Pink & Blue Fall 2021

F A L L 2 0 21

A B A T O N R O U G E PA R E N T S P U B L I C A T I O N

7 Must-have

Subscription

Services

The Fourth

Trimester

Syncing Sleep

Schedules

Community Sponsor

FA L L 2 02 1

|

P I N K B L U E

3

CONTENTS

INSIDE VOLUME 34

IN EVERY ISSUE

6 GIVEAWAYS 8 MOM TO MOM-TO-BE 10 LITTLE BITS 12 BABY LOVE 16 BUMP UP YOUR STYLE 31 RESOURCE DIRECTORY 36 BELLY LAUGHS 38 BABY FACES

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 Photo credit: Kleinpeter Photography

34

35

36

37

38

39

14 | 7 SUBSCRIPTION-BASED SERVICES FOR MOM

Practice a little self-care while staying prepared with these services

20 | SECOND PREGNANCY THE FIRST TIME How to have your second pregnancy the first time

22 | LIGHTS OUT! SYNCING SLEEP SCHEDULES

Tips for figuring out the best family nighttime routine with a newborn

24 | THE FOURTH TRIMESTER

Navigate through the fourth trimester with ease

28 | MOMS, PROCEED WITH CAUTION

What to expect when your pregnancy is deemed high risk

22 Pink & Blue Cover Baby Contest We’re looking for our cover babies! Submit your baby’s photo for a chance to appear on the cover of an issue of Pink & Blue.

Babies must be six months or younger. Photos can only be submitted online at brparents.com.

All photos submitted will become the property of Pink & Blue and may be used for future publications of Family Resource Group Inc.

4

40

PINKBLUE

|

FA L L 2 02 1

ON THE COVER

Cover Baby Presley W. just made 11 weeks, and she was picture perfection for our fall photo shoot.

Presley has just started smiling and cooing, and she loves to eat!

10

3

0

16

12

FA L L 2 02 1

|

P I N K B L U E

5

GIVEAWAYS FOUNDER A MY PL A IS A NCE 2020

PUBLISHER BRANDON FOREM AN A S S O C I AT E P U B L I S H E R A MY L . FOREM A N EDITORIAL M A N A G I N G E D I TO R A M ANDA MILLER A S S I S TA N T E D I TO R E M I LY D R E Z E D I TO R I A L I N T E R N S S A R A H B AT R O U S ANTHONY BUI A R T/ P R O D U C T I O N PRODUC TION M ANAGER J ENN Y ZIGLIN SENIOR GR APHIC DESIGNER M E LO DY TA U Z I N GR APHIC DESIGNER ALE X HERRING

A hospital strength pump that’s quiet as a whisper is a must-have for any new mama. The Lansinoh Smartpump 2.0 Double Electric Breast Pump is equipped with Bluetooth technology, easy-carry handles, and flanges that are easy on sensitive skin. ■ amazon.com

M U LT I M E D I A S P E C I A L I S T M ADELENE SOILE AU M U LT I M E D I A A S S I S TA N T C H A N E Y R AY C O V E R P H OTO G R A P H E R K L E I N P E T E R P H OTO G R A P H Y A D V E R T I S I N G /M A R K E T I N G D I R E C TO R O F S A L E S L A U R I E A C O S TA ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES C R Y S TA L B A R R E T T J ESSIC A L A MBERT C A MILLE MILLER J A S O N WA L L RYN WHITESIDE

Who says new moms can’t be sleek and stylish? Add some flare to your wardrobe while keeping baby’s essentials with you with the KeaBabies Sleek Diaper Backpack. Designed ergonomically for even weight distribution, this backpack boasts multiple outside zipped pockets for quick access to belongings. ■ keababies.com

M ARKE TING SPECIALIS T E M I LY M A N C U S O M A R K E T I N G A S S I S TA N T M AGGIE SHARP S O C I A L M E D I A C O O R D I N ATO R V I C TO R I A C OT E J A R B U S I N E S S O P E R AT I O N S D I R E C TO R O F C O M M U N I T Y PA R T N E R S H I P S TERI HODGES COMMUNIT Y OUTRE ACH ROX ANE VOORHIES A D M I N I S T R AT I V E C O O R D I N ATO R S AR AH MILLER

We plan for the birth of our little one, but we need to make sure we’re prepared for the time after the delivery. The Lansinoh Postpartum Recovery Essentials features three must-have products for birth recovery to provide gentle cleansing, soothing care, and cooling relief for the pain and discomfort caused by birth and delivery.

■ lansinoh.com

Gear up! GIVEAWAYS Visit brparents.com and click “Register for Freebies.”

Winners will be announced at brparents.com on December 1, 2021.

C O N TA C T E D I TO R I A L @ B R PA R E N T S .C O M O F F I C E ( 2 25) 2 92-0 032 1 1 8 3 1 W E N T L I N G AV E N U E B ATO N R O U G E , L A 70 8 1 6-6 0 5 5

Parenting Media Association Design & Editorial Awards 2020 Gold, Silver, and Bronze Award Winner Social icon

Rounded square Only use blue and/or white.

For more details check out our Brand Guidelines.

/brparents /batonrougeparents

/brparentsmag

/brparents

Copyright © 2021. All rights reserved.

ISSN # 1050-8708 Reproduction prohibited without permission. The opinions expressed in Pink & Blue Magazine are those of the authors or advertisers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products or services herein. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any paid advertisement.

Pink & Blue Magazine is a division of Family Resource Group Inc.

6

PINKBLUE

|

FA L L 2 02 1

/br parents

s

FA L L 2 02 1

|

P I N K B L U E

7

MOM TO MOM-TO-BE

First Words I

remember when my littles were babies. I had the privilege of staying home with my daughter the first four years of her life. I was her person all day, until my husband came home from work. I was sure she was going to say “Momma” first. After months of coaching her and loving on her, she finally said her first word. Ball! Seriously, child, a ball? Then, of course, came “Dada,” and then finally, me at number three with “Momma.”

Then, my twins came around. I held those suckers in my belly until my water broke at 36 weeks and 1 day. Here we go again, determined to hear my name as their first word. But, I didn’t get to stay home with the boys; I had to go back to work. I found the best babysitter and she got all the time to love and play with them for almost four years of their lives. But still, they both said “Dada” before “Momma.” Why is this?

Today, my crew is much older and I would love to go back to the days of them not knowing how to talk! I don’t mean this to sound mean at all, but I would enjoy going back and just sitting and playing with them while they blabber–making no sense of a word–and being at peace, sitting on the floor, rolling the ball back and forth, and crawling all over me. Those days seemed so tough when it was happening, but looking back at those days, I truly miss them.

