Motherhood, parenting

Learning to Cope With Post Partum Depression & Anxiety

By Jasmine Aranda

September, 2016. One week before my 22nd birthday. I got a gift I hadn’t expected to receive- a baby was on the way, and it was time to get my head on straight.

I spent each and every day of my pregnancy doing research. Having never grown up around babies, I wanted to make sure I knew everything there was to know, from schedules to milestones. I HAD to know what to expect. I had to have everything in order.

You see, long before I found out about my little tot, I had developed anxiety. I had become scared of life, fearful of Lord knows what every day. It was a miserable existence, and knowing a whole new world of challenges was coming my way, I had to figure out how to cope with it so I could be the best mom I can be.

I let the doctor know about my mental health issues. I had medication trial and errors, and evaluations at every visit. I did everything I could to stay excited about the little girl on the way and not fixate on all the things that could very well go wrong.

All seemed well, and in order, and when the time came, I was ready to be the mom I knew I was capable of being. I had the knowledge, the technology, and the support to keep myself together and take care of my child. I felt confident that even though I had suffered through anxiety and depression, keeping myself afloat would keep the PPD away.
Hahahahahahahahahahhahhahahahhahhaa.

I was a fool to think I could prevent the inevitable, and while I did my best to be prepared for it, it’s a bullet that is not easily dodged.

Post partum depression comes in shortly after birth, and while there is no definite cause, there are several factors that contribute to PPD. Hormones, exhaustion, and pre-existing conditions all add up to PPD and can happen to almost any woman who gives birth. Symptoms include your typical depression symptoms- crying, feelings of hopelessness, loss of interest or rage. These symptoms can also extend towards an inability to bond with the baby as well as feeling that the mother may harm the baby as well as herself. Post partum depression can last a few months up to a couple of years after birth, although this can depend on how soon the condition is diagnosed and treated.

I knew I had PPD after just a few weeks. My doctor knew to watch for it, and I gave myself time immediately after to heal and try and get settled into a groove to see if I was just feeling bad or if there was actually something wrong. I found myself bawling my eyes out as I fed my baby, and completely flipping out on my boyfriend for leaving a wrapper on the couch. Getting rest was hard, and I felt I had no escape. I began having panic attacks, once a month, then multiple times a month. It was terrifying feeling so emotionally out of control. So I knew I had to come up with some ways, in addition to what I was already doing, to help ease the suffering and confusion.

Some of these things were pretty obvious, others worked by trial and error. The main thing is that it helped, and still helps now. So here are a few things I have done to help cope with PPD in the first year…

1. Being Knowledgeable

I tend to expect the worst of everything. Of course, this probably stems from the fact that I really don’t know enough about some things to know that it’s not as bad as I am making them out to be. Knowing a step beyond the basics goes a long way towards peace of mind. Take milestones for example- knowing that the timeframe for babies to learn things can be relieving because usually there is more leniencies than expected. Also knowing that children go their own unique pace, so just because Johnny down the block can roll over already doesn’t mean he won’t be eating glue with your kid come kindergarten. It’s all going to turn out ok in time.

2. Making Things Easy For Myself

If you are easily overwhelmed, remember that there is no problem whatsoever with making things as easy as possible for yourself. Don’t let others interfere with your schedule- if you need to feed or put the baby down for a nap at a certain time, stick to it. It makes things easier for the both of you in the long run. It also helps to keep everything organized and within easy reach. In the beginning I had a tendency to bring everything I needed into the living room- bassinet, swing, diapers and wipes, and since I was breastfeeding that was one more thing I didn’t have to prepare. I could do everything I needed to in one area, and not have to run around with a grumpy baby.

3. Talking To The Doctor

From the beginning, I knew I would need help. Coping with my anxiety was difficult from the beginning- I couldn’t figure out why everything was so overwhelming, why nothing I did ever seemed to work out. Just before leaving school I found that speaking to a counselor combined with medication actually did make a difference. I knew it was something that I had to stick with, because let’s be real here- face masks and essential oils are only going to get you so far. I needed REAL help, so keeping my doctor in the loop on how I was feeling went a long way towards helping me overcome my PPD by the end of the first year.

