As many of you know, I'm pregnant (again)! I had a rough first trimester, but saw a good upswing in my second trimester. I'm now 29 weeks into the pregnancy and am measuring 30". Not bad!
I'm sure fellow moms can commiserate with my current lack of sleep - who says it begins when baby is born, hey?! Anyway, despite being tired, everything else with the pregnancy is going very well.
Since my pregnancy is progressing, I'll no longer be taking appointments for in-home visits right now. I am currently booked up with in home visits for the next 3 weeks, taking me to 32 weeks of my pregnancy, at which time I'd like to slow down all the moving about! I'll continue to offer my popular telephone / Skype / email packages, which you can read up on here and will post any more updates on my services as we get closer to my due date.
Aww I was wondering how you were feeling! I hope the remainder of your pregnancy is comfortable!!
Liana Posted 1 year ago
Thanks for the update. I've been thinking about you and how you are doing. So glad the morning sickness went away. Hoping the rest of pregnancy goes smooth. Please continue to keep us posted. ^_^
judy Posted 1 year ago
Hey, good to hear your pregnancy is going well... Congratulations!!
I've written in the past about using sleep bags and the Guardian Sleeper for babies who are not swaddled, though I know many parents who love and use the swaddle for the first few months. One of the most commonly successful swaddle blankets is the Miracle Blanket - a swaddling blanket that is designed with a series of flaps that prevents baby from unswaddling himself. Here's a video demo of how it works:
There are many benefits to swaddling - sleep being one of them! - though I have heard clients mention that their baby outgrows the Miracle Blanket too early (before the 14 weeks when it's recommended to cap swaddling at). However, we have word from the manufacturer that this is probably a misconception or due to incorrect wrapping. They say:
A common misconception is that the blanket is too small if the baby can't straighten their legs all the way out without touching the bottom of the foot pouch. The fact is that babies never sleep with their legs straightened all the way out. The natural tendency is for them to have their knees bent and their legs in a sort of "frog leg" position. Basically, this is what happens when anybody (including an adult) tries to assume the fetal position while laying on their back - gravity unbends the hips and the feet touching the sleeping surface allow the knees to stay bent, but gravity pulls the knees down to the sides. They'd sleep in this position with or without any blanket, but when they do it in the blanket some people take it to mean the blanket is forcing their legs into this position. Instead, it's just the natural position.
Apparent early outgrowing of the blanket can also seem to happen if the blanket isn't being wrapped low enough on the body. Remember that the top edge should be well below the shoulder line. This prevents the blanket from riding up with the baby's motions and touching the chin. As soon as anything touches a baby's chin, it triggers the rooting response, which leads to a lot more movement and unwanted arousal. Keeping the top edge well below the shoulder line prevents this, which not only leads to better sleep but also provides some extra inches at the bottom of the foot pouch.
Because babies at 14+ weeks will soon be rolling to their tummies, you'll want to stop swaddling before this time in order to avoid increasing your risk for SIDS. If you are having trouble transitioning away from the swaddling, I can help!
My friend Michelle, who did the family photography for my website, is currently running a Fall promotion for photos for your little ones. For details on the Autumn Mini Sessions from What I See Photography, see her promo below:
If you are looking to get your kids photographed, Michelle does a great job! Just check out those adorable baby pictures!!
September is Baby Safety Month, a campaign begun in 1983 by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). The theme of Baby Safety Month this year is creating a safe sleep environment.
Each year, hundreds of babies and young children die because they are placed to sleep in inappropriate places. It's never safe to let your child sleep on a sofa or left unattended on an adult bed, for example. The safest place for a baby and child is in a fully functional, properly assembled crib, cradle, bassinet, portable play yard, or toddler bed. There has been a lot of press recently about baby slings and the unfortunate suffocation that has resulted for some babies - you can read here for more on their safe use.
It's important that these items meet the latest safety standards. If you're unsure about second-hand furniture, search online for any recalls - a good place to start is the Government list. In Canada, for example, cribs made before September 1986 do not meet current safety regulations and it is a criminal offence to advertise, sell, or give them away. You can read here for more safety tips about cribs from the Canadian Government. The JPMA also has a comprehensive section of safety tips for all sorts of sleep arrangements for our kids.
If you are worried that your child is not sleeping in a safe environment - if you are co-sleeping and worried about the safety of your baby - contact me for help!
Comments
Jen
Posted 1 year ago
Aww I was wondering how you were feeling! I hope the remainder of your pregnancy is comfortable!!
Liana
Posted 1 year ago
Thanks for the update. I've been thinking about you and how you are doing. So glad the morning sickness went away. Hoping the rest of pregnancy goes smooth. Please continue to keep us posted. ^_^
judy
Posted 1 year ago
Hey, good to hear your pregnancy is going well... Congratulations!!