Mommas and Dadas, you will always be looking toward the next milestone your little one will reach. I encourage you to sit back and enjoy the quiet moments, though.

Watch your little explore and develop, and remember that once they say that first word, there is no turning back. Oh, and don’t get me started on the questions they come up with! My advice? Invest in Alexa; she has been a life saver for me and my curious boys!

Amy L. Fo r e m a n Associate Publisher

8

PINKBLUE

|

FA L L 2 02 1

FA L L 2 02 1

|

P I N K B L U E

9

LITTLE BITS

“

My favorite thing about being a mom is just what a better person it makes you on a daily basis.”

—Drew Barrymore

#WHATSTRENDING IN BABY NAMES The name game will be changing in 2022, with new parents leaning toward playful names, escapist and nature names, names that end in -S, retro and nostalgic names, and even Bridgerton-inspired names.

Here are a few names Nameberry predicts you will see next year.

1. Bear 2. Birdie 3. Dovie 4. Horizon 5. Lotus 6. Benedict 7. Cressida 8. Daphne

9. Lois 10. Wells 11. Betty 12. Bobby 13. Mae 14. Ned 15. Nellie 16. Theo

FREEZE DRY YOUR BREAST MILK When breast milk is freeze dried, it retains more nutrients than traditional freezer storage. If you’re looking to transform your frozen breast milk bags into something more travel friendly, Booby Food is here to help.

Booby Food turns frozen breast milk into shelf-stable, travel-friendly powder through freeze drying. Your frozen breast milk (and only yours!) will be placed inside a chamber where temperatures drop below -40ºF. The chamber drops the pressure, creating a vacuum. During the drying process, cycles of warm and cool air cause ice crystals inside the breast milk to vaporize, leaving behind a nutrient-dense superfood. Then, it’s packaged and sent back to you in resealable bags that protect against light, oxygen, and moisture. Booby Food follows strict safety guidelines and utilizes a triple-cleaning procedure after every single batch, keeping your liquid gold safe throughout the whole process. ■ boobyfood.com 10

PINKBLUE

|

FA L L 2 02 1

BREASTFEEDING LONGER MAY LOWER PPD RISK We all know there are several breastfeeding benefits. However, there’s now another added benefit to breastfeeding your little one. A new study published in Public Health Nursing reports that nursing longer could lower the risk of postpartum depression (PPD). Researchers from Florida Atlantic University and several other universities used a database of nearly 29,700 women in 26 states to examine breastfeeding and depression status. The study found that nearly 13 percent of the women were at risk of PPD. However, women who were breastfeeding at the time of the study had a lower risk of PPD than those who were not. The researchers also found that as the number of weeks of breastfeeding increased, the risk of depression decreased.

SAFE CRIBS ACT Crib bumpers have long been a nursery room decor staple, however, they have been linked to multiple deaths and injuries of sleeping infants. A new bill, the Safe Cribs Act, would make it unlawful to manufacture, sell, or distribute crib bumpers. Crib bumpers were intended to cushion babies from crib slats.

However, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), crib bumpers are dangerous because of the risk of suffocation. The legislation is backed by U.S. Senators Rob Portman, Tammy Duckworth, and Richard Blumenthal; the Consumer Federation of America; AAP; and Kids In Danger.

VIVID DREAMS DURING PREGNANCY Getting a good night’s sleep while pregnant isn’t easy, and when you finally do sleep, you may find yourself having vivid dreams. According to the Sleep Foundation, vivid dreams during pregnancy are normal.

To help cut down on them, try improving the quality of your sleep and reducing nighttime awakenings. If they continue, talk to your doctor or therapist, as the dreams may reflect underlying stressors or problems.

NEW DRUG MAY BRING POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION RELIEF Postpartum depression is common, but there’s only one FDA-approved drug on the market to treat it. Brexanolone is expensive, not widely available, and must be administered over 60 hours through an IV drip. Zuranolone is a new drug in development to treat PPD that comes in pill form taken once a day for two weeks. A study about the drug published in JAMA Psychiatry found that the drug led to significant reduction in symptoms.

“Postpartum depression negatively impacts women, their families, and it is often underdiagnosed and undertreated,” says Kristina Deligiannidis, MD, the trial’s principal investigator. “These encouraging results are an important step in efforts to develop a novel treatment option for patients who suffer from this prevalent condition.”

NEW INFANT SCREENINGS Three new screenings will be added to Louisiana’s newborn screenings. Signed by Gov. Edwards, the bill adds mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I), glycogen storage disorder type II (Pompe disease), and Krabbe disease to the panel. MPS I is a debilitating disorder caused by mutations in the IDUA gene.

Pompe disease is an inherited metabolic disorder, and Krabbe disease destroys the protective coating of nerve cells in the brain and nervous system.The new screenings will begin January 1, 2022.

Sign up for our

Win Wednesday weekly giveaways!

Family-friendly events around town!

Access to a digital version of Baton Rouge Parents Magazine !

BR PA R E NT S .C O M FA L L 2 02 1

|

P I N K B L U E

11

BABY LOVE

“

The Bibado Hand Cutlery set is perfectly designed for little hands and can be strapped to a bib, so your child can easily learn how to use a fork and spoon. ■ bibado.co

Having a baby is just living in the constant unexpected.”

—Blake Lively

Your baby will get better rest by listening to the soothing sounds of a heartbeat, a fan, pink or brown noise, or ocean waves with the LectroFan Alpha. It’s portable, too! ■ soundofsleep.com

Keep your baby close with the Boppy ComfyHug Hybrid Newborn Carrier, a carrier that is breathable and secure.

Its mesh carrier protects your baby from the sun and works as a cover while breastfeeding. ■ boppy.com

The Snap + Go Silicone FoodCatcher Bib is a waterproof, easy-to-clean bib that can be rolled up and snap shut to keep the mess contained.

■ greensproutsbaby.com

12

PINKBLUE

|

FA L L 2 02 1

For 12 hours, the soft Lulla Doll emits soothing sounds to comfort your child all night long. ■ lulladoll.com

The Kübe plays relaxing music and projects soft pictures on the ceiling that will help your baby fall asleep in no time. It is also designed to activate at the sound of your baby crying. ■ bbluv.com

FA L L 2 02 1

|

P I N K B L U E

13

7 Subscription-Based Services for Moms

By Emily Drez

W

hether you’re having your first child or your third, getting ready to have a new baby in the house means your hands will be full. Soon, there will be a whole new life you are responsible for, but where do you begin? Of course, the baby will need diapers, wipes, and food, but what if you don’t have time to buy groceries? What kinds of toys does he or she need? What kinds of products are safe for him or her? And, when you’re worrying about making everything perfect for your baby, it will be easy to forget to take care of yourself, too. Remember, it is important to indulge in self care while you’re also taking care of a new human.