4. Me Time

Motherhood feels like it swallows our whole identity. We live and breathe our children, we’re always talking about our children, planning a future for our children. Sometimes we forget that before we were moms, we were just… us.
Carve out time- an hour at least- to get into a hobby you enjoyed, or create a new one. Call up a friend and catch up. Do something that is entirely a YOU thing, not a mom thing. Being a mom is the greatest thing in the world, but you gotta remember- you are still you, too.
I personally enjoying doing something artsy, and blogging has been a good medium for that creativity. I can create things and I can write out my feelings. It is terrifyingly public, yes, but if this story helps somebody then hey, it’s worth putting it out there.

5. Ask For Help

There’s a lot of pressure to be the mom who is on top of her game. However, being a mom with PPD means there’s an extra layer of challenge on top of everything. Please don’t try to do everything on your own; it will not work.
We all want to be great mom’s, but it can get tiresome. Between being exhausted from depression and sleep deprivation, it’s hard to keep going 24/7. Ask a sibling to come by, they would love to see their little niece or nephew. A close friend would always be down to come play with the baby for a bit. And you already know grandma is more than ready to get hands on with your little one- just reach out and ask.

6. Get Rest

My mom was dropping hints for months that she wanted to babysit overnight, and I brushed it off because I didn’t want to seem like I was abandoning my child. She finally told me straight, “You are tired. I see it. Let me take her for a night and you rest.” It was horrifying initially, but the sleep that night… Yes, please.
Having adequate amounts of rest makes a huge difference. Being sleep deprived will make your more susceptible to irritability, moodiness, and a full blown mental breakdown. Always, always, always rest whenever you get the chance (don’t forget- you can ask for help anytime!).

7. The Dishes Can Wait

I wouldn’t call myself OCD, but when things are out of order it does trigger my anxiety. Within the first year there is a lot of changes going on with you and your little one, which means a lot of schedule changes. Once you get something down, it’s on to the next thing! This makes it difficult to hold down the fort around the rest of the house, and while having a perfect home seems necessary, in reality it’s not. There are way more important things that you are doing- parenting and maintaining your mental health. It may be a day or a week before those dishes get done, but they will get done on your time. For now, just take a deep breath, and enjoy each day watching your baby grow. A little mess is hardly worth the stress.

8. Talk To A Professional

As much as we want our friends and family to understand us, there are just some things they can’t get no matter how you explain it. I can’t explain why a plate on the counter can make me crumble to bits, or why I feel so hopeless when I seem to have everything going for me. Having a counselor to talk to helped me in a different way- I was able to vent my frustrations and express myself to someone who wasn’t biased. It was a short escape every other week where I had someone who could help me reflect on what was truly bothering me so I could learn how to deal when I got all worked up.

9. Recognize Triggers

While there wasn’t any specific thing wrong, there were little things that didn’t really help my mental state. I was so easily agitated it was ridiculous. Through my counseling, I began thinking about what it was that was getting me worked up most of the time. Disorganization was a major one, so I did my best to keep what I could straight and tidy, and getting my boyfriend to lend a hand when he could.

10. Keeping Cool

When something did trigger tearfulness or rage, and I recognized it, I then had the opportunity to stop and calm myself before I let myself get too frazzled. I know that 95% of the things that bothered me only bothered me because of my depression, not because it was an actual issue. It’s important to remind yourself that you’re just tired, it’s just a plate, and there are way more important things- like baby snuggles- that your extra energy could be going towards.

Being Patient
Overcoming post partum depression does not happen overnight. It will be many long months before you start feeling yourself again. My daughter is 15 months old at the time of this writing, and while there has been significant improvement, I still slip into bouts of hopelessness and sadness. Remember that you are stronger than your conditions, and even when it’s rough, there’s a little one who can’t wait to see their mama every day. Baby steps are for moms, too.

