
The Dirty Dozen Chemicals in Cosmetics
by Catherine Zandonella
September 18, 2007
Beauty is only skin deep, but the products we use to attain it contain chemicals that may penetrate far deeper. The average adult uses nine personal care products a day, with roughly 120 chemicals spread among them, many of which are incompletely tested for toxicity.
Below we've listed 12 chemicals that are best avoided. A single exposure to any of them is unlikely to cause harm, but daily exposure over a lifetime may add up. When shopping, be prepared to spend some time reading labels; even brands that advertise themselves as "natural" or "botanical" have been known to include some of these.
1. AntibacterialsOveruse of antibacterials can prevent them from effectively fighting disease-causing germs like E. coli and Salmonella enterica. Triclosan, widely used in soaps, toothpastes and deodorants, has been detected in breast milk, and one recent study found that it interferes with testosterone activity in cells. Numerous studies have found that washing with regular soap and warm water is just as effective at killing germs.
2. Coal TarCoal tar is a known human carcinogen used as an active ingredient in dandruff shampoos and anti-itch creams. Coal-tar-based dyes such as FD&C Blue 1, used in toothpastes, and FD&C Green 3, used in mouthwash, have been found to be carcinogenic in animal studies when injected under skin.
3. Diethanolamine (DEA)DEA is a possible hormone disruptor, has shown limited evidence of carcinogenicity and depletes the body of choline needed for fetal brain development. DEA can also show up as a contaminant in products containing related chemicals, such as cocamide DEA.
4. 1,4-Dioxane1,4-Dioxane is a known animal carcinogen and a possible human carcinogen that can appear as a contaminant in products containing sodium laureth sulfate and ingredients that include the terms "PEG," "-xynol," "ceteareth," "oleth" and most other ethoxylated "eth" ingredients. The FDA monitors products for the contaminant but has not yet recommended an exposure limit. Manufacturers can remove dioxane through a process called vacuum stripping, but a small amount usually remains. A 2007 survey by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found that most children's bath products contain 10 parts per million or less, but an earlier 2001 survey by the FDA found levels in excess of 85 parts per million.
5. FormaldehydeFormaldehyde has a long list of adverse health effects, including immune-system toxicity, respiratory irritation and cancer in humans. Yet it still turns up in baby bath soap, nail polish, eyelash adhesive and hair dyes as a contaminant or break-down product of diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea and quaternium compounds.
6. FragranceThe catchall term "fragrance" may mask phthalates, which act as endocrine disruptors and may cause obesity and reproductive and developmental harm. Avoid phthalates by selecting essential-oil fragrances instead.
7. Lead and MercuryNeurotoxic lead may appear in products as a naturally occurring contaminant of hydrated silica, one of the ingredients in toothpaste, and lead acetate is found in some brands of men's hair dye. Brain-damaging mercury, found in the preservative thimerosol, is used in some mascaras.
8. NanoparticlesTiny nanoparticles, which may penetrate the skin and damage brain cells, are appearing in an increasing number of cosmetics and sunscreens. Most problematic are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide nanoparticles, used in sunscreens to make them transparent. When possible, look for sunscreens containing particles of these ingredients larger than 100 nanometers. You'll most likely need to call companies to confirm sizes, but a few manufacturers have started advertising their lack of nanoparticle-sized ingredients on labels.
9. Parabens(methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, butyl-, isobutyl-) Parabens, which have weak estrogenic effects, are common preservatives that appear in a wide array of toiletries. A study found that butyl paraben damaged sperm formation in the testes of mice, and a relative, sodium methylparaben, is banned in cosmetics by the E.U. Parabens break down in the body into p-hydroxybenzoic acid, which has estrogenic activity in human breast-cancer cell cultures.
10. Petroleum DistillatesPossible human carcinogens, petroleum distillates are prohibited or restricted for use in cosmetics in the E.U. but are found in several U.S. brands of mascara, foot-odor powder and other products. Look out for the terms "petroleum" or "liquid paraffin."
11. P-PhenylenediamineCommonly found in hair dyes, this chemical can damage the nervous system, cause lung irritation and cause severe allergic reactions. It's also listed as 1,4-Benzenediamine; p-Phenyldiamine and 4-Phenylenediamine.
12. HydroquinoneFound in skin lighteners and facial moisturizers, hydroquinone is neurotoxic and allergenic, and there's limited evidence that it may cause cancer in lab animals. It may also appear as an impurity not listed on ingredients labels.