Sometimes you need a reminder to slow down, or just one less trip to the store.

Luckily, a lot of it can come right to your front door. Subscription boxes are growing in popularity, and there are some designed to fit every need for a mother, her family, and her new child, from diapers, to books, to self-care packages Honest Diapers and Wipes Subscription It can be difficult to go diaper shopping with the one (or two, or even three) little ones who need the diapers, which is why Honest has diapers, wipes, and more bundled into one subscription. The 14

PINKBLUE

|

FA L L 2 02 1

diaper subscription from Honest includes seven packs of diapers and four packs of wipes per month, including 15 percent off any add-ons and a free gift every three months. The diapers are eco-friendly, super absorbent, and hypoallergenic, and the wipes are durable, plant-based, and made up of 99 percent of water. All you have to do is choose a pattern and your child’s size, and the essentials will show up right at your front door. Plus, shipping and returns are free. ■ honest.com Bump Boxes Bump Boxes is a monthly plan of your choosing (12 months, 9 months, 6 months,

or month-to-month) that will deliver you the perfect pregnancy goodies. Your Bump Box will include five items that align with your due date, up to $750 in value, along with add-ons, gifts, and free shipping. Each product is free of harmful chemicals, so your Bump Box will be safe for you and your baby. And, once your child is born, you will receive Bitsy Boxes full of goodies for the both of you. Bitsy Boxes include five-eight products that are appropriate (and safe) for your child’s age, and they also offer various monthly plans.

If you’re not pregnant and instead looking for a gift for someone you know who is expecting, you can still purchase either of

these boxes without having to subscribe.

■ bumpboxes.com Tiny Humans Read Reading to your young child is crucial for his or her development, and Tiny Humans Read is there to make sure you always have a story to tell them. Choose between the board book box, the picture book box, or the sibling book box (perfect for when you have kids between the ages of zero-eight). Each box will bring new discoveries and whimsical adventures to your doorstep every month. Plus, a portion of each sale supports a nonprofit literacy and creative writing organization.

■ tinyhumansread.com Cater to Mom Self care is more important than ever after bringing a new human into the world. This postpartum subscription box has everything a mom needs after she gives birth. From bathtime essentials, to beauty products, to healthy snacks, to postpartum care resources, Cater to Mom will provide six-to-eight items

each month. You also have the option to purchase a box as a gift either to yourself or to a new mom without subscribing.

Cater to Mom strives to promote wellness in the postpartum journey of every mother, which is why each item is vegan, cruelty-free, and organic.

■ catertomom.com Hoppi Box Hoppi Box has expertly crafted boxes of toys that will nurture your child’s development of cognitive, social, and fine motor skills. The toys are eco-friendly, age-appropriate, organic, and BPA-free and designed for ages zero-four. A new box of four-five toys will be delivered every quarter: March, June, September, and December. ■ hoppibox.com HelloFresh Dinnertime isn’t a hassle anymore with a HelloFresh subscription. With HelloFresh, you can choose up to three of the types of meal plans: family friendly, meats and veggies, vegetarian, pescetarian, calorie smart, and quick-and-easy meals.

Tell them the number of people you are feeding, how many weekly meals you want, and which recipes you want to try, and all you have to do is wait to cook the fresh ingredients that will be delivered to you. Each box comes with premeasured ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions for your delicious meal.

By minimizing food waste, HelloFresh is better for your budget and for the environment. You can even skip a week, swap recipes, or cancel anytime.

■ hellofresh.com Get it Washed Soon after your little one is born, your hands will be full, leaving very little time for other important tasks. With all the onesies, burp cloths, bibs, and swaddling blankets added to the mix, laundry day may become one of the most dreaded days. You simply may not have the time, causing mountains of clothes to form in your laundry room. With Get it Washed, you can subscribe to have your laundry picked up, washed, and returned to you neatly folded. ■ getitwashed.com ■

FA L L 2 02 1

|

P I N K B L U E

15

BUMP UP YOUR STYLE

“

Bump up your style with these great pieces that will have you ready for a Louisiana fall and winter season.

Becoming a mother has made me nextlevel confident.

I’ve never felt more empowered.”

—Kelly Clarkson

Rebecca Boot. Journee Collection. ■ dsw.com

MAMA Denim Overalls.

H&M. ■ hm.com

MAMA Collared Ribbed Dress. H&M. ■ hm.com

Faux-Suede Side-Buckle Booties For Women. Old Navy. ■ oldnavy.com

16

PINKBLUE

|

FA L L 2 02 1

Women's Classic Utility Jacket.

L.L. Bean. ■ llbean.com

Long Sleeve Boat Neck Side Shirred Maternity T-Shirt. Isabel Maternity

by Ingrid & Isabel. ■ target.com

MAMA Sweatshirt Dress.

H&M. ■ hm.com Short Sleeve Rib T-Shirt Maternity Dress. Isabel Maternity by Ingrid & Isabel. ■ target.com

Women's Chillax Washable Feat.

Organic Cotton. Keds. ■ keds.com

MAMA Vintage Straight Jeans. H&M. ■ hm.com

Holly Organic Maternity Sweatshirt.

Isabella Oliver ■ isabellaoliver.com

Kelsy Maternity Dress with Tencel.

Isabella Oliver. ■ isabellaoliver.com FA L L 2 02 1

|

P I N K B L U E

17

18

PINKBLUE

|

FA L L 2 02 1

ADVERTORIAL

FA L L 2 02 1

|

P I N K B L U E

19

Second Pregnancy the First Time

By Pam Moore

The night before I found out I was pregnant with my first child, my biggest concern was finding an amazing restaurant where my husband and I could go to celebrate our anniversary during a weekend away. We found the perfect restaurant, where I enjoyed way too much wine. At least it was organic. I think. The next day, I peed on that fateful stick.

At the airport, instead of paging through Real Simple, I scrolled BabyCenter and nearly spit out the sushi I’d been devouring. I shuddered to think what other pregnancy laws I’d unknowingly violated over the past 24 hours. I also needed to know: Which fruit did my baby most resemble, five weeks, two days, and 17 hours into my pregnancy?