About Author

Hello! My name is Jasmine and I am a part time blogger at Rise and Blossom and a full time mom to my little girl, Tate. I currently live in West Texas with my daughter, husband and two dogs. When I am not writing I am often found drinking coffee, chasing my toddler, or trying my hand at something artsy.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/riseandblossom

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riseandblossom/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riseandblossomofficial/

Website: http://www.riseandblossom.com/

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Exercise, Motherhood, Prenatal Exercise

3 Best Pregnancy Exercises That Will Make You a Fit Mom

By Tori Levine, creator of Mommy Barre™

Ever wondered what exercises are safe during pregnancy or some quick and easy exercises for pregnancy you can do anywhere? Well, I’ve made up a list of the three best pregnancy exercises that will make you a fit mom based on my work with prenatal clients over the years. These exercises will keep you in shape and feeling good throughout your pregnancy and beyond!

Not only are these exercises great for pregnancy, they are great to do with your baby and for some quick strengthening and toning wherever you are!

  1. Squats – These are a great way to keep your legs strong so help support you as you gain the necessary weight during pregnancy and to help prepare you for birth.

How to perform a Squat – Stand with your feet a little further than hip-width apart. Inhale and as you exhalesqueeze your belly button to your spine and keeping your back flat, stick your rear back like you are about to sit on an imaginary chair. As you stand up engage your glutes (your buns) and keep your core tight and engaged until you are standing again. Repeat 10-20 times a few times a day.

Pro Tip: This is a great exercise that I often do while brushing my teeth.

  1. Clams – These exercises work your core and the muscles around your hips to help maintain stability in your pelvis and core.

How to perform a clam exercise – Lay on your left side with right shoulder and hip directly above your left shoulder and hip. Bend your knees so that your shoulders are in line with your hips and your feet. Inhale in this position. As you exhale lift your right knee toward the ceiling but be sure keep your hips and stacked on top of each other. Each time you lift your knee you should exhale and each time you bring your knees closed you can inhale. Your feet should stay together throughout the exercise. Complete 20 on each side.

Pro Tip: Don’t roll onto your back and then do a sit up to switch sides. Stay on your side and push yourself up sideways to avoid causing or exacerbating a diastasis recti. Watch our video on how to sit up the right way.

  1. Wall Push Ups – these are great to work your upper back muscles to help counteract postural changes that occur during pregnancy as well as after having baby.

How to perform a wall push up – Keeping your body straight place your hands on the wall in front of you. Walk you feet back a few small steps so you are slightly angled. Inhale and begin to bend your elbows and lower yourself toward the wall as you exhale and engage your core. Keep your core engaged and supporting your baby bump while you press your arms straight. Make sure your shoulders are pulled down and you are also engaging your upper back muscles between your shoulder blades. Repeat for 2-3 sets of 10.

Pro Tip: Start with your feet closer to the wall and as you get stronger you can begin to walk your feet further away from the wall. You can also do a set of 10 with your elbows out and parallel to the floor as well as a set of 10 with your elbows pulled tightly into your sides to work different muscles.

For a demonstration of these and more exercises you can do at home for pregnancy, with baby, and beyond subscribe to the Mommy Barre™ YouTube Channel and join our private community of supportive moms at www.facebook.com/groups/themommybarre.

About Author

As a certified pre/postnatal fitness educator, former dancer, and mom, Tori Levine developed Babies at the Barre™ to get moms back in shape without damaging their healing bodies. She has been featured as an expert in SHAPE, fitPregnancy, Parents®, and SELF Magazines. Babies at the Barre™ has grown into Mommy Barre™ which encompases, Bellies at the Barre™ (prenatal), Babies at the Barre™ (postnatal), Toddlers at the Barre®, and Moms at the Barre® so we can assist you during and long after your pre/postnatal seasons!

Copyright 2018 Babies at the Barre, LLC

www.mommybarre.com

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breastfeeding, Motherhood

Three Things Every New Breastfeeding Mama Needs to Know

By Lynn Turcotte-Schuh.

I am a big advocate for breastfeeding. Not because I judge those who don’t, but because I know that those who do need a lot of support. If you choose not to breastfeed (or can’t breastfeed) I am happy to be first in line to help you correctly prepare formula. However, if you choose to breastfeed let me be the first in line to encourage you, support you and help keep you on track. Here are three very important things you need to know about breastfeeding.