Along those lines here is an article about the things to look out for in personal care products, and how toxic this stuff really is to us.
The Dirty Dozen Chemicals in Cosmetics
by Catherine Zandonella
September 18, 2007
Beauty is only skin deep, but the products we use to attain it contain chemicals that may penetrate far deeper. The average adult uses nine personal care products a day, with roughly 120 chemicals spread among them, many of which are incompletely tested for toxicity.
Below we've listed 12 chemicals that are best avoided. A single exposure to any of them is unlikely to cause harm, but daily exposure over a lifetime may add up. When shopping, be prepared to spend some time reading labels; even brands that advertise themselves as "natural" or "botanical" have been known to include some of these.
1. AntibacterialsOveruse of antibacterials can prevent them from effectively fighting disease-causing germs like E. coli and Salmonella enterica. Triclosan, widely used in soaps, toothpastes and deodorants, has been detected in breast milk, and one recent study found that it interferes with testosterone activity in cells. Numerous studies have found that washing with regular soap and warm water is just as effective at killing germs.
2. Coal TarCoal tar is a known human carcinogen used as an active ingredient in dandruff shampoos and anti-itch creams. Coal-tar-based dyes such as FD&C Blue 1, used in toothpastes, and FD&C Green 3, used in mouthwash, have been found to be carcinogenic in animal studies when injected under skin.
3. Diethanolamine (DEA)DEA is a possible hormone disruptor, has shown limited evidence of carcinogenicity and depletes the body of choline needed for fetal brain development. DEA can also show up as a contaminant in products containing related chemicals, such as cocamide DEA.
4. 1,4-Dioxane1,4-Dioxane is a known animal carcinogen and a possible human carcinogen that can appear as a contaminant in products containing sodium laureth sulfate and ingredients that include the terms "PEG," "-xynol," "ceteareth," "oleth" and most other ethoxylated "eth" ingredients. The FDA monitors products for the contaminant but has not yet recommended an exposure limit. Manufacturers can remove dioxane through a process called vacuum stripping, but a small amount usually remains. A 2007 survey by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found that most children's bath products contain 10 parts per million or less, but an earlier 2001 survey by the FDA found levels in excess of 85 parts per million.
5. FormaldehydeFormaldehyde has a long list of adverse health effects, including immune-system toxicity, respiratory irritation and cancer in humans. Yet it still turns up in baby bath soap, nail polish, eyelash adhesive and hair dyes as a contaminant or break-down product of diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea and quaternium compounds.
6. FragranceThe catchall term "fragrance" may mask phthalates, which act as endocrine disruptors and may cause obesity and reproductive and developmental harm. Avoid phthalates by selecting essential-oil fragrances instead.
7. Lead and MercuryNeurotoxic lead may appear in products as a naturally occurring contaminant of hydrated silica, one of the ingredients in toothpaste, and lead acetate is found in some brands of men's hair dye. Brain-damaging mercury, found in the preservative thimerosol, is used in some mascaras.
8. NanoparticlesTiny nanoparticles, which may penetrate the skin and damage brain cells, are appearing in an increasing number of cosmetics and sunscreens. Most problematic are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide nanoparticles, used in sunscreens to make them transparent. When possible, look for sunscreens containing particles of these ingredients larger than 100 nanometers. You'll most likely need to call companies to confirm sizes, but a few manufacturers have started advertising their lack of nanoparticle-sized ingredients on labels.
9. Parabens(methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, butyl-, isobutyl-) Parabens, which have weak estrogenic effects, are common preservatives that appear in a wide array of toiletries. A study found that butyl paraben damaged sperm formation in the testes of mice, and a relative, sodium methylparaben, is banned in cosmetics by the E.U. Parabens break down in the body into p-hydroxybenzoic acid, which has estrogenic activity in human breast-cancer cell cultures.
10. Petroleum DistillatesPossible human carcinogens, petroleum distillates are prohibited or restricted for use in cosmetics in the E.U. but are found in several U.S. brands of mascara, foot-odor powder and other products. Look out for the terms "petroleum" or "liquid paraffin."
11. P-PhenylenediamineCommonly found in hair dyes, this chemical can damage the nervous system, cause lung irritation and cause severe allergic reactions. It's also listed as 1,4-Benzenediamine; p-Phenyldiamine and 4-Phenylenediamine.
12. HydroquinoneFound in skin lighteners and facial moisturizers, hydroquinone is neurotoxic and allergenic, and there's limited evidence that it may cause cancer in lab animals. It may also appear as an impurity not listed on ingredients labels.
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