20

PINKBLUE

|

FA L L 2 02 1

Two years later, while my toddler sat on the bathroom floor with a board book, an expired pregnancy test I found at the back of the linen closet revealed a faint plus sign. I waited until my daughter was asleep that night and my husband was home to hit the supermarket for a fresh test. I couldn’t muster the strength to take her to the store for one lousy item. That night, I fell into a dreamless sleep. Between pregnancy and toddlerwrangling, I didn’t care if I was carrying a peanut, a kumquat, or a glazed donut.

In hindsight, I wish I could have saved the energy I spent trying to have a perfect pregnancy that first time for other things—like taking my two children, now three and five years old, to the supermarket.

It turns out, I’m not the only one who would do things differently the first time

around if given the chance. I talked to a number of women to get their best tips for making your first pregnancy feel like your second pregnancy.

Chill out Like many, mom Elizabeth Waterstraat grew more laid back with each subsequent pregnancy. She summarizes her three pregnancies in simple terms. “First: No coffee, no wine. Second: Some coffee, no wine. Third: Daily coffee, some wine.”

Allison Schwartz is a mom who also steadily increased her coffee consumption with each of her pregnancies, noting, “By pregnancy number four, [cutting out coffee] was not an option.”

During the first pregnancy, there are no kids at our feet distracting us from trying to make sure our little bump is becoming the perfect baby. Joy Jackson,

a mom of three, says if she could go back in time 12 years when she was pregnant with her first, she’d put down her copy of What to Expect When You’re Expecting.

Experience teaches us that we don’t have as much control as we’d like to believe.

Waterstraat says, “[Babies] will come out the way they want to come out. Not much you do will influence that, so relax, let go of ‘plans,’ and enjoy the journey.”

Enjoy it Despite the exhaustion of pregnancy plus toddler-wrangling, Caitlin Hardy enjoyed her second pregnancy fully, knowing her fatigue would only intensify once her baby came. Of her second pregnancy, she says, “I didn’t have time to stop and think about how I felt or to complain about the exhaustion, backache, or sore boobs.”

Instead, she focused on the experiences she’d have less time for once her newborn arrived. “I went out to dinner more, hung out with girlfriends more, did prenatal yoga every Sunday, ran around at the bike park with my toddler, nabbed every date I could go on with my husband.”

For Morgan McGarvey, a mom of a toddler and a newborn, enjoying her second pregnancy meant doing less, not more. “I gave myself many passes.”

With her first pregnancy, she strictly avoided the prescribed dietary no-nos, went to “every possible class,” and had her nursery decorated well before her due date. With her second, she skipped the classes, enjoyed some brie cheese, and held off on buying anything for the nursery until after her baby arrived.

“Both kids are totally healthy and each pregnancy was completely different,” says McGarvey.

Everything in moderation Many women regret taking the idea of eating for two and getting plenty of rest a little too seriously the first time around.

Laura Kurian, a mom of three, wishes she’d forced herself to exercise more during her first pregnancy. A dedicated athlete who enjoys running and triathlon, Kurian says she was glad she only made that mistake once. “I was miserable during my first pregnancy.

The second and third were so much better!” Mom Karli Sherwinter also says she wishes she’d had a better prenatal exercise regimen. Only years later, she realized her chronic knee pain stemmed from hip weakness caused by her pregnancies.

Allison Schwartz is a mom who says she gained much more weight than was necessary during her first pregnancy. “It took me a full year and a triathlon to get the weight off.” During her subsequent three pregnancies, she found it easier to eat more reasonably and exercise more, considering she was busy chasing young children around.

Any mom will tell you, you can’t recreate the novelty (or the neurosis) of your first pregnancy…and that’s okay.

Mom Liz Willey says she felt guilty about paying so much more attention to her first pregnancy versus the second. “But in the end,” says Willey, whose sons are one and four, “I shouldn’t have worried. They are both nutty, happy boys!”

This article was originally published on Parent Co. ■

FA L L 2 02 1

|

P I N K B L U E

21

Lights Out:

Syncing Sleep Schedules

By Brooke Smith

M

any new challenges come with a newborn baby.

Minimize the number by starting tackling the stress of syncing your newborn’s bedtime schedule with your older child(ren)’s. Take these tips into consideration as you figure out the best nightly routine for your family.

Put the Baby to Bed First

Danielle Daly, Pediatric Sleep Consultant of Bedtime Bliss Pediatric Sleep Consulting, states, “The best time to put your baby to bed is sometime between six and eight o’clock in the evening.”

What happens between dinner and bedtime is super important for toddlers and preschoolers. It is a time to connect and engage. If your baby is four months or older, start putting them down first. You will not only have time for intentional connecting with your older child(ren), but you will also get a better hold on any potential bedtime routine disruptors before you hit them.

22

PINKBLUE

|

FA L L 2 02 1

If both parents are home in the evening, take turns taking care of one or the other. Alternate some of the time, so each child knows how to go through their bedtime routine with each parent.

Make sure both children get a few special goodnight moments with both parents

Babies Younger Than Four Months

Babies younger than four months have bedtimes that tend to naturally fall a bit later in the evenings as their sleep rhythms haven’t yet fully developed.

Putting your baby down for bedtime after your older child(ren) may help result in a

little longer stretch of sleep for all of you before the baby wakes for the first feed.

Newborn babies will sleep so much in the beginning. Many parents find it beneficial to use babywear, a swing, or a bouncer for the baby while going through the bedtime routine with big siblings. It can be a fussy time for young babies, so just do what feels best.

Daly also adds, “If your baby wakes in the night, wait a few minutes before intervening. If they continue to fuss or cry for more than a few minutes, you’ll want to go in and offer some comfort, but it’s important to let your child do the work of falling back to sleep.”

Use Special Quiet Activities or Tasks When Getting Baby Ready for Bed

Have you ever found yourself in a frustrating situation where your toddler needs your attention as you are trying to get the baby settled? The newness and excitement of a special activity can often do wonders. Have a special bedtime activity box or container with items like: ■ Soft reading books ■ Coloring books and crayons ■ Puzzles/ LEGOs ■ Stuffed animals ■ Sticker books If the older sibling is too young to be left unattended, you can always bring the activity box into the baby’s room.

Avoid giving them tablets or your phone.

Hannah Wilson, mother of two states, “I think it’s important to decrease stimulation for at least half an hour before it’s lights out.”

You can also enlist your toddler as your special helper. They can accomplish

small jobs and enjoy the excitement of being the caring, older sibling. For example, ask them to grab a diaper or burp cloth for the baby.