#1: Breastfeeding is natural, but it is NOT automatic.

Breastfeeding is a LEARNED SKILL for both Mama and baby. Both parties have an instinctual drive moving them towards each other. The newborn baby, if left alone, will crawl up its mother’s abdomen, search for the breast and latch on to the nipple all on its own. The Mama’s body produces breastmilk that changes with the baby’s age, will be different for a boy versus a girl baby and is chock full of immunity. I mean, does it get more amazing than this?!? Mama and baby are truly a dyad. Here’s where the instinct ends…logistics. The first three weeks of breastfeeding are REALLY HARD. There is a steep learning curve and it can be very overwhelming if you’re on your own.

Look at these two photos. The one above shows a baby that is tummy to tummy with Mama with hips and shoulders aligned. This baby has a good chance at a proper latch. The baby on below has hips and shoulders that are aligned, but their body is turned out slightly. This slight change in position will not allow this baby to latch properly…which means they don’t get the nutrition they need and Mama’s nipples get shaved down (OUCH!). If I hadn’t pointed out this difference, many of you may not have even noticed there WAS a difference. This is where LOGISTICAL support is vital in your breastfeeding journey. You can find a list of certified breastfeeding counselors here. (link is https://www.alpp.org/search)

#2: Your tribe will make or break your breastfeeding experience

Breastfeeding can be one of the most deeply connected experiences you will ever have, or it can be one of the most trying challenges you will ever face. What makes the difference? Your tribe. Let’s look at two Mamas facing the same obstacle – breastfeeding has been painful. One Mama is surrounded by a supportive tribe of Mamas who have overcome the obstacles of breastfeeding. The other Mama is surrounded by an equally supportive tribe of Mamas who chose to stop breastfeeding and switch to formula. Neither group is right or wrong, in general…but one group is right or wrong for you and your goals.
If you are a Mama that wants to work through the struggles and come out the other side, surrounding yourself with Mamas who have done just that is going to be imperative. You need voices to counter the well-meaning loved ones who tell you to “just stop”. You need voices to cheer you on, to motivate you and give you confidence. You can find your tribe locally or online…whichever makes you feel more comfortable. If you are looking for an online tribe, I would be honored to invite you into mine. (Link is https://www.facebook.com/groups/HappyMamaVillage).

#3: Breastmilk is produced via supply and demand

This is important to know for several reasons. First, breast pumps (even the really good ones) are only about 40% as efficient as baby (on average). Unless you are a Mama that HAS to pump (i.e. baby is in NICU and can’t latch), it will behoove you to stay away from the pump for at least three to four weeks. Let’s add some numbers in to illustrate (and these are totally random numbers BTW!). Let’s say your baby needs 30 oz of milk per day. If your baby is on the breast 100% of the time, your body will produce 30 oz of milk. If your baby is on the breast 50% of the time and the pump is on the other 50%, your body will produce about 21 oz. If you only pump, your body will produce about 12 oz. There is a HUGE disparity here. Once your body is a milk-making machine (usually about 3-4 weeks out), then you can start adding in the pump if you need to build up a store of milk.

Second reason to remember this fact is so that you don’t freak out when the cluster feeds come. All babies will cluster feed at some point and most cluster feed on relatively predictable time tables of growth spurts – see the infographic. Cluster feeding is NOT happening because you are not making enough milk. It is happening because your baby is giving your body a heads up that they will need more milk as a baseline in the coming days and weeks.

Remember that 30 oz example? If your baby is approaching a growth spurt, they will cluster feed, telling your body “you need to start making 40 oz per day please”. And your body will respond. Your body will elevate your baseline to meet the demands of your growing baby. It is very rare that you truly have a low milk supply. If you have any concerns about that, speak with your lactation counselor.