Sync Older Siblings’ Bedtimes and Have a Set Routine Juggling more than two bedtimes can create too much variability in your evenings and can create unnecessary stress. Each child should share the same bedtime. The best way to avoid a neverending battle of bedtime stall tactics and power struggles is to have a set bedtime routine and stay consistent with it.

Daly states, “Your bedtime routine shouldn’t take more than 40 minutes, and it’s very important that the routine is the same every night.”

Brittany Roberts, mother of three, agrees with how kids thrive in a structured environment. “My family has always done the same thing for bedtime.

They eat supper and take warm baths before getting ready for bed.”

Aligning their daytime schedules might help, too.

Lejeanne Smith, mother of three, synced her children’s circadian rhythms in the beginning to get their sleep schedules aligned.

There is no essential component to a successful bedtime. If music or reading is calming for them, add some books or incorporate some songs into the routine.

Make decisions based on what’s best for each of them.

Adjusting expectations and explaining why something is a certain way often helps. Listen to their frustration, too. It may not change the outcome, but at least they can feel good that you understand how they feel. The key is setting the expectations ahead of time.

If reading two books together every night is included in the routine, stay with it. If your child(ren) asks for another, give them a response like this: “Sure! We can read more books tomorrow. These were our two books for tonight. It’s now time for bed.”

The more consistent you can be in holding your expectations at bedtime, the smoother your evenings will go. ■

FA L L 2 02 1

|

P I N K B L U E

23

The Fourth Trimester

By Sara Reardon PT, DPT, WCS, is a board-certified Pelvic Health Physical Therapist

Y

es, there’s one more trimester that’s not often talked about. It’s the first three months of a baby’s life and the first three months of a mother’s recovery after pregnancy and birth.

Life as a new mom can be many things: 24

PINKBLUE

|

FA L L 2 02 1

exciting, stressful, and overwhelming. In those first few months as you try to settle into an “eat, play, sleep” routine with your newborn, how you are recovering as a mom can be an afterthought. There are many symptoms you may experience that you’re either too tired or embarrassed to discuss. What’s normal? Not just for your baby, but for yourself?

During pregnancy, a woman's pelvis goes through a lot of changes:

ligaments soften, muscles stretch, and posture changes. The act of childbirth can mean surgery or perineal tearing, adding another layer of physical changes.

Complications can unexpectedly lead to pelvic floor problems that often go unaddressed, like urinary leakage, painful intercourse, or back pain.

Returning to Routines

“When can I return to exercise and

sex?” This is one of the most common questions asked by new moms. Most medical providers will okay the return to pre-pregnancy exercise and activity at the six-week mark. But that does not mean you should.

One in five women can experience pain with sex at some point in their lifetime. Physical pain can be due to infection, hormonal imbalance, nerve entrapment, scar tissue, or tense pelvic floor muscles. If postpartum sex is painful, it’s best to seek treatment with a pelvic floor physical therapist who can address issues and create a tailored plan to guide you to pain-free sex.

The same goes for exercise. If you experience any pain or urinary leakage, you’ll want to scale back, modify your exercise, and work with a specialist to rehab your pelvic floor muscles. Urinary leakage is common, but not normal, and a sign your muscles need some help.

Diastasis Recti or Abdominal Separation

Another common ailment is the

separation of the large abdominal muscles, “rectus abdominis” (aka “sixpack abs”), that run from the sternum to the pubic bone. The separation can occur anywhere along the midline tissue linea alba that can soften and stretch due to hormonal changes and increased abdominal pressure from the developing fetus. They also become prone to injury.

Check in with a pelvic health physical therapist if you experience diastasis recti or abdominal wall coning or doming. You will learn how to use a slow controlled exhale with lifting to reduce pressure in your abdomen, modify activities that cause doming, and return to your activities without worsening the separation.

Perineal Tear Pain

Perineal tearing during vaginal birth is common. While most tearing heals on its own, the body can over heal and develop excess granulation tissue. Unlike healthy vaginal tissue, this is often fibrotic and can cause local pain, inflammation, and bleeding.

This can be difficult to diagnose, as perineal tissue is commonly very tender during the postpartum recovery phase.

If the tissue continues to feel raw, appear inflamed, and there is prolonged bleeding, see your medical provider.

Mental Health

The fourth trimester can hit hard and mental health can suffer greatly.

Postpartum anxiety and depression is very common and should be addressed quickly. These feelings may also occur months after you’ve given birth or stopped breastfeeding or lactating.

Treatment forms include therapy, medication, support groups, or a combination.

The fourth trimester is a time of recovery and mixed emotions as you welcome your new baby. Check in on yourself or your fellow mom-friend; support is available for physical and mental healing. Knowing what to expect and having resources can help that wonderful time be a little bit more special. ■

FA L L 2 02 1

|

P I N K B L U E

25

26

PINKBLUE

|

FA L L 2 02 1

FA L L 2 02 1

|

P I N K B L U E

27

Moms, Proceed with Caution: What to Expect if Your Pregnancy is Deemed High-Risk

By Emily Egan

M

any expecting mothers do whatever they can to make sure that nothing negatively affects their baby’s development.

Whether they’re reading pregnancy books or getting advice from their family, friends, some of the neighbors even, moms plan out everything.

However, no matter how much planning they do, sometimes unforeseen circumstances arise that worries moms for themselves and their child.

When pregnancies are labeled “high-risk,” moms may think it means there is a danger to themselves and/or their baby, that they will have no control and will have unfortunate results. What expecting moms need to know is there is more to high-risk pregnancies than their name implies; they just need to be more cautious.

What Do You Mean “High-Risk”?

When moms hear “high-risk pregnancy”, they may feel confusion and negative emotions. Haley Nameth is a mother to one daughter and had such thoughts after being labeled high-risk due to in vitro fertilization (IVF). “Initially, I was sad, but later angry that my body failed me 28

PINKBLUE

|

FA L L 2 02 1

and I couldn’t give my husband a child,” says Nameth. Her reaction is one that many women can relate to once they are told such news. Similarly, Donna Anzalone is a mother of two and was anxious about her high-risk pregnancy.

“When I was first told,” says Anzalone, “I was nervous because I suffered a miscarriage before and was afraid it would happen again.”

However, before expecting moms begin worrying, they need to realize that there are many reasons why pregnancies can be deemed high risk, some just need a more careful approach. In her two years with Woman’s Hospital, Dr. Pamela Simmons has had many women come to the Woman’s Maternal-Fetal Medicine Clinic who are nervous when their pregnancy is labeled high-risk, but she lets them know this: “There are three

categories that high-risk pregnancies can fall under: something with mom, with the baby, or with the placenta,” says Dr. Simmons. In each of these three categories, even though high-risk, it does not always mean there is a high chance something is dangerous.

“If it’s high-risk because of mom, there are extreme cases where she may have cancer or an auto-immune disorder,” says Dr. Simmons. “However, more common types of high-risk pregnancies are because of high blood pressure, diabetes, older than 35, or just having multiple children.” If it is from the baby, it may be simply precautionary. “If the high risk is because of the baby, it is normally because of something caught on ultrasound or genetic testing,” says Dr. Simmons. While high-risk labels are mostly associated with mom or the

baby, many are unaware of a third reason for high-risk pregnancies: the placenta.

“The placenta is the interface between both, and problems happen depending on where and how it’s located isn’t right,” says Dr. Simmons. Seeing what all causes high-risk pregnancies, expecting moms may have no idea what to do. Fortunately, there are ways that can help mom feel safe and secure throughout the pregnancy.

Plan Accordingly and Possibly Change Course Moms need to remember not all pregnancies are the same. Each woman is different and reacts differently to different methods and treatments.

For some women, this would only be additional doctor visits and ultrasounds.

“If mom’s OB/GYN notices something on the ultrasound or [through] genetic testing, they refer moms to a specialized womens doctor to discuss what to expect during their pregnancy and help refer and meet with the appropriate specialists to help them,” says Dr. Simmons. If this is the case, normally it is only an additional

doctor’s visit to help explain what mom can expect during the pregnancy and plan ahead.

If extra visits are needed, they would monitor the progress of the baby’s development. This is what happened with Anzalone. “After talking with doctors, I felt more comfortable because I was under constant observation and care with more check ups and ultrasounds,” she explains. However, if a high-risk pregnancy is more extreme, then moms may need to think about changes to their routines. For Nameth, it was a tedious process at the beginning, but as the pregnancy went along, things became easier. “Along with my infertility, I have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), so I had to change my diet to support a pre-diabetic diagnosis, so I could be healthy and ready when I began IVF,” says Nameth. During pregnancy, the only change she needed to include was a close monitoring of injections. “My lifestyle didn’t change much, but I did have a tight injection timeline. Plans had to be made around when I would need to do my shot

and because I did IVF, they had to be injected on an exact schedule before and during my first trimester, but once I got into my second trimester, I didn’t have to do them anymore and it was much better,” she explains.

Along with doctor’s visits and other medical procedures, there may be other treatments for high-risk pregnancies. “If it’s the placenta, women may need more bedrest and limited exercise, along with other activities,” says Dr. Simmons. “If mom is sick, has an illness, or she is in a more rural area, we may suggest that she move closer to a specialty hospital.”

At the End of the Day… It’s important to know and make sure that both mom and baby are safe and healthy throughout the entire pregnancy. “Ultimately, the goal is a healthy mom, healthy baby,” says Dr. Simmons. “The best thing for [a mom with a] high-risk [pregnancy] is to sit down and ask questions with their OB/GYN, and if needed, talk about what to expect with specialists.” ■

FA L L 2 02 1

|

P I N K B L U E

29

30

PINKBLUE

|

FA L L 2 02 1

RESOURCE DIRECTORY

Baby World

Local Resources for Parents-to-be ADOPTION RESOURCES AdoptUSKids ■ (888) 200-4005 ■ adoptuskids.org

Beacon House Adoption Services ■ (225) 753-5551 ■ (888) 987-6300 ■ beaconhouseadoption.com Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge: Adoption and Maternity ■ (225) 336-8708 ■ adoptccdiobr.org St. Elizabeth Foundation ■ (225) 769-8888 ■ stelizabethfoundation.org Volunteers of America Greater Baton Rouge ■ (225) 387-0061 ■ voagbr.org

Woman’s Hospital ■ (225) 927-1300 ■ womans.org

BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT

Baton Rouge Birth Services ■ (225) 366-8613 ■ batonrougebirthservices.com

■ louisianabreastfeedingcoalition.org Magnolia Lactation Consulting ■ (225) 230-9054 ■ louisianabreastfeedingcoalition.org Ochsner Lactation Support ■ (225) 752-2470 ■ ochsner.org

Capital Area Breastfeeding Alliance ■ cababatonrouge@gmail.com

Woman’s Hospital Lactation Department ■ (225) 927-1300 ■ womans.org

La Leche League Breastfeeding Support Line ■ (877) 4-LA-LECHE ■ lllalmsla.org

CAR SEAT INSPECTIONS

Louisiana Breastfeeding Coalition

Alliance Safety Council ■ (225) 766-0955 ■ alliancesafetycouncil.org

BIRTHING CENTERS

Baton Rouge General Medical Center ■ (225) 763-4141 ■ brgeneral.org Birth Center of Baton Rouge ■ (225) 761-1200 ■ birthcenterbr.com Lane Regional Medical Center ■ (225) 658-4000 ■ lanermc.org Ochsner Health System ■ (225) 752-2470 ■ ochsner.org

Woman’s Hospital Woman’s has everything mom needs for a healthy pregnancy and childbirth experience.

Woman’s is a Level III Regional Referral facility for obstetrical and neonatal care–the highest care designation a hospital can receive. From natural deliveries to epidurals, from doulaassisted labors to cesarean deliveries, Woman’s expertise and advanced technology allows mom to have several birthing options.

FA L L 2 02 1

|

P I N K B L U E

31

RESOURCE DIRECTORY Baton Rouge Birth Services ■ batonrougebirthservices.com Central Fire Protection District #4 ■ (225) 261-2000 ■ centralfd.org Louisiana State Police Troop A ■ (225) 925-6006 ■ lsp.org The Safety Place ■ (225) 372-3991 ■ safetyplacela.org

LaCHIP ■ (877) 252-2447 ■ dhh.louisiana.gov Volunteers of America Greater Baton Rouge ■ (225) 387-0061 ■ voagbr.org

CHILD SAFETY CLASSES American Red Cross ■ (225) 291-4533 ■ redcross.org

Woman’s Hospital ■ (225) 927-1300 ■ womans.org

Infant Swimming Resource’s Self-Rescue Program ■ (225) 802-2818 ■ isrbatonrouge.com