Breastmilk is the best nutrition for your baby. We CANNOT replicate it. We come as close as we can with formula, but it will never be the same. Formula will not change as your baby grows. It does not have the immunity in it that breastmilk does. Just as your body knew how to grow and birth this baby, your body also knows how to feed it. Trust yourself and your baby. Ask for help when you need it. Embrace and enjoy your breastfeeding journey, but begin it with realistic expectations.
In Gratitude & With Love,

Lynn Turcotte-Schuh, CCCE, CLC

About Author

Lynn Turcotte-Schuh is a Childbirth Educator and Parenting Mentor, Children’s Book Author, Baby Sign Instructor, and the Creator of Happy Mama Wellness where she helps Mamas prepare for their new role, break through their parenting challenges, operate at their highest potential and create a positive and nurturing family dynamic. Lynn is highly passionate about helping Mamas find their power and be a role model they can be proud of.

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Baby Products, Herbal Cream

Tropika Baby Herbal Cream’s New Look!

If you ask me what is my favourite product for Aydeen, it’s definitely Tropika Baby Herbal Cream! I have been using Tropika Baby Herbal Cream for Aydeen since he was a newborn.

Anybody who knows me well would know that I am highly picky when it comes to choosing products for Aydeen, especially if it involves rubbing onto his skin!

Every Asian mothers would rub some herbal oil onto their baby’s stomach. To me, the ingredients of these oils are highly important. And on top of it all, I believe that herbal creams for babies shouldn’t be too hot, and Tropika Baby Herbal Cream just fit my requirements.

Best of all, it now comes with a new convenient packaging! Let’s have a brief comparison between the old & new packaging.

Old packaging

This was how the old packaging looks like.

It came in a bottle with cap, which is very sturdy and durable. It can fit in standard handbags, though it occupies quite a large space.

The weight was 50g, so it can easily pass the liquid restrictions at airports. My Tropika Baby Herbal Cream had travelled to four different countries globally!

Newly Launched Packaging

Thanks to Tropika, I am one of the few to try the newly launched packaging! I fall in love at first sight with the new packaging instantly.

It now comes in a tube, which feels lighter (but still same 50g) and easier to fit in between those many things in my handbag (yes, my handbag consists of a bit of my things and mostly Aydeen’s diapers, spare clothing, baby wipes, cream, bottle & toys). And it’s a standard Kipling handbag, medium-sized. I rarely change my bag.

And what I love the most is it’s ease of use! You see, Aydeen was not the kind who can sit still during diaper change. In fact, he rarely stands at one place during diaper change. Always out and about. Which, during rubbing cream time using the old packaging, his fast hands would quickly grab the bottle and already messing up his hands with the cream before I can reach it.

With the new packaging? Not anymore! Easily flip away to open with one hand (while the other is busy with Aydeen), and quickly close with my thumb when not in use. No more messy hands for Aydeen. Mission accomplished!

Aydeen’s point of view

I put both packaging side by side, and asked Aydeen to choose. He chose the new packaging, together with his water bottle. Goodbye old packaging, Aydeen found his new favourite!

All in all, the newly launched packaging seems better than the old one. Kudos Tropika for making the change!

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Digital Marketing, Social Media

How To Market Effectively In The Smartphone Addiction Generation

Admit it. All of us are addicted to our smartphones. Companies are using Whatsapp to communicate between departments and with other companies. Adults are using Facebook to communicate with each other. The younger generation are using Twitter to express their feelings. And those who hate texts love Instagram.

With these trends in mind, it is definitely a must for companies to go digital with a strategy. And how can we do this effectively?

1. Optimise page title for voice search

There is Siri, there is Google Voice Search, and everything in between. Obviously, with this trend in mind, companies should make sure their contents are voice search friendly.

Studies has shown that 60% of smartphone owners aged 18+ who used voice-enabled technology are using it to do online searches. And what’s more thrilling, 51% of them are using it to find information on a product. Isn’t this a good news for marketers?

2. Create A Multi-Touch Content

Interactive content is the way to go! Smartphone users are very attracted to multi-touch contents. They love to swipe, hold, click, and all those related gestures. Creating contents that are interactive will make them more engaged, and soon they will be converted to become your customers!

3. Mind The Connection Density

Sounds a bit technical, but it is one of the most important things to consider. Connection density, in a layman term, is when there is a potential connection that arises due to two connections that are readily connected.