CHILD CARE RESOURCES

Amerigroup Real Solutions in Healthcare ■ (757) 490-6900 ■ amerigroup.com Child Care Assistance Program ■ 1 (888) LAHELP-U ■ dss.louisiana.gov Child Care Facility Licensing Information ■ louisianabelieves.com

Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association ■ jpma.org

CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION

Baton Rouge General Medical Center ■ (225) 763-4141 ■ brgeneral.org Birth Center of Baton Rouge ■ (225) 761-1200 ■ birthcenterbr.com Birth Help ■ (225) 768-7686 ■ birthhelp.com Bradley Method ■ 1-(800)-4-A-BIRTH ■ bradleybirth.com International Cesarean Awareness Network ■ (800) 686-4226 ■ ican-online.org

Louisiana Department of Health ■ (225) 342-9500 ■ ldh.la.gov

International Childbirth Education Association ■ (919) 674-4183 ■ icea.org

Operation Life Saver Training Center ■ (225) 753-7716 ■ operationlifesavertc.com

Lamaze International ■ (202) 367-1128 ■ lamaze.org Lane Regional Medical Center ■ (225) 658-4000 ■ lanermc.org Ochsner Health System ■ (225) 752-2470 ■ ochsner.org Woman’s Hospital ■ (225) 927-1300 ■ womans.org

CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL Children’s Hospital of New Orleans ■ (504) 899-9511 ■ ololchildrens.org Ochsner Health System The Ochsner Family Birthing Center puts moms-to-be in the center of one of the nation’s top-ranked health systems. Moms can design their own birthing plan to make sure their delivery day meets all of their expectations. And, the center supports each mom’s choice including natural birth, water birth or medicated birth. Birthing tubs, showers, birth balls, and birthing chairs are available, as well as monitoring that allows patient mobility.

32

PINKBLUE

|

FA L L 2 02 1

Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital ■ (225) 765-6565 ■ ololchildrens.org Shriners Hospital for Children ■ (800) 237-5055 ■ shrinershospitalsforchildren.org

FERTILITY

■ suicidepreventionlifeline.org

■ doulacooperative.org

National Domestic Violence Hotline ■ (800) 799-7233 ■ (800) 787-3224 ■ thehotline.org

My Doula Heart ■ (480) 221-5868 ■ mydoulaheart.com

Louisiana Women’s Healthcare Associates ■ (225) 255-3584 ■ lwha.cm

Prevent Child Abuse America ■ preventchildabuse.org ■ info@preventchildabuse.org

NUTRITION

Ovation Fertility Baton Rouge ■ ovationfertility.com

The Grace Program ■ (225) 924-8574 ■ womans.org

The Fertility Institute ■ (985) 892-7621 ■ fertilityinstitute.com

MIDWIFERY AND DOULA CARE

FertililtyAnswers ■ (225) 926-6886 ■ fertilityanswers.com

FOSTER CARE

Brave Heart ■ braveheartchildren.org ■ info@braveheartchildren.org Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services ■ (800) 524-3578 ■ dss.state.la.us Louisiana Foster Care ■ louisianafostercare.com The Foster Village ■ (225) 431-0846 ■ fostervillagebatonrouge.org Volunteers of America Greater Baton Rouge ■ (800) 524-3578 ■ voagbr.org/children-and-families

Baton Rouge Birth Services ■ (225) 366-8613 ■ batonrougebirthservices.com

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) ■ (225) 342-7988 ■ ldh.la.gov

PARENT EDUCATION AND CLASSES American Academy of Pediatrics ■ (800) 433-9016 ■ aap.org

Attachment Parenting International ■ attachmentparenting.org

Birth Center of Baton Rouge ■ (225) 761-1200 ■ birthcenterbr.com

Baton Rouge General Medical Center ■ (225) 763-4141 ■ brgeneral.org

Birth Help ■ (225) 768-7686 ■ birthhelp.com

Birth Center of Baton Rouge ■ (225) 761-1200 ■ birthcenterbr.com

DONA (Doula of North America) ■ (888) 788-DONA (3662) ■ dona.org

Family Road of Greater Baton Rouge ■ (225) 201-8888 ■ familyroadgbr.org

Doula Cooperative ■ (585) 234-0164 (Co-op Consultant)

Family Service of Greater Baton Rouge

HOTLINES

Chemical Referral Center ■ (800) 262-8200 Kidline ■ 1-(800)-CHILDREN ■ pcal.org Louisiana Poison Center - American ■ (800) 222-1222 National Safe Haven Alliance ■ 1-888-510-BABY (2229) ■ Text SAFEHAVEN to 313131 ■ nationalsafehavenalliance.org National Suicide Prevention Lifeline ■ (800) 273-TALK (8255)

Lane Regional Medical Center The decision of where to have your baby is certainly not one to take lightly. Moms-to-be want a skilled and knowledgeable team at hand for both her and the baby’s health, and that can be found at Lane Regional Medical Center. The center features large, well-appointed facilities that allow new mothers to enjoy the childbirth experience in a non-stressful way.

FA L L 2 02 1

|

P I N K B L U E

33

RESOURCE DIRECTORY ■ (225) 924-0123 ■ fsgbr.org Lane Regional Medical Center ■ (225) 658-4000 ■ lanermc.org Louisiana’s Maternal and Child Health Program ■ (225) 342-9500 ■ ldh.la.gov Ochsner Health System ■ (225) 752-2470 ■ ochsner.org Shots for Tots ■ (800) 251-BABY ■ shotsfortots.com The Women’s Help Center ■ (225) 395-9001 ■ thewomenshelpcenter.org Woman’s Hospital ■ (225) 927-1300 ■ womans.org YWCA of Greater Baton Rouge ■ (225) 383-0681 ■ ywca.org

PARENTING SUPPORT GROUPS & SERVICES Angels Among Us ■ (225) 336-8828 ■ aaula.org

Anna’s Grace Foundation ■ (225) 931-1960 ■ annasgrace.org Bedtime Bliss Pediatric Sleep Consulting ■ (225) 776-5868 ■ bedtimeblissconsulting.com Capital Area Human Services ■ (225) 925-1906 ■ cahsd.org Family Road Healthy Start ■ (225) 201-8888 ■ familyroadgbr.org Grandparents Raising Grandchildren 34

PINKBLUE

|

FA L L 2 02 1

Baton Rouge General Medical Center Baton Rouge General’s birthing suites bring together state-of-the-art technology and hotellike rooms to all new moms. Certified Birth Center staff provide moms-to-be with all the tips, tools and techniques needed for caring for their new bundle of joy at home. Moms are able to personalize their birthing experience through natural births, water births, or traditional births.