For example, family gathering is high in connection density, as most of them know each other, and would possibly introduce a “potential connection” to you. On the other hand, riding a bus has low connection density, as people mostly do not blonde each other, so there’s low possibility of “potential connection”.

With smartphone users, they are somehow very social in social media, and they would highly introduce a “potential connection” in the social media itself. So please get your business marketed in Social Media!

These are some of the tips how we can market effectively in a smartphone addiction generation.

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Arts Project, Motherhood, parenting, Toddler

How To Have Fun With Toddlers – 5 Art Projects To Do With Kids

By Samantha Gonzalez.

Kids love to create. It’s in their nature. My belief is that we can all benefit from a regular dose of creativity. So here are 5 projects you can do with your kids to get those creative juices flowing!

*Note these were designed with toddlers and preschoolers in mind, but older kids would love them too, as well as their parents!”

1.) Crown decorating
For this you’ll need:
Paper (construction or printer paper works fine, but for sturdiness, we used poster board)
Paint supplies
Glue
Rhinestones/Glitter/Sequins/Anything sparkly!

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Start by making a quick measurement of your child’s head. Cut the paper or poster board that length, plus 2-3 inches. Add paper with glue or tape as needed.

Then cut a few points at the top of the rectangle. You can let your child dictate how many and what size to you if they are old enough. We want to give them as much involvement as possible!

Let them paint away!

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Wait for the paint to dry (maybe try out another project while you wait!)

Glue on the shineys

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When it’s dry, tape, glue, or staple the crown together and bow to the royalty. This is a great prop for dramatic play as well as a fun art project!

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2.) Caterpillars and Butterflies
I love this project because it does so much in one activity! Art, Fine motor skills, the science of a butterfly’s metamorphosis, and a fun toy. For this you’ll need:
Pipe Cleaners
Coffee Filters
Washable Markers
Beads
Spray bottle of water

Make the Caterpillar
First loop one end of a pipe cleaner and twist to keep the beads from falling off, then thread beads on. How much help you give will depend on the age and maturity of the child. I love teaching threading with pipe cleaners because they won’t flop or fray like string and thread will! Threading is an important fine motor skill for toddlers and preschoolers, and even older kids have fun with choosing colors and experimenting with patterns.
Once your child is satisfied (or bored) with the threading, twist off the end like you did before and bend another pipe cleaner in half around the loop and twist to make antenna. You can get creative here too by either cutting them short, twirling them, or keeping them long!
Make the Cocoon
Now take out your coffee filters and markers and let your child color and scribble. The more colors the better! If your caterpillar is longer, you might need two coffee filters.
Help the child roll the caterpillar up in the cocoon. Now is a good time to talk about the metamorphic process!
Spray the wrapped caterpillar with water. Make sure the filter gets really wet.

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I did this right before nap time so we told the caterpillar goodnight, then I came back out to spread the coffee filters back out so they would be dry by the time she woke up.

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Make the Butterfly
This part you can do alone with smaller kids so they can see the “magic” of the caterpillar turning into a butterfly. Or you can let older kids try it on their own.

Once the coffee filters are dry, twist a third pipe cleaner around the middle of the caterpillar the again around the coffee filter. And you’re done!

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3.) Love Is… Painting
This one requires a little more prep and artistic work for mom. But you’ll not only have a fun project to do with your little one, but also an adorable keepsake or gift that’s perfect for Mother’s day, Father’s day, or Grandparents.

Begin by painting a canvas a solid color. You can have the toddler help!

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When it’s dry, write on the canvas with a sharpie or paint pen.

Now paint your child’s hand and feet a contrasting color to the background and make prints in the spaces you left. For mine, the feet became the “V” and the hand stood in place of the “A”

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Let it dry, then display!

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4.) Rock Painting

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Paint is fun. But younger kids will often lose focus quickly, making you wonder if it was worth the prep and mess clean up. However, the more senses we appeal to, the longer toddlers and preschoolers will stay engaged. So for this project, we’re just going to paint. But instead of paper, pull out those river rocks you collected from your last vacation! The bumpy and rough texture combined with trying to get the smooth, wet paint to cover it, will keep the little ones much more focused. You can also provide some shineys to stick on and make some treasures to hide and search for later.