■ (225) 810-8355 ■ lagrg.org Grief Recovery Center ■ (225) 924-6621 ■ grcbr.org LOSFA Start Saving for College ■ (225) 219-1012 ■ startsaving.la.gov New Mom’s Hope ■ (225) 658-4587

Commission ■ (800) 638-2772 ■ cpsc.gov

SPECIAL NEEDS SUPPORT Advocacy Center ■ (225) 925-8884 ■ advocacyla.org

Autism Speaks ■ autismspeaks.com

Pregnancy/Infant Loss Support Group ■ (225) 924-8456

Baton Rouge Center for Autism ■ (855) 345-2273 ■ batonrouge.centerforautism.com

Postpartum Progress ■ postpartumprogress.com ■ help@postpartumprogress.org

Disability Rights Louisiana ■ (800) 960-7705 ■ disabilityrightsofla.org

Sweet Sleeping Baby ■ (504) 388-1769 ■ sweetbabysleeping.com

Early Steps ■ ldh.la.gov

The Life of a Single Mom Ministries ■ (225) 341-8055 ■ thelifeofasinglemom.com

Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge ■ (225) 216-7474 ■ fhfgbr.org

Trach Mommas of Greater Baton Rouge ■ (504) 723-7193

From Emotions to Advocacy ■ fetaweb.com/help.htm

PRODUCT RECALLS AND STANDARDS

LA Disability Talk ■ (800) 766-7736 ■ fhfofgno.org/resources /la-disability-talk

U.S. Consumer Product Safety

Louisiana Believes ■ (877) 453-2721 ■ louisianabelieves.com

Gender Reveal HD Ultrasound ■ (225) 744-3D4D (3343) ■ genderrevealultrasound.com

Sneak-a-Peek 4D Ultrasound ■ (225) 339-4549 ■ sneak-a-peek.net

Louisiana March of Dimes ■ marchofdimes.org/louisiana

Look At Me 4D Imaging ■ (225) 435-9749 ■ lookatme4dimaging.com

Woman’s Hospital ■ (225) 924-8266 ■ womans.org

The Arc Baton Rouge ■ (225) 927-0855 ■ arcbatonrouge.org The Emerge Center ■ (225) 343-4232 ■ emergela.org Wonder Baby ■ wonderbaby.org ■ help@wonderbaby.org

ULTRASOUND TECHNICIANS 4D Baby Waves ■ (225) 256-2554 ■ 4dbabywaves.com

First Glimpse Prenatal Imaging ■ (225) 927-2454 ■ firstglimpsebr.com

Birth Center of Baton Rouge The Birth Center of Baton Rouge allows you to create the birthing experience of your choice, whether that be through water births or traditional births. All of the rooms are furnished with regular beds, large tubs for water labor and birth, and large attached baths. There is plenty of room for family members, but also a waiting area outside when moms want privacy.

IMPORTANT NUMBERS Fire/Rescue….

Kidline….(800)-CHILDREN

Police….

Shots for Tots….(800) 251-BABY

Ambulance….911

Work….

Poison Control….(800) 222-1222

Grandparents….

Pediatrician….

Babysitter….

Ob/Gyn….

Parent Group….

Doula….

Place of Worship….

Midwife….

Health Insurance Provider….

Lactation Support….

Other Numbers

Hospital….

Hospital Emergency Room….

Lake Line Direct….(225) 765-5253

FA L L 2 02 1

|

P I N K B L U E

35

6 Things to Never Say

BELLY LAUGHS

to an Overdue Pregnant Person

By Hilary Hoogsteen

B

eing an overdue pregnant person is super challenging. I should know–my baby arrived nine (nine!) days late, which obviously felt like an eternity, especially since it was my first pregnancy. Most of my friends offered practical advice and were supportive as I waited for baby. Others have said some pretty unhelpful, offensive things. Here are things people really need to stop saying to pregnant people who have gone past their due date.

1. “You’re huge!” No matter how many times someone tells themselves they are gaining weight because they’re pregnant, no one wants to hear that they’re huge.

Even if you think commenting on their growing babe is a good thing, avoid commenting on your friend’s size.

Instead, try: “You look great!” If a pregnant friend meets you for coffee with a messy bun and no makeup, try to find something you can affirm about them.

2. “Are you in labor yet?” I admit I’ve done it–sent texts asking friends if they are in labor yet. I felt like it was a way of showing interest, but as the recipient of that text, it felt like the world was trying to rush a process I had no control over.

Instead, try: “Let’s get lunch.” Gestures to help overdue friends take their mind off things make a difference.

3. “Have you tried _____?” There’re no shortage of foods, activities, and treatments that are rumoured to help induce labor, but overdue people have probably heard them already, so it’s a little patronizing.

36

PINKBLUE

|

FA L L 2 02 1

Instead, try: “Let’s go for a walk!”

Friends offering to go for a stroll around the mall helped me feel like I was doing something to get labor started.

found it encouraging to acknowledge that my baby was on her own timeline and each day was getting me closer to meeting her.

4. “Enjoy your sleep now.” One of my biggest pet peeves was people telling me to enjoy my sleep. In reality, I was already getting up four times a night to use the bathroom. I felt that I would rather wake up to my baby than my bladder.

6.“Trust me, you don’t want to get induced.” People would tell me how terrible it would be if I had to get induced.

With every day that passed, I felt more panicked that my fate was being decided for me and people’s comments about how I should avoid being induced were far from helpful.

Instead, try: “What you’re going through is really hard.” Acknowledging that your friend is frustrated and feeling impatient is one of the easiest ways to support them.

5. “I know someone who went __ days overdue!” As the days ticked by, many people told me how much more overdue a friend of theirs went. Hearing that someone had it worse than I did was far from helpful.

Instead, try: “Every day, you’re one day closer to meeting your baby.” I

Instead, try: “You can do it.” A few of my friends went through inductions and nonetheless found the experience empowering.

When a friend is overdue, it is important to be sensitive and think of how they may be interpreting your comments. Ask your friend what they need and how you can be supportive. Most importantly, don’t assume you have all the answers or know what they need. This article originally appeared on todaysparent.com. ■

FA L L 2 02 1

|

P I N K B L U E

37

BABY FACES

WANT TO SEE YOUR BABY’S PICTURE HERE? Email graphics@brparents.com and attach your photos for consideration.

All photos must be at least 1MB in size.

All photos become property of Pink & Blue Magazine, a division of Family Resource Group Inc. 38

PINKBLUE

|

FA L L 2 02 1