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You might even find a local rock hiding group and use the rocks there!

5.) Foil painting
This was a Pinterest find that I wanted to try. Literally, all you need is paint and foil! you can also add a little dish soap to the paint to keep it from flaking when it dries.
The foil has a fun texture and sound when touched, so it keeps toddlers engaged for longer. Remember, the more senses we can appeal to the more toddlers and preschoolers will have to keep their focus. For my little one, this quickly turned from traditional painting, to finger painting, to a full sensory exploration! Just be ready for the mess afterwards!

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Bonus Project!
If all this painting makes you think of one thing
“All. The. Mess.”
Then here’s a bonus project for you!
All you need is a zippered plastic bag and some paint. Tape helps too.
Pour a few colors of paint into the bag. I like to choose colors that mix well.
Zip the bag shut.
Tape it to the window, table, or just hand it over to the child.
Viola! Mess-free finger painting!

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Hope you enjoyed these five art project ideas for you to do with your toddler or preschooler! Check out my blog for weekly project ideas for your kids and for you. Whimsyroo.wordpress.com

ABOUT AUTHOR


Samantha is the owner of the WhimsyRoo blog and shop. The mission of WhimsyRoo is to spread creativity and whimsy to mothers and their children, no matter their skill level or time constraints!

Samantha is also a dance instructor for ages 2-18, and the mom of a beautiful three year old girl.

She can also be found on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!

Facebook – @whimsyroo
Instagram – @whimsy.roo
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food, Motherhood, parenting

A Dietitian’s Guide To Baby’s First Food

By Nurfarah Hanani Amir Hamzah.

New mothers are surely excited to see their babies had the first spoon fed into the mouth. When you had noticed your baby is ready to be introduced with the complementary food, it will be a wonderful experience for both mother and baby.

Sometimes we might feel some pressure, whether we are doing things right and not causing harm to the baby. But don’t worry, here’s some quick tips for you mothers who wanted to prepare home cooked baby’s first food.

1. Do a meal planning on weekly basis. This will save you a lot of time for purchasing and preparation.

2. Be sure that all utensils, including cutting boards, grinder, knives, and other items, are thoroughly cleaned. Best is to separate the utensils and use it solely for your baby’s food.

3. Practice hand hygiene by washing your hands before preparing the food and feeding your baby. This is to reduce the risk of infections.

4. Do not add salt, sugar or any preservatives. Do not add honey to food intended for infants younger than 1 year of age.

5. Pick one new food at a time to be introduced and combine the food when your baby knowingly didn’t have any allergies to both.

6. If any allergies symptoms emerged, stop feeding the food. Try challenge the food again, after 1 month.

7. The steps of the food texture: puree -> semi solid -> solid

8. You may start with starch and/or vegetables and when your child reach 8 months, you may start preparing some porridge with introduction of protein. However, white egg should only be introduced after 12 months.

9. Use plastic spoon to avoid injuries. The BPA-free plastic spoons are abundantly available at the retail stores.

10. Make it a fun and relaxed environment for your baby. Never put the pressure for the baby to finish the food. For working mothers, best is to do it on Saturdays as you will have 24 hours to monitor your baby’s acceptance to the introduced food till Sunday evening.

11. Never stops breastfeeding the babies even after your baby starts eating. For formula fed babies, you might need to reduce the number of feeding.

Hopefully these tips will ease your mind in starting this new adventure in your life! Remember to always have fun with food and practice balance, moderate and variety.

ABOUT AUTHOR

Farahanani is a speaker and writer while working full time as a Dietitian & Clinical Instructor.
Her day job which she has the most passion in teaching aspiring students to be a Dietitian, doesn’t hinder her from other passion in sharing dietary advices to her readers on her personal blog at farahanani.blogspot.com and guest writer at parenting magazine.
Her mission is to spread more nutrition information to Malaysian particularly Malay Speaking community since she realised the limited Malay Language articles in such topics.

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